We awoke to another great day for riding ...sad to think a short road-trip was going to come to an end but we squeezed every last minute out of the 422km
So from Gayndar the road got a little more exciting with actual corners ...love the detour on the old Murgon-Gayndah rd..awesome road for bikes and little traffic....but you have to watch the corners Dave
So it was on to Nanago Bakery for morning tea and a fuel stop...they had their walls adorned with Biker paraphernalia... btw the adornment on my head is a tubsock I wear to soak the sweat up :)
Had a chance to get some thoughts from Dave (one last road trip) Bates the elder statesman and one of the original 3 omigo's who started the Band of Bikers.
So it was then onto Crows Nest and a lovely diversion to Perseverance, home of Daves Boar War military service he keeps telling us :)
We pulled in for some pics and a story or two ...that support vehicle was getting a little dirty wasn't it.
Lets absorb a little more of the Lake perseverance experience
From Perseverance we enjoyed one our most favourate runs down the mountain to Esk ...a quick change of plans saw us keep rolling through to the Fernvale Bakery for lunch and a final good bye..
what an amazing few days we had on this roadtrip.... so many adventures experiences and got to do it on our favourate steeds and with some of our favourate people...luv it.,
enjoying a final lunch together at the Fernvale Bakery
So off we went , our different ways to our different places but with a full heart and memories of an amazing road-trip made all the more special by these amazing people......
...and of course the amazing iron steeds that carried us 1,700kms through storms, rain, lighting over dirt and on long...long straight roads and got us home safely. Can't wait till next years road-trips.
After the magnificent Day 2, walking in Canarvon Gorge and enjoying the wildlife and lots of fun together, we were a little sad to be leaving....the "trauma" of the 13km of dirt road was also in the back of our minds. Took a last video of the site and its creatures just to remind me of the great memories
But on the way out we just had to get some silly pics in those head hole boards...a few of the boys look really cute :)
So off we headed for another reasonable long day of 540km to our overnight stop at Gayndar...but first the obligatory group shot for our "club house" wall.
hmm...a front and back version :) So off we charged leaving clouds of dust and flying rocks...heading to a rendezvous at the highway ( I think the boys enjoyed a little dirt)....little did we know of the fund that lie ahead on this 565 km leg.
The views were as we road out of the park were spectacular...a beautiful Aussie landscape with the Canarvon Bluff in the background.... but the dust got covered everything.
The cattle were a little more well behaved on the way out and everyone stayed upright...but I gotta say I was glad to see the blacktop as the following picture clearly illustrates (doing an impression of the pope).
Just a small footnote ...we had been discussing the problem of feral pigs in the park causing significant damaged and wondered if there were any pig shooters ..low and behold along the way what should we come upon but a ute laidened down with dead pigs draped all over it..pig dogs..guns etc, we didn't stop for a chat :)
So once we all accumulated again at the highway the bikes roared off first for the 70km run to Rollenston for a fill up and cold drink...little did we know about the drama that unfolded behind us as it was noticed that Leigh's FJR had a flat back tyre and thankfully the support vehicle were on hand to rescue a biker. The solution involved using the Mx5's puncture repair kit ( thanks Tim...see you now reall have a purpose) and Danny Bakker to closely read the instructions...please note the modification to the recommended speed post repair sticker from 80 km/hr to 180!! Hmmm..wonder who did that.
So an anxious group of bikers were waiting at the Rolleston General store and fuel stop contemplating a ride back to see what had happened given that we had no phone coverage when the mighty FJR arrived with rear wheel still inflated ...we were assure that they never exceeded the recommended speed limit :)) After lots of recounting the story, tanks and bellies filled we headed off the 214 km to Biloela..a relatively easy ride out here as the road is straight and flat....but you got to watch out for the cattle on the "long paddock" .
These cattle and horses were in very poor condition and had already been moved over 600 km at 4km a day...that's a long time on the road. As we headed for Biloela we were pleasantly surprise to come across the Dawson River full to the brim and with a water skiing competition underway. This was a perfect spot for a bikers picnic!
We were surprised by just how green it was around Biloela and as we turned Monto and our overnight stay at Gayndar the road became more interesting ie. corners where the boys were able to give it a real "squirt".
So we covered some old ground as we traveled from Monto to Gayndar...a trip we have done on two previous road-trips. So with another storm brewing we made it to Country Roads motor Inn and chilled out ...faith just couldn't be bothered getting changed ,,, the old boys just played with their phones and had some refreshments and almost everyone jumped in the pool to cool off....:)
It was great last night on the road ...a stroll down to the Grand Hotel for a great dinner and with a light show display outside we enjoyed lots of laughs with the help of our french waitress...who new that a public bar would have a lazy boy chair for Dave...and some of the lads looked a little tired too :)
A nice stroll back to our accommodation and aircon turned up we enjoyed a restful last night on the road .... really getting into the trip and it was going to end all too soon...but what an amazing time it has been with some amazing people.
After a sumptuous meal, a good nights sleep (despite the bats nocturnal habits) and the words of Ranger Danny Bakker ringing in our ears...."its going to be hot, need to be back by 11am, we leave at 6am!! we all were all up very early for brekky and our support vehicle shuttle to the gorge.....hold on ...bikers don't walk 17km on a roadtrip?
It was a sunny day and everyone was keen to walk and see this beautiful gorge ..it was a little different as we staggered back some 4 hours later but despite a few cramps and running out of water everyone survived!!
Danny Bakker had plotted a walk to all the major sights that are all accessed from the single gorge access. The beauty of the gorge and surrounds was overwhelming...spirits were high as we walked along, crossing a river 23 times.
Our first stop was a climb up to the "Art Gallery" where enjoyed the ancient Ochre stencils and free-hand paintings along the 62mtr long sandstone walls of this significant Aboriginal site.We took the chance for a short break...some needed it. Thanks for "Pastor Way's " sponsored period of silence ..it was impactful in this beautiful and mystical place.
The next on our journey was the "Ampitheatre" ,some 630 mtr off the main track and accessed by a 3 story tiered ladder. Hidden inside of the gorge this 60 mtr deep chamber, gouged from the rock by running water, the towering stone walls created an awe inspiring atmosphere within.
Then it was to the "Moss Garden" of covered in moss where water drips constantly from the moss covered sandstone walls supporting the lush carpet of mosses, ferns and liverworts. A small waterfall tumbles over a rock ledge into an icy pool.
May have got a few pics in the wrong order but we also went to the Cathedral Cave...this massive wind-eroded overhang sheltered Aboriginal people for thousands of year. By this time temp was rising towards the middle of the day so we enjoyed the cool environment.
So it was the long hot walk back to the car park for the intrepid adventurers ....with water running out and temperature rising the words of the Takarakka staff ringing in our ears "you need to be back by 11am" ....and it was now 11:30am!! So despite a few with cramps we all made it back alive ..just, bikers weren't meant to walk were they. Seriously though...it was an amazing experience that should be on everyone's bucket list.
So once back at camp, a refreshing shower and cold beverage it dawned on us that it was only 1pm ... so the afternoon was all about chilling out ..then we thought we would invade Leigh McQ ( Tasmanian Leprechaun ) air conditioned unit he hired ...is that really a roadtrip :) Another great dinner finishing off all the leftovers from the previous day... it was a great time of comunity, Pastor Way sharing some deep insights and a presentation of a Tajkarakka shirt, made to Leigh McQ for his outstanding effort in surviving the Gorge walk of 17km +....he was 10kg lighter at the end though.
Footnote 1: In Daves photo Leigh is only "scratching his nose" Footnote 2: we must have put the fear of the exploding BBQ into the stranger who Drew was helping :)
Awoke to the forecast light drizzle which eventually turned into rain.... causing a rethink to our planned Christmas Belgium Waffle run to Mt Tamborine. So with a hardcore group of 5 bikes and one pillion we settled for the more local option of Tony's Cafe at Springwood Suzuki.
Whilst we missed out on out traditional Belgium Waffle...we did get to check out plenty of bikes and enjoy some great community.
We welcomed Ray Atherton on his first ride (if only a short one) today and we look for many more rides with him and his Honda CB500. Also enjoyed time with our resident biking expert Ron Grant..this semi-retirement is doing him good :)
With the rain falling outside some good food and lots of bike discussions made for a good morning
A bit of salivation on an Aprilla by Ron and plenty of other enticements we enjoyed our morning.
,,,so to all Band of Bikers we wish you a safe and blessed Christmas and a safe year...and thanks for another great year of riding!
Band of Bikers enjoyed our end of 2015 BBQ catchup at our club-house (aka mens shed) . With a great BBQ (thanks Dave) and obligatory bike pics we enjoyed a great night of awesome community. Looking forward to a great years riding in 2016
check out a quick video of some riding highlights from 2015
Well the time had finally arrived for our much awaited 1,700 km road-trip to Carnarvon Gorge, with a total of 14 people, 8 motorbikes and 2 support vehicles we made our way to the Bronco Inn outside Toowoomba...giving us a head start for the long haul 700 km plus to Carnarvon Gorge in 38-40 deg temp.
a 590km ride to Carnarvon Gorge including 13km of dirt!!
It was a great short stopover at the Bronco Inn as everyone finally arrived expectant of a great roadtrip. We enjoyed some great country hospitality and after good dinner and some communal singing thanks to Dave Way's guitar..we turned the aircon up to full and hit the sack, ready for a long ,straight and hot ride in the morning.
Leigh covered with o/night bugs
An early breakfast before hitting the road 150 km to Chinchilla, our first fuel and drink stop. Traffic was heavy with multiple large articulated trucks carry farm and mining material...despite a slow down, the impact of mining can be seen all around this area with vehicles, accommodation donga's and investment in in the larger towns we passed through. As expected the road was straight with a number of roadworks along the way...what a hot job those road workers have.
stretching the legs is always good
It was then onto Roma and the wonderful "Bakeroma" bakery for lunch (thanks Andrew)..the temperature was rising towards 40 deg C..... but Johann found something for free ...a FREE "P"
We pushed on the 90km to Injune, where we filled up some addition fuel containers as there was no more fuel for 260km till Rollenson. We enjoyed the cool drink and shade at Injune though we were standing outside an air conditioned store? There were a couple of Jillaroos in the vehicle , coming in for a cold ice block.
It was from here that things got really interested as a mobile phone weather radar image showed a storm in our path to Carnarvon Gorge ...but being sooo hot sitting down putting on wet weather gear was not a prospect we entertained .... lesson #1...take notice of the technology!
Unfortunately we didn't capture any footage during the storm...too busy holding onto the bikes and the road as the elements tried to dislodge us ...this included lighting bolts that set fires near the road...temp drop from 40 to 20 deg C in the process, something we love sharing now but was scary in the middle of it. The reflection of bike headlights in my mirror kept me going...there was no real choice, no where to hide...
Everyone a little shocked/exhilarated after surviving the storm ....now to tackle the 13km of dirt road and not one adventure bike in sight!!! So we turned off the main highway and headed to Takarakka ..after 30km of beautiful tarmac ,lush undergrowth (and the odd herd of cows) we were confronted by the beauty of the amazing Carnarvon Gorge region..draw dropping and thankfully the dirt road hadn't turned to mud and we all safely navigated the journey (with a little trick riding from Drew on the big red Honda Goldwing).
..and so the intrepid adventurers made it to Takarraka Bush resort riding some 590 km in quintessential Aussie landscape, temperatures around 40deg C and with the odd apocalyptic storm thrown in ...what a start to our adventure.
After settling into our glamping tents, purchased our supplies we settled in for a night of good food (thanks Megan & Drew) and conversation then hit the sack after a long day and with an early start to walk the Gorge in the cooler part of the day.
How many supervisors do you needs to prep a meal :) It was great to chilled out and listen to Tim tell us all about those noisy Bats next to his tent.
Drew was amazing on the BBQ but between the singed eyebrows and the kookaburra mafia ( they love expensive eye fillets!) he had a tough time.
As we settle in for the night the animals came out to play... the obligatory Kangaroos everywhere were great to watch...but not the ferel pigs who have done great damage to the gorge (as we would see on day 2) and the Bats that seem to think that its all right to go partying at 2:30am!!
