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Post by Turtle on Aug 16, 2014 10:28:09 GMT 10
Turt’s Ballina Ride – August 2014
Day 1 – 2/8/14
I had prepared a pet pak pet carrier for the occasion when I would drop Rubes off to the kennels on my way south to Ballina. She loves being on the bike. I got to the kennel approximately 8.00am - opening time. After booking her in and trying to tell her daddy will be back to get her in a week’s time, it was through Eton, Homebush and Sarina before getting onto the Bruce Highway. This back road is no time saver but does save me having to back track 18km and ride through Mackay.
It was a cool ride with no rain but the wind was blowing hard at estimate 25 knots. There was plenty of fig earlier just outside St Helens Beach and heading towards Calen, but it had cleared now and was clear vision ahead.
There were plenty of dead kangaroos on the side of the Marlborough stretch of the highway. They were huge and would have taken a rider out and even a car if they had hit one of them.
On the south side of Rockhampton there is big road works in progress. A huge bridge is being constructed to pass over the swamp and flood plains. The thing will be higher than Rockhampton which has me thinking what is the point of getting across all this water in flood just to drop back down the other side into a town flooded may be as high as the rooves in some cases.
I had made good time and got into Childers just before sundown. I booked into the Childers Central Motel at $110 for a comfy room. Had a hot shower as the temp had dropped considerably by now. Headed to Benah’s Bar & Grill and ordered a crumbed steak, salad, and chips. Cost $18 and the meal was huge. I could not eat it all and at present keeping an eye on my weight, did not attempt too.
Sleep came easy after the distance I travelled of 720km, going by Google Maps, and estimate used 36 litres of fuel.
Day 2 – 3/8/14.
Morning was cool and wind had died down a heap. I was eager to get on the road and 7.30am departed for Caboolture to meet up with a friend, Chook. He lives up at Blackbutt and he decided to ride down to Caboolture on his FatBoy for a meet and lunch. The wind had picked up again and was gusty and I estimate around the 25-30 knot pace and got quite cool around Gympie. I got into Caboolture and saw Chook. Was great catching up with him as I try to see him at least once a year and during my ride through his town or nearby.
On the road again around 12.15pm and heading for Ballina. I will ride as far as light will allow and then book into a place for the night was the plan. I got to Tweed heads and needed fuel so filled the tank. I love the big tank on the Triumph Storm which is around 21 litres size.
After filling I decided it was time for the Driza-Bone to go on as it was getting chilli and there was some rain clouds hovering above. I got back on the highway and headed for last leg towards Ballina. Got to about 30km north of Ballina and the skies finally opened up and released it’s rain. Was heavy in some places and steady in others.
Got to Ballina wet and booked into the Ballina Central Caravan Park around 3.15pm. Met Rob whom advised me the sliding door was unlocked after I buzzed him on the intercom. I must have been numb from the wet and cold as I could not budge the slide door at first attempt before buzzing him.
Rob is a great bloke and rides a Yammy 750 sports bike. He runs a clean and welcoming park and I do recommend it highly. I parked up the bike at the cabin which was home for the next five nights.
I noticed Wauri had booked into the cabin next to mine so went and said hello and met Snow for the first time. What a lovely person she is and it was a great pleasure to spend time with her during my short stay at Ballina. It was great to catch up with my mate, Wauri too. We get to catch up a bit when I can get up to Cairns from time to time.
Dinner destination was decided – RSL. Nice club with plenty of room. The meals were okay and the beer cold. Nice little balcony at the rear which overlooks the Richmond River. With meals out of the way it was back to the park and Wauri & Snow decided it was too big a day for them and went to bed. I stayed up and did a short stroll out the front of the park.
Distance Childers to Ballina about 500km. Approx 25 litres fuel.
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Post by Turtle on Aug 16, 2014 10:32:12 GMT 10
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Post by clem on Aug 16, 2014 12:17:20 GMT 10
Interesting to read something of your ride to Ballina, Turt. It is good that the roos on the road were dead ones. Sad for the roos of course! How many kays did you ride from home to Ballina and back? Do you have any interesting stories of your ride home?  |
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Post by Turtle on Aug 16, 2014 12:25:43 GMT 10
I forgot the distance Childers to Ballina and just edited my day 2 part of the report. I have a bit more to tell, Clem and will as soon as I get a bit of a chance. About 1220 km each way, Clem.
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Post by Turtle on Aug 17, 2014 9:09:40 GMT 10
Day 3 - 4/8/14 I woke to a wet morning. The forecast for the next three days will involve rain in the mornings I read when checking the BOM. I have no idea on touch-pads and Wauri and Snow managed to get it connected to the WI-FI. Thanks heaps for that you two. It was decided no riding today and instead a visit up town for some supplies and a look around. The bakery was first stop and we had brunch. Got the supplies and headed back to the park. Sometime whilst away the Clem’s had moved in and were setting up when we got back. I strolled down to the river and got some pics of pelicans being fed fish scraps; left over from a good days catch the person feeding them informs me. BBQ for dinner and we gathered and shared stories, food and drinks. Was really great being able to sit down with friends and share each other’s company. Day 4 – 5/8/14 Morning was cool with some sky showing through the cloud. A ride to Byron Bay is planned for the morning. I noticed coolant leak on the bike when I rode it around to wait for Snow & Wauri to get their thing together. Bloody had coolant leak a few weeks earlier and the dealer was supposed to have fixed it. May be they did and this was a new area. Turns out was coolant hoses not fastened with the hose clamps sufficiently. I shall point this second leak out to them when I return home. I got some nice pics of Lennox Heads and Byron Bay area while on the ride. Snow and I decided to walk up to a lookout at Lennox and when we returned Wauri greeted us with a big grin stating he had seen whales. We kept it quiet from him that we had seen mermaids  We stopped at the Byron Bay lighthouse café and had some coffee and some apple/custard tart for smoko. Interesting place Byron and I like it too. We spotted some whales at a distance and managed to get a couple of pics. Not sure how Snow’s turned out but mine were a bit grainy by the time I enlarged enough to see something in the water. We ended up doing a circuit on the ride by heading back along the highway back through Ballina and back to the park. Was a good ride with no rain as it was always behind us. I went for a walk along the boardwalk along the river bank. It runs into the CBD from in front of the van-park and beyond. There are some nice views and spotted one bloke trying his luck at fishing for bream. He had been coming to this spot for 20+ years he was saying and does it for two weeks each year. He drives down from Brisbane. Back at camp it was decided to go to the Viva Pizza café for dinner. Huge pizzas and great tasting is the best way to describe them. The service is very friendly too. After the meal it was back to the van-park where we shared a few drinks before heading off to bed. Distance travelled for the day - 70km. Attachment DeletedAttachment Deleted |
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Post by Turtle on Aug 19, 2014 8:02:14 GMT 10
Day 4 – 5/8/14 Morning was cool with some sky showing through the cloud. A ride to Byron Bay is planned for the morning. I noticed coolant leak on the bike when I rode it around to wait for Snow & Wauri to get their thing together. Bloody had coolant leak a few weeks earlier and the dealer was supposed to have fixed it. May be they did and this was a new area. Turns out was coolant hoses not fastened with the hose clamps sufficiently. I shall point this second leak out to them when I return home. I got some nice pics of Lennox Heads and Byron Bay area while on the ride. Snow and I decided to walk up to a lookout at Lennox and when we returned Wauri greeted us with a big grin stating he had seen whales. We kept it quiet from him that we had seen mermaids We stopped at the Byron Bay lighthouse café and had some coffee and some apple/custard tart for smoko. Interesting place Byron and I like it too. We spotted some whales at a distance and managed to get a couple of pics. Not sure how Snow’s turned out but mine were a bit grainy by the time I enlarged enough to see something in the water.We ended up doing a circuit on the ride by heading back along the highway back through Ballina and back to the park. Was a good ride with no rain as it was always behind us. I went for a walk along the boardwalk along the river bank. It runs into the CBD from in front of the van-park and beyond. There are some nice views and spotted one bloke trying his luck at fishing for bream. He had been coming to this spot for 20+ years he was saying and does it for two weeks each year. He drives down from Brisbane. Back at camp it was decided to go to the Viva Pizza café for dinner. Huge pizzas and greatv tasting is the best way to describe them. The service is very friendly too. After the meal it was back to the van-park where we shared a few drinks before heading off to bed. Distance travelled for the day - 70km. Day 6 – 6/8/14 Wanderer called yesterday and decided he was well enough from his flu to come down for a visit. Lee & Clem, Snow & Wauri, Wanderer and I went to the Slipway pub for lunch. They have $10 lunch menu which was ample food for me. After lunch and a stroll back to the park it, the blokes headed for Supercheap and other stores looking for bits and pieces. I bought a small socket set to play safe if a coolant leak popped up in a difficult place to fit a blade screwdriver. Clem bought some gizmo for his & Lee’s van. Wanderer decided not to stay for the night and headed for home. The rest of us decided on a light meal for dinner consisting of grog and snacks. Eggzelent night spent telling some fibs and some truths. Day 7 – 7/8/14 Today the plan was a ride to Nimbin picking up Wanderer along the way. I listened intently on the phone as Wanderer at the other end delivered instructions how to find his place. I had been there once but could not remember the roads in and out of the area. We got on the road and headed for the Lindendale turn-off. Easy as I figured as we headed up the road towards Wanderer. Well, that was about as easy as it got. Cross the intersection and turn right at the T section was all I could remember of the directions. My head was having a funny day. After several mistakes and getting back on the highway we headed to Lismore for the main road to Wyrallah. Well, I turned to soon and we ended up going back the way we I got everyone lost the first time. Stopped the bike and made a call to Wanderer and even he was at first a bit unsure where I ended up taking the other pair. Go back a kilometre and turn left and that will bring you to the school at Wyrallah and turn right into my street, he said. After finding Wanderer and doing a tour through his house, we got on the road and headed for Nimbin. Wanderer was leading the way – not sure if I was not trusted – and we got there in good time. Had lunch, did a tour of the Candle Factory and headed back. We decided to stop in and see Dog. We chatted for an hour and then he gave us a tour of his bike collection. Some nice work he is doing on them and I especially liked the HOG. After our farewell from him Wanderer led us back to the Highway and we parted company and Snow & Wauri and I headed back to Ballina. I slipped into Dick Smith’s on my return and bought a GoPro copy as I wanted to get some footage of the ride back home the next day. After drinks and dinner with Lee & Clem and some chat with Snow & Wauri it was time for bed. Distance 122km plus about 40 km for getting to Wanderer's. |
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Post by Turtle on Aug 19, 2014 8:12:11 GMT 10
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Post by Turtle on Aug 20, 2014 6:50:36 GMT 10
Day 8 – 8/8/14 I woke to a cloudy morning. I packed a few things in the saddle bags and headed down to see the others. I had coffee with Lee & Clem and Snow & Wauri. Snow & Wauri planned a day fishing on the banks for the Richmond River and headed in that general direction. I bid my farewell to them and Lee & Clem and headed back to pack the last of my gear and check the bike. I dropped by to see how the anglers were doing on my way out of town. At that point no fish had been caught. I bid farewell again to the pair and headed to the servo and filled the tank. Oil was low so added 1 litre, which surprised me. Later when I reached home I checked oil again and added another 1.25 litres. Don’t they fill these things up during a service I was thinking as it was only 3000km since service? I was on the road again for the 1220 km ride home. Although I have done a lot of kilometres riding on my own, I do find it boring at times. I like interaction with other riders but there was none this time. It was cool riding and the clouds were not threatening any rain. I rode on and past Gold Coast and over the Gateway Bridge. The traffic was moving along at a good pace and the only slowed traffic was around Nunda on the north-east side of Brisbane. I got to Caboolture service centre and filled the bike and had a quick bite – Maccas. When I checked the time it was 2.15pm. I must have left Ballina a little bit later than planned I figured. I got to Hervey Bay about 5.00pm and pulled over to get my bearings. Nup, still could not find them using the GPS on the mobile so I called Wendy and she gave directions to her place. Later we picked up her cuz and bought some drinks and pizzas and went back to her place and ate and drank. Day 9 – 9/8/14 The morning brought sunshine and coolness. Just the way I like it when riding. I said goodbye to Wendy and her cuz and hit the road about 8.00am. Next stop was to see Lollie & Don at Rocky. The ride there was easy going with a few road works along the way. The big one is just south of Rocky where a huge bridge is being built across the swampy area. Got to Lollie’s after some direction from her on the mobile and pulled in a bit after 2.00pm. We chatted and she showed me Don’s bird collection. There is some beautiful parrots in amongst them. The plan was to eat out down the local. Nice pub not far from where they live and reasonably priced for a buffet. Day 10 – 10/8/14 It was time to head out of Rocky after having a chat and coffee with my hosts. It was a cool ride and once again easy riding with a few small road works along the last leg of my journey. I pulled into Clairview Roadhouse for brunch and saw two postie bikes fitted with small post-boxes painted in red and yellow parked out front. I asked the owners if I can get a pic and they obliged and gave me a quick run-down on what they were up too. It is a ride around OZ they informed me. I mentioned they may need extra fuel for a couple legs over in WA but they told me they get 700km a tank of fuel, so no problems there then. I had my brunch and filled the bike, the last stretch and home. I got home about 12.30pm, unpacked the bike and showered. Picked Rubes up from the kennels at 4.00pm – opening time. I had a great ride and once again met up with some of the best friends a bloke could have. I met Snow who came over from England especially to see me . Thank you everyone for making this trip for me a memorable one and sharing with me your experiences. I hope we can all meet up again some day and soon. Cheers, Turt. |
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Post by Turtle on Aug 20, 2014 6:53:40 GMT 10
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Post by clem on Aug 20, 2014 9:54:49 GMT 10
Great to hear the story of your ride from home to Ballina and back, Turt, glad you arrived home safely, as would have been your very happy puppy friend. It will be interesting what your bike shop says about the use of oil, cos it is not common for modern bikes to chew through oil is it? Yes, it was a super great time at Ballina with friends wasn't it. Marvelous it was.  |
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Post by Lollie on Aug 20, 2014 14:08:38 GMT 10
Thanks for posting about your trip, was great reading, was great to catch up with you again and I look forward to riding up to visit during my holidays. You know you are always welcome to stop in here, either for a bed or a coffee and feed when passing through.
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Post by Turtle on Aug 20, 2014 17:56:51 GMT 10
Thanks, Lollie. Look forward to see you up this way.
Clem I don't think the bike is chewing the oil. The mechanic just did not put enough in. At least the oil warning did not come on. It pays to check after a service that the oil and other levels are okay. I will be seeing the dealer tomorrow when in town and will mention both the oil and coolant probs.
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