GS500 Meetup & Ride
A few of us down in the land that everyone forgot (Me, Twisted, Aussiegs, and another) decided to get together for a bit of a ride. Video was taken, but for this ride report, photos will suffice.
The route in question was a little over 338km long (211 miles). We met at MacDonalds and then headed off from there. First stop was a nearby dam for coffee at their cafe. Turns out their cafe was closed. Last day was Last weekend. Who knew? Bugger. So we head back to the bikes. Upon arriving back I notice a dark black line on BOTH my forks. A finger wipe reveals... fork oil. WTF? They were fine the night before when I gave the bike its weekly once over. Now Both are seeping? Oh well, the ride must go on...
So from here we headed on the 2nd leg of the trip. A few unfenced cows along the way, some crazy frill neck lizards, awesome scenery, little traffic, no enforcement. Second stop arrives.
Until recently, the General Store in this little country town had closed down. New owners have taken it on. So we could now get a warm beverage. Toilets here too. Good leg stretch. Third leg held some pretty intense twisties. I knew they were coming. Twisted knew. But the other guys didn't so they got a real nice surprise. And I have to say, did well for first time on it. I was a little concerned what with my slower Pace Riding (slower than I normally ride through here when not pace riding) and hoping they would recognise to slow down even though I wasn't using brakes - though I occassionally gave small micro taps just to light the brake lights up to alert those behind that I was slowing. But they did well nonetheless. I just love pace riding that road. :thumb:
Anyway. Somewhere just prior to our lunch stop, a tink tink tink was heard and it was figured that Twisted had lost a tool from his underseat tool kit. He musn't have closed the bag properly after his 30 second chain tightening at the 2nd stop. So it would be Eyes Peeled on the way back - does anyone really think you can see the smallest spanner from the toolkit laying somewhere on or off the road while traveling in the other direction? I mean, come on. Let's be serious here. But we'll give it a go.
So we stop at Tooloom falls (someone decides to park different to us - there's always one :icon_rolleyes: :)) only to discover some bloody vans have parked right next to the falls. This area is reserved NOT for parking and camping. The Camping areas are elsewhere. But these people decided Screw Everyone We'll Park Here - then wonder why people are walking all around their schit. And what was with the other camper and their satellite dish. Seriously folks, the idea of camping is NOT to bring your TV with you. Sheesh. :icon_rolleyes: :icon_rolleyes:
Okay. So having seen the falls we head to the pub for lunch. And there is a New Addition to the pub. Motorbikes on the roof. I guess we know bikes are welcome. So in we go. The doors are closed to keep the warmth from the log fire in. And the place is the busiest I've seen it since I've been coming here for the last two/three years on ocassional Sunday rides out this way. Maybe because it is Father's Day down here in Australia. Food is ordered and arrives. And I have to say, quite bloody filling. Shame the regular barmaid/owner with big boobies and tight low-cut tops wasn't in for the day. (http://gstwins.com/gsboard/Smileys/New_Smile/icon_cry.gif)
Bellies full it's time us ramblers rambled. Engines fired into life we are off. Out of town, in the open speed zone, I spot something. Everyone wonders why I am pulling up and turning around. Wondering until... ta daa... one small spanner is picked up. My eagle eyes strike again.
Away we go again, back down through those awesome twists and on to our fuel stop. After a tank up one of our foursome heads off home in a different direction. And then we were three. We head off in Our direction, pass a bit of farm yard burning off, a small roadworks section, the obligitory fourhweel drive dawdling along 10-15 under the limit where there are double lines. And we made a good dent in the bug population of the area.
A good day, good route, Excellent company, no mishaps, no enforcement, no other idiot riders (besides us :)) and just a blast all up. :woohoo:
The route: http://tinyurl.com/3vrf9p5
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YfhPkg0bSR4/TmfOZ7wwvFI/AAAAAAAAAuI/NCByReVaacI/Uville1.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xgznpTZVgKk/TmfOVqoP42I/AAAAAAAAAt8/Iwt6Z1XZjxo/Uville2.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dLh9QyqPI10/TmfOV_BXlYI/AAAAAAAAAuA/DIf4IcfdPXM/Uville3.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3R6t5sCJP08/TmfOY6-QeAI/AAAAAAAAAwI/sXPUtZ6KMdI/s1280/FallsPano.jpg)
Michael
Totally awesome ride I had the best time, aside from that suicidal lizard. Can't wait for the next one.
Quote from: mister on September 08, 2011, 12:29:27 PM
So we stop at Tooloom falls (someone decides to park different to us - there's always one :icon_rolleyes:
Hey, what can I say...I am a rebel!
Blame my tool ejecting GS for that.