So close to home, how could I not register for this one – kinda a no brainer!!
Phil Harris noticed it’d registered and asked if I’d mind having someone along for the ride and it would give him the opportunity to see how some of us plan our trips. Obviously, it wasn’t a problem and planning started prior to RTM05 and several versions later, we had a plan.
Angel had her 160,000 service and was singing to a lovely tune 🙂 and we were looking forward to this.
Phil’s mate Steve (from the US) and my Dad (meeting us in Parkes) made up the rest of our little troop.
Friday morning rolls along and well, it’s raining! It wouldn’t be a FarRide if it wasn’t – right…lol!! We meet at the 7 Eleven Macquarie Park, get our start dockets and off we go. The Doom Highway was pretty non-eventful and it rained all the way to Goulburn (well off and on) where we stopped for comfort, coffee and fuel – simples!! ha ha ha.
I took the lead from here and based on info from a friend in the Gunning area we should strike fine weather around Yass. Yippee the sun came out and as we headed west at Bowning had the bright ball of warmth shining right in our eyes. I’ve not done these roads before and so planned the trip around these roads not traveled (as you do). Little towns came and went, nothing to do with pace….the sun was in our eyes 😛
Harden, Wallendbeen, Temora, West Wyalong and a beautiful sunset along the way. How nice are the roads through there – open sweepers curving around like a beautiful ribbon through lush green lands. It’s cool but with the right gear, I’m feeling pretty toasty 🙂
on the way to West Wyalong
We’ve been travelling pretty well and staying relatively to schedule. West Wyalong for fuel and Phil took the lead with his fabulous Clearwaters lighting up the way, I followed with all my lights and then Steve (on a hire BMW) took advantage of the clear viewing. I think we were blessed a little to not have encountered any wildlife along the road from West Wyalong to Condobalin (and just quietly, I’m not complaining). Turn off to Parkes and in the dead of night (well it seemed that way…truthfully it was only really 8:00pm..lol) we roll into the Parkview Motor Inn for the night. Who should we bump into when we arrive but Phil & Joy Moore *thumbs up*.
Now, if you are looking for somewhere to stay in Parkes, this is the place! The new owners Nick & Jo have just taken ownership (about 2wks now) and are extremely motorcycle friendly (Nick rides 🙂 ). The rate is reasonable, the rooms are clean and comfy and the parking is good. Once they get the restaurant up and going, it’ll be a win win!!
Dad had arrived mid afternoon and was pretty settled, the boys and I sort ourselves for dinner and say goodnight – see you at 6:00am – ready to roll! Dad got a bit wet on the way and was drying his stuff out in the room with the aircon on 23 degrees……it was like walking into a blast furnace. But look dad was happy and excited and really that was the main thing!
Saturday 23rd May – FarRide Check-in Day
What a terrible nights sleep!! ARGH!! Massive headache isn’t the best way to start the day but dad is so excited so that kinda negates anything I’m feeling. Short day today, only 328kay to knock over before check-in and we are off. I led this morning and Dad sat close to my hammer during the dark of the morning (I’d forgotten his eye sight isn’t the best in the dark..ooops). It was fresh, well chilly but what a lovely morning. I love riding in the mornings – it’s invigorating!!!
Watching the sun come up against our backs was lovely. The dawn of a new day, crisp air, fogging visor, and runny nose…lol and the sun shining right in our eyes. The pace this morning was steady a nice limit pace which had us going through Forbes, Grenfell, Gooloogong before heading into Cowra for fuel, breakfast and a comfort stop. Although Macca’s was on the way in, on the advice of a local we went to this little bakery, next time we’re stopping at Macca’s.
Full tummies and with plenty of time we headed out….Boorowa, back to Harden, through Wombat (who names a town Wombat?) and then with a smile we roll into Young. What a pleasant sight to see Gaggs and Heather as we ride through town and follow them to Anderson Park – we made it!!! and with plenty of time to socialise and introduce Dad to my other family.
setting up check-in
Was so lovely to see Gaggs and Heather again. I was introducing Dad to everyone that came and said “hello” to me. I must really thank OX-34 and TigerBill for especially seeking Dad out and making him feel so welcome and having a great old chat.
Gaggs and Heather
I left Dad with Sarge, while I went and did a little bit of bike whoring…….ah, sitting on Sarge’s new V-Strom.
Sgt Schultz & Dad
Another introduction to Fatman and Lynne (not pic of Lynn) and more story telling. I’d made a tag for Dad so folk would know who he which said “Mick aka Legendary Father” to which Lynn said it should say Legendary FarFather!! so true! I tell you what though, I don’t know who was more proud….me of the way Dad was so accepted by FarRiders or Dad telling everyone how proud he was of me.
Fatman & Dad
Check-in opened and for the first time ever, I was first checked in! and the line very quickly started to form . New and old (not by age) riders weaving a wonderful thread to the FarRider fabric.
Check-in open
A very happy Phil checking in and Steve on the far right.
Phil & Steve checking in
And the queue grows, almost all the way back to the foot path.
and the queue grows
Clint & Fatman herd is all into line for the “group” photo.
FRE #34 Young…that’s Dad in the white cap
Smorgasbord lunch at the Empire Hotel – not bad and supporting the local community. Found Phil and Steve sitting in the pub basking in the sun before heading on for Cooma and enjoying the rest of their weekend away. Asked a few during lunch where they were staying and after a bit of thought made the decision for Dad and I to stay the night (it’s been a few years since Dad’s done any back to back days and I’d promised Mum I’d get him home safely).
Say hoo-roo to those leaving and then start gearing up to look for the Colonial Motor Inn.
Dad gearing up
As it happens it’s round the corner – walking distance but we suit up anyway for the long journey. Safely tucked in for the rest of the day.
day done
And we are in good company with Sgt Schultz and Gaggs and Heather
Afternoon search for panadol and a nap or at least relax was in order before walking down with Gaggs, Heather & Sarge to the Empire where we met Ron, Ash and husband and wife whose names elude me….sorry. The meals were HUGE, tasted fantastic and were fabulous value for money. Many stories were told, just as many laughs had with excellent company!!!
dinner
A chilly brisk walk back to the Colonial and I noticed that Clint & Charleen have been buying property in town.
hmmmm
Sunday 24th May
Tucked up in our room for a good nights sleep before waking to a very chilly morning. -2 in Young this morning….brrrrrr – the bikes were frozen!!!
says it all!!!
Dads seat and yes, that IS ICE!!!
The boys were laughing at me scratching the ice off……. while I might add I was still in my jamas….LOL!!! Vogue look out, your next top super model is on it’s way 🙂
We all say our good byes as Sarge heads off first. Dad and I aren’t far behind him and are in no hurry. It is really chilly riding out and again travel some roads I haven’t before. Dad’s doing really well and we are just tootling along nicely. Through Blayney and into Bathurst for fuel. While I’m inside Dad tries to do the right thing and move out of the way for the next person and the bike falls over….damn! No damage and they help him right things. It’s still relatively early so we keep going on where we stop for lunch at Lithgow Macca’s.
Lithgow Macca’s
It’s starting to warm up and we are on the home stretch now, just gotta get down Bells Line of Rd. There’s a reasonable amount of traffic and a few annoying drivers that really could’ve pulled over for everyone buuuut didn’t. Anyway, we finally get to the bottom of the hill and it’s now warmed up quite considerable. Down Richmond Rd and hasn’t there been some massive changes there and Dad said he didn’t recognise the area and was feeling a little bit lost. M7, M2 and finally we pull in the driveway. Dad is staying tonight and heading home tomorrow at his leisure.
So there you have it, FRE #34 Young – done and dusted.
Thank you again to Team FarRider for organising another fabulous event. Thank you to absolutely EVERYONE for making Dad feel so welcome….I really appreciate it.
Till the next time. See you on a road coming to you soon 🙂
