Going West
It’s 3 weeks since I drove off from Brisbane and I haven’t had a dull moment.
My 12 year old Grandson Jackson was good company on the drive to Crows Nest and I thought it delightful that he didn’t want either radio or ipod on, saying that he would much rather just talk along the journey.
We were fortunate to be invited to friend Kerrie’s ( I met her on the WA ride) family farm They were warm, fun and very hospitable and joined in with the pre ride fun in Toowoomba when they drove us in for the start of the Queensland Big 9 day 560 km ride.
The weather was great although we had one evening storm and 3 mornings where our tent fly’s were covered in sheet ice on the inside brrrrr. Kerrie’s black knicks hanging inside out to dry were white with frost. I wanted to see her put those on! . Kerrie and I were G1 and G2 (grandma’s)
Jackson excelled, had a wonderful time and became well known around the camp for his outgoing personality and his riding performance. He was chatty and friendly to everyone. Many of the men said “He’s very impressive but he sure does have a lot to say! People came up to me all the time saying” Oh… you’re Jacksons Grandma aren’t you.” Two older ladies told me that he was absolutely admirable and to be commended because he had spotted one of them with a flat tyre along the road and stopped and changed it for her. They were amazed.
As a Grandma , Grandson duo we did an ABC Southern Queensland radio interview which was broadcast locally and in Brisbane and all over regional Queensland so we are now famous. I was delighted and proud to have him along even if I did rouse on him each morning to wind him up for the day. We had to get up, get dressed, pack our tents and bags, have breakfast, fill water bottles, pump our tyres and load our bags on the truck to be ready for a 7ish start each day! Quite an effort.
Jackson is hoping that his father might ride with him on next years Yeppoon to Bundy ride.
Amongst 1200 riders and volunteers, I chanced to dine one night with Liz from Mossman and next morning with Trish from Kawana who were both going to Coonabarabran after the Toowoomba - Darling Downs ride. They were joining a dozen friends for a week of camping and cycling in that region. They suggested that I might like to join them. Whoopee! Yes Please.
It was great fun and they were a lovely friendly bunch. We cycled up to the Observatory at Siding Springs in the Warrumbungles, joined the local BUGS (Bicycle User Group) on their Saturday coffee ride and did several other scenic rides on country roads in marvelous spring weather.
We also went bush with 2 local Indigenous people. Bill aged 70 and his daughter a triathlete, showed us some sandstone caves in the bush. It was a really interesting outing and they had us eating bush tucker along the way, showed us some Aboriginal cave paintings and we all sat in the high caves, looking out over the bush and had a lovely discussion about their culture and their place today in the local community.
On our last day we left the bikes and did a bushwalk of 14 kms, a circuit in the Warrumbungles that included the climb up to the Breadknife. What spectacular rock formations and a beautiful area. We also saw an emu with 7 fluffy chicks running behind him.
We had a final night dinner at Milton and Jane Judd’s home. Milton is the leader of the Coonabarabran BUG’s.
We all swapped address details and plan to do more similar week - long rides together in the future.
The weather cracked on Tuesday and after a brief morning storm I had a strong tail wind as I drove to Forbes. I could have used a spinnaker! It was rather hairy when the road wound around and the side on gusts had me gripping the wheel tightly. Great fuel economy that day. 13 litres to the 100 kms.
It was blowing a gale when I was parked on the Lachlan river at Forbes. It didn’t seem to perturb the numerous duck families waddling and swimming with their chicks. I had a sore throat and was coughing so went to bed but unfortunately left the hatches open.
I awoke to find my van inside and out completely covered with thick red dust. I didn’t move on as the wind and dust were horrendous and also had turned around to the southwest. I would have had a head wind. What a cleanup!
Next day as I drove to Griffith along the Mid Western Highway and then the Kidman I noticed that the previously creamy coloured sheep and lambs were all now orange.
The scenery has been beautiful and interesting. Mile upon mile of green crops in the valleys with hills in the distance and today as I hit the Riverina District there are masses of trees covered with oranges and the air is perfumed with them. Lots of grape vines as well.
Tonight I am parked on a river again, this time in Griffith. It looks like a lovely town, 24000 residents, I shall jump on my bike in the morning and explore.
