A spark, the same sort that inspired so many young men and women to embark on a journey, for so many their last, inspired me as well. My Grandfather was shot in the early part of the Gallipoli conflict [fortunately he survived]. Firstly thanks to Skidoo for putting this epic together. Secondly thanks to those that shared the experience with me.
An odd time to start a SS1600, but rules are rules. And with the finishing time being so important it was necessary.
With a start docket obtained from my local ATM at 6.15 am. I was away towards my first location on the POPPY trail. Pakenham 7-Eleven just off the Princes Fwy. As it turned out this was Philmor's first stop as well. I had already waved to Fatman and LTP as they headed east on the start of their travels.
Returning to the Princes Fwy. it was only a short ride to the BP service centre Officer [westbound] for my next POPPY trail docket. I was quickly accumulating a collection of cherry ripe bars. Continuing to the United service centre Westgate Port Melbourne for my next POPPY trail docket. P-O-P done, now to get a few longer k's behind me.
Under the Westgate Fwy. and back on the eastbound side for the exit to the Bolte Bridge. Finally northbound to wave goodbye to Melbourne. Taking care to not get caught by the fixed revenue/speed cameras on the Hume Hwy. With a planned fuel stop at BP Glenrowan I had to tear myself away from the gathered street cars that were headed for Bright for a large rally, very impressive collection.
Into NSW, my fuel stop at Gundagai's Dog on the Tuckerbox at 13.25 was slightly longer with a sandwich consumed for lunch and water added to my drink container. The closer I got to Sydney the traffic increased but with Pheasants Nest as my turn round and fuel point I was not worried. For those that might not know it there is a tunnel under the Hume Fwy. right at the service centres accessed on the northbound side at the end of the car park. Very convenient for swapping sides. With my next fuel/POPPY docket [P-O-P-P] it was southbound for Holbrook.
Interestingly my path would not only cross Fatman, LTP but also Philmor on this southern section. Fatman and LTP were once again waved to whilst crossing the Murrumbidgee River at Gundagai, Philmor was heard a bit later. Into the setting sun brought it's own problems, one hand up to shield the intense piecing rays whilst enjoying the all loving cruise control.
Holbrook 24 hour servo at 20.45 for a relaxed fuel up before resuming my northbound travels to the Milton Rest area some 9 kilometres on. I had ridden through the rest area on my earlier northbound travels to see if it was suitable for my planned sleep spot. with the swag laid on the table top, bike cover covering all my riding gear on the seat, I attempted to get a few hours sleep. Now even a the best of times [at home] it still takes me a while to drift off to slumber land. But with the passing truck/car noise it was decidedly harder. There was a long break in the traffic noise when I thought I had a chance to slip into sleep mode. No chance, as the silence was broken by the distinct sound of a passing BMW R1200RT with a very loud reversing beeper sounding out a warning to all gathered kangaroos and I might add, those attempting roadside sleep, Philmor on his way to Yass.
I'd had my alarm set to go off at 01.45, but of course I was wide awake well before. With the swag rolled and in place behind I set course for Yass Caltex 24 hour servo for fuel and my last docket in my POPPY trail.
With a full tank of fuel I decided to do a better job of rolling the swag. With that out of the way I retired to Maccas at the rear for a very early breakfast. I was ahead of my schedule and as such needed to kill time before my finishing point at the 24 hour Caltex at Hume on the south side of Canberra. Later in the day Fatman informed that he and Lynne were parked at the servo when I appeared going the wrong way in exiting said servo. His call and wave were lost on me in my hast to finish my ride.
With a finishing docket [06.09] My ride was complete [1628 kms.]. Now all I had to do was go back through Canberra to the Maccas at Nicholls to meet the rest of the riders. Skidoo, Fatman, LTP, Philmor, Hagar, first time IBA rider Simon and Frans, all present and accounted for. Frans was not staying for the festivities but returning home. After photos were taken we followed Fatman to our pre-arranged parking at a church only 1 kilometre walk from the War Memorial.
Now sometimes, no, every time, GPS's aren't aware of road closures for major construction works. So it was reasonable to forgive Fatman when we had to do a u-turn in a dead end street on the way to the church. Finally with bikes, gear stowed, locked, shackled and finally covered we embarked on the short/hot/uphill/down dale walk to the War Memorial. The early finish time now became even more important. We all had previously got our seating passes online and were very happy to be in the first twenty at the entry gate. A long wait ensured prior to being allowed in at 09.00 hours. The upside of our earliness in the queue was that we garnered front row seating, bonus.
With the intensity of the sun's rays increasing by the minute, it became a fight to combat fatigue with slow intake of our limited water supplies. Starting at 10.30 hours the service was both stirring and somber. The big screens movie presentation portrayed the hardship endured by all those brave young, men and women, so far from home. The three services, Navy, Army and Airforce guard of honour marching display precision perfect, whilst ably accompanied musically by the Army Duntroon Band with stirring renditions of Australian tunes. All in all a superb presentation not lost on all those present. With wreaths laid by dignitaries the service finished as planned at 12.30 hours.
The opportunity was given to those present to enter the War Memorial to spend time in reflection. We passed on this offer as we only reflected on long overdue sleep.
Again we struggled with that same short/hot/uphill/down dale walk back to the bikes. Once again, stupidly, we followed Fatman across town towards Yass [pre-booked motel] with the inevitable turn up [yes, you guessed it] the same blocked off, dead end street we had already done a u-turn in earlier in the morning. You don't have to wonder why the two ladies walking on the footpath as I did my u-turn found it strange that I was laughing so much. On explaining the reason I was questioned by one as to my reason for blindly following for a second time. This brought forth more laughter.
I suggested that I would lead the "sheep" back to Yass. I can assure you this turned into a joke as well, somehow I lost the following masses in my hast for sleep. I arrived at the motel to be followed sometime later by the non-amused group. I couldn't understand their decided lack of humour.
A quick chat before everyone retired for much needed sleep with the plan to walk, that dreaded word again at 19.00 hours to the local Chinese restaurant for dinner. We had been positively informed by Skidoo that it was a short one kilometre [what's short about one kilometre] walk to said establishment.
With Hagar in tow we blindly followed Skidoo and Simon on this extended quest for nutrition. After passing every shop in Yass's strip I enquired if said establishment wasn't in the next town. I ask you, would you follow Skidoo on a "short" ride anywhere, yet here we were doing exactly that, on a "short" walk. Yes I agree with you, decidedly stupid on our behalf.
Well the restaurant was in the last three establishments before you came to ploughed fields, one kilometre, your kidding. But I will say the walk was worth it, the fare, fantastic. Everyone had their taste buds well and truly satisfied. Three, Skidoo,LTP and Simon decide to walk off their meals whilst Fatman, Philmor, Hagar and yours truly road home, back uphill, one kilometre [rubbish] in a taxi. Pure bliss. Once again a short talk discussing rides home ensured before everyone drifted off to rooms for that long awaited sleep we had promised ourselves.
Morning had Fatman, LTP and Philmor packed and left at 07.00 hours for the ride home via Canberra, and all ports south via the Monaro Hwy. I volunteered to escort them across Canberra in the morning peak traffic. Now you might wonder at the intelligence of Fatman and Philmor in this the second time the'd followed me across Canberra, the first time, you know the result. But once again they blindly followed [reminds you of sheep doesn't it].
I waited on the Cooma side of Canberra for the sheep, sorry pursuants, to catch up. Then Philmor took the lead for the run to Polo Flat Roadhouse for fuel and breakfast. It was then a spirited ride down the Cann Valley before right onto the Princes Hwy. for a regroup at Bairnsdale before afternoon tea at your scribes abode in Trafalgar.
An extremely enjoyable three days of fine weather, fine company and what's more important, a fine memorial ride. Thanks to all involved.