I've been holding off on writing this report as I didn't want to steal someone else's thunder - and I'll do my best not to. So, in the early hours of 6th October I met up with @Yamrox to knock out my first SS2000K. The route was one we'd travelled for the most part on a previous SS1600K and which I'd conjured up as a reasonable extension and step up having knocked out a few SS1600K rides over the previous year and a half since starting this LD riding caper. The ride was to be rather straight forward for me on the 'lounge on wheels' - possibly not so for @Yamrox.
So, starting DBR in hand we hit the M5 out of Sydney (our usual starting location is very close to my home and only a couple of quick turns before we are on the outbound lanes of the M5). Down the Hume to Goulburn and a top up and we were moving again. Another quick stop at Gundagai and we were off again and settling into our 'usual riding groove' on this route we've ridden a good few times now. Through Wagga Wagga and on to Gillenbah making good time. Out across the Hay Plains (I personally love it out here....) with quick stops at Hay and Balranald. While travelling we chatted on the intercom and I took a note of the distance from Hells Gate to Balranald - a place I'd been meaning to stop at for many years but it was never the right time. We decided outbound was not the right time - we'd see how the clock was looking on the way back and make the call then. Now, historically, Balranald has been the turn around point on SS1600K runs but this time - we were going to keep on going. At Buronga, we took a right hand turn (onto roads I've never driven nor ridden) keeping us in NSW instead of crossing the bridge into Mildura (and Victoria) - not far now.... We continued west following the river until arriving in Wentworth, NSW. A fuel fill, a quick bite to eat for lunch and our turn-around DBR secured and the clock looking good (and the bodies feeling ok) we started to retrace our steps. As we neared Hells Gate - the clock looked good so we stopped for the obligatory photo(s) and were off again. I always get a laugh out of my last few stops - South Gundagai, Goulburn and final end point as we typically get the same attendants who served us on our outward journey - they look at us with suspicion until typically there is a quick conversation (much to their disbelief) on where we have been and the distance travelled in the intervening time interval. Finally home in good time and an 'In State' SS2000K is done leaving only the paperwork to be completed the next day. Thanks (as always) to @Yamrox for the company and inspiration.
Of course, thanks goes to Bec(@PillionPiglet) , Ian(@tabledrain) and the rest of the OzIBA Certification crew for their efforts - which are always appreciated.
So, starting DBR in hand we hit the M5 out of Sydney (our usual starting location is very close to my home and only a couple of quick turns before we are on the outbound lanes of the M5). Down the Hume to Goulburn and a top up and we were moving again. Another quick stop at Gundagai and we were off again and settling into our 'usual riding groove' on this route we've ridden a good few times now. Through Wagga Wagga and on to Gillenbah making good time. Out across the Hay Plains (I personally love it out here....) with quick stops at Hay and Balranald. While travelling we chatted on the intercom and I took a note of the distance from Hells Gate to Balranald - a place I'd been meaning to stop at for many years but it was never the right time. We decided outbound was not the right time - we'd see how the clock was looking on the way back and make the call then. Now, historically, Balranald has been the turn around point on SS1600K runs but this time - we were going to keep on going. At Buronga, we took a right hand turn (onto roads I've never driven nor ridden) keeping us in NSW instead of crossing the bridge into Mildura (and Victoria) - not far now.... We continued west following the river until arriving in Wentworth, NSW. A fuel fill, a quick bite to eat for lunch and our turn-around DBR secured and the clock looking good (and the bodies feeling ok) we started to retrace our steps. As we neared Hells Gate - the clock looked good so we stopped for the obligatory photo(s) and were off again. I always get a laugh out of my last few stops - South Gundagai, Goulburn and final end point as we typically get the same attendants who served us on our outward journey - they look at us with suspicion until typically there is a quick conversation (much to their disbelief) on where we have been and the distance travelled in the intervening time interval. Finally home in good time and an 'In State' SS2000K is done leaving only the paperwork to be completed the next day. Thanks (as always) to @Yamrox for the company and inspiration.
Of course, thanks goes to Bec(@PillionPiglet) , Ian(@tabledrain) and the rest of the OzIBA Certification crew for their efforts - which are always appreciated.
