Cameron Corner 2015
An Outback Mountain Bike Adventure
May 19th to June 5th 2015
Barry Walton, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and a huge team of volunteers and supporters have been organising fundraising mountain bike rides for over 20 years, all to contribute to keeping this fantastic service in the air. These rides have taken the Rescue Helicopters message to all corners of NSW and beyond.
This year, we head to Cameron Corner, a remote dot in the Australian outback, there isn't much there. But on May the 20th 2015, a bit of noise will hit town, things wont be the same. We have 34 riders and 14 support crew all behind a great cause, all out to achieve the same goal.
This adventure will take in a bit of the real outback, staying at some large grazing properties and in some small pubs. It is the outback, there are very few facilities so we camp a lot, swags on the ground or maybe in shearing sheds. We will miss out on showers for a few days and eat in the red dirt. And we will ride in heat, sand and bulldust, that is if it doesn't rain. But you know that before you sign up so just enjoy, you won't get another chance like this to see remote Australia with people who will remain lifelong friends.
We will travel to the Corner on May 19, a two day drive. We arrive back Friday June 5, a 15 day ride with one rest day. Its a long time away from family , work and other commitments, so you need to switch off and soak up the outback, absorb the pain and relish the achievement.
The logistics of this tour are enormous. You need 34 idiots to sign up and ride. But more importantly you need experienced, willing workers to keep the tour rolling down the road.
Barry Walton is our leader. Baz is a great man, a founder in the Hunters Rescue Helicopter Service and a founder of the New England Service, he has given a large part of his life to the Chopper. On tour he will be tortured by the riders and by the ride itself. But he will endure, he's a tough littler bloke.Director of motor pool Greg “Goog” Davis has a leading role in this tour. Apart from ensuring all drivers are licenced and each day are in good health, he makes sure all vehicles are fuelled as needed and radio communications are maintained between riders and vehicles on a daily basis. Then he drives the lead vehicle, so we follow Goog into the unknown.
Travel day One 19th May 2015 Tamworth to White Cliffs
There is no easy way to get to Cameron Corner, no easy way
to get back either come to think of it . We are on the road for 950 ks today, riders and volunteers strung
out along the road in buses, cars and trucks. But its a further chance to get
to know new friends and tell lies with old ones.
Surprisingly we are on the road on time, watching the sunrise
headed to Gunnedah, Coonabarabran, Gilgandra, Warren, Nynga, Cobar, Wilcannia
and finally White Cliffs. We leave in trhe dark and arrive in the dark.
On the bus its pretty comfortable. Andy Baliss makes new friends because his old
ones won’t talk to him. Moonrock and Kevin share a pink pillow and get cosy.
Bruce is Bruce and Jake is Jake. Moyley and Kev swap cardiac bypass stories and
Barry seems stressed. Bear and Shane Paul communicate without words and Carol has stolen a pair of sunnies from a child in a pram. So we chat, stare out the window, keep patient and enjoy a new landscape flashing by
at 100 ks per hour. We will see it again in coming weeks from the bike seat.
The support crew drive support vehicles. Westy is driving the Pantek, it's like sitting on an old milk crate, he recons. Greg Backhouse is in the minibus, a good man who will keep the esky full. John Fogarty and Steve drag one bike trailer, Jimmy Raymond, Michael O’Connor and Ray drag the second. Locky our cook and Rex pull the cook house. Maree and Goog tow the drinks trailer. Mal and Margaret with Vicki are in the spare vehicle. So its a big show on the road, a lot of organising that sets up a great trip.
So we roll along the road content to get the big day behind
us so that tomorrow sees us at our destination in a reasonable time to prepare
to ride. Going so far today also delivers a bonus of a stay in the pub and motel
at White Cliffs, something different.
We arrive after 12 hours on the bus, unpack and savor the
outback.
We all share rooms, bunk houses and a caravan. It's an opportunity to get to know new people a bit better. After a shower we cram into the tiny pub and enjoy. The locals put on a huge dinner and the red wine makes an appearance.
But it's been a long day so our beds are used early.
But it's been a long day so our beds are used early.
Travel Day Two 20th May 2015 White Cliffs to Cameron Corner
We depart White Cliffs early, via Tibooburra and travel on some dirt to Cameron Corner. It takes a while, road conditions dictate our arrival time, but pushing on to White Cliffs yesterday sees us in camp with enough time to prepare for the ride tomorrow.
At Cameron Corner we have camping and some limited cabin accommodation. This might be our first night under the stars but at least there are toilets and showers.
When you get to the Corner you find yourself on the other side of the Dog Fence. You quickly realise that you are in a very remote location, and you have to ride home. So put your camp together, get your bike off the trailer and consider the future. The best place to do that is in the little pub. So we all gather, enjoy the evening and marvel at the star filled sky. It really is spectacular on such a clear night.
Ride Day 1, 21st May 2015
When you get to the Corner you find yourself on the other side of the Dog Fence. You quickly realise that you are in a very remote location, and you have to ride home. So put your camp together, get your bike off the trailer and consider the future. The best place to do that is in the little pub. So we all gather, enjoy the evening and marvel at the star filled sky. It really is spectacular on such a clear night.
The corner and it's locality are named after the surveyor, John Brewer Cameron, from the New South Wales Lands Department, who spent two years during 1880 - 82 marking the border between New South Wales and Queensland. Apparently, it has a Queensland liquor licence with a New South Wales postal code and a South Australian telephone number.
Ride Day 1, 21st May 2015
Cameron Corner to Waka Station 60ks
Start 9.30 Finish 2.30 Road Time 6 Hrs Ride Time 3 hrs 26
Max 38 Average 17 KPH
Its about 65ks of track today, mostly sand and dirt, wild life, goats, kangaroos, cattle, emus and snakes.
Ride day one sees everyone up before dawn. There is movement
in the camp. Locky and Co have the brew on and Westy has the bacon and
eggs on the go. Everyone showers because we wont get one for a few days.
There is a bit of anticipation in the air but no fear among the riders. The camp chat is upbeat as tents
are pulled down and trucks get packed. We might have been on the road early if
it wasn’t for golf, yes golf. A three hole course with each hole in a different state. Then photos and we
are riding.
The first 20 ks sends us up and over a series of sand dunes. Roos spear out of the bush and startle riders. to the 40 k drink stop. Some anticipated this sort of country and riding, others are a bit shocked. You just might build a set of legs pedalling out here.
Back on things improve a bit, but just a bit. We grind on, another 20 ks to a drink stop, then go again. The head wind today made things difficult, it was there all day, a constant hand on your forehead, pushing you back. It was only 60 ks but we were out there for 6 hours. The average speed tells the story.
But soon the pain is over and we arrive at Waka Station, our home for this evening. Unpack, put the tent up. You save time because you can’t bathe. Lunch is in the red dirt. The routine has commenced , organise your camp, organise your bag, check your bike and get a chair out.
The first 20 ks sends us up and over a series of sand dunes. Roos spear out of the bush and startle riders. to the 40 k drink stop. Some anticipated this sort of country and riding, others are a bit shocked. You just might build a set of legs pedalling out here.
Back on things improve a bit, but just a bit. We grind on, another 20 ks to a drink stop, then go again. The head wind today made things difficult, it was there all day, a constant hand on your forehead, pushing you back. It was only 60 ks but we were out there for 6 hours. The average speed tells the story.
But soon the pain is over and we arrive at Waka Station, our home for this evening. Unpack, put the tent up. You save time because you can’t bathe. Lunch is in the red dirt. The routine has commenced , organise your camp, organise your bag, check your bike and get a chair out.
The shearers quarters become our kitchen and a doss house
for the Tamworth homeless crew. The rest are out in the dirt.
The station owner and his family join us for dinner and educate us about life in the Sturt Desert. We dine on roast lamb and vegies and drop some beers. But it is still bitterly cold so most make their way to bed and take their sleep
Waka Station, a 52,000-hectare property in the north-western corner of NSW. The station is in fact the farthest north west station in that state. We get an education about station life and contemplate the hardships it must present. This is hard country, thirst country where it seldom rains.
Ride Day 2 Friday 22nd May 2015
Waka Station to Tibooburra
.
80 ks 7.30 to 2.30 Road Time 7 hours Ride Time 5 hrs 05 Max 41 Average 14.8
Sleeping in the Sturt Desert under the stars is a great experience especially with good friends. Its 1 degree in the camp. Before dawn everyone is up, preparing gear, having a brew, having breakfast.
Sleeping in the Sturt Desert under the stars is a great experience especially with good friends. Its 1 degree in the camp. Before dawn everyone is up, preparing gear, having a brew, having breakfast.
Then its pack the sleeping gear, pack the truck and get ready to ride. The Kurri Boys won't mind leaving the Waka Station long drop behind, we had the worst of the available facilities.
We get away on time, Baz in the lead with the sun on his
back. Straight away we get what we expected, sand, bull dust, corrugations and
dunes. Then our arch enemy , the wind arrives and smashes us for the day. But
you endure, get on the pedals and stay there for the day. If you eat right and drink right you will get through. If you back off a bit you might even enjoy it.
It's a very beautiful place to be, the outback colours are incredible, how can something so harsh be so delicately beautiful. And sharing it with friends makes it more rewarding, having a chat, encouraging each other, laughing at those who fall to the ground, covered in red dirt, it's all good.
It's a very beautiful place to be, the outback colours are incredible, how can something so harsh be so delicately beautiful. And sharing it with friends makes it more rewarding, having a chat, encouraging each other, laughing at those who fall to the ground, covered in red dirt, it's all good.
Bob Freeman said the
road was good, he’s a nut. It was crap
except for the last 15 ks.
So we all share the hardship of riding in the desert, some
do better than others but we all ride into town together. A feed and a drink
and you forget the pain and remember the beauty.We are in Tib" a junction for travellers, two pubs, a coffee shop, a roadhouse and us. Some explore, some do washing, some get seated
Explorer Charles Sturt was one of the first Europeans to visit the area in 1844. He spent six months trapped by drought at Depot Glen, south of Tibooburra. He then tried to travel north west and was defeated by the desert. Burke and Wills also went through the area in 1861 on the journey north towards the Gulf of Carpentaria. It was the search for Burke and Wills that led to the opening up of the country for the pastoral industry.
Ride Day 3 Saturday 23rd May 2015
Tibooburra to Borrona Downs
Tibooburra to Borrona Downs
7.30 to 5.30
145 ks Ride Time 7.56 Road Time 10 hours. Max 37 Average 18.2
There was a bit of fear in the camp last night, genuine fear. If we are dished up the same terrain and conditions, some people will struggle. Some face their longest day ever of 145 ks and this place is no place for sissies. But a ride plan of slowing things down and gathering up every 20 ks should work. And if it's too tough there is the bus. But there is enough backup from this marvelous support crew to get you through if you keep your head, eat well and hydrate.
There was a bit of fear in the camp last night, genuine fear. If we are dished up the same terrain and conditions, some people will struggle. Some face their longest day ever of 145 ks and this place is no place for sissies. But a ride plan of slowing things down and gathering up every 20 ks should work. And if it's too tough there is the bus. But there is enough backup from this marvelous support crew to get you through if you keep your head, eat well and hydrate.
Luckily, we are greeted by a fine, sunny day. And there is no wind, yet. We get 5 ks of tar out of town then our mates, sand, corrugations and bulldust arrive. But the hills are more gentle, the wind is still away and we ride.
There are thousands of roos out here, some get too close for comfort at times, the landscape is grizzly and its a bit hot. But you pedal. Sticking together has made a real difference for everyone, some go beyond their best because they are supported. A lunch of chicken wraps in the desert revives us all.
Back on the seat we pedal again. The afternoon drags on but finally we reach the turn into Borona. That last 6 ks into Borana (thyat the station owner had graded for us) with the sun setting was a real achievement, we shared the glory. Pedalling for 8 hours in sand is not easy.
We find the shearing shed, scatter into corners inside or get tents up outside. There are only a few showers so some give it a miss. On dark we stroll to the main camp where the station owner has put on a grand feast. We have a fire, our drink truck and good company. The station has also installed phone system just for tonight so we can call home. The cost of dinner is donated back, these are good people.
The property is 250,000 acres, 3000 cattle and 7000 sheep. One sheep needs 60 acres to survive. Hard, dry country. They need rain out here badly.
But we are weary riders and most find their beds easily, only Westy stays for a guzzle with the locals.
Bed under the stars, special.
There are thousands of roos out here, some get too close for comfort at times, the landscape is grizzly and its a bit hot. But you pedal. Sticking together has made a real difference for everyone, some go beyond their best because they are supported. A lunch of chicken wraps in the desert revives us all.
Back on the seat we pedal again. The afternoon drags on but finally we reach the turn into Borona. That last 6 ks into Borana (thyat the station owner had graded for us) with the sun setting was a real achievement, we shared the glory. Pedalling for 8 hours in sand is not easy.
We find the shearing shed, scatter into corners inside or get tents up outside. There are only a few showers so some give it a miss. On dark we stroll to the main camp where the station owner has put on a grand feast. We have a fire, our drink truck and good company. The station has also installed phone system just for tonight so we can call home. The cost of dinner is donated back, these are good people.
The property is 250,000 acres, 3000 cattle and 7000 sheep. One sheep needs 60 acres to survive. Hard, dry country. They need rain out here badly.
But we are weary riders and most find their beds easily, only Westy stays for a guzzle with the locals.
Bed under the stars, special.
Day 4 Sunday 24th May 2015
Borona Downs to Wanaaring.
Borona Downs to Wanaaring.
7 to 4 110 ks, Road Time 9 hours, Ride Time 6.19, Max 25 Average 17.2
What hospitality, its incredible. The station owner graded the 6 ks into the wool shed, gave us accommodation , put in a phone service for the night, cooked a great dinner, donated the money back, lit a fire for us, and provided breakfast.
But the five k track back to the road scared a few, hold on and pedal, it's a red dirt scramble. Back on the road we had a good 20 k leg to drinks, all the new riders were smiling. Ian up the pointy end. But we are in the outback, the bulldust, the sand and corrugations will test you.
So we ride with roos, some pigs today and lots of goats. Lunch of sate chicken wraps in the scrub. The sense of achievement in the team was palpable. Confidence is growing.
After a great 110 ks, we camp around the local RSL hall, some inside, some on the grass. The lucky ones are in the police station, some in cells, some on the floor.
There are enough showers for everyone, so after washing off the dust, we go to the pub. They have karoke on at 3 in the afternoon, that's weird, but it will do. By dark we are fed another camp oven extravaganza and have met the locals, then we sing, Loose Bruce is, well, loose. The other Bruce is Irish dancing, Ian is in the swing of things and Mal and Margaret are dancing as well, its good to be here. We know each other a bit better now and it shows.
This country is pretty extraordinary, its beautiful, its tough, the people are so generous. If you get a chance to get out here take it. But maybe its the traveling group that makes it, I'm sure it is.
What hospitality, its incredible. The station owner graded the 6 ks into the wool shed, gave us accommodation , put in a phone service for the night, cooked a great dinner, donated the money back, lit a fire for us, and provided breakfast.
But the five k track back to the road scared a few, hold on and pedal, it's a red dirt scramble. Back on the road we had a good 20 k leg to drinks, all the new riders were smiling. Ian up the pointy end. But we are in the outback, the bulldust, the sand and corrugations will test you.
So we ride with roos, some pigs today and lots of goats. Lunch of sate chicken wraps in the scrub. The sense of achievement in the team was palpable. Confidence is growing.
After a great 110 ks, we camp around the local RSL hall, some inside, some on the grass. The lucky ones are in the police station, some in cells, some on the floor.
There are enough showers for everyone, so after washing off the dust, we go to the pub. They have karoke on at 3 in the afternoon, that's weird, but it will do. By dark we are fed another camp oven extravaganza and have met the locals, then we sing, Loose Bruce is, well, loose. The other Bruce is Irish dancing, Ian is in the swing of things and Mal and Margaret are dancing as well, its good to be here. We know each other a bit better now and it shows.
This country is pretty extraordinary, its beautiful, its tough, the people are so generous. If you get a chance to get out here take it. But maybe its the traveling group that makes it, I'm sure it is.
25.05.2015 Wanaaring to Janina Station. 8.00 to
3.00
84 ks Ride Time 5.06
Road Time 7.00 Max 25 Av 16.5
Goodbye Wanaaring, you were good to us. A cracker of a day
greets us and we have a police escort out of town. Because its short, some new riders
are keen today. Old Al had a few falls but soldiered on. Ian is determined to
complete. Farnham is out of quarantine.
The scrub is pretty ordinary, there are a few roos but more goats and some pigs. There is a bit of water laying around the table drains, but the day is good till lunch. Lunch is great as usual, the Dingo Lady joins us but luckily she doesn’t follow.
The scrub is pretty ordinary, there are a few roos but more goats and some pigs. There is a bit of water laying around the table drains, but the day is good till lunch. Lunch is great as usual, the Dingo Lady joins us but luckily she doesn’t follow.
Then we hit Janina Road and have a bit more hardship, just
to test us. Then a long run into the woolshed on sand. Riders dismount after another outback slog, their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurred, their shirts all soaked with sweat.
The Camp is OK by tour standards, 2 toilets and 2 showers for the whole crew, the campers sleep on burrs.
The Camp is OK by tour standards, 2 toilets and 2 showers for the whole crew, the campers sleep on burrs.
But once you are in you recover, do your bit around the camp
and relax around the fire. The "donkey" hot water system provides enough hot water for a shower. Jeremy plays the guitar and some sing. There is a wood burning competition and Greg Backhouse wins easily.Others tell lies and laugh. Steak for dinner, red wine and beers and sleep. Life
is good.
26.05.2015 Janina Station to Louth.
72 ks 7.30 to 1.30
Road time 6 hrs, Ride Time 3.12 Max 32 Average 18
Janina was another interesting outback experience, you had
to be there. The accumulating tiredness makes you sleep well so you wake up ready for whatever today might bring.
Before sunrise, we are all up again, in the zone, getting ready to ride.
Some are a bit early for breakfast. Westy’s eggs are soft but his heart is
hard.
But we get on with it, eat pack ride.
But we get on with it, eat pack ride.
Gogg gets us lost but then finds a good track back to the
road. And the road is kind, sure there is sand and gravel but the wind is good
to us .
Everyone cracks on. We are on the Darling River catchment. We lunch on hard red gravel, but its good. A quick run to Louth, nice.
Everyone cracks on. We are on the Darling River catchment. We lunch on hard red gravel, but its good. A quick run to Louth, nice.
We have some grass to camp on, and the lucky ones are in
cabins. There are plenty of toilets and showers and plenty of beer at Shindey’s
Inn.
Its on again, dinner, a few beers, some red and lots of
laughs. When the pub shuts, its bed time on the banks of the Darling. Some get
little close to the bank and topple down during the night. The snoring symphony
continues into the night. But rain is a threat, overnight things get serious, what will tomorrow bring.
The town was established in 1859 when Thomas Andrew Mathews, an Irish immigrant from County Louth, built a pub to serve the passing trade along the then busy Darling River. At one stage the town grew to have three hotels, a cordial factory, three bakeries, two butchers, a post office, three churches, a Chinese garden, a general store and a police station.[2] The post office still remains and has been beautifully restored and is now a privately owned bed and breakfast.
When T.A. Mathew's first wife, Mary Mathews, died in 1886, he had a unique headstone built that is now an Australian National Monument. At dusk each night, the cross reflects the setting sun across the town acting as a beacon of light that on the anniversary of her death lights up the doorstep of where her family home once stood.
Rest Day Wednesday 27th May 2015
Everyone has been looking forward to this, some more than others. Those who had been to Louth before didn't expect much, the rest didn't find much. But if you stop, look around, listen to locals you might just learn a bit, even admire the placed. Rossco is tinkering with bikes, he's a good man.
All tour we have been in awe of Davo and Hawkeye. These are two great blokes, grinding away on a tandem in country that really isn't designed for bikes. They just motor along, dealing with the terrain, smashing through sand and corrugations. And the partnership doesn't end on the bike, they navigate the camps, the pubs and even play golf. They are both a lot of fun, different personalities but complimentary at the same time. It's a privilege to ride and tour with them.
The pub, Shindy's Inn is the hub but the cemetery is interesting, there are tennis courts, a race course and even a desert golf course. So over the course of the day, we have a look at a local silver jewelery lesson, take in thew cemetery history and go to the golf course.
The locals serve cakes and slices with morning tea, then 9 holes of golf with no grass. It's really an eye opener. Then a camp oven lunch in the outback, before we head to the pub for some laughs and a relax.
Its state of origin night so after a magnificent steak and salad dinner we settle in for beers and red. Queensland win and we go to our beds.
This place has a genuine community feel about it, you've got to admire these people, they are genuine Australians.
The big issue for the day was the looming rain which could change our plans tomorrow. You can't go into the places we intend to if it's wet.
Everyone has been looking forward to this, some more than others. Those who had been to Louth before didn't expect much, the rest didn't find much. But if you stop, look around, listen to locals you might just learn a bit, even admire the placed. Rossco is tinkering with bikes, he's a good man.
All tour we have been in awe of Davo and Hawkeye. These are two great blokes, grinding away on a tandem in country that really isn't designed for bikes. They just motor along, dealing with the terrain, smashing through sand and corrugations. And the partnership doesn't end on the bike, they navigate the camps, the pubs and even play golf. They are both a lot of fun, different personalities but complimentary at the same time. It's a privilege to ride and tour with them.
The pub, Shindy's Inn is the hub but the cemetery is interesting, there are tennis courts, a race course and even a desert golf course. So over the course of the day, we have a look at a local silver jewelery lesson, take in thew cemetery history and go to the golf course.
The locals serve cakes and slices with morning tea, then 9 holes of golf with no grass. It's really an eye opener. Then a camp oven lunch in the outback, before we head to the pub for some laughs and a relax.
Its state of origin night so after a magnificent steak and salad dinner we settle in for beers and red. Queensland win and we go to our beds.
This place has a genuine community feel about it, you've got to admire these people, they are genuine Australians.
The big issue for the day was the looming rain which could change our plans tomorrow. You can't go into the places we intend to if it's wet.
RIDE Day 7 Thursday 28th May 2015
Louth to Bourke
Big changes today, we can't go into the country we were meant to, you just cant get through. If we go out there we may be marooned for days. So we bus to Bourke, 3 mm of rain changes everything.
Everyone accepts the decision. Its a chance to get the Kurri trailer repaired, both mudguards are gone so a trip to a local engineering shops fixes everything.
West'y is also fixing bearings and Goog needs spare parts for a break on his trailer. This country is hard on everything. So far every vehicle has needed some sort of work.
The rest of the day is spent roaming around Bourke, having a coffee and fixing stuff. The washing gets done and bodies are recovering.
Bourke is a tidy little place with a bit of history to absorb. An inland port in it's hey day, it must have been something to see.
In the evening everyone goes their own way, some for Chinese, most for a bar b que provided by the caravan park owner, then an outdoor movie before we turn in.
Louth to Bourke
Big changes today, we can't go into the country we were meant to, you just cant get through. If we go out there we may be marooned for days. So we bus to Bourke, 3 mm of rain changes everything.
Everyone accepts the decision. Its a chance to get the Kurri trailer repaired, both mudguards are gone so a trip to a local engineering shops fixes everything.
West'y is also fixing bearings and Goog needs spare parts for a break on his trailer. This country is hard on everything. So far every vehicle has needed some sort of work.
Bourke is a tidy little place with a bit of history to absorb. An inland port in it's hey day, it must have been something to see.
In the evening everyone goes their own way, some for Chinese, most for a bar b que provided by the caravan park owner, then an outdoor movie before we turn in.
Bourke to Byrock
82 ks, Ride Time 3.43 Road Time 5 hrs Max 35 Average 22
More overnight rain makes yesterdays decision even more sensible, you can't travel red dirt country in the wet if it doesn't want you to.
So we get our first shot at a tar pedal and it really is a holiday, just sit and spin. All goes well until Old Al brings Young Al down and we have some injuries. But we have Shane Paul to patch up the wounded. One on the bus , one continues. Ian is just a rider these days, no accolades for achievement today, he's one of us.
Byrock has a population of 12 people and has camping showers some huts and we wine and dine at the Mulga Creek pub.
82 ks, Ride Time 3.43 Road Time 5 hrs Max 35 Average 22
More overnight rain makes yesterdays decision even more sensible, you can't travel red dirt country in the wet if it doesn't want you to.
So we get our first shot at a tar pedal and it really is a holiday, just sit and spin. All goes well until Old Al brings Young Al down and we have some injuries. But we have Shane Paul to patch up the wounded. One on the bus , one continues. Ian is just a rider these days, no accolades for achievement today, he's one of us.
Byrock has a population of 12 people and has camping showers some huts and we wine and dine at the Mulga Creek pub.
Byrock was founded to serve the Cobb and Co stagecoaches. The railway reached Byrock from Nyngan in 1874, with an extension to Bourke opening on 3/9/1985. On 6 July 1900, Byrock became a railway junction when the new branch line Byrock to Brewarrina opened. The branch line to Brewarrina closed in 1974 after the line was damaged by flooding, the mainline from Nyngan to Bourke through Byrock was closed in May 1989, after flooding caused major track damage. Passenger train services ceased in 1975.
Ride Day 9 Saturday 30th May 2015
Byrock to Willie Retreat Macquarie Marshes 134.2km. Well, that's what was supposed to happen. Rain demands a shuttle to Coonamble to avoid the bog hole that Macquarie Marshes have become. But a bus journey turns out to be an education for us with Greg Backhouse letting us into his mind.
The route that we are going to avoid would have been an interesting and testing one, we'll have to come back some time and complete it. But you can't complain that these people have finally received some rain, they deserve every drop.
Byrock to Willie Retreat Macquarie Marshes 134.2km. Well, that's what was supposed to happen. Rain demands a shuttle to Coonamble to avoid the bog hole that Macquarie Marshes have become. But a bus journey turns out to be an education for us with Greg Backhouse letting us into his mind.
The route that we are going to avoid would have been an interesting and testing one, we'll have to come back some time and complete it. But you can't complain that these people have finally received some rain, they deserve every drop.
Ride Day 10 Sunday 31st May 2015,
Coonamble
CSI Coonamble
Overnight we all slept well, listening to the heavy rain on the pub roof. The rain was so heavy that we4 failed to hear the intruders in the pub yard, thieves stealing 3 mountain bikes, each valued around $3000. But more valued by their owners as transport home.
At breakfast, oblivious to the crime, we all wondered what on earth we would do on a washed out day in Coonamble. Some went riding, some went to clean their bikes on the trailer. OH OH, we have a problem, 3 bikes missing. At first we all blamed Jake, then we discovered the abandoned tools etc. and realised this was for real. Episode one CSI Coonamble, all police resources were brought in, Steve Bragato come out of retirement and looked for a gun. Jack and Ross formed a posse and a house to house was started.
Some didn't give a rats, just stayed in the pub. But by lunch all three were recovered, repaired and we had another chapter to the Outback Mountain Bike Adventure.
The rest of the day was spent taking it easy, having a yarn in the pub.
Coonamble
CSI Coonamble
Overnight we all slept well, listening to the heavy rain on the pub roof. The rain was so heavy that we4 failed to hear the intruders in the pub yard, thieves stealing 3 mountain bikes, each valued around $3000. But more valued by their owners as transport home.
At breakfast, oblivious to the crime, we all wondered what on earth we would do on a washed out day in Coonamble. Some went riding, some went to clean their bikes on the trailer. OH OH, we have a problem, 3 bikes missing. At first we all blamed Jake, then we discovered the abandoned tools etc. and realised this was for real. Episode one CSI Coonamble, all police resources were brought in, Steve Bragato come out of retirement and looked for a gun. Jack and Ross formed a posse and a house to house was started.
Some didn't give a rats, just stayed in the pub. But by lunch all three were recovered, repaired and we had another chapter to the Outback Mountain Bike Adventure.
The rest of the day was spent taking it easy, having a yarn in the pub.
Ride Day 11 Monday 1st June 2015
Coonamble to Baradine
73 ks Ride Time 3.17 Road Time 4 hrs Max 38 Av 22.5
73km of tar road. The road and the wind are kind today, the country side is interesting. Everyone pedals and smiles. Old Al had his usual crash, the Creek Boys sat on the front and Ian took a couple of sprints. All up a very comfy day. You can tell from the average speed that things have improved.
We are at Camp Cyprus, camping and bunk accommodation. Many have stayed at this location before and as usual we have a great evening meal served by our local hosts for $20 per head. Then they donate half back. The camp is an interesting place, left over demountables from the 2000 Olympics. It makes things more than comfortable. Rick, Rex, Bob, Locky and a few of the boys enjoy a scotch, so tonight they enjoy the cabin warmth and sip a few. But it's perishing cold, we had a great fire outside but the cold drove us into air conditioned comfort and our beds.
If you are on a tour like this you learn to appreciate lots of things. But you appreciate the work of the support crew most. These ladies and gentlemen keep us alive. Every morning when you get out of your bed they are up, stirring porridge, cooking toast, cooking eggs. They clean up after us, organize accommodation and feed on the road. Then they usually cook our dinner. A couple of them usually wait till last at the pub to make sure we are safely in bed. Thanks so much for your support.
Ride Day 12 Tuesday 2nd June 2015
Camp Cyprus to Coonabarabran
48 km Ride Time 2.22 Max 50 Average 20
Our coldest day on tour, frost on the seat to start the day. So we start a little late, 9 am. Its a flattish start in scenic country. We enjoy the Warrumbungle's emerging as we pump along the flats towards Bugaldie (formerly a chalk mining Town). Then we get to a climb, our first on tour, just a tap for 15 ks to the top. Andy gets Male KOM, Natalie Female KOM and Davo and Hawkeye take out the doubles. And you must take your hat off to Chris Feltham, arrived up second on his fat bike, it must be like riding a tractor, one strong rider.
Out on the track we all got to know each other pretty well, but most of us had the opportunity to pull along side Steve Warden either on a bike seat or a bar stool. You can learn a lot from an old sage like Steve, thanks mate.
It remain cold on top of the climb so we take our first downhill as a gift. We have been on the pedals all tour so going down is something new.
You need to be out here to understand the true value of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service to rural and isolated communities. We think we get it because we are behind the cause, behind this ride, behind Barry Walton. But when a cocky from Barona gives so much, when a bloke in the pub at Coonamble gives $1000 , when the Camp Cyprus people feed and wine you for $15 and donate half the proceeds back to the Helicopter, when you get a roadside donation of $100, That's when you feel humble, when you realize that there are good people out there. That's when you appreciate being part of this great Outback Adventure.
Ride Day 13 Wednesday 3rd June 2015
Coonabarabran to Premer69 km Ride time 3.00 Max 55 Av 23
Todays distance around 69 km on tar. But it was perishing cold to start, remained cold in the middle and was cold at the end. We came prepared for this so layers of windproof ride gear keep you snug.
We had a smooth run, just turning the pedals over taking in the scenery of the Warumbungle Shire. There were a few rolling hills, something new for us. Everyone was smiling, chatting in the peloton. Again all we have is camping or the local hall floor accommodation with showers available at the lion’s park. To get out of the cold we wander to the Premer Hotel. Call in if you get the chance, it's interesting. Then the Lions Club of Premer are our hosts tonight.
And don't they know how to cook. Steak and vegies with gravy, and some beers or red wine. The locals really appreciate the service that the helicopter provides to them and hearing their stories you get a perspective of how important it is to them.
We slink off to bed, dreading the cold, its coming to get us.
Ride Day 14 Thursday 4th June 2015
Premer to Quirindi.
92.5 km Ride Time 4.14 Road Time 6.00 Max 45 Av 22
Last nights hospitality was warm, but today's greeting from the winter morning was bitter. Campers had hoare frost all over their tents and Cots, the ground was white. It's minus 3 degrees. This should be fun. Once we have had breakfast, packed the trucks we get on the bikes knowing we are going to get hurt.
Immediately the chill hits and the pain begins to seep into your extremities. Fingers and toes first, then anything that is exposed. It lasts for 20 ks, just on an hour before the sun did its job.
That over, you could sit back and marvel at the subtle beauty of the Liverpool plains, mountains brooding in background, lots of blues and greys. The cultivation is either shades of green or of chocolate soils. Its a different sort of beauty to the cranky, harsh red stuff we enjoyed so much.
From a start filled with pain we transform into a day filled with joy. It's just good to be on the bike out here, this place should never be mined, it's too beautiful and too valuable. There are signs of wheat crops in, cotton crops harvested, sorghum in transition, feed lots with 40,000 head of cattle, grass fed sheep and cattle. Canola and sunflower will be in soon. Its no place for coal or gas.
Everyone is strong by now and pulling into Quirindi feels like a walk in the park. Ian had another PB today, well done mate. And we are in early, we might just celebrate.
Hanging around the motel having a beer with friends is a bit nostalgic, this will be our last road night together. We get to the Federal Hotel for dinner and yarn around the fire. It's a good night out. The courtesy bus takes the motel people back and the pub dwellers linger. Another night over.
Ride Day 15 Friday 5th June 2015
Quirindi to Tamworth and Base.
78 ks Ride Time 3.33 Max 55 Average 22
78 ks Ride Time 3.33 Max 55 Average 22
Quirindi serves up the final blow for this Outback Mountain Bike Adventure, overnight rain, a cold morning and more rain to come. But that's what you get when you sigh up, an opportunity to experience it all.
Nice rolling hills take us into a valley that delivers us to The Creek. From there we take some tar to Currabubula. Bik Kev has organised pies, coffee and some music at the pub, so we enjoy a break from the cold, sitting in the pub. We all take coffee, only the band take rum this early.
Back on, we do a bit more tar before going bush At Duri, an old romantic haunt of Hawkeye. He may be blind but he could tell all about each house in the little village.
We ride again, creeping towards the end. Riders smile at each other. Everyone is looking tanned and healthy. Sweat cleans your system out. But soon we have some media along, friends and family greet riders from the side of the road, we must be getting close.
Then its there, the Helicopter Base and the end of our trip. We all have new and special friends, these tours weld strong bonds. We have seen the deserts, the outback and this great country together. We have shared a few hardships, some dirt, some community hall floors and lots of laughs. We shared great food and wonderful backup from the support crew.
And we raised some cash for the chopper, over $110,000.
Well done team, see you on the bike.
And we raised some cash for the chopper, over $110,000.
Well done team, see you on the bike.
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