The planets aligned to slip out of Perth for a few days to catch the Australian Safari at the Gascoyne Junction Bivouac and also to introduce my brother to adventure riding. The plan was to head north east of Perth Western Australiian and do a wide arc thru the pastoral area avoiding as much of cilvilsation as poissible. First stop was just north of Beacon at Billiburning Rock rocks right on the edge of the pastoral country Karroun Nature reserve lies just north of here and represents one of Western Australia's largest nature reserves. In excess of 300,000 ha and 1/6th on the State's forrest. The Vermin Barrier Fence runs along the estatern side of the reserve and has restricted access Water tank with catchment used by the Doggers Via various pastoral tracks we made our way thru to Mt Magnet the first civilisation, a quick call ahead to Wooleen Station confirmed they would have a hot shower and 6 pack of beer ready for our arrival, The forecast was for rain so we sought the comfort of the camp ground kitchen. Open Station roads and overnight rain kept the dust down Early start from Wooleen we headed North West and picked up the Dampier to Perth Gas Pipeline which took us in a straight line to Gascoyne junction. Rolling dunes reminiscent of the CSR <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o> <o></o> <o></o> <o>Wirrimal River Crossing, must be impressive in flood</o> <o></o> <o></o> <o></o> <o></o> Gascoyne Junction and the Australian Safari Bivouac The catering for the Aust Safari is a marvel to watch and we were kindly allowed to camp on the oval with the competitors plus use their facilities. The caterers provided a 3 course sit down dinner for 350 head every night and a more than adequate wine list. Great atmosphere among the Safari competitors and lots of co-operation between the teams. Huge contrast between the Professional race teams and privateers We managed to catch the leaders comming thru Dairy Creek Station before we headed back, Not too many soft landings if you have an off Run back to Perth was via well formed dirt roads with only the frequent wild life the issue. Wilmo jooined us for the return trip. <o></o>
Looks like a great ride Jon. Did you blokes sneak out of the nursing home, or did they approve your leave?
Cheers JB, getting out and doing it is the best thing to do and you done it again. For me I enjoyed the use of the fences and pipelines and especially the riverbed shot.
Must have been the 'hot show' at wooleen station that was worth catching, must stop by there some time! Good riding with you J_B.
WILMO Sorry I didn't have a photo of your Orange rocket for the RR, send me thru a few photos and will include. The owner at WOOLEEN couldn't do enough to help us and there is some good riding and spots on the station and nearby. How's the Dash preparations going? Cheers Jb
Are you doing the Dash Wilmo? That sounds like an awesome weekend, but unfortunately I will be away. If you do it next year I would be keen to come and watch/cheer/help.
Thanks Dennis The 625 is a rocket , Didn't miss a beat and soaks up anything you point it at. Just time poor once again. Cheers Jb
Yeah that's the plan if it all comes together this week Alex. Writing an article on it from a competitor's point of view. You can come along next year if I survive this one and have the will to do it again. JB's experience has me worried!
Stick to the track , dont be tempted by the hot line and remember its a 2 day event. Plus your 10 years younger. Hope you have a cool weekend and good luck. Jb
