Border Run 08 from Perth

Discussion in 'Ride Reports - Epic Rides' started by Eaglebeak, Aug 6, 2008.

  1. Eaglebeak

    Eaglebeak All roads rider, West Oz.

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2005
    Oddometer:
    3,745
    Location:
    Perth.
    The Border Run, an annual event with riders coming from both sides of the country to meet at the West Australian/South Australian border.

    <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:eek:ffice:eek:ffice" /><o:p></o:p>
    For riders from <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:eek:ffice:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Perth</st1:place></st1:City> on the west coast it’s about 1500 kilometres. In the old days they would leave after work on Friday night and ride through to meet on the Saturday afternoon at the Tavern attached to the roadhouse.
    Then turn around and ride home in time for work on Monday.

    <o:p></o:p>
    These days it’s a more leisurely affair for most (most I said, not all, eh Dave).
    I left early Friday from the Port city of <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Fremantle</st1:place></st1:City> on the west coast riding up into the hills to meet my brother John (V-Strom 650) and his mate Kevin (Honda Blackbird 1100).

    <o:p></o:p>
    There are two options to get to the border from the west. The boring ride is tar all the way, the other is a short cut through Hyden to Norseman, with 300 kilometres of dirt. Unfortunately we’d had rain for about two weeks and it had been closed to all traffic, only opening the days before we left. I figured it’d be all cut up with the truck traffic that use it to service a few mine sites along the way. So we (I) reluctantly took the tar.

    <o:p></o:p>
    Day one is usually a bit of a mission; we were trying to make 950 kms before dark to camp with the usual suspects at the beginning of the “90 mile” east of Balladonia roadhouse. So not many pictures.
    We did run into Paves, DRDave and others at Southern Cross, on their way towards Laverton and the <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Great Central Road</st1:address></st1:Street> and ultimately, the OCR.
    <o:p></o:p>

    Did I mention the cold ?
    It was bloody cold ! Cold, cold, cold.

    <o:p></o:p>
    I did get my first ticket in a long while though. I was leading east of Norseman and came up and over a hill to be pinged by an approaching Police car at 129 kph.
    $150 and 2 demerits. It could have been much worse; they told me they’d clocked a Moto Guzzi at 149 kph that carries a $700 fine. Apparently one more kilometre per hour and it would have been $1,000 for that rider ! !
    <o:p></o:p>


    Along the way we met up with some other riders I knew and by the time we got to Balladonia it was dark.

    This little fellow came out for a feed.



    [​IMG]


    We quickly bought some liquid refreshment from the tavern and set off in the dark to ride 50 kms to the campsite.

    [​IMG]
    <o:p></o:p>
    In the end there were about 12-15 of us there.

    [​IMG]
    <o:p></o:p>
    Dave’s monster truck

    [​IMG]

    This little 250 that was heading for the OCR. I heard later he changed his mind at the Border and headed back to <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Perth.</st1:place></st1:City>
    <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"></st1:place></st1:City>
    <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">[​IMG]</st1:place></st1:City>
    <o:p></o:p>
    Some more of our overnighters

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    My set up.

    [​IMG]


    Off again, Saturday morning with about 500 kms to go.

    We stopped at the <st1:placeName w:st="on">Madura</st1:placeName> <st1:placeType w:st="on">Pass</st1:placeType> lookout where we ran into this couple who been travelling from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Canberra</st1:City></st1:place>.

    [​IMG]

    They’d gone up the east coast and across the top, travelling with their neighbour on this.

    [​IMG]


    While in Esperance they’d heard about our little gathering and decided to come along.

    Finally, the border and the usual crowd of bikes.

    [​IMG]


    A slightly different mix this year I thought. A lot less early BM’s of the outback traveller type and a greater percentage of road tourers I thought. I guess the old school guys were all on their way to the OCR.
    Certainly AussieDave’s “Far Riders” were in numbers enough to be noticed. Also some British Motorcycle Enthusiasts Club members, with a couple of nice newish Bonnies.
    A Harley and a Japanese Harley clone.
    Only two outfits that I noticed. PJ’s (aka Granddad) and this nice airhead RT.

    [​IMG]

    PJ's outfit.

    [​IMG]



    Here's a series of random shots from Saturday arvo.

    [​IMG]
    <o:p></o:p>
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    This bike and it's owner, Kenny Gawenda, have done some big outback trips and they were on their way to the OCR. Mostly solo and mostly the hard way.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    One or two beers and a bloody good feed, then it was back to bench racing, more drinking and of course smooching up to that old trollop, THE PUDDING.
    I did get a little excited when I first saw the old thing, can I blame Chicky, after all he brought it to the Border ?

    [​IMG]

    but I quickly settled down and behaved like a gentleman.

    [​IMG]
    <o:p></o:p>
    For some it was time for a power nap.

    [​IMG]
    <o:p></o:p>

    But there were still plenty of others still partying.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I did spot long time "Two Wheels" touring writer, Geoff Hall in the crowd.
    Geoff, if you're reading this, thanks for the stories and pics, for me you're one of that group of pioneers of dirt touring, well before the term "dual sport bike" came along. From the days when we just rode whatever we had, stuff the 'niche' bikes !

    PJ one of the founders of the OCR.

    [​IMG]



    All too soon it was over for another year and it was back on the bikes for the trip home.
    By now I’d heard from <st1:personName w:st="on">Ken</st1:personName>ny that the dirt shortcut had been okay on Friday when he took it so I decided to take it on my way home.
    <o:p></o:p>
    Another stop at the lookout,

    [​IMG]


    Well, I'm having trouble linking to my photo server so I'll post this up now and try to drop the rest on a bit later.


    Still to come . . . .300kms of dirt, rain and mist, all on a 1150R.



    Andrew Linton.
    #1
  2. Eaglebeak

    Eaglebeak All roads rider, West Oz.

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2005
    Oddometer:
    3,745
    Location:
    Perth.
    Now, where was I . . . ? ?

    Homeward bound.


    . . . then we had to get off the road for this big mother

    [​IMG]

    ...and passed a few of these.

    [​IMG]

    before we finally we got to Norseman by ~1600 hrs. Roughly 750 kms for the day so far.

    I had reception on my mobile and picked up a message from my mate Geoff that he and two others had left town an hour earlier, heading for the Breakaways, about 200 kms down the dirt.
    This is where my left my brother and Kevin as they elected to take the tar back towards home.
    I quickly spoke to a couple of cops at the roadhouse, asking about the road conditions. When they realised I wanted to take the dirt they tried to dissuade me, “treacherous”, one described it. He’d been down there in a 4WD a week ago, the water was a foot deep.
    Finally they gave up and simply said that the “official” recommendation was I didn’t take it and to make sure I contacted someone when I got off.
    <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:eek:ffice:eek:ffice" /><o:p></o:p>
    I guess they were only covering their arse in case of litigation but really, after having ridden it, I think they were talking about a completely different road, as you will see.
    <o:p></o:p>
    I set off in the gathering gloom knowing I’d be riding some of the way in the dark but also with the knowledge there’d be a good fire waiting for me when I caught up to Geoff’s group.

    [​IMG]
    <o:p></o:p>
    Once it got dark I was reminded just how poor my stock light is on my BM. I am certain the light on my 04 KLR is better. It's disappointing as I’ve been happy with the lights on my previous BM’s
    <o:p></o:p>
    <o:p></o:p>
    <o:p></o:p>
    The road was very good. Some potholes, most were easily avoided at the speed I was doing. The last time I’d done this road I saw a lot of Roo’s so I was sitting on about 60kph in the dark.
    But it was hard packed clay, almost no loose gravel at all. Some water lying around but not enough to cause me any bother.
    Not a single Sphincter moment.

    Luckily for me the boys had stopped at the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:eek:ffice:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placeType w:st="on">Lake</st1:placeType> <st1:placeName w:st="on">Johnson</st1:placeName></st1:place> campsite only about 110 k’s into the dirt.
    <o:p></o:p>
    A good night yarning around the fire and we woke to mist and light rain falling.

    My last two swags were home made, basically envelopes that I press studded together. I'd finally bought a new one and so far I'm very happy with it, Very warm, small footprint and packs small on my bike. I use a sleeping bag with a 'Therma Rest' as a mattress.

    [​IMG]


    We still had about 200 kms of dirt to go and the rain on this road was a worry. We didn't dawdle but were packed and ready to go fairly quickly.

    [​IMG]
    <o:p></o:p>
    [​IMG]


    It was extremely hard to ride with a fogging visor inside and light rain on the outside.
    Not to mention the cold. Did I mention the cold ?

    [​IMG]
    <o:p></o:p>
    <o:p>Luckily the mist cleared by the time we got to the Breakaways.</o:p>
    <o:p></o:p>
    <o:p>[​IMG] </o:p>

    A bit cold Shane ? What's that growth on your face ? :D

    [​IMG]

    Geoff's delighted to discover some dirt on his bike, street cred yeah !

    [​IMG]


    From the Breakaways it was a great ride on an excellent road.

    [​IMG]


    I finally saw a couple of roo’s about 40 kms from the tar, which is roughly where we left Crown Land and got back into the freehold farming country of WA’s wheatbelt.

    [​IMG]
    <o:p></o:p>
    A gratuitous shot of my bike, 'cos I think it looks great.

    [​IMG]

    We had a bite to eat in Hyden and once back on the road I experienced one of the best days riding I’ve had in a few years.

    Four big BM’s, spread about 30 metres apart, no one trying to be Alpha male, just enjoying the moment. One after the other we had glorious sweeping corners, signposted at 90 and taken at . . well, more than 90 :evil Bloody magic.

    Corner after corner and all with the rolling green fields around.

    [​IMG]

    A quick stop at the Corrigin dog cemetery.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I’m not sure if I’d bury mine here, but I’ve had Cattle dogs and Kelpie’s and certainly understand the sentiments on the plaques.

    [​IMG]


    I’m a softie, I still morn the loss of Harry, my Red Cattle dog. He was a real mate.

    But the road (and home) beckoned.
    <o:p></o:p>
    One of these bikes is not quite like the others, can you tell which one ?

    [​IMG]


    All too soon we left the greenery and arrived on the outskirts of the city, my ride was over.
    <o:p></o:p>
    I’d like to leave you with two photo’s from my brother’s ride back after we split at Norseman.
    The memorial to the 3 truckies taken in last years fires, between Coolgardie and Southern Cross. A good reminder, one way or another the road can reach out and bite those that love it and use it.

    [​IMG]
    <o:p></o:p>
    And finally this shot, not a bad way to end a trip.

    [​IMG]

    Okay and now a little confession. Obviously the dirt photo's are all mine, but many of days 1 and 2 were taken by my brother John (Archie55).
    You can tell which ones, the composition and focus is better.

    Thanks bro', and thanks to Kevin, a safe rider and good travelling companion.

    And lastly, a big thank you to Geoff, Shane and Jon for the riding company on Monday, our last day.
    I've done a fair bit of travelling and know that pictures never, ever, completely capture that mental moment, that "Zen" moment.
    Monday was one of those magic days.

    Geoff that's twice we've done that road together, what am I going to do when you move over east ?
    <o:p></o:p>
    Andrew Linton.
    <o:p></o:p>
    #2
  3. Russ

    Russ Let's ride.

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2007
    Oddometer:
    24,955
    Location:
    Bowral.
    Great thanks for sharing:thumb
    #3
  4. masterbrewer

    masterbrewer TDMster

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2005
    Oddometer:
    3,152
    Location:
    Adelaide, South Australia
    :thumb

    Fantastic Andrew :clap

    At least you got some dirt as well :wings

    And then...............................:lurk

    Cheers
    :beer
    #4
  5. GB

    GB . Administrator Super Moderator Super Supporter

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2002
    Oddometer:
    70,010
    Great ride, gathering and report!! thanks for posting :thumb
    #5
  6. Zurgg

    Zurgg Been here awhile

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2007
    Oddometer:
    143
    Location:
    Oz
    Great story and pics Andrew. Thanks for sharing :clap
    #6
  7. wayno

    wayno Long timer Supporter

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2004
    Oddometer:
    7,797
    Location:
    East of KCMO
    Great trip and pics....was there in Exmouth 70-71
    would love to ride there again.
    #7
  8. auRoscoe

    auRoscoe Cerebral Failure!

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2007
    Oddometer:
    460
    Location:
    Melbourne, Australia
    Thanks for sharing! :clap
    #8
  9. Idahosam

    Idahosam Set Adrift

    Joined:
    May 23, 2006
    Oddometer:
    4,182
    Location:
    Back in the Saddle
    Thanks, I really enjoyed the read, you guys have some beautiful country over on the west side.
    #9
  10. sandgroper

    sandgroper Long timer

    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2003
    Oddometer:
    5,667
    Location:
    Wanneroo, Western Australia
    andrew
    great photos and story, thanks for your time.
    ed
    #10
  11. Eaglebeak

    Eaglebeak All roads rider, West Oz.

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2005
    Oddometer:
    3,745
    Location:
    Perth.
    Next year Ed ?

    It's a great ride out through Hyden, it really makes the run for me. I was glad I was able to do it at least on the way back, otherwise it becomes a boring tar slog.
    I find that run out along Great Eastern Highway to Coolgardie very boring.

    I'm trying to talk Mrs Beak into taking her GS500 next year and doing the Hyden - Norseman road with me. If we can organise the kids at home she may come.

    Andrew.
    #11
  12. kktos

    kktos on a bright side of life

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2005
    Oddometer:
    2,368
    Location:
    in front of Mare Nostrum
    Ah Andrew !
    At last, I'm able to see u guys from the land down under freezing while I'm under a hot sun !! :D
    Because most of the time, it seems to be the opposite way !

    About the light of the 1150R, yep, it was a pain for me too.
    I tried either a 100W bulb (I did the electric work to allow this) and a 55W philips nightvision. far better but not perfect.
    the best would be to have aux lights.... but so much for the aesthetic of the roadster...
    On that matter, the vtrom of your bro is far better !

    Funny.... I started to realize that the little roadster was not the bike I need when I started to do more and more offroad.
    So I went to the GS.
    It was hard coz (like you) I was in love with my little one.
    Nevertheless I'm not regreting at all my decision.
    The GS brought us as far as we wished to go (solo or with my wife).

    Nice report !
    Cheers.
    /thierry
    #12
  13. sandgroper

    sandgroper Long timer

    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2003
    Oddometer:
    5,667
    Location:
    Wanneroo, Western Australia
    I would look forward to it, i just got my drivers back after close to a year of walking. long story so i won't bore you.
    ed
    #13
  14. Andrew2

    Andrew2 Long timer

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2005
    Oddometer:
    8,576
    Location:
    Wollongong,N.S.W.
    Nice report Andrew:thumb.

    A2
    #14
  15. chicky

    chicky BMW Rider

    Joined:
    May 9, 2007
    Oddometer:
    1,062
    Location:
    Red Cliffs Vic 3496 Australia
    Hi Andrew (eaglebeak) ................
    Great photo's and it was good to put a face to a name.
    Hope to see you next year
    The photo of the R100RS belongs to bernie who took the pudding back to
    Pt Augusta on sunday.

    Regards Chicky ...............:thumb
    #15
  16. TouringDave

    TouringDave Tri Moto Veritas

    Joined:
    May 17, 2005
    Oddometer:
    7,348
    Location:
    Frankston, Vic, Aust.
    Beautiful pics there Andrew, thanks for sharing. Glad you all have a safe and enjoyable trip.:clap
    #16
  17. Eaglebeak

    Eaglebeak All roads rider, West Oz.

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2005
    Oddometer:
    3,745
    Location:
    Perth.
    Chicky, that R100RS is bloody beautiful. It was my pic of the bike photo's.

    kktos, I hear what you're saying. A pair of auxillary lights would be good but I don't do enough country night riding these days to warrant buying them.
    As for switching to a GS, then I'd have no excuse for my poor dirt riding !:D
    This way I can blame the bike.

    No disrespect intended to any GS owners, but I'm a pretty poor dirt rider, I'd feel a pretender if I rode one. I probably ride 80-20% tar/dirt so if I have a ride where I know it's going to be really difficult I take my KLR.

    Thanks for the replies. Now to organise another ride.

    Andrew.
    #17
  18. nevgriff64

    nevgriff64 .

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2005
    Oddometer:
    20,764
    Location:
    Melbourne Australia
    Nice ride and report Andrew.. :clap
    #18
  19. FuddyLogic

    FuddyLogic Blue'n'Orange

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2003
    Oddometer:
    1,048
    Location:
    Tasmania, Australia
    Always enjoy your reports Andrew - a great way to start a lazy Sunday ... Thanks
    #19
  20. davorallyfan

    davorallyfan Commonist

    Joined:
    May 2, 2005
    Oddometer:
    18,499
    Location:
    Capitalist
    Good stuff as usual Andrew :thumbup

    Maybe Next Year.
    #20