Russells Ride 2010, Australia

Hello, my name is Russell Nurse.

This year's ride is a follow up of my first long distance dirt and tar ride last year.

We (my son Karl and I) traveled 8300km in 16 days on a pair of DR 650s and afterward I found I really had the bug.

The Donahue and Plenty Highways, the Tanami Desert, Wolf Creek Crater , the Kimberleys, Birdsville & Innamincka were no longer just places on a map and I'm itching to get going again.

Last year was about learning (lessons like running out of fuel on the Tanami or getting water in our fuel) fortunately we had vehicular support.

This year I've got a new side kick (my eldest son Luke) and we're doing it without support. On the agenda is Menindee, Tibooburra, Camerons Corner, Lyndhurst, Oodnadatta, Mt Dare, Dalhousie, Purni Bore, Finke, The Olgas and The Rock, Jervois, Boulia, Bedourie, Cordillo Downs and more.

I'll be blogging my way, as internet access permits so subscribe to the Two Wheel Touring Newsletter (see side bar) to follow my progress.

WebWork by...

WebWork by...
Peacock Digital

TwoWheelTouring Subscribe

Visitors to date

20 June, 2010
Boulia to Windorah. Slow out of bed to be greeted by a cold and windy day. The ride to Bedourie is through wide open plains , much of it completely treeless. There were grasses and herbage this year and there must be lots of small animals because tens of kestrels soared effotlessly through the sky searching for their prey.
We had lunch at Bedourie. More giant country meals, of which one a day is normally more than enough. Left Bedourie rode south a few kilometres and swung onto the Diamentina development road. This was another mixed surface road.
As a motorcyclist you have days where the bike feels it goes better, the tyres have more grip and confidense is high. This was not one of those days for me.
The front end felt skittish, I was tired and fatigued. The  front wheel washed away on loose gravel and I was up out of the seat in a big "tank slapper". Got control back and pulled over for a break.
We rode cautiously to Windorah and stayed in comfort at Cooper Cabins which has its own cafe and bar. Another big meal (didn't really need it after lunch) and off to bed,
(We mostly dont get past 8.00pm through tiredness and we definitely need a days break to recharge).

0 comments: