Ulysses Club - Clarence Valley Group

The bug ....

Brunhilda (silver 1150 GSA) took me to Byrock (70 km Sth of Bourke) two weekends ago! First leg was 3 hrs north from Grafton (to go west remember), up to Warwick to meet 3 riders from Brisbane (Phil & Murray) and Mac from Noosa (who I shared the trip to Arkaroola with).  Then off to Narrabri (Sth west), via every dirt road we could find.
 
Got drowned in the rain when I found my waterproof jacket, isn't any more;  any one have any clues as to why cordura ceases to become water tight?
 
Friday night in Narrabri staying at a nice old pub - the Tourist, with some of the obligatory refreshments; picked up an extra 3 BM riders, plus another group of 650s (Transalps and a Dakar) from the NSW mid north coast. Saturday morning we all headed off to Byrock for the Saturday night BBQ and Karaoke, via Walgett, Brewarrina and Bourke. Our group were all BM riders, GSs and GSAs of various vintages, riding at a comfortable elevated cruising rate of progress and about 200m between machines; an impressive sight and sensation, to store away in the cobwebs for later years.
 
The 650s stopped for a dip in the thermal pool at Brewarrina, in the rain.  They looked to be thoroughly enjoying it all.  You don't have to be made I reckon, but....
 
We had a great time at the BBQ, another great pub (the Mulga Creek Pub); the only pub!  It has great 'mine hosts', excellent well earnt beverages, bush atmosphere and with a wide range of accommodation for the saddle sore. weary traveller.
 
Up early Sunday morning and back to Moree, via the same and we parted company.  A return trip of some 2200km and many more good memories.  Sadly the route home was all tar, due to rain making 'local' roads impassable.  Fond memories of another dirt riders adventure.
 
After getting on with everyone so well, we have discussed a get together in Grafton and to do some local exploring around the local country that I so love, in the not too distant future.  Long term, the next Ulysses Adventure (Dirt) Riders trip is planned for next September and Mac and I are discussing going onto to the Alice, by heading basically direct west from Winton/Longreach, along the Plenty Road.


 

 
A riverside picnic area somewhere

 
Refreshments at Ashbury

 


 

 
The Northerners' line up @ Ashbury

 
Walgett - old and new together - they're all good for this work!

 


 

 
Bre' -  thermal pool in the rain and the mud

 
Bre' - "Beam me up Scotty"

 


 

 
Port o' Bourke

 
Bourke on Darling - black cockies; the ones with the red tail feathers

 


 

 
Port o' Bourke - "saddle up!"

 
Made it! 1200k's and 30 hrs later

 


 

 
They came from everywhere on all sorts of machines!

 
KTMs, Transalps, GS and GSAs

 


 

 
Even a slightly modified K from Vic.

 
I did say all sorts!  Can you see the kitchen sink?

 


 

 
Mulga Ck Pub accommodation; 'The Tinny", and there were campsites and motel rooms too!

 
...and Brunhilda was happy, after rendering such faithful, comfortable and reliable service!

 


 

 
No, not really!  Just a photo for the benefit of stirring the Yanks!

 
"Anticipation" - a western outback, Sunday morning, sunrise; sadly, time to go, but there is the return trip to enjoy!

 


 

 
Bourke for breakfast; nothing like the smell of a country bakery breakfast and good coffee on any morning!

 
Patiently waiting outside.

 


 

 
Move over Mr Knoffler; "Sisters in arms!"

 
Are you ready?

 


 

 
Then let's go!

 
The line of riders stretches off into the distance; riding the Gwydir, from one end to the other!

 


 

 
I'll say this quietly so she (Brunhilda) doesn't hear:
 
"A GSA, an adventurer's bike, may not be pretty or have lots of chrome, but for some, it's not the bike, but where it can take you!"

Keep smiling

Paul M
Northern NSW Amigo

(02) 6640 1068 - anytime

answers not always guaranteed

 

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