LawnmowerMarks 2006 Walkabout update & photos: Updated 8th Nov '06

[BaZa®]

photos HERE


So Day 1, left melbourne at 8.00am, 9 deg and threatening to rain. we were
all so cold that 1st stop happened at 150km, Apart from that nothing
untoward as we encroached into the outback, lots of cows and a few emus.
Stopped at West Wyalong which would appear to be a typical provincial
farming town.

DAY 2. Left at 9am and headed off into the country again. gale force winds
blowing whicha s wel as being hard work forced an extra petrol stop as the
bikes were working hard. We headed up across from West Wyalong through Dubbo
and came off the main highway onto Hwy55. As we got to 11am the temperature
increased to the lower 30 degs a slight change from yesterday. Winds
continued all day until we got to Lightening ridge. At 4pm. A nice Motel had
been booked for us and the kind lady in charge ferried us up to the
Hotspring at the edge of town which is reknowed for its benefiicla
properties mainly to do with rheumatism and arthritus. the water was at a
constant 42 degs and was very pleasant and certainly helped assuage the
acheing muscles of us all. Dinner was partaken of in the social club and
being Sunday most of us opted for the roast pork. Very good value at 8 bucks
but sadly not yorkshire puddings. A few beers ensued and then bed before10pm
which is unsual for me. Encountered out 1st suicidal roadtrains today. 3
trailer trucks driving at 110km/hr and intent on passing us whatever. Even
round blind bends. There seemed to be a posee of them 5 in total so in the
end Brendan and I pulled over and let them all pass. I want to ge there in 1
piece.

Day 3. Fortunately today the winds abated and allowed us to crack into the
journey. so a few edge tailed eagles about, loads of dead roos by the side
of the road and saw 2 or 3 flocks of Emu's in nearby fields fortunatelty
they stayed away. Today was to be a big day but by 4pm it became apparent we
were not going to make it to the Farmstay we had planned at Warremba near
Canarvon Gorge. So after some hasty phone calls we made Roma some 200 km
short, we found at motel and elected to stay there. Dinner was organised at
the motel and a few beers and once again an early night.

DAY 4. After a slow start we were off again and headed to Canarvon Gorge.
Weather was just beautiful, light cool breeze and bright Sunshine. 1st
Casualty was Mike riding in shirtsleeves and no suntan Oil burnt arms always
difficult to tell when rideing a bike until you stop anyhow. So we made
Warremba farmstay dumped our stuff and made out way to Canarvon Gorge. Sadly
to get there we had to negotiate 50km of dirt roads, now these are something
else especially on a Harley. So 2 hours later we get there covered in dust
Zoe lost both catches on her top box. So we stopped at the hotel there for a
cold beer and then set off for the hanging moss gardens some 3km away. ll
very good and enhanced by the Kangeroos we encountered on the way home. They
were only some 4 ft away and seemed quite content to graze away even tyhough
one of them had a joey in its pouch. We were obviously in natonal park so
they are protected in there however im told they often end up in the pot.
After a couple of cold ones on the way back we negotiated the dirt track
once again with no accidents apart from a close encouter with more Roos and
made it back home.
We all dug in and made fresh colesalw, spagetti bolognaise for dinner had a
few cold tinnies and then at 9pm it was all over .

DAY 5. saw us all packed up and fueled up ready to roll at 8am. Hit the road
and again another pleasant day, saw a few Wallabies by the side of the road
and more Emu's which seemed to be everywhere we looked. Having cancelled our
2nd day at Canarvon we decided to split up. Zoe Billy Brendon and Maggie
wanted to head to Rockhampton. We (Mike Helga and I) decided to head
straight across country, so we stayed in Emerald a while, washed our bikes
and rang for a hotel room which we found and the impresivley titled grand
hotel. Fortuitous it was as we then found out that the NSW Hog lot wer also
heading on our route and had pretty much booked the town out of rooms. We
arrived at 3pm had a wander thru town sussed a few things out and had a few
cold beers. Had a chinese all u can eat buffet at 6pm for 15 dollars. Then
all the lights went out. Oops. seems there was a bush fire some 100km away
and it had taken the power lines out, so no tv, no phones, no beers pumps.
Sat in the dark on the veranda for a while and retired at 9pm once again.
Slept like a baby mind and woke at 5am checked around the bike made some tea
and read a while.

DAY 6.

So we headed off at 8am, bright and breezy. stoppe after 180km for brekkie
and coffee and then met up with the NSW lot again. Hit Persepine at 1 pm and
stopped for coffee and then the last 2okm into Airlie Beach. Straight to the
rally registrationa and thereafter to find my backpackers place. which was
400 metres away at the end of town. Fortuitously i have been billetted with
2 irish girls and a scots lass. I politely explined i snore like a hog but
it didnt seem to worry them. So i went out to the terrace and had a few
beers before unpacking bike sussing out hostel (free tea and coffee yippee)
and then showering bedfiore heading to town at 8.30pm. met Mike and Helga in
the bar and had a couple they headed to bed ealry and i wandered up town to
one of the many bars. Left around 12ish came back to find a possum nosing
around the terrace and then crashed. No roomies, they returned at 5am and
woke me up . tut tut girls.

Anyhow all sussed thats me so far and i will add tot his from time to time.
Take care all.

[BaZa®]

Sat. 4th Nov 2006............. latest photos HERE

after an early rise 5.30am a couple of cuppas i left not so sunny Bentleigh
at 6.15 for our rendezvous point at Melton some 70km northwest of Melbourne
on the western highway.
Arrived at the mcDonalds Melton to be greeted by 10 various Harleys 1 car
and 20 peeps from my local Harley Owners Group OZHOG Melbourne. Breakfast
ensued (if u can call McDonalds food) we left shortly after 9am for the trip
to Hahndorf close to Adeleide some 720km away. So despite the overcast and
slightly chilly wind the thunder of 10 harleys tearing along the highway met
my ears as we departed westward. always good for me :-) we headed along the
m80 over the hills into the grampian mountains where it got a bit colder but
fortunately didnt rain. One thing ive learnt about the OZHOG lot was that
they march on their stomachs so there were frequent stops for tea coffee
milkshakes cakes sarnies pies and dinner. However the weather improved as we
made the 300 km mark and soon we were stopping to divest ourselves of the
many layers of clothing we were all wearing.The weather got warmer as we
approached bordertown on the South Australia / Victoria border were we
finally lost our wet weather gear on the border where we were stopped by the
police (all 10 of us) and invited to take a breathalyser test. All passed as
we hadnt stopped at any pubs and we continued on our way and reached
Hansdorf some 25 miles south of Adeleide at around 6pm. Having all checked
into out various Hotels and decided to meet up for dinner at 8pm. A
relatively quiet night ensued over dinner in the Handsdorf Inn a few beers
wines etc were consumed as we decide a plan of action for the next few days
we left the pub around midnight and returned to an apartment complex that a
few guys and girls had rented where we shared round out limited stocks of
booze and recounted numerous stories jokes etc. Sleep beckoned and i
returned to my room at 1am ish calling for a swift half at the pub on my way
home it was swift as the remnants of Kareoke was still running and a very
poor showing it was too even the bouncers were stood outside.

Sunday. 5th Nov 2006

Having agreed a late start and lazy day was in order we met for breakfast at
9am we quickly dissapaited along Hanhsdorf main street into the myriad of
small shops selling arts crafts food drink and pretty much everything and
Rod and Hammr (Director and Assitant Director) instigated a command and
control post outside a quaint cheese and wine shop that had newly opened
called "Udder delight" As the day progressed more and more tables were
added until we almost filled the outside patio where much joviality and
frivolity ensued amongst copious bottles of most acceptable wine and cheese
platters whilst we people watched, chatted, joked and abused the many
bemused passers by. At this point i must point out that Hanhsdorf despite
being in south Australia was a village founded by predominantly German
Lutherans(Protestants) who were fleeing persecution in Prussia and other
parts of Germany some 100 years past. Consequently the village has a
slightly German appearance about it. Now u would also be quite surprised to
find out that the most common visitors to this part of Australia are ????
Yes German. Quite why when you can see this type of village every few miles
you would want to travel some 12,000 miles and spend ur vaulable and limited
holday time there quite defies me but needless to say a large tourist
destination like this was doing very well at the job in hand which was
parting the tourists from their hard earned dough. The afternoon party
dwindled to just a few of us with mutterings of nanonaps and the remainder
descended on the German inn along the high street where we partook of the
local beverage namely Becks (only ever brewed in Germany) whilst we played
pool against the locals and sampled the many good tunes and the video
jutebox. We were recalled at 19.30 for dinner, never let it be said we were
hungry and the A$9.90 buffet of pumpkin soup followed by Roast
Beef/Lamb/Pork roast potatoes peas etc was enthusiastically recieved along
with customary alcoholic beverage. Shortly afterwards Hammr and Michele were
presented with an anniversary cake by the OZhog members who reminded them
that as well as organising the fun for the weekend it was also their
anniversary. Now having been on the pop since midday and things being
slightly confused we, at somepoint once again retired to the apartment and
courtsey of an ipod and speakers and a few more drinks we regailed tales of
memories past until the early hours, departing slightly earlier than usual
in anticipation of our planned ride for the following day.

...continued on next post....

[BaZa®]

Mon. 6th Nov 2006

we met for breakfast at the Hansdorf Inn and stocked up on Bacon Eggs &
pancakes and whatever else took your fancy. Sadly Steffo's Ultra had been
left under a tree resulting in a considerable mess from the birds nesting in
the tree that night , however it was soon washed off. We left Hahnsdorf
under sunny and Blue skies albeit still a tad chilly for the ride to
Birdsville some 40 km away. We stopped at the Motor Museum to have a look
around. The museum houses many weird and wonderful machines cars Motorcycles
and Trucks from the Australian British and American motor industry. Foremost
amongst these were a couple of Leyland vehicles i had never seen before, Big
4 door coupes with 4.8l V8 engines. It goes without saying they flopped
(after all there were Leylands) however the thought crossed my mind that
maybe they should have tried selling them in the UK. Compared to the bland
offerings of the Marina Allegro etc they may have actually incited some
interest. The Motorcycle section was well represented a number of vintage
Harleys being there along with a large compliment of AJS, Matchless, Norton
and Triumphs plus some rarer machines including an absolutley beautiful
Sunbeam S7 and a Panther cw sidecar. To be honest i lost track of the time
but i guess a couple of hours later we emerged into the sunshine a quick
smoko and we were off to our next stop the Toy factory. Now methinks this
was carefully engineered by some of the girls. Well after all Christmas is
approaching. The toy Factory is a tradional Australian toy factory that
makes wooden toys. All the old favourites were there including a rocking
Harley, various trucks trains cars etc and many many novelities and needless
to say some large bags of shopping exited the building. Corey provided some
amusement when he went to the large aviary at the front and proceeded to
engage a cockatoo in conversation. At the front of the toy factory is the
world largest rocking horse some 25ft high which marks the entrance and
Peter took a great photo shoot of all the bikes lined up outside. We moved
on to our final stop another 25 km distant the Peter Lehman winery. I was
astounded as we moved into the Barossa valley. Just miles upon miles of
vines all planted out as far as the eye could see. We arrived at the winery
for a small but responsible sample of the wines offered and ordered 10
ploughmans platters which caused some confusion as they were not expecting
so many people, needless to say with complete professionalism the food was
duly delivered into the large garden in front of the winery were we sat and
enjoyed the stunning weather and relaxed. Much banter later and appetites
sated as we layed on the grass dozing chatting and generally enjoying the
convivial atmosphere whilst Amanda ministered to the many tense and tired
shoulders arms necks with a reviveing massage. I wont be relaying were Patch
had his massage it wasnt there and it wasnt then but its sufficient to say
he had a smile on his face which some may say is unusual. We reluctantly
decided maybe we should return to Hahnsdorf for some light alcoholic
libation and maybe a nanonap or two which we did. Stopping for coffee only
after a 30 km ride thru gorgeous countryside with light winding bends with
the wind in our faces and sun out bringing a smile to all of us. We reached
Handorf some 45 mins later were all retired to their relative accomadation
to ge ready for our final nites entertainment.
We met around 8pm at the Hanhdorf Inn. (popular place this) were we had some
drinks a great meal which was enhanced by the provision of free bottles of
wine due to our custom and the fact they were busy making our food later
that the boss would have liked. All this helped wash down the great food. A
sweep was organised by Di, Goolah and Corey for the Melbourne cup (its a bit
like the British Grand National and indeed it was the reason why we were
away. Victoria is such a civilised place giving bank holidays for sporting
events such as this.) People gradually thinned out turning in early in
readiness for our epic journey home the following day.

Tues 7th Nov 2006

After an early rise i met Christy and Goolah for coffee outside the Hanhdorf
Inn at 7.30am ready for an early start at 8.30am. In the event we could have
had another hour in bed as we didnt leave until 9am. We tanked up and head
off towards the Princes Highway M1 before turning off to Talem bend under an
uncertain weather outlook. It was quite breezy and chilly still but we made
Talem bend within the hour where we stopped for fuel and brekkie. We met a
couple from Sheparton HOG whilst outside on our smoko before leaving and
agreed to meet him at the following weekends poker run which OZHOG will be
attending. We had already heard that there were a number of patch clubs out
and about so we were on our guard for the inevitable police presence passing
a number of speed traps along the highway. The weather warmed slightly as we
wound our way back to Victoria we followed the morse code pattern of smoko
stops as and when Patch felt the need 60km 60 km and then an epic 250 km
part from South Australia into Victoria which had a couple of the guys
twitching as the reserve fuel light came on. Our previous tear along the
highway at speeds approaching 140km/h where we passed everthing in site
including a couple of Triumphs and a Mazda RX8 and a Nissan 380Z was met by
bemusement from said vehicles as we reduced speed to 90km/h to conserve fuel
for the last 30km and they overtook us. However we did make it to much
relief from all. We decided to stop at Nihl for lunch. Im not quite sure
this was for the food or for the more eager members of the party that wanted
to put bets on the Melbourne cup before the race started. However by this
time the weather had improved considerably and although a bit gusty was
pleasantly warm so whilst bets were placed and we raided the bakery for pies
sandwiches and cakes we lay around in the park enjoy the warmth of the sun.
At this particular moment i'm not quite sure what was going on but as Hammr
was on his knees in front of Michelle a bird strategically decide to let go
his load which somewhat spoilt the moment. At this point i would point out
the old superstition that when a bird shits on you it is supposed to be
lucky. It tuned out that this is obviously relative to the ammount of shit.
Because Steffo and Sandy won the Melbourne cup sweep and Michelle was third.
As we wound our way back through Horsham to wards Melbourne the weather
changed to overcast again and it turned colder as we climbed the hills
before Ballarat. Marcus Edie Stan and Ida decided to press on leaving the
group. So with a slighltly smaller group we approached Arrarat with some
150km to go and stopped for coffee in our favourite coffee shop before
taking the last stage of our journey home. The last leg was a steady roll
towards Melbourne. The group split up at Bacchus Marsh and i headed off down
the Western Highway for the WestGate Bridge. I lost Pete and Di somewhere as
i was being a little eager with the throttle. Suffice to say i made it home
at around 7pm turned the heating on and had my cuppa.

A great trip, with great friends, lots of laughs, good times, no breakdowns
or traffic incidents

You Should have been there.


Mark Barthelmie.