Long Ride - Day 3 - Bourke to Charleville

Long Ride day 3 - Bourke to Charleville

The plan for today was to start reasonably early and get to our destination as early as possible, it didn't seem to work that way, but it doesn't matter, it was probably the best day of riding so far. 

 

We'd learnt overnight that one of the riders who has been joining us, had a few issues with his bike.  His Hyosung 650 had developed a hole in it's radiator and needed repair.  While we went and sought out breakfast in Bourke, it wasn't looking too hopefully, it doesn't seem to be the most hospitable of places.  But to our surprise we found the Morall's Bakery Cafe.  Not only was the service great, but the Eggs Benedict was fantastic.  The coffee was probably up in the top five I have ever had.  It was a real surprise considering this is a town where a bottle shop won't serve you unless you have a vehicle, and all of the grog is behind a cage ... I won't go into that.

 

After breakfast we met with Andy, who's Hyosung was having problems, and Bill.  They'd been to the local mechanic who said he couldn't make the repairs needed to the radiator but did suggest putting a teaspoon of white pepper into the cooling system.  What the flock?  But the old timer swore by it suggesting he had a truck he did it to and it lasted over 30 years.  Andy tried it and told us he and Bill would catch up.

 

We took off and headed for the Queensland border and guess what?  Yes, that's we were again treated to an array of wildlife, mostly feral.  It certainly keeps things interesting on these very long straight roads.

 

This was another 250 k plus stretch without fuel so would certainly test some bikes.  The Gerry cans were full and ready, if needed.

 

The last pub in NSW on the Mitchell Hwy.  Bill was ready
for a beer.

We passed through a small town called Enngonia and it looked like there wouldn't be much more for a while, then suddenly up popped this oasis in the middle of nowhere, a pub that had a sign that read "The last pub in NSW".  It was tiny, I couldn't resist, and had to stop.

 

Walking into the yard, a greeting came from a red dog, who sniffed around and walked away, and a cockatoo who squawked "hello".  Three old people sat at a table in what I guess was the beer garden.  The old lady, "Mary" followed me into the bar and asked, "would I like something".  It turns out she is 84 years old and runs the place on her own. 

 

It was only about 10:30am but hey, I couldn't resist the last beer in  NSW.  I asked for a pot of draught.  There was no reply just a look of what did you say.  OK, a different tact.  A stubby of Carlton Draught, to which the reply was "never heard of it, this is all I have" as she pointed to a small shelf. OK, I would have a Melbourne Bitter.

 

Mary's little pub.  I wish I could've had more time here.

Then the conversation began.  Immediately it turned to horse racing.  Apparently Mary loves it, but hates what Gai Waterhouse has done to the sport.  According to Mary, Gai had cheated in the Cox Plate to benefit her "feminine little boy".  I couldn't argue, even if I wanted to.

 

Outside the two others sat having a beer turned out to be to Irish pig hunters up from Newcastle.  When the weather is good they hunt pigs.  Not with dogs, they are too old to handle dogs.  And when asked what they do once they have killed a pig, they replied look for the next one.  It seems strange but they are actually doing the environment a service.

 

Seeing the bikes parked out the front, a number of grey nomads started to stop and have a look.  The Irish pig hunters were in their element, telling stories that made the old caravaners blush.  It was gold.

A quick photo at the NSW-Qld border.

In this time Andy and Bill had joined us and were happy with the white pepper fix.  We would all ride to Cunnamulla together.  We'd been warned that this town has one of the highest police presences in Queensland and the locals had caused a lot of trouble a few nights ago.  We were apprehensive, especially when a small group of local kids started to hang around the bikes.  The police soon moved them on and we could enjoy lunch before the last leg to Charleville.

 

Almost 200 kilometres later we met with most of the other riders after sorting a mix up in accommodation, we still don't know if this is a scam by the locals to rip a few more dollars from the 'tourists'.  We went to the Bailey Bar caravan park were a camp dinner had been put on for us.  Over a few beers some of us were able to meet with riders and friends made on the last Long Ride.  Arnold has gone all out and died his hair, beard and eyebrows blue for the cause.

 

Hopefully the roads tomorrow will have a few
more bends.

The night was a good laugh, with great food, but also had a serious note as ride organiser, Chris Dunne spoke about men's health issues and what we can and are doing to help.  It was a great way to relax after another day of avoiding the 'natives'.

 

Tomorrow we head slightly inland as we head for Barcaldine, and a reception that is being out on by the whole town.

 

Today we rode a total of 499 kilometres, taking the overall total to 1499.  The great thing is the weather is really starting to warm up and making the riding much more enjoyable.  The total raised continues to grow and now sits at $12,146.