The day:
How many places are there is Australia that make the best pies?
The meeting place was easy to find, and everyone gathered in the sunshine across the road to warm up (and eat scrambled eggs on toast with a plastic spoon - it works).
Ready to head out:
Great sized group - 4 FJR's (one just made it in time) and a 'wing - but he used to ride a red FJR so Rod was always welcome. Had 4 pillions along too - great.
Signs like this are GOOD. Down a gear or two, feel Zea's body position change ever so slightly, and away we go:
And the road on top of the Bunya Mountians is narrow:
The Bunya Pine grows a 'cone' approx the size of a human head, and weighing up to 10kg. You do not want one to fall on you. (I waas right on this bit of trivia). They do NOT only grow in the Bunya Mountains (I was wrong on this bit of trivia. So far 50/50)
So where did you guys go?
Well, we scooted down and back up the mountain while others stretched their legs, and Rod went on ahead to get a table for lucnh. All very civilised.
Man-talk at the lunch stop
After lunch the navigating fun started. I had prepareed a GPS route along roads that none of us had travelled, and had no idea as to what they were like. Went fairly well, except:
1 - overshot one turn as my roadspeed exceeded the GPS ability to show the turn. Well, having a silent GPS, I ride on the basis that I watch the road, and glance at the GPS to get the next direction 'fixed'. I was riding so 'fun' that I just mis-estimated the turn point, and when I next glanced at the GPS it said 'off route' - so I knew I had to go back and find the turn. First time I thought a talking GPS might be a good idea.
2 - I could swear the GPS said 'Turn Right', so I did, but we had to turn left :mrgreen: Jeez, a female moment :crylarf:
3 - Zea and GPS both said the turn is here (Zea had started reading the GPS by this stage), and even though I acknowledged her call I overshot the turn. That was pure, unadulterated, brain fade :crylarf:
By this time Atlas was following the map, and more people were believing the map than me. The fun part (for those who have done time trials) was riding the 'make up' - you have to go faster to make up the time you have lost. I enjoyed that part. Maybe the little boy in me was having too much fun to worry about directions :crylarf:
Atlas, sorry we didn't get say a proper 'see ya later' when we split up. It sort of became a bit disorganised towards the end.
This bit of road should be in my backyard:
We rode it twice, just because it is so much fun, and I would have done it twice more except my reputation was taking a pounding already.
And when we had to stop at roadworks Gavin got a big hug - was it relief at knowing where you were at last:
And the (shrinking) group just before we waved our goodbyes:
No, you can't see the stealth black in the picture, 'cause it was out front :mrgreen:
Moose, a while ago you asked to be shown the roads and rides around Brisbane. Is this working :crylarf:
Thanks again for a fun day. You've seen my earlier comments, so next Boys and Girls Day Out will have a few changes.
Swannie - that is a very South African nickname - do you have an African heritage? And just as well you are bringing the Aussie girl back :mrgreen: Look forward to meeting up with you when you get here.