Up and went for a run and had another look at the Anzac Freedom Park and the controversial new art centre that looks like a giant origami model from the waterfront, then further around the water front to the historic Brig, Amity which is a reconstruction of the original ship that bought the first settlers to Western Australia. After a shower phoned the shop and they had our bikes ready to pick up, so we got a Taxi and gathered up the bikes with fresh oil and filters and new tyres on Dads wheels. The Taxi driver was a big boy, so big (fat) it was difficult for him to turn the steering wheel, however he is a budding racecar driver and told us about the classic car race on this weekend in Albany. He is building a Holden to race in this race next year. We had the obligatory Holden vs. Ford debate, as clearly he is a Holden man although he is forced to drive a Ford Falcon taxi. I told him about “the Rock” Radio stations recent prank where they built a car with one half Holden and one half Ford, and called it a Folden. He looked like he did not compute this idea, and only wobbled with laughter when I described the fact that Robert and Johnno the presenters had received death threats from Holden and Ford die hard fans at the massive insult to there loved brands, and there attempt to sell the car as a fundraiser had failed as no-one would buy it even although it cost about $70 000 to build.
The Bike shop owner had some advice about the route to take to Esperance, recommending the Stirling Ranges as a more interesting way to ride, compared to the coast.
After loading up the bikes with all of the luggage and bits and pieces we rode around the corner and had a Café breakfast. It started to pour with rain while we were having breakfast. We rugged up with weather proof gear and headed for Esperance. It was about 11.30 by the time we fuelled up and were heading out of town.
Today was all about ups with no downs. Up Up Up went the whole ride, it is amazing that we did not go into orbit. Here is a list of the places we went through; Porongup, Amelup, Ongerup, Jerramungup, Munglinup and Dalyup. But of course we passed road signs for the turn off to other towns; Kendenup, Gnowangerup, Pingrup, Chillinup, and Minarup. No joke, check a map, it is true.
Today’s rain was the first we have ridden in since I had new tyres put on. Ironic really, as new motorbike tyres are very slippery until they get the top layer taken off with a bit of time on the road so to have the wet road as well means you need to be particularly careful. We rode North Through the Stirling ranges which a re the highest ground in Western Australia, but no that high really in NZ terms. Never the less they are impressive in that there is a ridge of mountains that come up out of the Plane that is Western Australia. The road was very straight and fast through the national park. We rode past the Stirling ranges and then headed east again to resume our slog East. The country was mostly massive Paddocks with cultivated crops, or livestock and occasional natural country. Once on the northern side of the Stirling range the clouds were behind us and the skies were clear and large.
We rode until we got to Ravensthorpe about 310km and it was definitely time for a break and a drink for both bikes and riders. We stopped at a Café called the Stuffed Cockie, and parked behind a Land cruiser that was red with dirt, so much so that from behind there was no telling what colour it was, or if there was anyone in it, it looked like it was a clay model. Had a coffee and muffin and a read of the papers. Had to stop Dad ordering me Lasagne that would have just added to the difficulty of maintaining attention in a fairly dull riding environment.
Saddled up and headed for Esperance a mere 190km down the road. Long straight roads, big paddocks, windmills, cows, sheep, big tractors, and mines rolled past us as we progressed east. Dad stopped for a Photo at some point and I stopped to wait for him and got off the bike to take a photo myself. In the roadside there were animal prints of Cattle and Dog presumably a Dingo and a huge series of imprints from an Emu, which is clearly a heavy bird. Not good to hit any of these on a bike, and these were in the middle of nowhere miles from any sign of civilisation other than the Mine. Another reminder of why not to ride at night. The sun set behind us as we rode closer to Esperance, and my radar was on full alert for wildlife on the road although at this point it was farmland on both sides of the road so the risk seemed pretty minimal.
Found a motel in Esperance on the esplanade looking across the harbour to a huge tanker Ship that is obviously empty at the moment as it was so high in the water.
Showered and Skyped home to Justin and The Tavern. Everyone was a bit shocked and amused at Dads Beard. It is the longest he has ever gone without shaving, Mum told him to shave it off before coming home, which I think has strengthened his resolve not to. Then into the restaurant for food and drink.
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