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Over nighter
Report by Col.
Always looking for something different to do I thought an overnight trip to Jurien would be the way to go. A few of us had done it by 4 x 4 sometime ago but not by bike between Cervantes and Jurien. Day 1. 9 riders turned up for what turned out to be yet another sensational weekend. Julie, Marg and Kellie drove to Jurien on the tar to take up our gear while we headed north from Lano on the bikes. To get in a few extra k's we rode from Lano - Cataby - Wedge - Cervantes - Jurien. Day one knocked up around 200 k's. Although the long deep sand section between Wedge and Cataby sorted out the men from the boys, the fast flowing trails (best in WA) on the way back from Cataby to the main Wedge track certainly make up for any pain. For the guys who had not ridden that section before - Aren't they the best!!! Wedge to Cervantes was pretty much the same as most others but the action began once we headed for Jurien. A leisurely ride out of town, through a few tracks and then on to the beach to find the deepest sand you can ride through and keep moving. Nearly everyone had a few problems but we soon realised the only way to deal with it was to stay in the gas and keep it pinned. We opted for a combination of beach work and boggy inland trails however found the 30 km section more than challenging. After a day in the saddle the final 30 km's took its toll and after arriving latish in Jurien and finding our accommodation, a hot shower and a cold beer were the best cure to relief the aches. We met later at the local tav for a meal and a few more drinks. There were a few thirsty riders among the group and several jugs of beer were consumed in no time at all. The drinks bring out the best of both the ribbing and bench racing. Andrea related the story about how he had just pulled up outside the rental house and before he had even turned the key off, Mr Bloggs was there to ensure everyone had rego and licenses. Apparently Andrea could only say, " Is this New Zealand", in his best foreign accent and Dazza came to the rescue stating that they were all a bunch of mature responsible licensed riders. Mr Blogg was happy and left. As the boys did not want to leave their trusty steeds parked unattended for the night they decided to take them in the house!!!!! To keep a low profile the bikes were wheeled out the back to be bought in through the back door. Rocco being Rocco decided to fire his bike up, wheelie it onto the front veranda and ride through the front door. Now that's the way to do it!!!! The neighbours never saw a thing. Day 2. The day started with a "big breakfast" at beach side caf attached to the caravan park. Roley was contemplating a ride from Jurien to Cervantes on the tar to avoid the extra deep beach sand however after a few "girlie boy" comments decided to follow us all the way continuing his role as sweep. The first section was nowhere bad as it appeared on the first day. Maybe we were just all fresh or it was just that we new we needed to ride the bikes like we had just stole them. Not too far into the ride I noticed what I thought was a dead sea lion laying on the beach. As a went screaming past it, he turned his head and let out a big roar and made a run for the water almost taking out Col Mc. Col said it was very close and may have changed the colour of his jocks. The ride from Cervantes home could only be described as steady. A large number of 4 x 4 's and other bikes were out. I had a few close calls riding up front and realise just how dangerous the section back to Wedge can be. A quick break at Wedge Island and we were off with Col Mc up front to show us the way home to Lano. Back at the cars, Andrea realised he had lost his keys. Lucky we had a South African with us. Within a few minutes Rocco had unbolted the rear door on the old Tojo and a quick hot wire, Andrea was on his way. I got a nomination for ROTD for organising the weekend and picked up an extra point. Everyone who came along had a story to tell. I reckon this will have to end up an annual ride. Until next time - Keep it upright!!  You could be forgiven if you had mistaken this picture for a pic out of last months ADB mag about a story on a Cape York ride. This is actually four Crusty Quinns who own the only other 400 DRZ's in Australia other than Cape York Safari's and the odd farmer.  Now this is a real pic of Western Australian Crusty Quinns out there on an unsupported two day ride. True enduro men, tough guys, expert riders and best of all - a top bunch of fellows.  The cars were left overnight at the caravan park for safe keeping.  A new player - Dale.  Roley coming in after a long haul on the boggy beach section. It was almost enough to tempt him riding on the tar back between Jurien and Cervantes.  Rocco - Any excuse to spin the rear wheel and have a bit of fun.  Rest time.  Brecky at a beach side cafe.  Now there's a decent garage if I ever saw one.  Upon return to Lano, Andrea realized he had lost his cars keys and needed to break into his car. lucky we had a South African with us. Look carefully at the pic. Rocco unbolted the back door on the old girl.  After this pic was taken Big Col said this joke was getting a little old. I don't know - I can still have a laugh at it each time!!! |
