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Back tracks to Cervantes
Report by Tommy
Col Mac called a ride at what must be his favorite place to ride no surprise Lano to Cervantes. 9 riders turned up H Roley and Steve wanted to go exploring and playing with Hs new GPS so the team split up. The usual riders brief was held and the corner man system explained in detail for everyone but especially for our new rider Kathleen. Colin was leading and I was doing sweep so off we went nice and steady to the first regroup when Deets caught up with us. The tracks were perfect as the weather gods had arranged for some rain the night before. We had a good paced ride towards Wedge but going over the top of some hills I almost collided with Gavin who was new even newer to riding in sand than me but by the time we arrived at Wedge he was getting to grips with it. Pounce decided to have a game of chicken with a 4X4 driver who could not decide what side of the track to stay on and was given some friendly advice on the rules of the road. Deets is doing a lot of corners and believe me he can kick up a good roost when he gets on the gas. The usual stop on the beach for a rest some photos Fiona and Kathleen top up their bikes with some fuel and then on to Cervantes. The cap rocks slowed some of us down a bit then we came across the new road and had to try and find the tracks again. The guys that were working there helped pointed us in the right direction and we were away again with not much incident. Cervantes and refuel the bikes have a bite to eat and some chit chat about the ride so far and various uses for bottle brushes that you dont want to know about so I some how manage to change the conversion to not roosting the sweep rider being a good idea. All rested and ready for the return ride the first corner I get to and Kathleen is sitting there adjusting her helmet with all the excitement she forgot to tighten it properly when we set off. Back past the new road and on to the sandy part near Gray were we meet the Ranger who asks are we the Crusty Quinns we reply yes and he just smiles and says have a good ride. Its always nice to meet nice people. The cap rocks again this where the fatigue starts to set in and one rider is finding it hard to find any rhythm or pick good lines over the loose rocks. Fiona rides on to tell the others what is going on while we sit and have a rest and a drink as you can dehydrate very quickly and not even be aware of it. We catch up with the rest of the group on the beach with on more incidents. Fiona offers to do sweep so I can have a bit of a blast in the pack. Pounce and Deets swap bikes for a beach run I think Pounce got the best deal there although he was saying that he had changed the gearing on the DRZ and it is pulling really well in the sand now but it would be hard to go past the big KTM. On to the home straight now and its not long before we come across some more 4X4 drivers this time they are more experienced and just stop for a chat while the rest of the group catch up. Colin is setting a good pace up front with us all chasing after him and having fun everything is good when out of nowhere jumps a big Roo and almost has Colins front wheel in its pouch a frightening experience that most of us know all about not long after this he is swarmed by Bees (4x4s and bloody nature in the bush fancy that) some of the risks you take if you lead a ride. Deets takes over sweep duties from Fiona for the fast hilly part and has to be careful of people stalled or bogged just over the crest of some hills but all is good everyone has made it and had fun. The last cruse back to the cars as this is always busy with other people having a good time a k to go and Fiona runs out of fuel so near and yet so far. Gavin shoots off to get Pounce on the good old reliable DRZ a quick transfer of fuel and we are all home safe and sound. No hog awards ROTD Colin for leading (and battling nature The Bees are defending themselves some how) SOTD Didnt see anything (a gentleman never tells)    |
