Friday, May 25, 2007

 

The Ride Begins....





We've reached Hughenden for the completion of Stage 1 of the Great Outback Bike Ride: Trains, Pubs 'n Bones, and so far it's been a memorable week full of changing scenery! Here is a bit of a summary of the highlights of where we've been so far...

Savannahlander train: Cairns to Forsayth
The riders jumped on the Savannahlander for a two-day trip from lush, tropical Cairns to Forsayth, stopping along the way at pubs, little towns and other points of interest. It sounded like a fantastic journey, with an interesting commentary by the Savannahlander crew, and the riders certainly disembarked in Forsayth with smiles from ear to ear after a relaxing start to the ride.

Cobbold Gorge to Forsayth

From Forsayth we drove across to Cobbold Gorge, in time for a delicious meal in the restaurant, and a night under the stars before our first day's riding. Bikes were assembled and tweaked the next morning, before we enjoyed a morning cruise on the spectacular Cobbold Gorge, which was a brilliant way to start the day. The gorge is narrow and we managed to spot a couple of 'freshies' (crocodiles) on the banks of the pools leading into the gorge. The afternoon's ride was warm, along a dirt road through Robin Hood station through some very typically gulf savannah country. Arriving in Forsayth in time for a beer at the pub (of course!)

Forsayth to Einasleigh
Another day through brahman cattle country. Today's ride cut through the Newcastle Ranges, and once we reached the top of the range the view was quite remarkable. Einsaleigh is one of the Savannahlander stops, and is a tiny town on the Einsaleigh River, where there is a gorge where the town is. Of course there's a pub there, and being a Saturday night it was busy till late. We stayed in the caravan park, which has been meticulously laid out by Mark, who moved there for the peace and quiet. The town is very open, with vast plains stretching out to the ranges, with a couple of rocky mounds closer by to break the horizon.

Einasleigh to Oasis Roadhouse, The Lynd
This ride is all about the pubs (well, not only about them, but of course they're a major part of the plot!) and today we reached what is supposedly Australia;s smallest bar. I'm not sure how many stubbies of XXXX Gold you could line up along the counter, but it wouldn't be a full round that's for sure! Road trains were lined up out the front of the roadhouse, giving a bit of a glimpse of the traffic we would encounter the next day (but luckily we didn't get too many of them passing us!). We heard reports of the road from here to Hughenden, and most of them said how rough it was going to be...

Bush camp #1: Einasleigh River
The notes said Hospital Creek, but our camp, which was off the road along a track, was actually on the banks of the Einasleigh where a lovely deep waterhole with flowing water set the scene for the most magical spot. A grassy knoll surrounded by towering gums, the flowing water and picturesque rocks and sany beaches made it a bush camp to remember. Topped off by Peter's delicious camp oven roast chicken and vegetables. Truly magnificent and it was hard packing to leave the next morning.

Bush camp #2: Poison Creek
The scenery changes a bit each day, and today we had a couple of special moments. Passing by a herd of brahmans, we spotted on the other side of the road a day-old calf sleeping while its mother watchedy by. We managed to stop and take a few photos without disturbing them. Then further on we passed a grove of cycads (blackboys) on the side of the road, with lusciuos green fronds on top, and up to 5-6 foot or more high. Our camp was in a disused roadworks camp which had been cleared for the machinery and vans, but there was a little track going down to the creek where there were relics of a stone house.

Porcupine Gorge
We had planned to have a rest day here, but after arriving with plenty of time to do the walk, we decided to stay one night and head into Hughenden the next day. It was a good choice, and while the gorge is quite spectacular, we had ample time to walk and take it all in.

To Hughenden
the landscape keeps on changing as we headed into Hughenden. The road was still partly dirt, partly sealed, but more sealed as we got into town. We had morning tea with a road worker who was sitting by his giant grading machine in the shade. Interesting to get the local perspective, particularly about the road conditions and the politics of it all.Hughenden is a friendly town with about 1500 people and three pubs, although only two are in operation. We were treated to a night of country singing in the caravan park with the local postie putting on a show to raise money for the local country music festival.

Next it's off to Stamford, population 4, and Corfield, on our way to Winton and then Longreach. People have heard about the ride, and almost everyone notices the bike riders as they enter town!

It's been great so far with so much change in the landscape in such a short time. Looking forward to the next stage!

Cheers, the Outbike Team.

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