Guess this means I'm starting the long journey to catch-up on updates
So way back in April 2013, a respectable gathering of Beemers, and miscellaneous others, targeted McDermid Rock, 200 kms east of Hyden on the Hyden-Norseman Road for an weekend overnight camp.
On the Friday, I escorted Bill on his new DR-650 Suzi, loaded to the hilt with an adventurer's load of gear down to Hyden for an overnight stay. Just quietly, no tents were involved.
To say, we slipped along at a rapid pace would be an furphy
But I would like to report that my fuel consumption was exceptional.
The slabbin' section from Perth to Hyden was exhausting, mostly due to the not-so-rapid pace set by the fully-laden 650 single vibrating down the tar. Luckily a decent feed, beer and a wine or 2 set the scene for a sound night's sleep.
Morning, however, eventually found us checking out the sights of Hyden and surrounds.
Digger's advice was to have a look at Mulka's Cave and the Vultee Vengeance crash site. Google those terms for yourself to find out more...
As the rest of our group was not due to arrive from Perth until close to midday, we had time to scoot out to Mulka's Cave. Absolutely worth the trip.
Wave Rock was not on the agenda as McDermid Rock is marketed as a mini-Wave Rock.
Mulka's Cave was however on our list. Here is a place of Aboriginal legends. Numerous Aboriginal hand paintings and scary bedtime stories for children.
The Legend at Mulka's Cave, Hyden, Western Australia... not Cap'n Bill, by the way...
Information sign about Mulka's Cave, Hyden, Western Australia
Entrance to Mulka's Cave, Hyden, Western Australia
Inside Mulka's Cave, Hyden, Western Australia
Inside Mulka's Cave, Hyden, Western Australia
Inside Mulka's Cave, Hyden, Western Australia
Aboriginal hand paintings inside Mulka's Cave, Hyden, Western Australia
Looking out of Mulka's Cave, Hyden, Western Australia
Low woodland around Mulka's Cave, Hyden, Western Australia
The Crew from Perth arrived in Hyden circa midday. Of note, b/5 decided that his GS was able to stand up without a side stand and discovered otherwise. So, after bodies and bikes were re-fuelled, our group set off for McDermid Rock on the impeccably polished Hyden-Norseman Road. The first 50km is high-grade bitumen through hilly farming country, offering scenic views over the land. After that, across a cattle grid, the dirt road starts. It's in superb condition to boot...
As the group was now together, my duties escorting the heavy DR were diminished, so as I'm fond of saying, "
I got on with it".
First stopping on the side of the track to raise the electronic suspension to the 'Enduro' high setting and the damping control set to 'Soft'. Traction control is disabled for the dirt.
There are not a lot of tight turns on this road, just straight, wide, mostly cleared sides with the occasional sweepers (dirt). Lots of crests that have the possibility of throwing fast-moving traffic at you from the opposite direction. Could be road trains, 4WDs, cars or other motorcycles. Throw caution to the wind... at your peril
The weather was fine and sunny with no chance of rain. I mention this as the road can be problematic if it does rain. There is a section around the mine sites that is made of what looks like white clay... you'll know it if you see it
If it rains
, this white clay rapidly deteriorates to, as close as we're going to get in Western Australia, an outdoor ice skating rink. Ask Tom for an experiential account
This type of dirt road is where the BMW GSA excels. Awesome suspension to soak up the big bumps, big power to lope along at your own rate, carry a big load easily across rough terrain, big fuel range to get there and back without carrying extra fuel, bloody good brakes to rub off your aforementioned 'own rate of knots' as required
It is also the time when you feel glad you splashed that cash on that beautiful steering damper. When the track surface suddenly tosses up surprises, like sand, loose pea gravel, slippery dust holes, you get the drift, you too will wish that a fancy-arsed steering damper is holding the BMW GSA head in check.
So ":P I got on with it".
I'd never been to the Breakaways prior to this time, so I was on the look-out for the sign and turn-off. Turns out some one had nicked the sign. Consequently the only sign I noticed was the McDermid Rock sign. What there already? Where did those 200 km go?
Note, if you get to Lake Johnston, you've gone too far. Lake Johnston can be seen from atop McDermid Rock.
The Road Sign: McDermid Rock turn-off from the Hyden-Norseman Road, Western Australia
McDermid Rock turn-off from the Hyden-Norseman Road, Western Australia
Looking west: McDermid Rock turn-off from the Hyden-Norseman Road, Western Australia
Looking east: McDermid Rock turn-off from the Hyden-Norseman Road, Western Australia
Arriving early, I had the pick of camp spots for my tent. The camping area is quite respectable as these remote campsites go. The low woodland scrub in this region does not provide large amounts of shade, but sufficient. After setting up my tent, and discovering no motorcycle traffic sounds within cooee, a nana nap was called for
Some time later, my snooze was interrupted by the sound of flat twins and others...
Getting closer to dusk, the campfire was prepared for it's cooking tasks.
In the meantime, a climb to the top of McDermid Rock was called for.
The Wave
The Wave
Flora on McDermid Rock
Damming McDermid Rock
Flora on McDermid Rock
Flora on McDermid Rock
The Crew climbing to the top of McDermid Rock
The Crew at the top of McDermid Rock
You made it to the top of McDermid Rock, Western Australia
Views from the top of McDermid Rock
Views to Lake Johnston from the top of McDermid Rock
Views to Lake Johnston from the top of McDermid Rock
Views from the top of McDermid Rock
The campsite from the top of McDermid Rock
Sunset over the Woodlands from the top of McDermid Rock
Views to the north over Bank Rock from the top of McDermid Rock
Sunset over the Woodlands from the top of McDermid Rock
Sunset over the Woodlands from the top of McDermid Rock
The moon from the top of McDermid Rock
After a worrisome night praying rain didn't eventuate, and it didn't, an early start was initiated.
I had the goPro camera on my left pannier to capture other members in the group whilst overtaking. I discovered, much to my chagrin, that dust gathers on the lens very quickly
Note to self: Pack a basting brush or similar to occasionally dust off the lens.
So stopping by a salt lake, maybe 20 km out of Hyden, I took the opportunity to soak up more of our beautiful country.
And so, the long boring slab back to Perth...
nev... out...
