The Desert Riding Season Has Arrived…
Update - end of Day 17
Well, that was a wake up call! I left the Barossa on a Friday and had planned a leisurely journey to the next Rally. On Sunday night I found myself at Tumut in the Snowy’s Valley and checked into a Caravan Park. That night, was the worst night I have had since June 1991 (ask me one day how I remember this
). I woke the next morning and did a Covid self test. The result; Positive. That would explain it.
I spent the next few days in isolation as best I could alongside the Tumut River and just bunkered down for some rest and recuperation . Looking back, I was in a room with 130 others at the BMW National Rally the Thursday before and that may have sealed my destiny. Having said that, I could have picked it up from any door handle or fuel bowser. I guess we’ll never know.
Once Negative, I started making my way to Grabben Gullen for the Tiddlers Rally using backroads and dirt roads where possible. The Rally has only about two dozen participants but the atmosphere is friendly enough and the venue is welcoming (Albion Hotel). From here I will head back toward Canberra to attend the Dawn Service on ANZAC Day.
See captions below.
Damn, a Positive result. My first time with Covid. Time to bunker down and ‘ride’ it out (if you’ll pardon the pun).
Me in isolation…camped up on the side of the Tumut River, Tumut.
Another positive test…bummer.
I took some back roads heading to Canberra. The signage was basic but I knew I was on the right track.
Some interesting roads and tracks as I cross the Great Dividing Range.
Crossing into the ACT at a less often used Border Crossing…no fanfare here.
The view from one of the back tracks (Marked Tree Road) after leaving Canberra and heading North toward the Tiddlers Rally. That is Lake George, a Wind Farm and the Federal Highway which feeds into Canberra from the North.
“Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, he walks into mine”. Jamie, haven’t seen him in a hundred years. Great opportunity to catch up over lost time.
I was planning on taking Great Central Road to return to Perth thru central Australia…I might have to rejig that idea.
‘Tiddler’…a small fish. Anything less than 250cc. Thankfully they have an open mind and let big bikes participate as well.
The Publican, Ray, has a large collection of restored bikes which he keeps inside the Hotel…as you do!
Gypsy Camp at the rear of the Pub.
). I woke the next morning and did a Covid self test. The result; Positive. That would explain it.