Wildflower Ride
Posted: Sat 13 Sep, 2025 4:59 pm
Despite the threat of storms, 19 people participated in the annual wildflower ride. There were 15 bikes, two pillions and two cagers. The participants included David S + Sharon, EJ, Nic, Michael, Tony, Ivan, Adam, Peter + Susie, R90S Mark, Ian, Wightman, Peter + Mei and Bozo.
The plan was to scurry north in the hope of minimising participation in precipitation. After meeting up with EJ and Nic as well as David S and Sharon at Ginger's Caltex we took EJ's Yarrimbah Road around Bullsbrook> We stopped on Polinelli Road for a scattering of wildflowers including Leschenaultia. A deviation on Powderbark Road, Wandena Road and Maddern South Road linked us with Blue Plains Road and a break at the Oval at Bindoon.
We headed up Crest Hill Road for Running Postman (Kennedia Prostrata), Cowslip Orchids (Caladenia Flava) and Dampiera. A stop at Wannamal resulted in sightings of Red Fire Orchid (Pyorchis Nigricans), Isopogons and Sundews. A run along Hay Flat Road got us to Udumung Nature Reserve where we saw Sundews, Fringed Lilies, Hibertia and Mini Donkey Orchids (Diurus Recurva).
Red Fire Orchid Wannamal
Mini Donkey Orchid Udumung
A longer stop than normal at Bindoon as we anxiously watched the radar for gaps in the highly colored images. It was necessary to punch through the fronts so we headed off into the rain. We emerged into mostly clear weather at Muchea.
Apologies to Peter Bee and Mei for cutting them out of the photo
Amazing support from the participants to risk a drenching and to scour the sites for wildflowers. EJ spotted the first Red Fire Orchid and soon there were multiple sightings. Thanks to Peter Bee and Mei for running as a combined tail end Charlie combo and for David S and Sharon for making sure there was a back up option for the pillions.
Always good to get out with a group and spot some of WA's stunning wildflowers.
Bozo
The plan was to scurry north in the hope of minimising participation in precipitation. After meeting up with EJ and Nic as well as David S and Sharon at Ginger's Caltex we took EJ's Yarrimbah Road around Bullsbrook> We stopped on Polinelli Road for a scattering of wildflowers including Leschenaultia. A deviation on Powderbark Road, Wandena Road and Maddern South Road linked us with Blue Plains Road and a break at the Oval at Bindoon.
We headed up Crest Hill Road for Running Postman (Kennedia Prostrata), Cowslip Orchids (Caladenia Flava) and Dampiera. A stop at Wannamal resulted in sightings of Red Fire Orchid (Pyorchis Nigricans), Isopogons and Sundews. A run along Hay Flat Road got us to Udumung Nature Reserve where we saw Sundews, Fringed Lilies, Hibertia and Mini Donkey Orchids (Diurus Recurva).
Red Fire Orchid Wannamal
Mini Donkey Orchid Udumung
A longer stop than normal at Bindoon as we anxiously watched the radar for gaps in the highly colored images. It was necessary to punch through the fronts so we headed off into the rain. We emerged into mostly clear weather at Muchea.
Apologies to Peter Bee and Mei for cutting them out of the photo
Amazing support from the participants to risk a drenching and to scour the sites for wildflowers. EJ spotted the first Red Fire Orchid and soon there were multiple sightings. Thanks to Peter Bee and Mei for running as a combined tail end Charlie combo and for David S and Sharon for making sure there was a back up option for the pillions.
Always good to get out with a group and spot some of WA's stunning wildflowers.
Bozo