Peter Unger and Geoff Edwards have done the reconnaisance for the Baladgie Rock Observation Rally. We did this over the Anzac weekend. We are happy that the ride will lead members to places in WA that they may have not visited before, unless you collect pseudo-scorpions.
The ride will depart Farrells Cafe at 7:30AM on May 31st. It is an observation ride for the weekend, so you will need the following items :
Decent maps that go from Perth to Southern Cross, and South as far as Wave Rock, North as far as Bencubbin.
Pencil, notepad. Camera helpful.
Good eyesight and observation.
You will also need all items for your own camping and travelling. At Baladjie Rock there are no facilities, and no water.
As stated previously, this is not a race, and not really a competition. However, there are a number of activities along the way that will keep you entertained, and you will discover places you will want to visit again.
Total trip is around 1000kms. Fuel is a critical element of this trip. Although there are adequate fuel stops along the way, some people may run out of fuel if not managed properly (hey Peter, about 10kms short of one town !!). We will advise appropriate fuel stops, suitable for standard 19 litre tanks.
We will run this like a rally. A scoring system will be established for observation, and we will just for the fun of it record everyone's mileage/fuel economy and see how bikes compare. It is not a race, but a bit of fun in getting to one of the most outstanding destinations (at least I think it is) in WA.
A lunch stop is being considered, with catering available. Nothing flash, but we may need to advise in advance of numbers. Might only be outback cafe style, but like last year when we stopped at Bencubbin, at least it is lunch.
A booze run to Bullfinch may be organised for Saturday afternoon, and I believe they have meals there. Be well aware that there are plenty of kangaroos around, even during the day, and we found them throughout the journey but especially towards Baladjie.
There is some dirt road involved. The first one is about 15 kms of access track to one site. Initial part is bush track with some corrugations, but not bad at all. As usual, ride at your own pace, ask advice from others if not sure. Most of this first dirt road though is great dirt road. There are other minor access roads that are a bit sandy, but all suitable for road bikes. At one destination there is a deep sand patch which can be avoided but members will be advised about that in the ride notes.
At Baladjie Rock there is about 1-2 kms of access road which is a good bush track, again OK for road bikes, but there are some sections that may catch riders unaware. These sections are weather-affected by rain, some pot-holes and gutters, but again it is all OK for roadbikes. We advise that you travel at your own pace, don't be shy to go slow if unsure. Better to get there in one piece than risk damage to bike or body, especially in such remote locations.
I will post a formal notice of the ride in the next newsletter, and on this Forum.
Don't miss Baladjie '08, it will be a great weekend.
Geoff Edwards