Border Run

[geoffcnc]

Just a preliminary note that the annual Border Run is on 2nd August, 2008.

For those who are not familiar, the Border Run has been going for some 31 years now, as a social event including the BMW Club of SA and the BMW MCC of WA. The weekend essentially gets everyone together at the Border Village at the WA/SA border for dinner and just a few drinks.

From Perth, it is approximately 1500kms each way, so many people leave on the Friday and meet near Balledonia. Some leave Thursday and camp along the way but meet at Balledonia on the Friday night. Saturday is spent getting to Balledonia, and after the social gathering Saturday night most people either turn around and head home, or go to other events such as the Off-Centre rally.

Sometimes a group of us leave Thursday afternoon and camp along the way, then meet at Balledonia on the Friday night. This makes the first part of the trip a little less tiring. Last year for example a group of about 10 riders camped at Karallee Dam, about 100kms West of Coolgardie, a very nice spot to camp. Others camp at the Breakaways between Norseman and Hyden, only if you are keen on dirt for 300kms and only if it ain't rainin'.

Often on such long rides a group of 4 or 5 riders is the easiest to manage. See if you can join smaller groups for the ride, then join the main group across the 90 mile straight and along the scarp.

A tuning day is a week or two before the Border Run, so that is a time to make sure that your bike is well serviced for the trip. It is not only for your own benefit and your bike, but for the benefit of those who ride with you.

If you haven't done the Border Run before, talk to members who have, and join in a ride group if possible. It is normally a great weekend, about 3000kms if you just go there and back.

Personally, I might take the Hyden Road both ways this year since I got a GS now, and am doing destructive testing of the Bunnings luggage rack system. My plan is to camp Thursday night at the Breakaways about 100kms East of Wave Rock, then join others at Balledonia.

So, keep in mind : Thursday 31st July, Friday 1st August, Saturday 2nd August, and Sunday 3rd August if you plan the 2-day ride back to Perth.

Geoff Edwards

[2volts]

It's likely I'll be attending now on the R80G/S. Not sure of itinerary yet.
The brain is plotting but will the body rebel.
pete

[kev]

Another ride, great. I'm back from Darwin 10,000 in 2 1/2 weeks and loved it. Even the 150km bulldust, soft gravel ,corrugations and 6 river crossings which took 10 hours on my K100 at the Bungles. When I return to work in a few days I will beg or blackmail my boss for more time off.
Kev

[kev]

Planning for this event is even more exciting than I imagined. Step 1. log on to google. Step 2. Click on maps. step 3. type in "Perth to border village". This plots a line on a map showing the route plus it gives an intersection by intersection report on the route as a GPS does. Step 4. brush up on your kayaking skills.
Kev

[geoffcnc]

Ben Pickard and Geoff Edwards are planning at the moment to head to The Breakaways between Hyden and Norseman on Thursday, then on to Balledonia on Friday. If raining, we will go via Karalee Dam (between Yellowdine and Coolgardie) and stay there rather than bog ourselves out on the Norseman Road. Probably leave about lunchtime. Anyone interested in joining us, let us know so we can arrange to meet.

Geoff Edwards

[jono]

Hi Geoff

If you are still looking for takers for a Border Run trip via Hyden I'd be keen to give it a go!
Will look out for you at the next club meeting and get the low down
Cheers
JonO