Day 1: The plan was to slab it someways out of Perth, then find dirt roads to Hyden. As per usual with digger's plans, it was executed to a tee. No hitches, just easy going dirt roads most of the way to Hyden. We are so lucky in this country to have so many dirt road in such good condition, perfect conditions for our big GS's and GSA's. Get out there and ride some!
Along the tracks, we discovered another of those 'secret' camping spots, Boyagin Nature Reserve, already fitted with what looked like an aboriginal humpy! I've since discovered where exactly that is. A tiny sign bearing the name 'Quail Road' was nearby pointed to what looked like an interesting ride on it's own. Maybe next time... As often is the case, Jamie demonstrated why you should always have a camera in hand. Then we were off again.
We reached Hyden (34deg C) by about 2pm where we indulged ourselves at the bakery with carbs and coffee. A quick call was made to GarJim, a local from good ol' QLD staying at Wave Rock. He met us at the Hyden Service Station on his R1150 GS and accompanied us to the Breakaways. Only 50km of slab, through undulating very pretty farming country, to the dirt Hyden-Norseman Road. Dragging my feet, as I have often been known to do, chatting to locals, I discovered from the grader driver at Hyden that the road had been graded 2 weeks prior. This was a good sign. Also noticed a sign at the cafe with some useful distance information about 'How far is it from Wave Rock to...'.
At the end of the first 50 kilometre stretch of bitumen, four considerate 4WDs waited patiently for us all to pass before pulling out. Thanks folks, much appreciated. The dirt road started at this point. The dust could have been quite problematic, not to mention the safety concerns with 4WDs mixing with 8 bikes. True to the grader driver's word, the dirt road was in awesome condition, wide and as smooth as one could ever expect. Yes, it was very dusty. But as long as one hangs back and rides in clean air, it really doesn't matter, does it...
After about 100 kilometres of the best dirt road you could imagine, the very large 'Breakaways' sign appeared. Now this sign has been stolen quite a few times in the past. It'll take a truck to hide this gem in the back. Our illustrious leader was chatting to a fellow adventurer at the junction. Riding at the tail with Jamie, as I was, we pulled in last to join the group. Following our team into the Breakaways, I discovered the beauty of this place. I've only ever heard people talk about. It's a little like Wave Rock, but it sweeps around in a wide arc and all the hard rock outer layer has crumbled off leaving a multi-coloured interior. It looks like it is a million years older than Wave Rock...
The place was packed with about 40 4WDs accompanied with teens on trail bikes learning how to ride. So we scouted around to find a campsite as far as possible from the crowd.
As dusk was quickly approaching, our tents were quickly erected, along with all the creature comforts of home.
A couple of us had a hike around to take photos of the sunset and the colour of the breakaway rock.
Food was prepared in the usual myriad ways. The usual yarns around the camp lead to sleep quickly overcoming the best of us. By morning, it was freezing (circa 7deg C).
It was a great day of riding in Western Australia.
