being replaced , our forward progress halted . We were now less than 10kms from our intended overnight stop . Further consultation with maps and our hosts , showed some back tracking and a slight deviation would be required . Ten kilometres quickly turned into close to 100 . Some of that distance included excellent fast , smooth , open , flowing dirt , some tight twisting turns and small , single lane bridges . After 20 kilometres we reached the Buckett ‘ s Way , turned left , put our heads down and fought to beat the impending darkness .
Arriving in Mt George , the looks from the locals , gathered on their front verandas , staring at us through mounds of front yard ornaments including rusting car bodies , mounds of wire and steel , encouraged our further progress .
In near darkness , the driveway to Knorrits Flat was illuminated in the blazing LED headlights of the BMW R1200GSA . We ’ d made it .
In stark contrast to the day before the weather was very mild , the skies clear , and riders warm . Just like the night before , riders were a little tired , the long way round , closed roads , and mental fatigue of twilight riding contributing to a mix of elation , exhaustion , and exhilaration .
It had certainly been an ‘ interesting ’ few days of riding , a mixture of weather conditions , near sub zero ambient temperatures , accentuated by polar like winds , bullet like balls of hail bouncing off armoured riding gear ; epic scenery , at times shrouded in fog and rain , other times exposed before us , in all of its natural beauty ; galloping brumbies joining us for our journey through the Australian bush ; and seven blokes banding together to make the most of the moment and see each other through , encouraging , cajoling , taking the piss , supporting , recognising and having an adventure .
A lazy day , a chance to rest and recharge . Knorrits Flat is a beautiful place , flat , clean , and grassed camping sites , next to a flowing Manning River , with an abundance of hot water in wellpresented amenities . After some discussion , the decision was made to spend another night and take the opportunity to explore the local area and even swim in the river .
The weather gods were on our side , glorious sunshine , blue skies and temperatures in the mid 20 ’ s was perfect for riding the thirty kilometres to Wingham for a meat pie and a coffee . Riding back to Knorrits Flat vents were wide open , the breeze over sweaty bodies providing an evaporative cooling effect .
Loading up the ‘ Ice Mule ’ cooler , submerging myself into the cool waters of the Manning River , feeling the force of the water rushing over me in an almost spa like manner , the cold , brewed liquid of Great Northern Lager spilling down my throat , laughter and recollections flowed , stories of adventure , stories of overcoming personal challenges , conquering not just one water crossing , but twenty of them in quick succession , stories of surviving freezing overnight temperatures , stories of indulging in absolutely sensational meals , stories of working together to ensure each of us made it through .
My mind wandered back to the previous Saturday , riding along the Golden Highway , thinking about what makes an adventure . As I listened to the laughter , to the stories , to the excitement in the voices of grown men , I watched the smiles on faces , saw the excitement in their eyes and knew well and truly , this had been an adventure . I would submit any ride is an adventure , and any bike can be an adventure bike , the true test is in the mind of the rider .
This was an adventure … PL
TRAVERSE 72