Recent rain had created a few ‘ splash through ’ opportunities along the dirt road between Dubbo and Geurie . A healthy dose of respect for puddles after some poor decisions , including being bogged to the point of requiring a local farmer with a winch to pull me out , saw me a little more cautious and hesitant on this adventure .
Despite the recent rain , the roads were in relatively good condition . Cows and sheep grazed contently in paddocks along the roadside . Cattle grids defined changes in properties and paddocks . Rivers and causeways marked changes in government boundaries . Surprisingly , the changes in government boundaries didn ’ t see a deterioration in the condition of roads .
Often referred to as the Exxon Valdez , with it ’ s 30 litre tank , I had around 230 kilometres of range leaving home , the digital gauge sitting just under half a tank . Using the Fuel Check app I identified premium 98 octane fuel in Mudgee for a respectable $ 2.08 cents per litre , some 20 odd cents a litre cheaper than any fuel station in Dubbo . I ' d calculated my route , sticking to my brief of ‘ back roads and dirt roads ’ to be just over 200kms , almost double the most direct route . As I pulled into the Shell Service Station on Sydney Road , it was apparent plenty of other people were using the Fuel Check app . A hive of motorists and a collection of vehicles including a number of grey nomads , greeted me as I pulled in .
The price of fuel is something that has always intrigued me – a difference of 20cents per litre , often in the same town , and often with the same brand of fuel supplier is difficult to comprehend . Sure enough , Premium 98 octane was available for $ 2.08 cents per litre . Filling the Exxon Valdez to the brim saw a neat 28 litres ( perhaps another example of my OCD ) dispensed from the bowser . Entering the store to pay for my fuel , the attendant checked with me to ensure I ’ d given him the right bowser number saying , “ That is a lot of fuel for a motorbike !”.
I explained the 30-litre tank on the bike and ease with which the GSA ‘ munches miles ’. The attendant smiled and in his heavily accented voice wished me a wonderful day .
TRAVERSE 22