X-Ray and myself have been talking for awhile about a cheap weekend ride, with overnight camping, and others have expressed an interest also. So far it looks like the weekend of 11th November and I have done a rough map which is open to suggestions and change as needed, the link is below.
Bring your own stove and cooking utensils and food, and some cheap wine :rofl2: and depending where we stop Saturday night, a camp fire.
I have been looking on WikiCamps for some free camps or for about $5 a night, but it will depend on how far we get on the ride.
Woodenbong Camp ground - $5 + $1 for showers.
Bonalbo Pioneer Park - FREE.
Please note, these stops are alcohol free. (but you could be having a cuppa) :good:
Plus there are other camps off the roads in the forests.
Total distance so far from X-Rays and finishing at Gatton is 622 klms.
Link to Google Map - https://goo.gl/maps/8Ac4bqe2JCT2 (https://goo.gl/maps/8Ac4bqe2JCT2)
how cheap is cheap, are you walking and leaving the bikes behind? :crazy: I'll see if I can make it. I don't have any camping gear so my alternative might be the hotel (or the bus station, at least the wino's might share their wine with me), is there a Mc Donalds nearby?.
XRay, I'll keep in touch and see what I can work out.
Might be a good one to do before you head back west John? Should be fun, will call you before then
I have updated the map so I can change it instead of doing a new one, link below.
I also put in some camp spots but there are a few more along the Bruxner Highway depending on how far we get and decide when to stop for the night.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1a7a96c0j_S4toSVkKE8FHgFgp8k&usp=sharing
Sounds like fun.
Do you have a plan B in case of fire bans?
The road to Bonalbo is the worst in the world and I would not do it on the FJ ever again..
Is it worse than than that lumpy bumpy Woodenbong road Richard?
Quote from: NotSo on October 13, 2017, 08:29:44 PM
I have updated the map so I can change it instead of doing a new one, link below.
I also put in some camp spots but there are a few more along the Bruxner Highway depending on how far we get and decide when to stop for the night.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1a7a96c0j_S4toSVkKE8FHgFgp8k&usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1a7a96c0j_S4toSVkKE8FHgFgp8k&usp=sharing)
Try this link - https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1a7a96c0j_S4toSVkKE8FHgFgp8k&ll=-28.291681427560086%2C152.612125&z=8 (https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1a7a96c0j_S4toSVkKE8FHgFgp8k&ll=-28.291681427560086%2C152.612125&z=8)
Quote from: X-Ray on October 14, 2017, 03:43:02 AM
Is it worse than than that lumpy bumpy Woodenbong road Richard?
Do you mean the Woodenbong to Killarney, that one is bad much worse that the one to Bonalbo. Having said that I have towed the caravan over both roads.
Well the better half and myself took a drive in the 4x4 yesterday to Bonalbo, it was too wet to do anything else :rofl2:.
The section from Killarney to Woodenbong (55km, but it seemed a lot longer) started off as I remembered it years ago, narrow, bumpy and averaged between 40 and 60 kph. Further along they have finally done some new sections, wide and smooth, but not enough yet to make it a great bike road. I maybe pushing up daisy's by then.
Great camp at Woodenbong with toilets, showers and camp kitchen, not bad for $5.
The run to Bonalbo was much as I remembered it, and yes it was a bit rough, too many bumps for there sore old bones, so I wouldn't go down there on the FJ. We were doing an average of 80 kph though it was better than the other road. There is a good camp spot at the caravan park in Bonalbo with toilets and showers for $10, something to remember if traveling along the Bruxner Highway (Bonalbo is 23 km off the highway) at about that time of the evening and looking for a place to camp.
I will change the map soon as we are expecting some other ideas soon.
Well we are doing another map as the other one is no good so this time we'll keep the first bit and from Lismore continue down to Maclean / Brooms Head, where ever we can get a good stop at the right price, hopefully with a shower.
The return trip up through Kyogle, Beaudesert and home.
Are you thinking of going Andrew :) or anyone else.
Try one of these links as I was having a bit of trouble for users not seeing the map, this time I have made the map PUBLIC so all should see the first link.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1giXfkPJoW3mTJC2uciyMIBbs3rY&usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1giXfkPJoW3mTJC2uciyMIBbs3rY&usp=sharing)
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&hl=en&mid=1giXfkPJoW3mTJC2uciyMIBbs3rY&ll=-28.678783562205375%2C153.00071000000003&z=8 (https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&hl=en&mid=1giXfkPJoW3mTJC2uciyMIBbs3rY&ll=-28.678783562205375%2C153.00071000000003&z=8)
Careful, you'll include Victoria next maybe Ribbert can join us?
Do we need a Passport/ visa for Victoria? :dash2:
Quote from: Bozo on October 17, 2017, 02:18:05 AM
Careful, you'll include Victoria next maybe Ribbert can join us?
Do we need a Passport/ visa for Victoria? :dash2:
Hi Bozo, are you interested in coming along for a run? Good to hear if you are.
I'll leave the passport bit alone, don't want to upset the brother's from down the deep south. :rofl2:
No I don't do 3 states in one day, those days are long gone. :)
Haven't heard from Glenn Sully for a while either.
I am definitely interested, just working out what swag to buy (about the price of a shopping bag with a newspaper cover). I guess only crappy weather will deter me (can't wait to hear from the Victorians about how they ride in -5 degrees, rain, snow etc)
Quote from: NotSo on October 16, 2017, 11:38:48 PM
Well we are doing another map as the other one is no good so this time we'll keep the first bit and from Lismore continue down to Maclean / Brooms Head, where ever we can get a good stop at the right price, hopefully with a shower.
The return trip up through Kyogle, Beaudesert and home.
Are you thinking of going Andrew :) or anyone else.
Try one of these links as I was having a bit of trouble for users not seeing the map, this time I have made the map PUBLIC so all should see the first link.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1giXfkPJoW3mTJC2uciyMIBbs3rY&usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1giXfkPJoW3mTJC2uciyMIBbs3rY&usp=sharing)
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&hl=en&mid=1giXfkPJoW3mTJC2uciyMIBbs3rY&ll=-28.678783562205375%2C153.00071000000003&z=8 (https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&hl=en&mid=1giXfkPJoW3mTJC2uciyMIBbs3rY&ll=-28.678783562205375%2C153.00071000000003&z=8)
Hey Shane, keen to go on that Weekend -Brooms Head is a top spot... Except no fires... I would Continue on Summerland Way out of Casino to Laurence(a little Boring) then across the ferry and the onto Woodford Island. There is a nice little pub at Brushgrove (the area is full of them)- The General / Doug is keen to check it out, then we can do a lap of the Island into Maclean. I have a Grandmother on Woodford Island and know the area reasonably well. This is also Marks stomping ground
The Road out of Woodburn to Coraki is nice as it follows the river, then I would duct across to Lismore - Have not travelled the Lismore to Murwullimbah Rd you propose, but looks good.
There is a Chance I will be down at Maclean on Saturday / Sunday as my parents are up visiting from down South - weather depending
Getting Exited...
Cheers
Good to hear from you Andrew. Yes there are several ways to go and it's open to where ever, and up through Coraki is a good run too. :good2:
The road out from Murwillumbah to Kyogle or down to Lismore via Nimbin are good runs too, just have to be aware of the hippies and how they drive. :rofl:
And Doug is thinking of coming too. :good:
Only 3 weeks to go Andrew ... :yahoo:
Quote from: NotSo on October 20, 2017, 05:32:56 PM
Only 3 weeks to go Andrew ... :yahoo:
So we have a date?????
Quote from: roverfj1200 on October 20, 2017, 08:22:28 PM
Quote from: NotSo on October 20, 2017, 05:32:56 PM
Only 3 weeks to go Andrew ... :yahoo:
So we have a date?????
Richard - 11th November
I still have a leave pass for Next Weekend - 28th if you or anyone else keen for another ride / 4wd Camp.. I'm committed for the 4th now.. :boredom:
About to head down to Ballina and Maclean..lovely weather for a Ride..
Yes Richard, the last I heard was the 11th November. I will be leaving from Bro's on the Saturday morning so it's just a matter to see where everyone else will be.
Have a good weekend Andrew with your family. :i_am_so_happy:
Quote from: krusty on October 14, 2017, 01:13:04 AM
Sounds like fun.
Do you have a plan B in case of fire bans?
Krusty do you want to re-phrase this to "floods"
Can we have a count of who is going, I'm going at this stage.
I rang the Brooms Heads Caravan Park, 02 6646 7144, this morning and it is $31 for an unpowered site or $26 for pensioners. these sites will take 2 tents each.
I am not booking my site until closer to the date as it appears there are plenty of unpowered sites. If you want to book your on-site accommodation, the phone number is above.
So the list so far is:
X-Ray
Shane
Andrew
Richard
The General?
Bozo
Please add your name if you are interested. :yahoo:
Looks like a nice spot. I *think* Andrew stayed here once before on his bike trip.
Yes it does look OK, I just did a street walk and it looks like plenty of room there. I think it is a council park.
Doing Andrews deviation he suggested from Lismore to Casino to Lawrence and across the ferry to Maclean to Brooms Head is about 350 km.
Quote from: X-Ray on October 22, 2017, 05:04:29 PM
Looks like a nice spot. I *think* Andrew stayed here once before on his bike trip.
Hey Ray, Did a trip down there back in May after not being there for many years... It was that nice, decided to take the family back in the Sept School Hols - Camp Paradise... Except no fires...
Is everyone up for Chinese at the Bowling Club, or is the consensus to reheat canned food...I will have a small stove for a Cuppa in the morning still..
I won't have a stove so Chinese sounds good. Otherwise its cold stuff for me. Who is bringing the airconditioner for the night? :good2:
Quote from: Bozo on October 25, 2017, 05:09:44 PM
I won't have a stove so Chinese sounds good. Otherwise its cold stuff for me. Who is bringing the airconditioner for the night? :good2:
You wont need an Air con there Bozo. I camped at Brooms Head every christmas for about 20 years. It can get quite cool there at night. Especially on the unpowerwed sites near the headland.
Mark
Quote from: WHYNOT_FJ on October 25, 2017, 03:49:59 PM
Quote from: X-Ray on October 22, 2017, 05:04:29 PM
Looks like a nice spot. I *think* Andrew stayed here once before on his bike trip.
Is everyone up for Chinese at the Bowling Club, or is the consensus to reheat canned food...I will have a small stove for a Cuppa in the morning still..
Hey Andrew , I know Shane and I want to do this as an "economy" type run, but I dont like missing out on "camp fire chat" so to speak, so if you and Bozo for instance want to go to the Bowls Club for Chinese etc on the Sat nite, I'll have my pre packaged food early and then come up with you guys and have a couple of dim sims, I'll even shout 'Bro a few so we can join you :) :). Anyway let us know your thoughts, only a week and a half away .
Yeah you got that right Bro :good2: OK, so after chatting with Bro we would be looking at about a 9 am start on the 11th and redoing the variation with Lismore/Casino/Lawerance to Brooms Head we are looking at about "337 km, 5 hours, 10 minutes", according to Google.
Here is the full map:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1giXfkPJoW3mTJC2uciyMIBbs3rY&usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1giXfkPJoW3mTJC2uciyMIBbs3rY&usp=sharing)
Yes it's not many sleeps to go now people. See you all soon. :bye:
Quote from: NotSo on October 31, 2017, 12:11:42 AM
Yeah you got that right Bro :good2: OK, so after chatting with Bro we would be looking at about a 9 am start on the 11th and redoing the variation with Lismore/Casino/Lawerance to Brooms Head we are looking at about "337 km, 5 hours, 10 minutes", according to Google.
Here is the full map:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1giXfkPJoW3mTJC2uciyMIBbs3rY&usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1giXfkPJoW3mTJC2uciyMIBbs3rY&usp=sharing)
Yes it's not many sleeps to go now people. See you all soon. :bye:
Happy to get away whenever suits... a later start may suite as hopefully Doug will be joining us and if he needs a bed Friday night he is welcome here.
Can I propose a small deviation to the route, per below - Quite similar just not as much on the Major Hwy. From Casino along Summerland Way to Lawerence then onto Maclean (there's other routes ) - Do a lap of Woodford Island - very picturesque and a nice ride. I know the road down, just not the stretch between Coraki / Woodburn to Lismore and Murwillumbah
https://goo.gl/maps/YTk2YFysRL62
Last discussion with Doug, he was keen, if the bike was not going he may join us in the car.
Given we're in Marks territory he may suggest a catch up for lunch somewhere or a beer...
Looking forward to a ride ( new front tyre to run in),catch up, a beer and the soothing sound of breaking waves...
Cheers
Andrew
Hi Andrew, this is your ride mate and we are just making suggestions, so for me how we actually get to Brooms Head doesnt matter at all. Im going to be following so you can lead the way whichever way you want to go. Mark is actually having his Manshed Day on the 11th, and he might catch up with us before we leave Brooms on Sunday morn ( depending on lubrication consumed during the Manshed )
Time we leave etc on Sat is open as well, its not going to be a hard day so whenever it suits, woohoo !
Just a quick update. The attendees so far confirmed are--
Shane
Me
Andrew
Doug
Glenn Sully
John (Bozo)
The 7 day forecast says there may be a couple of showers down on the coast Sat/Sun, but should be ok. (Famous last words)
Glenn is bringing his FJR with trailer, nearly there !
Quote from: X-Ray on November 06, 2017, 04:23:23 AM
Just a quick update. The attendees so far confirmed are--
Shane
Me
Andrew
Doug
Glenn Sully
John (Bozo)
The 7 day forecast says there may be a couple of showers down on the coast Sat/Sun, but should be ok. (Famous last words)
Glenn is bringing his FJR with trailer, nearly there !
I well be there Ray
Quote from: roverfj1200 on November 06, 2017, 05:25:26 AM
Quote from: X-Ray on November 06, 2017, 04:23:23 AM
Just a quick update. The attendees so far confirmed are--
Shane
Me
Andrew
Doug
Glenn Sully
John (Bozo)
The 7 day forecast says there may be a couple of showers down on the coast Sat/Sun, but should be ok. (Famous last words)
Glenn is bringing his FJR with trailer, nearly there !
I well be there Ray
Cool... Will Glenn have the esky for Beer, Ice and Milk...
If I'm taking Tea / Coffee / Sugar for the Am cuppa I may as well take enough for all - unless someone drinks chamomile...or the like..no pretend sugar either .. BYO Cup
Not syre about Glenn and his esky, I will have to ask him.
Here is where we are staying Saturday night, http://www.clarencecoastholidayparks.com.au/brooms/p/17 (http://www.clarencecoastholidayparks.com.au/brooms/p/17)
I think its 2 tents per site, so make sure you book :)
Think the bowls club is a few minutes walk Andrew?
The attendees so far confirmed are--
Shane
Me
Andrew
Doug
Glenn Sully
Richard
John (Bozo)
How about a north side meet up for the journey down to Rays.
I have booked a site happy to share site, mention FJ1200 group and the lady will know to put the group together
Heres the contact details for the camping ground ---
Brooms Head Holiday Park
Paul & Maree Brooks
Ocean Road, Brooms Head, NSW 2463
Reception Hours: 8am - 5pm
P: +61 02 6646 7144 or 02 6646 7351
F: +61 02 6646 7312
info@broomsheadholidaypark.com.au
Shane has just booked a site under FJ1200 group, 2 tents per site. Bozo, you might want to double check your booking as when Shane asked about your booking also named under FJ1200 Group, she knew nothing. Would be better to be in a group than spread all over the park, :biggrin:
Rechecked my booking with Maree should be ok. I can share this site with someone else.
Hi All ... Yes and I suggested that the camp sites at the northern end of the park would be best as we were going to the Bowls Club for dinner, it's just over the bridge for there.
I did say to her to be clear (if think she was writing it down) the FJ1200 Group and I said that at this stage it looked about 7 so that would be about 4 sites as it is 2 tents/swags to a site. I have booked mine, with Xray, pensioner rates. :good:
It's been like :dash1: to get in contact with them as they are always engaged, she said that they have been busy ... oh well. The phone numbers that Raymond has put up are correct.
With showers on the cards have spent some time tonight putting all my wet weather gear on the bike.. Have also put out the tent and sleeping gear ready to pack on the bike..
Same hère Richard. As long as its only showers should be ok. Hopefully our camp sites are near one of the covered picnic shelters, so we might have a bit of cover if it rains while having our beverages .
I forgot to put up the link to the caravan park map last night.
We are allocated an area to the northern end of the park which is the left end of the map, the area in blue, the unpowered sites.
http://www.clarencecoastholidayparks.com.au/media/docs/brooms_head_park_map2.pdf (http://www.clarencecoastholidayparks.com.au/media/docs/brooms_head_park_map2.pdf)
Quote from: X-Ray on November 08, 2017, 12:14:28 AM
Heres the contact details for the camping ground ---
Brooms Head Holiday Park
Paul & Maree Brooks
Ocean Road, Brooms Head, NSW 2463
Reception Hours: 8am - 5pm
P: +61 02 6646 7144 or 02 6646 7351
F: +61 02 6646 7312
info@broomsheadholidaypark.com.au
Shane has just booked a site under FJ1200 group, 2 tents per site. Bozo, you might want to double check your booking as when Shane asked about your booking also named under FJ1200 Group, she knew nothing. Would be better to be in a group than spread all over the park, :biggrin:
I checked my booking for the night of 11 Nov, apparently you are booked on a different date, is this your way of making sure I don't ride with you. Now I'm offended (I'll join the Virago club)
I think the van park are confused, booked in for Sat 11th, :good2:
Bit of tourist info for the weekend. The annual Yamba hotrod run is on this weekend and they are expecting 400 hotrods. Could be worth the trip over to Yamba if you have the time.
Mark
I to have booked a site so we should have enough for us all now.. :good2:
Quote from: roverfj1200 on November 09, 2017, 02:47:54 AM
I to have booked a site so we should have enough for us all now.. :good2:
Mee Tooo.. I have booked a site and advised them there will be 6 -7 of us... so need 3-4 sites..
If anyone is interested in heading off early to see the hot rods in Yamba - per Marks earlier post its a nice spot and not too far off track.Could pick up some of Australia's best prawns to have with beer later..
either either I don't mind.... I used to be indecisive, but now I just can't make up my mind!
Quote from: Urban_Legend on November 08, 2017, 11:58:33 PM
Bit of tourist info for the weekend. The annual Yamba hotrod run is on this weekend and they are expecting 400 hotrods. Could be worth the trip over to Yamba if you have the time.
Mark
Sounds good (if the weather is ok). I can't see the little possums taking their pride and joy if the rain comes down.