I had a good night sleep, woke up naturally and was excited cos today, I’m heading home to my Sweety Karl and the furbabies Howie & Lucy. Fergus is all packed up and I’m ready to go. I’d plugged the route in the GPS last night and would you know it, it had me going through all the C roads before popping me out onto the B400. Should’ve just followed the signs to Yarrawonga instead, never mind.

The skies are blue and it’s a beautiful morning to be put riding again. Now on the B400, it’s an easy run into Rutherglen where I stop of morning tea and coffee. Nice piece of Hedgehog Slice and a coffee which took 20 minutes to arrive but it is Saturday morning and every person and their dog are out in town today…it’s a very popular spot.

It’s not far now and I’m eager to get home, so on yer bike girlfriend.

Through Barnawartha and onto the freeway heading to Wodonga where I exit and get back onto the Murray Valley Highway. This road Fergus and I know like the back of my hand. Deciding not to stop for fuel again, I set the cruise control and coast on home through the mountains where Karl is waiting with the front gates open and the furbabies going bananas.

Geez it felt good to roll through the gates and see them all.

Fergus is putrid, my gear is a bit grubby but we are so glad to be home.

12 days of riding and a total 4797.9 km

What did 12 days of enjoyment cost

• Fuel: $575.41
• Accommodation: $1521.77
• Food & Drink: $688.79
• Incidentals: $120.63
• Total $2960.60

Thanks for following the Border Run journey. Until the next adventure.

I had breaky with Chicky this morning in Red Cliffs at Coffee on Indi. A good hearty scrambled eggs on toast with coffee for me to get me off to a good start for the day. This café though loves it doggoes, they even have a wall of tribute for them. I’ve found that most of the meals have been of generous portions at the places we have stopped.

I thank Chicky again for letting me join his group this year and before long, it’s time to say good-bye.

I’ve decided not to do a timed SCDR ride this trip now. I’ve been enjoying the riding without the time pressures, clock watching and kilometre counting….just enjoying the ride for the ride. I mean, it’s not like I have anything to prove to myself or anyone else. Fergus and I have hit a good groove and are just motoring along steadily.

Today, I’m hunting culture – silo art. First stop is Ouyen for the Wheat Shoot.

Then it’s out on B roads under overcast skies to Walpeup. There is hardly anyone on the roads this morning and that little bit of self-doubt about me doing this starts to creep in.

Turn right and head down C roads now and the dark cloud of doubt and the unexpected potential of wildlife is in the forefront on my mind. I’m a little on tender hooks and with eyes wide on alert for anything. It’s the first time I’ve wondered whether this is right, the surroundings are reminiscent of Tipping Way. I force the thoughts away and focus on all the positives and how far I’ve come and what Fergus and I have accomplished over the past 10 days and think….you got this girl.

Then I roll into Patchewollock for the next spot of culture. The viewing area is sandy and rocky not ideal so we just tippy toe and park up for the pic.

Now, I’d done some calculations last night and planned to get fuel in either Woomelang or Birchip. I arrive into Woomelang and go get some more piccies of art and decide to push onto Birchip for fuel.

The skies have cleared now and the clouds are nice and fluffy and it’s warming up. I go and get the silo art in Birchip which is out of town before turning back into town to get fuel at the caravan park.

I fuelled up but I’m not comfortable at the fuel station, makes me feel uneasy. Back out at Fergus and it was like a thousand eyes were watching me so quickly mount up and get the hell out of there…..note for future DO NOT stop there again. I’m not saying the town itself just the fuel station/caravan park. Pays to blow the map up a bit more to see that another 40km down the road, I could’ve got fuel and had a more comfortable stop in Wycheproof and felt safer. Lesson learned.

Final push 200km to Moama where I grab the last of the silo art before heading straight to my motel for the night. It’s turned into a beautiful day and again unpack and get a little organised.

But you know what today is….yep FriYAY and since I missed morning tea, walked across the road to the Moama Bakery for afternoon tea instead – chocolate iced sprinkled donut and coffee.

Back at the motel, early shower and dinner (extra meal from last night), a little bit of work on Fergus before tucking him in for the night and kicking back to relax myself.

Sweety, I’m almost home!!!  I miss you and the furbabies so much xxx

It’s nice just waking when you want even though you have a few kays to get through. No stress, no pressure.

It’s a mirky miserable morning in Peterborough and about 20km down the road the fog well and truly set in. You couldn’t see 50 metres in front of you, so it’s a slow and steady run at 80kph – better to take me time than not arrive. I had to pull over in Hallett just to stop for a minute and take a breath, the fog is relentless and is with me all the way to Burra.

Fuel for Fergus and into the Burra Bakery for fuel for me….I think the boys might have converted me a little with bakeries as opposed to café’s when I’m on the road 😊

The fog started to lift when I got to Marrabel where I stopped for a pic of CURIO – The Brumby that became a Legend.

It was into Eundunda then for some more silo art that you cannot get to on Fergus and the sky is starting to clear and the temperature is slowly climbing to something a little bit more comfortable.

Hunting for more culture, finds me in Waikerie SA which is a very pretty town and Karl and I should go back with the furbabies for a holiday in the future. John Loxton is the local artist and his work is everywhere throughout town including the beautiful silo’s. A short walk takes you to the cliff walk and a beautiful view of the wetlands.

I have a muesli bar, kerosine and comfort stop and take off some layers as it’s now 22 degrees….a far cry from this morning’s fog and cold.

I reach Victoria and cruise into Mildura to my motel Inlander Resort for the night.

Now if I’m honest, it was ok but no better than where I usually stay (Mildura Motor Inn) and cost me more. The nail in the coffin for me was that the lady on reception didn’t speak English and struggled to understand what I was saying. The same lady served me for dinner and advised me that the Chinese meals didn’t come with rice, so I ordered a full plate of vegetable fried rice.

Things I noticed today, there were heaps more road trains on the road in both directions. Crosswinds never cease to take me by surprise. The road surfaces in SA are so much better than Victoria’s pitiful excuse for roads. My ride fitness is amazing me, the aches and stresses that I started out with have long since left me and I’ve been enjoying every kilometre with the Distinguished Gentlemen and when I’ve been on my own.

No schedules to keep and a good nights sleep , waking to the sound of silence…..ahhh.

It’s a fresh 1 degree this morning – almost like being at home.

Ready for the day and off Fergus and I head to the servo to put some air in his shoes before heading the Crossroads Café for the biggest and best breaky so far and a BUCKET of coffee.

I meet the blokes last night at the pub who were staying at the same motel and bumped into them again at breaky. They’re headed off to Alice Springs for a rally – safe travels boys.

Peterborough is a sleepy town with nearly everything closed down, closed on the day or relocated somewhere else.

With the entire day to do as I please, I start at one end of town and explore what is open and available to view.

Took the Printing Tour for a $10 donation with the lovely Mary, who has more information on the presses than the encyclopaedia could share with you.

Took lots of piccies and have out them all together.

With all the sight seeing done for the day, it’s back to my room to chill out for the rest of the afternoon before heading to the Peterborough Hotel for dinner tonight.

This morning was bittersweet as I was leaving the Distinguished Gentlemen to do my own thing for the rest of my trip.

It was hugs all round and stands up and off I go. I don’t have very far to go today a mere 233km to Peterborough. There is no rush and Fergus and I just sit back enjoying the Flinders Rangers and the first twisty roads heading to Quorn. I wanted to stop in Quorn and get some more Quandong Jam but nothing selling it was open when I came through. I did stop at the Scruffy Fella for a coffee though – always recommend this one.

There’s quite a few caravaners on the road today and they are all travelling in the opposite direction keeping my direction nice and clear.

Further up the road, I wanted to get a pic of The Big Akubra in Craddock SA on the RM Williams Way….photo opportunity naturally.

It’s so peaceful riding through the hills and not long later, we pop out at the top of Orroroo where I stopped for an early lunch and comfort stop. No time constraints, all leisure not my usual way of riding but I must say, I’m thoroughly enjoying the relaxed vibe.

Half an hour later and I’ve arrived in Peterborough where I’ll be spending the next 2 days for rest and laundry (since I’ve run out of clothes…lol).

A lovely local lady helped me out at the laundromat with the best washer and dryer to use and in no time the chores are done and I make the leisurely walk back to my motel, where I’m catching up on all my ride reports and photo’s.

It’s a bit far to walk back to town tonight for dinner so Fergus and I will go in for early dinner and be back before the cold sets in for the night.

Dinner was a bog-standard Chicken Snitty with gravy salad and chips.

Had the best night’s sleep – a full night…hee yah!! Highly recommend the Foreshore Motel in Ceduna.

Up at 7am, breaky, packed and out on the street waiting for the boys. Heaps of time so some piccies before they start to roll out the gate. We have truly been blessed by the weather gods this trip and it is an absolute cracker of a day.

Possum, Macca and I stop again in Wudinna Bakery for brunch and meet up with Karen & Peter. It’s actually good to chat to another woman on the ride and before long it’s time to get going again.

There is no wind today, glorious day to be riding and after overtaking a few road trains, about 2km out of Kimba get a call from Kimba get a call from Chicky to check where I’m at. I’m stopping for the silo art and if you guys are still in town, will tag you otherwise will keep going and see you in PA.

Great pic at the silo art, no sign of the boys so truck on.

The bitumen is just like a big ribbon, if you picked it up at one end and gave it a massive big shake it would rumble and undulate all the way. About 100km from Port Augusta, I was feeling a little dehydrated so after a couple of failed attempts pulling off on the verge finally found a safe spot to pull over and grab a kersoine to get me through.

Left turn and head towards Iron Knob and the cross winds hot again and the last 70km are with me all the way.

Piccie at the PA sign and fuel and the Liberty before making it to the motel. First time on the trip, that I’ve beat all the boys in.

Down to the Western Pub for a lovely Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli.

Back now to wind down. Said goodnight to the boys as tomorrow we head our separate ways.

Love my sleeping bag but at some point during the night my airbed went “bang” and the baffles are now buggered but I was back to sleep again soon.

Gags & Hackle were leaving earlier than us but it really doesn’t matter, you start hearing bikes start from about 5am and I just stirred and nodded back to sleep. See Gags off and the boys and I are ready to head out before 9am SA time.

It’s another nice morning, the sun is high and not too much of a drama for visibility.

And on the return leg, you must get the other sign.

Cruisey ride with strong crosswinds and we all pull in for breaky at Nullarbor Roadhouse. Thankfully we are in early and order quickly cos after us the wait was atrocious. Good ham & cheese toasty here if you’re looking for one. As you do on the road you chat to everyone, doesn’t matter they ride a bike, you have that link and I must say that everyone has been absolutely wonderful to chat too.

The road on the return seems somehow to be shorter that it was on the way over, don’t ask me how, I know it’s the same distance must have something to do with the turnaround.

The cross winds are getting stronger and with the oncoming road trains, it’s certainly a workout to keep stable.

About 20km west of Penong Captain Plod is out, has a customer but Fergus and I are being well behaved. Into Penong for fuel and I wait for the boys to arrive. Check Fergus over and discover the oiler has let loose and the rear wheel is covered in oil, will fix that when we get into Ceduna. It’s starting to get warm and not having the camelbak, I actually felt it this morning, downed a bottle of water to get me through the last 75km.

A long way down the road, sitting on the opposite side of the road way ahead is another Captain Plod. A caravan in front of me (quite a distance) goes past him and he does a u-turn and sits on the vans bum for ages. Fergus is sitting on the limit not 1km under or over and we just cruise along steadily. Eventually the copper overtakes the van and is miles in front, then I take the van and just cruise into the quarantine station at Ceduna. Nothing to declare and into the OTR for a splash and dash, degreaser and wipes so I can do a little service on Fergus when we check-in.

More flash accommodation with good parking and I get to work cleaning the wheel and underneath off before making the necessary adjustments to the oiler so this doesn’t happen again.

The cross winds today have me feeling like I have sea-legs and I’m a bit wobbling and a bit dehydrated and salt deprived. Chippies and my go to Blue Powerade (which Macca has called Kimmie’s Kerosine) and I’m feeling much better.

A little afternoon stroll down the jetty and time to chill….literally the wind has a but of a bite to it.

Benefits of staying here is the club is attached and it’s an easy walk for an awesome feed – Roast Pork with veggies….yum yum. Then it’s off to get ice-cream for dessert.

Hopefully get a good nights sleep.

Missing Karl and the furbabies immensely but also having a time of my life.

Early night and had a reasonable sleep until the dudes staying next door decided to get up at 4am and start yakking in front of my room. Up like a shot thinking I’d slept in and missed breaky and the start….doh, back to bed but restless.

Salubrious scrambled eggs on toast for breaky with Fatman as he was the only one up. I said to the DG’s that I’d see them & Border Village so back to Fergus, packed and he won’t start…WHAT!! Tank bag off, key out, start again, nothing….oh shit, having a little panic attack I wonder back to the dining room and the boys give me that look. I advise Fergus won’t start and they throw all the solutions at me but Chicky comes with me and yep…..rookie mistake, he was in gear and the triumph won’t start if it’s in gear and the sidestand is down…..very embarrassing. Chicky gives me a hug and I’m on my way.

Another bloody glorious day!! The sky is blue, there’s a cool breeze and strong head winds and a bit dusty but how can you not enjoy this  – wide open spaces with excellent company, it’s magic.

The wildlife signs are a good reminder that things can happen in an instant.

You have to pull off and anyone of the numerous viewing spots along the Great Australian Bight. Fatman is exiting as I enter and the gravel surface isn’t too bad and I manage to get myself turned around and then off to the edge to get some piccies.

It’s pretty breathtaking actually and a bit windy still, I feel like I swallowed sand.

Not far now and I must admit, I’m getting a tad excited to see everyone and some that I only see at this event.

Stop for the usual piccies except you cannot get to the SA/WA sign anymore, they have cordoned it all off…disappointing.

Ray & Bill are at the Troopy eagerly waiting for all the Southern Cross Distant Riders to roll in, get their name ticked off and either check-in or head off to complete their ride. It’s so good waiting to see people from all over the place roll in.

After the cancellation of my accommodation due to storm damage, Gags was generous enough to provide me with enough floor space for me to chuck my airbed and sleeping bag down for the night….one of the best night’s sleep I had.

We have the group photo and Ray & Bill surprise myself, hackle & Carsten with a token of appreciation for helping them out on the east coast and Tassie with the Southern Cross Distance Rides. Totally unexpected and very much appreciated….now to figure out how to get it home….hmmmm.

So much socialising, so many stories, more exceptional memories are made and the best dinner on the trip so far. Just like a butterfly, I flitter between meeting people and catching up with others. Such a memorable time.

There’s this relay happening around the world at the moment called WRWR 2026 and I’m approached by a lady named Karen to pass the baton. So, I get that organised and you wouldn’t read of it, her and her husband are friends of Chicky’s….what are the chances. We have a chat and then later on another lady approaches me to pass it on further – job done. It’s actually nice to chat to some other lady riders for a change…there aren’t many of us.

Grilled King George Whiting with salad and chips….bloody delicious, makes the Streaky Bay version look like chopped liver.

50 Year Anniversary of the Border Run is completed. There was a group photo being done but the amount of faffing around to get it organised was too much for this little black duck and I head off to bed. The 3 different time zones kinda messes with you a bit but it wasn’t long and just like Gags, I was out like a light.

Had a crappy night sleep but that doesn’t deter me from having a great day. One could get used to these late starts and early finishes, but you don’t cover much ground. The subtle sounds of DG’s are stirring outside but I’ve already been up, had my soup for breaky, dressed and packed Fergus as they stroll past headed for the continental breaky in the bistro…just toast for me.

It’s another beautiful day, we really have nailed it this year. Ahead of what I’m calling the “loose” stands up we head off for Ceduna into the sun and blue skies. The guys “lurve” their bakeries and have them all planned out (I’m sure) well in advance and they have picked another golden venue.

Now today is FriYAY and you all know what happens on FriYAY’s cake and coffee and just because I’m away doesn’t mean I miss out. Carrot Cake was good but they made my coffee on full cream milk which upset my tummy for the rest of the day.

There is a breeze today but nothing to write home about and more undulating roads, blue skies forever and green, more than I’ve seen out this way previously. Scheduled fuel stop in Penong for everyone at various times and you cannot go past without getting a pic of the windmills…..thanks Baz for being photographer.

The group has spread out and I decided to ride with Possum on his Enfield today. There’s no rush and it was quite lovely pottering along at a leisurely pace behind him. We pulled into Nundroo for a splash and dash and to peel layers off and I changed gloves as it is a balmy 18 degrees now. No need for the heated suit now – all switches off!!

There’s a “newish or cleaner” Nullarbor Plains sign and naturally you gotta stop for this pic too.

Not sure my selfies are getting better or worse…LOL.

Then before you know it, you arrive at Nullarbor Roadhouse – which was surprisingly empty.

Fuelled up Fergus and inside to pay and see a group of 4 fella’s that I met years ago on this ride. Quick hello’s as they were finishing up lunch and we’ll catch up tomorrow at Border Village.

All checked in and time to go get the touristy photos of course. Kick back with friends, tell more stories, have another civilised afternoon gathering of great minds with a cuppa….naturally, well…..there might have been a few glasses of wine but I’m not judging.

Early dinner and tonight was Caesar Salad before bidding my farewell to head for bed.

Wildlife sighted today, 1x dead pig, a dingo at the roadhouse near our rooms, crows guarding a very big nest in the tree near our rooms and bloody flies.

Was supposed to get a sleep in this morning but the old body is still working on Corryong time and I was awake early….never mind. Breaky and packed and the DG (Distinguished Gentlemen) start to stir. Milling about in the carpark it is a 9:30am SA time start this morning but after a while I went back to my room and when I came out all the buggers had fooked off except for Chicky & Bill. Lucky I was ¾ dressed and quickly finished and I was off myself. So much for the timeline.

Beautiful morning, a little bit of wind out of PA which used a bit of fuel but then it was smooth sailing for the rest of the day.

We all had our own little things & stops/breaks we wanted today, so it was a bit like leap frog for the group. Stopped at Kimba for the “Halfway Across Australia” and the Big Galah before pushing on to Wudinna Bakery to meet Macca and Possum for lunch. It just so happens that it’s Macca’s birthday today – Happy Birthday mate xx.

Just out of Wudinna this rabbit decided to play Russian Roulette between Possum, Macca and my wheels….reckon if you went back and checked the road there would’ve been easter eggs everywhere!!!

The bakery roll, donut and coffee didn’t disappoint and will be making a note to stop here in future instead of Kimba.

Wudinna to Streaky Bay is a short 135 km and with the sun high in the sky makes it an easy run.

Glorious day on the bike…couldn’t really ask for a better day weather wise (hope I haven’t jinxed us now). Suns out, no wind, spectacular scenery and the undulating road and changing of colours in the landscape are just mind boggling.

Fergus has found his stride and me with it….which is good. We are comfortable together and enjoying the freedom and pleasure that motorcycling allows us.

We arrive in Streaky Bay about 2pm, check-in, I go for the town walk and settle back with the DG’s for a very civilised afternoon cuppa tea, Anzac biscuits made by Bill’s wife Rosalyn and granddaughter Daisy & Cobs popcorn.

Some of us have been doing the Border Run a lot more than others.

With a great day behind us we now kick back and get ready for dinner and no doubt some more stories – which mind you are very entertaining.

Who knew riding with a group of older gentleman could be so much fun!!