The Wild Geese

Cania Gorge 05
Cania Gorge 05
Happend on Friday 1 to Sunday 3 July, but it nearly didn't. Many could not make it at the right time. There was a delay of half a day whilst one of the bikes (non BMW) had a computer chip fitted to replaced the new one that had failed. Three Geese only set off in the end in perfect weather after all the rain on the coast. Out through Kilkivan over the range to Tansey and up to Monto was a good ride and little traffic, although blue and whites were about. The gravel road provided NO hinderance to JAG's R1150R at all. (other tars tops take note). Arriving at Cania in the late afternoon found the place idyllic to camp and setting up was quickly undertaken before darkness. Facilities were very good and we had our own camp fire with wood provided at $6.oo a barrow full.

Saturday morning, a ride to the lake found it greatly depleted. The road into the area is a good sealed surface, providing an enjoyable ride. Back to pack and chat to The "Drought Buster Family" who were travelling around the area. They have brought rain to every place they have visited and are obviously most welcome out west. Pic of the family with the Geese in the background. Heading off to Goodnight National Park via Mt Perry found the road through the hills a great one for riding with a number of bends and interesting sections. A stop over there whilst JAG met with relos.

Riding through Good Night National Park to the camping area was harder than first thought. We missed the area and went right through to the other side which was just as well because had it rained, the road would have been unpassable. Dirt to mud, you know the score. Camped at Booyar River Crossing and meet some more Geese and on Sunday headed out through Biggenden & Goomeri meeting Gizmo on the way as he headed to Cania.

Finally we travelled the back way through the Mary Valley to Kenilworth for a coffee (again) and then went our separate ways home to wash bikes & bods. An enjoyable trip, no hassles, (other than the start), great riding dirt & tar and the weather was PERFECT. Another great Wild Geese Run with good mates. R. -- Rob

Travellers @ Booyar River Crossing. Thru Good Night NP.

Steve's trip

As Rob mentions, I did make it to Cania Gorge on the same weekend, but set out on the Sunday with a couple of non-Goose friends. The Sunday start had always been the plan, it was a shame that the Geese trip and mine couldn't overlap a bit but I expect work got in the way for some.

The ride up was easy, still blue & whites about but that is unfortunately par for the course on the main roads these days. I left later than Pete & Liz but caught up with them in Goomeri and rode with them the rest of the way. Arrived at the campsite in good time to set up in daylight, prepared a meal in the excellent camp kitchen, then we all headed for the communal campfire as darkness fell. The fire was much needed as it had apparently turned cold that day. Lots of travellers tales to compare around the campfire, the vocal chords nicely lubricated with a few drinks, and off to bed when the lights went off around 10 pm.

Next day we walked the 4.5 km loop to the Giant's Chair lookout in perfect walking weather, sunny but not too hot. Followed this with a ride to the dam and its very attractive picnic facilities. Pete and Liz followed this with another walk in the afternoon, but my GS needed a workout so I rode some of the many dirt roads in the area, including a quite adventuresome rutted sand track which unfortunately ended in a wired-shut gate. The normal gravel roads were fun too and I encountered a nice mudhole across the full width of the road towards the end of the ride, so the bike came back to camp looking suitably adventurous.

Before and after!

We set up our own camp fire in the evening and relaxed with wine and rum, ensuring a good night's sleep when the time came. Next morning Pete and Liz continued on their way, heading for Carnarvon Gorge, while I headed for home. I took the highly recommended alternative route from Ban Ban Springs, turning left for Biggenden and then turning South onto the fairly narrow unfenced back road through beautiful scenery to Woolooga. No blue & whites to worry about here, just cows! This is a fabulous road - there's a stretch of gravel when you reach Kilkivan Shire, but very easy riding and nothing to deter the road bikes and it keeps the traffic down. From here it was home via Gympie, avoiding most of the highway by taking the back roads through Cooran and Pomona.

A great trip, shame I couldn't share it with the Geese. Maybe next time...

-- Gizmo

Footnote: Whilst at Cania Rob lost one of his GS Gloves (damn it). Put a few Wild Geese cards about in case. Well, turns out that it had been found in the bush??? Sent by mail thanks to Bruce White and family at Dalby. RR

Category Rides ~ Category Camping ~ Category Long Distance