Fun In The Sun
by Vaughn
Fun in the sun – Being an unconventional nonconformist has been descriptive that has placed me in some exciting situations, from the company of former tennis champion Martina Navratilova at Wimbledon to that of the late River Phoenix in the USA. However, the focus of this brief account will concentrate less on the many interesting people I met along the way, except Ron Clarke, but more on my 1500km adventure from Adelaide to Sydney on a Vmoto 50cc scooter.
Most people would consider this absurd, but that’s most people. In fairness, after some reflection, I was willing to review attempting the challenge. The Australian bush can be a very hostile place to be stranded in, with upper 40-degree summer heat and long rural distances void of any civilisation separating small towns and cities.
Planning
Vmoto 50cc (not the actual scooter)
I am not a meticulous planner, but I did take advice from people “in the know” such as mechanics, local outdoor enthusiasts and seasoned veterans like Steve who all made valuable contributions to the vital preparation before such an undertaking. This was invaluable because I am in a suit and tie daily to survive in a familiar environment. I am unfamiliar with the Ozzy Out Back, despite spending countless truly memorable adventures in the wildest of the African bushveld.
The following may be of some assistance to anyone willing to travel this route by whatever means they choose but doing it on a motorcycle is by far the most rewarding.
The best is to plan the trip, considering the time of year or season you intend to travel. This will impact what you need to take along with you. In my experience, travelling light was very sensible. Yet still having access to all the bare necessities certainly made life on the road more comfortable. For my intended five-day trip, I packed a tent, stretcher, sleeping bag, refillable water bottle, extra fuel container, a small set of tools, puncture repair kit, an up-to-date road map, handy wipes, a few LED flashlights, two mobile phones, mp3 player, camera, etc. I was most grateful to have packed the 30sp factor sun sunblock. Plus lip balm stick containing a sun protection agent. Australian summers can be brutal and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is hazardous. There is almost no protective ozone layer on this side of the world; take heed!
Adelaide to Sydney
I flew into sunny Adelaide, picked up my bike that had been in storage for a year and after a quick jump start, drove off in the direction of the National 20 motorway heading east towards Sydney.
The first section of the main road is called the Sturt highway. Near a town called Hay, you can take the Mid Western via Bathurst or the Hume from Wagga Wagga, as I did.
Thanks to Jet star, I had a five-hour delayed start. So I only made it to the Barossa Valley by the first night. From this point onwards, people were very friendly, and I met some excellent folk. I passed through many riverside towns along the banks of the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers.
The second overnight was spent between Mildura and Robinvale. I chose not to drive at night and began looking for a place to set up at approximately 7 pm. Sunset in December is usually around 9 pm local time. Had I known about the most impressive freshwater lake just 20km outside of Euston on the route to Balranand, I would have taken full advantage of spending the night there. At least, I managed a welcoming swim that eased the strain of riding in 30 to 40-degree heat.
Hay was the third night. As you enter the town, just over the bridge turn left into a spot called Sandy Point “if I recall correctly”. It is the perfect site to set up for the night, and like most amenities in Hay, it’s free.
With temperatures reaching the mid-forties, I decided to spend an extra day at Sandy Point. The excellent swimming and waterskiing in the river only a few meters from the campsite. The refreshing Olympic size pool in the town were the only sensible places to be during a heat wave. Making it fun in the sun.
All the soft plastic items I had left in my tent had melted and were not functional, including my camera – like most electronic goods; it was subject to a minimum and maximum operating temperature restriction.
Fun in the Sun Characters
Pressing onwards, I made a necessary refueling stop at Waddi. Coincidently wandered over to some shade adjacent to the petrol station. Where I struck up a conversation with an interesting-looking fellow on the other side of a fence. He was dressed in a white hat, vest and a belt with a large buckle, holding up a pair of old jeans.
After exchanging some courteous small talk, I was soon in fits of laughter and sharing an ice-cold ginger beer whilst looking over some works with one of the most refreshingly exciting characters I have ever had the good fortune of meeting in Australia.
It turns out he’s an admired artist who works in steel. Some may disagree with the terminology, but I have an art appreciation. So much so that I spent two weeks in the main gallery of the Louvre alone. In addition to countless other galleries and places of significance all over Europe and New York. This mans genius with an oxy-torch is only overshadowed by his personality. Good meeting you, Ron Clarke!
The final night was at Gundagai, just past Wagga. I met a lovely family who allowed me to spend the night near the race track. It was only a few meters away from the Murrumbidgee that was flowing rapidly. I was advised to be very careful if I had any intention of swimming.
I arrived in Bondi in time for dinner on New Year’s day. Not seeing any indigenous peoples or native animals apart from the occasional dead Roo. That is the story of fun in the sun!
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