| #387 | |
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1st Midwest ride.
Ride report by Col.
Young Daniel from MOA organised a story in the local Midwest paper after the recent CQ visit to help promote the Off Road Park and to hopefully drum up some interest to kick off the Midwest version of Crusty Quinns. Two local riders spotted the article, gave me a call and organised the first Gero ride. We met early afternoon at a local servo and after a quick introduction, Merv volunteered to lead us up to Horrocks Beach which is about 50 Ks north of Geraldton. Brownie had ridden in the area plenty of times before so he to was very familiar with the trails. It wasnt long before I realised I was out of practice, unfit and after years of avoiding sand had trouble keeping up with these guys. The first section of trails was boggy and whooped out big time. There was the odd hard packed section but that didnt appear to last long before we were back in twisty boggy trails again. After several breaks to shake the arm pump out of the forearms we arrived at Coronation and sat for a while to recover. Helmets back on we continued to head north. Some of the sections reminded me of the ride between Wedge and Cervantes and there were even a few fast bits. I was slowing these guys down so I hit the beach and kept on eye on them as they rode parallel to the water most of the way and in sight. I was cruising along at around 90 ks most of the way however not getting away from them. Finally I could see Horrocks getting close on the GPS. We did have some dramas getting into the settlement as barriers had been placed at all entry points along the southern side. A bit of back tracking and inland trails and we were there for fuel, drinks and another break. We realised the day was getting away so we headed home at around 4ish. Merv road the dune trails all the way back virtually without a break and was travelling a decent speed. He is in training for next months Gascoyne Dash and was trying to get some rider fitness in. He picked ROTD for his huge effort. Brownie rode equally as quick but did join me a couple of times on the beach for several ks . He too deserved an extra point but there is only one ROTD award!! By around 5 the sun was getting low in the sky and cruising on a beach at that time of the day is awesome. Busy watching the waves pass over the reef and roll up the beach I nearly came to grief a couple times. Aaahh the serenity. I t was great to get out for a ride and hook up with a couple of the local lads. I am not keen on the dune trails but will probably ride the beach section again. We will get out and do some exploring in the 4 x 4 and find some trails inland where the dirt is red, the tracks are hard and there are no whoops. Thanks for the ride boys, I look forward to the next one.  Smelling the wild flowers.  A break at Coronation Beach.  A break at Horrocks Beach. |
