Afrikaanse Klub Australi Thundering BikesThe sound of freedom
by Guest Author
The Boere Bikers (Skoon lug, groen valley en fietsryvriende, Issue 14), also known as Bles and Boepens, Bald and Brave, Benoude Boude, a group of expats from the south point of Africa recently headed off on their bikes to Texas, a little place on the border of Queensland and New South Wales.
The route that we chose took into account our hunger for adventure and sightseeing, was the longest possible nearly 1,000km and was undertaken in a day and a half.
Kawa Dolf, Ben Ireland, Johan 250 Lourens, Deon Mangels and Baas Johan left Suncorp Stadium to be joined by Phillip the Boer from Gatton and his wife Diane (for a brief time) as well as Ben Skiet. We were also accompanied by our Bens wife Miss Ann and Johan 250 Lourens wife Antoniette, who became our official photographers and drove the back up vehicle, just in case.
It was 5.30pm and cold by the time we completed the last stretch to Texas and the local Stockmans Hotel, but the Boere Bikers did not dare to complain.
After a couple of beers, we were very hungry and decided to support both hotels in Texas, by having dinner at the hotel across the street. Deon took a doggy bag and I had to throw in the towel as the steak was just too much. Good value for money though!
We woke the following day at about 7am with monstrous headaches. Fortunately Ben came to the rescue with a much needed cup of coffee and some super-dooper Grandpa Powers! What a life saver!
By 9am the Boere Bikers were on their way back to Brisbane, heading for the first fuel stop in a town named Tenterfield. Halfway there, I nearly ended up with a big hop haas on my lap. Luckily my beemer has ABS and I managed to delay the possible impact, just enough to allow the kangaroo to cross the road harm-free. What a close encounter.
After breakfast and fuelling up at Tenterfield, we headed along the Bruxner motorway to the turn off to Bottle Creek. The road from Bottle Creek through the state forest towards Beaudesert was rough and bumpy, but still manageable at low speed. Luckily the sightseeing was spectacular and highly enjoyable. Deon Mangels nearly did a bit of farming with his Yammie R1, but experienced as he is, he managed to keep the R1 on its wheels and entertained Kawa Dolf and Ben Ireland with his riding skills.
The last fuel stop was at Beaudesert before we all split up to go in our own direction, heading home after a very successful run.
Ben Skiet has promised to locate another venue for us to discover on our bikes. In principal, the decision was made to make the next run bigger, better, longer and much, much more fun.
All in all, the Boere Bikers burned a lot of fuel, the cruisers helping the noise pollution to reach new heights in the mountains. And there sure was a lot of laughter while we enjoyed each others company.
Till next time, chaps.
Boere Bikers
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