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GrahamT went away for Christmas and took his bike. We had a conversation about whether I might visit for a ride. So, this morning, knowing he was riding home, I sent him a text message to see whether he'd like company.
He replied saying he'd had to drive a car back and leave the bike behind.
There was some to-ing and fro–ing of texts, but it came to pass that I put on my gear and rode out to pick up GrahamT to take him to collect his bike. I sent a text to Tezza inviting him to join us. He said he was busy working on his T500.
It was a horrible day for a ride. The temperature where we were heading was in excess of 35ºC (95ºF) and the effect of wind at 100 kms was warming. I think Tezza looked out the window and thought 'idiots' and went back to his beer.
But, hey, we're CB1100 riders, so we persevered. And, anyway, Brisbane badly needs rain, so we thought we'd do our civic duty and tempt fate.
I didn't tell GrahamT that I'd packed my wets.
We set off for Ipswich and Toowoomba ...
... passed the road leading to Ipswich ...
... and soon came to a quieter, but not all that interesting, country road.
Time passed and we came to the Wivenhoe Dam. The picture's crap; but, in the mirror, you can see there were two of us on the bike.
As we crossed the dam I looked up and saw a raptor. I pointed the camera where I thought it was, pressed the button and produced this ridiculous shot.
We climbed a hill, came to some gravel ...
... found GrahamT's bike; were given welcome cold water by a kindly man; and set off back down the hill, through the speed-limited corners.
GrahamT in pursuit ...
More shots of GrahamT ...
We rode around the back of Wivenhoe Dam watching storm clouds building to the west, up the Northbrook Parkway over Mounts Glorious and Nebo (about which much has already been written) and back down into Brisbane.
We beat the rain home; but, as I write, it's falling and the temperature is falling. Outside it's now 25.6ºC and falling. Much better.
An agreeable 278 kms (288 according to the CB's odometer) to welcome 2017.
Thanks Graham.