A Run to Mildura – Easter, 1975

At first light, a wash and brush up, and two bikes quietly purred out of Kerang camping ground, and it was on! With the sun not up yet and a nip in the air, the first few miles were taken at a leisurely pace, which allowed a quick look at the surrounding scenery. By far the best views were in the sky, where the clouds formed all sorts of patterns and shapes, with the sun striking the higher formations red and gold, and flocks of early risers winged overhead, and a late sleeping blue crane uttered a few comments at being awakened so early.

A stop at Swan Hill for a coffee served by a friendly takeaway barman, set the scene for a good day out.

The sun having risen by now, we pressed on with renewed vigour, the BMW and the Suzuki GT running well. Green orange groves signalled the Murray River, and habitation, after the rather flat, desolate countryside following Swan Hill.

The NSW border appeared shortly after the GT’s first fuel stop, as men with white coats blocked the road. All was well, however, as they only wanted to inspect our oranges. A friendly wave by one and throttles were eased open a fraction for the increased legal limit. The Sturt Highway around there is wide in places and suddenly, almost one lane operation in others. The surface is all tar sealed, but somebody in the Roads Department forgot to fill in the holes and level the bumps before laying the seal. A glance at the front forks showed them going up and down like a bride’s nightie. Miles of scrub with an occasional glimpse of gum tree-lined river on our left passed by with each rider taking it in turn to lead, just to break the monotony. Suddenly a green oasis appeared – MILDURA!!

Just like the postcards – river paddle-steamer, green lawns, fountains, yellow number plates, no parking signs, and people to welcome you, hands outstretched, palms upwards! Saturday is not the day to visit Mildura. It’s just like Melbourne on a Saturday night, with jostling crowds, noise and traffic. A quick look around, a meal and second fuel stop for the Suzuki (first for the BMW) – and farewell Mildura!

A small side trip to have a look at the preparations for the Sunraysia Desert Rally, dirt roads, YUK!! The Suzuki rider outrunning a couple of dirt bikes who followed, or tried to, when we turned off for home. Next stop was Hattah Lake for a rest. It is rather a nice spot with water levels marked on one of the trees for flood years. A quick check on tyre temperatures and a hastened return to the Calder Highway. The pace quickened, and we took to a side road, pushing the cruising speed up on the twisting undulating road, to Sea Lake and fuel. Apart from riding through a bush fire, the rest of the trip was uneventful. Points that stick out: the thirst of the Suzuki GT; hungry mossies, the terrific grip of Avon roadrunners on sealed roads, and the pleasure of an early morning start.

----- Brian Avery -----