Ride To Eat - FarRide #1

Moree NSW 17th June 2006

I propose that as this will become part of an ongoing series that it will be known as a FarRide, this being #1

Official Finishers List

Pictures

This will be of interest to those who like to take a "longer ride" with the ride being the focus not the coffee breaks. Most Ride to Eat FarRides will be planned at 1000k minimum days. That is the purpose of FarRiders.

It is not of Iron Butt proportions (just yet) but its aimed at those who are after a good long days ride and to meet, although briefly, with fellow riders with the same mindset. The entry level IBA ride is called a SaddleSore 1600k which is 1600k under 24hrs IBA

The idea is that it be a minimum 500 klm ride to the food and drinks.

Suggested Reading:
I also recommend a few reads of the Archive of Wisdom and this excellent writeup on Fatigue

As I am based on the Sunshine Coast Qld I have decided to center this one on a distance from here.

Destination : MOREE, NSW

Date : 17th June 2006

Time : 11 am to meet at Thomas Lee Motorcycles
12 noon leave Thomas Lee and proceed to food at Omega Cafe.

Place :

Thomas Lee Motorcycles - 11-12noon - Corner Newell HWY and Frome St. This is at the southern end of town after going through the center and main shopping area. If heading in from the north ride right through town and the roundabout, its just a bit further on the eastern side (left if heading in from north)

I have met and chatted to them, nice people. We can either angle park out the front or on the wide grassy footpath on the corner. I will be on the grass, its solid, bikes should be very stable.

We will gather here and then proceed down to Cafe Omega

Cafe Omega - 12noon - 145 Balo Street (main street)

In the main shopping street, west side. Parking out the front and the rear. I personally checked it out and they have a excellent area at the rear where we can be as a group.

Rules :
There aren't any just some "ground rules" to make it interesting.

1. You do need to tell me you are coming. This is to make sure we can get fed in a timely manner at Cafe Omega. If you are part of a group it would be advisable to let me know so we have rough numbers expecting to eat. Don't worry if you need to pull out at the last minute, this is not aimed at being that ridgid. But do not say you are coming without making sure you are able to all being well. I reserve the right to place a cap limit on riders if we get too many.

2. You MUST get a fuel docket to mark your departure point or close to it.

3. You must show me that on arrival.

But apart from that I intend this to be a honesty thing, the goal is to do a 1000 klm day minimum each but you are only cheating yourself if you don't. There will be no prizes, no certificates, no badges. Just a group of like minded riders meeting for a feed and chat. If you have only done 100-200k to get there you are going to feel very left out when everyone starts chatting about the great 500+k ride they had that morning to get there. I know how it feels to put in some good miles before lunch and everyone will be hyped.

We can keep it in this format for future rides or expand if any are keen.

FAQ's

Q. What is the cost
A. Cost to attend and mix with fellow FarRiders some of which are experienced Iron Butt members is zip, zerro, nada. Costs for your fuel, food, drinks is your problem.

Q. I ride a SuziKawaHarlYamaOnda and its only a 250cc can I come, plus my mates got a Rocket3 can he come.
A. If you can ride 1000k a day on it, come on down. This is non bike specific, type or size.

Q. But I only live 50k from Moree and I want to go.
A. I don't care where you live but I expect everyone to attempt to do a minumum 1000k day so you might just have to head off somewhere and come back.

Q. So if I live at or close to Moree where should I get my fuel docket from.
A. Once again its a trust thing but if you like you can get one from home and one at the turnaround point before heading back to Moree.

Q. Will you be checking our trip meters etc
A. Nope, its up to you. I just want people to attempt a 1000k day and have fun doing it. However if you want to zero your trip meter before leaving and let me see, that would be great just so I can give you a hearty hand shake for well done. It ain't much but its free

Q. Will you help with planning
A. We can offer hints if you have never done any distance before but the planning is part of your fun day.

Q. Can I camp over and ride home Sunday
A. Up to you, I ain't your mum. It does however defeat the purpose of attempting a 1,000k day though. But then you could just leave the evening before and DO 1000k in the 24hrs BEFORE getting to Moree, now that would be cool.

Q. I live 800k away so I would have to ride 1600k for the day.
A. Yep thats about right :) However if you are doing a min 1600k day talk to me first.

Q. So I get bragging rights if I travel the most k's.
A. In your own mind you can be anything you like, at the meet you will just be another FarRider. This is to encourage people to ride that little bit further for a day.

Q. But I like to stop every 100k and have coffee, can I come.
A. I don't care if you stop every 50k for piccies and walkies its just going to take you longer so you better get up REAL early.

Q. What if I break down on the way.
A. Well getting there and back is your responsibility. However as the date gets closer I will post a mobile number that you can call and leave me a message so we don't worry. I have a mobile on my bike and my wife has contact with me even while riding. She will relay messages. I do however not make my number public as its distracting on long rides.

Q. So speeding is ok ?
A. If I hear anyone talking about speeding I will be very annoyed. I do many k's in very short time frames and I can tell you its not speed that does it, its consistancy.

Q. How long will you guys be there at lunch.
A. That depends on how far each rider has to travel home, myself I will be there until everyone is organised to head off.

I chose this distance because its doable within speed limits with time to eat and chat in the middle and still get home just on dark.

The aim here is to start a group that likes to ride some distance and often on your own. Doing the ride in a small group is fine just remember that this is not a club organized ride. It is a "ride to eat" day.

If anyone is interested in making this into a leg of an IBA SS1600k which is 1600k under 24hrs please let me know. A witness is required at the start and end as part of the certificate procedure, I (David "Davo" Jones) am on the Approved IBA Witness list

What to do now !!

If you are coming email me including FarRide #1 in the subject line.

In both cases please;

Include:
Name or Nick
Type of Bike
Departure Location

I have been asked where the name came from, FarRide. I watched a movie recently called Hidalgo.
Quote from online: The Ocean of Fire -- a 3,000 mile survival race across the Arabian desert--was a challenge restricted to the finest Arabian horses ever bred, the purest and noblest lines, owned by the greatest royal families. In 1890, a wealthy sheik invited an American, Frank T. Hopkins, and his horse to enter the race for the first time.

Frank was called "Far Rider" in that movie and I liked the term when related to endurance riding.