Labour Day Long Weekend Sat 1^st May – Mon 3^rd May, 2004

Saturday was a beautiful, blue sky day in Townsville with a forecast temperature of 27 degrees. Ah, winter in the tropics! I left on the Daytona 955, heading north to the Atherton Tablelands. The plan was to go north to Gordonvale, then head inland to the Tablelands.

It was a pretty dull ride up the highway because it’s predominantly straight and the long weekend meant plenty of police activity. I saw four radars but imagine there were more; not bad for about 350 kms. I took my time stopping for lunch and coffee at Ingham. The town was founded by Italian cane growers. The cafes are good and the coffee even better.

Heading further north passing Hinchinbrook Island there are a few nice bends, just to whet my appetite for what is to come. I filled the tank at Gordonvale, having done 320 kms without the fuel light coming on. It was the most I’ve ever done on the Daytona and an indication of just how dull the ride was. That was about to change.

The Gilles Highway is smooth, clear and very twisty. The other good thing about it is that it regularly has overtaking lanes. Not that I saw a lot of cars, though there were a few bikes around. By the time I reached the top, I was sweating profusely, but with a grin from ear to ear. I headed down and back up again. Now totally in the groove, I gave it plenty, riding the sweepers to Atherton and on to Malanda Falls where I was to rendezvous with friends.

Arriving at the Caravan Park, camp was set up, with a place in the campervan for me. All I had to do was slip off the bike, into a chair and open a tinny of XXXX.

The next day I was cajoled into touring around the countryside in my friends’ 4WD. I thought it ungracious to refuse their hospitality so agreed, taking my place on the back seat.

We toured around the usual touristy places including Lake Eacham for scones and tea, then walking through magnificent forests to see such wonders as the cathedral fig tree, water filled volcanic craters, and the wineries and distilleries. Yes, wineries and distilleries, but not as we understand in Victoria. Rather than grapes, they use tropical fruits, producing surprisingly good quality wine. I was expecting the mango wine would be sweet and sickly but it was quiet refreshing, like a chardonnay. But you’ll have to take my word for it because the cellar door sales I took home seem to have evaporated.

Back to the campsite and it was more drinking. Another six people from the Yacht Club arrived, making 11 of us round the camp fire. It was turning into a party.

Monday morning arrived with thick fog and drizzle so it was on with the wet-weather gear. This time I went via the Palmerston Road which is not as twisty as the Gilles Road, but still fun because the sweepers provide some fast sport. Initially, it was wet, but as I descended, the conditions gradually dried out. I took the turn-off to South Johnstone past Paronella Park through Mena Creek, joining the Bruce Highway at Silkwood. These back roads are really beautiful with forest right up to, and even overhanging the road in some sections. The road was often only one car width wide, but the surface was in pretty good shape.

It was then back down the Bruce Highway to Townsville without incident and off on the 4pm flight to Palm Island and back to work.

I would have liked to have done more riding in the Tablelands but there’s always next time. Considering two of my work colleagues ride bikes, Craig with a Ducati S4 and Lance a BMW 1100S, there’s every chance I’ll get back there soon.

Mark Easterbrook (Triumph Daytona 955)