Adding to my Middleton SCDR ride.

[HACKLE]

Unlike my unplanned SS1600 after the Mannum Southern Cross Distance Riders this one [SS1600] was planned.
With a Start Docket [for both rides] at 11.43pm. at my local APCO servo. The night was warm and only dropped to 16c on my way to Melbourne.. United Westgate docket at 2.45am. then on west bound.
No issues across the Western Hwy., the road seemed in reasonable state of repair. I didn't disappear into any bottomless craters.
The plan was to meet Taffy on the side of the road west of Stawell. Well I was a little surprised to see the flashing blue and reds as I approached that meeting point. Apparently he was watching my location link and noticed I was approaching, started his bike, all lights on, low, approaching police car [figure that one out at that time of the morning] decided to investigate. Pulls in behind Taffy and young female officer asks why he's there and why his lights are on high beam.

Taffy laughs explaining, why he's there and his lights are on low beam.

Young female officer surprised, says their very bright.

Taffy says you think mine are bright wait till you see my friends.

At that point I pull up with mine all on. Police officers wish him all the best for our ride, get in Plod car and turn round and resume their trip east.

Just goes to show they are interested in our well being. Or was there an ulterior motive. Another one of life's mysteries.

Next stop was the Ampol Eatery at Horsham [6.04am.] for fuel for both bikes and riders. Back into the now fast approaching dawn light on our ride to Middleton for another Southern Cross Distance Riders GTG lunch continues.
What was once a BP but is now a Shell outlet At Tailem Bend [9.18am.] was our next stop for fuel and corner docket. Taffy took over the lead for the rest of the ride firstly the Wellington Ferry over The Murray then the rest to Middleton via Milang and Goolwa. With check-in and lunch done it was goodbyes said and back out into the rising heat for my return part of this SS1600 ride.
Back at the Shell, Tailem Bend fuel, ice and a small can of Coke were purchased. All pockets filled with ice, ice down the front of t-shirt and I was ready to go. The only good part of my ride East was the great SA. roads [Dukes Hwy] I was riding. I can tell you I wasn't looking forward to crossing back into Victoria and it's terrible roads.
Horsham [6.03pm.] and another stop, fuel, small can of Coke and a chocolate Magnum. You're right another sugar fix. Traffic was getting busier, maybe the country people fancied a night out in "the big smoke", maybe.
In truck driving parlance, I was starting to feel a bit "doughy" about now. Me thinks I must be getting weak, or is age catching up with me,no couldn't be. Must be the heat. Phone had stopped charging, bike screen had gone black and I was feeling "second hand", yeah the heat.
Dark didn't bring cool, just more of the same, heat. Snap out of it, you are nearly finished I tell myself. The things you think of whilst alone on the bike.
Finally of the highway I roll into Ampol Ballan [20.31pm.] for my finish docket [1,662 kilometres] and you guessed it fuel, Coke and something to eat. Now what tasty pieces of nourishment does KFC provide. Perfect, a wrap and of course another small can of Coke. Now this is were my belief in human kindness comes out.

On inquiring from young counter attendant as to the whereabouts of a landline phone as my phone was out of charge, she asked who I needed to ring. My wife, I replied, to ease her concern as to why my location link had stopped working. With that, the YCA whipped out her phone and gave it to me. Faith restored.
Elwyn was much relieved to hear my voice. Her fears were allayed. Now with everything fueled I was set for the 355 kilomtres home trip. Who was I kidding, equipped. more like how I would manage. Then it came to me, more cold cans of Coke, simple.
And manage I did with another can at Traralgon, by this time the bladder was overloaded, my sugar content was sky high, but I was on a mission and Elwyn was waiting hopefully with open arms.
APCO was where it all started on Friday evening and APCO [00.53am.] was where it finished on Sunday morning. 1.8 kilometres later I rolled into the shed [2,015 kilometres home to home], bike turned off for the final time and unloaded, gear off, into a shower, more cold than hot, then the sleep of the dead. Not waking till after 11am. this morning
As is said. Another one done and dusted. Now to wait till the next. God I hope it's not hope, this old bloke struggles in the heat. Cheers.
Graham

[Fatman]

A good effort Hackle especally in the hot conditions. Well done.

[Kimmie]

Well done and congratulation on making it given the extreme heat!!

How'd the ice in your jacket pockets work out for you??

So glad you made it home safely to Elwyn 

[HACKLE]

Kimmie, put it this way my belly button disappeared to get away from the cold, my nether regions got extremely wet as the ride progressed, people were giving me a second look at the stopping points [damp nether regions]. Probably thinking I need to get my retention powers looked at, but apart from all that I was cooler. That was the aim of the game. Cheers.