Trip Odometer: 11755km
Daily total: 624km
I made the decision to split from the Black Dog Ride, head for Brisbane and make a call to the suspension shop en-route once they open. I had a backup plan should they not be able to repair the fork seals, but that also required me getting to the shop before they left for the day.
I left Tamworth about 7am. I opted to go the New England Highway as I knew it would be relatively free from traffic, and it would also avoid the roadworks south of Ballina. I figured I should be able to cover the 600 kilometres in under 7 hours, and provided I can keep a moving average of close to 100kph, technically I should be closer to 6 hours. So no photo’s other than when I spotted the ‘Queenslander’ sign on the Border!
Aside from the cold, it was a pretty good run. The only real traffic I had to deal with outside of Brisbane was some school traffic heading into Armidale, and a few retirees and nomads doing the Stanthorpe wine runs.
I made a call to Suspension Improvements at around 9am and gave them a full rundown on my situation. I spoke to Steve, and he said provided I could get in before 2pm, they would fit the new fork seals for me. I rolled into their driveway at 1.15pm!
To their word, the bike was pushed into the workshop and repairs started immediately.

Before and and after

I can’t recommend Suspension Improvements enough. Steve and Graham went out of their way to help get me sorted. They clearly know their business, and had me back on the road in under 2 hours.
I also need to pick up a new rear tyre. The current one is toast, a bit earlier than I hoped at just under 12000km’s. Its probably got 1000km left in it, but not enough to make Cairns. I also want to get the tyre shop (Dave Oliver’s) to take a look at the wear pattern so I can get advice on correct pressures. Dave has kindly offered to open up his shop early so he can fit me in.
Once the new tyre is fitted, it will be time to repack the bike and try and catch up with the rest of the riders as they pass through Brisbane.
