Riding the Munda Biddi - the trail continues!

Sunday 2nd October wasn't exactly 'good weather', but at least it was dry, although very windy... So I headed out from Collie back up the Coalfields highway to pick up where I'd left off a couple of days before... Making good progress I was soon off the main road, shooting down some side road through the forest, with lots of small sports cars passing me - obviously out for a 'Sunday morning drive', then I was off the Tarmac roads, and back into dirt roads, much quieter, and on into the forest of Wellington National Park. I crossed over the river at Honeymoon pool:

although there didn't seem to be any swooning there, and continuing up through the forest tracks in the still breezy winds, occasionally dodging a rain shower...

By 1130 am I'd reached my intended target for the day - Nglang hut, but decided I may as well push on as the weather was getting increasingly better, and I felt I still had a lot of riding in me!
The tracks improved and I was soon speeding my way through and out of the forest, and onto some quiet roads towards Boyanup, where I arrived just after 330pm - a good days ride of 63 kms, and so happily checked into the 'Old Bull and Bush' tavern... A quaint, old pub/ hotel... When I wandered round the village later, it was good to see the old timber workings, and old clapboarded church.

A nice meal and a couple of pints and early bed followed!!

Monday 3rd I was up at 7 am, helped myself to breakfast and by 815 am was setting out into the drizzly rainy day... Initially along Tarmac roads, through Donnybrook, with lots of apple orchards spread around, then into very soft dirt/gravelly roads, hard to keep up momentum, as the bike was sinking into the track as I went along... pasture land was then either side of me as I wended my way along, changing back to forest, bush and Jarra forests...

By early afternoon the showers had stopped, and things were warming up, as I had a couple of breaks sat alone in the forests...

By 4 pm I arrived in Jarrahdale, another ride of 63 kms, expecting to be able to stay in the 'community house', and have  a shower - unfortunately it was fully occupied with a holidays let to a family, so it was back to the bush hut (and no shower) - it was sunny, dry... And windy, so I found myself a nice corner of the hut out of the wind, and settled down to watch the sunset... and a large herd of kangaroos came out of the bush to graze in the surrounding grassland:

entertaining me until dark... Although a windy night, it was a pleasant temperature (or I'd gotten used to the cold?) and I slept well and long...

Tuesday 4th I was up before 7, having a leisurely breakfast and start, as I knew I had an easy ride today (only 26 kms)... by 815 I was on my way riding along an old railway line, without the sleepers!!, and making good quick progress.

It was a nice sunny day giving pleasant relaxed feel to my day, being passed by a father and son also riding a few of the stages with all their camping equipment also - it was nice to have someone to chat to!!

I arrived in Nannup just before 12 noon, the supposedly 'half way point' of the Munda Biddi trail

 - although tomorrow's destination also claims the same!! I got a good deal on a caravan on the campsite, washed my clothes and had a pleasant afternoon relaxing... 

Before an 'expensive' community meal in the village... Three course meal for $5 (about 3 pounds!!) it was nice chatting to people who lived in the village, and hear their stories whilst I had a nice filling meal!!, and lots of chocolate before an early night!!

Wednesday 5th October I was off into the morning sunshine just after 8 am and climbing a long long road up into the hills, then onto gravel roads at Gold Gully Road!!

then I was back into the bush and Jarra tree forests passing the 'King Jarra' as I went!! I arrived at Donnelly mill, an old timber mill village, just before 12 - I could have stayed there (it looked pleasant enough), with kangaroos and emus wandering around... But I decided to continue, but treated myself to a large lunch of Lasagne and salad, then headed off again towards my distant destination... The track was very rough, and I soon started coming across trees blocking my path, having been blown over, sometimes I could get round them. Other times it was 'over' them as I clambered up and over with the heavily laden bike... Not easy when there's lots!!

It was an afternoons slog up and over trees, on an increasingly overgrown trail, which then started climbing up and up towards my destination... Karta Burnu hut, which was up at the top of a hill, surrounded by fields and pasture land and I panted my way there arriving at 4 pm, a long days ride, but glad to be there!

Views were great... But windy, and I had to cook inside the hut to stop the stove being blown out!!

Another 61 kms days riding, but satisfying, and I was ready for an early night!!

Thursday 6th I awoke to steady rain, so didn't rush to get going.

I knew I didn't have far to go anyway... I set off around 1030 as the rain eased off heading through and down forest roads and trails towards Manjimup, which I got to at midday... To get a savoury muffin and coffee, before going to Alan & Bernadette's house (who I'd met on the Pilgrimage to New Norcia)- they'd invited me to stay with them as I passed on the trail, so I arrived sopping wet and grateful for the hot shower (and all my washing being done!!) I had a pleasant afternoon and evening chatting to them both, before enjoying a succulent Roast Pork dinner and comfy bed for the night!

Friday 7th I was up before 7

gathering all my clean and now dry washing, packed and breakfasted setting off for 8 am - (thanks Alan & Bernadette, a great nights stop for me) -along the Muir highway, then once more turning into the bush and forests... By 1030 the rain had returned, as I rode on... Just before 12 I arrived in Quinningup, soaked to the skin, and with no real prospects of it drying up, I found a cabin which I rented in the 'Eco Park', with lots of Kangaroos and Emus wandering around

It was funny agreeing the price - I'd agreed on $50 (cheap enough) when they decided as I was on the Munda Biddi trail, I'd get it for $40, even cheaper!!

I dried my stuff and relaxed for the afternoon, before going up to the Tavern for dinner... It was really busy, there was a 'Wake' on - organised by the dead man before he died - a Wigan Warriors RL fan, and true northerner to the end!!

Saturday 8th I was up and off by 815, another wet, showery day, although I did manage to shelter from some of the worst of the rain... Again trails undulating through forest and bush, the forest changing to Jarra and Marra trees... The trails being wide and firm, so I made good time arriving into Pemberton in more heavy rain!!

I got a basic cabin in the caravan park, got more supplies at the supermarket and went for dinner (between showers) at the Sports club next door... Being greeted by a Derbyshire man from Matlock, and watching the entertainment as a coach pulled in, with its cargo of men on a Bucks night... (stag 'do'), who happily played various games (like throwing darts at each other!!), the barmaid saying 'typical Aussie footballers' and continued drinking in good humour - they wanted me to join them on the bus... I politely declined and beat a hasty retreat to bed!!

Sunday 9th I was out on the road by 8am, hoping for 830am mass in Pemberton, as I'd been a few weeks ago - not to be though, 1st and 3rd Sunday's, and today was 2nd, so mass not till 1030, so I had to carry on... up passing the Gloucester tree, which I climbed a couple of weeks ago - no one climbing it today (including me), and straightaway after there the trail went off into the forest on some great single track swooping muddy trail, brilliant and good fun:

there was the occasional shower but still relatively dry as I went through an ever changing landscape and differing trails.

I came to a road, was tempted to follow it to my destination, but decided to continue on the MB, sad mistake as I then ended up on really wet, muddy path, frequently flooded across their entire width, so by the time I arrived into the outskirts of Northcliffe my feet were sodden, and I was splattered in mud!!

Anyway into the tourist office I went, who sorted me out with a nice 'farmstay' B&B, and another 5 kms cycle out of town, where I stayed with an older couple in the midst of their sons cattle farms... Peaceful and a good dinner too!!

Monday 10th I was up breakfasted and out by 8am, managing to find a cut through to the trail proper without having to go back into Northcliffe, although I did have to splash through a river!!

I was initially on forest/fire roads

and then trails through the woods, with lots of ups and downs, through blackened bush where fires had come through, although the brightly coloured windflowers were blooming everywhere:

there was the occasional remote farmhouse, and lots of cattle grazing on the pastureland - very much the English scenic view, although I'm told in summer all the grass gets burnt off... a nice breezy but dry day and by 130pm I'd arrived at the Yirra Karta hut, my nights bush hut stop.

Next to the hut was a large granite outcrop, of some Aboriginal significance, and when I climbed it to its summit I had great all round views... As far as I could see was just the tops of trees, no buildings in sight - peace!

I climbed it several times, hoping for a great sunset, sadly too cloudy, later in the night I was up amongst the stars, with neither a light or glow to be seen anywhere... Isolation!!

Early the next morning I was up climbing the granite dome again at 530 am, after a very cold sleep, determined to watch the sunrise... Brilliant

I saw it all, and got warmed up myself in the process!!

Then it was down to the hut for breakfast, and off by 8am in good sunshine along a narrow twisty single track carved through the forest - a great start to the day!! After I came out of the forest I then rode across some swampy areas, where the track had been formed, along the side of an airport, then across the river at Fernhook falls:

continuing in the heat of the day as I rode on and on and on... Phew! It was warm!! By 330 pm I arrived at the Kwokrulup hut, near to a rushing river, which I could hear, and Rapids rushing over the rocks.

It was a pleasant shady hut... Although there were warnings about securing food as there were 'bush rats' around... One of which was around my feet at nightfall - I don't know who jumped further, me or him!

Wednesday 12th was a hot day, in more ways than one... I awoke at 530 watching the sun rise between the trees in the distance, as I lay in my sleeping bag, then promptly fell asleep until 830am when the parrots squawking outside woke me up!! I was packed and back on the trail for 10am, through the forest and across marshland again... It was a hot day and as I rode along I could see smoke in the distance rising from the bush... I wondered where my trail would end up?

As I got closer to the smoke, I suddenly came to a 'Road closed' barrier... What was I to do? where to go... And the bush on fire nearby!!

A fire truck rolled to a stop next to me, called for the safety officer, and a delightful lady (Rebecca!) arrived to explain they were carrying out 'controlled burning', not she emphasised a 'bush fire', and as she was explaining there would be a short delay the workers were setting fire to the bush next to the road... Instantly the fire took hold, and raced across the ground into the distance! She explained that this was a low heat fire, which didn't damage trees, and reduced the available debris to burn when a real bush fire occurred, thus preventing severe damage!!

She took my picture, I watched the proceedings and after about 10 minutes she loaded my bike on her truck, and took me through the danger area... Before depositing me at the other end of the zone, and with a cheery smile was off again!!

What a great experience to have had!!

I continued on gravel tracks into Walpole and booked into the Youth hostel for a pleasant afternoon on the hottest day of my journey so far... the smoke on the horizon blotted out the sun, with amazing effects, and I relaxed with a glass or two of wine!!

Thursday 13th October I was up and out early on another hot day, riding along the inlet at Walpole finally seeing the sea...

at coal mine beach, although really it was just the river... Then along the SW coastal highway and up into the Tingle trees forest, up,up, up it went, a really hard mornings climb up rough tracks high into the forests and bush.

Through the Valley of the Giants I rode, across Sandy tracks:

which were hard to ride, and glaring in the sunlight... across many bridges over streams...

Sand, sand and more sand, and with the hot weather it was getting harder and thirstier by the minute!!

By 220 pm I arrived at the Booner Mundak hut: a hard 52 kms ride, and out of all my water!! I was only settling in as I smelt smoke... And realised that all around me was smoke rising up!!

Was it the controlled burn again... Or worse?? Nothing to be done but sit and wait it out, I couldn't have ridden any further anyway, and didn't know which way to go... So I waited, along with lots and lots of flies... Making me use my jungle net for protection...

Within another couple of hours the air started to clear and I was joined by another biker (first for weeks!!) and so had a pleasant evening chatting and sleeping (very well actually)!!

Friday 14th I awoke at 630 after a great nights warm sleep and by 815 was setting out on another big day ride (64 kms to my next hut) it was a blustery, windy day, with the fast sandy gravel roads helping me to speed along with the wind at my back!! Undulating tracks but more downhill than uphill (thankfully)...

By late morning black clouds were rolling in, with occasional showers, which I managed to dodge most of!! Again I was crossing many rivers and swamps, then finally back into re-growth Karri forest, where the trail went up and up until at 2 pm I arrived at my final hut on the trail the Jinum Beigapup hut - it was windy but dry, as I lay on a table looking at the tall trees swaying above me as the clouds raced across the sky...

I was joined by another biker, starting out his journey up to Perth, so spent the evening chatting of my experiences!!

Saturday 15th I awoke after a cold night to heavy rain, which even turned to hailstones!! Should I carry on or wait out the stormy day?? I decided I may as well keep going, as I would only get cold all day, so set off into heavy rain by 835 am through the forest on muddy swampy tracks, initially going back the wrong way, then returning and continuing through the bush, with the branches slapping at my bare legs, and the hailstones chattering around my body!

By mid morning the rain had eased, and as I reached the top of a hill I could see in the far distance the Southern Ocean - fantastic, I was ready for it!! I rode down across the highway (not being tempted by a shorter trail to Denmark!) and to the coast to Greens pool:

a normally great place for a swim... But in the fierce wind and rain I decided not to, although I did get my hands in the rather warm Ocean:

I continued along the coast eventually arriving in another heavy shower in Denmark for 1 pm.

I booked into the Denmark Hotel for a cheap $45... No wonder! No heating, cold, draughty... Still it was almost clean!! And I had had a madras curry pie for lunch!!

I went up to church at 6 pm - got the times wrong, it was 630 pm for Mass so joined in with the Rosary before mass, remembering a couple of special intentions, then a visit from the Bishop (not for me though!!) so a very nice service with my trail almost at an end!

I've taken Sunday off to catch up with myself!! And meander around Denmark, with my final day to come...

I've ridden 993 kms so far, It's been an enjoyable past couple of weeks, lots of differing weather, adventures, sights, trials and tribulations... However overall... it's been fun!! with more still to come!!

Riding the Munda Biddi.... The first weeks!!

It's been a tough 10 days since I set out from Perth on Thursday 22nd September!!
I'd collected my bike from About Bike hire on the Wednesday evening, rode back to Jacqui's house, and packed ready for the road!!
I had a lot to pack in, and just about managed to take everything I needed.... However time will tell whether I've brought enough!!

Thursday morning I was waiting as Christine arrived to transport me, my bike, and all the equipment up to Mundaring, the 'Northern terminus' of the trail,

and with some nervousness at the great adventure ahead I was waved off at 930 am by Christine... (thanks for the support!)
I was soon whizzing along the clearly marked trail, wondering what lay ahead... Soon I arrived at the Mundaring Weir hotel, and had what I thought would be my last proper cuppa for a while... Then continuing, leaving behind civilisation... Heading up into the hills, with the weather closing in, eventually turning into heavy rain!! And, even worse I realised I'd not been following the trail properly... I'd gone wrong somewhere, and although I tried to get back onto the track, I kept ending up further away... So rather than being 'lost in the bush' I decided to re-trace my tracks... Which is what I did, when the next incident occurred... 'Crunch' and clatter, as something went wrong with the bike, which after continuing to ride a little while I realised that a bolt on my pannier luggage rack had, I thought come apart (actually it had broken!), and so the rack was dragging on my tires...

So, here I was, lost in the bush, in heavy rain, and a broken bike... At least the rain was relatively warm!!

I looked for the lost bolt for some time, eventually finding two pieces, but not the rest, and unable to fix it I decided to walk back to the Mundaring Weir hotel and get it fixed!!

So that's what I did... After several hours walking, finding the correct route, losing another bolt from the rack.. I arrived back soaking wet... And checked in to a cabin/hut!

No food there, but I did have a big log fire!!

The bike firm came out, took the bike away, and got it all fixed for me, whilst I dried everything, and had a lazy first evening on the 'trail'!!

With just a couple of Kangaroos for company and had a good nights rest!!

Friday I was up early, and out to start again!! A little early rain, which I waited to blow over, and then started riding, paying particular attention to where I'd gone wrong the day before; I'd been heading up the wrong valley...!! Again I was riding deeper into the bush, scrub land really, alongside some water pipelines, and remote tracks linking everything together, occasionally coming across an isolated hamlet of just a couple of houses, before plunging back into the 'jungle' with lots of birds squawking overhead, and rustles from the undergrowth!!

By 230pm I arrived at my first bush hut - Carinyah,

and sorted myself out, only 1 other person there, 2 arriving later after dark... I had lots of food, and settled down after dark for my first night in the bush - it was a clear starry night, and consequently it was freezing!! The huts are open ended (I presume so not to attract animals) and as I had only brought lightweight gear with me... I was really, really cold... Ending the night fully dressed inside my sleeping bag, eventually it becoming tolerable!!

Saturday 24th I was awoken by some other bikers riding round the hut, so had obviously got some sleep!! After I'd cooked my porridge for breakfast, and packed up I was ready to set off around 10am into the warm morning sunshine.. Continuing lots of uphill riding in the hills along rocky tracks with occasional swift descents...

I was making good progress and enjoying it, although it was quite hard riding!! I had a nice lunch break at Gleneagles rest area I passed, catching up on emails etc, then continued into deep bush arriving at the Wungong hut at 230pm just before the rain arrived; I'd timed it almost to perfection, I was warm and dry... And later joined by 8 other riders, all with differing tales to tell, passing a pleasant evening. I settled down to a slightly warmer night, maybe because it was raining, or maybe I was just getting used to it?

Sunday 25th I woke along with everyone else at 8, and breakfasted and packed, ready for another tough day ahead.

It was nice in the sunshine riding along in 'deepest bush'!!, although the 'pea gravel' or sand on the tracks did make it heavy/hard riding.

Late morning I'd caught up with a couple from last night, and we all stopped for a snack and chat at an old POW camp location (can't imagine what it was like for those prisoners) then I rode on towards today's destination, up and down the trails!!

By 130pm I arrived in Jarrahdale, quickly finding a bed for the night at the Jarrahdale B&B - a nice couple, who gave me the run of the house... so I did a load of washing, switched the TV on to find Manchester United playing (and beating Leicester 4-1), and cleaned up after my first two nights in the bush!!

I met another biker, who was travelling lighter (and faster) than me, and we both had dinner at the pub together - meeting a local who had recognised my Manchester accent (cultured) and came across to chat!!

It was nice to get into a warm bed that night, although I was disturbed by 'tummy upsets'!!

Monday I was ready for breakfast at 730, deciding that my 'upsets' had now cleared, and off I went at 830 having re-stocked my bags with food and choccy!!

Straightaway I was into bush, and pea gravel

which soon caused a small spill, me ending up with a stone cutting into and lodging itself in my knee!! First aid over (I pulled it out!!) I continued riding through the wild area, with evidence of bush fires around

and again lots of birds, not much else... Lots of uphills, and when I came to a 'steep descent' sign...

I knew it meant one thing... Followed by steep ascent... Tortuous with a heavy load on the bike, and me!!

I traversed along the North Dandalup dam dodging lots of showers as I went along, arriving at the Dandalup hut/shelter around 130pm, another good days riding of 34kms... the hut was well hidden in the bush,

with supposedly great views across the landscape... Which I didn't see due to the cloud and rain, although it cleared slightly for a pleasant sunset. I had the hut to myself, and accompanied by heavy night time rain was quite comfy, and had a good nights sleep!

Tuesday 27th was a lot clearer (at first!!) so I had great views to wake up to,

including this view from the toilet!!

I was riding by 9 am in initial sunshine, however as the morning wore on it started raining, then pouring!! There were still a lot of uphill tracks, quite steep and hard at times, although eventually I came to the top of the hills, and was able to swiftly ride down a fire road/gravel track all the way into Dwellingup... Soaked to the skin, I managed to get a tiny bush cabin (the last one!!) at the campsite, and washed and dried off, and getting supplies in the shop in the village and a hearty meal in the pub. It was like lots round here wood and trees which made this place

with various mementos lying around!! I even won a cap at the pub... Very welcoming!!

Wednesday morning I was up before 6 as I knew I had to ride 60 kms today, and hoped I could make it!!

It was dry, overcast, ideal biking weather as I set off on the long road, firstly through Lane Poole reserve, and Nanga mill (burnt down in a bush fire), again up and down but a little more undulating, so I made good progress. From Nanga I had to follow a big diversion around a bush fire area (from last December), which meant riding a 30 kms loop on gravel roads, easier than the trail I think, and so I was helped along my way, passing the destroyed bush all around me,

although even in all this the flowers were starting to come back, and flowering amongst the burnt bush land.

I also passed through a large Alcoa Bauxite mining area, with great tracts of land being ripped up for its minerals...

Eventually after 7 hours of hard riding I made it to Lake Brockman touring park, to pay an extortionate amount for a simple cabin, and collapse!! I was sustained by a large Lasagne, chips and salad from the cafe there, again stocking up on food for breakfast and the next days trail, before going down to the Lakeside for a stunning sunset - see the canoeist?

It was a freezing night, I was glad I was in a cabin, and kept the heating on all night (getting me money's worth!!)

Thursday morning I was up by 645, ready for another longer day - 45 kms, just hoping for more downs than ups!! By 815 I was packed and ready to leave the campsite, and headed off into the early morning sunshine, with again great views over the lake.

I was more into forests than bush today, and it was slightly easier riding (or was I getting fitter?) although with the sunshine... Came the heat!! And I needed a neckerchief on to protect my neck from the burning sun!! 

I needed more rest/food stops, but pleasant riding, I even disturbed a kangaroo bounding off into the distance.

I got to Yarri hut at 1-50 pm, a good days ride, and plenty of time to relax at this small hut, which had a great patio overlooking the forest/bush which stretched down below.

I was initially alone, but later joined by a rider from Perth, younger, fitter and faster!! We had a pleasant evening chatting as the sun went down, the Stars came out... and the temperature dropped!! Another cold frosty night, but I managed a reasonable nights sleep.

Friday 30th September I was awakened at 645 am by the sun shining into the hut, lovely and I got up for a hot breakfast, and wanting to get going early as I knew rain was coming in later... for 2 days of bad weather - I wasn't sure where I would head for today, deciding to decide when the bad weather arrived... So at 815 I was off riding.

Further into the forest, and along great gravel tracks and roads making good progress, however after less than 30 minutes the rain started, gentle at first, but then as time ran on, heavier and heavier, cold rain too!!

As I cleared the forest I went along a main road for a while, rather than on the forest trails, which by now were flooded with great puddles having to be negotiated... I decided then I would take the road in to the nearest town - Collie, where I could dry off and re-stock... I'd been riding along for some time, when a white van passed and stopped - a Malaysian delivery man - Dino, and his brother from Perth who offered me a lift to Collie (or several other places!!)- I had to accept the offer (didn't I?), so late morning saw me in Collie, (thanks Dino, very grateful!) soaking wet, and checking into the Colliefields Hotel, a rather run down place, but warm'ish and dry (and I had an electric blanket on my bed)!! I'd still ridden 35 kms today, so didn't feel too bad...

I spent the day shopping, getting my bike serviced... And watching the rain and winds batter the town... I did manage an evening curry whilst on walkabout dodging the showers.

Saturday was more of the same, probably got too much shopping, as I've been a bit hungry on a few days last week... I did a walk around the small town, viewing the museum and good art gallery, again dodging showers and looking at old coal mining equipment and steam engines used to transport massive loads of coal from surrounding coalfields around Australia - Collie being the biggest producer of Aussie coal

the weather was still wild, a good day to lounge around!!

I managed to get to mass as St Bridgid's at 6 pm, for a lovely vigil mass, in a beautiful, simple church with a service to match!!

A lovely end to my relaxation...

I hope the weather improves, as Sunday I'm off on the trail again.... I've done 333kms so far, quite good I think? Hope it gets easier, warmer... And dryer!!