Aus Black Ariel rally

[nevhunter]

Have a good run Brenton. These trips can be very memorable. Are you going to run an aircleaner? My wife and I intend to get as much info on the road and associated interest points as we can. We usually prepare extensively but you can never have too much info at the preparation point. Nev

[Wali.Badger.Taylor]

Good luck mate, take it easy but take it.

[brenton.roy]

Hi All,
We've made it to Broken Hill. This is about 520km from my place and 550km for Simon. Not bad for a '27.
There were a couple of issues. The VH started to leak from the rocker area and the model C got a little tight up a long hill. We're sitting on around 80kph. I lost the tail from my muffler. I can't believe I didn't notice, as it's quite loud.
We only made it to Cockburn before dark. I only have bicycle lights (single LED) so the last 45km to Broken hill was a little scary.
I have some video, but will need a little time to sort it out.
1500 to go.
Tomorrow is the biggest leg - to Cobar. We may stop and camp along the way.
Brenton

Edited - I forgot to say, no filter Nev - still damp this time of year.

[brenton.roy]

I've lost a post somewhere.. I thought I posted a photo from Cobar..
The lock nut had come off the primary sprocket somewhere between Broken Hill and Cobar. We were directed to Pete at the hardware shop. It turned out that Pete was an awesome bloke, whose heart lung transplant was rapidly letting him down.. Despite his poor health, he offered to turn up a new nut for me and a thick washer to pack out the cush drive - which had begun slipping.

Pete's work got us to a mining camp near Ningun, where we spent last night. Today was 404km from there, taking us to 1430km. 520 to go.

So, we're at Gunnedah. We've had the expected few drama's today, but are still going.
I need to go up a main jet size on the model C, raising the needle didn't cut it. Unfortunately, I don't have one. It just means riding to a throttle opening that is always less than 3/4.
The VH must have had a bit of crap in the oil pump - sluggish and clouds of smoke.. Happily it cleared itself. It's awesome when they heal up. It's still leaking from the rocker cover, but as it's forecast -2C overnight, it'll have to wait.

Almost every day's ride ends with light fading and 30km to go. Today was no exception. We are aiming for 400km tomorrow, so hopefully tomorrow will be different.

[Steven.Carter]

Had a spot of the of trouble on Broken Hill? seems appropriate . great photos.

Steve

[john.nash]

Are you at the "never again" stage yet ?

[Paul Slootheer]

Brenton very nice pictures, from the bush. Looking foreward to see the next series!! How did you manage to get rid of your crank shaft nut? Did you replace that sprocket, or the one on the gearbox!? What bravery!!! I will cheer on a prosperous last couple of miles with a nice cold ''old speckled hen'' from the fridge!
Cheers, Paul

[brenton.roy]

Are you at the "never again" stage yet ?

No, not yet. If we break down properly I might be.
Thanks Paul! I had a couple of 'Coopers' last night - our equivalent.
It was the locknut on the crankshaft. I made a couple of new drive sprockets, and decided on 19 tooth. This gives me a cruising speed of around 85 kph, a little more down hills, a little less up them. I did put it back together with loctite, but obviously not well enough.
I'm collecting up video, but am not really sure about the quality, but have what I hope is interesting footage of assorted suicidal wildlife - mostly emu's and goats (which are really in plague proportions) and the changing terrain. Only one roo has come close so far. I think the Model C's exhaust note - which is quite loud without the tail pipe - is scaring them off.

[nevhunter]

Safe riding and give them my regards at the Rally, Nev

[brenton.roy]

A flat tyre on the VH, somewhere near dark gave us another inexpensive night by the side of the road last night.
We found what looked like Russell Crowe's pub at Nimb something this morning for a rum and coffee.
We've just pulled in to the park, but have made it.
Wahoo.