Kalbarri National Park is reknowned for its nature walks through deep river gorges. The most popular hike covers 8km and is called The Loop. This should be easy, I naively think to myself.
Entering the national park we're stopped by the ranger. He sees our motorbikes and sternly warns us that the road surface is not suitable for bikes. Pfah, we're expert riders and dirt doesn't faze us in the slightest. This should be easy, I reassure myself.
The dirt surface is as easy as expected. Unfortunately the dirt road is merely an appetiser because soon enough the surface turns to sand. I've never ridden sand before and the experience is terrifying. The bike races out of control; the rear wheel slides crazily; the front wheel has no effect; the seat bucks in corners and threatens to throw me off. The nerve wracking ride is 27 kilometres long and by the end I'm exhausted. Now I have the relaxing hike ahead of me. It's only 8km. This should be easy, I desperately try to convince myself.
About halfway through the hike, as I'm edging along a rock ledge hanging over the river, I suddenly realise this hike isn't easy. I'm aching all over when an unwelcome thought comes to mind; I've climbed down into the gorge so that means I still need to climb out!
Two hours later I near the end of the hike. I stare upwards with disbelief at the 30 metre vertical ascent up a cliff face. Dave and Kirsten are already at the top, waving merrily, so there's nothing left to do but start climbing. Vultures circle overhead, hungrily watching my progress. The angry sun beats down mercilessly. This was supposed to be easy, I remind myself with grim amusement.
I manage to claw myself back to the motorbike, greatly to the disappointment of the vultures. Now I just have to ride back over that sand...
... Back at the campsite, the bike miraculously unharmed, an enthusiastic fellow camper comes over to talk about the bikes. He and some friends are planning to ride from Perth to Phillip Island in September for the GP. He wants to know what it's like; is it worth the effort? I recall the wind, the cold, the rain, the pain, and I tell him the plain truth.
Yes, it's worth it.
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1 comment:
Great post Nathan! Don't forget, some poor soul died on that walk a few months back - during summer I think, due to heat. So it can be pretty challenging, that's for sure. Sounds like riding on sand is pretty interesting, I'm sure it's just a matter of practice...
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