Rally Update from the "RED BULL"
Finally an update from the team... (9.45pm Friday 13th)
We have arrived safely in Bedourie and the Friday 13th Party has started. There are witches everywhere and some of them are even dressed up. Today was the longest day of the rally so it was up at 4.45am and on the road at 6am. So far we have lost 15 of our 1003 starting points. 15 on the first day everyone was getting into the groove, we didn't do so well because we were out in front and out of the problems and dust. Only 3 lost yesterday over 5 wacko's which is about as good as it gets. Hopefully today will be just as good. We have a new fuel pump arriving tomorrow and that has been the only niggling problem. It hasn't stopped us but every now and then we loose fuel pressure and the red bull gives a few splutters and then comes good.
The day started with a 260km drive to our first wacko and the start of the sand dunes. Didn't that sort out a few of us. Charlie was driving and we were second in the line. The first car got bogged and had to be pulled clear and we set sail for the top of the dune. Almost made it over and we were pulled out as well. Then the second dune, and the lead car was bogged again and he wasn't going anywhere. We endeavoured to render assistance but the red bull was no match for a 4wd so we keep on the trip. it was a very slow section and delayed the whole field. That event left us way out in front and nearly half an hour ahead by lunch next stop Haddons Corner. Took a photo, just for proof and we were off again. We then visited the legend that is The Birdsville Pub . Had a few beers and a good look around. Took a few photo's for proof, once again and then two more hours on to Bedourie.
Funny little story from today...... we visited Haddon's Corner where Queensland meets South Aust. and this was the start of a new wacko. There was a fence that we had to pass through not two minutes from the start. The smartest man on the rally Shane Charles jumped out to open it in his usual prompt way and was stumped by is method of opening. He signalled to me to get out and help him which I did quick as a flash. We both struggled to unlatch the fence but with no luck. He ran back to the car and was heard to mutter "I'll get the hammer", pliers, side cutters, maybe, but hammer? I thought he was gunna knock it over. I further surveyed our predicament and discovered how the gate released and had it undone on his return. I drove the car through and jumped out to help with the close and locking. In my haste I had put the transmission into 1st gear and when I jumped out left it there. This rallying is an intense business and these things happen. We finally got the gate secure and turned to return to the car, only to find it some 20 or 30 meters down the road. I looked at Charlie and he looked at me. It was a little amusing at that stage. We then set sail for the car hoping one of us could catch up. We did finally get our bums on the seats. Both gasping for air not only because we are supremely unfit but because it was one of the funniest moments in our Rallying careers. All the while the couple who had timed us off at the start of the wacko had been watching our every move and were on the radio as soon as they saw we were safely back in car. It was a funniest home video's moment."
Adan Tully and John Kelly have joined us in Bedourie tonight and provided, courtesy of one of Adan's Customers, a very cosy mechanical workshop for us to bed down and get a good night's sleep. It's place called the Bedourie Oasis. Hot showers and a heater and fridge are part of the luxury appointments. There will be a few beers and maybe some stories shared tonight before we head out for a short run in the morning back towards Birdsville and then to the Camel Races after lunch. Joe Stark is bringing a plane tomorrow with a few more mates.
... so here are some details from the Endeavour Rally site.
The Rally contingent will reach Bedourie Roadhouse tonight, and weary participants will this time don ghoulish costumes for a Black Friday soiree.
The 20th anniversary of the Great Endeavour Rally is expected to raise record sums for the Endeavour Foundation and the 3,000 people with a disability that Endeavour supports.
Predictions are looking strong with the top two fundraisers, car number 23, containing Cec Ivers and Greg Anderson from Emerald, and car number 81, containing Endeavour Board Member Shane Charles and team mate Colin Desbrow from Toowoomba, each raising over $33,000.
“These teams have already broken the previous fundraising record,” said Endeavour Rally Coordinator Col Clifford. “And the money raised is over and above the entry fee and other on-road costs. It is a phenomenal effort and these teams must be especially congratulated.”
DAY 3,QUILPIE TO BEDOURIE:
Ok, now we head out onto a very long day and we urge everyone to take care and poke along steady. Although it is a long day, we are getting a nice early start and it’s open country with little to hold you up.
If everyone does the right thing and looks after their car, everyone should be into Bedourie just before or shortly after dark. Go hard, you will bust your car or have an accident and you wont get in until tomorrow sometime, if at all.
The roads out in this country can be quite demanding and due care needs to be taken at all times. Be complacent or loose concentration and the road will come back and bite you real quick. Please drive to the prevailing conditions and respect all other road users. A safe travelling speed on these roads is about 85kph – 95kph. Faster than that and you are asking for trouble. Drive well within your comfort zone.
Serious stuff aside, a very enjoyable and amazing day lie ahead. The Diamantinia and Western channel country is truly spectacular and some of the harshest terrain in Australia. Most of the roads now days follow the high ground to avoid flooding and bogs, however this country was opened up ecause of the reliable water ways, floods and hearty cattle feed.
Very few stations are owned by private families anymore. Nearly all the stations out here are big company owned. NAPCO, Kidman, Aruby Pastoral and Brook properties to name a few. To appreciate the shear size of these properties and to put it into perspective, once you leave Windorah, you will pass just 10 properties and two shire councils in the 650km.
Black Friday theme tonight at Bedourie, so a welcome feast and fest should await you after a long day in the car.
Travel safe.
Day 3
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