Day 6 - Townsville to Cairns 350 km

Due to the short ride, Neil and Dave had a lazy start to the day. Neil is familiar with Townsville, so he showed Dave around. While on Castle Hill, Ian from Melbourne came over to say g’day. As it turns out, Ian and Neil share a familiar friend in Canberra, which proves that although Australia is a large country, there are often connections between the people.

Neil and Dave left Townsville at 1230h for the ride to Cairns. The trip was very windy, and when it was not windy, it rained. We slowed down in the rain, so the traffic behind us backed up a bit. Whenever it was safe, we pulled over to let the traffic pass. The drivers behind us were courteous and did not try to push us along. Most, when they passed, gave a wave of thanks.

Enjoying Defence’s hospitality Neil and Dave stayed with the Army’s 51st Battalion Far North Queensland Regiment at Porton Barracks. The comfortable beds and secure parking for the bikes was greatly appreciated.

Neil is familiar with Townsville because, for the last couple of years, he has participated in Scootaville. Scootaville is a charity ride where those involved can enjoy a fabulous two-week holiday, touring outback Queensland and/or New South Wales with a group of fun-loving people, but also supporting two fantastic charities: Legacy, which cares for the families of hurt or missing Veterans, and The National body of the Air Force Association, which cares for Homeless Veterans.

Scootaville is a Legacy fundraiser arranged by the RAAF School of Radio (RADS) Association, which has raised over $50,000. At the end of Scootaville, the participants spend three days enjoying the sites and hospitality of the people in Townsville. After riding 110cc scooters for 2,300km from Brisbane to Townsville via the inland route, the few days of RnR in Townsville are appreciated by all.

Follow the adventure of Day 8.
See the previous day's track notes.