The 2008 BMW TS Safari started in Hervey Bay, with 260 participants and crew, on Sunday 17th August and finished in Cairns on Saturday 23rd. Here's the story of what happened...

Sunday 17th August may have been the Seafood Festival in Hervey Bay, but it was also the start point for something that wasn’t going to hang around to be caught and cooked – the 2008 BMW TS Safari. At 2.30 pm the doors of the conference centre at the Mantra were thrown open and the eager Safari participants filed in to complete the registration formalities. In the evening it was the Welcome Party at the Boat Club with drinks, food and entertainment. Most departed early to get a good night’s sleep for the big 560 km day ahead.

Monday 18th August dawned dry but cold… very cold! Morning tea at Gin Gin was not so much stirred as shaken by shivering hands. Luckily most had come prepared for all weathers but it was hard to believe you were actually in Queensland. Then it was up and over to Monto with the odd light shower making the roads a little slippery but failing to put a dampener on the Safari spirit. From Monto it was back down to the Bruce Highway and Rockhampton via the picturesque gold mining town of Mt Morgan. All arrived in one piece and on time for the rider briefing in the Heritage Hotel and then dispersed to the many local eateries for dinner before falling into bed for a well-earned rest.

Tuesday 19th August was a much shorter day with a shade under 400km to cover to Mackay. From Marlborough it was inland on the old Sarina Highway via Lotus Creek to Sarina where we rejoined the Bruce Highway for the last 40 km into Mackay. The day was warmer (only just!) and dry, and the single fuel pump at Lotus Creek was soon exhausted from its toils. 50 Safari experts in pump repair were on hand issuing instructions on how to get a 50 year old pump dispensing unleaded again. With a high-tech hammer and monkey wrench fuel again began spurting but this time no one could find the off button! Lotus Creek may have been in the middle of nowhere but it proved a fun stop for all. In the evening it was do your own thing as participants accommodation was scattered far and wide across Mackay city and marina.

Wednesday 20th August and things were definitely warming up as we headed north for Townsville just 380 km distant. Proserpine provided the morning tea delights with some very flat whites and a huge choice of bacon and egg rolls. Then it was through Bowen and onto Ayr where the Townsville police had generously blocked all roads in and all roads out as part of a drug and registration check operation. Needless to say Safari riders and their partners were not delayed on either of these accounts. It was a warm welcome in Townsville with some even daring to sport T shirts! The Seaview Hotel was the venue for the rider briefing and then it was off for a very relaxing evening by the beach or the many restaurants of Palmer Street as tomorrow was the Safari rest day.

Thursday 21st August was indeed a very relaxing day with many opting for a day on Magnetic Island while others had some very long lunches on the Strand. Others went on the day ride to Charters Towers and some up the twisty road to the rainforest and Paluma. For some domestic duties called and the high-pitched whine of dozens of washing machines on their final spin could be heard in every apartment block. The 6.30 pm briefing was again at the Seaview and then it was off to dinner with old friends and new acquaintances.

Friday 22nd August was a superb 450 km. After Ingham and Cardwell it was off to Mission Beach for lunch and then the fun started on the Silwood/Japoon Road. The Waterfall Circuit was next with the highlight Millaa Millaa Falls. A fantastic 19 km descent of the Gillies Range provided the afternoon’s entertainment and from there it was straight into Cairns and the Farewell Dinner and prize awards at the Cairns International Hotel.

Saturday 23rd August was the final day of the 2008 TS Safari with a great ride up into the hills to Kuranda, then to Mossman Gorge and back via Port Douglas and Palm Cove. Some took the opportunity to also take the ferry across the Daintree River to visit Cape Tribulation. Many happy faces were seen around Cairns in the evening and from feedback we can report that a good time appears to have been had by all.