Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Australia / New Zealand
Australia / New Zealand Topics specific to Australia and New Zealand only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Apr 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Australia
Posts: 13
Desert ride to Perth

In May I'm heading off from Melbourne to Perth. I'm going via Adelaide to the Flinders ranges then up the Oodnadatta track to Oodnadatta, follow the Old Ghan route through Finke to Alice Springs, tour the Merannie Loop to Uluru, then down the Great Central Rd to Laverton, Kalgoorlie and Perth. I'm not bragging - just after some input from anyone who's done any of these routes.

I'm on a GS Adv and well aware of the water/fuel requirements (born and bred in the bush) for the trip. I'm set up with GPS and will rent a sat phone from Adelaide to Perth (is there a cheaper alternative to renting). Also carrying a EPIRB, 15L water, extra 20L fuel, tyre repair kits and pump, plus all camping, cooking, food, clothes, etc.

I know it's a load - upgraded the suspension to HD Ohlins - but with me on the bike, I'm just under the Max. load rating of 470kg gross limit.

Intend to take as long as it takes, no rush, so anyone welcome to join in.
Will be heading up to Broome after Perth to tour across the top end to Cape York.

Cheers, Wolfy.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Apr 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
You are aware theat avagas is all you will be able to get in teh centre of teh "great Central Road" ? And that camping anywheres along there in/near a community with normal fuel invites theft of your fuel by petrol sniffers! Don't think you will find teh range required is that great .. or maybe I'm geting use to 800 km required ranges?

Suggest you don't travel with everything loaded up - only do that when required ... it will make picking the bike up easier if nothing else.

Me? I'd skip Perth and go up the Tanaimi track to Brome from Alice...

__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Apr 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Australia
Posts: 13
Thanks Frank. I've seen a lot of your forum input and looked at some of your web journals - you've obviously got the first hand experience I need.

I had planned originally to be going from Perth to Alice then up the Tanami but change of plans. Have to get to Perth and compromising the tanami for the west coast (Service, tyres, mates to see - that sort of thing!)

The Great Central is a must for me - I'm aware of all the issues relating to petrol along the way. Unfortunately it's not just there. I've had to deal with it before but not on motorbike. You said you don't think I will find the range required is that great - is there now petrol available between Docker River and Tjukayirla roadhouse? Or have I missed your point?

I'm hoping to befriend someone in a 4WD with room for fuel and luggage going the same route as me, but considering this may not work, I'm looking at all my options.

What do you know about avgas? Will it mix with unleaded and if so will it do nasty things to the engine? (Hope this isn't too dumb a question!)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Apr 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Avgas mixes and work well.

Except if you have
1) a catalytic converter - it will destroy the convertere $$$$
2) a O2 sensor (sometimes called a lambda sensor) - it will aslo destry this $$.

You could remove these and travel on teh map in the EFI computer - trouble is that the fuel consumption will be worse. So you will need more yet more fuel.
Avagas is avalible at Giles, Warbertonm and docker river and umm why an I typing this?

" Docker River, Warakurna Roadhouse, Warburton, Tjukayirla Roadhouse, Cosmo Newbery. Note - no ULP at Warakurna or Warburton, however avgas is provided as the alternative."
From http://www.exploroz.com/TrekNotes/WD...ntral_Road.asp
you'll also find other trip note there too.

__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 May 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Back in Asia
Posts: 322
Hey Wolfy
My bike is now in Geralton, also an adventure. My wife and I rode it from Cairns in Sept last year. When are you planning to head back to Melb? I may like to join you if you like? I want to go down to Tassie and maybe over to give the Kiwi's a hard time bout Rugby.....lol.

Let us know what your up to and we may be able to catch up?

Cheers
Ivan
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Jun 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Australia
Posts: 13
Hey Ivan,
Haven't been online much lately so apologies for not coming back sooner. As fate would have it I'm in alice springs until after the Finke desert race then heading to Perth. Going to wait 'til after the weekend though as rain is forecast and wont be going via the Great central if it gets to wet. May head up to Darwin and across the Gibb Rv rd to Derby then down to Perth and try the Great Central back up to Alice on my way to Cairns. I really want to do the Roper Bar - Normanton route but plans are always changing. Are you in Geraldton now? I'm pretty flexible route and time wise. Just don't want to get caught up in the north heat later this year.
Let me know waht you reckon.
Cheers, Wolfy.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:15.