Dessert Tracks

[rroberts]

Has anyone done the Oodnadatta or Birdsville track? If so, what is the road like, I've heard these days just about anything will get up there these days, but would rather hear from first hand experience.

[atgreg]

Hi,

I did the Birdsville track in August on the way to the Offcentre Rally. It's EASY, a few rocks and soft patches here and there etc but we sat on 80-120 most of the way. On the same trip friends did the oodnadatta and said it was pretty much the same. For some info on the trip check out http://www.ozmoto.com.au/veale01.html

A good place to find out info on Oz is from theOz Adventure Riders-- http://www.users.bigpond.com/rto/ozhome.htm and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/oz_adventure_riders/

Greg

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[rroberts]

Thanks Greg.

I'm thinking of doing it around July, August or September. Off centre rally could be the perfect excuse or maybe the Birdsville races.

Cheers

[rob_mader]

I did the Oodnadatta track a couple of years ago, and while I wasn't on a bike I thought that the idea of doing it in the 'Town Car' (Daihatsu Charade) would be a test.

Depending on grading, previous rain, traffic etc, the tracks are ok for 2 wheel drive cars given common sense.

Just check conditions wherever you go and be prepared to compromise if you have the wrong equipment.

Check out:

http://www.robstravels.com/daily_log...og_id=20001002

For the story and a heap of pictures, some showing the track itself.

Enjoy!

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http://www.robstravels.com

[atgreg]

If your interested, the Oz Adventure Riders are having a meeting at the Karuah River Rally on 8-9 Feb. You can pick up lots of info about outback touring from everyone. If you'd like to come along feel free. Drop me a mail if you want details of the ride up. For some more info on the rally have a look at, http://www.ozmoto.com.au/pdf/karuah.pdf
Greg

[rroberts]

I'm hoping to make it to the rally. If I do I'll look you guys up.

I have done a bit of outback stuff, I rode around Australia last year and included some of the Gibb River road in the trip as the major off road highlight. But I'm predominantly a road rider (being a city boy), and I'm trying to convert over to more all road stuff.

Cheers

[Richard Jakobek]

I did the Oodnadatta track in October 2002. At that time the road was pretty cut up due the Curdimurka Ball having taken place that year. Hundreds of 4x4 cars had been up there and made a mess of the surface. This event takes place every other year, so it may be worth you checking on the state of the road. Me and my friend both had "interesting" get-offs when we hit deep soft sand, but fortunately neither of us were hurt.
I can advise on camping too if you're interested.

[Barry Johnson]

I did the Oodnadatta a couple of years ago. It is fairly easy however as noted in an earlier post, watch out for ruts caused by 4WDs. This is a particular problem after the mud has hardened - 90kmph is quite safe in some places but entering a 10m-long rut at this speed is almost guaranteed to hurt. Because ruts form in dips where water collects, they are often difficult to see until you're in them.

If you go off the track (say William Creek to Cooper Pedy) expect rocks or deep sand. Also remember to let someone know where you're going - although the Oodnadatta and Birdsville are fairly well-used, side-tracks (for example down to Lake Eire) can be rarely used and if you get into trouble (for example getting bogged on Lake Eire) you may be waiting a long time for help.

Cheers

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Barry
3AJ Tenere