The other option, anathema is it may be to some, is that you can always just ride slowly.

Garry from Oz.

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Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman

Hi
yeah safety gear is of course on the list i have been looking at different sorts but i understand that the gear varies for different purposes
i race off road and so i have the hi air flow jersey/pants, knee guards and body armour that we will put on for the top section
Ideally i think the bmw rallye stuff would be good for our trip but it is far to expensive!
also on helmets can anyone guide me towards a well priced helmet that is suitable for both on and off road use
i like the shoei but it is again to expensive!
thanks for your help

Matt,
I rode 4500km with my brother in Mongolia on AG100's. You can read the ride report here:
Mongolia on two Yamaha AG100's - ADVrider

Should give you a good insight as to what to expect.

Cheers.

Matthew,

If you are looking for a bit less traditional route to the Cape, you should head west a bit. I did Adelaide to Cape York in October 08 up the Strezlecki (did it previously on the Birdsville Track, which is dead boring) to Innamincka, then the Cordillo Downs Road to Birdsville. A lot of Outback history there. North of Birdsville, I had to keep altering the route because they had laid bitumen since my previous trip in 2000. Managed to stay off the blacktop pretty much most of the way except for sections near Birdsville, Julia Creek, Karumba and Coen.

From Karumba I headed up the west side of the peninsular, taking in indigenous communities Koeanyama and Pormpuraaw (couldn't get across the Mitchell at Dunbar this time). No permit required.

Needed fuel for 400 kms (had 22 litre tank on XR400). The XR250 would be a perfect choice, but the ag bike will do it. You just need to take your time and forget trying for 400 kms per day.

Have a great trip.

Chris

Hi matt
On ya mate, good to hear that your doing such a trip. I am half way up the Gt Divide at the moment on my klr 650, Yes it's a huge country and what your undertaking is massive! My mission to ride the divide from the first bumps in western vic to the cape traveling the highest parts of the range.The back way! taking in mostly unused trails and dirt roads etc.I have made the QLD boarder after 14 days of riding.
Its not easy and being solo I have to be very carefull and thats why I have written to you. There's somthing about the remote tracks and trails, if your not carefull you can get sucked in to a false sence of sceurity thinking your the only person for a thousand kilometers and therefore can get over confident when rounding corners! what I really want to say to you is a simple... THINK LEFT no matter where you are..it will pay off! I have also ridden a honda ct 200 - over 3000ks from Gosford to Carnavon Gorge and across to Fraser id and return taking in remote tracks even old railway lines and walking trails.Got busted in Coolah tops NP riding down some stairs! Since then I have ..Gone around NSW (torture) (dr 650) ..ridden the flinders ranges were I came off 300k west of Broken hill (don' want to talk about it )... Ridden to Broome via Arnhemland (klr 650)were I worked at the meatworks at Oenpelli(2 big to even talk about)
Also if I may say so Matt is its important to get a good nite's sleep and getting a good slef-inflating matterss should be considered, I know there a bit bulky but there worth it . Diet is important also, one of my favourite meals on the road is a bread roll with a layer of raw beans topped with a sachet of tuna! it's light to carry and dosn't take much room. My dietictian wife recons its' ok too. Although missing a meal here and there dosn't hurt you either.
Matt all the best mate, this trip will sort you out! your either going to be satisfied when your finnished or your gunna get bitten and continue doing these sort of trips.....hey there's nothing wrong with that pal!
and keep an eye on your wheel bearings too! ..after many creek crossings you could find they can fail, i've had problems with new bearings even.
Please let us know when you come through as we would love to get a photo or two of the expedition when it comes through.......and go the back way son!!
kind regards Geoff.