Day 15 back to bitchy

Yes today we rode the last 70km of dirt. Chris and Peter parted ways at Burra (160km north of Adelaide) . One last night before returning to their respective homes.

Day 14 the long way down

We set off today down the birdsville track hoping to take a short cut to inaminka, as it turned out the turn off was not marked, unfortunately we were forced to complete the entire birdsville track to Maree. The 530km consisted of rock and deep sand all of which makes interesting riding. The cooper creek was up, the only way to cross was via a ferry moving 1 car at a time at 6/hour. When we arrived 26 4x4s were waiting to cross (do the math), fortunately we moved to the head of the queue (as you on a bike) avoiding the creek side camp-out. We limped into Maree after 8:00pm unable to avoid the night ride.

Day 13 the nags

Well we didn't come to birdsville with 5000 others not to see the races. Over 30° and ice cold beer nothing more to say.

Day 12 Birdsville

The scene was set an early start on the last leg to birdsville, 270km of dirt a crisp morning; we prepared the bikes set tire pressure and suspension and set off, 40km down the road Chris noticed his oil plug missing, he had left it off after doing an oil change this morning. He had lost over a litre but had just enough to continue, he fashioned a plug from an old bar stop and continued. The track was not as bad as we thought although some bikers found it too much and returned 60km in. We made it, a few close calls but unscathed.
The $5 shower in town worked a treat to revive us as we kicked back with a few beers and one of Matt and Sams magnificent camp oven roast, a fitting end to a hard day.

Day 11 last of the bitchy

It was a long haul today for Chris, Peter now teamed with Matt & Sam.   It was Chris's turn today to be challenged by an unpredictable emu, fortunately we were well versed in what to do and the collision was narrowley avoided.
A bit of miss- communication caused one rider to do an extra 50km. Lets just say we are now instigating the golden dirt bike rule, when separated return to the place you were last seen. We are at the end of the bitumen the next 270km are dirt, reports range from; freshly graded she'll be right mate to "2 guys on bikes were choppered out yesterday" another bush camp tonight sharing our fire with a bunch of north Melbourne supporting Tasmanians blind drunk on Bundy. 

Day 10 on track to Birdsville

Left Canarvon gorge today and headed back on track to birdsville, the roads were littered with roo carcasses. Met up with big Matty at charleville at a Riverside bushcamp, Matt and Samantha have changed plans and will also be heading to the races. 

Day 9 Canarvon gorge

Rode 320km and walked 20 in this spectacular part of Queensland reminiscent of lawn hill. Over 600km out of our way but worth it. Could have spent more time here but we will be pushing on tomorrow. May meet up with Matt (Tanjil ) who has traveled around Australia in the last few months and is in the area. 

Day 8 back to the bush

Left gympie this morning crossing flooded rivers and farewelled Gary. Back to blue skies and 27°. Staying in Mitchell tonight and will head to canarvon gorge tomorrow after being informed of the area by our tour manager (thanks Elaine h.b) met a couple here who had hit a roo and are waiting for repairs to complete. We have decided to slow our speed accordingly.… Congrats to JC for passing his 1st Dan grading, JC missed out on this trip due to the clash with his grading … next time JC.

Note: for those who are checking the Google map of the trip the map is broken into pages, to see past cobar (the first page) you must scroll the left pane and use the page selection. 

Day 7 music festival

Another day at the festival, some good blues and comedy. Caught up with cousin Craig Clydesdale pictured here. Been pissing down here gonna be fun getting out tommrow the grounds are a torrent.

Day 6 Gympie: Another day on another planet.

Parts arrived at the P.O complements of Touratech. Peter's pannier fixed and ready for the next leg of the trip.

Day 5 gympie

Uneventful day today. Highway ride into gympie, met up with Gary (Chris's brother) set up camp and having a few beers at the muster. For the record its not Peter or Gary's cup of tea... picture is from this mornings camp were we shared a fire with a couple from rosebud.

Day 4 1st casualty

Chris and peter both dodged the first emu but when the second darted between the 2 bikes doing highway speeds Peter managed to swerve right only to have the bird change direction 180° into the path of his BMW, the steering damper kicked into action saving the slightly anxious rider from loosing control of the machine as it continued over the bird. 
On a lighter note this morning Peter noticed a retaining bolt had vibrated off of one of his panniers, Touratech being the champions they are will forward the part onto gympie. Meanwhile the pannier is strapped into place; luckily the roads to gympie are all bitchy.

Day 3 lightning ridge

More dirt roads today, Chris lost his tent on a side track and front guard vibrated off. Looking forward to a piece of cow at the pub...

Day 2 back of bourke

Slow going today on dirt roads churned up by recent floods. Dodging cattle, sheep,goats,emu,goanna,pigs,kangaroo. Nursed the bike into a servo with 1km of fuel left.

Day 1

Day 1 camped by the lockland river booligal.
Good first day 650 km.
Nearly lost a wallet, lost our way twice, nursing the bike after being 20km short of next fuel stop (Ivanhoe).

Heading off

Heading off from shepparton Chris & Pete

The packed bike

To gympie and beyond

Chris and pete prepare to leave on the gympie test ride

Additional mods for the Gympie test Ride

1) Fuel Bladder, an 8 litre fuel bladder that I strap across the pillion area.
2) Rear rack plate to help mount the bag/tent as this is further back to make room for the fuel bladder
3) Stand plate, this allows the stand to be used on sand and soft soil without it sinking in and making the bike fall over
4) locks for the panniers
5) A new helmet, I give up on the Shoei Hornet, (presure point on fore head after 3 hours at highway speeds)I tried everything from thinner pads removal of peak, no luck so I have bitten the bullet and bought a Shark touring road helmet ;{
6) I'm looking at getting brighter globes for our headlights
7) A power outlet direct from the battery so we can charge phone/etc without ignition turned on

Camping at Big Billy Bore in the Big Desert, Victoria..

Test ride in Victoria's Big desert

Pete and Joe before riding around Thompson on a very rough rocky road! Joe broke his small pannier!..

What Not to do with an F800GS, pitty JC had the video cammer on pause