Kiwi Bikers off to Oz, wanna come along?

[canarlee]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gixxer 4 ever
I am busy for the next 2-3 weeks but will start a thread about it when I get the work sorted.
We need info on a lot of things. Like shipping costs. Do we send them with a company or buy a container etc? How far do we want to ride each day? Do we take a support van or just wing it? Do we tent/cabins and many more questions. If someone wants to start a thread we can see who is interested and start planning. I can do it in 3 weeks time but not just at the moment. Just start saving heaps. it is going to cost some bling. I was thinking 18 months to two years time. Taking 4 weeks off to do the trip. Just an idea at this stage. I am keen. "

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well as gixxer4ever said, someone needs to start a thread to see who is interested in going. so i thought i would do it lol


it will be in 18 months to 2 years time and it will be for approximately for 4 weeks.

we need to discuss how we are going to get the bikes and our kit there, do we hire a container and ship it all? or do we buy a container?


are we going to have a support van with tools and to put our "kit" in so we dont have to load the bikes up all the time?, or are we going to just "wing it"?


are we going to camp, or use cabins to stay in?


where are we going when we get to oz? what route are we taking? we will need to look into campsites/cabins etc for the selected route or are we deciding on routes when we get there?


also how are we going to pay for all of the above? (start saving lol)


anything i have missed? put it below and i will add it into this post!

[canarlee]

i for one am defo interested!


i think a support van would be a very good idea! no bags etc strapped onto the bikes will let us enjoy the riding more i think, just get on the bike and go.



i also like the idea of staying in cabins, but i know this will cost quite a lot more, so im happy to see what developes on that one.



as for routes? i will defo leave them for other people to sort!!! (directionally challenged me)

getting the bikes and kit over there i know knothing about, so if anyone else wants to look into that and post it here.....


so come on peeps, who is interested?

[Dooly]

I'm out.

We're off for a good holiday there next June taking in the drags and a few other things for a while so that will be my lot for a while.

[Stickchick]

I will be in most definitely!!!!! Any chance we can go to melbourne? My Aunty lives about an hour out of the city by Hanging Rock and I'm sure she will let us sleep at her place or there is accomodation out that way.

If not then thats all good to I'm happy to go with the flow.

[Zukin]

I maybe in, of course I couldn't go to OZ without riding those long dusty dirty tracks over there :yes:

Cheers Scott

[Colapop]

As my Dad lives in Wairoa I'm a HB person so I'm coming... please?

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Ok I have looked long and hard at taking my bike and have decided to hire a bike and do the 21 day trip as described below in post 13. We are planning to do this in May/June of 2009. It is a long way away and will cost around $6000.00 for Mary and I all up. Give or take a bit.

As this is so far away we will plan a trip in NZ for next year.

Sorry to all the people that wanted to plan a different ride but we had as many ideas as there are people so have decided to post our plans. if you want to join us PM me and I will put your name on the list. We will bring this discussion to the top from time to time and see if anyone is interested in joining us. We are going. With a group from here or alone. Lets see what happens.

If you are coming and need to save the 6 K from scratch you need to save $300 a month from Now (August 07 )

[Zukin]

Also for those that commit, there maybe an opportunity for some fundraising ideas??
To help with overall items, such as shipping, final dinner etc etc

[Zukin]

This (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=135&pID=414) is what I will get when (not if) I go :yes:

Expensive, but I am hoping it will come down in price :dodge:

Simply put in the card for OZ and away you go, it is very good in detail, and as my helmet has a bluetooth kit, I can use it wireless
It is good for the off road tracks in OZ to :dodge:

Might have to have two groups, one for all you roadies and one for me (and any others that want to tackle the dust and dirt) :laugh:

[Gixxer 4 ever]

I maybe in, of course I couldn't go to OZ without riding those long dusty dirty tracks over there :yes:

Cheers Scott

Of course. It will work out. I will start mapping it for what I want and then post it. People can change it and work on it and if we can get something that works we are made.

Back to work for me. Later. Happy planning people. Remember if you have spare time at work get on the phone and make some calls to sort out some of the questions. Post links to bike hire, container hire, shipping options etc.

[chanceyy]

could be interested in this one .. watching with interest .. :)

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Who is going?
PM me if you are interested.

Gixxer 4 ever. Mrs Gixxer 4 ever
Canarlee
Stickchick
Zukin and Mrs Zukin
Colapop
BigG And Mrs G
MSTRS
Tart
Grahameeboy
Slinky
Swede

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Booked this space for later updates on ride plan.

I like the 21 day trip and think I will book that next year for the 09 trip. Not sure if I will do the Tarmac or off road yet.

I like the look of this...Read post 28 more detail.
The 21 day self guided sealed-road itinerary.
http://www.aussiebiker.com.au/html/21dayself.html

The 21 day self guided dirt-road itinerary.
http://www.aussiebiker.com.au/html/21daydirt.html

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Booked this space for later updates on support options

We can book a suport van with this tour. Split the cost for all coming.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Booked this space for later updates shipping

Ok, after all the reading and talking to people I have decided to hire a bike. If you go for 6 months it would be good to take your own but as this is only 4 weeks it is too hard. I have spoken to my insurance company and they will not insure for the ride in OZ. Put this up with all the other stuff it is not worth the hassle.

I am going to do this trip. This thread will drop outa sight for a while but I will bring it back up from time to time to see who is interested.

PM me if you want your name on the list.

[Stickchick]

I may have problem with timing. if I'm still at Enza I won;t be able to go in the On season. so I will have to wait for dates now. Mind you I could do what I did at my last job when they wouldn't let me go for holidays even though I booked a year in advance and that is leave.

[Al]

If the trip involves riding to the Northern Territory, I am 100km South of Darwin (town called Batchelor), so give us a shout when plans are finalised!
Yeah, the open speed on the NT roads has been cut to 130km/h and the road death toll is 24, compared to 15 last year this time.....
Bloody pollies!
Tent/swag space available!

Al

[Gixxer 4 ever]

If the trip involves riding to the Northern Territory, I am 100km South of Darwin (town called Batchelor), so give us a shout when plans are finalised!
Tent/swag space available!

Al

Sounds the go mate. We will be planning for while yet but will note this and I recon we will see you in 09

Cheers
Al

[Gixxer 4 ever]

I may have problem with timing. if I'm still at Enza I won;t be able to go in the On season. .

This is a long way away. No one will be committed till we need deposits on stuff. I will try for quotes on say 6 bikes etc to give us an idea of what it will cost. But plenty of time for this stuff.

[Macktheknife]

Motorcycle rental in Aussie is between $75 to $190 per day and may include other charges depending on the company used and the bike hired.
Some idea will be found here:
http://www.ozmoto.com/
http://www.bikeroundoz.com/default.asp
http://www.garnersmotorcycles.com.au/
http://www.aussiebiker.com.au/html/index.html
http://www.motorbikehire.com.au/

Just to give you an idea, so is this an HB thing only or can anyone jump on this wagon? Might be able to get some deals on Campers in Aussie too but give me a few days to check.

[canarlee]

so is this an HB thing only or can anyone jump on this wagon?

i will pm a mod and ask them to change the title to........"kiwibiker crew off to oz"


that sound ok?

got anything better then pm me before 6 pm, then i will contact a mod to change it!

[Zukin]

i will pm a mod and ask them to change the title to........"kiwibiker crew off to nz"


that sound ok?

got anything better then pm me before 6 pm, then i will contact a mod to change it!

But we are already in NZ?? :yes::dodge:

[canarlee]

But we are already in NZ?? :yes::dodge:

bugger, cheers for that!

i changed it now tho:p

[Gixxer 4 ever]

But we are already in NZ?? :yes::dodge:

:laugh::clap::sweatdrop

[slowpoke]

I'm not interested in coming but here are some contacts that will be useful when looking at importing bikes into Oz:

Customs: http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/importguidePrivOwnMV.pdf

Department of Transport and Regional Services:
http://www.dotars.gov.au/roads/safety/bulletin/importing.aspx#5.06

You must obtain consent from both parties prior to importing your bike.

[canarlee]

that cant be much of a problem, just time consuming i would think?



oh and thanks for the links!

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Just to give you an idea, so is this an HB thing only or can anyone jump on this wagon? Might be able to get some deals on Campers in Aussie too but give me a few days to check.

I don't see why it should only be H/Bay. I worry about things like, what speed we travel at, where we stay, what type of road house we eat at, group riding, how well we will get on as a group, how many stops we make etc. It is my vision that we hit the road in New Zealand for a weekend next year to make sure everything works out. I for one will not be travelling at 110 kmh for 3 weeks nor will I be stopping every 100 km to look at the view. I would like to cover 5-8 hundred K a day if we can. All this stuff needs to be discussed as time goes by. You never know we may form 3 groups, one for off road, one for fast riders and one for slower riders. Meeting at points of interest or at the end of each day. I have no idea really. Just keep putting ideas in and we will see how this progresses. Hell I might even join you on the shingle for a day Zukin. What the hell if it is a rental.

I was going to sell the Gixxer and get a V-Strom for this ride but after looking at the rental and doing some sums I recon I could be in line for the Rental option. I have sent a few Emails to see what sort of money we could get a number of bikes for.

Keep posting your ideas ppl.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Well this is great. Thanks for the reply Dave. :yes::yes:
Have a read and see what you think people. Please comment on this so we can get some feed back on what you think.

Subject: RE: 2009 Kiwis in OZ


Hi Steve

Thank you for your enquiry. I have flicked through your forum and noted that
the ideas are note yet fully crystallized so I hope that the following may
be of help whether you end up using rental bikes or shipping your own across
from NZ.

We are not really interested in hiring bikes for an 800km a day three week
dash however there are some realistic suggested itineraries on our website
which have been specifically developed with our "extensive local knowledge"
to cater to overseas riders to help with their route planning. I note that
there are some riders who want an outback dirt road experience and there are
some who will do only sealed road bitumen riding. There are others who want
to do a longer daily blast and their will be others that will content with
shorter distances and the opportunity to stop and see things along the way.
I think that the two itineraries below will be a great compromise that will
cater to everyone's needs.

The 21 day self guided sealed-road itinerary.
http://www.aussiebiker.com.au/html/21dayself.html

The 21 day self guided dirt-road itinerary.
http://www.aussiebiker.com.au/html/21daydirt.html

If you compare these two itineraries side by side you will note that the two
groups will be together at Longreach and again at Alice Springs and other
opportunities can be made for linking up by altering the itineraries as
required. These itineraries are designed to offer the best of what Australia
has to offer including staying away from the major cities so the guy that
wanted to visit his old Aunt Agnes near Melbourne may have to do this
another time! You will note that these itineraries start and finish at
Brisbane/Noosa because that is where we are situated.

These itineraries include total distances of 8300km and 7600km respectively
with two or three rest days (eg Longreach, Alice Springs and Broken Hill) so
the average daily ride distance is about 450km with the longest day about
630km. If you get your Australian atlas out, you will note that the
overnight stop-over locations are chosen because they are the most logical
places to stop.

Of course we would be happy to provide the bikes for your group and the
bikes, prices and conditions can be found on our website at
www.aussiebiker.com.au/html/bikes.html however first you have to obtain a
general consensus among your group so I hope the foregoing will help in this
regard.

Kind regards, Dave Pearce

PS Might be a good idea to copy and paste this whole email to your forum for
general consideration and discussion.

AUSSIE BIKER TOURS AND RENTAL
PO Box 1097
Noosaville DC
Queensland 4566
AUSTRALIA
Ph: +61 7 5474 1050
Fax: +61 7 5474 1333
mailto:dave@aussiebiker.com.au
www.aussiebiker.com.au

[Gixxer 4 ever]

At a glance this looks blood good to me. I have to think about what ride I want to do.
please have a look at the links and get some comments. It covers a lot of the area I want to see. We could go back the next year and do the other coast.

[Stickchick]

No Melbourne??? All good. I would be keen to go on the Sealed road one providing I can ride that far but I have two years to make sure of that.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

No Melbourne??? All good. I would be keen to go on the Sealed road one providing I can ride that far but I have two years to make sure of that.

You will be good. I wounder if I can wait 2 years. :shutup:

[Stickchick]

You will be good. I wounder if I can wait 2 years. :shutup:

Well I'm going to the Gold Coast on the 7th Aug is there anything you want me to find out while I'm over there? Come back the 19th. I'd bring ya back Duty Free but your son has already got his order in and is taking up my quota hehehehe P/T

[BigG]

At a glance this looks blood good to me. I have to think about what ride I want to do.
please have a look at the links and get some comments. It covers a lot of the area I want to see. We could go back the next year and do the other coast. Far out thats a good ride the 21 day 2 and a half grand for rental thats cool, gone to see what the Mrs thinks.:yes:

[canarlee]

looks mighty fine to me too!!!

[Gixxer 4 ever]

And anothe one. This is also a great read and I like what I read.
We got some good ideas going on now.
I need to be back at work an hour ago so read this and think about it.
Gota love this stuff. Thanks Eddy.

Subject: Re: Bikes


Hi there Steve,Please allow me to introduce myself,Eddy Garner ,proprietor of Garner's Hire Bikes and www.aussiebiketours.com.au .What you are planning is a ride of a lifetime,whichever way you go.I am happy to help with motorcycles, suggested routes etc.and even a back-up Van with spares and a bike trailer.I have criss-crossed OZ most ways on various bikes doing Tours and pick-ups etc.and it's great to find others wishing to join the many long-distance riders.Distances are huge,but possible.Suggested for only three weeks would be from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road to Portland,Nelson,Mount Gambier and Adelaide.Then to Port Agusta,Coober Pedy to Erldunda,turning left to Ayers Rock.Then back to the Stuart Highway and North to Alice Springs,Barrow Creek,A visit to the Old Daly Waters pub a must.Then turn right at Three ways,and camp at Barkly Station/Homestead.Then across to the east,over the Atherton Tablelands to Cairns.If you then followed the East Coast down to Melbourne you will have ridden around 12,000 kilometres! If you can achieve this in 21 days,your average will be nearly 600 K. every day!This,however, leaves little time to check things out.If you include Three Ways to Darwin,then Kakadu(watch out for salties) and loop back to Three Ways add another week! I guess it depends on the size of the Group/enthusiasim/which bikes/routes etc. but three weeks vanishes quickly!I suggest at least one day off per week for R+R.e.g. The Great Barrier Reef is an absolute must-contact www.reefmagiccruises for an awesome snorkelling/scuba diving experience you will never forget in Cairns.The Ferry over to Magnetic Island out of Townsville is way cool too.And I must recommend Airlie Beach in the WhitSundays as superb.(We usually stay at Club Crocodile.)So much to see and do!Big Four Caravan Parks are all over,good deals to camp or rent cabins.Regards bikes,we can offer a selection of BMW ,F650 G/S, Suzuki DR650's,Bandit 600's,and Honda Hornet's for $225aud. per day(21 day minimum).BMW R1150G/S,Honda CBR600 and CBR1100,and Triumph Tiger @$250aud. per day (x 21 days).These rates are slightly higher than todays rates,but this Quote is for 2009.I figure @ $225 per day x 21=$4725aud.This includes unlimited kilometers,Collision Insurance and all taxes.Usual rental conditions and Surety Bonds apply-usually $2000 deposit refundable. We will also supply 2 x Oil filters and sufficient Oil for two Oil changes on each bike,plus spare Chain lube etc.After freighting many bikes from Melbourne to Lyttleton ( I race at the Sounds of Thunder each year),I find @ $1500-$1800 return is an average,plus with each bike requiring a major Service and Tyres etc upon return,and the inconvenience of Carnets etc.(the Tax Bond required for Import/Export),not to mention Wharf/Customs hassles, sometimes a Rental is far more convenient and better value.Not to mention that Hire Bikes can do anything it seems....Obviously if you stuff it up,your holiday is often ruined! Regards the Van/Trailer option,this includes tools,tiedowns, a two-bike trailer etc, and unlimited kilometres for $185 per day.A late-model Toyota Hiace long wheelbase is the vehicle.You may find something a little cheaper,but not with K's included.I do understand this is early stages of A GOOD IDEA (at the time),I also understand a challenge is the spice of Life!So,keep in touch.As an ex-pat,I have found this wide brown Land to be an awesome ride.Do not hesitate to contact me for further information or assistance.Best Regards, Eddy Garner.
----- Original Message -----

[canarlee]

afte a quick read of both, i prefer the 1st one that steve posted to be honest!


but thats only me and im happy to go along with others....

[denill]

This may be of some help.
A couple of years ago I organised a trip for 4 bikes (8 people) Brisbane to Cairns (inland) and back pretty much on the Bruce. Travelled July/August and the weather was fantastic.

Shipped the bikes with Conroys out of napier and back into Napier. Email garyc@conroy.co.nz and the price was not too bad. Around $1,250 per bike and that was clearing them thru customs and quarantine. Picked them up from their depot in Caboolture.
But - Got a quote about 12 mths ago and it was around $2,000 per bike??

Suggest you ask r.meade@sdv.com for a price.

Planning your route. Try
http://www.racq.com.au/cps/rde/xchg/racq_cms_production/hs.xsl/trip_planner_ENA_HTML.htm

It's magic.

Have sorted a route for March 2008. Brisbane to Bright, Victoria on back (sealed) roads. Bring on March! :yes::yes:

[Gixxer 4 ever]

This may be of some help.

Have sorted a route for March 2008. Brisbane to Bright, Victoria on back (sealed) roads. Bring on March! :yes::yes:

Thanks for that. That's great. 2 grand is ok. How many K's do you recon we would need between fuel stops? I might have to modify the gas tank on the Gixxer if I take it.

Roll on March.........:yes:

[canarlee]

How many K's do you recon we would need between fuel stops? I might have to modify the gas tank on the Gixxer if I take it.


thats another problem, fuel tank range!


the tank range on the bandit is very low but it would be a more comfortable bike to take, i get through about 3/4s of a tank on one of our saturday afternoon rides.

but the blade has a big tank range but is not as comfortable on longer rides (over 3-4 hours).

hmm another bike in the garage?

[denill]

The Trip Planner link I gave will show Gas Stations. Depending where you go - they can be a long way apart...........

Gixxer you're local I'm @ ph844 7715

Cheers
Bill

FWIW - We have friends doing a ride now. This is this mornings update:

Hi Folks

Port Augusta was old territory for from back in 2003 and as we dropped through the mountain range down into the city we noticed our first real change of temperature. We were staying only a short distance away from the motel we previously stayed in and straight away noticed a significant influx of aborigine.
Their unkemptness and the noticeable security at motels, shops and like gives you an air of insecurity and Police notices in your room warning of the need to protect valuables doesn't help.

Our motel was great but of course their resturant was shut, so we walked off to the nearest motel where we wined and dined the early evening away and were in bed by 8 pm.

Port Augusta to Coober Pedy was somewhat nostelgic particularly when a couple of group on the last occasion ran out of petrol. We left with a few drops of rain and worked our way through 570kms into improving weather all the way. At one of the road stops which was the last before Coober Pedy I decided to get a cannister and take a further 3 litre of petrol. The main influence for this action was a fairly steady head wind which I knew could definately affect our petrol consumption of the remaining 253 kms. As it turned out it would have been touch and go. We put the 3 litres in with about 100kms to go and didn't waste any time over this distance while previously we had stuck at around 115 kph. When I filled the tank at Coop Ped I put in 17 litres which inluding the three additional I put in meant that I would have been over an ordinarly tank full by one litre.

Cooper Pedy is reknown for a lot of its buildings being underground. We stayed at the Budget Motel which provided verygood security for the bike. Lorraine stayed in the adjoining hotel and replenished the coffers by $500 in winning five numbers on the keno while I went walkabout. This was very short lived after going outside the pub and observing about 15 abo's who were clearly drunk accosting people going down the street and begging for money. One spotted me filming and abused me no end when I decided to return to the comfort of the bar.

We had a great meal and as seems to be the case on these type of trips you start catching up with people you have meet in other towns who are doing similar trips to ourselves but not on bikes and this does seems to generate quite a bit of interest.

Today when we left CB it was a beaut day destined to be a high of 27. Still had the leathers and Long Johns on and watched the temp guage climb to over 90F.
By the time we entered the North Territory we were starting to feel uncomfortable and on reaching Kalgura 72 km short of Erldunda we peeled all the excess gear of and had a real summers ride. I think this is what we can expect from here on in.

For those of you who have been to this area before you will no doubt remember the flies that clearly remembered how they could pester us from our last visit. This is where Lorraine purchased fly nets and knowing that we were returning here this time cleverly left them at home.

I'm running out of time and money on this machine at Erldunda where we stay the night and head to Alice springs tomorrow - only 220 kms. so without checking what Ive said I'll risk sending it without editing.

[denill]

Further, you will of course need a Carnet. Forms for these are from the AA Auckland. (Local AA branch knew absolutely nothing about them. Sent me to Customs?)

Can be downloaded @ http://www.aa.co.nz/motoring/tips/travelling/exporting/Pages/temporaryexportinformation.aspx

Email was: FTyrrell@nzaa.co.nz for the forms.

[yungatart]

I would so love to do this!
Timing could be an issue for us though (as will $$$, but thats another story...)
July /Aug 2009 is when Zac is due back from Belgium....(cost of that trip $15k)....will have to get a second job or one that pays more than the piddling salary I currently get.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Our motel was great but of course their resturant was shut, so we walked off to the nearest motel where we wined and dined the early evening away and were in bed by 8 pm.

Port Augusta to Coober Pedy was somewhat nostelgic particularly when a couple of group on the last occasion ran out of petrol. We left with a few drops of rain and worked our way through 570kms into improving weather all the way. .

F*ck I want to go now. I am thinking, I might not be able to wait 2 years. Might have to do the trip next year and another in 2 years
Thanks for this

[denill]

F*ck I want to go now. I am thinking, I might not be able to wait 2 years. Might have to do the trip next year and another in 2 years
Thanks for this


OK, You asked for it. Heres another from our friends.

Subject: Tamworth - Warren - Cobar

Hi Everyone

Your probably heartily sick of me mentioning the weather as we again head into another cloudless sunny day. Every morning to date we have woken to a clear and if you were to simply walk around in it all day you would class it as pleasant day. All is not what it seems however, and for us it hasn't been all beer and skittles.

The ride from Port Macqurie was short in distance but long in duration. We headed in the direction of Walcha which we were soon to discover took us over a mountain range which was extremely winding with continuous corners designated at 25 and 35kph. It was very slow and as there had been a frost that morning one had to be continually on guard negotiating the corners that hadn't dried out.

The trees on either side of the road meant that we were driving in the shade and the chill factor was unbelievable and we were very cold by the time we reached Tamworth. It was probably round 4 deg Celsius

Tamworth was pretty uneventful and after booking into the motel we headed off to town in a taxi, had a quick look around, bought some groceries and did a microwave tea over a bottle of wine back in the motel. Accommodation good and reasonably priced at $85.

The following day we were much better equipped to beat the cold air, but despite the fact that I was wearing a singlet, T shirt, two long sleeve T shirts, a marino wool jersey, leather jacket, long johns and my wet weather trousers as a windbreak we still got cold.

The trip to Warren was about 370 km's and a straight forward run on long straight roads. When we reached Warren we booked into the motel and jumped under the bed covers to get warm and put the heating on high. Accommodation was very reasonable at $95. That evening we walked to the local service club still with multiple layers of clothing on, only to walk into a heat wave on entering the club and immediately had to shed some.

The service club which services a town of 2400 population was large, in good order and after we gave the pokies a thrashing they served a remarkably good cheap meal.

During the meal we met a couple of retired kiwis who now have Aust citizenship and we were amazed at the number of concessions they get including a $100 week from the NZ government to top up their super payments from the Aust Govt. Free car registration which is worth around $600 a vehicle and very cheap travel. It was during our discussion with them that we learned that NSW was experiencing the coldest spell in 21 years and all the locals are bemoaning how cold it is. We noticed that it had been snowing in Melbourne that morning.

We also learned that Wicannia which was to be our stop today was not a very desirable place to stay, apparently due to the high aboriginal content which was also associated with drunkenness, violence and theft. Having taken this initially with a grain of salt as I had already rung ahead and made a motel booking, we were soon to give this further consideration when our motel receptionist, the local garage attendant and another local all advised against staying there and some even recommended that we didn't stop for petrol. Since arriving in Cobar this advice has been reinforced by others we've met.

Our rethink on this issue resulted in us changing our plans and after cancelling our booking in Wilcannia we opted to travel the shorter distance of 220 km today
which saw us arrive in Cobar by 1pm and book into the motel we booked the previous night.

Having been so happy with my Ipaq device I was shattered to find that we have had no coverage for two days as Vodafone doesn't service this area, so this e-mail is being typed courteousy of the internet services supplied free of charge in the Cobar public library. Apparently we won't get Vodafone services again until we reach Broken Hill and then it is apparently quite strong around the coastal areas. So much for believing what these Telephone companies tell you.

Todays trip was pretty uneventful and we enjoyed the ride with a look round the shops in a couple of small towns. We have experienced very little traffic travelling in either direction over the past couple of days and the speed limit has generally been 110kmp with us setting the cruise control on 115kmh which has made for pretty easy riding. Only the odd dead roo on the road, but Lorraine has seen plenty in the paddocks. Several large numbers of cattle crazing on the side of the road and one sign suggested that we be on the lookout for deer. (now that's a sign that I've not seen before. Today for the first time we also spied goats on the side of the road.

Tomorrow we will get on the road by 8 for our longest ride to date of around 430 km's which will get us to Broken Hill where we will stay for a couple of nights. Hopefully it will get warmer as we travel west - I note that the temp in Darwin today is 30 deg.

Its now half past four, so we off to find a service club and some tea.

Thanks to those sending the odd bit of Kiwi news.

Cheers for now

[denill]

And another.

Will send them on as we get them in the future. Just hope it doesn't bore yas.


Subject: Broken Hill

The 470km ride from Cobar to Broken Hill
commenced shortly after 8 am in a frosty, foggy and sub zero morning. The
bike outside temp guage dragged itself slowly up to just below 60 F by
lunch time. Again very little traffic on the road and we couldn't help
compare the length of straight road with some of the deserts we've crossed
in America which are just as far as the eye can see and when you arrive at
that point its repeated time and time again.

Needless to say the conditions were ideal for a quicker pace and the kms
ticked fairly quickly by at 135 kmp. Always mindful of the possiblity of
roos being on the road it was rather surprising to come across herds of
goats grazing on the sides of the road. They were pretty used to vehicles
and we only had to slow once for one old girl who just ambled off the road
as we came by.

Had a couple of stops at Road Houses on the way, neither were shown on our
map.
The first was a very small roadhouse
called Enndale and run by the sole aged male (older than us) who had been
there for twelve years and was looking to sell. It was very clean and we
were very grateful for the ability to buy a Mrs Mac pie, a cup of coffee and
fill up the bike. The old geezer didn't say much and the chances are he'll
still be there in another doz years as the place is pretty desolate and
hasn't got much going for it.

The second road house was a short distance from Wilcannia so we stopped for
lunch, topped up the tank with the view of avoiding a stop at the only town
that just no one we came across had a good word to say about. On reaching
the outskirts we stopped under the town sign, took a picture and Lorraine
cranked up the video. What a let down. The town pretty well comprised of
a service station, a large building on the corner of the only intersection
with the main road and a few shops could be seen further down the side
street. It certainly was very uninspiring with the only major building
amply covered with grafitti and there were half a dozen aboriginies going
about their business in the side street. Certainly no threat and we would
have been quite comfortable stopping for petrol had we chosen to.

The 202 kms from Wilcannia to BH were quickly overhauled and the terrain
changed from plains to a long hill range which showed plenty of evidence of
mining as you entered the township of BH.

We arrived about 2 pm and navigated straight to the motel using the GPS -
what a time saver. I found I had telephone coverage again and found a
message from Rob and Bev Oswald to say they had arrived in Aust, retrieved
their bike which they had flown over to Brisbane and would be heading off
on Monday to meet with us in Tennant on the 27th.

Having sussed out the locals in the service club last evening we were back
on the bike this morning in what was a much warmer day and travelled the 25
km out to Silverton which was the original mining town before the main mine
was opened in BH. Really worth the ride to see the old buildings scattered
about and it is a place where lots of films have been made including Mad
Max, (replica of car outside the pub) A town like Alice to name just a
couple. The town is not totally desserted and has about 60 occupants who
survive on tourism. An early brunch here and then we travelled out further
to Mundi Mundi to a viewing point overlooking the vast plains and then out
further to the end of the tar seal to see a dam built around 1935. This
little trip took us out into unfenced territory and we soon came across
groups of emus. These are really unpredicatable animals who don't like
Harley's and just panic and run in any direction that takes their fancy.
Wild horses roaming the plains were also paniced by the Harley noise but
were some distance away and no threat. A great liesurely ride sitting on 75
kph all the way out and back to BH.

While we are not into architecture one can't help notice the contrasting
buildings reflecting the very different styles built through the
generations. A very interesting place and much bigger than what we
anticipated.
Didn't get a chance to do a mine tour - maybe next time. Tomorrow sees us
back on the road for four days on the trot starting with a 420km ride
tomorrow

Have just got back from another great roast at a different service club.
These meals are fantastic and generally under $15 a head. Watched on the
biggest screen I've ever seen the AB's trounce the Wallabies. The club was
fairly packed and there was probably only myself and one other person
watching the game. Clearly not ruby country, so didn't do any barracking.

Overall BH has been are very interesting place to visit and one that you
would want to include on your itinerary if planning a trip this way.

So until we find another free moment, its bye for now.

Cheers

[canarlee]

well i found this website http://www.atwf.co.nz/contact.html so i called them up, they immediatly took my number and called me back which i thought was pretty good of them!

anyway, i spoke to a guy called troy, (he told me to give his number if you want to call him, auckland prefix 2750409 ext 200) and he was very helpfull.

i asked for a rough price for taking 10 bikes and this is what he told me: the bikes will need to be crated (go to a dealer and ask them for the crates coz they throw them out otherwise, his words), a group "carnet" will cost about 450 bucks total, container hire is approx 2000 bucks, handling in oz will be 1000 - 1200 bucks. same price for the container to return (another 2000 bucks) and handling in NZ will be about 800 bucks.

we will need to send the bikes there approximatly 3 weeks before we will get there.

so we can send 10 bikes there for approximatly 6000 bucks. we might beable to get another 1 or 2 in on that price but im not sure.

[canarlee]

he also gave me the number of a guy called alan (auckland 37774660 ext 8647) who i havent called, to talk to about the carnet!

[denill]

this is what he told me: the bikes will need to be crated (go to a dealer and ask them for the crates coz they throw them out .


Go to a friendly Harley dealer. There plinth is steel and we found them excellent. Better than the bikes they once carried:dodge::dodge:

If you check out my earlier posting you can get Carnet details and Download the form.

BTW We found that it was desirable to have the bikes not fully enclosed as that was welcomed by the Oz inspectors.

[canarlee]

Go to a friendly Harley dealer. There plinth is steel and we found them excellent. Better than the bikes they once carried:dodge::dodge:



he also said the same for BMW dealers aswell!


i would also use the same sentiments for BMWs as you use for harleys! :dodge:

[Zukin]

F*ck I want to go now. I am thinking, I might not be able to wait 2 years. Might have to do the trip next year and another in 2 years
Thanks for this

:laugh: :laugh:

I have been thinking the same way, except I am thinking of starting in Melbourne and heading straight into the desert :yes:

Keep ya posted

Like you YT we are broke now, Alana is off to Norway on Thursday next week :love:

[Zukin]

he also said the same for BMW dealers aswell!


i would also use the same sentiments for BMWs as you use for harleys! :dodge:

Yeah right!!! :dodge:

[yungatart]

:laugh: :laugh:



Like you YT we are broke now, Alana is off to Norway on Thursday next week :love:

Best of luck to her!! You guys will miss her heaps.
We will prolly have to content ourselves with local stuff...might be really lucky and be able to afford to ride outside the Bay occasionally....
blardy kids...keeping us broke!

[Zukin]

Not until the local clan gets together to help hXc do some fundraising for his trip :yes:, then the folks can save some coin and join us :yes:
Life is to short to have money sitting in the bank :dodge:

if you are like me then spend it while you can :yes:

[Zukin]

i asked for a rough price for taking 10 bikes and this is what he told me: the bikes will need to be crated (go to a dealer and ask them for the crates coz they throw them out otherwise, his words), a group "carnet" will cost about 450 bucks total, container hire is approx 2000 bucks, handling in oz will be 1000 - 1200 bucks. same price for the container to return (another 2000 bucks) and handling in NZ will be about 800 bucks.

we will need to send the bikes there approximatly 3 weeks before we will get there.

so we can send 10 bikes there for approximatly 6000 bucks. we might beable to get another 1 or 2 in on that price but im not sure.

I don't think that if we are using a container that they need to crated as well?

Here (http://gallery.worldbybike.com/gallery/album01/aah) is the proof. Nice bikes too :dodge:

[DITTO]

Booked this space for later updates shipping

Looks like shipping is going to be around $2500 with rego etc.
Looks like you could hire for the same or similar amount.

More ideas people. Pack our own container? Anyone priced the cost of shipping a box?

Ill get back to you early next week with prices.

[canarlee]

Ill get back to you early next week with prices.
llok here

well i found this website http://www.atwf.co.nz/contact.html so i called them up, they immediatly took my number and called me back which i thought was pretty good of them!

anyway, i spoke to a guy called troy, (he told me to give his number if you want to call him, auckland prefix 2750409 ext 200) and he was very helpfull.

i asked for a rough price for taking 10 bikes and this is what he told me: the bikes will need to be crated (go to a dealer and ask them for the crates coz they throw them out otherwise, his words), a group "carnet" will cost about 450 bucks total, container hire is approx 2000 bucks, handling in oz will be 1000 - 1200 bucks. same price for the container to return (another 2000 bucks) and handling in NZ will be about 800 bucks.

we will need to send the bikes there approximatly 3 weeks before we will get there.

so we can send 10 bikes there for approximatly 6000 bucks. we might be able to get another 1 or 2 in on that price but im not sure.

that 6000 bucks is for 10 bikes rather than 2500 bucks apeice.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

llok here


that 6000 bucks is for 10 bikes rather than 2500 bucks apeice.

So that's only $600 per bike with 10 bikes? Thats a very good price. I will contact my insurance compony and ask about insurance to ride in OZ and cover the bike while it is on the water. I will ask a friend what it cost to register a bike in OZ for 12 months. What else do we need to price? Service the bikes here before they are packed. Put in a spare filter and buy oil on the ride to service as needed. Fit new rubber before we leave. Looking like a good option. Well done Lee. :yes:

[denill]

I will ask a friend what it cost to register a bike in OZ for 12 months. :yes:

You can ride on your NZ rego & warrant.

Keep your most recent rego receipt (& warrant receipt) and produce that. The label is not enough?? :angry:

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Thanks for that.

But you have to have third party insurance in QL I hear. Hence the rego.
Lots of problem with taking a bike that I have been told about today.
I will post them when I get time. Need sleep
Cheers
Steve

[SARGE]

i cant go to Oz .



ive never been convicted of anything ..

[denill]

Thanks for that.

But you have to have third party insurance in QL I hear. Hence the rego.Cheers Steve

You can obtain the reqd insurance thru an Insurance co. Not sure which Brisbane one we used. We had that in place before we arrived. You are reqd to insure for 12 mths but will get a credit for any unused period.

[canarlee]

pjust saw this on another thread, havent had a look yet but its about shipping bikes!


http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tripplan/transport/shipping.php

[clint640]

Further, you will of course need a Carnet. Forms for these are from the AA Auckland. (Local AA branch knew absolutely nothing about them. Sent me to Customs?)

Can be downloaded @ http://www.aa.co.nz/motoring/tips/travelling/exporting/Pages/temporaryexportinformation.aspx

Email was: FTyrrell@nzaa.co.nz for the forms.

As far as I can gather from the oz customs site posted earlier, you do NOT need a carnet, just a $50 temporary approval to import (get it in advance) & a refundable deposit of the GST & duty payable. Oz maf inspection, current NZ reg & wof & yer good to go.

Looks a lot better than $450 for a carnet + $13000 deposit + 15% bike value deposit + having to deal with AA nobheads.

Cheers
Clint

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Ok, after all the reading and talking to people I have decided to hire a bike. If you go for 6 months it would be good to take your own but as this is only 4 weeks it is to hard. I have spoken to my insurance company and they will not insure for the ride in OZ. Put this up with all the other stuff it is not worth the hassle.
I like the 21 day trip and think I will book that next year for the 09 trip. Not sure if I will do the Tarmac or off road yet.

I am going to do this trip. This thread will drop outa sight for a while but I will bring it back up from time to time to see who is interested.

PM me if you want your name on the list.

[canarlee]

just read your post steve, i think one or two peeps might get slightly put off by high mileages and hardly any stops. it doesnt bother me but i can see how others might think!


just a suggestion, if more people wanted to do say the 3 week tour but spread it over 4 weeks, would that be possible? then everyone could have a couple more spare days so they can get some photo oportunity! to do a trip like that it would be a big shame to miss out on stuff like that!

also that is a hell of a lot of ks in the saddle!!!



i dunno, just musing tis all......

[Gixxer 4 ever]

I have found we are not going to satisfy everyone so we recon we will post what we ( Mrs Gixxer 4 ever and Gixxer 4 ever ) are going to do and others might or might not come along. This could still change but the 600km in OZ is not too far. Easy roads most of the way. 600 km is only 6 hours of riding max at 100kmh. Legal speed is 110 to 130 in NT. 5 hours riding time. We will have 8-10 hours daylight. plenty of time to stop etc. Some days are only 1/200 km a day. Can not ride at night Dawn or dusk from what I have read. Too many animals on the road.

[Stickchick]

just read your post steve, i think one or two peeps might get slightly put off by high mileages and hardly any stops. it doesnt bother me but i can see how others might think!


just a suggestion, if more people wanted to do say the 3 week tour but spread it over 4 weeks, would that be possible? then everyone could have a couple more spare days so they can get some photo oportunity! to do a trip like that it would be a big shame to miss out on stuff like that!

also that is a hell of a lot of ks in the saddle!!!



i dunno, just musing tis all......

As you keep telling me lee....HTFU

[canarlee]

As you keep telling me lee....HTFU

if you read it properly, at the beggining i said i am happy to do it the way steve suggested, i was thinking of some of the other people. the word "consideration" comes to mind. also what i typed might inspire others to do the trip in the way i suggested instead, therefore doing something that they previously hadnt thought about!

[Stickchick]

if you read it properly, at the beggining i said i am happy to do it the way steve suggested, i was thinking of some of the other people. the word "consideration" comes to mind. also what i typed might inspire others to do the trip in the way i suggested instead, therefore doing something that they previously hadnt thought about!

Dammit does that mean I have to apologise now? :shutup::nono:

[canarlee]

Dammit does that mean I have to apologise now? :shutup::nono:

nah, just buy me a drink friday night:dodge:

[SPman]

Things I have picked up so far.
(1) You need to register your bike in OZ for 12 months.
(2) You need to talk to your insurance company.
(2) You can not ride at night cos of the live stock on the road.
(3) There are no unlimited speed roads in OZ. When I first thought of this there were.
(4) You are not aloud to have radar detectors on bikes. (bugger)

1 - your bike needs to be registered while its on the roads - NZ rego is OK if its a visit
2 - ...
3 - depends where you are - on country roads, it's definitely a hazard - mainly roos, cars and wombats at night - although sheep and cattle are also a hazard, but
4 - radar detectors are still legal in WA

[Gixxer 4 ever]

1 - your bike needs to be registered while its on the roads - NZ rego is OK if its a visit
2 - ...
3 - depends where you are - on country roads, it's definitely a hazard - mainly roos, cars and wombats at night - although sheep and cattle are also a hazard, but
4 - radar detectors are still legal in WA

Thanks SP. I have looked long and hard at taking the bike but it is a hassle. Allsorts of shit from insurance to paper work. I can't be bothered to tell the truth. I can hire a bike for the same/less money and enjoy the ride. I am lucky enough to be able to ride most bikes so the change from the Gixxer will not hold me back. I hope others are keen on this trip. If not Mary and I will do it anyway.
Thanks for your help man.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

As you keep telling me lee....HTFU

:nono: Now you 2 be nice. We are going to be out in the desert for 3 week together. We don't need unnecessary injury. :innocent:

[canarlee]

:nono: Now you 2 be nice. We are going to be out in the desert for 3 week together. We don't need unnecessary injury. :innocent:

oi shhh i was hoping for a :spanking:

[Stickchick]

:nono: Now you 2 be nice. We are going to be out in the desert for 3 week together. We don't need unnecessary injury. :innocent:

I'm not so sure that he will go through customs with all that metal:dodge::shutup:

[Stickchick]

oi shhh i was hoping for a :spanking:

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwww:gob::sick:

[robertydog]

Dammit does that mean I have to apologise now? :shutup::nono:

Yup...............

[canarlee]

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwww:gob::sick:

soz i just couldnt resist :killingme

[BigG]

The Mrs and I are seriously thinking about this ride, first I must consider my wife and how she will cope with a lot of time in the seat as she has not done a lot of long runs and 21 days in the saddle for her is a long time. Secondly I cant see me going over 140kmph as I will get saw ribs from the beatings and if I am going to spend close on 6grand I want to see most of the sights we are visiting, I think it is best to hire a bike as then there are no hassles. This is a once off trip or maybe do it again so I want to enjoy it with some good company and no hassles.:yes::yes::yes:

[yungatart]

The Mrs and I are seriously thinking about this ride, first I must consider my wife and how she will cope with a lot of time in the seat as she has not done a lot of long runs and 21 days in the saddle for her is a long time. Secondly I cant see me going over 140kmph as I will get saw ribs from the beatings and if I am going to spend close on 6grand I want to see most of the sights we are visiting, I think it is best to hire a bike as then there are no hassles. This is a once off trip or maybe do it again so I want to enjoy it with some good company and no hassles.:yes::yes::yes:

You could always do some practice trips with her...chuck her on the back for some of our Saturday rides, then work up from there. It should give her "buns of steel"...

[slinky]

I haven't read the thread.
But presume you are still going in 2 years time

I am moving to Melbourne in a couple of weeks, and will hopefully have a bike by about November.
So if im still in melbourne (or anywhere in auz) i will be keen to tag along

[Gixxer 4 ever]

I haven't read the thread.
But presume you are still going in 2 years time

I am moving to Melbourne in a couple of weeks, and will hopefully have a bike by about November.
So if im still in melbourne (or anywhere in auz) i will be keen to tag along

Yup. Read thread number 13. on the first page. Look at the link to see what we are doing. We are renting as well. Be great to have you along. Can I put you on the list of interested? That way I can send you a PM when we plan more next year. No commitment at this stage. Just interested

[Gixxer 4 ever]

The Mrs and I are seriously thinking about this ride, first I must consider my wife and how she will cope with a lot of time in the seat as she has not done a lot of long runs and 21 days in the saddle for her is a long time. Secondly I cant see me going over 140kmph as I will get saw ribs from the beatings and if I am going to spend close on 6grand I want to see most of the sights we are visiting, I think it is best to hire a bike as then there are no hassles. This is a once off trip or maybe do it again so I want to enjoy it with some good company and no hassles.:yes::yes::yes:

So you are keen or is it to much travel for you? It is easy riding from what I have been told compared to what we are doing here. You will not be on the bike for 6 solid hours. Breaks to see stuff and do stuff. My first idea was solid 8 hours a day for 21 days but I was going to do it alone so Have mellowed it a bit. Look on the link on post 13 and you will see the map and the K's. yep a long way but it is a long way to go and 6 grand needs to be well spent. I recon it will be a great trip. No 140+k on this trip. If others want to, great but not for me. i will do that here in Kiwi land

[Gixxer 4 ever]

We might have Chicky and Lee to entertain us by the fire at night........................You gota rent a bike Chicky. Your pink bits need to stay here in Kiwi land where they are safe...........AYE Lee...............

[canarlee]

We might have Chicky and Lee to entertain us by the fire at night........................You gota rent a bike Chicky. Your pink bits need to stay here in Kiwi land where they are safe...........AYE Lee...............

eh? what i done know???


allways in truble me........mutter grumble mutter........

[slinky]

Yup. Read thread number 13. on the first page. Look at the link to see what we are doing. We are renting as well. Be great to have you along. Can I put you on the list of interested? That way I can send you a PM when we plan more next year. No commitment at this stage. Just interested

Yeh definately put me on the interested list.

[Stickchick]

We might have Chicky and Lee to entertain us by the fire at night........................You gota rent a bike Chicky. Your pink bits need to stay here in Kiwi land where they are safe...........AYE Lee...............

I'm sure I could persuade one of the Ozzies to rent me a bike with pink bits....Just wouldn't be the same with out them.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

eh? what i done know???


allways in truble me........mutter grumble mutter........

I was just asking for your support. I never said you did anything...............Wrong...this time . .
The only thing I seen was you and Cola doing .......... well,strange man things close to my Gixxer down the line last weekend. Need to teach Speights_bud to keep my Gixxer safe from such man things.

[hXc]

Get back to work Steve...geez boy!
It's not like I'm at school...*Looks innocently*

[canarlee]

I was just asking for your support. I never said you did anything...............Wrong...this time . .
The only thing I seen was you and Cola doing .......... well,strange man things close to my Gixxer down the line last weekend. Need to teach Speights_bud to keep my Gixxer safe from such man things.

im innocent i tell ya!


lol


anyway, back on topic. after reading your latest posts i can see that it will be easier to hire bikes so im up for that.

also the amount of ks per day seems to be a lot but looking at the map they will be eaten up quite quickly! thats good.


hmm supporting stick? i am willing to help out there:yes:............oh, not THAT kind of support? damn....:dodge:

[Stickchick]

im innocent i tell ya!


lol


anyway, back on topic. after reading your latest posts i can see that it will be easier to hire bikes so im up for that.

also the amount of ks per day seems to be a lot but looking at the map they will be eaten up quite quickly! thats good.


hmm supporting stick? i am willing to help out there:yes:............oh, not THAT kind of support? damn....:dodge:

Dude!!!! Once again......EWWWWWWWWW:sick::nono:

[canarlee]

hehe you should know what im like by now......

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Get back to work Steve...geez boy!
It's not like I'm at school...*Looks innocently*

YES SIR


I will tell your father on you. I know where you live.

[MSTRS]

YES SIR


I will tell your father on you. I know where you live.

Too late. HE knows already.

[bomma]

hey guys was just searching for something and your thread caught my eye....after a little read im keen to go burn some rubber on aussie soil!!

im a student so money will be the BIGGEST and pretty much only issue but like i said im really REALLY keen!!

this sounds like an awesome idea and ill check out the maps and routes in more deatil when holidays start :)

[Gixxer 4 ever]

I note some postings missing after the K/B drive crash. Were you keen to come along Kendog and Mrs Kendog ? Go on, put your name forward... it is only an intention of interest

[Kendog]

I note some postings missing after the K/B drive crash. Were you keen to come along Kendog and Mrs Kendog ? Go on, put your name forward... it is only an intention of interest

I had put my our names forward, if only to make sure we keep up with the play.
This is a trip I would love to do, just not sure we will be able to make it happen.

Cheers

[Gixxer 4 ever]

I had put my our names forward, if only to make sure we keep up with the play.
This is a trip I would love to do, just not sure we will be able to make it happen.

Cheers

Sorry. I will put your name on the list when the administrator lets me edit it again. Post 12 I think. Page 1 There is a limit on how long you can edit old postings. It has passed that time. It is going to be a great ride and Zukin has some good contacts and info on taking our own bikes. So some might hire and some might ship. We can decided closer to the time. Cheers Steve

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Hi People. This is a note to give you the bad news about our planned OZ trip in 09. I have pulled the pin on it. Lots of reasons but one is the money. I could prattle on for ages but I am out. Sorry. I hope to work with Wasp27 with the help of Grumpy and shift this trip to the south Island. I have a van to carry the gear and we hope to spend two weeks in the south Island in or around late April early May 09 not OZ. More to come. If you are interest please let me know but the OZ trip is off unless you want to take up the organizing of it. Cheers Till later Steve

[glice]

I might be keen for south island. when do you need to know if people are coming or not?

[Gixxer 4 ever]

I might be keen for south island. when do you need to know if people are coming or not?

I will start a thread about it and we would need to have numbers by Jan/Feb of 09 to organise stuff. This thread will die and a new one will start.

We have a trip plan organised so will publish that soon. Cheers

[glice]

I will start a thread about it and we would need to have numbers by Jan/Feb of 09 to organise stuff. This thread will die and a new one will start.

We have a trip plan organised so will publish that soon. Cheers

sweet I'll look out for it.

[Hillbilly]

Don't go to South Australia!! Come over to NSW!! Long twisty roads, great weather. Most importantly 3 racetracks and 2 superbike schools!! There's Eastern Creek, Wakefield Park, and Oran Park. Check these out:

http://www.easterncreekridedays.com.au/

http://www.superbikeschool.com.au/

http://www.circuitbreakers.com.au/

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Nice, and what you say sounds good but with the fuel costs and the down turn in our income due to all that is happening in the world I need to reassess my finances. :sweatdrop They are not going to stretch to the trip and pay the bills. So we, Mary and I, Have looked at a trip here in New Zealand. Along with some of our local bike riding mates. The air fairs to OZ will pay for most of this trip so we have to look at that. I hope to get to your part of the world one day. I went to Phillip Island last year for the Moto GP. What a trip and what a weekend. Cheers Hillbilly. :yes:

[Hillbilly]

Yeah! With the softening of the US Dollar the price of oil is sky rocketing. Along with that, everything else goes up - except wages/salaries. I'm sooo glad I own a bike. Gotta feel sorry for all those who own Holdens and Fords. (90% Commodores & Falcons/Fairmonts)

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Yeah! With the softening of the US Dollar the price of oil is sky rocketing. Along with that, everything else goes up - except wages/salaries. Dunno 'bout NZ, but 91 octane is AUD$1.64 and climbing. Some say it'll reach AUD$2.00 a litre by Christmas. I'm sooo glad I own a bike. Gotta feel sorry for all those who own Holdens and Fords. (90% Commodores & Falcons/Fairmonts)

Currently $2.009 but they say it will be $2.10 by the end of the day. The crude price went up $10.00 a barrel over night US$ and the Kiwi Dollar dropped to 76.49 USD. Ouch.