And so it begins

[Bass]

As many of you are aware, Ducatijim and I are taking 2 months out and covering a fair bit of Oz on a couple of thoroughly modified and prepared DR 650's. We handed the bikes off to the freight company today and with luck will be wheeling north out of Brisbane about May 9th.
Now, the plan is where practical, to use the 4WD tracks rather than the main drags. This means that of necessity we are travelling light i.e. no laptop. It also means that the main centres visited will be few and far between i.e. few internet cafes. In summary, a running trip report is just not possible. However we are photographically well prepared and so can arrange something reasonably comprehensive when we get back home.
Anyway, so that we can scream for help if it is ever necessary, we will have a satphone (and possibly emergency beacons for the desert stages later on).
It turns out that texting on the satphone is not overly expensive and so we plan to read our coordinates off the GPS each evening and text them home to our wives who can then plug them into Google earth and so see exactly where we are.
If there is enough interest, my good lady would be happy to post those coordinates, either here or on ADVrider, or even both.
So tell me, is this a good idea or a complete waste of time?

[CookMySock]

see if you get some high-tech teenager to plot your trip on google maps. You will get a nice snail trail.

DB

[NordieBoy]

So tell me, is this a good idea or a complete waste of time?

A complete waste of time.

But I'll be one of the sad ones entering the coords into GE and following your journey.

I hope you get monkey butt.

Barstads.

[cooneyr]

I'm keen to track your progress. PM sent.

Cheers R

[twotyred]

It turns out that texting on the satphone is not overly expensive and so we plan to read our coordinates off the GPS each evening and text them home to our wives who can then plug them into Google earth and so see exactly where we are.
If there is enough interest, my good lady would be happy to post those coordinates, either here or on ADVrider, or even both.
So tell me, is this a good idea or a complete waste of time?

great idea:2thumbsup

[Padmei]

Yep great idea. Make sure you think of us hard working bastards at home as your helmet fills up with bulldust.

Any pics of the bikes so far?

[xwhatsit]

Awesome! :D

Yes, please post co-ordinates.

You got the bikes on the boat and the international registration thing sorted within that 12 hour tolerance then?

[offrd]

Keen as to track the trip! :clap:

Wish my dakar was in the box beside your bikes...... :weep:

You could still do the CCA if you could handle an ole red BMW :dodge:

[Crisis management]

You could still do the CCA if you could handle an ole red BMW :dodge:

Now that's a bloody good offer Bass, you could drive to Toke, meet us lot at midday friday at Ohakune!

C'mon, I'll even buy the first round.....


Now I've got over the adrenalin rush, please post up as much of your trip as you can, I'm keen to attempt to follow it on google (might need xerses help mind you)

Promise me there are no poodles involved.

[twotyred]

Promise me there are no poodles involved.

never underestimate poodles!...

[deanohit]

Bass, you already know there were a few of us keen mate.
I'll be keeping track whether KB or ADV.

Have fun!

[RedKLR650]

However we are photographically well prepared and so can arrange something reasonably comprehensive when we get back home.

Hi team,

Not meaning to tell you how to suck eggs, :baby: but as both an adventure biker, and also a fulltime professional photographer for 20 years, there's a few things you may not have taken into consideration re documenting your trip.

If you don't mind a bit of advice ( respectfully ) then give me a buzz sometime on 0 3 688 5050 or 0274 342 372

It might save you a lot of work later :blank:

Cheers, Stu

[Zukin]

Hi team,

Not meaning to tell you how to suck eggs, :baby: but as both an adventure biker, and also a fulltime professional photographer for 20 years, there's a few things you may not have taken into consideration re documenting your trip.

If you don't mind a bit of advice ( respectfully ) then give me a buzz sometime on 0 3 688 5050 or 0274 342 372

It might save you a lot of work later :blank:

Cheers, Stu

Well just share it here, then we all know for future trips :niceone:

[Bass]

Sorry for the delay guys - was in Invercargill yesterday


see if you get some high-tech teenager to plot your trip on google maps. You will get a nice snail trail.

DB

The missus tells me she can do this - I believe it's part of her plan thanks.


A complete waste of time.

But I'll be one of the sad ones entering the coords into GE and following your journey.

I hope you get monkey butt.

Barstads.


Oh dear. How sad. Never mind (all in a Welsh accent)


I'm keen to track your progress. PM sent.

Cheers R

Thanks, I'll be in touch.




Any pics of the bikes so far?

Let me see what I can find




You got the bikes on the boat and the international registration thing sorted within that 12 hour tolerance then?

In the end, I had a long chat with the carnet guy at the A.A. and he had the document to me in 3 days. Absolutely superb service.




You could still do the CCA if you could handle an ole red BMW :dodge:

Duncan, what a stunning offer.
Sadly I have already commited myself for that weekend and so I have to decline. Besides, all my riding gear etc is in the box with the DR.
But what an offer!
I'm speechless mate!:gob:


Now that's a bloody good offer Bass, you could drive to Toke, meet us lot at midday friday at Ohakune!

C'mon, I'll even buy the first round......

I would really love to and you are not wrong about Duncan's offer, but I just can't, buggrit:crybaby:



Now I've got over the adrenalin rush, please post up as much of your trip as you can, I'm keen to attempt to follow it on google (might need xerses help mind you)

Promise me there are no poodles involved.

Actually, those mutts you met may be compact, but the instincts are still all there. One of them in particular goes totally nuts at the slightest click of a rifle bolt or the smallest sniff of cordite - very keen to go and kill something (Bitch of course).




never underestimate poodles!...

Damn straight


Hi team,

Not meaning to tell you how to suck eggs, :baby: but as both an adventure biker, and also a fulltime professional photographer for 20 years, there's a few things you may not have taken into consideration re documenting your trip.

If you don't mind a bit of advice ( respectfully ) then give me a buzz sometime on 0 3 688 5050 or 0274 342 372

It might save you a lot of work later :blank:

Cheers, Stu

I have never pretended to know it all and am only too happy to accept help whenever it is offered - especially professional help. Will be in touch


Well just share it here, then we all know for future trips :niceone:

+ 1

[NordieBoy]

Oh dear. How sad. Never mind (all in a Welsh accent)

Watch out over there.
It ain't half hot, Mum.

:shifty:

[Bass]

Watch out over there.
It ain't half hot, Mum.

:shifty:

True
Actually, my biggest concern in all of this is not heat or various carnivorous/venomous/both fauna (some simple sensible rules for avoiding those), or even bulldust holes (which tend to be what claims most riders who go down), rather it's simply whether or not, I physically and mentally have what it takes to do this.
I guess I will soon find out and I expect to come home several kilos lighter than when I set out.
The fitness programme continues.......

[Bass]

Bass, you already know there were a few of us keen mate.


Yup, I did.
Was just trying to figure out whether to do the "public" thing or deal with a small group individually.
Looks like it will be the public approach

[Maha]

Yup, I did.
Was just trying to figure out whether to do the "public" thing or deal with a small group individually.
Looks like it will be the public approach

Brilliant Neil, you lucky arse SOB's...Was just saying to Anne the other that you should be off soon...I will subscribe to this thread and keep an eye on it, really look forward to reading up on your travels....
God speed/mud/dust and all that shit.....:2thumbsup

[Bass]

Brilliant Neil, you lucky arse SOB's...Was just saying to Anne the other that you should be off soon...I will subscribe to this thread and keep an eye on it, really look forward to reading up on your travels....
God speed/mud/dust and all that shit.....:2thumbsup

Thanks for the good wishes Mark - I will take all the help I can get.
I find your comments have me wondering how big a role "luck" will play in this.
We have done pretty much everything we can think of to take luck out of the equation, but it's impossible to eliminate it altogether.
I guess to some extent we are fortunate to be in a position to even consider doing this. However, the other side of the coin is that it has been a pile of work to get organised and I will be pretty broke by the time that I get home (otherwise known as spending the kid's inheritance eh bro). On top of that, the whole thing was actually triggered by a family loss last year.
So lucky arse???........ well maybe, but determination is pretty important too.

[offrd]

No worries Neil!

T C over there!

[Mom]

So tell me, is this a good idea or a complete waste of time?

This is a fantastic idea! Gives us the opportunity to say hi to Nicky on a daily basis too. Weird we were only talking about this the other day. Have a safe trip mate, hope it is more than you expect, in a good way of course.

Ps: No luck needed mate, good planning should see you right. You will be fine! Take heaps of pictures and keep a daily trip diary is the only advice I can offer.

[tri boy]

Great idea Neil.
And don't fret on the scale of the adventure. Take it one day at a time, and have a rest day when you feel you need it. A cold stubbie or three while soaking in a rock billabong does wonders for your tired body.
Enjoy mate.:yes:

[mbazza]

Trip sounds excellent, I'll be tracking you as best I can.
My small Aussie trip last year documented here had plenty of Kiwibiker response. A trip as extensive as yours should keep as all well entertained. Go well, we'll be watching. Cheers.:soon:

[NordieBoy]

A cold stubbie or three while soaking in a rock billabong does wonders for your tired body.
Enjoy mate.:yes:

Keeps the crocs fed too :D

[tri boy]

Keeps the crocs fed too :D

Swampy dogs arn't too bad. Push a Abbo kid in first, if he makes it back, all's sweet.:dodge::spanking:

[Frodo]

Well just share it here, then we all know for future trips :niceone:

RedKLR, I'd love to hear your photo tips. I'm always open to suggestions!

[ducatijim]

Brisbane-Brisbane via green line: anticlockwise.

Red is an alternative to Hiway1 thru WA.:calm:

[Aslan]

your trip looks great - have fun and stay safe - cheers Aslan

[tri boy]

The alternative red line, in towards Newman, Meekatharra etc would be my pick, unless you desperately want to visit Shark Bay, Monkey Mia and similar spots. (Whale Shark spotting and great coastlines).
Cutting through the inland Pilbarra region will throw up many many back track options.
Now that I've seen your planned trip, I'm very envious. You will most certainly come back with memories that will be treasured for life.
"Go you good things"!

Note. From Pt Hedland, get some local maps via "Main Roads", (equiv of our Transit), they will show countless passable routes, and they have up to date road conditions.
Marble Bar, Tom Price, and similar places will get you on great outback roads. (I was on a road maintenance crew for a winter that way).

[NordieBoy]

RedKLR, I'd love to hear your photo tips. I'm always open to suggestions!

My method is "If it moves, take a photo. If it doesn't move, take a photo just in case."

Just gets to be a bit of a problem when you're using someone elses camera and you have no idea how many it can take.

I'm off tomorrow to take shots at the 3-hour Cross Country... Suzuki National Series Round 1, Yamaha South Island Series Round 3, Nelson Club Series Round 1.

[kevfromcoro]

you lucky pair of b...stds..leaving all us lot here to face the NZ winter.
just a couple of ??..i take it u set the bikes up here and shiped them over..
how hard was it to get the bikes into OZ...was it done on a carnet thingy,,which i think gives you 12 months..have looked at a few websites about importing bikes into OZ..seems to be a pain in the ass.
Enjoy yr trip..and log on every now and then..to keep us posted..
Cheers KEV

[ducatijim]

..have looked at a few websites about importing bikes into OZ..seems to be a pain in the ass.
..
Cheers KEV

Oh yes, it is.

[Bass]

Any pics of the bikes so far?

Well since you asked, here's a bit of trivia for you

1. Where's that bloody engine number?

2. Boxing day

3. Testing trip - Papuni Road - Ask google!

4. Waikaremoana Road

5. House cleaning

6. Going sand seeking

[upshift]

All the best for you trip guys, sounds awesome. Will be keeping an eye on progress thru the forums.

Wondering who you are doing the shipping of the bikes with?

[twi]

sounds fantastic - have a great time... I hope you used more than that green 'string' to strop the bike on the pallet?

[Bass]

I hope you used more than that green 'string' to strop the bike on the pallet?

Ummm.... well actually, no I didn't. That "string" is what I used, but then it isn't "string". Not sure what breaking strain it is, but I would guesstimate around 300 kg, maybe even 400.
It probably wouldn't matter too much if the tie downs did break, because what you see in the photo was just the base. The finished article was a close fitting reinforced plywood box. If she did break loose, the tail light might get a hammering, but that would be about the extent of it.

[Cary]

Good luck guys, will be following with a keen eye to the details. Gonna be my turn...............one day :drool:

[Bass]

Thanks mate. We fly out Monday, well at least Nicky and I do. Things are a bit difficult for Jamie and Julie at the moment and they will follow a little later.

Recently, it seems that everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong. We find ourselves wondering if fate is trying to warn us. Maybe, we are just getting all the crap out of the way first, but we are about 3 days behind schedule before we have even left NZ.

If you do decide to do this sort of thing, come and have a chat with me well beforehand and I will steer you around a heap of the crap that we have had to contend with.

The bureaucracy shit fights aren't over yet either - not by a long way.

[ducatijim]

Tell me about it!! At least my tooth is fixed now-boy did he sure glue the new bit in strong!!
Now, just to pack/ catch up on the last 3 days missed farm arrangements due to berevement/ get funeral over with.:(

[Bass]

Wondering who you are doing the shipping of the bikes with?

We used Transitainer Xtreme Logistics Ltd.
They specialise in vehicles and were the cheapest.
We will let you know how good their service is when we get back. So far, communication has been a bit of a struggle, but the important thing is whether they get the bikes to Brissy on time and in good order.
That's a question that we can't answer yet.
Will know next week.

[cooneyr]

Thanks mate. We fly out Monday, well at least Nicky and I do. Things are a bit difficult for Jamie and Julie at the moment and he will follow a little later.

Damn - I'd better do that page for you!


Recently, it seems that everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong. We find ourselves wondering if fate is trying to warn us. Maybe, we are just getting all the crap out of the way first, but we are about 3 days behind schedule before we have even left NZ......

Had issues before the CCA as well (cracked rim, motor late back from rebuild, carbie diaphragm started leaking etc). Seemed Bro and I were not suppose to go. Finally got sorted though and while we had a rough start on the Friday (bent more things) Saturday was a blast and I really really enjoyed myself. Hope you have time to chill and have some fun for a couple of days at the start so that you can get out of the "annoyed" mood and really start to enjoy yourself. Good luck dude.

Watching with interest.
Cheers R

[Bass]

Hope you have time to chill and have some fun for a couple of days at the start so that you can get out of the "annoyed" mood and really start to enjoy yourself. Good luck dude.

Watching with interest.
Cheers R

Hey Ryan,
I don't think that we will have a choice.
Recently dicovered that Monday (the day we travel) is Labour Day in Brisbane and so nothing much will happen. They tell us that even if everything goes smoothly with customs and AQIS, that realistically, it will be Friday before the bikes are released. We still have to get them to a mate's workshop where we are fitting the safari tanks. So, if we want to ensure that we actually get them to the workshop on the Friday and don't lose the weekend too, we may have to hire a small truck.
The bill is starting to mount up.

[clint640]

If you do decide to do this sort of thing, come and have a chat with me well beforehand and I will steer you around a heap of the crap that we have had to contend with.

The bureaucracy shit fights aren't over yet either - not by a long way.

We will be certainly be looking forward to 'Neil & Jamie's Illustrated guide to not getting raped by Oz bureaucrats' :buggerd:

I've been doing a bit of preliminary research with a view to taking the bikes over next year.
I called up Oz customs to get some clarification about something on their website only to discover that assuming the information about temporary vehicle imports on their website had any basis in reality was exceedingly stupid indeed.
Then I was talking to the freight forwarding company I deal with at work, when I mentioned that I was intending to ship a couple of bikes to Oz the guy just about had apoplexy.
I did however get a (mostly) comprehensible reply from VicRoads about what requirements they had for a temporarily imported vehicle.

You guys have a great trip. Once you've got those DR's on the road & rolling it'll all be worth it. There's nothing like rolling out of town at the start of a big trip with thousands of km of roads & adventures stretched out in front of you & the knowledge that the only important objective for the next couple of weeks or months is to RIDE!

Cheers
Clint

[Crisis management]

In case i haven't said so before.

Have a great time Neil & Jamie, don't worry, we'll keep an eye on NZ for you. :innocent:

[Padmei]

crikey I'm getting excited & I'm not even going...
whatcha doing now? whatcha doing after that?:first:

[cooneyr]

As Bass is going to txt back the coordinates of where they stop each night with his permission I'm going to map their location each night. I've created a very basic web page with the data. The page is here http://www.advroutes.org.nz/bass.html

Cheers R

[Maha]

As Bass is going to txt back the coordinates of where they stop each night with his permission I'm going to map their location each night. I've created a very basic web page with the data. The page is here http://www.advroutes.org.nz/bass.html

Cheers R

Good stuff cooneyr.....I have added that link to favorites.

[ducatijim]

As Bass is going to txt back the coordinates of where they stop each night with his permission I'm going to map their location each night.
Cheers R

Its wonderful there is so much interest in Bass's trip.

[Crisis management]

Its wonderful there is so much interest in Bass's trip.

Grumpy?

Come on Jamie, it's just that Bass has been posting while you've been out chasing cows.

We luv you too.........

[ducatijim]

Not grumpy. I have been posting too, when I can get away from the organising!

I wish it was cows that I am so busy with, but you didn't maybe see my post saying that my mother-in-law passed away early wednesday morning and I have been hard out consoling a wife, running a business,completeing plans and CHANGING all our( that is;mine and Julies) travel arrangements 'cause we have to be at a funeral instead of 1/2 wayz across the tassi on monday?

I can see my 9 months of planning and organising all going pear shaped- I am recovering from surgery on my wrists and 1 of them is giving me more trouble than before. Then I broke a tooth on thursday!

Hang on....I have already posted all of this!(?):whocares:

No....I'm not grumpy. Philosophical.:shit:

[offrd]

Sorry Jamie about your mother in law and all the other crap going pear shaped for you at the moment!

Sure hope things start on the up and up for you from here on..!!

Best wishes to you and your wife!

Duncan

[tri boy]

Hang in there Jamie,
Sunshine and adv is just around the corner.:sunny:

[ducatijim]

Thanks Duncan & Brent. As Bass says to me: maybe, just maybe, I have got all(?) the crap done with now and the rest will be "sunshine & adv"....heres hoping!

My wife will be running an email update to all our friends and rellys: with co-ordinates for google earth and other nonsense on a reasonably regular basis( think-no muesli for brekki!)....anyone who would like to be on our list; just pm me ur addi and it will be done.

I have bulk material I could post here, but being 'electronically challenged' I am unable to get around the file size limits for attachments so am unable to do it......

.....otherwise.....

I would start a new thread with all our maps and plans on it!!:beer:

...advice welcome, if anyone thinks a public thread would be of interest?

Cheers guys( I wish I was with Neil & Niki tomorrow)....jamie.

[shafty]

Well done Jamie and Neil (be good to meet ya some day), your trip looks (and is ) FANTASTIC, once again Congratulations on actually DOING it, - so many dream.it...... but don't put it in to practise, - fantastique!!!

GOGAL and I will enthusiastically follow your adventures


Take care Guys

Shafty

ps Jamie, shall I I keep the spa hot?

[Crisis management]

Sorry Jamie, I wasn't aware of all that going on in your life ( I've been trying to not live on this forum) but as I said before "we all luv you" and my thoughts are with you.

Hang in there.

Iain

[ducatijim]

Thanks guys, its going to be a tough day.

As I sit here now, Bass and Mrs Bass are quietly loading, sheep like, on their big sky bound cattle truck, ready for export to sunshiney places.

I am staring out the window at the gloomy approach of winter, all rain and grey....what a day for a funeral.:weep:

[Zukin]

Hey Guys (and gals)

From the not so sunny Hawkes Bay :(, we wish you all the very best for your travels and I have book marked the page and will keep and eye on your adventure travels
Ride safe and have fun :)

On the other hand, we pass on our condolences, not a great start to the adventure, but you will appreciate it more.

All the best
Scott and Carissa

[marks]

Thanks guys, its going to be a tough day.

As I sit here now, Bass and Mrs Bass are quietly loading, sheep like, on their big sky bound cattle truck, ready for export to sunshiney places.

I am staring out the window at the gloomy approach of winter, all rain and grey....what a day for a funeral.:weep:


So how did the day go?

[ducatijim]

It was a good service( such as these things can be) and the family, Julie included did their Mother proud.

It was gloomy and miserable all day-the sort of day when you can just hear Elton Johns' 'Funeral for a friend' playing continuosly in the background, ever so quietly.

But from today we all move on, Julie is coping very well: she's 1 tough girl( in fact like the whole animal world too, the females of the species are far tougher than the male) who has had to be throu a lot in the last few months, with me loosing my Dad 9 months ago, followed by my coronary and subsequent recovery during the busiest time on a dairy farm...then her Mum.

The 2 weeks she and Niki will spend in Oz with us will be very good for her....its the going home to no-one but a house full of poodles that has me concerned...time for her friends to step up I trust.

Got some txts from Bass last nite; he likes the 'digs' I chose, thats good! Then at 10-00pm he sends another telling me that there is 1 croc less as he has just eaten it! and enjoyed it too!! Getting me out of bed to answer, all he got was-'thats nice. Goodnite'!

Today he phoned to say the bikes are still at sea; 2 days away! Bugger.
We are off to Auckland tonite, as soon as I can finish up here,ready for a 0935 flight tomorrow.

Cheers, Jamie.

[marks]

Have a safe/great trip