And so it begins

[Bass]

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

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.....

[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.....

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.

[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.

[NordieBoy]

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

Keeps the crocs fed too

[tri boy]

Keeps the crocs fed too

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

[Frodo]

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

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.

[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.