Not the HD Tour, the Half Lap Around

[spacey1]

Thanks Boz,
Maybe I'll give it a go next time at FZC...
On your recommendation of course...

[spacey1]

Prologue: On reflection...

1. Understand the life/mileage of your tyres.

• Mine had 10k. I figured that I could change them in Port Augusta (12k).

2. Plan and book tyre changes in advance - Obviously after understanding (1) above.

• No tyres were available outside of Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney

3. Have your comfort stops before arriving at a town.

• Avoids the rush/surge when re-fueling.

4. If night time riding is to be undertaken, fit more driving lights.

• My standard LED lights are pretty good... However night riding incidents encountered raised their shortcomings.

5. Understand how those driving lamps operate prior to needing them.

6. Ensure that electrical power is available to your essential gadgets when riding, so that all your gadgets don't suddenly let you down. (GPS; Phone; Helmet Comms; etc).

7. Understand your fuel requirements.

8. Research fuel filling stations. Understand how valuable an open (and working) service station can be, especially in remote areas.

9. Be polite to border/quarantine officials.

10. Hang your riding gear where you can see it at fuel/food stops. This way you won't ride away without it.

11. Do the bike walk-around at every stop.

• Your attention span will vary through-out your long distance ride.

12. Find a comfortable speed to ride at. This doesn't have to be the speed limit.

• We chose GPS true 108 kph. Not many vehicles overtake you. You don't catch up to trucks very often. Fuel economy is good. It's relaxing and stress free.
• The Northern Territory speed limit is 130 kph. While heading north at 130 kph plus, we had 40-50 kph wind coming from the north east. It was physically exhausting after a couple of hours. We dropped back to GPS true 108 kph and cruised totally stress-free. This could save you a fuel stop on those big day rides (depending on your fuel tank capacity).

[spacey1]

Other thoughts...

Accessible water in front of your body
I couldn't wear my camelback in the normal fashion due to the green bag containing all my camp/tent/sleeping gear perched on the rear seat.
On a good note, it was a fantastic lounge chair back rest.
On the other hand, I couldn't wear the camelback normally.
Wearing it on the front of my body opened up great possibilities.
I could have access to pockets on my chest within easy reach.
Eg: Museli bars, fruit, voilet crumble bar, gadgets, etc.

After spending this amount of time in the saddle, I gotta say that I didn't go near the bike for a week.
About then I realised how dirty it was, actual road grime, not plastered with bugs per the usual aftermath from a long road trip.
Blue bungee cord across the handlebars is to capture my gloves (etc) while fueling/stopping, so I didn't drop or forget them.



Tyre wear was minimal. Maybe the reported 18k is a possibility from the rear.

[paulknight]

Thanks so much Spacey for taking the time to give an excellent ride report. Super enjoyed it from one who can only wish.

[spacey1]

Onya Paul,
Writing it up is a memory for me as well... for those times when I think back about what I did this year.