Apply For Your Leave Now...Border Run and Beyond - 2015

[Digger]

The old Kanyaka Homestead ruins in the Flinders Ranges. It was so expansive it became the focal point for many of the outlying homesteads and become the distribution point for goods and supplies.

[Digger]

The Oodnadatta Track runs along the original Ghan Railway line...it was used to help maintain the line. Some of the old infrastructure is still present.

[Digger]

Underground camping at Coober Pedy. Make sure you have a few steel pegs cause aluminium ones just won't cut it. At least my gear will be dry in the morning (for a change).

[Digger]

Commenced the abandoned section of the old Gunbarrel and got 120km in....started to get a real uneasy feeling and still had 240km to go. Decided to head back to Warakunya rather than become a headline. Will head for Laverton via the GCR.

[_Wilks]

Smart move.

I'd only ever heard bad things about the abandoned section of the GBH... particularly from one of our (former?) members who worked thru there for a couple of years.

When I read where someone says the abandoned section "wasn't too bad", I wonder whether they are confusing the western section from Wiluna to Jackie Junction with the eastern section from JJ to Warakurna.

Are you still heading to Gascoyne Junction?

[jls]

Good to have choices
Look out for dingo,s
Or may be looking out for dingo,s

[Digger]

I made it as far as Tjukarilya Roadhouse on Great Central Road in the Great Victoria Desert and after refuelling I noticed the rear tyre was soft. Made two attempts at repairing the puncture that afternoon but was not successful. Tried again on Tuesday morning and still was unsuccessful.
I had a new tyre fitted for this trip. The bike shop recommended a Mitas E09 as it has a thicker side wall and would provide better protection againast sidewall punctures. This was to be my downfall. The tyre is of a tubeless type and the bead and sidewall are so thick that I struggled to get the tyre on and off with the tools that I had and in the end I couldn't get the tyre to fit between the rim and rim lock.
I used my 'get out of jail free' card and the bike has now been recovered to Kalgoorlie. I'll get a new tyre and tube fitted in the morning and slab it back to Perth. I'm too far south to try and make it to the races....maybe next year.
Photos to follow....maybe.

[Robbo]

I thought you may have had a problem, I've been watching your spot tracker and saw that you had been at Tjukarilya, for a few days.
Pleased to hear it's nothing more than a tyre and you'll be on your way soon.
Looks and sounds like you've had a fantastic and interesting trip so far.
Robbo.

[Digger]

Post deleted intentionally

[Digger]

The sign at the beginning of the abandoned section of the old gunbarrel just west of Warakuna (Giles). Glad I commenced the section but even more relieved I turned back considering what happened the following day.

[Digger]

At Tjukarilya Roadhouse...I've never experienced so much difficulty repairing a puncture before. The tyre recommended for the trip turned out to bite me on the arse. I'm going back to Dunlop 606's.

[Digger]

The bike being unceremoniously strapped onto the tilt tray.
1,200km return journey for the driver.
Will get the tyre and tube replaced in Kalgoorlie and slab it back home.

[Robbo]

Looks like you've had a big day today
to end a big trip, the photos are great, I liked the underground campsite.

[Digger]

Back home safe...be on the lookout for the next Mongrel Dog Production. "Gunbarrels, Railway Tracks and a Trapped Dingo - A Day In The Life Of An Australian Adventure Rider".
Should be out in a coupla weeks.

[KoosWA]

Come on you slacker....you've got all day! Get it done. You have noting else to do, you didnt plan to be home!