Bozo is Back from Brisbane and the Border Run

[Bozo]

Picked up the 1200RT-P in Brisbane a week ago. Drove it unregistered to WA as there was no other option. The only time I was asked for the permits (two WA and one Qld) was at the WA border.

Fantastic tour across Australia with 4600kms giving landscape ranging from the Nullabor to the Great Dividing Range. Saw only two BMW's in 2,000km from Brisbane to Peterborough.

Bike decided to test my slalom skills by having an instantly deflating back tyre when the tubeless valve failed at the base. After riding the fully loaded bike on a completely flat tyre (it would not hold any air no matter what I tried) to a tyre repair centre they said they could not fix it. The Tamworth Harley Davidson dealer came to the rescue picking the bike up in a large white van and an hour and a half later I was on my way again.

Highlights of the trip were descending through Horrocks Pass and the verdant Nullabor including being within millimetres of an eagle with a 8 foot wingspan at dusk.

Spotted lots of roadside wildlife including over 2,000 goats from Cobar to Peterborough, turkey bustards, kangaroos, wombats and wedgetailed eagles.

Apart from the rear tyre the bike ran flawlessly. Having an electric windscreen and 25 litre tank were excellent when faced with a buffeting headwind that drove up fuel consumption.

Great to run into border runners at Port Augusta, Streaky Bay and Nullabor Road House coming from diverse locations as Brisbane, Shepparton and Canberra.

Most impressive was an 82 year old rider on his 1300 cc bike from Victor Harbour.

[bully1]

Good stuff Bozo , itisa very nice looking ride.

[Swampy]

Welcome home Chris, Sounds like you had an enjoyable ride home apart from the deflated tyre.

We all need to check out what you bought now

Cheers Swampy

PS: BTW Chris, How many goats did you really count

[bully1]

Welcome home Chris, Sounds like you had an enjoyable ride home apart from the deflated tyre.

We all need to check out what you bought now

Cheers Swampy

It was at the border swampy

[KoosWA]

Good to hear you're safe. Sounds like an awesome trip in the descriptive abridged report you have given. Looking forward to the complete report.

[Bozo]

Swampy

I was amazed at the number of goats in groups of 5 to 100 that were just a few metres from the edge of the road. I saw well over 2,000 as in some places there were 200 goats a kilometre. Only saw one dead goat...it seems they stay off the road.

Goats at the border...Bully is spot on. Who would fly all the way from London to sit in a side car and travel half way across Australia...a bloke called Arris. Who would cart a boat from Albany to Border Village as sleeping accomodation...a bloke called Bear. Who would ride an ex german police BMW with a Japanese spec speedo with hot beer in the tank bag...a guy called Guy. Who would craft a side car out of a hybrid of a BMW and a VW..a bloke called John Sargeant. Bikes with sewer pipe, trailers, engel fridges etc. And what about the far riders that arrived at the Border Village and turned around within a few minutes. A chaotic crazy crowd that make the event special.

[bill9117]

Sounds like iron-butt cred stuff Chris
Well done and welcome home.
You should be itching to do the shorter DQB with Nev, Phil and myself on the 17th to Wed 22nd on our GSA s
As you seem to have an affinity to goats you will no doubt be able to see a lot more on this trip

[Bozo]

Bill

I just love chewing the cud with other BMW club members ruminating over a coffee and carbohydrate.

Bozo

[Swampy]

Sounds great Chris, We need to do some more ruminating over your trip at Cat's maybe?

Cheers Swampy

[bill9117]

Bill

I just love chewing the cud with other BMW club members ruminating over a coffee and carbohydrate.

Bozo

Is this a beard only group thing

[Yamseng]

Welcome back Chris. That is inspirational stuff and has helped put some perspective to riding to Ravenstorpe for the wildflower show. Name your poison but will happily fill it to hear more about your epic ride. Good to have another ex Police RT to hang out with. Congrats, Ed

[Bozo]

Ed

The inspection of your bike was a key element in planning the trip and how to carry all the gear. I was packed up and on the road within 30 minutes of arriving at the auction centre.

Even the secret method of releasing the seat was very useful.

Thanks for making the time to help out.

Look forward to getting the white bikes on the road together.

regards

Bozo