2018 BMW GS Safari - Australian High Country - March 2018

[Digger]

Group photo at end of Safari just prior to farewell function. I’m the guy wearing the grey T shirt with my hands in the air...



After Safari, I spent two days to make my way to Melbourne for 40k service...bike still under warranty so options are limited. View looking north from top of Mt Hotham.




I’m curious how a Tyre can wear like this...made me feel most anxious especially with so much sealed twisty stuff on the way to Melbourne. Been running highway pressures throughout Safari cause of RDC sensors and I know tyres are prone to scalloping with too many Highway km but never seen anything like this before. Tyre was beaded ok, no buckle and no loose spokes.
???????

Not sure what my next move is after Melbourne...it will depend on whether they need the bike overnight.

Watch this space.

SPOT Link is here;
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... UCtYLNPufa

[Digger]

While my bike was being serviced, Doncaster BMW allowed me a courtesy bike which made getting around a bit easier. I’m not sure whether they would approve of the clash of colours of the Outback red dust of the soft bags and the red of the XR1000 they loaned me. It needs different tyres before it could be versatile.



After I left Melbourne, I headed toward Broken Hill and further north to go to Cameron’s Corner, innaminka, Strezlecki Track, Roxby Downs, Woomera and Lake Gairdner....that’s the plan. I got as far as Tibooburra before it all went pear shaped.



I was riding into a thunderstorm and rode passed the Cameron Corner turnoff and went to Tibooburra to check with the local Copper. He suggested parking up overnight in town so I don’t become a headline. Been there; done that so I thought I would heed his advice. The town did cop (pardon the pun) a lot of rain. I took over the camp kitchen at the caravan park to shelter from the storm.

[Digger]

By sunset, the storm had passed....tomorrow is gunna be a good day.

I’m behind schedule but will try and tick off the places I’ve come to see. I do have options but they change each day. Gotta be back in Perth by wed 28th or else I’m in the doghouse.

SPOT Link below.
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... UCtYLNPufa

[Cookie]

Looks like the makings of another great video, stay safe and have a great trip.

[profoundly_disturbed]

I’m the guy wearing the grey T shirt with my hands in the air

I thought that was you.

[Digger]

The rain cleared, the road was open so I headed for Cameron Corner...



I was aware of this Adventure Riders death (Brad Holmes) on this road which dated back to 2009. It made me ride very cautiously. Brad was on a F800GS which threw him off, the bike landed on top of him and the rear foot peg tore his aorta. He bled to death internally. RIP.



Cameron Corner...the meeting of Qld/NSW and SA. Named after John Cameron, the Surveyor from NSW.

[Digger]

I don’t like traveling the same road twice (who does?) so I did a ‘loop’ to get to Innaminka. Some of the sign posting was very good....that was about to change.



There has been some mining activity in the area and roads have been realigned....the GPS and the existing roads don’t gel. Signposting is non existent. I got disorientated and had to turn back. While retracing my steps the front end washed out on a slight bend. Damn.



Got back on track but a storm was heading my way. I was hoping to make Innaminka before it struck....

[Digger]

The storm came and went...I was only 20km from Innaminka and thought “if I take it really easy maybe I can make it before dark...”. Pigs arse.



I knew I couldn’t continue. I stood the bike up (what a struggle that was) and got it clear of the road. This was right on the SA/QLD Border. Thought this was a good spot to lay Lil Sanyo to rest so buried him at the base of the sign (draw a line due south of the ‘Inn’ on the sign and you can see the Cross). RIP Lil Buddy.



Although it rained overnight, the road was dry by mid morning and I rode to Innaminka. All roads were closed so I went to the Dig Tree. This was a base camp set up by Burke and Wills who left a rear party behind while they continued their trek northward. The rear party abandoned the camp 4 months later with B and W returning to the camp later that same day. Provisions were buried nearby. B and W both perished weeks later.



The Strezlecki Track heading south was closed so I considered going to Birdsville via Walkers Crossing. No such luck. The Strez reopened a day later.


I am currently at Port Augusta (Sunday evening) and have lost a lot of time for varying reasons. I will have a couple of big days ahead of me to get back to Perth in time. I’m going away over Easter!!!!!

SPOT Link is here;
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... UCtYLNPufa

[Bozo]

Digger
A big day on the road for you covering the same distance I did in the last three days in Tasmania. Lucky the road is a bit straighter and the traffic easier to pass. Hope you have a clear run tomorrow.

Bozo

[Digger]

Digger
A big day on the road for you covering the same distance I did in the last three days in Tasmania. Lucky the road is a bit straighter and the traffic easier to pass. Hope you have a clear run tomorrow.

Bozo

If it all goes according to plan, it will be a bigger day tomorrow.

[Digger]

Mongrel Dog Productions video of the 2018 BMW GS Safari held in the High Country....25 minutes of 'Getaway' while you try and escape the daily grind.
Enjoy
(you may have to fiddle with your quality settings if it does not default to HD)

[Kots]

Legend!

[Bozo]

Digger

Riveting video, disappointed when it ended. May be your videos are the reason GS owners do not venture much off the beaten track.

Appreciate the effort in getting great imagery.

Bozo