Desert Raid 2021, Well 5, Canning Stock Route - Sat 14 Aug

[_Wilks]

https://advrider.com/f/threads/desert-r ... e.1470737/

[Digger]

Some great recent intel here...an extract from AdvRider.

“Lad’s,

Just completed a run up to Well 5 on the CSR, went in via Granite Peak Station and returned to Wiluna south via the CSR.

Road conditions through to Granite Peak are good, 100km/hr the whole way. The track out to Well 5 from Granite is generally good, little sand between Tahrybabba Well and Spriggs Pool but only a little.
I left Wiluna at 12:15pm and arrived Well 5 just before 4pm.

No one at well 5 which was great and I guess to be expected as the track is closed to the north. Water in the well appeared good but would probably require a boil prior to use.

Was a cold night at Well 5, temp on my Trailtech Vapor showed -2’c at 06:30hrs and some water I had poured into the trough at the well had frozen.

I left Well 5 at 08:40 and made my way south, stopped of at a majority of the old wells and at Windich Springs.

Track conditions are what you’d expect for a track that’s never seen a grader, I’d say 60-70% of the track is rock/hard pack with some sandy areas. Was a bit of sand on the re-aligned section to the north of well 3 and then from well 2 south is predominantly dune country type sand.
With the various stops I popped onto the Wiluna North Rd at 15:15hrs, then made the short run into Wiluna for fuel and then travelled out to Gunbarrel Laager where I am now.

Total distance from Wiluna to Well 5 via Granite Peak and return to Wiluna via the CSR was 476k’s and I used 32ltrs fuel on the DR790.

Getting big bikes into Well 5 via Granite Peak won’t be an issue, just the little sandy section heading into well 5.
I’d say unless your an extremely capable big bike off-road rider coming out via the CSR would be best left, it’s going to be very slow and difficult going if you choose to go that way.

I done the run from well 5 to Wiluna along the CSR in the day but to enjoy it I’d do an overnight stop along the way, well 3 would be my choice.

Didn’t see anyone at all on the track, were done car tracks that weren’t to old. Did notice bike tracks in spots but they were old and could have been there a while.

Entry through Granite Peak is still $15 for bikes, lady there was friendly.

Just a reminder that the Wiluna Traders close daily from 12-2pm so if your going to want to get supplies make sure your there outside those times.

Fuel is still available using your card at the bowser, just take note that you had to hold your card in firmly using the end of your finger to get it to read and work, continue with pressure on the card until it gives you the ok to use the pump. This caught me and quite a few other people out, not sure if it will be fixed prior..possibly not.

I’ll be travelling up with a couple of other guys for Desert Raid, will be doing the track again but not sure if going in via CSR or out.

if anyone needs any info give us a yell.”

Josh

[Raider]

Digger,

Thanks for linking to the very useful heads-up from AdvRider Josh.

Looking forward to the run north from Perth.

With a bit of luck the Desert Raid stickers will this year be available at Well 5 to add to your collection!

Cheers,

Raider

[Digger]

Update - Desert Raid 2021
The journey inbound to Well 5 on the Canning Stock was pretty seamless other then Sandstone not having any fuel cause the bowser was on the fritz. That caused a bit of grief which was easily overcome. We had 62 Riders attend Desert Raid which was an outstanding success considering the remote location and the long journey there. There was some carnage with one Rider breaking an ankle and being recovered a day later on the inbound journey and another Rider being medevaced out by Chopper on the outward journey after crashing.
See captions below.


Early Wildflower season this year after good rains. Maroubra Road.




Bush camp on the inbound journey.



Wiluna Trading Post. The only one stop shop in town. No grog…a dry community!

To be cont…

[Digger]

Update cont…


Camping at Well 5. A huge area big enough to accomodate everyone. It resembled a Gypsy Camp later with spot fires everywhere.



Well 5. A reconditioned Well with good quality water.



Bush camp on the return journey.

To be cont…

[Digger]

Update cont…


Nav check between Murchison and Yalgoo.



Jokers Tunnel south of Yalgoo. This poor schmuck found 3kg of gold in 50kg of rock and kept tunnelling right thru the base of a mountain. He didn’t find another ounce of gold!



The tunnel, all dug with pick axe and hand tools, was approx 200 metres long.

To be cont…

[Digger]

Update cont…



Me…




Last bush camp before returning to Perth. It was like camping in a botanical gardens. Surrounded by bird song and wildflowers. Bewdiful!




Near Payne’s Find. Noice!

Back to work Slackers!