Darwin To Adelaide

[Monkeyfish]

Hi Slade

Just catching up on you're thread. Have a great ride and enjoy it! I'm not sure if you've done any big 'k' rides in the past but they are a learning experience. Heidi is right, 100km's per hour average. I went across the bottom west - east in 03', 5200km's in 4 very long days; with fuel and rest stops I only managed 100kph average for each day, I was quite surprised. Make sure you keep the chain well lubed also. I over looked this fact and mine was fracked at the end. If you have to deal with a day or 3 of cross winds you will end up with a nice flat surface on one side you're tires (especially the front), not so good if you get into any twisty stuff towards the end of the ride.

Have a great ride and post up when you get back. The adventure awaits!

[Slade]

I will do my best to post my leg down to Vic once I arrive. And hopefully any run-ins (good ofcause) I have with other members or busa's

And yes, it is my first big ride. Is defiently a lesson to be learnt

[highwaybruiser]

Ahh, the Stuart Hwy! Pity about the 130km/h speed limit on it now though. I did the trip before that crap and the bus was extremely happy cruising at 240km/h all day. Really covered some ground.

Daly Waters Pub offers cheap campsites, a good feed and a great atmosphere- I'd highly recommend it. If you feel like venturing off the Stuart, Curtin Springs on the Lasseter Hwy is also good. It's a working cattle station, so the steaks are brilliant.

I know EVERYBODY says "Don't ride at night, or dawn & dusk"; well I did and had no problems apart from some pissed locals losing control of their car and spearing off into the spinifex. It's just a matter of riding to the conditions. I found that the standard high beam gave plenty of light at 70km/h and that at 70 in 5th gear I managed to get 4.1L/100km. The advantage of travelling at night up there is that due to the common knowledge of wandering stock and wildlife, there's bugger-all other traffic so you can focus totally on scanning the roadsides for skippys, brahmas, camels or whatever else. The constant scanning keeps you wide awake and if you time the trip right, you can take in the Devil's marbles at sunset. (you might well have done that already, being from Darwin, but if not- worth considering). It's up to you to make an educated decision, taking in your knowledge of the Top End, your own abilities and comfort zone.

As for luggage, I just had everything loaded onto the pillion seat and secured with an array of occy straps. It held tight at 290km/h! Most importantly, just enjoy the trip!

[Slade]

ok well its Saturday 12th Dec, Im supposed to rock out tomorrow....
Wouldnt you know it, a tropical low is passing darwin and is to develop into a cyclone in the next day or 2.

So I guess my trip might be pushed back a day or 2, yet to see how it pans out :|. Fingers crossed the rains pushon tomorrow and I can get out of here!

[Heidi1]

GOOD LUCK!!!! I'll be thinking of you, stay safe.

Just a thought when I was out there on my own, I had a friend I used to SMS each morning with where I intended staying that night, and then would SMS her when I stopped for the night. If she didn't hear from me, she knew where to start looking. It isn't a bad saftely net, it is a bit isolated out there.

[Slade]

Well, I made it :o, took my 3 days, Arrived yesterday. Trip went somethign like
Darwin - 3ways - Glendambo - Swan Hill.

Wont say to much just yet, just I saw bugger all bikes. The first 2 I saw going opposite way (met at 3ways) were 2 busa's. an 01(i think) and 08. A couple riding them, Said they had been a part of the club but I never got any names.

Goods: Everytime I stopped I just wanted to get back on the road. Loved just putting the distance under the wheels.
Cons: Bad/Sore knee, Sore back/pinching nerve, Numb **** (dont ask, just yet :o)

Busa did ok, although I think my exhaust header has come loose, as she started to get a tiny bit louder, was heating up more then usual, Upto half way as aposed to 1/3 max, and I actually had her ping on me a couple times around adelaide, Unsure if this was bad fuel or heat or the exhaust header causing this but I wasnt to happy as I had about 600km's still to go :|
She goes in for a service tomorrow, due at 12000, she now has 13200 or so on her ooopps....

I'll pop back and make more notes, crap on a bit later. Cheers to those who worded me up before I left :)

[Heidi1]

WELL DONE!! They are great spots to stop. Can't wait to see the photos. Isn't it the strangest feeling on a long trip when suddenly you put on your helmet and feel more comfortable with it on than off.

[Slade]

sadly I did not get any photos. Well maybe 2. I was in to much of a get on the bike and ride mood.

I will however get a few on the way home in 3 weeks. Will probably also take a little longer to ride back. see How I feel!

[Heidi1]

WELL DONE!! I LOVE that feeling!! I might come get you and we'll do a half loop.