Travel Diary Online Journal for the 'Right Around Australia' project. tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151 2006-09-25T11:27:05Z Blogger
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 true Ulick 2006-09-13T22:32:00+10:00 2006-09-25T11:27:04Z 2006-09-13T12:58:35Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115815231536565289 A Big Thankyou! <span style="font-family:arial;">It's almost all over now, with just a few media spots to contend with before getting back to work. I'd like to take this opportunity to say a few words about some people that helped us out along the way.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Mum</strong>. What can we say... I guess the only thing fitting would be, "there's nothing quite like a mother's love."</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Brooke</span> Summerville</strong> for keeping all the followers up to date with diary entries when we started finding it difficult to manage ourselves. Thanks for the biscuits and muesli bars, the camp meals, the letters of support, the phone calls and your incredible and unconditional efforts toward this project. You have out done yourself.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Jim</strong> & <strong>Irene George</strong> at <strong>Aztec Coffee Co</strong>. for their financial contributions and ongoing support from the shop in Brisbane. Even down to the last day, their drive and genuine attention for the RAA project has been amazing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Hermann</strong> (our dad) at <strong>Europtica</strong> for his financial support, the Mexx sunnies and prescription glasses, and the phone calls from Germany from day one till our arrival. A big thank you for flying out to greet us in Montville.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Clare </strong>from <strong>Europtica</strong> for getting tyres, shock absorbers and anything else we needed to us wherever we were. She's a gem.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Paul</strong> &amp; <strong>Terry</strong> from <strong>Retroscooters</strong> in Brisbane for their work on the bikes before and after the trip. Thanks for getting those parts to us as well while we were out and about the country.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Paul Keis</span> for helping us with our crazy rack construction needs<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Paul Dennon</strong> from <strong>City Skoots</strong> in Adelaide for his help with the bikes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Sam Furfaro</strong> at <strong>Scooter Centre</strong> in Bayswater Perth for his help with the bikes.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Frank</span> at <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Vespa House</span> in Melbourne for helping us with the flawwed PX mirror design issues<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Glynn</strong> and <strong>Veronica</strong> of <strong>Planet Roper</strong> (the Roper Bar Store). Never have I been so amazed by genuine kind hearted people and concern for our well being. You will forever remain in our hearts and the highlight of this experience. We could never thank you enough.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>SIP Scootershop</strong> in Germany for the parts we needed for the trip. Thanks guys, they really came in handy.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Everyone at <strong>Nomad Tanks</strong>. Without the extra 7.5L tanks plumbed in, things would have been a little harder. There are some mammoth distances between roadhouses around the country.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>David </strong>& <strong>Michelle</strong> at <strong>Aussie Biker</strong> for giving us the discounts on the <strong>AirHawk</strong> seating. What a relief. The number of people asking us how our rear ends are after completing this trip is astounding, and to be able to say "fine", astounds <em>them</em>.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Nir</span> at <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Active Planet</span> in Sydney for the generous discount on our luggage needs. They performed flawlessley and kept all our camera gear dry and dust free<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Brian</strong> &amp; <strong>Steph McLennan</strong> (our Uncle & Aunt) for their financial support and for the use of your property on our last night before the big arrival. We cannot thank you enough.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Peter</strong> &amp; <strong>Ken </strong>from <strong>Mocopan</strong>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Amelia Chappelow</strong> & <strong>Robbie Buck</strong> from Triple J for their ongoing support for the project.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>The Nine Network, Brisbane Extra</strong>.</span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">The West Australian - John Innes </span></strong><span style="font-family:arial;">For taking the time to do a story on us. Our thoughts are with you and your family for your daughter.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Jock</strong> for putting us up in Adelaide. It's a shame Germany lost later on. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Paul</strong> &amp;<strong> Laura McIntosh</strong> in Melbourne for a putting up with us for those few days. We really loved Melbourne.</span><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Ron</strong> & <strong>Anne Russel</strong> in Perth for accomodating us for a few days. Thanks again.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Bill Richmond</strong> in Darwin for taking us in for the week and showing us a good time on the town. </span><br /><strong><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Brad</strong> &amp; <strong>Sue</strong> at the <strong>Warren Way Caravan Park</strong> in Manjimup.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Pat</span> and the guys at <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Manjimup Freight Forwarders</span> for letting us store Torstens bike when the shock gave up and for helping us get it sorted<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Richard</strong> <strong>the Barista</strong> from <strong>Cundletown</strong>. That coffee I promised you is on the way! :)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>David Bryce</strong> from <strong>Outback Proven</strong> for the UHF. Luckily we never had to use it.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Byron</span> and the rest at <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">AMA Rider Training</span> for doing their best to squeeze in some lessons in dirt riding before we left. Congrats on your Q-Ride certification</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Tim Stouter</strong> for his generous contributions.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Alan Wasono</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Emily Rogers</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Gai & Jim Rogers</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Pip McManus</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Caitlin Dillon</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Laura Williams</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Mel Steeden</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Brooke Falvey</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Mark Hinchliffe</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Berni, Pete, Ben, Matt V, Matt, Jane, Andy, Dr. John, James, Mark, Pablo and the rest of the Canetoads.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Paul, Derek, Alan and the rest of the Melbourne Scooter Connection.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The Adelaide Scooter Club.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The Paradise Lost Scooter Club in Perth.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Sam Laurie</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Darren Power</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Greg &amp; Ed</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Russ aka Katana Boy</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span> false Tor 2006-09-13T12:05:00+10:00 2006-09-20T01:26:21Z 2006-09-13T02:38:22Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115811510264521537 Day 91 - Montville to Brisbane
Our last day and the weather has not let up at all. In fact it's worse.
Most of us arose quite early to the sound of Pete's Austin Healy warming up as Pete had to head off at the crack of dawn. This was followed soon after by the sound of Pete's car stalling which has us giggling. One by one we got up, had showers, breaky and got ready for the ride in.

Still raining we carefully navigated the driveway (800m dirt road) and made our way to the meeting point in the villiage to see if anyone was going to join us for the ride in. I wasn't hopeful as this was definitely 'stay in bed' weather. We waited til 9.30 and there were no arrivals so we headed off down the mountain back to the highway. That was until just out of the villiage, my bike cut out. No splutter, no kick, just off as if someone had turned the key. I pulled over to the side of the rode and tried to start her up again. The started motor was turning but nothing. It didn't even sound like it was trying. It wasn't looking good.

We tried rolling her down the hill, clutch out, nothing. Dead as a doornail.

The rain was coming down hard and everyone was getting soaked so we sent them back to Montville to get a cup of coffee and I would try and sort it out with Ulick and Bens help.
Pulling the side off it appered that the earth wire from the CDI unit I had installed in Alice Springs was broken. Not cut, just snapped. Very odd. We bandaged this up and tested - no change.

Swapped the sparkplug - no change.

This didn't look good. We tested to see of there was a spark coming from the plug at all... Nothing.

This was terminal. By now we had been standing in the rain for about 45 minutes. People were expecting us in Brisbane at a certain time as well.

I had no choice but to call the RACQ (Breakdown Service) They said a tow truck would be here within 45 mins. An hour later we still hadn't seen anyone so we called again and were assured someone would be along soon. Eventually a patrol car arrived. I explained the situation to the guy and he said I'd need a towtruck. I said that I had established that already with the lady on the phone and he just shook his head giving the impression that this was a regular occurrance.
He then made all the calls to get the towtruck here.

The rest of the group couldn't wait and had to get going, so off they went. My heart sinking as I watched them pass me one by one. My last day and here I am stuck in the rain waiting for a towtruck. Then the patrol man dissappeared. What the hell? I was made to believe that he would look after things so I could get going.

Back on the phone to RACQ - 'oh no, you have to wait with the vehicle'. 'Well how long till the tow truck gets here?' I asked. 'I don't know, i'll find out and call back.

15 mins later I get a call for the contractor who will be picking up the dead scoot. 'It'll be about an hour, is that alright?' By now it's getting to the point where i'm feeling totally defeated. 'You don't have to wait with the vehicle though'. That's reassuring, I can leave my bike on the side of the road and hope someone collects it. Back up the road there was a house that looked like there were people home, so I asked them If I could leave my bike in their driveway til the tow company picks it up which they kindly agreed to. So back in the car, wet, tired and quite upset we drove back to Brisbane.

Not far out of Brisbane I got a call from Ulick asking where I was. He had stopped short of arriving at Aztec. 'I'm not arriving without you mate'. I could have cried. That sums my brother up.

Soon after I let him know we were around the corner and all the scoots pulled out for the final 500 metres, pulling into Aztec. I jumped out of the car and ran up with them.

We made it!

21,000 kilometres

Right Around Australia
 false Tor 2006-09-13T11:58:00+10:00 2006-09-13T02:04:48Z 2006-09-13T02:04:48Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115811308860306370 Day 90 - Montville
Today was a bit of a rest day. Some of the guys from our local scooter club rode up to meet us and ride in with us tomorrow. The weather has turned nasty with strong winds and rain and cold.
Eventually they arrived soaked to the bone and had to thaw out in front of the fireplace. Some didn't brave the weather and turned up in cars but that's OK :) .
Well we couldn't have asked for worse weather but what can you do? We entertained ourselves with red wine and board games and our uncle Mac cooked up a storm on the barbie.

All in all it was quite an enjoyable evening. We just hope the weather tomorrow will be kinder.
 false Brooke 2006-09-09T10:47:00+10:00 2006-09-13T05:48:18Z 2006-09-08T00:50:26Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115767662618393101 Day 89 - Arriving at Montville After making sure our family were on the road we set off on the road to Montville.<br />Not wanting to arrive before they did we took our time and got off the Bruce Highway, to wind our way through the Mary River Valley. The road winds its way through some of South East Queenslands most beautiful countryside. Rolling green hills, and small dairy farms, all soon to be flooded to make yet another shallow dam in a cheap & easy attempt to provide Brisbane with more water. Anyone on two wheels, or anyone at all for that matter should take the time to ride through this amazing landscape before it's destroyed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AA-783272.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AA-781229.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">The view from behind the Mary River Valley<br /><br /></span></div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AE-734019.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AE-732823.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AC-774746.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AC-772481.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AB-779068.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AB-776493.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AD-770430.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AD-767881.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Other bikers enjoying an early morning ride through the rolling hills</span><br /></div><br /><br />So on we went up the very steep Obi Obi and made our way to Mapleton to make a quick call and find out where everybody is. From there our Uncle Mac and Dad met us and we rode to Montville meet a local MP (as today is a state Election day) who wanted to welcome us home.<br /><br />After meeting the MP and casting our vote we made our way to where the rest of the family were waiting. SLowly snaking our way along the driveway, we climb the last crest to see a huge banner strung across our path saying WELCOME HOME TORSTEN AND ULICK!!! With legs shaking we broke through the banner and parked our bikes. We hadn't even got our helmets off and I could feel the tears welling up. Mum, Brooke, our aunt Steph, and little Edward all there to welcome us home.<br /><br />Once we managed to get our gear off we cracked a cold beer and breathed a sigh of relief. false Brooke 2006-09-08T10:44:00+10:00 2006-09-08T12:19:06Z 2006-09-08T00:46:06Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115767636605525237 Day 88 - Gin Gin to Gympie
Ulick isn't letting on where they will travel today, not sure why... Perhaps somewhere like Rainbow Beach?

Well, I have just heard they are now in Gympie. Their Dad has landed in Brisbane and things are in order for some family time on the Sunshine Coast. A fairly short ride after voting tomorrow to Montville. This will be my last entry on their behalf. Can't wait for the book! It's been nice keeping you up to date. Regards Brooke
 false Brooke 2006-09-07T10:39:00+10:00 2006-09-13T05:41:52Z 2006-09-08T00:42:51Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115767617190961903 Day 87 - Zilzie to Gin Gin
Torsten's bike is performing slower than Ulick's bike at the moment, so Torsten is riding in front. A truck decided to overtake both Ulick and Torsten and cut in a little early. Torsten nearly got wiped out by the truck. A hairy moment.

Only a few days to go now. With over 70km/h winds in Brisbane City, let's hope we have a calm day next Monday.

The same beach as yesterday at sunrise



false Brooke 2006-09-06T10:55:00+10:00 2006-09-13T05:38:38Z 2006-09-07T00:56:23Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115759058327719653 Day 86 - Mackay to Zilzie
Zilzie is just near Yeppoon and overlooks the majestic Great Keppel Island. The boys stay at a friend's place tonight.



The house we were offeredthe use of for the night, right on the beach.
Overlooking the ocean


false Brooke 2006-09-05T10:54:00+10:00 2006-09-07T00:54:56Z 2006-09-07T00:54:56Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115759049640389850 Day 85 - Bowen to Mackay
false Brooke 2006-09-04T10:51:00+10:00 2006-09-07T00:54:13Z 2006-09-07T00:54:13Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115759045362525203 Day 84 - Charters Towers to Bowen
On the home stretch. Now a week to go until the official ride into Brisbane. If you are not a scooter or a bike rider, you can still come along to the Aztec Coffee Company, Eagle Street for the BBQ at lunch time Monday to support the Right Around Australia Project. We would love to see you there!
 false Brooke 2006-09-03T14:03:00+10:00 2006-09-04T04:04:07Z 2006-09-04T04:04:07Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115734264764781678 Day 83 - Richmond to Charters Towers
false Brooke 2006-09-02T13:53:00+10:00 2006-09-04T03:54:30Z 2006-09-04T03:54:30Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115734207017140992 Day 82 - Cloncurry to Richmond
false Brooke 2006-09-01T13:52:00+10:00 2006-09-04T03:53:36Z 2006-09-04T03:53:36Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115734201611098884 Day 81 - Camooweal to Cloncurry
false Brooke 2006-08-31T13:49:00+10:00 2006-09-04T03:51:02Z 2006-09-04T03:51:02Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115734186268767084 Day 80 - Threeways Roadhouse to Camooweal
From Northen Territory to Queensland. Without those screens Torsten and Ulick are finding the highway drive more exhausting.
 false Brooke 2006-08-30T13:45:00+10:00 2006-09-04T03:49:02Z 2006-09-04T03:46:59Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115734161977148611 Day 79 - Daly Waters to Threeways Roadhouse
false Brooke 2006-08-29T13:42:00+10:00 2006-09-04T03:44:43Z 2006-09-04T03:44:43Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115734148371120696 Day 78 - Katherine to Daly Waters
false Brooke 2006-08-27T15:47:00+10:00 2006-08-28T05:55:12Z 2006-08-28T05:55:12Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115674451238067185 Day 76
Today had them taking the off road tyres off both bikes. These will see their way back to Brisbane via post. The road to Roper Bar was their third chance. Both bikes will probably need another normal road tyre for the rear, as the exising rear tyres will be pushed should they be expected to make it back.

Depending on the how tomorrow goes getting the throttle bar/rod thingo sorted, the route back to Brisbane may change. They might have to come back down through Northen Territory and cut into Queensland a lot lower than originally planned. They may have to see Cairns another trip....
 false Brooke 2006-08-26T15:40:00+10:00 2006-09-13T05:34:53Z 2006-08-28T05:47:20Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115674404068954138 Day 75 - Less than 2 weeks to go...
The update I got today involved much technical jargon. I shall do my best to paint an accurate picture. They removed the existing damaged headstock. The brake fluid had to be drained and this is a bit tricky as it is corrosive. When they got to the throttle they were stumped. The bar/rod thingo was bent. Now this means they have to find another - perhaps a motorbike part will suffice? Or they have to see if someone can bent it back in shape.




The throttle bar hanging limply from the smashed headstock

Everything routes through the headstock, cables, electrics, hydraulic lines and it all had to be pulled out and threaded back through.

Ulick hard at it...

The headstock is a 'part' so it has a black protective coating of paint on it. The whole bike will look a bit shabby for a while until Ulick can fix up all the cosmetic damage and give her a new paint job. As long as she get's him home in one piece it will do.
 false Brooke 2006-08-25T15:36:00+10:00 2006-09-13T05:29:08Z 2006-08-28T05:39:21Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115674356191477163 Day 74 - Back in Katherine
Glen gave the boys and their bikes a lift back to Katherine in his new big truck. Good news - the headstock has arrived. They will take at closer look at the damage just as soon as the heat of the day retreats....

Loading the bikes and gear into the truck


Ready to say goodbye to Planet Roper


Last farewells


Back out on the Roper Highway to Mataranka


Wayward cattle from one of the nearby stations
false Brooke 2006-08-23T15:21:00+10:00 2006-09-13T05:17:24Z 2006-08-28T05:36:07Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115674336712740892 Day 72 - Working in Roper Bar
We awake to a cool and foggy morning

Glen and Veronica have been an amazing support to the boys. Giving them accommodation and ensuring they are fed. I know that they are so appreciative of the helping hand they have been lent by all the staff there. Torsten and Ulick had offered their services to help out in any way, and today they were taken up on that offer. Stacking shelves in the store.
Fog off the edge of the airstrip behind the store

In the 'big wet' the airstrip is the only way to get supplies into the area


A view from the airstrip looking back at the store

Because the mobile coverage is basically non existent, the boys gave the phone number of the store as a contact number. The first time I rang this number I asked for the guy that had come off the bike, and Ulick was cooee'd to take the call. Well as best as an English back packer can cooee.
A mustering chopper from one of the local cattle stations picking up some supplies. Beats fighting for parking spaces at the supermarket...

false Brooke 2006-08-22T18:41:00+10:00 2006-09-13T05:07:15Z 2006-08-23T09:19:56Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115632479637368697 Day 71 - Resting in Planet Roper
Finding a positive in the situation - the boys enjoy Austar (cable TV) whilst resting up in Roper Bar.
The view from the end of the airstrip behind the store


RACQ is contacted and will put them up in a hotel at Katherine. Glad they arranged that coverage! So they will back track to Katherine to fix Ulick's bike there. They ring around trying to find a replacement headstock and talk to the mechanics they've already dealt with in the major cities along the way. The advise is consistent, it will be a challenging task to replace it. Not impossible - just hard work.


As we weren't going anywhere in a hurry, Glynn gave us a tour of the area.
Often the only way across to the community is by boat, but now in the dry, a 4WD can cross the causeway


Yes, salties do live here in the Roper River
Alex, one of the girls working at the store hadn't even seen what was around her since she started working at the store, so she came along for the tour.

They still need to consider the route home. They'd always had a buffer of a few days built into the route just in case they encountered a problem like this. So, at this point they are still on track to ride into Brisbane on the 11th of September.

The remains of the old police station. During the goldrush era, the populations in these isolated communities were much larger and the law accompanied them.


Mobile phone coverage is only available in small pockets and you have to be standing on a railing on the top of a hill above the small run way. Torsten and Ulick updated the relevant loved ones with collect calls.

That's all the news for now.....more to come.
 false Brooke 2006-08-21T18:10:00+10:00 2006-09-13T04:47:26Z 2006-08-23T08:38:37Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115632231716267334 Day 70 - An accident! It was an interesting start to the day. Woken at 3am by strange noises outside, one would assume Dingo? Crocodile? Upon further investigation the culprit was revealed to be a little wallaby. After some shooing away, he hopped over to the next campsite to continue his treasure hunt.<br /><br />Leaving Katherine Gorge and heading to Roper Bar the boys knew today would pose a challenge. There would be a stretch ahead where the sealed road ends and the unsealed road continues. Having had 2 unpleasant experiences on unsealed roads, you have to admire the determination to give it a good go.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AA-718238.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AA-716176.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Getting the gear off to get the knobbies on</span><br /></div><br />Preparation involved getting the off road tyres fitted and ready to tackle the unsealed road.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AB-713843.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AB-712592.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">And we're off on an adventure!</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AC-709909.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AC-708743.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As it turns out, the road tackles Ulick. Swapping positions, Torsten goes ahead. Ulls hits a soft spot and fishtails beyond control. Thrown quite a way Ulick does not sustain any major injuries. A few abrasions, some damage on his thigh from his racks and a few bruises (physical and emotional). The bike performed a series of flips in it's acrobatic landing. Torsten continued on without immediate realisation that Ulick had come off his bike and hit the dirt. A local store owner was only a 100 metres or so behind Ulls and approached quite quickly having seen a commotion in the dust ahead. He helped Ulls get the bike and bits and pieces off the road. By this time Torsten has turned around and approached the scene.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AD-706186.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AD-703423.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Where the rear came out and the front wheel dug in</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AE-732736.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AE-728922.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">The damage done</span><br /></div><br />Instinctively going for the handlebars to push his bike off the road, Ulls discovers the headstock (where the headlight and handlebars are fixed) is pretty banged up, with some wires and things exposed. His wind screen is also smashed. It seems the purpose built racks that they had wielded on helped save the cowling as they took the brunt of the impact. However, the entire front of the bike is a bit worse for wear.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AF-721730.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AF-711565.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Glynn & Veronica, our guardian angels</span><br /></div><br />The local store owner is fantastic in this time of need and helps them get to his store in Roper Bar. He arranges accommodation and even a few beers to help ease the situation. Not sure if it helps the headache.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AG-788562.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.rightaroundaustralia.com/blog/uploaded_images/AG-774179.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">A few bruises but nothing broken</span><br /></div><br />Assessing the bike will have to wait till tomorrow. What will they do? Will this put their expected return date in jeopardy? Will they have to hitch a ride to Cairns?<br /><br />The bike needs to be patched up, but Ulick is okay. A full face helmet, protective gloves, purpose made motorbike jacket and boots, and some draggin jeans pay off.<br /><br />I'll keep you posted. false Brooke 2006-08-20T22:12:00+10:00 2006-09-13T04:35:18Z 2006-08-20T12:17:47Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22392151.post-115607626778181847 Day 69 - Katherine to Katherine Gorge
Only 30kms today, but Ulls and Torsten experienced Katherine Gorge. This included a walk and climb of the spectacular surroundings.


The view from the top of the gorge

They also went for a dip. Yes, you heard correctly, they went swimming. Now at first I thought they were joking. But I soon got clarification that it was in a freshwater area. Apparently fresh water crocodiles are much smaller and would leave less of a mark on their victim. More of a nibble than a meal. It is the salt water crocodiles that are the real scary ones.



Tonight they camp in Katherine Gorge.
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