Crossing the Australian Continent by Raptor

John Sherlock has been involved with motorcycles for most of his life and his knowledge in ATV maintenance will be a valuable asset to the team. John was also heavily involved in preparing the ATV’s for the World Record attempt and as such has a good understanding of the new Yamaha Raptor 700’s.

The Planning

The trip came about over a few rums/ales on a Birdsville Races / Simpson Desert crossing with Matt and David. The initial trip was just to cross from East to West in Matts Ford F250 but the thought of bringing along a couple of ATV's was pretty inviting as both Matt and David currently owned 660 Yamaha Raptors of their own.

As the idea progressed, Matt come up with the outrageous idea of riding his ATV the full distance rather then driving the F-Truck. David told him that he was mad and that there was no way that his butt would be sitting on an ATV for 4000 kilometres. Matt continued with the plan and after contacting Guinness World records found out that if successful, the ATV ride was worthy of a world record. This inspired Matt but the next obstacle was obtaining permission to do such a trip. "Just watch me," he shouted and to his credit his determination brought the idea to fruition.

All four crew had recently been involved with the Variety Clubs 'Jet Trek' where Matt and Ross rode Jet Ski's from North Coast Jetski's some 600 kilometres from Yeppoon to Caloundra to raise funds for sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.

The Yamaha Coast to Coast Raptor 700 world record seemed like the ideal opportunity to again raise funds for the Variety club. With this, the Variety club was endorsed as the official charity of the world record attempt. The money raised from the ATV world record attempt will be forwarded to the Variety Club to help with appeals for sick, disabled and disadvantaged children. Appeals are usually granted by way of goods and services - including the Variety Sunshine Coach Program (motor coaches) along with a vast array of grants to hospitals, schools, youth clubs and of course to individual children.

Getting Approvals

Matt was relentless in obtaining permits to undertake the record attempt. Hours were spent on the phone to FOVA, Police and local councils to get permission to traverse through their shires. The ATV's were conditionally registered in New South Wales, which formed the basis for obtaining the permits. Special thanks should be made to Constable Mick Jones from Karumba police station for his special effort in helping us obtain these permits.

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