Crossing the Australian Continent by Raptor
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Image Gallery ( 24 images )Day Six
After a great nights sleep in the Simpson Desert the crew was woken by thousands of flies trying hard to get into their swags. It was a matter of throwing everything into the truck getting the bike gear on and making tracks. The flies made stopping unbearable and the day saw the crew going without breakfast and lunch because it was impossible to eat without chewing on flies. The first stop was Popernell Corner where the Queensland, New South Wales and South Australian borders all meet. The day was spent crossing hundreds of sand dunes and dry salt lakes in 40 degree heat with 30 knots Westerly winds. The riders struggled with the heat and were consistently using their camel backs to keep rehydrated. During refuelling Matt and Ross would briefly sit in the F Truck with the Air conditioning on full for some serious relief from the heat. Just for the fun of it the support crew locked the riders out of the truck for a while but they did not see the funny side of it. Half way across the Desert the riders came across someone crazier then themselves. A guy called Frank Walker who was walking across the desert self supported, carrying his supplies in a motorised trolley. Frank had a crazy spirit for adventure and had previously ridden a 125cc motorcycle unsupported around Australia in 21 days averaging 800km per day. The F250 done the trip easy crossing the desert in 2wd without spinning the wheels. The big 300hp Ford turbo diesel drives the huge 315/75R15 tyres through the sand without digging holes or corrugating the sand like most 4wd's. Purnie Bore was a great spot for a refuel before the final 70km through to Dalhousie Springs. The entrance to Dalhousie Springs was a welcome site for the riders. A quick cook up before diving into the warm waters which worked wonders to sooth the weary riders.
Day Seven
Another quick swim in the warm water before packing up and hitting the dirt roads through Mt Dare Station, and Finke. About 2km short of reaching the half way point of the trip, the geographical centre of Australia Ross lost concerntration on a slow, tight rutted corner and hit a tree. Ross was fine but the Raptor had suffered some damage bending the upper A-arm and bending a front rim. Fortunately there were spares in the suppurt vehicle which allowed John to do a quick repair on it while the rest of the team took time out for a great BBQ lunch and some publicity shots for Yamaha at the Geographical centre of Australia. The journey then continued on to Kulgera before the short run up the Stuart Highway to the nights stay at the Erlgunda Roadhouse. John was again called into action for a quick oil change on both Raptors to prepare them for the next leg of the journey.
Day Eight
The plan for Day eight was thrown out the door and it turned out to be a day for repairs on the F250 and the Raptors. Steve and Beck from Curtin Springs Homestead offered their workshop and facilities to fix the broken shock mounts on the F250 and to repair the bent A-arm of the Raptor should needed it again. They then offered their tavern and front gate for more Yamaha pictures and cold ales to finish off the afternoon. Curtain Springs is a 1,000,000 plus acre cattle property that offers free camping and hot shows while providing travellers with a great dose of country comfort and hospitality about 80 km from Ayers rock. They also provide a hotel with take away alcohol at reasonable prices, a restaurant that serves great Camel steaks, accommodation and fuel. They also offer great camping at Mt Conner which is also on their property. Both Steve and Beck are avid dirt bike riders and were only too happy to meet any of our needs to ensure the world record attempt was successful. Make sure you call in and have a drink or two with them on your way to the Rock. Thanks Beck and Steve your help was truly appreciated.
Day Nine
After leaving Curtin Springs the group headed for Ayers Rock for a food restock and to pick up the new shocks for the F250 that were flown in from Sydney. The two Jonnies took the opportunity to take a quick dash up and down the Rock before heading west towards Docker River and into Western Australia. Camels were plentiful in this part of the country and the riders had to take evasive actions on a number of occasions to avoid hitting them. At Warakurna the trip turned right onto the Old Gunbarrel Highway, the sign at the start of the Gunbarrel said "Road unsafe (Abandoned) - Continue at your own risk". The road was overgrown and rough but still passable. The group made camp not far into the Gunbarrel and had barely set up camp before Earl came along. Errol was a bit of a loner and spent weeks alone in the bush photographing camels and looking for rock holes. For someone that was a loner he certainly could talk and shared many of his adventures with us. It cost the adventures a few beers and a mixed grill for Earl's stories but apparently it was well worth it!
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