Sunday Morning Ride - Wivenhoe Dam, Somerset Dam, Mt. Mee, Mt. Pleasant

It was a chilly Sunday morning but nothing was going to stop us; me and my riding buddy, Eadie. Eadie was already at my place by 6:00 am, all geared up and ready to go! After a nice cup of espresso each, we were ready to hit the road...

Yes, it was a bit chilly - lucky me, I can just switch on my grip and seat heater and it was as cosy as sitting in my living room. Poor Eadie must be shivering on his Ducati, but hey, it's a Ducati okay... Anyway, had to remove my pannier for this trip just so I could keep up with the Ducati. I have to admit though, between a tourer like me and a superbike like him; our riding style is far apart but then again, I'm the one who selected the route and I'm the one with the SatNav so he had no choice but to follow me from behind...

I've done this route before. Liked it for the twisty road and scenic view so decided to choose this one for Eadie. From my house we rode South then onto the Ipswich Highway (A2) and start heading West. Then exit to A3 heading to Fernvale North bound. Passed by Fernvale town Sunday market but did not stop. What can I buy without my pannier? The last thing I want is to have to hang plastic bags on the handle bar! This is my favourite scenic part along Lake Wivenhoe, Split Yard Creek, D'aguilar State Forest, Somerset Dam. We took a quick stop at "The Spit" on Somerset Dam just to admire the view.

Nice view, eh? We made a note to tell our fishing-crazy friend about this place. And oh, for the first time, I managed to get a pic WITH my bike! I knew Eadie would come in handy at times... hehe...

Poor Eadie did not get to enjoy the hilly and twisty stretch after that near Kilcoy as I was probably holding him up. I bet if he's in front, I would have been left miles behind! But hey, safety first...

Next stop was for a quick coffee and breakfast at Woodford town. 

Nice and cosy inside the heated cafe, having freshly made egg sandwich with a nice steaming cup of flat white - watching the bike was a bonus! Nasi lemak with sambal sotong and teh tarik did cross my mind but that would have to wait...

After that, the long stretch heading home via d'Aguilar, Mt. Mee, Mt. Pleasant (really pleasant - scenic view of the ocean and nice twisty road), Dayboro (oh, there's a town fair there today in case anyone wants to go), Lake Samsonvale then home.

This is just a pic of a tourer who has to wait for a superbike to fill-up... sigh... :-)

Finally, reached home just after 10:30 am after having done 230 km. What a nice way to start a Sunday morning...

Note: This trip is only 3% of the distance of the Red Centre trip.

You can check out the map of our route today. More excellent route at their website.

Sundays ride

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My sources of inspiration

Some might wonder what made me dream of such an adventure. Being a biker is one; being an adventurer is another. These guys are both of that and they have inspired me to go and do something different. To get out of my comfort zone and follow my heart and desire. To let it all go and do what I really wanted for myself and at the same time, push myself to the limit. "To the Red Centre and back" is not the end; it's the beginning... of an adventure of a lifetime...



You might want to try to read these books and who knows, they might have the same or even bigger impact on you. Well, you might not choose exactly to ride a motorbike bike through the most unforgiving terrains for years and years but at least, will follow your passion and pursue your dream.... and become as crazy as we all are...!

The Alternate Route - The Loop

I know I said the route is firm but hey, I'm allowed to change my mind, right? (Even multi-billion dollars projects get to change their mind all the time!). Anyway, if you remember, earlier on I was contemplating doing a loop from Brisbane to Ayers Rock from Queensland to Northern Territory, then back through South Australia via Adelaide (I just got to see the famous Coober Pedy!), then into Victoria and NSW via Melbourne and Sydney (maybe stop in Canberra also) and then head back north to Brisbane (see map below). The route is only longer by 700 km as compared to the Brisbane to Ayers Rock and back the same way (which could mean just another extra day in travelling distance - but may mean longer stops. C'mon, I can't just stop in those big cities to sleep, can I?) but I will certainly see a lot more this way. But I've told myself in the past that coming back the same way has its advantages too:

Let's see...

Same route: 

(+) Familiarity of route hence safer travelling

(+) If I missed something, I get to catch it again on the way back

(+) Shorter route by 700 km

(-) Get bored of same scenery?

Looping:

(+) Always new things to see

(+) Get to visit Coober Pedy!

(-) No second chance to catch something I missed
(-) Longer route and maybe even longer stops - do add an extra day in those big cities
(-) More expensive hotels in the big cities
(-) I only have 2 weeks leave :-(


View Larger Map

What do you guys think???

My meat; your poison...?

The route is firm now. Had dinner at my neighbour's last night and we had a long discussion about the trip. He has done Brisbane to Ayers Rock before but on a 4WD and with his family. His route was across the Simpson Desert via the Outback's "Development Road" (unsealed) from Winton to Alice Springs via Boulia. It does cut the journey by about 500 km but those are roads only recommended for well equipped and well built 4WDs. Well, if I was riding with another person on a "GS" (that's the adventure/enduro BMW bike R1200GS, for those who don't know BMW bikes), I might go for it one day but I'll settle with the nice sealed highway road for now. Two things I don't want to damage; my bike and my back! And I might even get "blotted"!

Here's the confirmed route as posted on the wall of my home office. The pins mark the refueling and overnight stops. The shadow on the top right of the pic is the shadow of my fishing rod - a hobby that got shelved temporarily (literally, as the bookshelf is next to the map!). I guess the breams, whitings and flatheads have to wait for a while...

Have done more bits and pieces of the planning over the weekend. Found out that I can actually buy "octane booster" to increase the RON of my unleaded fuel for areas where I could not get anything above 91 RON. According to Shaun (my neighbour) they'll be hard to get once you past Roma travelling West. I also got a nice recommendation from a fellow bike enthusiast on a sports camera that I can attach to my helmet, or maybe the handle bar or even my wrist! That'll be very handy when taking scenic pictures while riding - hey, I don't even have to stop my bike! I immediately remembered how I missed taking the beautiful view of Gowrie Mountain as I entered the plains after Towoomba heading West last time. I will not this time. But I also realized the budget just got bigger and bigger... hehe... Oh, also need to add a top-box for the bike for the extra stuffs to carry... oh, and the new jacket, the new helmet, etc.

Talking about budget; my "accountant" has made me prepared the budget for the trip. Numbers are not looking very good. Fuel, accommodation and food are already half of the budget. Maybe the BMW jacket is a luxury that I will not need after all... :-( I'm sure if I was shivering in the middle of the night if I were to choose to sleep in a tent rather than a motel or hotel, the nice comfortable hi-tech BMW jacket will be the last thing on my mind anyway! Cut cost??? Hmmm, I know I sucked at that!

Anyway, it's not the destination, it's the journey. It doesn't even have to be perfect. As what Don Williams Jr. said, "The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination." Tim Cahill said, "A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles". So, I'll be counting friends I made along the trip - and also friends I might lose before the trip, haha! My "courageous adventure" could be your "ludicrous trip".

And finally, in the words of Damien Blade "Ride hard, or stay home... Oh, and guys... lose the watches..."
(Guess; which movie?)

... bye...

Wake me up when September comes...!

The plan is now another step closer to becoming a reality. Went into the office today after my long leave and the first thing I asked my Boss was for a two-week leave in September; and he said YES!!! Yeaaay... you're the best Boss in the whole wide world... (one day you'll read this...). I'm yet to determine the exact date but it has to be around end September early October, taking into account the kids' school holiday, fasting month, Eid and also my Metallica "Death Magnetic" concert (woohoo...! I got the "Magnetic Zone" tickets!!!). At least now I have a target and will try to stick to it. Will I be busy during that time of the year? Naaahhh... don't think so...

Anyway, you know how life sometimes can be a bit difficult on you? If you come to roadblocks in future, just remember these few inspirational quotes about handling them...

"For every failure, there's an alternative course of action. You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour."
- Mary Kay Ash

"Once I decide to do something, I can't have people telling me I can't. If there's a roadblock, you jump over it, walk around it, crawl under it."
- Kitty Kelley

"If the roadblock is in our way of achieving what we want - we'll remove the roadblock!"
- Unknown

"The roadblock; is there for a reason..."

"Hey, I thought you're the roadblock!". "No, I'm the highway divider...". Ooppss...

Anyone wants to contribute anymore quotes???

Keep the dream alive...

This morning, as I was parking my bike at the Exhibition Centre, I noticed the bike next to me, also a BMW tourer. It's an older model and looks a bit aged. A sign that it has seen quite a bit of the road; like it was supposed to. It also has that mature look and appears to be very "experienced". Interestingly, it has a very nice pannier sticker (like bumper sticker; to you car drivers) that says, ==>

I guess that is a sign for me, huh? Yup, I'm gonna keep that dream alive...

The other day someone said to me; why did I name my blog "To the Red Centre and back". What happens after I have been to the Red Centre and back? Well, I guess, I'll just start another blog then. Maybe it will be named, "Tour de Australia", or "Over the top" (you know the advert?), or even "Crating and shipping my bike back to KL...", hehe... But anyway, the name is a symbol of the dream. And the dream lives on...

Thanks for the words of encouragement from friends. Yes, to answer someone's question; I do not really expect to write for others to read. It's a self-satisfying (in Malay, "Syok Sendiri") thing to begin with but I realized that it is much more satisfying to write for others. More like talking - anything beats talking to yourself!

Anyway, I did show the blog to my teenage daughter. It took her less than 30 seconds to browse thru it. Then she went back to the Manga videos on You Tube and listening to her IPod. I guess, I really have to cater for my audience, huh?

Shah, go practice your guitar! Got to go sleep early tonite. Tomorrow's my first day back to office after what seems to be a looooonnggggg time....

Wow! People actually read them???

I'm honestly quite surprised that people actually read my blog. Am I officially a writer now? I guess so... After all, this is obviously more then updating my status on Facebook!

Anyway, have not been spending much time on the planning side for these last few days but have definitely gained motivation in making this journey by the interest and support given by my friends and loved ones. Quite a few people have visited the blog - and I made 14 cents so far by people clicking the advertisement links!!! Woohooo... I'm gonna be rich soon!!! So, keep clicking guys...!

Someone asked me today, "Why are there only pictures of your bike in all your traveling pics?". "Well..." I said, "I can take my bike's picture but my bike can't take my picture...". I just realized the downside of solo ride. And I think I better add my tripod into the packing list. I have carried my fishing rod (and the 24 fishes I caught!) with me on the bike so I'm sure a tripod would be alright...

Anyway, need opinion; who thinks the BMW Airflow riding jacket below is nice? It's bloody expensive... BUT... the product description says, "The AirFlow suit is perfect for keeping cool when the temperature rises. The black version features intelligent coldblack® technology, which prevents the material overheating, while the silver version features a NanoSphere® coating to prevent the accumulation of dirt. A special Kevlar© three-layerlaminate and removable NP protectors ensure maximum rider safety."... and it will also make me look good... :-)

So, the verdict, please... a top of the range BMW hi-tech-look-good jacket or a more reasonable normal brand one??? Travel in style, eh...

The Test Ride - Brisbane to Mitchell and back (1,133 km)

Last week I rode for 570+ km to Mitchell. Easy ride. So, decided to estimate an average of 700-800 km on a good day for my plan, and only about 500 km on the alternate "rest" days.

Selected pics from the ride (full collection available in my FB album):

One of my stops; a nice little town with a very cute name... "Chinchilla" is famous for its melons!

A short rest at one of the outback rest areas. "Rest area" here doesn't mean petrol station with fresh ground coffee and toilet, okay... If I remember correctly; one of the tree in the background was the toilet... :-)

5 deg C on the morning of the ride back! The man at the motel said, "You know, quite a few people ride thru here between August to September...". What he didn't say was - only an idiot would ride in this weather!

A quick visit to the "Big Oil Rig" museum in Roma. I'm just an oil & gas man at heart!

When I took this, a thought was in my mind about something someone in my organization once said, "We don't want silo in this organization!" - I bet no one says something like that here... haha! 

The mountain I missed on the way there. This made me decide to do a "two-way" trip to Ayers Rock instead of a "looping". At least, if I missed something like this on the way there, I can always catch up on it on the way back... It's like having a second chance in life...

The last pic before reaching home - look at the shop sign top right - a really good reminder; in fact explains what the whole trip is all about... I did stop. Smell the roses. Wanted to buy some for my wife but no more room in the panniers. Can't crush them can I? So bought some perfumed organic soaps instead - she still love 'em!

The Plan - (1) The Route

This is the route from starting point (my house in Brisbane) to Ayers Rock in Uluru National Park. 3,500 km to get there and same distance to get back. There's a shorter distance through the outback shortcut "highway" but I won't risk the unsurfaced road - not risking me; the bike! If I ride with someone else, on a GS, well, maybe...

The pins on the map are either my fuel or overnight stops. This is the first draft; still working on daily distances, overnight stops and pump stations with premium unleaded fuel.


View Larger Map

In verifying my estimates on the daily distances, I did a test ride! Read next...

The dream

It has always been my passion to ride my bike on a "quest" - a long journey to a dream destination. Of course the ultimate dream is to go for an endless journey on an unlimited time, exploring and wandering at the same time, soaking yourself into the experience and excitement of the journey itself just like Ted Simon in Jupiter's Travels : Four Years Around the World on a Triumph but TIME has always been the major constraint. One day, if I ever get to achieve my target to retire while I'm still relatively not-that-old and my back problem doesn't get any worse than this; then I will go for that endless journey but for now, I'd have to settle for a ride somewhere, anywhere... just me and my bike...

I love the open road - the feeling of the wind on your face, the smell of the air around you, the scenic view (anything seems scenic when you're on a motorbike!), the places you see and the people you meet. Now that I'm in Australia, it's the perfect opportunity to do just that. Wide straight road of the outback has been calling me ever since I arrived here. That's why I switched from my 1st love, my Harley Softail:

to a BMW sport tourer R1200RT SE:

but I still keep my Harley though...

So, it started with a dream (which the wife approves!) to do the 7,000 km journey (the distance includes return trip - the promise to the wife is to come back in one piece...) to go see one of God's wonders on a solo bike trip through the wild and mysterious Outback...

Stay tuned...

Next step: The Planning