FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

As more and more people got to know about my planned adventure (I prefer this rather than "trip"; it sounded more uncertain and challenging and less prepared - which I am), I have been asked many kinds of questions. All are innocent questions and most are inquisitive in nature but there are also one or two annoying ones. Nevertheless I enjoy answering them all - or at least make a straight face at one of those annoying ones. So, here are the questions and their answers; in no particular order except maybe ranked by the number of times I heard them:

Q: Are you going alone?
A: Yes, alone. That's why I call it solo ride.

Q: Are you crazy???
A: Well, technically, no. But isn't everyone crazy about something somehow? I think going fishing in the rain in a small kayak is crazy but hey, who am I to criticize. 

Q: How long are you going for? When are you going? Which route are you going to take?
A: Please refer to my blog posting entitled The Plan Finalized (19 Sept)
(This is normally followed by the second question above again)

Q: What if something happens to your bike? 
A: I can mend a flat myself, thanks to my puncture repair kit that comes complete with CO2 canisters and all but anything more than that it has to be with the help from the BMW Motorrad Roadside Assist who promised that "Now you can travel the length and breadth of Australia, secure in the knowledge that BMW Motorcycle Roadside Assistance will be with you every step of the way.". I just hope they come when I call... And oh, I picked the bike that has been voted the most reliable tourer, made by one of the most widely known brand as being of highest reliability, insya'allah...

Q: Is it not dangerous being in the Outback all by yourself?
A: Not if you know what you're doing! Besides, I probably need a bit of that. I have been too comfortable lately. Watching "Dangerous Animals" from the comfort of the sofa in my living room doesn't do it anymore. A little element of danger and unknown will spike your senses and sharpen your instinct. Besides, I just like to ride and where else can you find space and distance other than the outback.
(This is normally followed by the second question above again)

Q: Is your family okay with this?
A: I have my wife's blessings; and even encouragement. It has been a trying year for me in many aspects so far so hopefully this trip can rejuvenate me and with a bit of soul searching (I will have plenty of thinking time to myself during all those daily rides) hopefully I come back a better person. [If not, I'll go one more round, until I become better...]

Q: Do you have to train for this?
A: Riding wise; see my blog posting Even pros need training (5 June). Health and fitness wise, yes, I have started running again and manage to lose a few pounds back to my Ramadhan weight. As they say, the bike is designed to stay upright when it's moving forward - I just need to make sure I stay on it! 

Q: What if it rains?
A: BANG! BANG! BANG! Don't you ever bring that up again, capisce???

Q: Where will you sleep?
A: Well, where I lay my head is home... ("Wherever I may roam" - Metallica). But seriously, 1st choice camping, 2nd choice, motel or hotel. Decision factor: (1) Cost, (2) Convenience, (3) My back. "What if it rrr....". BANG! BANG! BANG! I told you...

...and last but not least, a kind of question that left me perplexed...

Q: Why are you doing it?
A: Now, this is tough to answer. If only I knew the answer. Well, let's see... uummpphhh... well, I can't really answer this without sounding too philosophical about it but I guess, in no particular order:
1. I just like to ride
2. It's a calling
3. Don't you find the Red centre awesome? Do you know that geologically it is known as a "bornhardt" - a weather-resistant rock that was left standing when everything else around it was worn away over millions of years. Isn't that such a symbolic splendour by itself? God must have put it there for a reason. I just want to admire it and praise God for it.
4. I'll find out when I finally get there
5. And as the famous Harley Davidson saying goes; "If I have to explain to you, then you'd never understand..."

If you have anymore, please do not hesitate to ask. I will try to answer them in the friendliest manner...