JOHN'S RIDE TO PERTH

John's adventures remind me of the Leyland Brothers theme - "Travelling all over the countryside...." He sure gets around this big country of ours!

This time he travels west, from his home in Sydney, to Perth. And he does it on a new bike. Here is his story:

I recently completed the Nullabor trip I have eluded to in the past.  Partly for fun and partly as a fund raiser for PAWS Pet Therapy that I volunteer for.

I left Sat 27th April – mid morning – and got to Perth Monday 6 May – mid morning.  Stops were Wellington, Cobar, Broken Hill, Port Augusta, Willuna, Nullabor, Cocklebiddy, Norseman, Meredin – and then into Perth. 3,996k door to door.

I may have mentioned I bought a BMW R1200RT following the K1300S nearly crippling me on last August’s ride to Port Douglas. I was going to hang up on the long distance touring caper after that but the wanderlust got the better of me.

It was a good call. The 1200RT was utterly sensational – the last but one of the 2018 manufactured bikes imported by ProCycles, it was barely run in when I headed off. With the benefit of an Air Hawk seat I completed my routine 500k days without any pain in this 68 year-old body. The wrists, elbow and ankle problems the K1300S, brought on after a long day’s ride, were not there at all. The only issue was fatigue; and whilst I could have pressed each day for another 200k or so, 500k day in day out was fine.

I had been sceptical about cruise control on a bike – I rarely use it in my car. But on the long open straight stretches it was ideal for giving the right wrist a break. As long as one didn’t stop concentrating!

The Eyre Highway was pretty busy. Not too much wild life to worry about on it but around Broken Hill the goats were plentiful. They seem to have a bit better road sense than roos but some roadkill indicated this may not have been universal. They are in their millions, however.

Roos road kill was less than central Qld but still a lot of deadies on the road to Port Augusta. The biggest trap is riding through wooded areas where there is shade on the road – and road kill lurking in it. 

I needed to be back in Sydney by mid-May so flew back. I was contemplating leaving the bike in Perth and then going back to continue the ride to Broome and beyond. But I decided to ship it back. (Bikes Only). Maybe one day I’ll do the west coast ride!

In terms of adventure, Central Australia is more remote, but the Nullabour and opportunities to see the Bight are pretty special. The long straights (longest is 146k) are not too boring as there is some undulation and the flora changes progressively. But the trip was enough to square off the rear tyre pretty much. The day with the aforesaid long stretch comes between Cocklebiddy and Norseman. This circa 500k run would have less that 20 bends on it, I estimate.

I could go on – but would commend the trip as a worthwhile experience; and if time allows, to go via Esperance and Albany to Perth after Norseman – an additional 500k – but very scenic.  (I’ve driven through there).

It was all pretty much straight forward but if any readers want info or input I’d be delighted to provide it.

I took spare gas, oil, puncture repair kit, compressor and CO2 cannisters, with the usual duct tape, cable ties, tools etc. None required – although I used spare gas rather than topping up at Wilcannia. The BP station there is hard to access.

Too many scenic parts to mention but Wilcannia to Broken Hill is great as is BH to Port Augusta. Nullabour is fascinating but once into WA it gets a bit repetitive – low scrubby trees and bushes before the wheat country.

Thanks again, John. A great account of the trip, and some advice there too for anyone who is up for doing the same trip. Makes me want to take time off, load up the XJR and head west. 

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