Fraser Island

We made it back in one piece and had a great time getting used to the bigger bikes in the sand. They appear top and front heavy so any front braking tucks the front wheel and you are off. By the end of the weekend, with the bikes unlaiden we are satisfied that we are ready to take it to the next level....lets fill those panniers!!!!!

Watch the video to see Franco and Chris both having some close moments!

Chris & Franco Play in the Sand....

Training Ride with Fastracks

Sunday morning was our first opportunity to use the bikes in anger. Neil had invited us to join him and 2 other rides, Wayne and Josh, to take the 250km trip from the Sunshine Coast to Rainbow Beach via the Cooloola Way. It was a great chance to get used to the bikes on gravel roads, and, with a detour alone the Freshwater Track, Franco and I were to get our first taste of the bikes in sand. Needless to say they are more of a handful than our KTM EXC's but nowhere near as difficult to ride than we had expected. We are now so happy with the bike choice as they clearly fulfill all our needs.

A Short Word From Our Sponsors....

This one is for Krystal and Angelo from Anaconda!

What a Night!

The guys at Anaconda sure delivered! Krystal and Angelo at Anaconda, Kawana Waters, were ready for our arrival, had a superb dispay, and a cache of goodies that will enable us to take on the Outback camping. Again Channel 7 were on hand to record the events. It has been so encouraging to have big organisations backing us and the SCKOPING Network.

We start our first weekend of rider training this weekend with Neil Schaefer from Fastracks/ Coastline BMW. He is nursing a shoulder injury at the moment so he promised he would not be hard on us until this war-wound settles!

Anaconda Thursday Night 5.30pm

Why not come and join in on the action tomorrow night. The bikes will roll into the Kawana Waters store and the packing of equipment will begin! Channel 7 are coming to follow the events, and representatives from Anaconda, SCKOPING and the Sunshine Coast Health Foundation, as well as the boys, will be there to answer your questions!

Anaconda Generosity

Following the News item, the team were becoming local celebrities, and they had taken the opportunity to seek an all important sponsor for the equipment they would be needing for the trip. The camping store 'Anaconda', who had just arrived on the Sunshine Coast were happy to oblige and an offer was forthcoming. Later this week the bikes will be in the store being loaded up with the all important equipment. Again Channel 7 will be there to follow the action.

Channel 7 News

Well the story seemed to soon take off, and Tanya Weingarth from Channel 7 News wanted to start an ongoing story about the challenge. In December 2008 a news item was aired. They had filmed the annual SCKOPING camp in Mapleton, Queensland, where 60 kids were celebrating their successes of the year, and learning new tricks for next. The news item was the longest one broadcast that night, and Chris had to use all his public speaking and PR skills to full effect! It was a good opportunity to give the bikes a run up the range, and Neil Schaefer from Coastline BMW, was first to announce his wish to help with rider training for both the the boys!

Bike Purchase

In late November the bike decision was made. We had always wanted identical bikes as this would reduce the spares needed to be carried. By some twist of fate BMW drastically reduced the cost of the G650X Challenge. A trip to Coastline BMW was made and with the help of Neil Schaefer, sales manager, the contracts were signed. Both bikes had undergone significant Touratech modification.