We made it

18,000km in 10 weeks.

4 States/Territories visited

1 Puncture (fixed 3 times!!!)

1 warped brake disk

A few days of electrical problems.

2 sets of tyres, chains, sprockets.

1 sand storm in the desert (interesting visibility!)

1 day of rain.

2 sore rear ends.

Many amazing sights.

1 Uluru climbed

Wonderful insight into the people and culture of Australia.

1700 photos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US8cgUq_XBY

Hit the link to see the video we made in the desert and at Longreach Qantas Hall of Fame

Fergus Bell - BMW Techincal Support

Thank you so much for your time today Fergus. Your sensible and pragmatic help came at a very important time for us and I hope that you have helped us save our ongoing trip.

Ayers Rock

Franco and I made it to Ayers Rock yesterday. Ongoing problems with Francos bike meant I had to tow him 100km accross the Victoria Desert - not something I would like to repeat!!!

We spend today taking his bike to pieces and think we found a problem with the electrics so fingers crossed the problems are in the past.

Our families arrive tomorrow - I have not seen mine for 8 weeks so I am so excited. The kids still dont know what is going on!!!

We will be tourists for a few days then we carry on back to Qld via Coober Pedy and Birdsville across the Bordsville track.

The ride has been superb and we have learnt so much about this country, its people and ourselves. It is amazing how it all fits together when you get a chance to see so much in a little time.

Hey guys, hope you both not so sore and sorry after hitting the sand.......(makes ego stronger)The kids (sckoping) all want to know if you're OK and who has the biggest bruises(their words).
Update on us since you have left we have run 3 more groups (30 kids) and another starting next week. This week had program with surf lifesavers Mooloolaba, up to 22 kids per day for the 5 sessions. Got some budding first time surfers and nippers (though most said never been in water before). Also 3 have signed up to complete first aid qualifications and we have 8 coming on our young leaders camp.

Thanks again, the change I have seen in these kids .......amazing thanx stay safe xo

Progress!

We have nearly completed the Broome to Perth leg, and whilst we are enjoying the beautiful Coastline we do not think too much of the relentless and barren roads thay need to be travelled to get down the coast. We enjoyed 3 nights at Exmouth after a 2 day mad dash from Broome (700km one day, 800 the next!) and have just left Monkey Mia after a great stay for 2 days. Seeing the dolphins is clearly the highlight.

Whilst at Monkey Mia we attempted a trip to the tip of Cape Peron National Park but got beaten by the soft sand and the high tides, meaning we made it to within 10km of the tuip but had to turn back. Both Franco and I went belly-up on the way back trying to dodge the oncoming traffic that was unable to get out of the way. My camera has been smashed in the process, but only our egos otherwise were damaged. I will get a new camera in Perth to keep doocumenting the trip.

Mitas Tyres - Probably the best Tyre in the World

These have got to be the best Adventure Bike tyres available. Made in Czech Republic but perfect for Australia. Our sets have now lasted 10,000+ Km and whilst Franco's rear is on its last legs mime will roll into Perth.

Because of a mess up with the dealership charged with servicing our bikes in Perth, the replacement Tyres are not in stock....however a call to the importers this morning (Mityre) has solved the problem - they have generously donated new sets and they are shipping them out to Perth today. Thank goodness there are good people left in this world!

Davo Jones - Farrider

Received the sad news about Davo's accident in America leading to his passing. Davo had contacted us just before we left for our trip and was looking forward to his upcoming challenge but was gracious enough to encourage us. A stark reminder about motorcycles and safety.

How fragile we are.

Our thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones.

Kimberly Extreme

Thank you to Kimberly Extreme for a great day flying out to the Horizontal Waterfalls. Your professional staff made the day incredibly enjoyable.

More specifically thank you for the generous donation towards SCKoping.

Broome Broome!

Completed our loop up to Cape Leveque and got very good at riding in sand as we had to cover about 300km in all! THe Cape is beautiful and we camped at the Kooljaman resort. Fantastic to finally get a chance to swim in the sea again.

We are now recovering in Broome for a few days. I will get some photos up whilst we are here.

Don't forget to keep a look out on my Facebook or Twitter for more frequent updates.

Derby WA

We made it over the Gibb River Road and enjoyed the beauty of the Kimberly. Arrived in Derby today and had to repair both bikes shaken to pieces by the corrogations. This has delayed our progress to the Cape until tomorrow. Watch out for an update this weekend when we arrive at Broome.

Sunshine Coast Daily 29th Aug 2009

Comfortable night?

By the morning Franco had found that his self-inflating mattress could be better described as "self-deflating".

A check for punctures in Darwin lead to the discovery that a sieve has fewer holes. I suspect Franco needs to find a better way of packing his gear to avoid the in-pannier destruction.

Ahhhhh Karumba!

One of the few places you can see the sun set over the water in Queensland. Surprisingly access to the Gulf is very limited, and the Savanna Way rarely gives way to views of the ocean.

Franco Hard at Work

The beautiful sunsets at Karumba Point, Queensland.

Chris was probably fixing his punctures at this point. So far Franco has collected 3!

Locals

Chris making friends with the locals: Davo from Cloncurry had wagged work and spent the day in the pub. He was well lubricated but very friendly. Cloncurry had recorded the hottest temperature ever in Australia, so the 35 degrees today he described as "good working weather".

Darwin

Day 3 of rest in Darwin. Bikes cleaned, boys cleaned, broken bits mended!

Went to the Parap Markets yesterday then to the Deckchair cinema to see Stone Brothers, an Aboriginal comedy. It was very funny and they were also on a road trip so much of the content was very relevant.

Hey guys Great write up in the Sunshine Coast Daily today 3 pages in the weekend section. Michelle's story really highlights why these programs are so important and what you two are doing. Am attempting to post it (may have to scan it)monday at the latest loving the photos, having people ask me everyday where you are at. You seem to be covering distance fast, enjoy your break in Darwin and family reunion Franco.

Gagudju Lodge, Cooinda

Thanks guys for the superb trip in Yellow Water's, Kakadu NP. This truely is a heavenly place.

Update 2: Darwin

We made it to Darwin!

Have spent this morning sorting out a few bike problems (warped front brake disc and shattered headlight mounts), washed off some of the red dirt, and am now looking forward to a few free days in the city.

We spend the last few days in Kakadu National Park and stayed with Franco's school friend Sean and his wife Rachel. They run tours through the park and organised for us to take a trip through Yellow Waters. We greatfully thank the management at Gagudju Lodge, Cooinda, for the tickets. The wildlife on the tour was amazing (especially for a Pom) as we same Jabiru, Brolga, Crocs, Kingfishers, Brumbies etc.

We have now got used to the bikes and are confident riding them loaded with all our luggage. Despite our trim packing I still think we could lose another third of what we packed!
Our next step is to travel to Katherine Gorge and then on to Western Australia via the Gibb River Road. We will be in Broome in about 2 weeks.

We have been given lots of both good and bad advice from fellow travellers. It is clear that fellow bikers are the most acurate and the grey nomads are more likely to offer a bum-steer. We met Peter from Sydney on his 800GS BMW at Hellsgate roadhouse and he gave us many great tips about adventure riding in general, and about the road to NT in particular. (Peter, we got through with few problems, and think our many trips to Fraser Island had prepared us well for the loose sand.)

Franco's family have joined us in Darwin for their annual reunion. It is great to meet Lisa (sister)and Angela (Mum) for the first time, and I am sure we will have a good few days together.