This is a guide for those that are new riding the Australian bush.
Some motorcyclists die due to breakdowns in Australia,
one was found with fuel, oil, spares and tools but NO WATER.
You should see the Police in the nearest town before you leave civilisation. This will usually be the place you buy your last food before venturing forth. They may check your preparation before you leave. Take this in good humour, another pair of eyes may pick up on something you have missed. The more you have prepared, the more likely you will make it without involving outside assistance.
Don't leave the bike, make it visible from the air and block the road. Erect a shelter so you can be comfortable. Work only in the cool of evening and morning. Rest during the day.
The best time is when every one else goes. There is more possibility that one of these will find you before you die. Most of Northern Australia is too hot from October to February, look at the BoM weather site for typical temperatures and rain fall where you wan to go.
Most people will help if you are in obvious trouble.
Their have been instances of fellow travellers not
assisting others in trouble. Stations, property owners and
communities will assist if you have had a problem.
You must not plan on anyone supplying you with things (petrol, food, water, etc.)
between the normal commercial suppliers.
The people who will come looking for you if you are over due would be the
local police, property owners and passing travellers. Using the Royal
Flying Doctor Service Radio your description, route will be
circulated and any sittings would be known about that night.
"They" have a chatter session and you would be part of that.
Emergency Communications in the outback are limited to
CB radios and mobile phones do not work over most of Australia. The EPIRB system cannot be used to order parts, or tell about the problem. I would like to have a Satalite phone with EPIRB back up. This would be my ideal.
You can e-mail me at Yahoo. Dated 7 November 2000
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