Author Topic: The big Lap (Read 9942 times)

DJW · « **on:** April 25, 2016, 11:12:10 AM »

So, mid life crisis here I come. Next year is the big 50 for me and as a gift to myself I am thinking of doing the lap counter clockwise staring from Brisbane. Its early days yet, so time to start a plan. Advise would be welcomed from those that have done it. What to pack, what time of year, places to be a must and places to avoid. Spare parts to carry etc etc. I am on a 2003 ST1300. She has 110k on clock but is in very good condition. I am thinking of towing a trailer but just a thought. Rough plan is ride 6 days, average 500k a day and Sunday off - no riding.

Any advise or help is welcome

StinkyPete · « **Reply #1 on:** April 25, 2016, 12:05:52 PM »

Hi DJW,
Just do it! I did my first big trip in 2009, and here a link to my lead-up and daily blog. http://halfwayroundwithpete.blogspot.com.au/ Our plan was also to ride for a few days and then have a day off. You will find that the distances come easier after the first few days in the saddle. I started off with an Yamaha and came home with an ST1300. You will have plenty of room on the ST for a two man tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag and all your other stuff, so my advice would be to leave the trailer home. Here's my pack list. This list has been refined and cut down after many long touring trips, as the mistake that any make when first starting out is to take far too much stuff. Left Pannier holds my clothing, toiletries, chargers and torches etc, first aid kit, spare gloves and wet weathers. Right Pannier holds tent, and shoes deck shoes and thongs. My air mattress and sleeping bag are in a waterproof bag on the back seat, and the rest of the junk fits in the top box with lots of room to spare.
Cheers
Pete

DJW · « **Reply #2 on:** April 25, 2016, 02:55:17 PM »

Thanks very much for that, an excellent reply with great info. Gives me a starting point.

Gadget · « **Reply #3 on:** April 25, 2016, 02:58:12 PM »

Across the top in autumn/ winter to avoid monsoon season.

DJW · « **Reply #4 on:** April 25, 2016, 02:59:58 PM »

Version 1 of the lap. a thought in progress. I have even toyed with the idea of going on the boat at Melbourne and lapping Tasmania.

alans1100 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 25, 2016, 03:47:24 PM »

If you want to do the coast roads as much as possible then here's an option from Geelong to Ceduna https://goo.gl/maps/jjKp2NNw5pL2

The ride is on my list of things to do but a few years down the track.

STroppy · « **Reply #6 on:** April 25, 2016, 07:52:22 PM »

Quote from: DJW on April 25, 2016, 02:59:58 PM

Version 1 of the lap. a thought in progress. I have even toyed with the idea of going on the boat at Melbourne and lapping Tasmania.

I would include Kakadu National Park . . Pine Creek to Jabiru to Humpty Doo and on to Darwin . . All bitumen roads . .

For trip Darwin back to Katherine, you could include Litchfield NP . . . Sticking to the bitumen roads again . . WendyL might be able to provide info on those roads . .

Lionel · « **Reply #7 on:** April 25, 2016, 08:04:20 PM »

The prevailing winds are from the West so it may be better to travel anti-clockwise from Brisbane.

BigTed · « **Reply #8 on:** April 25, 2016, 08:36:29 PM »

Thumbs up.... I'm planning on a clock wise journey to coincide with the rally in NSW, including Tassie, but excluding Darwin & Alice.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

tj189 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 25, 2016, 09:11:09 PM »

Most drivers and riders bypass a great adventure by missing a part of Highway one in the NT and then picking it up again in QLD. Road gets a bit narrow in places but I gotta tellya, you will know you are alive if you run this section.

Turn left at Daly Waters High-way Inn (BP Servo) to stay on Highway 1. Head out to Borroloola this is the end of the sealed section of Highway one. Then backtrack to Mcarther and follow the Tablelands Highway down to Barkly Homestead. Turn left and head down to Cloncurry, turn left onto Bourke Development Road and head up to Normanton, this is where you will pick up Highway 1 again. Head across to Cairns on the Gulf Development Road (which is Highway 1), then just keep following Highway 1 back to Brisbane.

Here is a link to my run http://forum.ironbutt.org/index.php?threads/around-australia-9-days.20/

STroppy · « **Reply #10 on:** April 26, 2016, 08:38:34 AM »

I was part of the Admin/supervisory team of Dept of Works that supervised the construction of the road from Borroloola to Anthony's Lagoon back in 1969.

Interesting country, sealed and well worth the detour, take your time and do the side trips.

Carsten · « **Reply #11 on:** May 13, 2016, 11:41:43 AM »

If you make Hobart and need a place to stay, let me know.

LindsayGT · « **Reply #12 on:** May 13, 2016, 03:35:09 PM »

April 2014. My aim was to stay with Highway 1 as far as possible. I couldn't go past the Gt Ocean Road, so included that. Squibbed out of the bit TJ189 pointed out, in the NT.
Twas an awesome experience. Thinking, thinking!!!

https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=941c53446ee1d47fd

Biggles · « **Reply #13 on:** May 13, 2016, 04:03:26 PM »

Nice big lap there. Will make a longish Ride Report!

And we'll need lots of photos.

Gadget · « **Reply #14 on:** May 13, 2016, 05:55:55 PM »

Nice! !!!

West Aussie Glen · « **Reply #15 on:** May 13, 2016, 11:03:08 PM »

When I did my lap I wanted to ride "around" Australai so worked on the follwoing criteria:-
1.Stay as close to the coast as possible
2. No dirt roads
3.No ins and outs i.e. traveling the same section of road in both directions

I spent hours looking at google maps and setting my route on Garmin base station.
Only broke number three a few times with the major one Katherine to Darwin.
I probably took number one to the extreme but I found some great "back" roads specially on the coast of NSW and Victoria.

STroppy · « **Reply #16 on:** May 14, 2016, 06:46:37 AM »

Quote from: alans1100 on April 25, 2016, 03:47:24 PM

If you want to do the coast roads as much as possible then here's an option from Geelong to Ceduna https://goo.gl/maps/jjKp2NNw5pL2

The ride is on my list of things to do but a few years down the track.

I'd go from Ceduna to Streaky Bay, Elliston, Port Lincoln, Whyalla to Port Augusta . . And Adelaide to Victor Harbour, Goolwa, Wellington, Meningie, Kingston, Robe, Mount Gambier, Portland, Port Fairy, Warnambool etc along the Great Ocean Road to Geelong and beyond . .

StinkyPete · « **Reply #17 on:** May 14, 2016, 07:25:02 AM »

Keep an eye on this thread... http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=4634.0
You are most welcome to stay with Chris and I when you are in Adelaide, so PM for my contact details.

You may also wish to join up with the OzSTOC Rider Assist Network before you hit the road. See.... http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=4584.0
It not the same as the RAA or the RACV, but if it "hits the fan", a friendly face can be worth squillions.

Gadget · « **Reply #18 on:** May 14, 2016, 07:35:42 AM »

Quote from: StinkyPete on May 14, 2016, 07:25:02 AM

You may also wish to join up with the OzSTOC Rider Assist Network before you hit the road. See.... http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=4584.0
It not the same as the RAA or the RACV, but if it "hits the fan", a friendly face can be worth squillions.

I can attest to that!

Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk

Biggles · « **Reply #19 on:** May 15, 2016, 09:13:18 PM »

Quote from: StinkyPete on May 14, 2016, 07:25:02 AM

You may also wish to join up with the OzSTOC Rider Assist Network before you hit the road. See.... http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=4584.0
It not the same as the RAA or the RACV, but if it "hits the fan", a friendly face can be worth squillions.

Even an ugly face, if you happen to get a certain few of us.

Gadget · « **Reply #20 on:** May 15, 2016, 09:40:44 PM »

Quote from: Biggles on May 15, 2016, 09:13:18 PM

Quote from: StinkyPete on May 14, 2016, 07:25:02 AM
You may also wish to join up with the OzSTOC Rider Assist Network before you hit the road. See.... http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=4584.0
It not the same as the RAA or the RACV, but if it "hits the fan", a friendly face can be worth squillions.

Even an ugly face, if you happen to get a certain few of us.

Speak for yourself, I'm the best looking bloke in my mirror.

Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk

NTRebel · « **Reply #21 on:** May 15, 2016, 11:44:24 PM »

You're probably the only bloke in your mirror that's why.

Gadget · « **Reply #22 on:** May 16, 2016, 09:55:57 AM »

Quote from: NTRebel on May 15, 2016, 11:44:24 PM

You're probably the only bloke in your mirror that's why.

No room for anyone else.

Candles · « **Reply #23 on:** June 10, 2016, 08:25:07 PM »

Hi DJW, I'm just about to do the ride anti clockwise as advised by many, including the BOM. This time of year anyway.
I'm also towing my Elite camper so I'll let you know all about it on my return. That should be about late july as I start my new job 01 Aug.

STroppy · « **Reply #24 on:** June 10, 2016, 09:03:35 PM »

Have a great trip Candles, post lots of fotos, keep us informed . . ride safe . . No swimming with crocs or those white pointy thingos . .

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Author Topic: The big Lap (Read 9942 times)