OzSTOC

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: BigTed on September 29, 2016, 10:58:41 AM

Title: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: BigTed on September 29, 2016, 10:58:41 AM
Woot! Based on current plans, I will be starting my lap 1 year from today that will get me to Wooli for next years national rally in a clockwise direction. I have a rough route to follow, mostly tenting in caravan parks, roadside where OK/safe, etc., and in the occasional OzSToc back yard I hope (hint hint). It's all still subject to a planning session with WAG and advice from other OzSToc members.

20,000 km over 65 days.... and by the way - I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!


Here's the link to my interactive Google Map : https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dtQQWd5Qy9kOdT2v9YyNMBjxlhY&usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dtQQWd5Qy9kOdT2v9YyNMBjxlhY&usp=sharing)

Satellite view here:
(http://www.otterpotter.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/wp-1475110538301.jpg)
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: Wombat on September 29, 2016, 11:52:29 AM
Looking forward to seeing you off!  :grin Now that does not sound right  :fp So I assume the trailer is ready and I see Bathurst and Phillip Island are on the schedule.  Wot thuh
Cheers  :wht11
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: Cerebral Knievel on September 29, 2016, 12:02:06 PM
 :think1 pitching the tent on the roundabout at Birkdale is pretty hardcore  ;-*
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: Cerebral Knievel on September 29, 2016, 12:08:02 PM
You should pop in to Diesel's of Deloraine (TM) whilst in Taswegia too  :grin
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: West Aussie Glen on September 29, 2016, 12:40:18 PM
Do you really intend doing some dirt road?
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: Cerebral Knievel on September 29, 2016, 01:21:22 PM
Do you really intend doing some dirt road?

Normanton to Bamaga at a glance is dirt
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: BigTed on September 29, 2016, 02:55:08 PM
Do you really intend doing some dirt road?
Definitely not my intention...
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: BigTed on September 29, 2016, 02:56:35 PM
Do you really intend doing some dirt road?

Normanton to Bamaga at a glance is dirt
:-[ Are you sure? :eek
I spent hours on Google Maps in satellite view - it all appears to be sealed (even with a white dotted line) along chosen path... I hope. Even Wikipeidia says so:
"The road is sealed for its full length, but as of 2016 there are many sections of the road which are only single lane bitumen. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Developmental_Road)" ... the "single lane" bit worries me a little, I must admit.
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: Kev Murphy on September 29, 2016, 04:22:59 PM
Add my phone number below for when you are in this area, bed and meal guaranteed, as is local guided tour

 ++
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: PC on September 29, 2016, 04:41:11 PM
Plenty of room in back yard in Warwick if needed
Peter
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: John g on September 30, 2016, 11:10:51 PM
 ++there's a place in Port Elliot Sa to stay on your trip Ted.Just give us a pm when your getting close.
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: Bikebear on October 01, 2016, 02:33:39 PM
Do you really intend doing some dirt road?

Normanton to Bamaga at a glance is dirt
:-[ Are you sure? :eek
I spent hours on Google Maps in satellite view - it all appears to be sealed (even with a white dotted line) along chosen path... I hope. Even Wikipeidia says so:
"The road is sealed for its full length, but as of 2016 there are many sections of the road which are only single lane bitumen. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Developmental_Road)" ... the "single lane" bit worries me a little, I must admit.

Looking at your route you aren't going anywhere near Bamaga. The road from Isa to Normanton does have some narrow sections as does the road from Normanton to Cairns. Just watch out for trucks and make sure you get off the road for them, they won't get off the road for you. Caravanners are unpredictable, some will drop a wheel off letting you stay on and others (arseholes) will take the right of way and force you off the edge. Some of the edges have nasty drop offs which makes getting back on again a little tricky and if there has been rain they can get quite soft as well. Good luck with your trip.
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: Cerebral Knievel on October 02, 2016, 08:48:47 AM
My mistake - should have read Normanton to Karumba  :fp
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: alans1100 on October 02, 2016, 09:41:03 AM
Sounds like a plan!!!

Suggestion:- Do the coastal Alt 1 Highway from Ceduna to Port Augusta via Port Lincoln https://goo.gl/maps/tJH9u54jwtL2

 
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: Cerebral Knievel on October 02, 2016, 09:48:13 AM
Sounds like a plan!!!

Suggestion:- Do the coastal Alt 1 Highway from Ceduna to Port Augusta via Port Lincoln https://goo.gl/maps/tJH9u54jwtL2

That is a great ride ! I really enjoyed the run from Ceduna through Streaky bay to Port Lincoln then up through Whyalla.Highly recommended  ++
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: BigTed on October 04, 2016, 05:31:58 PM
:think1 pitching the tent on the roundabout at Birkdale is pretty hardcore  ;-*
Hehe - that's me hoping to have a night at a friends house in Brisvegas, but I haven't asked yet... I figured I'd better not be too bold  ;-*
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: BigTed on October 04, 2016, 05:33:21 PM
Looking forward to seeing you off!  :grin Now that does not sound right  :fp So I assume the trailer is ready and I see Bathurst and Phillip Island are on the schedule.  Wot thuh
I'm getting there - I hope to have it ready for a trial over Christmas... but I've been practicing my welding. I've learnt it can make a great plasma cutter if you're not paying attention. :-[
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: BigTed on October 04, 2016, 05:34:55 PM
Add my phone number below for when you are in this area, bed and meal guaranteed, as is local guided tour
Thanks Kev - that's a definite!
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: BigTed on October 04, 2016, 05:36:24 PM
Plenty of room in back yard in Warwick if needed
Thanks Peter
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: BigTed on October 04, 2016, 05:37:43 PM
++there's a place in Port Elliot Sa to stay on your trip Ted.Just give us a pm when your getting close.
Thanks John - I'm not sure I'll be staying there, but certainly passing through - put the kettle on!
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: BigTed on October 04, 2016, 05:47:21 PM
Do you really intend doing some dirt road?

Normanton to Bamaga at a glance is dirt
:-[ Are you sure? :eek
I spent hours on Google Maps in satellite view - it all appears to be sealed (even with a white dotted line) along chosen path... I hope. Even Wikipeidia says so:
"The road is sealed for its full length, but as of 2016 there are many sections of the road which are only single lane bitumen. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Developmental_Road)" ... the "single lane" bit worries me a little, I must admit.

Looking at your route you aren't going anywhere near Bamaga. The road from Isa to Normanton does have some narrow sections as does the road from Normanton to Cairns. Just watch out for trucks and make sure you get off the road for them, they won't get off the road for you. Caravanners are unpredictable, some will drop a wheel off letting you stay on and others (arseholes) will take the right of way and force you off the edge. Some of the edges have nasty drop offs which makes getting back on again a little tricky and if there has been rain they can get quite soft as well. Good luck with your trip.
Thanks for the advice Bikebear.
Cos I'm a nerd, reviewing the entire Gulf Dev. Road again, using both satellite and streeview (mostly not updated since 2008), all of it is definitely sealed. The majority of it is 2 lane (with solid/dotted line). It's probably safer to assume that the roads with no marking would be narrower than "normal", although some unmarked sections are certainly as wide as others with markings. Anyway, there's a total of about 60km of single lane (no markings) over the 450km of the Gulf Dev Rd with the longest being around 18km. (Map here (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kwh4684carcvwmjTU7018Lsu5Sg&usp=sharing)). I'm hopeful that it's still under development so I'll contact the local shire to confirm closer to departure.... I'm still nervous about some of the larger sections but hopefully they'll reduce before I leave.
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: BigTed on October 04, 2016, 05:50:55 PM
Suggestion:- Do the coastal Alt 1 Highway from Ceduna to Port Augusta via Port Lincoln https://goo.gl/maps/tJH9u54jwtL2
I did think of that, but Port Lincoln was on my route when I went to the SA rally... so I figured I'd probably just be wanting to head home. However, it only adds 270km, and it's a lot more interesting than the middle bit, so I'll add it back in... thanks for reminding me!
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: Gadget on October 04, 2016, 09:21:46 PM
We'll have to organise an RTE in or around Brisbane when you are in town. Keep us posted.

Cheers,
Gary


Sent using another of Gadget's gadgets.

Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: tj189 on October 05, 2016, 09:10:26 PM
Do you really intend doing some dirt road?

Normanton to Bamaga at a glance is dirt
:-[ Are you sure? :eek
I spent hours on Google Maps in satellite view - it all appears to be sealed (even with a white dotted line) along chosen path... I hope. Even Wikipeidia says so:
"The road is sealed for its full length, but as of 2016 there are many sections of the road which are only single lane bitumen. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Developmental_Road)" ... the "single lane" bit worries me a little, I must admit.

Looking at your route you aren't going anywhere near Bamaga. The road from Isa to Normanton does have some narrow sections as does the road from Normanton to Cairns. Just watch out for trucks and make sure you get off the road for them, they won't get off the road for you. Caravanners are unpredictable, some will drop a wheel off letting you stay on and others (arseholes) will take the right of way and force you off the edge. Some of the edges have nasty drop offs which makes getting back on again a little tricky and if there has been rain they can get quite soft as well. Good luck with your trip.
Thanks for the advice Bikebear.
Cos I'm a nerd, reviewing the entire Gulf Dev. Road again, using both satellite and streeview (mostly not updated since 2008), all of it is definitely sealed. The majority of it is 2 lane (with solid/dotted line). It's probably safer to assume that the roads with no marking would be narrower than "normal", although some unmarked sections are certainly as wide as others with markings. Anyway, there's a total of about 60km of single lane (no markings) over the 450km of the Gulf Dev Rd with the longest being around 18km. (Map here (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kwh4684carcvwmjTU7018Lsu5Sg&usp=sharing)). I'm hopeful that it's still under development so I'll contact the local shire to confirm closer to departure.... I'm still nervous about some of the larger sections but hopefully they'll reduce before I leave.

Ted, I did that section on my run around oz a couple of years back, it had the black stuff  :thumb
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: johnnyYTED on October 05, 2016, 11:31:17 PM
:dred11
Ted theres a bed and shed here in Picton NSW if you need one.. :thumbs
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: StinkyPete on October 06, 2016, 06:12:16 AM
You are most welcome to take advantage of a Bed and a Shed here in Adelaide's southern foothills if needed.   ++
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: Gadget on October 06, 2016, 06:50:23 AM
BSF here too.

Cheers,
Gary

sent using another of Gadget's gadgets.

Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: WendyL on October 06, 2016, 11:32:23 AM
Why would you travel all that way and skip my famous oven baked jewfish in Darwin?????

Always a bed and carport space at my place for OzSTOCers

Woot! Based on current plans, I will be starting my lap 1 year from today that will get me to Wooli for next years national rally in a clockwise direction. I have a rough route to follow, mostly tenting in caravan parks, roadside where OK/safe, etc., and in the occasional OzSToc back yard I hope (hint hint). It's all still subject to a planning session with WAG and advice from other OzSToc members.

20,000 km over 65 days.... and by the way - I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!


Here's the link to my interactive Google Map : [url]https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dtQQWd5Qy9kOdT2v9YyNMBjxlhY&usp=sharing[/url] ([url]https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dtQQWd5Qy9kOdT2v9YyNMBjxlhY&usp=sharing[/url])

Satellite view here:
([url]http://www.nook.net.au/www/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/wp-1475110538301.jpg[/url])
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: BigTed on October 06, 2016, 12:11:07 PM
Why would you travel all that way and skip my famous oven baked jewfish in Darwin?????
Always a bed and carport space at my place for OzSTOCers
Many thanks Wendy. I have struggled with this one a lot... I spent quite a few weeks there with the family on holidays a few years back. We had the loan of a 4WD so we got out & about around Darwin, Kakadu, Litchfield, etc. I absolutely loved the place, but Darwin seems a little too far off the main route to want to do a 650km round trip. As my planning continues (and it's changing daily) it may make it's way back in if something else is dropped.... as it stands, I'm approaching the limit to the amount of leave I'm about to take and I need to build in a little slack for those inevitable delays. If I do make it to Darwin though, I'd love doss down at your place.
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: WendyL on October 06, 2016, 12:31:38 PM
Why would you travel all that way and skip my famous oven baked jewfish in Darwin?????
Always a bed and carport space at my place for OzSTOCers
Many thanks Wendy. I have struggled with this one a lot... I spent quite a few weeks there with the family on holidays a few years back. We had the loan of a 4WD so we got out & about around Darwin, Kakadu, Litchfield, etc. I absolutely loved the place, but Darwin seems a little too far off the main route to want to do a 650km round trip. As my planning continues (and it's changing daily) it may make it's way back in if something else is dropped.... as it stands, I'm approaching the limit to the amount of leave I'm about to take and I need to build in a little slack for those inevitable delays. If I do make it to Darwin though, I'd love doss down at your place.

If you don't make it this far, I can always come down the track a bit to catch up.  Any excuse for a ride.....
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: BigTed on November 03, 2016, 08:35:43 AM
So, 1 year from today I'll be in Tasmania. It's fricken November and there's a snow forecast for parts over the next week. Does anyone have experience or thoughts as to how that might affect my time there?
http://www.snow-forecast.com/maps/static/tasmania/next3to6days/snow
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: Lionel on November 03, 2016, 12:37:19 PM
"So, 1 year from today I'll be in Tasmania. It's fricken November and there's a snow forecast for parts over the next week. Does anyone have experience or thoughts as to how that might affect my time there?"
Yes, I can help out. You're going to feel cold.  :rofl
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: BigTed on November 03, 2016, 12:39:08 PM
I reckon I can manage the cold (coz I'm a bloke), but I'm worried about snow on the roads.
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: Kev Murphy on November 03, 2016, 01:22:37 PM
 :think1 ... can a snow plow be fitted to the front forks of an ST?  :rofl
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: Williamson on November 03, 2016, 05:02:44 PM
So, 1 year from today I'll be in Tasmania. It's fricken November and there's a snow forecast for parts over the next week. Does anyone have experience or thoughts as to how that might affect my time there?
[url]http://www.snow-forecast.com/maps/static/tasmania/next3to6days/snow[/url] ([url]http://www.snow-forecast.com/maps/static/tasmania/next3to6days/snow[/url])


No problems, just stay below the snow-line.  I think it's rare to get snow below 600m in Tassie.  For example, this means you would have no problems on the road to Strathgordon.

(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0341_zps0cc818cb.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0341_zps0cc818cb.jpg.html)

But what would I know?  Some local input would be worthwhile - calling our Tassie members to the keyboard.
Title: Re: Big Ted's Circuit of Oz
Post by: Biggles on November 04, 2016, 11:01:03 AM
We encountered an inch of very slippery rime ice on the road south of Weldborough (in Waratah Creek Forest Reserve) in mid October when I did a lap of Tassie.  It's high country, and it was a storm that brought it in, but it's obviously a possibility.  The rest of the trip had perfect weather.