"The Road's Impassable" she said. She was right!
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- Join me as I continue to return home to Perth by riding across Australia thru the arid heart of the Outback after completing the 2021 BMW GS Safari Enduro. This journey covers 5,000km from East to West and should take 7-8 days.
In this vid, I’ve reached the halfway mark (Uluru in Central Australia) only to be told the road is impassable due to heavy rain. I’m too far committed to turn back now so I continue not knowing whether I can successfully negotiate the roads ahead.
Grab ya gear; Lets go!
That's as real as you can get. Man vs the Outback. Fantastic combination of determination, grit, skill, experience and cool-headed common sense. Next time I'm in strife on my GS, I'll just ask myself.... "What would Steve do?". Thanks for all the tips, tricks and practical examples. They could save a life one day Steve. Now.... I'll just sit here, perched on the edge on my seat until the next chapter.
Geez Bob, that's high praise indeed. I often find myself asking the question 'what would my father do'? I hope he's proud. Next vid out later this week (I hope).
@@mongreldogproductions Not sure we can wait that long :-)
Wearing out the UA-cam refresh button ;-)
@@mountainconstructions soon Grasshopper, soon.
Geez Steve this Vid is giving me anxiety wondering if you will ever escape the desert I wouldn't have been brave enough to tackle that on my own in the wet
Really enjoyed your BMW rally vids
Hope you survive to make more vids cheers
@@martinguybuhler Hi MB, Yeah, I hope i survive this one as well. Watch this space.
NB
Glad you like the Safari vid(s). Thanks for watching.
Bloody hell , holding my breath all the time while watching you cross those water traps Steve , good luck mate ,you’ll need it ( and common sense.)
Can’t wait for the next episodes , bring it on.
Cheers
Next one at the end of the week i reckon. Thanks for your continued support. Thumbs up!
What an adventure by one serious biker. Steve, I take my hat off to you!
Can't help but admire you sense of adventure, commonsense in tricky situations and passion for long range solo escapes and freedom . You are a rare breed Steve😎👍
‘A rare breed’….nah, a man’s just gotta do what a man’s gotta do. Thanks for the positive feedback.
Good stuff mate that’s an Adventure, big balls mate.
It must be my Nuts that are weighing me down. Thanks for watching.
Enjoying the action and suspense Steve, thanks mate.
You're welcome...
Did something very similar years ago, but up in the Kimberly. Sitting at the edge of a large body of water contemplating what to do when another rider whizzes past, casually lofts the front wheel and monos through 200m of water, about a foot deep. Coolest dude ever. Never saw him/her again.
I walked my bike across.....
...and both of you lived to tell the tale. What a great outcome.
Just started following you, what a great series of videos you’ve made on the GS Enduro, I’m not a dirt rider but these make me almost want to give it a go
Thank you for your efforts
Hi Troy, Welcome to the Channel. Glad you like the content. Adv Riding opens up a whole new world. It all start by going for a ride to the shops. Watch this space.
Just to let You know - Your slightly labour-intensive foray inspired me to a three-day winter trip over Christmas on the K75 I keep around between the more fancy ones ... wish it was as warm as I recall central Australia back in the days. Cheers, happy healthy 2022 and thanks for the share!
Hope you enjoyed the journey. Grab ya gear; let’s go!
great down to earth attitude i like how you just go for it, respect the will power and pilot skills
Hi M TV W F, glad you’re enjoying the journey. Thanks for watching.
Wild ride but you made it, till that river, been there was around 35 to. 40yrs ago cheers
Wow that is tuff going. Amazing stuff. Staying glued till the next instalment. Well done Steve.
Hi Duncan M, you won’t have long to wait… hopefully next upload is tomorrow afternoon. Watch this space. Glad you’re impressed.
Amazing. Brings back memories of when I did long solo rides...on the bitumen mostly but still riding through flooded roads and such. You are a inspiration for me to do it again thankyou Steve.
Happy to help. Get out there!
Absolutely awesome Steve, crickey what a ride, I am on the edge of the seat all the way. Bloody legendary mate, you look like you're really enjoy pushing the boundaries to the limit, I bet the adrenaline was pumping a bit. Looking forward to see how you getbout of this one.
Not long to go now...what could possibly go wrong!
You have a wealth of info, really enjoying coming along for the ride via my screen. Hope to catch you on the road one day !
Greetings from a fellow adventure rider from east Africa. I always watch your episodes all the way to the end. You are incredibly experienced. All the best with your work!
Hi BF, glad you follow the Channel. Thanks for watching.
Thanks again mate
Been a great series and so well narrated
Thanks WT, Next vid out later in the week!
Great series of videos documenting your journey. Was hanging on the edge of my seat for this one!
I know how it ends...watch this space.
wow haven't seen that road in 30 years, hasn't changed. thanks for the memory mate.
Happy to help.
Another great vlog. Glad to be able to come along for the ride.
Glad you like the vid(s).
That's adventure riding. Thanks for taking me along.
You're welcome!
What great adventure Steve , So much water around they must have had pretty large storm come through . Looking forward to the next installment!, Cheers.
Hi Peter, actually the big storms rolled thru about a week later and closed every road in the Outback for a couple of weeks. Even the Todd River in Alice Springs was flooded (if you are not an Aussie, do a google search). The Todd only flows once in a Blue Moon. Thanks for watching.
The video before this one came up on my feed, I read the blurb then looked at your channel. I started watching from the start of the BMW Enduro series, very enjoyable with good commentary. I will looking through your back catalogue also.
Subscribed so that I don't miss out on the rest of your vids.
Hi from NZ,
Anthony
Hi anthony851, Welcome to the Channel. Strap yourself in. Enjoy the ride.
Glad that you were able to post the video. Haven't reached the end of the video yet. Lots of water.
Was a bit surprised when you went past a two wheel drive sedan.
In the words of Tom Jones 'It's not unusual' to see a 2 WD sedan out there (usually abandoned). They would belong to people who live in or near the isolated aboriginal communities.
In Africa you find 2wd sedans were real men in 4x4's get scared. It's about knowing the capabilities and checking the obstacles. I used to drive VW beatles on the beach, also drove a Chev Nomad, a uniquely South African vehicle from the 70's. The closest she got to 4x4 was a limited-slip diff. The Lawn Rover was a doddle to drive after that lot. Also rode a 150cc fong kong bike through a storm forcing me to ride down the gulley in the middle of the road caused by run off. Too far from home and to close to my destination to seek cover so I just gunned it.
Steve, yet "another" cliffhanger! Got to hand it to you mate, you don't give up! So...waiting for the next one Steve...seems like it may be some time waiting for that flowing "river" or finding some other "way around". I'm keepin' it here to see what's next!
First time I've seen a Waterhead at full grunt. It seems quite good. That was no cakewalk!
I didn’t buy the bike to Commute to work. I use it as a tool to explore the Outback. It seems to do just fine.
Great video and great scenery. Take care, cheers from Bunbury.
Geez your hard core! Looking forward to the next instalment!
Good stuff Steve. You certainly have a handle on the concept of the 6P's to get so far.
So far....watch this space!
It’s an adventure…. Right! Great advice along the way Steve.
Situations where you have dig deep and think (plan) the next move… Hope it got easier and allowed the ride to become more enjoyable. 👍
"Hope it got easier and allowed the ride to become more enjoyable". I didn't die so that's a good thing. It remained 'interesting' for the next 48 hours. Watch this space.
You're a braver man than I am, Gunga Din. But at least we know you made it home. 🙂
Did I? Watch this space.
@@mongreldogproductions. I should have added "eventually".
I'm anxious just watching this!! Great riding bud.. Kudos
👍🇦🇺🏍
What an amazing adventure!! Wow - thanks for sharing!
You're welcome!
Another exciting episode as always,ride safe.
Hay Steve, My daughter and her boyfriend managed the general store in Docker River for a while and they had times when the supply truck couldn't get in and had to get the supplies for the community flown in. In wet periods they could be stranded for two weeks.
More and more of the NT side is being sealed bit by bit but most of it is still shitty, corrugated, sandy unmaintained road. It wouldn't surprise me that it would be isolated a couple of times a year. Thanks for watching.
See you were having trouble with tubeless tyre seating...as an old nor West trucker we use to use a load chain and binders to reseat them.. so I was thinking in this day and age go to bunnings and buy a Ratchet n strap.. put it around the tyre then ratchet it down
Hope it helps.
@@paulfarrell-n3f I have used straps at times to help seal the bead. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn’t. I now carry a bicycle tube (it also works with a length of rope) which you sit around the rim, partially inflate and that bridges the air gap between tyre and rim (hard to visualise and explain).
ua-cam.com/video/tBuDNUsgs0k/v-deo.htmlsi=f_ULQJ_D89U3Cab4
Thanks for watching.
This is epic! I'll get the popcorn out for the next vid..
Out later this week i hope.
Hey Steve, the journey home got a whole lot harder than the GS Safari Enduro. Those days riding in 40+ degree heat look like a walk in the park compared to tackling the wet roads.
Hi Andrew, nice to hear from you. My Adventure is usually getting to and from the Events. This return journey is an example of that. Pity I don't have anyone to carry all my crap for me lol. Watch this space. NB, I'm also working on a separate vid for Big Red...You've got the inside scoop straight from the Horse's (or should that be Dog's) mouth.
Great series.. You know just when to finish the ep...
Gotta keep the viewer hooked.
respect mate!! but my tourettes would have been on overdrive. cannot wait for your next installment wishing you all the very best (and that docker river section is bad enough when its dry)
Hi a mac, Docker River crossing is now sealed although there was a lot of debris on the crossing this time by floodwaters. The sandy bits were wet so not too bad. Watch this space for next vid...probably later this week.
Hi , First time watcher. love how you explain the process. stop. reconnoiter. and even clear debris from off track. seeing paris dakkar and other ralleys my gut instinct was - that bike can go through everything. Thanks for this insight and take care. also learned how to fix a tire 🙂in theory.
Glad you’re enjoying the journey. Thanks for watching.
I hate the mud. My wife and I went through a closed road 2 up. Can't let a closed road stop me. I have a BMW GSA and my wife to pick up the bike. The water got deep and got real deep where creeks that crossed were more river. Came up pass my knee and was flowing good. I had my wife get off to cross. I was worried the force of the water would push me over, and I would end up on my side. Made it, but on my next ride 4 hours from home my drive shaft universal joint to my final drive went out. $1200 maybe I will go around the closed road next time. Thanks for sharing.
Hi rotex, as a precaution when i got back home i had the bike serviced. One uni was 'tight' and i had to replace the shaft ($1,700). My bike has done 95,000km so i cant complain. Thanks for watching.
@@mongreldogproductions I found out you can get a shaft with zerk fitting for the universal joints. I wish I knew that before I got one from BMW. That's about the same mileage I had.
@@rotex If the bike was a chain drive, me being me, i would have replaced the chain and sprockets about every 20,000km (so 5 times for the same distance). I'm happy to pay for a new shaft if it gives me reliability.
@@mongreldogproductions I agree. Been there, done that. I also have a BMW650 GS Dakar. It adds up when have to change sprockets and X chain at the same time. Since we got the 1200 GSA, we no longer ride the 650 gs.
Wow, looks like an epic trip, doesn't get much more remote than out there. Don't think I would have been game to take the risk but taking the long way around would have been a pain & boring no doubt.
A diversion would have been 2,000km and all blacktop. I was prepared to take a chance. Next vid out later this week (i think).
I didnt know BMW made jet skies. Thats a really tough ride.
Just another day in the life of.....
I didn't know BMW made jet skis either until this trip.
Ronny Dahl said that about the Anne Beadell highway when crossing wet areas by 4wd.........go OFF the road and the uncompacted ground is incredibly soft and boggy after rain. Seriously hardcore challenge.........
Well done Steve. So far! 🍻
So far, so good!
On the upside....no more tire plugs.....so far.....LOL You are one cool headed adventure rider for sure. Thanks for setting that example!!
Hi Jim, Yeah, no tyre plugs and no background music in this one. Things are looking up. But does it last??? Watch this space.
Quite exciting to watch, true Adventure riding for sure..
Heart pounding! 😱😂🙏🏴☠️ I would’ve absolutely 100% taken the precautions you did as you said…it’s just worth the extra time to reduce the risk even if it’s reduce only by a smidge! 🤞😁🍀 And I learnt not to say ‘Hopefully that’s the last of it’ because it never was! 🤦🏻♀️😂 Hurry up with the next installment! 😂🙏
Hi Roz, It was a test of my resolve not to turn around but the alternative was a 2,000km diversion and all blacktop. Bugger that!. Next vid out later this week i hope. PS, I know how it ends.
Don't you just hate it when that lady at the entry gate was right!
Technically, she wasn't. I got to the WA/NT Border (Docker River) just....I got stuck across the Border in Western Australia. Thankfully i didn't have to turn around with my tail between my legs. Besides, it makes for great entertainment doesn't it? Thanks for watching.
@@mongreldogproductions cheers. Looking forward to seeing the next part.
Those roads sure do get slippery with just a little rain . When there is a river across the road that could be a different story, i look forward to the next installment. Cheers
Hi JT, hopefully you won’t have long to wait.
@@mongreldogproductions I'm sure i won't , you are smashing out the videos at the moment. Very impressive. Cheers
@@JustTex I haven’t slept in 10 days….Publish or Perish. Gotta keep the viewers happy.
@@mongreldogproductions haha holy
This was good episode
Yeah when you've got a bike weighing well over 250 kg its sphincter clenching stuff and the constant tension knowing if you drop it ..... well, say no more. You took your time and pushed your comfort zone when you had to. Pat yourself on the back. The challenge bought the mongrel out and so far so good. Look forward to you next on. Good luck.
Always listen to the locals - signs only get changed when they remember.
Dam, there's a few coins in the swear jar right there, can't wait till the next episode where you Macgyver a raft and float the Gs to the other side. :)
Nah, i just built a ramp, got a run up and gunned it! Watch this space.
This is what I call off roading. Takes some balls to do this type of trip on your own 👍
Hi Richard, thankfully, my balls didn’t let me down (this time). I didn’t buy the bike to Commute to work. Thanks for watching
Great adventure!
I wonder, did you send the staff member who advised you the road was impassable she was right?
A humbling moment right there. I get that you need to make your own decisions, I like to know I can think for myself, but with this type of social media stuff, it might be good for her to know you listened, tried and and made a decision. Havent watched the whole show yet so maybe the outcome is different but I reckon you'll get stuck in the mud.
Water on the road sometimes is worth riding through as it has a hard base, hence why the water sits there. I've been in a similar situation on a tt350 many moons ago, 13km of water on a track and I got stuck on the side in the soft stuff
Hi Tim, actually, the Road to the Border was passable (just). It was in the next State (Western Australia) that i got stuck. The sign said 'Road Open'. I guess i needed to find out for myself. The option was a 2,000km diversion all on Blacktop...no fun there. Thanks for watching.
@@mongreldogproductions we need adventure in our lives. Thanks for sharing.
Man ,you are sticking with it . Kudos! How high is the airbox on the GS?
Hi BC, they changed the design on the newer GS's after some riders hydrauliced the engines on earlier models. The air intake is alongside the tank about half way up. You would have to be in some serious deepwater crossings before it was a cause for concern. Thanks for watching.
This video was found in a camera floating down the river...
Incidentally, i did destroy a camera on this trip. I thought it was above the waterline...works out that it wasn't. Bummer.
Awesome video buddy ride safe
Geez, you're a braver man than I. Just wondering if a lighter bike would be better for what you do. 268 kg is a big lump when 50 kg less could mean the difference in leaving it there or not.
Maybe…but most of my journeys are many thousands of km’s and the bigger R1200 does most of it in comfort. I just need to be more selective on where I go.
😞
And the adventure continues.
It does indeed. No two days are the same out here.
Here's a tip for all you young guys and girls out there. Always check road conditions before you head off, particularly if there's been outback rain. Most roads get closed after only 10ml or so.
Yeah, but the sign said 'Road Open' What was i meant to do? A diversion would have been 2,000km of Blacktop. I did make it to the WA/NT Border (the part that was 'impassable, her words). I got stuck on the WA side. Watch this space for the outcome.
You would think they would grade the roads up there with a crown in the middle to run water off to the sides, rather than making the, like a Chanel that holds water ?
Tough conditions out there to try and improve drainage…they don’t have a lot to start with. It’s a big country with limited resources (and $$$$) in the Outback. Local councils and Shires don’t have the big budgets to maintain all the roads and tracks out there. It does make for an Adventure after rain. Thanks for watching.
That was interesting. I have never seen someone do a great central road vid in the wet season.
Hi Dr JC, Central Australia shouldn’t have a wet season. The interior remained dry most years. There are many deserts in that part of Oz. These thunderstorms were unseasonal and widespread. Climate change? I dunno. But it made for an interesting journey. Thanks for watching.
@@mongreldogproductions Good you didn't get stuck out there like that family in the news that had to be airlifted out. You also made it back just in time for the border closure too! Welcome back home :)
@@JafarCalley Yes, I was very lucky. That family was stranded after i returned...Central Australia must have experienced much more heavy rain after i got thru. Every Border is now closed with WA. Lucky to be home. Ho, Ho, Ho!
When the locals say road is not operational then the road is cactus.
She's thinking "He's a fool." He's thinking "She doesn't really know it's closed." LOL
Now I know why I dont ride a GS...lol lol .BMWR100RS (83) great video.
Now I know why I don’t ride a R100RS hahaha. Glad you like the vid. Thanks for watching.
Got ya paper? Show me ya paper! SCHNELL!
you didn't go down, get hurt....bike didn't get damaged...all good! lol
This was one of my more adventurous Adventures….covered a lot of difficult situations and didn’t die. A great outcome.
This was one of my more adventurous Adventures….covered a lot of difficult situations and didn’t die. A great outcome.
Ah, the Grasshopper lessons Kung Fu Caine.
Steve, is it not allowed to film the magnificent Petermann Ranges and the community of Kaltukatjara (Docker River)?
I didn’t need to call into Docker River…I didn’t need fuel or any supplies. In most of the Communities there are signs indicating that no photography is allowed. I’m not sure the reasons why (although I could speculate). I have travelled Great Central Road many times before so I didn’t consider myself a tourist on this journey. My sole aim was to get to Perth and avoid NSW and VIC which were heavily affected by Covid Restrictions. Thanks for watching.
Steve, another great video 👍 interested in the knee guards your wearing, what brand are they?
Hi HB, Bought off Fleabay...I think they are for downhill mountain bike racing. Not rigid like a lot of others so a bit more comfortable. An example here;
www.fenixdeal.com/wosawe-motorcycle-riding-roller-skating-anti-fall-protective-gear-adult-knee-and-elbow-pads-set.html?gclid=CjwKCAiA-9uNBhBTEiwAN3IlNJSr2R8AkaAoybhXphgY7RXYfmcukg_VtH4KaHDvCrwFnzjIjAFcPxoCT0MQAvD_BwE
Thanks for watching.
Id still like to have been on this trip, the outback is spot-on after a good soaking. Hey mate?
Steve I do wonder how you manage to ride the bike with the size of ball you must be dangling. 😃👍🏴
I just hang one on each side of the saddle...sitting down quickly can be a bit un-nerving lol. Thanks for watching.
Army training did me a world of good as well.
Love your videos Steve, would be interested in what information you have in your tag bag, looks like a good idea to have some info on blood type etc etc
Hi LA, Yeah, I think it is a good idea. If I'm in a group, i let some of the others know it's there so they can give it to first responders if I'm unconscious/dead. I also have a copy in my wallet and around my neck. It had all my NOK details, address, licence number, daily medications, blood group and allergies. Glad you like the vid(s).
Well done rider.
Wait with baited breath for the next instalment Steve.
Hi Alan, hopefully you wait have to wait long…hope it meets your expectations.
I reckon you detach all your luggage and wade across the river with it then go back for your bike, strap it to your back and swim across. Attach all your luggage and continue on your way home. Can be the only possibility with you Steve.
I'm resilient...but not THAT resilient. I should have packed a raft before I left.
@@mongreldogproductions And a winch .........
Gday legend great vids mate 👍
Hi HP, next one out later today. Watch this space.
Old military saying; "When in doubt get the brew gear out". I am sitting here hoping, for your sake, that the low sections of the road surface have been bolstered with hard-pack. Good luck.
Hi John, breathe deep, slow down, think a little, dont rush. What could go wrong? Thanks for watching.
Wondering why there's no ditches on that road?
Ditches???
@@mongreldogproductions If they put a ditch at the side of that road all the water would run into it and the road would be dry.
@@Roadghost88 The Outback grader drivers do a good job under difficult conditions. I understand that drainage is a number one priority when doing road construction. The roads are ‘shaped’ (I’m not a civil engineer) to allow drainage but I guess it becomes so water logged that it has nowhere to go. Thanks for your interest in the vid. Thanks for watching.
Legend
Lots of those road closed and open signs are remotely activated hard to belive they didn't have it as closed because, I have seen alot less water on remote roads and they have been closed, ps did that lady say because u only have a permit to go down great central hwy u can got go around uluru thats what we got told lol.
There is a Cop Shop at Yulara, about 15km from the Park Entrance. You'd think they would find time in their busy schedule (it is the 'low season' atm) to change a sign. Apparently, on the Main Roads website for the NT the road was closed but i didn't check that. There are about 4 roads that ravel east/west across our country...you wouldn't think it would be that hard to mange. Thanks for watching.
Brother, if you don't have to be out there, what the heck are you doing out there?? You're either brave or nuts. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. :-)
I had to avoid travelling thru New South Wales and Victoria. If i travelled thru those States i would've had to self isolate and quarantine for 14 days when i entered Western Australia. Every State here in Oz can move the goal post as it suits them. Going thru the Centre was the only other option. Thanks for watching. PS...It pays to be a little bit crazy!
It’s getting worse, but I’m too far in to turn back. Yep, that’s ADV riding in Australia.
My thoughts exactly.
Tough guy!
G’day, you must have made it to edit and post however watch out for yourself, I don’t want to read that you became a statistic. Great videos, we will meet one day. Cheers
Hi Steve, I pushed the boundaries a little but they were all calculated risks. It’s called adventure riding for a reason. Thanks for watching.
And u end it like that.... Come onnnnnnn! Put ur gear on the front fender and wheelie through it. lol.
I thought about building a dirt ramp, getting a run up, and just sending it. Watch this space!
I'm to far in to turn back now - Robert Falcon Scott
An extract from Wikipedia. "Following the news of his death, Scott became a celebrated hero, a status reflected by memorials erected across the UK. However, in the last decades of the 20th century, questions were raised about his competence and character."
Hopefully I wont die, and hopefully no questions will be raised about my competence and character. They may question my judgement...we'll see. Watch this space!
The best thing to come across while out these ways are a couple of locals who can just guide you through and have a bit of a chat of what’s the best route take
…couldn’t agree more!
Well she did say it was impassable. But like you would've had look.
I needed to know for myself. Actually, the Road to the Border was passable (just) After that i got stuck (different jurisdiction). Thanks for watching.
Well it’s not a boring ride
Hahaha...not so far!
Hey Bro, Jesus was never in there! He does not scare!
Amen to that!
🍻
What could possibly happen next? Perhaps in the next installment you will build a raft out of discarded beer cans?
Close, but no cigar. I use the discarded beer cans to build a ramp, get a long run up and just send it! Watch this space.
The "adventure ride" was dull compared to the trip home! Im going to guess you build a ramp & evil knievel it over that river, lol
It was a thought bubble to do that...but only briefly. After that I just curled up in the foetal position and cried myself to sleep. Next vid out later this week (if all the Stars line up). Thanks for watching.
For a bloke who didn’t want to be a burden…you took a lot of risks.
Yeah, but not risky risks. All my decisions were well thought out and in the end, nobody was inconvenienced or was burdened by my risk taking. Thanks for watching.
@@mongreldogproductions well it’s not an adventure until things go wrong