Post ATB stats and wrap

Today was spent sorting out:

• breakdown insurance paperwork
• getting rego paperwork together to transfer from WA to NSW
• doing the finances of the ride.

So, how far did I travel?

• Sydney to Balladonia via the big ticket attractions was 16187kms. This was on the black 2007 Suzuki M50.
• Tow truck rides (courtesy of Steve), 470kms
• Esperance to Sydney on the 2012 Suzuki M109R, 4265kms
• Total on bikes 20452kms
• Roger did just over 20,000kms as he didn't have to do the Esperance to Balladonia rerun.

How much did the ride cost? (ex bike replacement)

• I paid for nearly everything on plastic so it was easy to track (only had one roadhouse knock back tap&go on the mobile phone!)
• We did run a kitty that looked after common expenses like accommodation.
• The costings are rounded to nearest $10
• Petrol $2,160
• Food $1,890
• Accom $810
• Other $150
• Tyres and Service $800
• Total $5,750
• $100 per day

We ate well each night and enjoyed the local pubs around the block. It was never going to be a paupers trip and we came in on my initial costings. So I'm happy on that cost front.

You could do this trip easily for half this amount if you free camped and cooked.

The right equipment?

• I would choose a bike with a bigger fuel tank next time, however the bike was comfortable for the trip (except for the Qld roads)
• Never used the table or the chair.
• Used the Sat phone once.
• My normal mobile provider is Optus. I bought a Telstra sim for the spare phone I carried and that was a smart move. If you want to keep in contact on a daily basis with loved ones, Telstra  is your only option.
• CB was not used, however as with the Sat phone, it's for emergencies. So OK.
• Rog used the puncture repair kit in Kakadu and I used mine the evening prior to departure! (Have 10 CO2 canisters, normal repair will take 5, you need extra)
• The Sena intercom made hazard warnings and town riding sooooo much easier. We didn't spend the day prattling; conversation was as needed.
• I took too many clothes! And forgot thermals and beanie.

Overall feeling

• Loved it!
• Met some great people!
• It's an amazing country that everyone should get out and see some of on a motorcycle while they can.
• Do it with a friend (preferably on a separate bike).
• I will do it again, as a cager with my wife and catch many of the things we rode by on this trip.
• As you're reading this blog I hope that it was entertaining and gave you ideas of places to visit and the urge to Just Do It!
• If you do it, please share it on the various Facebook groups that I've shared (especially Motorcycle Camping Australia).
• Thanks all who followed and commented along the way. It was great to be able to share it with you.

No photos today, so I thought I'd share a few I liked from the last 57 days.

So until the next ride.......

Ride Hard, Live Long \\ //

PS. Yes, I had to go for a run to the shops today, just can't go cold turkey.