Veteran Manawatu off-road rider Gordy Brooker was keen to tell the tale of his recent adventures in Australia and, although it was almost a novel that he sent us, it was well worth reading.

We could not resist sharing his tale …

“My first stage of my bucket list adventure which is to go around Australia on an adventure bike. My Kiwi mate Nick Budden found a 2005 Transalp for me with 70,000km on the clock. Perfect for what I needed. I’ve competed in lots of cross country races and Enduros but this is my first experience of outback adventure riding. Although I did do off road riding at Cape York in 2007 and 2009 with Cape York Adventures.

“First of all I needed to make sure I had everything I needed for entering the outback. Under the seat I had; chain oil, tool kit, tyre levers,  pump, soft wire, tubes, tyre panders, duct tape, Honda book, chain lube, tie downs, first aid kit and In top box I had matches, knife, toilet paper, USB charger, towel, tent & mattress, sleeping bag, Reading glasses, fuel bladder 10Lt, tyre gauge and very few clothes.

“Nick and I left McKay in Queensland for 10 days riding. Our first destination was Emerald where we met up with another Kiwi mate, Steve Sparrow who had been living in Emerald for the past 6  years. Looking forward to spotting my first Kangaroos on the road with none so far but Nick said I’ll see hundreds soon enough. Trying to stay on all dirt roads and camp every night was the main objective and I couldn’t wait. I hadn’t been camping since Cape York so Nick and Steve’s tips and precautions were much appreciated. Little things like checking your swag and panniers every time going over a grid (cattle stop) or some sort of landmark so if something fell off you would know roughly were it was, also what to carry on the bike in case of emergency etc.

“From Emerald we headed towards Blackall then Longreach via dirt roads to the Stockmans Hall of Fame. What an amazing place this was with so much history. And yes, by the time we got to Longreach I was over the Kangaroos as there was a dead one by each marker peg and hundreds in the shade of the trees at midday. Someone did run out of petrol before Longreach (Nick) but we carried a 10 litre fuel bladder that is a must for these long rides.

“From Longreach we headed towards Aramac and a place called Lara which was 55,000 acres and had 2 bobby calves on it as it hadn’t rained here for 8 years. The lady turned a wetland area into a camping ground and at $10 per head. I recommend everyone to take a look at this place. Water coming out of the ground at 36 degrees. After a good night’s rest, spa and a bit of kayaking we were off for another adventure.

“Make sure you are well equipped with tools, tubes first Aid kit and plenty of water.

“This time we headed over the Great Dividing Range towards Clermont via Eastmere and Springvale where Nick turned off to head back to Mckay and Steve and I carried on back to Emerald.

“Next morning I was on my own for the first time and looking forward to it. Off towards Blackwater, Theodore via more dirt roads to Eidsvolod. Now it is pouring down with rain and I’m soaked and decided to get a motel room in Kingaroy where I can dry out some clothes. From here I headed towards Brisbane staying on the bitumen for a day. Finished the last day of this trip driving along the Sunshine Coast and through Brisbane City. I’d rather dodge Kangaroos than city traffic any day. Parked my bike at another mates place at Samford, Brisbane. Awesome 10 days’ riding.”

We’ll bring you part two of Gordy Brooker’s cross-country tour next week.

The photo above was taken at the recent Acerbis Four-Hour race near Taupo, where Gordy teamed up with his son Scott to finish 59th overall and fourth overall in the fathers-and-son class.

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

Find BikesportNZ.com on FACEBOOK here