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The interminable lockdowns inflicted upon us by Chairman Dan (no, that is not a term of affection) caused several rides to be delayed or even abandoned. Perhaps let's call that deferred. It also facilitated time to plan other rides. Thus it was that Greg and David conceived a plan to ride to South Australia. This was gestated over time and indeed, birth was given to a document which set out an itinerary of eight days. However, lockdown meant incubation, awaiting a snap release from lockdown or perhaps something of longer duration. That, together with the advent of the dry season, would signal the end of incubation. As seems to be usual at present, accommodation was limited, notwithstanding we would be out of school holidays, and so a couple of weeks back we bit the bullet and paid for the motels here and there along the intended route. My motivation for going is simple. If I don't go, I will never get to see this part of the country. Liz is remarkably supportive and the leave pass was granted without fuss. David caught his wife at the right moment and he was sorted. However, Greg has had a shaky start. We leave on his wife's birthday, We have not enquired too deeply into what he has promised in order to keep to the schedule. Our first day will be laying down miles (and rubber) from Melbourne to Renmark, nearly 700kms on sealed roads. Day two will take us a shade over 400kms via Burra and Omaroo to Hawker. Day 3 is stated to be a rest day, but we will ride to the famous Willow Springs and do the Skytrek trail, which is said to have some rather challenging sections. Day 4 sees us ride 340kms to Arkaroola, passing through outback towns well known to those who love the Outback. Day 5 looks as if we might actually rest; and I'm informed we will welcome it! Day6 is Arkaroola to Melrose, with the final route to be decided. This will be weather dependent as the one route travels through very remote country. Day 7we rest again in Melrose, with a short ride or two in the vicinity an option. Day 8 Melrose to Pinaroo, some 440kms Day 9 nearly 600kms back to Melbourne via the Murray Sunset Country. We are once again talking tyres, as some of the terrain will be littered with sharp stones and we will also traverse Gibber plains. I feel suitably apprehensive and am thinking Mitas? Heidenau? Suggestions? Greg tried for Karoo3's but there is no stock. He is therefore going for Tracionators, despite the weight. David seems to be sticking with his TKC80 front and Anakie Wild rear, which is what I currently have. I think the Wild may be too soft, rubber compound wise. Communications in remote areas is always a priority. David has his EPIRB, Greg has an Inreach. My Inreach seems to be kaputt, (It may just be obsolete, I bought it in 2012) so I have borrowed the BMW Club's satellite phone. Looking good.
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