Things that I'm up to

Whats happened since???

2009-05-26T21:50:00.002+10:00

Well, its been just over a month now and with time to reflect Id have to say that the trip was a great experience and has provided to us far more in return in terms of experience than we ever put in.

Suncorp were fantastic. They donated an additional $5,000 taking our total up to about $11,500 for the Cancer Care Center at St George Hospital. Through various media we also managed to get the story in front of over 150,000 people.

We are thinking about our next venture but in the meantime have developed a short video of the trip. For those interested, please call me on 0409 620 419.

Thank you again to everyone for all your support.

HOME

2009-04-22T07:24:00.007+10:00

Another long ride (560km) and to top it off, we even got rain from Lithgow all the way home.

At Dubbo we bumped into a petrol tanker driver (Paul) who we'd also met at Bourke on the way to Tibooburra. At Bourke he mentioned that his dad had died the week earlier of prostate cancer so to bump into him again at Dubbo was weird. A quick chat and some encouragement from the petrol station owner to ‘keep going’ got us back on the bikes again to Mudgee for lunch.

From here it was an interesting ride home, mostly because we had some corners.

Home at 6.00 pm. It was good to see family. Everyone had missed everyone!

Now I can say that with everyone back safely, donations well exceeding our target, with the message about prostate cancer placed in front of over 100,000 people and the 3 of us having had a fantastic experience of the outback that we have well and truly achieved out goals.

We rode just over 3800 km of which about 1800 was on dirt. We slept out either on the side of the road or at a creek beds for 6 nights. We saw billions of stars, lots of emus, kangaroos, lizards and goats. We met some funny people (the publican at Corner store who told us he was the topless dancer but only after coming out of the chiller room for that extra effect – Rob, who fixed our trailer at Tibooburra who told us that to avoid punctures, he keeps all his tyre pressures at 40psi – even the wheelbarrow – the two Italian blokes we met somewhere just before the Strzelecki Track who told us they caught fish at Coopers Creek in their esky.

Importantly, we did what we said we’d do.

From here, we’ll post more blogs summing up things and including a few more photos so please keep re-visiting and send any comments – we really appreciate them. Soon, we’ll compile all the vision & photos into a DVD which we’ll sent to all the people who have donated as a way of saying thanks.

The trip was made easier because of help from

- GIO

- Twynam Agricultural Group

- VA.Hire.com.au

- BMW Adelaide

- Nigel Morrell Motorcycles

- Bills Motorcycles

- Panavision

- The Prostate Cancer Institute (Thanks Phill)

- Cross Road Tyres (Bourke)

and of course the over 70 people who donated to help us get to our current balance

This was all done for a few simple reasons
1) If your over 50 talk to your GP about prostate cancer at your annual check up
2) If you have a history of cancer in the family - do it earlier
3) Research will develop solutions to solve prostate cancer. Your donations go to support the fantastic work at the Prostate Cancer Institute and the Cancer Care Centre at St George Hospital

Thanks

DAY 10 Broken Hill to Nyngan

2009-04-20T18:17:00.009+10:00

It was nice to sleep in a motel room but I think we all would have prefered a fire and the stars.

Up and out early for a long straight ride to Nyngan. I think there were two curves to navigate in the 550km.

We croissed the Darling River (which looked about as sad as Wilcannia) and the Bowen River (which looked a bit more healthy).

Here are some random photos.

DAY #9 - Fence to Broken Hill

2009-04-19T18:54:00.005+10:00

150 km of dirt road with lots of roos and emus so we needed to keep the speeds down.

At Yunta we found bitumen. Both Greg and I spoke about turning around and doing it all again but Chook had gone through both his iPods music so it was time to head east.

We did a quick diversion to Silverton to see the pub where they filmed Mad Max (and many other movies).

Given we've been out of contact for 3 days, we all rang home to cacth up with the news.

Staying in a motel room tonight which is luxury.

(Remember to look back at old posts - we have inlcuded some new photos and video clips)

DAY #8 - Terrapinna Springs to Vermon Proof Fence

2009-04-19T18:41:00.003+10:00

We needed to focus on fuel at Arkaroola otherwise we'd be in trouble.

On the way, we stopped at Balcanoona which is the headquarters of the National Parks for the Gamman Ranges. Here we met Corrections Officers who were supervising a group of prisoners who were working in the parks as part of their release program. A nice cup of tea and we made our way to Arkaroola. which was very dry. The rocks here looked exactly the same as the last time I was here.

After about 350 km riding we found a spot on the side of the road, made a big fire and watched shooting stars.

Tomorrow Broken Hill for a shower

DAY #7 - Innamincka to somewhere near Mount Hopeless

2009-04-19T18:14:00.009+10:00

Greg cooked a fantastic stew for dinner. I'm pleased to say that I had the foresight to go away with two mates who are both great cooks. Of course, I'm good at dishes and light entertainment so together it all seems to work.

We fuelled up the jerry cans with 60 litres of fuel which, together with the bike tanks gives a range of about 650 km . We'd need every bit of this to cover us safely to the next fuel at Arkaroola. The roads are wide and safe so we sat on about 90km till we got to the Moomba gas plant and took some photo's.

Another long ride to Montacollena Bore which is an artisan bore in the middle of nothing. (The flies helped us eat lunch). Here, Greg's Dad decided he'd make his way slowly back to Adelaide before we peeled off onto more remote roads taking us through the southern part of the Strezlecki Desert and the very dry Lake Frome. The photo shows how arid it is.

We find that at about 4.30pm we've all had enough so we find a spot on the side of the track, get the camp chairs out and have a quick beer before erecting the tent. We slept in a creek bed near Terrapinia Springs which is about 60klm off the Strezlecki Track. (if you double click on the photo below you'll see the camping spot)

Chook cooked up a storm with a risotto.

We smell; we're dusty, and exhausted as we watched the sun go down.

Geez - we miss work!

(Remember to keep giving us comments - its good to know someone is watching!)

DAY #6 - Innamincka

2009-04-16T17:14:00.007+10:00

Today we decided to stay here and go fishing.

We took the basket from the Engle fridge and a colander to the weir and scooped up yellow belly fish. How Amazing!!!!!!

We also went for a long drift (about 2 km) down Coopers Creek. The bird life was incredible. Imagine, this creek only floods once a year from rains in northern QLD and all the water goes to Lake Eyre and we were here for it.

DAY #5 Corner Store to Innamincka

2009-04-16T16:52:00.012+10:00

Up early and off after riding our bikes again around the 3 States.

The track across to Merty Merty was much better than thought. In fact for much of the time we sat on 60 to 70 klm. Out in the middle of nothing we came across this double decker bus!

We turned right and took the old Strezlecki road to Innaminca. It was a dusty long and very hot ride but we got to camp at about 3pm and quickly set up camp. We then jumped in the car and had a look at the Dig Tree where Bourke (from Bourke abd Will) found a tree with supplies burried under it (not that it did him much good cause he died shortly after).

Everyone was stuffed so, after a dinner at the pub we were in bed by 9pm

Day #4 Tiboorburra to Corner Store

2009-04-16T16:32:00.006+10:00

Back again - Trailer stayed together along the rough roads (Phew!)

Fantastic afternoons riding. More dust, mud, sand and corrugations but with Gregs Dad (Fred) calling out the road conditions from the lead on his CB (Fred is with us till we get to Broken Hill) we at least had warning of the road infront.

We arrived at the Corner Store at about 4pm and found 2 other bike riders at the only building within 100 km (a pub). The publican showed us the sign stating that there was topless dancing the next night but seeing this was a permanent sign I think its the same message every day!

Set up camp and watched the sun go down. Later at the pub, we met a group who all had friends with prostate cancer. One guy, like me, had his prostate removed 18 months ago.

We went to the poll that defines the joining of Qld. NSW and SA. Image new years eve here with 3 different time zones!.

Tomorrow to Innaminca where we can catch fish and have a swim in the Coopers Creek.

DAY #3 Bourke to Somewhere near Tibooburra

2009-04-14T12:33:00.006+10:00

Dead kangaroos stink!

We left Bourke after Tracy and Aaron changed our road tyres for knobby dirt ones. Despite urging, they refused to take any money for their time so if your ever in Bourke please see Cross Road Tyres. (see Photo)

It was raining all the way to the start of the dirt and the first 200 meters was deep sand. Both Greg and I thought that our 380km to Tiboorburra was going to be challenging (especially after all the locals told us that there was heaps of mud, clay and water). As it turned out, the road was fantastic. Lots a bulldust, sand, gibber road and some clay. All three of us had a ball till I noticed that the trailer seemed to be low on one side. On inspection we noticed that a suspension bolt had snapped so some bush mechanic repairs got us going again.

Not long after Greg's bike stopped. A loose battery cable from all the corrugations. Again, quickly fixed and on the road with more dust and sand.

We camped at the side of the road under millions of stars. (see photo)

We arrived at Tibooburra at about 10.30am and quickly found a mechanic to fix the trailer. Hopefully that will be the last of the trailer problems.

Lunch, fuel and quick refresh and we're now off to Corner Store.

No more wireless Internet access for next 3 days so we'll be back on air soon.

Hard to imagine having more fun than this!!!

DAY #2 - DUBBO to BOURKE

2009-04-12T17:54:00.012+10:00

The Macquarie Inn were great hosts and we thank them for their generosity. Hopefully the photo taken for the local paper makes for a good story.
Nothing like a big breakfast to forget about Marc's snoring! We packed up and headed for Nyngan. Long straight roads with a little rain to break up the concentration. Then, more long straight roads (about 220km) to Bourke.
Tomorrow we make our way to Tibooburra. With all the rain it will be interesting to see the condition of the road. We rang the Wanaaring Police who reckon the road is OK !!!
If it gets too tough we'll just camp out overnight.

DAY 1 - DUBBO

2009-04-11T17:42:00.002+10:00

It was fantastic to see a small crowd at Dee Why beach this mroning to see us off. Thanks to everyone who made the effort. (See photo!)

After that, we snuck home to pick up a forgotten bag (Ross....) then weaved our way through the Easter traffic to Richmond for a coffee before our next stop at Lithgow for lunch. We tried to arrange a new off-road tyre to replace the wrong one which was sent to us - but - with holidays no luck. Anyway, a quick call to Bourke and the tyre dealer there has a good second hand one for us (ripper!)

Greg said it would be nice to ride in rain for a while (he's from S Australia) and the Gods heard him1 It then rained from Lithgow all the way to Dubbo - about 200km. Anyway, Mark complained that he had to turn the air conditioning in the car down and Greg and I dealt with wet feet and wet backsides.

We are here in Dubbo safely after a fantastic day. Bring it on for tomorrow!

Ready to go!!! (Dee Why to Dubbo)

2009-04-10T14:40:00.005+10:00

Nearly there (well, the car and bikes have been stickered up anyway) and we have 100 litres of water; 280 litres of petrol and heaps of food loaded

We leave tomorrow (Sat 11 April) from the car park behind the Dee Why Surf Club at 8.00am. Everyone is welcome.

Ride around the world to promote mens health !!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-22T21:35:00.001+11:00

These guys are serious! A year to ride around the world

"RideRightRound is a unique global community based project, using the challenges of adventure travel to create a reason to talk about men's health. We are working with local men’s health groups and organisations across the world to raise awareness amongst all men and their families".

Have a look http://www.riderightround.org/

Join us when we leave

2009-03-20T09:10:00.002+11:00

Well, its getting close!

We'd love to see a small gathering of people to see us off from Dee Why beach.

The plan is to leave at 8.00am on Saturday 11th of April from the car park behind the Dee Why Surf Club.

Everyone is welcome. Make it a morning to have breakfast at one of the cafe's on the beach.

PART 1 - An interview with the researcher - Dr Raymond Clarke

2009-02-05T22:42:00.002+11:00

Dr Clarke has a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. He is currently Principal Scientific Officer, Adjunct Senior Lecturer and Director of the Human Cancer Genetics Research Group at the Cancer Care Centre.The focus of Dr Clarke's research is the identification of accurate bio markers (or objective measures) for prostate cancer. Success of his research could ultimately mean that men with prostate cancer would have the earliest opportunity for detection and management of this disease.All money donated for the ride will be directed towards this research work.

PART 2 - Continuation of the interview with Dr Raymond Clarke

2009-02-05T21:53:00.004+11:00

MARC - Ambulance Driver!

2009-02-04T19:38:00.005+11:00

Marc will be driving the support vehicle which will carry all the spares, food, water, the camper trailer with tents and importantly the first aid kit!

Beyond this, he'll be taking the photos and films for upload to the blog.

PLANNING

2009-01-29T21:19:00.002+11:00

So the planning is now well underway (10 weeks to go!!)

We have a long list of things to take
Next week we will be interviewing Dr Clarke to get some film of him explaining the nature of his research – should be good for the blog
The donations are slowly increasing (http://www.everydayhero.com.au/prostate)
Mike and Greg are deciding which brand of off-road tyres to buy (Chinese of American???)
We have a mate developing some logo designs for tee shirts (watch this space!!)
The Manly Daily have indicated interest in a story and photo
Marc is thinking through the logistics of making a film of the ride. Regardless, we expect some great footage to post on the blog during the ride
The bikes are all getting serviced; crash bars installed and spares bought

Bring it on!!!!!

GREG

2009-01-25T20:19:00.004+11:00

Greg getting ready!

ROSS!

2009-01-20T20:29:00.007+11:00

This is me hanging on to the seat of my Honda Transalp.

MIKE!

2009-01-20T20:27:00.005+11:00

And, here is Mike leaning on his 1200

A WEEKEND PRACTICE RIDE

2009-01-12T21:25:00.003+11:00

Mike and Ross head off for a weekend practice ride.

PADDLE FROM BYRON TO BONDI

2009-01-02T19:38:00.008+11:00

Here's some guys doing it all under their own power to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. A 20-day, 740km paddle from Bondi to Byron Bay.

(Easier on a bike!)

You can read about thier progress on :

http://www.b2b4prostate.blogspot.com.au/

DONATIONS START TO INCREASE

2009-01-02T19:02:00.009+11:00

Thanks to all those who have donated. Our aim is to raise $5,000 for the research work being undertaken via the Prostate Cancer Institute.

Dr. Raymond Clarke from the Institute is keen to continue working on the following research work.

'PCA3 is the best biomarker for prostate cancer and we have recently
just redefined the PCA3 gene which has important implications for
improving detection of prostate cancer - the new gene elements are not expressed
in any other tissue of the body, not in normal prostate and not in benign
prostate hypoplasia -
only in prostate cancer and metastases - In collaboration with Dr Frank Gardiner
in Queensland (who pioneered the use of urines and prostatic fluid research for Prostate Cancer
detection) we hope to bring this research to the clinic to improve prostate
cancer detection, early intervention and treatment'.

Money raised will go to support this research - Worth a long ride we reckon!

You can donate at:
http://www.everydayhero.com.au/prostate

WHERE THE HECK ARE YOU GOING??

2008-12-22T14:25:00.002+11:00

Attached is a plan showing the intended route plan.

ANOTHER PRACTICE RIDE

2008-12-21T12:38:00.005+11:00

Here is a photos of us "in practice" for the event.

Along for the ride will be Mike riding a BMW 1200; Greg who will be on a BMW Dakar 650 and Ross, the odd one out on a Honda 650 Transalp.