Cold war warriors

Adventure Rider Issue #37

• Fit Out
• Checkout
• Yearn to learn with Karen Ramsay
• Aged care with Andy Strapz
• BMW GS Safari Enduro with Miles Davis
• Best Job In The World
• PLB rescue
• Opals in the rough
• Steering-head bearings
• Don’t mention the war
• Saddle time
• The Canning Stock Route
• Broken Hill to Innamincka
• Red Centre Adventure Rallye
• High-country ride
• The Savannah Way
• KTM Enduro 690 R
• Cold war warriors
• It’s what we do

In issue #36 Miles Davis gave an excellent rundown on dealing with riding in low temperatures. Although the worst of winter is over as you read this, we thought to back up all the theory we’d nominate a destination, get some trustworthy people to ride in, then strip them down to see what’s what in the real world.

At the time the ride was proposed temperatures were still balmy, but it was a fair bet the NSW ski fields would be cold in the middle of winter so there was no room for chickenhearts. Only riders who could be trusted to look after themselves could be considered.

A crystal-clear day, but still chilly enough to cause alarming shriveling and shrinkage.

Roll call

Not everyone invited was available of course, but those who did ride into Jindabyne at the base of the NSW ski fields that midwinter after-noon were steely-eyed hombres, ready for a challenge.