Just a few more observations to help you that I have learnt along the way.

1. One of the most important things
   that you do prior to packing up in the
   morning is to start up your bike and run
   it to operating temperature. This can be
   done whilst you are packing up. Reason
   being is that it is a huge job to strip your
   gear off when your bike won’t start.
   Happened to me once and all it was a loose battery connection. But had to strip all my gear off the bike.
2. It is very handy to have things packed
   in bags and in sequence. You should be
   able to park up late in the dark under a
   tree and set up successfully. Know where
   things are like first item ground sheet,
   next tent, then sleeping gear, blower for
   mattress. From here you can set up the
   kitchen and arrange a meal or snack.
   Don’t forget a good beanie, knitted gloves
   and a scarf for bedtimes. If it’s cold don’t
   get changed, just hit the sack in your
   riding gear. Guaranteed to keep warm.
   Make sure that you do some basic
   stretching exercises before you go to
   bed as you will feel a lot better in the
   morning. Mainly hamstrings, lower back,
   shoulders and arms.
3. Fuel up when you can as you can’t rely
   on the next fuel stop being open. This is
   important. Fill up when you arrive in a
   town if you plan staying for the night.
   First thing in the morning does not work
   as everyone seems to fuel up at this
   time. Another consideration if you are
   in remote areas looking for fuel on a
   Saturday afternoon or Sunday you may
   have to make a phone call to open the
   bowser. Then a $50 minimum amount
   may apply. I once had to wait for someone
   else in a car to turn up to open the
   bowser. Carried a 5lt fuel plastic container
   since then if going to semi remote places.
   Also carry octane booster as my bike runs on 98 octane and some places don’t have it.
4. You are loaded up as if you have a
   pillion passenger so make allowance
   especially with cross winds. Park your bike
   with the wind on your right-hand side to
   avoid your bike being blown over in high
   wind areas. Have seen this happen several
   times. Also be aware of parking up for the
   evening. You find an area where you can
   pull off under a tree and find a sidetrack.
   Go for a walk down the track to check it

out. It may be downhill, sandy and a dead
end. Also, the further you go off the track
you will find more toilet paper. Not a good
place to park up.

5. When you are parking in a multi use
   camping area on the side of the road
   that is crammed full of tourists go for
   the fireplace and table surrounded by
   bollards. Just ride in through the bollards
   and set up. If someone has the fire going
   well that is a bonus. If you get cold just
   find the biggest fire and go for a walk and
   talk with cuppa or cold beer from your
   Esky. Remember that there is still a culture
   around motor cyclists. They will not come
   to you. I have had to introduce myself
   several times in remote areas to the
   travelling fraternity as they will not come
   out of their caravans.
   So that’s about sufficient information
   to get you on the road with a safe load.
   Basic items can be picked up in Big W, K
   Mart etc for around $25 per item i.e. tent,
   sleeping bag, ground, sheet, polar fleece,
   cooking and cutlery items, gas stove. For
   the rest check out Supercheap, Bunnings
   etc, for straps, 12v gear, lights, bike covers,
   first aid kits etc. So, ride safe and keep
   things simple and have fun.