THE BEGINNING/ THE DREAM

It has been Kim's dream to ride a motorcycle around Australia for the adventure, enjoyment and accomplishment. She purchased and fitted out a Triumph Speedmaster 900cc cruising style of motorcycle and has become very competent riding it having already ridden around Tasmania.

I on the other hand recall too well the drudgery of living out of panniers and small tents that need setting up every day and suggested that I drive a camper vehicle as support rather than ride along with her. The rig we are using is a 4 x 4 Rodeo RA 2008 flat tray with the curent model common rail diesel for extra power. On the back of the flat tray we have an aluminium slide on camper built by Star Campers from Port Sorell. These slide-on campers have an excellent reputation and include a shower, porta potti, hot and cold powered water and (most importantly) plenty of room for a L shaped sitting area and swinging table that can sit 6 people. The bed is over the cab roof of the Rodeo, is very roomy and doesn't need making up each day. The unit is a modern pop top design that retains all the windows and gives you the option of popping the roof or not, depending on whether you are stopping for a break or setting up for the night. A custom built trailer with a frame will be towed behind adding to the storage areas and giving Kim the option of securing the motor bike on the trailer if circumstances warrant it.

After an extensive period of fitting out additional batteries, upgrading the suspension (extra spring and air bags suspension), inverters and additional 12 volt power points - the list goes on forever - we are finally ready to leave. I have opted to add a reversing camera for reversing safety and to ensure the trailer is still hitched as it and the camper ride so well that it is hard to believe they are connected. I was originally taking my Kawasaki KLR 650 as an auxillary vehicle and for dirt riding but I ended up selling it to a Victorian man and will be deliverying it at the beginning of the trip.

The big day is drawing soon, I will be leaving on the Spirit of Tasmania on the 1st February 2009 and will be meeting Kim at Melbourne airport the following day.

We are both excited and would like to share some of the experience with other like minded people and dreamers like ourselves - its great when a dream becomes a reality. So we will keep the site updated where wireless coverage is available and hope it entertains some viewers and serves as a record for our trip. Enough from me, I'm sure Kim has something to say and is bugging me to give her a go on the laptop.