Essayer OR - Gratuit

Arnhem Land

Adventure Rider Magazine

April/May 2017

In the north-eastern corner of the Northern Territory is a region of nearly 34,000km with a population of barely 16,000 souls, the overwhelming majority of which are traditional owners living on ‘outstations’ far from European influences. Access isn’t guaranteed, and those who do venture in are confronted with an isolation equalled by very few places in the world. Greg Murdock of Southern Cross Motorbike Tours had an opportunity to ride the area and he didn’t hesitate.

- Greg Murdock

“Hainsey! We got ’em!” “Got what?” queried a bemused Brian Haines. “The permits for Arnhem Land have been approved!” I bellowed in reply.

“Shit hot!” blurted Hainsie. “When are we going?”

The first week of November was the nominated time, and the normal crew – Brad Claydon, Brian Haines, Scott Luff, Gary Claydon and myself – was on board with a couple of extras to run support. November would be getting close to the Northern Territory wet season, so we’d need more than one support vehicle.

That was the start of our first excursion into the ancient region of Arnhem Land. What a ride it turned out to be.

Main: The ride was epic and special thanks go to the traditional owners of the land of the land for allowing access.

Above: Southern Cross Motorbike Tours can take you through Arnhem Land.

Below: Catching a breath at the Phelp River crossing.

Bring it on

The route was to traverse south-east Arnhem Land, entering from Roper Bar and exiting at Gapuwiyak, then riding the Central Arnhem Highway back to Katherine. The bikes for the ride were a KTM990, two F800GS Beemers, a DRZ400 and a 501 Husky, just to cover all bases. It all sounded easy, except over half the ride was to be on a track which was only used every now and then, and that became a boggy mess if it got any rain on it.

Challenge accepted.

Dog’s dinner

Time flies in the Territory and before we knew it we were off.

Cette histoire est tirée de l'édition April/May 2017 de Adventure Rider Magazine.

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