BMW GS Safari Enduro

Is there anything to compare to the feeling of being on a sensational bike in one of the world’s most devastatingly gorgeous adventure destinations and knowing every aspect of the ride has been taken care of? The riding, the catering, bike servicing, accommodation…everything? That’s the BMW GS Safari. Or in this case, the BMW GS Safari Enduro, a five-day romp around Tasmania where the only thing more heartbreaking than the wilderness scenery were the winding roads.

The ride started with the mainlanders boarding the Spirit Of Tasmania for an overnight run across Bass Strait. It’s not easy to explain, but there’s something monumental and overwhelming about being parked on the dock and having that huge lump of floating steel pull up alongside. Riding up the ramp and into the hull is an adventure experience all on its own, and the thrill never fades, no matter how often it’s done.

With 100 or so Beemers and their riders all safely stowed, a peaceful night crossing of the Strait had everyone refreshed and ready to face a long first day.

And that was just as well, because that’s what was on offer.

Psst!

From Devonport the Safari Enduro show made its way west along the north coast. The silvery beaches glittered under overcast skies and every headland revealed a new wonder. Temperatures started off at around 18 degrees and made for comfortable riding, and after the first 30km or so of tar it was time to flex a little muscle and slither along the four-wheel drive ruts past Penguin motocross track and into the forest. Veering south through towns like Edith Creek and down the Western Explorer past the Arthur Pieman Conservation area led, inevitably, to the Fat Man barge at Corinna, where many coffees were drunk and a few stories were already being told. The day had become sunny and warm and things were looking very nice indeed. Adventure

Rider Magazine’s R1200GS Rallye X had suffered a tiny split on the front tyre and Miles Davis found bike and rider parked by a stream and wondering what to do with themselves. He located the problem and plugged the split, but the tyre was still slowly deflating. A generous fellow rider awaiting the Corinna ferry donated the use of his Rocky Creek Designs compressor and the bike was off and running again, albeit with a slowly softening front Conti.