I've just returned from a tour through the Centre, with eight others on five bikes.

Ayers Rock was busy, this time we did the walk around the Rock (9.4Kms) and found that more interesting than the climb. A desert thunderstorm at dusk was especially spectacular.

Fuel at the Resort was $A1.14¢/l, at Curtin Springs on the way in it was $1.20. The most expensive fuel on the trip was at Wauchope on the Stuart Highway where it was $1.25.

Quite a few bushfires still burning have blackened a lot of the bush.

Although the NT has no speed limit, the Ayers Rock - Erldunda road is now limited and actively policed to 110Kmh. Three of our five bikes were booked in the Outback, one in far western Queensland, - 150kms west of Longreach, at 132kmh, one in SA at 127Kmh, and one in NSW near Cobar at 118Kmh.

Animals are the biggest hazard, especially emus which can appear from anywhere and will run right in to you.

At the tiny desert village of Yunta in SA a large police contingent completely blocked the road and were doing vehicle and licence checks on every vehicle passing through. It reminded me of Mexico. They had been there for several days.

Its an excellent trip, and easy on modern bikes, but there are dangers not obvious to the inexperienced, and help can be a loooong way away. Witness the road section officially widened and designated as a Flying Doctor airstrip in outback SA.

Cheers
Peter