Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > The HUBB PUB
The HUBB PUB Chat forum - no useful content required!

BUT the basic rules of polite and civil conduct which everyone agreed to when signing up for the HUBB, will still apply, though moderation will be a LITTLE looser than elsewhere on the HUBB.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree6Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 2 Jul 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Esperance, WA
Posts: 252
Off-road is all in the mind. Not sure it can be classified by conventional means. Few examples:
  • Oodnadatta track is a friggin highway - 15m wide, hard unsealed and perfectly safe for 2WD cars with caravans.
  • Parmango road is 4x4 only and not suitable for caravans (according to the Shire), rocky when dry with bull-dust holes and gets so slippery when wet, you can't stand up on it (literally)
  • Lots of beaches are gazetted roads and can be traversed legally as roads.
  • Gun-barrel highway is a convoluted series of corrugates and sandy patches which not suited for anything without decent ground clearance and where you average speed in a 4x4 would be around 30km/h

There are many more examples of official roads that are/will be too hard-core for some people on a big dualie (not to mention with a pillion and luggage) where most people will only feel comfortable on a small trail-bike.

One person's off-road is another person's highway. For me, off-road is unsealed road/track leaning towards no track, single-line track or single car-width.
__________________
Squily
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 2 Jul 2017
Nuff Said's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 258
Quote:
It's unlikely members here or elsewhere will go back to every thread they have pic in and REPOST them using another host. But the problem is 1000 times worse to Site owners.
That will be the case with me? it's called "shit happens"
Unless I spend weeks and weeks going back to many forums I have posted 3rd part links, then I am sorry all my pictures are now gone.
sorry lads.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 2 Jul 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Quote:
Originally Posted by Squily View Post
Off-road is all in the mind. Not sure it can be classified by conventional means. Few examples:
  • Oodnadatta track is a friggin highway - 15m wide, hard unsealed and perfectly safe for 2WD cars with caravans.
Not always.
Weather. If wet the track becomes impassable. And the council closes it to prevent damage .. usually some $1,000 per axle if caught.
Traffic. If lots of road trains use it then it can become cut up.

Skill. One of those Honda 4WDs (CR-V) used the Oodnadatta track - damaged the diff at William Creek - new diff on warranty. Hit a rock at speed. Salesman said it would be fine for the Oodnadatta track when purchased. Damaged diff again at Oodnadatta, another rock ... warranty refused.

Like all these things a lot depends on the driver. Britz hire 4WD came back from attempting the simpson - could not make it. I'm certain a good driver could take the same vehicle over the simpson. So I would never advise an unknown someone to attempt a unsealed road unless I knew the present state of the road and the skill level of the driver. Putting a blanket statement like the above - "2WD with caravan on the Oodnadatta" is asking for trouble.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 2 Jul 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Esperance, WA
Posts: 252
Quote:
Originally Posted by Warin View Post
Not always.
Weather. If wet the track becomes impassable. And the council closes it to prevent damage .. usually some $1,000 per axle if caught.
Traffic. If lots of road trains use it then it can become cut up.

....

Putting a blanket statement like the above - "2WD with caravan on the Oodnadatta" is asking for trouble.
Closing of roads and them becoming impassable in the wet is pretty much true of almost all unsealed roads in Australia (as well as the fines). I was just trying to illustrate a point, not convince people to drive outside their skill levels. Point taken.
__________________
Squily
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 2 Jul 2017
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nuff Said View Post
That will be the case with me? it's called "shit happens"
Unless I spend weeks and weeks going back to many forums I have posted 3rd part links, then I am sorry all my pictures are now gone.
sorry lads.
Yep, your pics will be gone, shame. But the real damage is to the Site ... as missing pics leaves big gaps in continuity of the thread, ruining it to some extent to future readers.
Cut enough pieces off the threads on a site and folks stop going there as none of the threads make any sense. Pics tie stories together, make it real. No idea what could be done to resolve this.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 2 Jul 2017
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by Squily View Post
Closing of roads and them becoming impassable in the wet is pretty much true of almost all unsealed roads in Australia (as well as the fines). I was just trying to illustrate a point, not convince people to drive outside their skill levels. Point taken.
Wet muddy roads will continue to be a major source of frustration for "OFF ROAD" motorcyclist. So many dirt roads are totally doable in the dry, even on a BIG GS or maybe even a Gold Wing.

Add water and everything changes. I even struggled in the mud in Asia on a 125cc Honda. On a bigger bike, would have been stuck for a while!

The locals are remarkably good at navigating through mud, even two up on a 100cc step through ... with flip flops!

Tourists may not have these "mud skills" so can get trapped. I ended up pushing my 125cc two stroke Honda a little ways to get beyond the bogs.
Then spent half hour washing the bike off before giving it back to rental place.

Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Tales from the Saddle klous-1 Ride Tales 88 4 Feb 2016 21:30
Lena River Ice Road eurasiaoverland Northern and Central Asia 3 22 Sep 2015 09:35
Exploring Balkans. Montenegro and Bosnia off-road. Gliga Ride Tales 18 5 Apr 2015 00:53
Crossing Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana to Brazil all_points_south Route Planning 28 9 Dec 2014 20:44
Right Around Africa JoRust Ride Tales 58 7 Dec 2014 15:20

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:32.