For your information....
As far as I know, the first to
traverse the Canning on bikes were Fred and Andreas Powell on R80 PD's in 1980. Since then
the bikes have varied including an MZ ETZ 250 around ten years ago.
For a bit of useless information, a number of other roads were surveyed in the 1950's
through central Australia including the Gunbarrel Highway by
a man named Len Beadall. Some of these routes are very remote and haven't been used much
since the they were first graded.
Much of the original Gunbarrell is no longer used.
There is another old stock route in the north of Western Australia which is now known as
the Gibb River Road,distance of approx. 600km.
Ross Ashton - Port Hedland W.A.
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Folks,
I live in Alice Springs, NT Australia and
have travel led the
CSR by both Motorbike and Car quite a few times. Its a great trip and
I'm sure you'll enjoy it a lot. Make sure you bring some warm clothing
as the night time temperatures will be around 0 degrees.
There are at least two excellent books on
the canning. One by
Australian Geographic with some excellent pictures but provides little
in the way of practical advise. The most informative and practical book
is the Canning Stock Route Traveller's Guide by Eric Gard.
As for maps there are a few options. The
map with that comes
with the Australian Geographic CSR book is good, the Automobile
Association of Western Australia produce an excellent strip map and then
there are the World Aeronautical Maps (WAC Charts) at a scale of
1:1,000,000 and the Natmaps from AUSLIG which are down to 1:250,000.
Geoff Kingsmill - Alice Springs NT.
What we're looking for at the
moment is an actual update on the
water quality of the wells (we are some what limited in what the
4-wheel can carry along) - CSR group
Its amazing how little water you need when you conserve it. We have
always had a least one vehicle along with the motorbikes and have no
problems with water. You'll find that its your Fuel consumption
that you'll be most concerned about, not water.
Fill up as much fresh water as you can in Wiluna. Then top up your
empty containers at well 9 and Durba Hills. At the Talawana junction
there is a bore with a hand pump which provides excellent drinking
water. This track takes you to Newman and is just before your fuel
dump at Well 23.
Good water is also available at Mujingerra Well if you don't mind
sliding down a cave into an Underground Stream. There is then good
water at Well 33 and a Public Telephone, but remember to buy a
phone card in Wiluna or have an International Calling card as coins
are not accepted.
The next good water is a Bungabinni Native Well, Well 41, Well 46
Well 49 and Bililuna Aboriginal Community.
There has been a couple of further Wells restored since I was last
in the area. Water should not be a real problem. Remember to use
drinking water wisely. Water to wash yourself and your dishes
should not be a problem. Conserve the best water for drinking.
Normally we would get our drinking water from Wiluna and the bore
near Well 22 and use the other water sources for washing.
And what we're also interested in is what kind of special things
do
you have to take along in a first aid kit (besides the standard
equipment ). CSR-group
We've never really carry anythink special at all. There are a number
of airstrips along the Canning and so in an emergency the Royal Flying
Doctor can land and pick up anyone who is seriously injured.
Remember that the CSR is very remote. The main danger is from clouning
around on motorbikes. If you ride sensibly (easier said than done)
then you shouldn't have any problems.
Any info on food management is also very handy. CSR-group
We have always had a fridge so we can have cold drinks and to freeze
meat, cheese etc. Meat keeps much longer if you buy it vacuum packed
which is available from many butchers. When vacuum packed the meat
does not need to be frozen and will last many months when kept in a
fridge. Don't worry if the meat looks off color -its normal.
Long life Pita Bread and UHT milk is also very good and readily
available in supermarkets.
Even though you've arranged a fuel drop at well 23 I would consider
riding from Wiluna to Well 22 and then go into Newman (430km).
This would take less than a day. This is an interesting side trip and
allows you to get more fresh food, have a long earned shower and
complete any necessary repairs. Then its a quick run back to the
canning to continue along the CSR to Bililuna where you can usually
buy fuel and then onto Halls Creek.
The bikes will be much quicker that the vehicle allowing you to do
a number of side trips and visit some of the more remote wells.
Carry as much fuel as you can..
Cheers,
Geoff..
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