© Postie Bike Challenge

Frequently asked questions

 

Where are you going in 2012?

We have previously had routes through Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory. Western Australia has been of significant interest to us as a destination because of its remote nature. This is especially the case once you head east of Perth and pass through central Western Australia. The 2012 event poses significant logistical challenges as a result of the remoteness of our route. Nonetheless, the event organiser considers the spectacular country and changing landscapes well worth the logistical challenges.  This trip won’t be repeated for another 4 years so don’t miss out!

 

 


What type of people take part?

We quite literally get people from all walks of life - aged 19-82 years old, a mix of male and female, working or retired, from all manner of professions and backgrounds. What they seem to have in common is an adventurous streak, an ability to tolerate uncertainty, a sense of humour, an interest in doing something for the challenge of it and to be involved in a good cause. Many deep friendships are formed and whether you join the Postie Bike Challenge on your own or with a group of friends, you will find it very easy to fit in and mix with the other Challengers.

 

 

 

What happens on Day 1?
The first day of the event is an administration day. On that day there will be some briefings from the event leader and mechanics. There is also an opportunity to familiarise yourself with your motorcycle. On this administration day you will be expected to have the contents of the crate (already attached to the rear of your bike by us) fully organised and ready for departure the following morning.

 

 

 

When can I access my motorcycle?
You get first access to your bike on day 1 (administration day) prior to departure on day 2. You can test ride the bike and do any minor adjustments to the bike on day 1. The bike will remain at the departure point prior to the departure day (day 2).

 

 

 

Can I modify the bike?
All bikes are prepared by Honda to meet road worthy and registration requirements. We leave the bikes unmodified and with the same gearing as that used by Australia Post. We do not encourage any modifications to the engine or gearing - quite frankly this removes part of the challenge of the event. Other modifications that riders have made include fitting GPS, novelty horns, and highway/forward foot pegs.

 

 

 

 

Can I make a tax deduction?
The Postie Bike Challenge is not a registered charity but rather a social enterprise which focuses on providing an adventure motorcycle event and, where possible, attempts to support community groups through either direct donations or by payment for services.The community groups that we support are not typically registered charities, nor is Rotary, who we will be donating the motorcycles to at the end of the 2012 event. On payment of your entry fee, you will be sent a receipt of payment to the value of the motorcycle and upon donation of the motorcycle to Rotary you will receive a certificate of appreciation recognising the donation. Whether or not part or all of the event fees are deductible is a matter for you to discuss with your tax adviser.

 

 

 

What happens to the motorcycles after the event?
We will donate all motorcycles, on your behalf, to our chosen benefactor. You will get the recognition for this donation, not us.

 

 

 

How do I get to the start point in Perth and home from Broome?
There are several airlines that fly into Perth and our of Broome. The earlier you make your bookings, the better the rate you will get.

 

 

 

How much will it cost?
The total registration fee to participate is $5500 AUD. We require a non-refundable deposit of $200 with a completed entry form. See terms and conditions for payment schedule. Entries received during or after 1 Aug 2012 must be accompanied by the full entry fee. Please read the terms and conditions for cancellation costs. Where possible and practical we will try to minimise cancellation costs but there are certain financial commitments that must be made by the organisers on your behalf prior to the event start which are not recoverable.

 

 

 

What is provided?

 

 

 

What is not provided?

 

 

 

What sort of camping gear will fit into the supplied 80L duffle bag?

 

Tent

The best size tent would be a 2-man dome tent. This provides enough space inside for your sleeping gear and allows you to keep your duffle bag inside and out of the weather. You don’t need an expensive, lightweight hiking tent. You can find a suitable bottom of the range tent on sale at many of the large camping equipment stores and I have seen them sometimes cheaper at large retail stores.

 

Mattress

Keeping size down is the most important consideration with mattresses. While the self-inflating mattresses can be good, they are usually very bulky due to the foam-cell insulation inside. We recommend the inflatable type mattresses because they can be fully deflated and take only a small amount of space. My personal preference is the rubberised canvas mattresses with inbuilt pillow, but you can also get PVC mattresses.

 

Sleeping bag

Temperatures at night may get down to below 10 degrees celsius. If you are a warm sleeper I would suggest a +5 degree bag. If you tend to get cold at night I would suggest a zero degree bag. Once again, you don’t need a top the top of the range bag and many of the camping outlets and retail stores have regular sales.

 

Pump

We will provide some hand pumps for communal use.

 

 

 

How much spending money will I need?
There is sufficient opportunity to get money along the route from automatic teller machines, so there is not a requirement to carry large amounts of money. Remember all your meals and fuel are included in the entry fee.

 

 

 

What should I expect with regards to the accommodation?
We generally camp in showgrounds, rodeo grounds, or near outback hotels. In all instances there will be shower and toilet facilities, though the number of each may be limited. Some of the places we stay are quite remote so think basic and then nothing will shock you. On arriving at the evening's destination it will be your responsibility to collect your bag from the luggage truck and set up your tent.

 

 

 

 

What clothing should I wear?
We must make it clear that protective clothing must be worn at all times when on the motorbike. This means a helmet, gloves, long protective trousers and a suitable jacket. While you may be willing to take a risk and not wear protective equipment, remember that should you injure yourself, you will be tying up one of our crew with your first aid, and possibly the local emergency services that will be called as required. Though it may get hot at times, the protective clothing could be the difference between you getting up and dusting yourself off after a fall and the end of the event due to a preventable injury. We also stress that standard denim jeans provide almost no protective measure against a fall from you bike and would suggest you wear reinforced (eg Kevlar) jeans as a minimum. In the evening you can wear whatever you like.

 

 

 

What will the weather be like?
TBA

 

 

 

Do I need insurance?

Participants MUST be covered by suitable travel insurance. You are not insuring the motorcycle itself. You need regular travel insurance covering medical needs. Travel insurance also covers lost and damaged personal items, missed flights, cancellations of travel etc. Details of this insurance must be sent to us before departure. You may also want to consider some form of protective/personal injury insurance should an injury prevent you from returning to your employment after the event.

 

 

 

How can I fund raise?
Personal sponsorship arrangements are a contract between you and your sponsor. It is your responsibility to ensure that your sponsor is aware of where their money is going (bikes and funds) and what you are able to deliver in return. There are a million and one ways to raise sponsorship, here are a few ideas: Sponsored events, parachute jump, pub crawl, jazz night, fancy dress. Local radio and press. Local sports centre / Rugby / Football / Golf club. Family and friends. Work colleagues. Fundraising is always easier if you involve people close to you; ask them for ideas and help.

 

 

 

What happens when we arrive at our destination?
On arrival at the destination Rotary representatives will greet us. Hotel accommodation is twin share. It is up to participants to decide who they share with (past experience has shown that room allocation does not work). Or, you can pay that little extra and have a room to yourself - perhaps your partner/wife/relative will be joining you for the final celebration dinner.

 

 

 

Can friends and family join me at the hotel and for the final celebration dinner?
Yes. Having friends and family at the final dinner adds to the atmosphere. See the entry form for details of getting the room to yourself and the small charges for additional dinners.

 

 

 

What do we do when we arrive at each of our overnight stops?
There is a simple end of day routine for you to complete prior to relaxing. On arrival you need to sign in so we can ensure all riders arrive at the destination - do this before you do anything else. Refuel and check the oil levels on your bike and report any maintenance issues to the mechanics. Collect you duffle bag and set up your tent. This routine takes very little time and once complete the rest of the day is yours to rest or sightsee. USE YOUR IMAGINATION! Once you have settled into the accommodation and had something to eat and drink, you will have the chance to catch up with the others on the trip, share the trials and tribulations of your day, compare bruises over a beer in front of a huge camp fire.

 

 

 

Do I need a motorcycle licence?
Yes. You must hold a current motorcycle license at the time of the event which allows you to ride a 110cc motorcycle independently. Due to the stipulations of our insurers, riders will not be able to participate in the challenge without proof of a valid licence.

 

 

 

How difficult is the event?

The event is not a tour and the group does not travel in a controlled pack. Our aim is to provide an adventure experience, allowing people to travel at their own pace within event parameters. The routes chosen are adventurous and combine sealed and unsealed road surfaces. Some surfaces are in poor condition when compared to a bitumen road. There will be sections of dirt, gravel, small stones, sand, bulldust, water crossing across river beds, and there may be holes in the road or road washouts. In an event of 3500kms there may be about 1200kms of unsealed roads. Riding motorcycles is inherently dangerous and even moreso when road conditions are ever changing. Some of the surfaces will require intense concentration for long periods and riders need to have a good general degree of fitness.