Frequently asked questions

The following questions and answers cover some of the most common queries received by us. If your question is not covered here, please don't hesitate to contact us for more information.

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 prior to the event?
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. If you have ordered any equipment through us (eg camping) this will be your opportunity to collect it. On this administration day you will be expected to have the contents of the crate (attached to the rear of your bike) 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 focusses 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 2010 event.

On payment of your deposit, 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 recongition for this donation, not us.

Do I have to take my airfare on a specified date?
No, you will be provided with contacts for Qantas who will help arrange flights to your nearest capital city in Australia. For international participants, this will be a flight to your port of entry into Australia.The Qantas details will be provided to you about 1 month prior to the start of the event. There are only limited flights available and not all Qantas flights will be available to event participants. The earlier you book your return flights the greater your chance of securing your preferred flight. You can change these dates by making contact with Qantas, however there will be fees, payable by you, associated with any changes. Qantas are also able to add on regional flights (domestic) but these are at your own expense. If you live at the event destination, you can use the flight to get to the event start point. Only a one-way flight from our destination to your nearest capital city in Australia is included in the entry price.

How much will it cost?
To participate in the Postie Bike Challenge you need to pay $5500 AUD. We require a deposit of $1400 with a completed entry form. We require the balance of the entry fee by August 2010. Entries received during or after August 2010 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?
Prior to the event we will supply you with an 80 litre duffle bag which must contain your camping and personal items. On day 1 of the event you will be provided with the camp gear you ordered through us, if you have not supplied your own. This camp gear is new and yours to keep. We will also provide you with a fluorescent vest, maps and daily running sheets for the event, as well as an event polo shirt. In your crate you will be provided with 2 water bottles, a small first aid kit and on the morning of departure a lunch box. After departure on day 2 you will have your 80 litre duffle bag carried in one of our trucks. From departure on day 2 we will provide all lunches, dinners and breakfasts, fuel, mechanical support, and accommodation in a hotel (twin share) for one night at our destination, which also includes a celebration dinner. You also have an Australian domestic flight from the destination to your nearest capital city for Australian entrants and a flight to your Australian exit port for international entrants.

What is not provided?
All travel costs to the start point in Brisbane, accommodation and meals in Brisbane prior to the departure day (day 2). Once we leave Brisbane (day 2) participants will be required to buy their own drinks, souvenirs and personal items. We do not provide helmets, riding clothing or motorcycle accessories.

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 simply 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.

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.