tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10530954886892715392024-03-13T14:04:02.516+11:00Overland Live - Overland Expedition & Adventure Travel Welcome to the world of independent overland expedition & adventure travel. Overland Live focusses on vehicle based expeditions spanning the continent of Africa and beyond.
Blog posts cover planning, historical, general, adventurous and all other random thoughts on overland travel.
There are enough random thoughts to fill a Land Rover Defender roofrack!Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.comBlogger303125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-91406995961868064612017-07-17T10:16:00.000+10:002017-07-17T10:16:25.368+10:00Overlanders Handbook (2nd Edition)<a href="https://overlanders-handbook2.com/" target="_blank">Overlanders Handbook 2017</a> (2nd edition) by Chris Scott has just been published.<br />
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I liked the ''<a href="https://overlandershandbook.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/olh-2-colour-map-dps.jpg" target="_blank">The Overland Zone</a>' map which provides a good summary of overland routes with detailed information provided in the book.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qFHOy3ZezM/WWv_8Nxl2PI/AAAAAAADe4M/2ywjO6NqbfE0pVkWRfre5qF6JKysEy8mwCLcBGAs/s1600/olh-2-colour-map-dps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1403" height="248" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qFHOy3ZezM/WWv_8Nxl2PI/AAAAAAADe4M/2ywjO6NqbfE0pVkWRfre5qF6JKysEy8mwCLcBGAs/s320/olh-2-colour-map-dps.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'The Overland Zone' by Chris Scott</td></tr>
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I have a signed copy of <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2011/03/book-review-overlanders-handbook-by.html" target="_blank">book number 34 1st edition Overlanders Handbook</a> and can highly recommend it (and the new edition). Well worth adding to your personal library for those moments of reflection, research and inspiration.<br />
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Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-71323669467940535952017-05-27T13:05:00.000+10:002017-07-13T08:37:26.655+10:00App review: Rever, a trip planner & trackerI recently used the app Rever (version 2.0), a GPS tracking and planning app for my <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.co.za/p/2017-nevada-bdr.html" target="_blank">adventure motorcycling</a> ride in Nevada. <br>
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There are a number of tracking apps available on the various app stores, and in Australia I use two, Hema Maps and Memory-Map, however both do not offer detailed USA maps, hence looking for something that would support my mapping needs for the USA.<br>
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In reviewing the <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/p/2017-nevada-bdr.html">NVBDR</a> route, I noticed that Butler maps was the key mapping provider for the route. In turn, I stumbled on the <a href="https://rever.co/" target="_blank">Rever app</a> which integrated Butler maps with HERE maps. Development is still ongoing with ver3.0 being released a few days ago. Enhancements are minor, however the big add-on is the introduction of additional mapping partners. <br>
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One of the best features Rever offers is the ability for the app to integrate into the website and allow you to plan a ride via the dashboard view. A planned ride can be manually mapped or imported via a GPX file. Once complete, the planned ride will be synced to your phone and allow you to ‘Ride It'. <br>
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<a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2017/05/app-review-rever-trip-planner-tracker.html#more">READ MORE >>>></a>Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-69188781483307637982017-05-14T19:31:00.000+10:002017-05-14T19:31:08.719+10:00Trip Report: Valleys and Peaks - Day 4Death Valley... <br />
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into the valley we rode, the morning crisp from the Nevada rain that cleared the dust and chilled the air. The knobby KLR760 tyres hummed on the smooth sealed road which lead into the depths of Death Valley. <br />
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From below sea level we climbed to Dante's View, loving the ride to the summit.<br />
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Ears popped with the change in altitude as rode from below sea level to 1600m ASL.<br />
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Our destination after Dante's View as the HQ of Great Southern Moto Adventures. Our four day journey was coming to an end.<br />
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But, first we had some more riding to do. I love the fact that we can take these bikes on just about any trail. A shortcut was advertised from Dante's View to Shoshone.<br />
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A section of the route was on the Old Spanish Tail - one of the most arduous historical trails dating back hundreds of years. The notable feature was a long uphill section into an icy headwind. Temperatures dropped to 3Deg C as we shivered our way to our destination.<br />
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And finally, after four days and 959km, we arrived back at GSMA.<br />
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A post shared by Martin Solms (@overland_live) on <time datetime="2017-05-04T18:51:23+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 4, 2017 at 11:51am PDT</time></div>
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<b>Trip Stats:</b><br />
Ride distance: 329Km<br />
Total trip time: 7hr 59min<br />
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<iframe height="700" src="https://a.rever.co/embed/rides/452619" width="400"></iframe>
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<h4>
Additional Reading:</h4>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/pre-trip-report-nevada-backcountry.html">Pre-Trip Prep</a></li>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2017/05/trip-report-trail-or-tracks.html" target="_blank">Day 1: Trail or Tracks</a></li>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2017/05/trip-report-broken-pegs-happy-burro-day.html" target="_blank">Day 2: Broken Pegs & The Happy Burro</a></li>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2017/05/trip-report-canyons-and-craters-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: Canyons & Craters</a></li>
<li>Day 4: Valleys & Peaks</li>
</ul>
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Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-84666694599127941552017-05-12T14:22:00.000+10:002017-05-14T19:32:12.009+10:00Trip Report: Canyons and Craters - Day 3Welcome to day 3 on my Nevada adventure motorcycling trip. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Titus Canyon</td></tr>
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This is the daily log of six novice adventure riders who attempted the new #NVBDR route but have had to abandon it due to <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2017/05/trip-report-broken-pegs-happy-burro-day.html" target="_blank">broken pegs</a> and tougher-than-thought terrain. We are riding Honda Africa Twins and Kawasaki KLRs.<br />
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Crisp air welcomed tired bodies out of the hotel and Mel's Diner called our name. No chance of a fresh barista made latte in Mel's Diner however the food was in abundance and the atmosphere made the occasion.<br />
<h3>
Titus Canyon</h3>
Our first destination for the day was Titus Canyon. The Canyon is a deep narrow gorge cut into the Grapevine Mountains of the Mojave Desert in California. The track through the canyon is one way for vehicle traffic and is known for its winding passes and steep gorge walls. <br />
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This route was made for adventure motorcycles as the track wound it way up and down hills before descending into the gorge. <br />
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Layers of rock scaled to the cliff heights as our ears hummed with the silence of the gorge. Echoes of conversation would bounce off the walls. Once again we were pondered how the early miners found routes through the barren hills.<br />
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My GPS tracked the kilometres traveled revealing the enjoyable pace we were traveling at. The gale force winds continued to howl above us, as witnessed by the rolling clouds. And then the peace and serenity ended as we exited the Canyon and rolled into Death Valley.<br />
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The riding was thoroughly enjoyable with enough wow moments to keep us entertained. Standing on the pegs of the KLR650, I felt the bike was beautifully balanced as I manoeuvred the bike through the tight canyon turns and across the loose gravel. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honda Africa Twin cockpit</td></tr>
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Note: Titus Canyon is actually in California and is not part of the offical Nevada BDR.<br />
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Ubehebe Crater<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ubehebe Crater</td></tr>
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The route through Titus Canyon ends along Death Valley and offers a natural route to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubehebe_Crater" target="_blank">Ubehebe Crater</a>. The crater is roughly 1km wide and a few hundred metres deep. It could potentially be as young as 800years old (or 2000 or 7000years old). The ride to the crater rim is on sealed roads.<br />
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The bikes shook as the wind challenged the side stand whilst perched on the crater rim. The wind made the time rather unpleasant as sand whipped our faces. It was time to head back to Beatty and call it a day.<br />
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Arriving back in Beatty we noticed the nail sticking out of the Africa Twin rear tyre. Thankfully we did not have to change the tube!<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTxPTdRh4c-/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">The Africa Twin is attracting some steel! Not quite what we wanted to do on a Saturday afternoon. #hondaafricatwin #puncture</a></div>
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A post shared by Martin Solms (@overland_live) on <time datetime="2017-05-06T23:29:15+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 6, 2017 at 4:29pm PDT</time></div>
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<b>Trip Stats:</b><br />
Accommodation: Beatty (again) <br />
Ride distance: 199km<br />
Total trip time: 6hr 08min<br />
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<iframe height="700" src="https://a.rever.co/embed/rides/450648" width="400"></iframe>
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<h4>
Additional Reading:</h4>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/pre-trip-report-nevada-backcountry.html">Pre-Trip Prep</a></li>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2017/05/trip-report-trail-or-tracks.html" target="_blank">Day 1: Trail or Tracks</a></li>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2017/05/trip-report-broken-pegs-happy-burro-day.html" target="_blank">Day 2: Broken Pegs & The Happy Burro</a></li>
<li>Day 3: Canyons & Craters</li>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/trip-report-valleys-and-peaks-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Valleys & Peaks</a></li>
</ul>
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Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-80974374418999538372017-05-11T23:30:00.000+10:002017-05-14T19:32:50.010+10:00Trip Report: Broken Pegs & the Happy Burro - Day 2Welcome to day 2 on the Nevada Backcountry Discovery Route. <br />
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This is the daily log of six novice adventure riders tackling the new #NVBDR route. We are riding Honda Africa Twins and Kawasaki KLRs.<br />
<h3>
Broken Pegs & the Happy Burro</h3>
Our planned route for day 2 was completely on the NVBDR which meant lots of unsealed roads. Well, that's what we thought we had planned.<br />
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We rejoined the NVBDR after a restful night in the Primm Casino hotel and a quick breakfast at McDonalds. We got a few good comments and questions: "Are you guys racers?" Haha, far from it!<br />
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Initially the track runs North, parallel to the I-15 highway, before turning to the North East and onto Pahrump.<br />
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Broken Pegs</h4>
20Km later and we had a broken foot peg on the Africa Twin. The track had a number of sections damaged by flood water and as a result large boulders lay scattered on the track. One of the Africa Twin riders followed the inside track on a left turn and had little room to maneuver to avoid a few large boulders. The front tyre clipped a rock and milliseconds later the rider was on the floor. The rider and bike were ok except for the right foot peg. <br />
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On small vital piece off the Africa Twin was crucial in changing plans... the NVBDR was over. We needed to return to Las Vegas to repair the Honda AT and rethink our plans. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making that call to GSMA... we needed help</td></tr>
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Decision made... we would use the highway from Las Vegas to the old mining town of Rhyolite and onto Beatty for the evening. Nevada also decided to change weather patterns and the 38Deg C heat wave turned into strong 60km gale force winds. It was not a pleasant few hours as we fought the North Westerly winds towards Beatty.<br />
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Head down, we wobbled our way North West to Beatty. A quick bite to eat at the Area51 Alien Center roadhouse before pushing onto Rhyolite, an old mining town. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pDCElhUK3I/WREt-kGpCoI/AAAAAAADcC4/XqQaHYi5w6UeasE7Fr_plAQKBvbnJKXKwCPcB/s1600/IMG_5116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pDCElhUK3I/WREt-kGpCoI/AAAAAAADcC4/XqQaHYi5w6UeasE7Fr_plAQKBvbnJKXKwCPcB/s320/IMG_5116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhyolite,_Nevada">Rhyolite</a> was built around 1905 but quickly faded as miners moved to Beatty. Infrastructure resources was pretty scarce so the town folk dismantled buildings and carted them to Beatty.<br />
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<h4>
The Happy Burro</h4>
When you visit Beatty as part of the NVBDR, be sure to have a bowl of chili at the Happy Burro. The food is good, the beer is cold and the atmosphere is outstanding. We spent an enjoyable few hours detoxing from the gale force winds and talking through the broken peg incident and being thankful that no one was injured. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Burro Chili & Beer in Beatty</td></tr>
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No rest for those on international business trips... day 3 needed planning!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BYHhxvaAUfQ/WRPtw1VewCI/AAAAAAADcLM/5gVpKPT3Srg5w_ZOZoIj0pO_OdBQyOY1QCKgB/s1600/IMG_5113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BYHhxvaAUfQ/WRPtw1VewCI/AAAAAAADcLM/5gVpKPT3Srg5w_ZOZoIj0pO_OdBQyOY1QCKgB/s320/IMG_5113.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Trip Stats:</b><br />
Accommodation: Atomic Inn, Beatty<br />
Ride distance: 273Km<br />
Riding time: 3hours 17min<br />
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The route below was our intended NVBDR track...<br />
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<iframe height="400" src="https://a.rever.co/embed/rides/428183" width="400"></iframe>
<iframe height="400" src="https://a.rever.co/embed/rides/428185" width="400"></iframe>
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<h4>
Additional Reading:</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/pre-trip-report-nevada-backcountry.html">Pre-Trip Prep</a></li>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2017/05/trip-report-trail-or-tracks.html" target="_blank">Day 1: Trail or Tracks</a></li>
<li>Day 2: Broken Pegs & The Happy Burro</li>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2017/05/trip-report-canyons-and-craters-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: Canyons & Craters</a></li>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/trip-report-valleys-and-peaks-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Valleys & Peaks</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-2387478009234432192017-05-11T14:54:00.002+10:002017-05-14T19:33:14.888+10:00Trip Report: Trail or Tracks?<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P016W8iGFa0/WREt-mAo4XI/AAAAAAADcC4/lCmrg0G4ooIGhCcZeaFxddlKIFzntxyBgCPcB/s1600/S1490005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P016W8iGFa0/WREt-mAo4XI/AAAAAAADcC4/lCmrg0G4ooIGhCcZeaFxddlKIFzntxyBgCPcB/s320/S1490005.jpg" width="320" /></a>What happens when you take a bunch of newbie adventure riders half way around the world to ride an established North American Backcountry Discovery Route? <br />
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Firstly, you get Nevada to welcome you with 38Deg C weather, then 60km/h gale force winds, add in 3Deg C weather at 1600m above sea level and not to forget huge dust storms as you cross the border into California and Death Valley!<br />
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Trans-continental overland travel brings the world alive. Intercontinental flights dull the emotions to new countries and cultures but are needed when time poor. Patience was needed as we hopped from one flight to the next - two flights in total and more than 24hours travel time. Our first stop in Las Vegas was <a href="https://www.gsmotoadventures.com/">Great Southern Moto Adventures</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Southern Moto Adventures</td></tr>
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We met Curtis and Jeff, owners of GSMA and part of the team responsible for creating the NVBDR. A lifetime of adventure riding has contributed to the development of one fantastic route. Jeff, the GSMA operations manager had two KLR650 and four new Africa Twin's setup and waiting and all that was needed was to sign the final paperwork, pack the panniers and hit the road South.<br />
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I had opted for the Kawasaki KLR 650 as my adventure riding experience was limited to smaller bikes and shorter distances. Curtis had advised the following: "The KLR’s will be much more fun, easy to operate and probably provide a better overall experience for the less experienced besides being more safe for them". It sounded like the perfect bike for me!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kawasaki KLR650</td></tr>
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This YouTube clip sums up the bike nicely:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fwaCUTg8V2A" width="560"></iframe>
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Six riders in convoy are not easy to manage. We had one mantra. Always try remember who is behind you and wait at each major junction for the person to arrive. Well, this was hard to manage as we attempted to leave Las Vegas. 5km later and one of the Honda Africa Twins suffered a front tyre puncture. Our group of six riders were now split in two. <br />
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The group I was in made the decision to push on and follow the original plan and let the two other riders meet us at the accommodation in Primm. Thankfully they were close to GSMA which meant that Curtis and Jeff could drive over with a spare wheel and replace it.<br />
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The NVBDR has two unsealed sections between Searchlight and Primm, however the first section had suffered damage due to flash flooding and Curtis advised us to re-join the trail at Nipton.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick drink stop in Nipton</td></tr>
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The Nipton to Primm section follows the rail road tracks which allow for a quick escape from the soft sandy track sections. The trail caught a few of the riders out as the conditions quickly changed from compacted stoney gravel to loose gravel including a few sandy sections. The temperature was a whopping 38Deg C! This section was only 20km long but took the four of us an hour to complete!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLOZYfAsw5g/WRPjiFHtaAI/AAAAAAADcKI/f70tYJdJaGIHEhQwcwiiX5I95mQc4RYmACKgB/s1600/S1480010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLOZYfAsw5g/WRPjiFHtaAI/AAAAAAADcKI/f70tYJdJaGIHEhQwcwiiX5I95mQc4RYmACKgB/s320/S1480010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Raw video showing sections of the track:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vWG01Ni_8JI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vWG01Ni_8JI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<b>Trip Stats:</b><br />
Accommodation: Primm Valley Casino Resort (Good enough but don't eat in the hotel as its rather expensive)<br />
Ride distance: 161km<br />
Total trip time: 3hr30min<br />
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<b>Rever.co Track:</b><br />
<iframe height="400" src="https://a.rever.co/embed/rides/391191" width="400"></iframe>
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Our route from Nipton to Primm. We stopped many times to reveille in the fact that we were riding the NVBDR and to enjoy the moment. This track should not take you this long.<br />
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<iframe height="400" src="https://a.rever.co/embed/rides/447341" width="400"></iframe>
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<h4>
Additional Reading:</h4>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/pre-trip-report-nevada-backcountry.html">Pre-Trip Prep</a></li>
<li>Day 1: Trail or Tracks</li>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2017/05/trip-report-broken-pegs-happy-burro-day.html" target="_blank">Day 2: Broken Pegs & the Happy Burro</a></li>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2017/05/trip-report-canyons-and-craters-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: Canyons & Craters</a></li>
<li><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/trip-report-valleys-and-peaks-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Valleys & Peaks</a></li>
</ul>
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Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-12762570725468615212017-04-26T16:25:00.000+10:002017-05-14T19:33:41.054+10:00Pre-Trip Report: Nevada Backcountry Discovery Route (NVBDR)2017 is all about adventure motorcycling and to kick off the year, I will be heading to Nevada (in May) to ride the newly established Backcountry Discovery Route.<br />
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The <a href="http://ridebdr.com/">Backcountry Discovery Routes</a> aims to establish off-highway routes for adventure motorcycle travel. i.e think of those big adventure touring bikes following cross country trails.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to BDR for creating Off-Road Routes for Adventure Travel</td></tr>
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The big benefit of the BDR is that the team have scoped out some of the best adventure riding across seven states (todate) and have published maps and GPS tracks (which are downloadable) to enable adventure riders to explore off-highway routes.<br />
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ1lS2uDHKd/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">"The Inaugural #NVBDR ride stops in the tiny ghost town of Gold Point." 📷 @ben__ando #RideBDR #TravelNevada</a></div>
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A post shared by Backcountry Discovery Routes (@ridebdr) on <time datetime="2017-02-23T02:24:11+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 22, 2017 at 6:24pm PST</time></div>
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I first heard about the North American Backcountry Discovery Routes through the <b>Adventure Rider Radio</b> podcast - it was an interesting interview with Paul Guillien (Founding member of BDR).<br />
Jim Martin introduced the podcast with a few thoughts: "Humans crave adventure. We love the idea ; the feeling we get ; but who has the time and how do we manage adventure with our schedule?" <br />
Introducing Backcountry Discovery Routes.<br />
Take a listen to the podcast via <a href="http://www.adventureriderradio.com/adventure-rider-radio-episodes/2017/2/23/back-country-motorcycle-routes-adventure-travel-by-gps">Adventure Rider Radio</a>.<br />
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One of the interesting conversation points on the interview was the financial contribution the BDR has bought to the remote towns and communities.<br />
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"The best way to protect access to these areas is to create economic stimulus for these small towns and communities."</blockquote>
According to Paul Guillien, this has lead to the small towns actively encouraging routes to traverse their towns. Fantastic commercial viewpiont which I think many small towns could benefit from.<br />
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<h4>
Nevada Backcountry Discovery Route<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MleUKa4C4HE/WPrIBtspEpI/AAAAAAADbbI/DsqFEAYZ-TwSiaRaH4_7_ySG5C9fs4CxgCLcB/s1600/BDRNV.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MleUKa4C4HE/WPrIBtspEpI/AAAAAAADbbI/DsqFEAYZ-TwSiaRaH4_7_ySG5C9fs4CxgCLcB/s1600/BDRNV.jpeg" /></a></div>
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There are many benefits working for an American company - one of them usually includes trips to the USA for annual sales and technical conferences. The end destination is usually Las Vegas as the city can support a thousand plus employees in a single conference venue. It was my turn to travel from Sydney to Las Vegas for the annual conference so I added a few extra travel days, recruited a few colleagues and hired the adventure bikes.<br />
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The plan: to ride parts of the Nevada Backcountry Discovery Route. <br />
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Instagram:<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTFaX9cjcMM/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">When the long road ahead doesn't seem long enough. 👊✊💨 📷 @PaulGuillien | via @Touratechusa | #RideBDR #NVBDR #TravelNevada</a></div>
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A post shared by Backcountry Discovery Routes (@ridebdr) on <time datetime="2017-04-19T22:59:24+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 19, 2017 at 3:59pm PDT</time></div>
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"The NVBDR is a scenic ride across Nevada, beginning in Oatman, AZ, and finishing in Jarbidge, NV. Created for dual-sport and adventure motorcyclists, this 900-mile south-to-north route primarily uses dirt roads to lead riders through Nevada’s expansive deserts, open sagebrush valleys, and seemingly endless mountain ranges.<br />
In rural Nevada, you’ll experience historic saloons and relics from it’s rich mining history. The state’s maverick spirit remains, and you’ll see ghost towns, artifacts, desert sculptures, murals, the world’s largest car forest, jackrabbits, antelope and even wild mustangs." Source: <a href="http://ridebdr.com/NVBDR">http://ridebdr.com/NVBDR</a></blockquote>
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<h4>
Pre-trip prep:</h4>
Balancing family life, a career, hobbies and sport often means that my overland adventure travels needs to be planned and thought through so as to maximise the time.<br />
Thankfully, I love planning and don't quite enjoy the unpredictable nature of spontaneous travel. I love the research involved - everything from pouring over maps, reviewing budgets, recruiting willing participants and sharing the adventure to willing ears.<br />
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<h4>
Logistics and Route:</h4>
<b>Bike Rental:</b> We opted to rent motorcycles from <a href="https://www.gsmotoadventures.com/">Great Southern Moto Adventures</a>. The company is based in Las Vegas and were part of the volunteer team to establish the Nevada BDR. They offered two types of bikes: The Kawasaki KLR and the new Honda Africa Twin. All the bikes are equipped with soft panniers, and tank bags with optional accessories available like GPS and helmets. Curtis, one of the owners, was very patient with our many emails and provided insight into alternative routes back to Las Vegas.<br />
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<b>Equipment:</b> This has proved a tough decision as many of us are new to adventure motorcycle touring and don't have the clothing or additional equipment like GPS units. We have opted to borrow and purchase 2nd hand equipment. Everything from boots, protective gear and jackets. We have mostly hired helmets.<br />
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<b>GPS:</b> I have opted to test the <a href="https://rever.co/">Rever.co</a> motorcycle app (iPhone & Android) to plan, track and navigate the route. One of the benefits is the ability to plan a route on the website and then use your mobile phone or tablet to start and track the route. More on the app usage later.<br />
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<b>The route:</b> Here's a snapshot of the route:<br />
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<iframe height="400" src="https://a.rever.co/embed/rides/431940" width="400"></iframe>
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Day 1: Las Vegas to Primm via Searchlight and Nipton. <br />
Link <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/TT1yE1KHtj12">https://goo.gl/maps/TT1yE1KHtj12</a><br />
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Day 2: NVBDR: Primm (via Pahrump) to Beatty <br />
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Day3: Beatty to Tonopah following the NVBDR. This is a combination of Section 2 and Section 3.<br />
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Day4: NVBDR Section 4 to Route 82. Then back to Tonopah.<br />
Tonopah back to Las Vegas via Extraterrestrial highway (and past Area51).<br />
Link: <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/cvG3ip4NRNT2">https://goo.gl/maps/cvG3ip4NRNT2</a> <br />
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The full #NVBDR route on Google Maps as published by RideBDR. The downloadable GPX file contains plenty of information and detailed route tracks.<br />
<iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1TjV53M3cFgD9Yuex1gwmUwGuEKE" width="480"></iframe>
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That's it for now. I will endeavour to provide a daily log... links below:<br />
<h3>
Additional Reading:</h3>
<a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2017/05/trip-report-trail-or-tracks.html" target="_blank">Day 1: Trail or Tracks</a><br />
<a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2017/05/trip-report-broken-pegs-happy-burro-day.html" target="_blank">Day 2: Broken Pegs & The Happy Burro</a><br />
<a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2017/05/trip-report-canyons-and-craters-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: Canyons & Craters</a><br />
<a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/trip-report-valleys-and-peaks-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Valleys & Peaks</a><br />
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Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-28225075770309291032017-03-21T21:14:00.004+11:002017-03-21T21:14:57.285+11:00Consume - Connect - Contribute<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was recently attending a technology meetup in Sydney and one of the keynote speakers mentioned the steps to becoming involved in a local meetup: Consume, Connect and Contribute.<br />
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It struck me that this happens in the overland travel world - and its all about the passion for trans-continental travel.<br />
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Here are my thoughts...<br />
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Consume:</h3>
Forums, Blogs, Twitter, Facebook and good old travel books! There is more information available online today than anything published prior to 2010! Read and digest the information!<br />
The key item about consuming all the information is to make notes - jot down interesting forum comments, blog post snippets and anything relevant. Keep a record either online or in a simple notebook. This information comes in use as your knowledge builds up and the excitement for your pending trip looms. It becomes a foundation for future contributions!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ajlrM1EvpTA/WND7FZ3vW3I/AAAAAAADaf0/O1-W7OVJBmIFg8Ll0wX2PuKJDPY34WarQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-03-21%2Bat%2B9.05.22%2Bpm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ajlrM1EvpTA/WND7FZ3vW3I/AAAAAAADaf0/O1-W7OVJBmIFg8Ll0wX2PuKJDPY34WarQCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-03-21%2Bat%2B9.05.22%2Bpm.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Connect:</h3>
Nothing builds excitement for a trip like meeting like-minded people. Overlanders love sharing stories - mainly because our co-workers care little for our after-hours day dreams and year-long adventures.<br />
Reach out online, make new friends and connect to others.<br />
There are plenty of group events held annually which bring people together - slightly tougher being bold enough to introduce yourself so ping introductory emails prior to the event.<br />
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We managed to get Gareth & Kirsty from <a href="http://aussieoverlanders.com.au/">Aussie Overlanders</a> to present at the local <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/you-create-your-world-sydney-overland.html">Sydney Overland Meetup</a>:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X7tVjIsshis/VQVHJgrlyaI/AAAAAAAAqDw/lAwqXG1V6UMPWHQ-qXbHFHmzv7DZY2HggCPcB/s1600/20150314_133528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X7tVjIsshis/VQVHJgrlyaI/AAAAAAAAqDw/lAwqXG1V6UMPWHQ-qXbHFHmzv7DZY2HggCPcB/s320/20150314_133528.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You Create Your World" - Gareth & Kirsty</td></tr>
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<br />Contribute:</h3>
Now its your turn. Regurgitate all the info and start sharing. Write a blog, post to social media. Share and contribute your experience. Not only is it very relevant today but it creates an overland history. In decades to come, the next generation will have information to read and ponder on.<br />
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BR5Dp6ljExF/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">#traveltuesday Breakfast with a view on the coastline of South Australia. #landrover #defender #camping #breakfast #coast #southaustralia #australia #travel #exploreby4x4 #homeiswhereyouparkit #adventuremobile #onelife #overland #overlandlife #overlanding #exploremore</a></div>
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A post shared by David Priddis (@davidpriddis) on <time datetime="2017-03-21T07:18:36+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 21, 2017 at 12:18am PDT</time></div>
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That's it - Consume, Connect and Contribute.Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-51741401171519782502017-03-03T10:45:00.000+11:002017-03-03T10:45:30.590+11:00BigSky Adventures 2005Twelve years ago i.e. 2005, the TransAfrica trip from London to Cape Town started. BigSky Adventures started in London and had a clear plan to complete a crossing of the African continent - with many diversions along the way to explore and experience the African continent.<br />
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BigSky Adventures will relive that year via Instagram with the aim of posting one (or more) photos daily. <br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BRJ3Z4xh-Mc/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Day 41. Drove a total of 76km today. Nice slow pace exploring the Atlantic coast desert. The sand constantly changes texture and colour.</a></div>
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A post shared by Martin Solms (@overland_live) on <time datetime="2017-03-02T23:27:15+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 2, 2017 at 3:27pm PST</time></div>
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<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-77116290906982805762016-08-18T10:45:00.002+10:002016-08-18T10:45:25.139+10:00Simpson Desert Bike ChallengeCombining overland adventure travel with remote endurance sports makes for a very exciting trip... <br />
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In 2016, I will be riding across the Australian Simpson Desert as part of a charity ride for the Australian Royal Flying Doctor Service.<br />
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Read more about the adventure: <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/p/sdbc.html">SDBC2016</a><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/477SbRjH1o1Fo4ptzMRk8USe4GmzHn_Di9jtmrtAr8od0O-Kh7YGlEdXJJFHDjknXOvLd_0CkxRglAfFi1ndDpWL_Z_6NW7PB6-qCnRM0aNVWn7wziJMOhY9SnHPIWBb3e48cCVym4S-_r-EsS87z_DWPxrX35yNZwy1Nh8G7JbKK6a6SWhFrpIjP28Y_Vrm6QT2VOYjmSz84jbdyUIPu6yQnVYQDAglo5fG16NxWbPraVVoQSHIWaO9w7iB8flSkMeIbXAyYk3sKp1yXARv1pCXVmQthYnH06hDNk7BO__O3-IAD0A4nPE-tvH6qhS16dQdhJq42EGifi8Um7_gm7mS3IDvLJCz0aE0wnb99nt7GqOizBR8ClAYKbk0xJf_gb_pv4cO8i3TWXpJq9ArmqMV50XJG_iXpR3weaouZ89Q9AK1r4g-y-OCw4GIjTJnZfl-cy3egy8Zlu5MY_bO81eCcoeMKNnivjbnSmHmxEQez3I-Cx49FitOfWlVWZw-LGn8tv6ZZ3lYekUR1EkUmMos7DPMuzlhOVo1Q_I1N7O3ih-a38DbcR4dqQz_Pm6Uv2tmpSJuU0kqOT9wF8_3GSZlxzUd1sXO=w951-h713-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/477SbRjH1o1Fo4ptzMRk8USe4GmzHn_Di9jtmrtAr8od0O-Kh7YGlEdXJJFHDjknXOvLd_0CkxRglAfFi1ndDpWL_Z_6NW7PB6-qCnRM0aNVWn7wziJMOhY9SnHPIWBb3e48cCVym4S-_r-EsS87z_DWPxrX35yNZwy1Nh8G7JbKK6a6SWhFrpIjP28Y_Vrm6QT2VOYjmSz84jbdyUIPu6yQnVYQDAglo5fG16NxWbPraVVoQSHIWaO9w7iB8flSkMeIbXAyYk3sKp1yXARv1pCXVmQthYnH06hDNk7BO__O3-IAD0A4nPE-tvH6qhS16dQdhJq42EGifi8Um7_gm7mS3IDvLJCz0aE0wnb99nt7GqOizBR8ClAYKbk0xJf_gb_pv4cO8i3TWXpJq9ArmqMV50XJG_iXpR3weaouZ89Q9AK1r4g-y-OCw4GIjTJnZfl-cy3egy8Zlu5MY_bO81eCcoeMKNnivjbnSmHmxEQez3I-Cx49FitOfWlVWZw-LGn8tv6ZZ3lYekUR1EkUmMos7DPMuzlhOVo1Q_I1N7O3ih-a38DbcR4dqQz_Pm6Uv2tmpSJuU0kqOT9wF8_3GSZlxzUd1sXO=w951-h713-no" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-17910136547663661932016-05-11T16:18:00.001+10:002016-05-11T16:18:11.556+10:00Pioneers, Settlers and Town Planners<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pioneers, Settlers and Town Planners - my light hearted approach to the various roles overlanders have.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlanders: Pioneers, Settlers and Town Planners</td></tr>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-ed6cebc6-8244-ca8c-6f71-d1c5131f4e55" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the world of independent overland travel we have those that are pioneers, settlers and town planners.</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Initially I used the concept of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Values_Modes">Values Model</a>, which is a tool to group population by values. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This concept then evolved and I have based it on the original concept of Pioneers, Settlers and Town Planners from <a href="http://blog.gardeviance.org/2015/03/on-pioneers-settlers-town-planners-and.html">Simon Wardley</a> (including modifying his diagram. All credit goes to Simon</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">). This version translates the wonderful world of independent overland travel into three categories, namely Pioneers, Settlers and Town Planners. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Pioneers push the boundaries…</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pioneers are able to explore never before discovered trans-continental borders and boundaries for overland travel. They open new routes, travel fast, share frequently via social media and create buzz and influence dreams. Often they fade fast once the destination is reached and often don't leave much history for those who follow. Generally always find an overland way regardless of the countries before them.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Settlers commodise those boundaries…</b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Settlers can turn the half baked thing (that grape vine pioneer border crossing or route) and turn it into something useful for a larger audience. They build trust from the content they create. They make the possible future actually happen. They broaden the routes, travel slower and often longer. Often share infrequently but indepth, often via books. History is vital. They get to know other settlers often crisscrossing paths multiple times. Once the primary journey is done, they settle into a life as overlanders often re-living memories and planning future trips. They contribute to the community.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Town Planners create foundations...</b></span></div>
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<br />Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-867575102693404772015-10-14T21:42:00.000+11:002015-10-14T21:42:13.569+11:00The Film: Motonomad"When you seek adventure, you are creating a story" - Adam Riemann<br />
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<br />Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-63543163645573424342015-08-25T07:12:00.000+10:002015-08-25T07:12:31.078+10:00Instagram update: Digidrift (live from the Congo)Social media has changed the way overlanders communicate and share information... gone are the days of the 'Travel grape vine' - hello realtime updates!<br />
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Jason and Liza are currently travelling through the Congo with 'Smokey the Bear', their Land Cruiser Troopy. Here are a few Instagram updates worth reading and seeing...<br />
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/6x6-p_KiKb/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">After leaving Brazzaville we reached the dusty little town of Loutète. We were both tired and wanted to stop but where? This is Congo! But good old Maps.Me saved the day again. A short 1km drive from the main road (that resembled a lunar landscape due to the bull dust that blanketed everything) we found the Auberge Ndongui (a bar come guest house). Liza negotiated a price for us to camp out front and we both had a couple of drinks in their manicured garden. A long day indeed. We travelled 201km in 9 and a half hours and the first 100km's was done in the first hour and a half! We're not in Kansas anymore Toto. #travel #africa #congo</a></div>
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A photo posted by Jason and Liza (@digidrift) on <time datetime="2015-08-24T20:46:02+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 24, 2015 at 1:46pm PDT</time></div>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/6x8Uq3KiMt/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">For anyone that doesn't know what bull dust is. The retched stuff gets everywhere. It's on the car, under the car, in the bloody car. Up my nose, in my friggin ears. Through my hair and between my toes. Where's this bloody Jungle! Today we managed a lousy average speed of 14km per hour for the first three hours! #travel #africa #congo</a></div>
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A photo posted by Jason and Liza (@digidrift) on <time datetime="2015-08-24T20:57:47+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 24, 2015 at 1:57pm PDT</time></div>
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<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-10788940182587092402015-06-19T13:59:00.002+10:002015-06-19T13:59:35.284+10:00The excitement of planning a trip… <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How often do we hear the statement that it’s the journey not the destination that counts. Prior to any journey commencing is the planning – this is were the fun begins!<br>
A journey between two locations can be extremely dull and mundane unless planned in advance. The planning – creating a trip budget, researching routes and cross referencing overlanders opinions – extends the journey by adding days, weeks or months of pre-trip planning. The excitement, the anxiety and dealing with the negative soothsayers heightens the senses, evolving the planning into the journey itself.<br>
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My excitement for an upcoming trip is brewing. In late September 2015, I will be heading back to the Australian outback to cross the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simpson_Desert">Simpson Desert</a> (West to East) in support of the <a href="http://desertchallenge.org/">Simpson Desert Mountain Bike Challenge</a> event. The cycle event, now in its 27th year, is a multi-day stage race for endurance mountain bikers. The route varies each year, with each day divided into two stages. A morning stage, which starts at 6am and an afternoon stage starting at 2pm. The distance covered is roughly 100km per day. A sweeper vehicle ensures that riders make the time cutoff and contributes to the pressure of finishing the stage in the allocated time.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simpson Desert Bike Challenge - 2015 Route</td></tr>
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<a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-excitement-of-planning-trip.html#more">READ MORE >>>></a>Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-88106426880172106982015-06-12T10:08:00.000+10:002015-06-13T15:01:37.325+10:00The evolving rooftop tent... make way for the camper!Have your thoughts about your overland travel sleeping habits evolved yet?<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camper vs Rooftop Tent?</td></tr>
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Ask many seasoned overlanders and a few will start to admit that the idea of a rooftop tent is fading and that the comforts of a permanent bed plus cooking area is very attractive. The proof point are overlanders on a second extended trans-continental trip... like <a href="http://lostworldexpedition.com/">Lost World Expedition</a>. Luis & Lacey moved from a Land Cruiser 60 Series to a Mercedes Sprinter van.<br>
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I admit, I fall into the latter group. The rooftop tent was great when it was just the wife and I. Living outside the vehicle, and sleeping on the roof, in a warm climate made sense. Years later, my family has grown and my enthusiasm for setting up a dusty rooftop tent and climbing ten ladder rungs has faded. I want a setup that is quick, self contained and has that extra level of comfort for the family (so as to keep encouraging them to venture to new unknown places).<br>
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What I do long for is the ability to use a cabin type arrangement, like a <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2010/02/alternative-overlander-demountable.html">demountable</a> (<a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2010/06/demountable-camper-review-s-karosser.html">truck camper</a>), for my family trips and the freedom to use the base vehicle for those remote trips where sometimes the family won't be as interested (i.e. short weekends with lots of <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/trip-report-rant-rave.html">driving exploring new routes</a>).<br>
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A modified Land Cruiser Troopy makes a lot of sense. It can comfortably sleep 3 people, and could be used as a daily vehicle. <a href="http://aussieoverlanders.com.au/">Aussie Overlanders</a> had a neatly setup interior - perfect for a couple.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_AhF9HZ7D4/VXoNqvjaA3I/AAAAAAAC2ew/NmnoujNNflQ/s1600/IMG_0934-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_AhF9HZ7D4/VXoNqvjaA3I/AAAAAAAC2ew/NmnoujNNflQ/s320/IMG_0934-28.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Aussie Overlanders</td></tr>
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<a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-evolving-rooftop-tent-make-way-for.html#more">READ MORE >>>></a>Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-51968610483476209502015-06-04T19:03:00.000+10:002015-06-04T19:15:26.469+10:00Trip Report: A Rant & A Rave... It was the perfect start to the week. The <a href="http://www.hemamaps.com.au/">Hema map</a> was folded open, <a href="http://memory-map.com.au/">Memory-Map</a> (an Android GPS app) was loaded with the NSW topographical 25K map and a website loaded highlighting GPS tracks in the area zoned for the upcoming weekend 4x4 trip.<br>
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It's winter in the Southern Hemisphere so the enthusiasm by the extended group to head into remote areas camping was rather limited which resulted in only two vehicles (a Jeep Rubicon & a <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/this-mums-taxi-could-be-your-next.html">Land Cruiser Prado</a>) departing Friday evening for a remote camping spot in the Jenolan State Forest.<br>
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This was to be our third trip to Jenolan having first found the camping spot back in <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/dust-on-dashboard-micro-overland.html">2012 </a>and again in <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/trip-report-abercrombie-river-national.html">2013</a>.<br>
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<b><i>A message to all those who love bushcamping... remember those who follow!</i></b><br>
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</div><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2015/06/trip-report-rant-rave.html#more">READ MORE >>>></a>Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0Jenolan NSW 2790, Australia-33.816155 150.02121020000004-34.0272355 149.69848670000005 -33.6050745 150.34393370000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-81989073357143125182015-05-01T20:46:00.000+10:002015-05-04T22:11:25.641+10:00The Range Rover Experience...<div style="text-align: right;">
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Held in prestige, the Range Rover has been the vehicle choice for upper class Britain and her shrinking Commonwealth for decades. Feature rich and capable, the 1970 introduction of a permanent 4wd mid sized vehicle encouraged trans-continental overland explorers to adopt and prove the capability of the new Land Rover brand. The 1971 crossing of the <a href="http://www.range-rover-classic.com/Home/range-rover-darien-gap">Darien Gap by Range Rover</a>, led by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Blashford-Snell">Colonel John Blashford-Snell</a>, proved the Range Rover but required plenty of air support to fly in axles and other important items that needed re-engineering.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDbqCKk0Cro/VUNbZq104MI/AAAAAAABH-Y/XohdPucJoLI/s1600/1972%2BRange%2BRover%2BDarien%2BGap%2BFloating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDbqCKk0Cro/VUNbZq104MI/AAAAAAABH-Y/XohdPucJoLI/s320/1972%2BRange%2BRover%2BDarien%2BGap%2BFloating.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Range Rover Classic Website</td></tr>
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Roll on the 1980's and Range Rover needed a new proving ground for their vehicles. The Camel Trophy, only a year old, introduced the Range Rover as the flagship 4x4. Not many vehicles exist after the event as it was rumoured that Land Rover had all the participant vehicles crushed.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVFkneO6E28/VUX0HRV6dBI/AAAAAAABIQk/PO2_q57QflA/s1600/camel%2Btrophy%2BC838%2BWWK-0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVFkneO6E28/VUX0HRV6dBI/AAAAAAABIQk/PO2_q57QflA/s320/camel%2Btrophy%2BC838%2BWWK-0009.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=1126885">http://facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=1126885</a></td></tr>
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Although capable, this vehicle has not inspired independent overlanders to adopt it as a trusted platform, preferring the rugged <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2009/12/five-overland-trips-one-land-rover.html">Defender</a> and even the <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/land-rover-discovery-10-reasons-why.html">Discovery</a>.<br>
The question remains: Why is the Range Rover not popular? A fact: the <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/search?q=g-wagen">Mercedes G-Wagen</a> has more trans-Africa trips associated with it than the Range Rover!<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y9wa1UVrhKY/VUNbq52_-TI/AAAAAAABH-g/_QpMthJpS8I/s1600/DSC04323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y9wa1UVrhKY/VUNbq52_-TI/AAAAAAABH-g/_QpMthJpS8I/s320/DSC04323.JPG" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Range Rover vs Defender 110</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.africa-overland.net/Search"></a><br>
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<a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-range-rover-experience.html#more">READ MORE >>>></a>Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-70862599702937124482015-05-01T18:11:00.000+10:002015-05-01T22:29:53.823+10:00TV Series: Breaking Loose - A family in Search of Roots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jusalulu</td></tr>
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Five years ago, Luca and Sameena (plus two kids), departed Italy for Pakistan via North Africa. The orange Fiat truck became their home for two years, during which they filmed the journey, the highs and lows of trans-continental overland travel.<br>
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The TV Series has just been released with a wonderful introduction about the journey. Unfortunately, the Vimeo clip can't be embedded so head over to GA&A: <a href="http://www.gaea.it/video.asp?id=8003" target="_blank">Breaking Loose - A Family in Search of Roots</a><br>
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<a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2015/05/tv-series-breaking-loose-family-in.html#more">READ MORE >>>></a>Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-20652960219364185682015-04-07T14:45:00.000+10:002015-04-10T15:02:23.543+10:00Land Rover Defender Mini Rig<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aussie Overlanders: Mini Rigs</td></tr>
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The Land Rover Defender might be likened to the old Meccano set of parts. Hundreds of misaligned objects that actually resemble something. Having owned <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/my-land-rover-memories.html" target="_blank">two Land Rover Series models and a single Defender</a> before, and knowing how easy it is to 'tinker' and make various modifications to the base vehicle, I have been left with a desire to rebuild a Series II Landy. Thankfully, I have not needed to go from zero capability to full rebuild without the ability to practice on slightly smaller options. Introducing the Mini Rig Defender:<br>
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<a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2015/04/land-rover-defender-mini-rig.html#more">READ MORE >>>></a>Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-55006918482679651202015-04-02T14:58:00.000+11:002015-04-02T14:59:09.216+11:00Navman MiVue 530 Dashcam ReviewWelcome to the dashcam, where your view, your voice and your location are being recorded!<br>
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Roll back to 2007 and the demand for a TomTom GPS satnav had the motor vehicle industry buzzing with in-car tech gadgets. <br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google image search: Dashcam photo</td></tr>
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Roll onto 2015 and standalone gadgets are almost a thing of the past with the majority of new vehicles (except for the Land Rover Defender) integrating the radio, satnav, phone and vehicle ECU information into a single console. In fact, some vehicles allow you to start your car with your mobile phone!<br>
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Yet, one gadget remains... the dashcam. Better known for those strange YouTube vehicle accidents where a driver narrowly misses a bus or a motorcyclist almost collides with a cow! Police and Insurance companies are still getting to understand the personal media and how it impacts evidence.<br>
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My need for a dashcam was purely to capture those interesting driving moments, and to potentially upload to YouTube. Dashcam footage on YouTube is becoming one of the most popular watched genres due to the ridiculous <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=navman+mivue+530" target="_blank">near-miss accidents</a> that occur worldwide.<br>
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Navman MiVue Dashcam</h4>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4H46KBbinjE/VRt4-6BDv2I/AAAAAAABG_U/9lFkQZFP5eo/s1600/navman%2Bsitedesign-logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4H46KBbinjE/VRt4-6BDv2I/AAAAAAABG_U/9lFkQZFP5eo/s1600/navman%2Bsitedesign-logo.gif"></a></div>
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Navman was established in 1986 in Australia and was eventually sold to MiTAC (MIC). It is a sister company to Magellan and is a worldwide leader in consumer GPS products.</div>
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The Navman MiVue dashcam has three options available in the latest 500-series. The entry level, the MiVue 530 has 1080p recording, integrated GPS, Photo mode, Emergency mode and parking mode. The MiVue 560 and MiVue 580 include touch screen functionality, and night vision mode (580 only).<br>
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<a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2015/04/navman-mivue-530-dashcam-review.html#more">READ MORE >>>></a>Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-61084592267780190932015-03-25T14:23:00.000+11:002015-03-25T14:23:28.907+11:00This "Mum's Taxi" could be your next expedition 4wd...It might be a well known "mum's taxi" but have you considered the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado as your expedition vehicle?<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toyota Land Cruiser Prado D-4D</td></tr>
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We all know about the Land Cruiser Troopy, the popular 80-Series but what about the 120-Series as a vehicle option for overland travel? <br>
Stacked within the ranks of the Land Cruiser naming standards, the 120-Series is typically known as the Prado (or in the UK, the LC3).<br>
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The 120-Series entered the vehicle market in 2003 replacing the six year old 90-Series (known as the Colorado in the UK). Upon initial release, it was fitted with the same 3.0L diesel engine as its predecessor however many drivers claimed it was underpowered which potentially contributed to Toyota to replacing it with the 3.0L D-4D common rail diesel matched to a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic gearbox.<br>
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The Land Cruiser brand personifies reliability, durability and the Toyota 'sameness'. The vehicles all seem to have that similiar driving style... that of comfort, and driveability. The brand attracts loyal follows who actively defend their vehicle decision especially against Land Rover fanatics.<br>
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</div><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2015/03/this-mums-taxi-could-be-your-next.html#more">READ MORE >>>></a>Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-53179282140339626992015-03-15T21:29:00.004+11:002015-03-15T21:29:53.479+11:00You Create Your World... Sydney Overland Meetup report<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney Overland Meetup (March 2015)</td></tr>
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The Sydney Overland Meetup took place on Saturday 14th March 2015 with guest speakers Gareth and Kirsty from <a href="http://aussieoverlanders.com.au/">Aussie Overlanders</a> and hosted by <a href="http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/">Expedition Centre</a>.<br>
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<span style="color: orange;">We drove from Sydney to London via Africa...</span></h4>
In 2013, Gareth and Kirsty departed Sydney in their 1989 Land Cruiser Troopy. After a neat 585 days on the road, the couple arrived back in Sydney having traveled across three continents. This past weekend was our turn to hear their stories, share their passion for overland adventure travel and to meet past, current and future overlanders.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney Overland Meetup - March 2015</td></tr>
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<span style="color: orange;"></span></h4><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2015/03/you-create-your-world-sydney-overland.html#more">READ MORE >>>></a>Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0Sydney NSW, Australia-33.8674869 151.20699020000006-34.711976400000005 149.91609670000005 -33.0229974 152.49788370000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-29886680168279879562015-03-03T19:38:00.003+11:002015-03-05T14:51:35.668+11:00Sydney Overland Meetup: 14th March 2015<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIjj-LVX7no/VPVwYrGkPPI/AAAAAAAAeI4/P6JlhKuD8RE/s1600/aussie%2Boverlanders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIjj-LVX7no/VPVwYrGkPPI/AAAAAAAAeI4/P6JlhKuD8RE/s1600/aussie%2Boverlanders.JPG" height="188" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google Search: Aussie Overlanders</td></tr>
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Looking for some travel inspiration? Feel like sharing the overland travel passion?<br />
On the 14th March 2015, Gareth and Kirsty (Aussie Overlanders) will be sharing their travel stories covering three continents and two oceans!<br />
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<br /><br />The Plan:<br /><br />12:30pm to 1:30pm: BBQ (Traditional South African Boerewors Rolls)<br /><br />1:30pm to 3pm: Aussie Overlanders<br /><br />3pm to 4pm: General Catchup<br />
Join us from 12:30pm at the Expedition Centre<br />
<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Venue:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Expedition+Centre/@-33.9671277,151.0645166,20z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x6b12b92480dd1bb3:0x300fd9c215470074">Expedition Centre</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">69 Anderson Rd, Mortdale NSW 2222</span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d413.62359852250034!2d151.064516562282!3d-33.96712766730534!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6b12b92480dd1bb3%3A0x300fd9c215470074!2sExpedition+Centre!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sau!4v1425373041440" style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe>
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Hosted by Daniel & Martin<br />
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Please Bring:<br />
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Chairs & Drinks<br />
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Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-15322289018165108182015-01-22T15:07:00.002+11:002015-01-22T15:07:53.599+11:0010years ago today... memories from BigSky Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh6br2qNuC0/VMB3PhAYx4I/AAAAAAAAdTQ/qmV6ml4z0vU/s1600/DSC04387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh6br2qNuC0/VMB3PhAYx4I/AAAAAAAAdTQ/qmV6ml4z0vU/s1600/DSC04387.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
Ten years ago, my wife and I climbed aboard our blue Land Rover Defender 200Tdi and headed South from the UK towards Cape Town on an overland adventure called '<a href="http://www.bigsky-adventures.com/">BigSky Adventures</a>'.<br>
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Although the finer granular details of our trans-continental overland travels have faded into memory, there are moments which have kept that year alive throughout the last ten years.<br>
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Here are a few thoughts from these last ten years...<br>
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My trans-Africa trip was a dream come true and a dream that is cherished today. <br>
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<a href="http://bigsky-adventures.com/diary/south_africa/17-nov-05/route-south-africa-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://bigsky-adventures.com/diary/south_africa/17-nov-05/route-south-africa-01.jpg" height="320" width="261"></a></div>
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I had made the decision to complete a trans-Africa trip back in 1994 - eleven years before I actually departed. Time dragged towards the departure date, with moments of pure excitement and nervous planning yet in comparison, these last ten years have vanished. I fully acknowledge that the planning phase is as important as the actual travel. <br>
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Planning extends the travels as the dreams are expanded, the journey researched and the excitement shared.<br>
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The internet was young in 2005 and was a struggle to publish content compared to the social media options today. <a href="http://www.bigsky-adventures.com/">BigSky Adventures</a> was my way of sharing the journey.<br>
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<a href="http://bigsky-adventures.com/diary/zambia/16-july-05/09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://bigsky-adventures.com/diary/zambia/16-july-05/09.jpg" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
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<a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2015/01/10years-ago-today-memories-from-bigsky.html#more">READ MORE >>>></a>Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1053095488689271539.post-35285433817459713902015-01-13T20:38:00.001+11:002015-01-13T20:38:58.842+11:002014 Africa Overland Statistics - The chosen vehicle: Toyota or Land Rover?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GX1PACmCp34/VK45Bxe5FwI/AAAAAAAAc5k/IC5trgLRm8M/s1600/2014-trips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GX1PACmCp34/VK45Bxe5FwI/AAAAAAAAc5k/IC5trgLRm8M/s1600/2014-trips.JPG" height="320" width="284"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Africa Overland Websites</td></tr>
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Land Rover might have dominated the last decade of independent overland adventure travel but Toyota is bouncing back...<br>The Toyota Land Cruiser has succeeded for the 2nd year as the most popular Africa overland vehicle of choice for trans-Africa trips departing in 2014. <br>
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In this blog post I highlight the two primary vehicles for overland travel, the average travel time in Africa and the average age of the overland vehicle in 2014.<br>
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I have been recording vehicle choice for the last five years based on websites listed on <a href="http://www.africa-overland.net/">The Africa Overland Network</a>. A quick comment on the website and the impact of Facebook. Facebook has eroded the need to host a blog or website detailing overland adventure travel however a few overlanders have managed to successfully balance published content (website blog) and social interaction (Facebook) whilst traveling. I fully recognise that many travelers don't blog, speak different languages or simply don't know about <i>The Africa Overland Network</i>. However, this is still the most reliable website to provide these statistics.<br>
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Interested in the previous years statistics? <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2010/12/land-rover-vs-toyota-which-overlander.html">2010</a> (LR) | <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2012/01/africa-overland-vehicle-choice-2011.html">2011</a> (Toyota) | <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/land-rover-or-toyota-2012-trip.html">2012</a> (LR) | <a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/land-rover-or-toyota-what-happened-in.html">2013</a> (Toyota).<br>
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Roll on 2014...</h4>
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</div><a href="http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2015/01/2014-africa-overland-statistics-chosen.html#more">READ MORE >>>></a>Martin Solmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031965921522744777noreply@blogger.com0