Flinders-Behind The Scenes - Planning, Logistics & Packing

This video covers how I research and plan my bigger trips.
Here's a link to my planning spreadsheet if anyone wants a copy.
docs.google.co...

[@trialsaustraliapodcast6783]

You guides really helped me in the Flinders trip I just did. Wanted to say thank you.

[@craigkennedy5328]

Excellent informative video Brent. Plenty of great ideas and advice. Your spreadsheets are terrific. Anything can go wrong and ruin an adventure ride especially on your own. So I don’t think it’s OCD, it’s just being prepared for a successful, safe and enjoyable ride. I’m sure your mates are probably glad to have you around to do all the work! Otherwise, it soon becomes an Adventure walk when you’re 40klm out of town and out of gas!

[@thedirtdominators]

You just know you're borderline OCD alike when you start smiling as soon as he gets to the spreadsheet part... :D Super intresting to see you going in depth on how you plan and organize. Thanks for sharing and the superb quality you produce in. cheers

[@TwoUpTourer]

I'm a planner Brent. In fact it was my GPX you chose to look at, one of several in the SAABR list you got it from. Free-formers don't get to the places we planners go because they don't know they are there.

[@briangschaefer7048]

I really appreciate how your brain works because I am the exact same. Thanks for the content Brent :)

[@timwhite3250]

Thanks Brent I enjoyed this video. Only manage to get 1 or maybe 2 weeks per year for a bike trip so I get two things out of detailed planning. Firstly means that I max out every day with things to see and do and secondly the planning becomes part of the trip so extends the holiday for me into the planning phase

[@corries4]

Thanks Brent for sharing your knowledge and resources. Awesome stuff

[@brentbat]

Thanks Corries4, It's a labour of love.

[@andrewheadland9341]

Thank you for sharing on your setup good luck on the crossing can’t wait when the adventure starts 👍👍👍

[@roam5984]

This is an incredible resource for adventure riders, thank you for making it available. I really enjoy your filming and the care in editing that you take, congrats and ride safe in the future.

[@kenroscoe8121]

Brilliant video, thanks Brent

[@jasondunn8894]

Thanks Brent. It’s interesting you talking about ‘free flow’ riders. I’m not that and relatively organized. I guess it’s about managing risk but also being able to deal with some situations so you actually enjoy the journey. You’ve motivated me to get to the Flinders on my Tenere 660. Great series of videos👍

[@gatman2300]

Great video Brent... great content really well presented. Good to know there's more than just me at this end of the 'spectrum'.

[@steveeastwood1615]

Great video Brent!! Thank you for being so generous and sharing your planning information. Very informative and helpful.

[@MrHumpo75]

Amazing Brent I love the amount of prep you do. You should be running tours. Thanks for the insight.

[@threeqtrtym]

Thank you for all the time that you take sharing!

[@WeckforsDiscovery]

Thanks for sharing your planning spreadsheet! 😀

[@Ride2Xplore]

Amazing planning!Thanks for going through and showing it to us!I do also as much planning as possible.I dont like going blind and always follow a route i have designed in advance!

[@tims728]

Perfect planning! Personally, short day trips around home can be 'adventure' and spontaneous, if you are going more than one night or into a different state then I Think planning goes a long way. Nothing wrong with either approach, as you say it's what works for the individual. I think though about others and the responsibility I have to myself. Having said that, I've used both approaches and each have merit. Think waking up to a sunrise on a hill you hadn't known about and you're the only one there, you cant put a price on that. Also planning to avoid a road closed and being able to re route because you had planned an alternative, then meeting some interesting people, also priceless experiences. We did a big trip last year, without spreadsheets, wikicamps, Garmin Explore and the use of local tourist centres we would have not had such a great time. Thanks for posting this up. I need to go back to the Flinders!!!

[@kiwiadventurer]

Thanks Brent for your ideas and generosity. Navigation maps and the wildness is like sex, its the best fun you can have without laughing. The comments are as interesting as is your video and reflect how much you and your take on planning is appreciated. There is always something to learn especially with ever advancing technology. Your hard earned evolution of knowledge is your gift to us and I laughed when you mentioned ocd. There’s a saying that says when you don’t plan you’re planning to fail. Your intelligence and passion make you hungry to get things right. You are definitely a systems man which is the logic of your thinking. You have some damn good ideas how to get ideas. Often my ideas start with watching a video on KZbin. Having two monitors I can open freshmap on the second screen so I can relate to the video. I have a sub folder with a list and description of places and routes, and If I like the video route I take a screen print of my map and name the trip and save. If I want to know more about the map I go to the word document in the map sub folder and it tells me all I’ve gleaned from the video. I can also google that name and come up with heaps of info and also google maps using search. I always copy the video url and paste it in the word document describing the video. With my freshmap I can make a track or a route, and can turn a track into a route and export a gpx file. I’m planning another South Island trip which will involve a couple of reliable mates. They can go to a link on my cloud folder in google drive and go straight to my maps and the sub folder with the info about the map by clicking on the url of the matching video. So they instantly get a visual feeling, location and much more. I have my phone loaded with NZ Topo series which has the most detail and for $5 the downloaded map can open no matter where I am to any scale. Sooooo handy. Thanks for such an interesting wrap about what we love.

[@brentbat]

Hey Kiwi Adventurer, thanks for your note. Sounds like we are both fairly similar in our love for research and planning. Sounds like you have a well evolved system for building your adventures as well. Happy Adventuring... Maybe oneday our paths will cross on the trail.

[@kiwiadventurer]

@@brentbat Like the idea.

[@tylercollinsphoto]

Thanks for the spreadsheet Brent, that's going to come in super handy planning my Iceland trip in 2023!

[@brentbat]

Iceland!!! very cool (pun intended). I spent 2 weeks in Iceland driving around the perimeter in a 4WD but would love to go and play in the interior on a bike. Amazing country. If you are into photography or want to go to photo-scenic places, you might find my photography research map useful. Each place links to a photo. Enjoy www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1RQ7esw9lrg2Oe9Lp0ulEE8TrO6k&ll=64.73770286346318%2C-18.831353937691457&z=8

[@graemesydney38]

Wow, thanks. Very thoughtful, very thorough, and food for thought. I like both styles of touring, freestyle and planned, but I haven't used the computer as completely as you have. Thanks.

[@vitoralencar1836]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing

[@russellflesser6902]

Thank you for sharing all that info. Like the rest of your planning it was detailed and informative.

[@EstebanFonsecaAR]

Didn't know the gaia gps tool, I've been using brouter and google maps. Brouter is very good, but it does not allow to save tracks online. Thanks, very good video.

[@BalefulBunyip]

That was really interesting. Very compact. I would love to see what it all looks like packed onto the bike!

[@nerdymoto4353]

Great video - you may want to double check you detail blurring of your aunts details - there is a section where they can be seen.

[@k_plax]

Thats some solid planning with those spreadsheets and I like the disclaimer at the start ;) I dont know how ppl who are simply like 'just get out there and ride", do it for big trips... but each to their own

[@mikebeaton4934]

Love it and very useful and informative, especially Part 1

[@volvogt21]

Brilliant video Brent. Best one I've seen covering planning. I get this duty for trips away with mates (a thankless task when things turn turtle) but I enjoy it anyway. I create my route on basecamp but might have to give Gaia a try. I still like to have an 8 inch tablet on the dash running hema and explore oz maps so I can compare the map to the way garmin has interpreted my gpx file. It seems like no matter how many times you go over a route, check your map versions and turn off adventure route routing etc it still manages to do a garmin as my mates call it send send you a way you don't want to go. Especially in the high country.

[@brentbat]

Hey VolvoGT, Yes, I take the routes from GaiaGPS into Basecamp and convert them to Tracks and tend to always follow tracks off-road...Then Garmin can't get creative on me. I keep the GaiaGPS maps downloaded on my phone as a backup. I used to use Hema, but I think they have lost the plot of late.

[@volvogt21]

@@brentbat cheers Brent. I'll give tracks a go next time. I've just given Hema one more chance. Once my old tablet died which was running a perfectly working (un-nobbled) version of hema explorer on it (which they no longer support) I was forced to look for options. I forked out the big dollars for the ExplorerOz app but found whilst it has great functionality the maps are hard to look at and decipher and it is a bit caravaner-centric. So I went to Hema 4wd which is a full raster map suite which I quite like. I then gave their newer 4x4Explorer a go. It works well but it won't reliably display my current location on my samsung tab active3 (waterproof glove friendly super tough) 8 inch tablet. After 30 calls I now know all the hema support staff by first name. They say they don't have my tablet to test the app on. I've even offered to post them mine..... Yes they have lost the plot sadly.

[@toktoktok89]

@@brentbat I do the same with Basecamp and the Zumo XT. Create a track and route for each leg/day then load both. The route gives the turn by turn, but I've set the track a thicker a brighter colour so I'll see if the two diverge and follow the track until the rejoin. I haven't used Gaia but that looks a lot cleaner than Basecamp for planning. The search function in Basecamp is horrendous. Thanks for taking the time to post this. I laughed as soon as I saw your filing system for the GPX as mines almost identical, then the spreadsheet got me again because I once again do the same. Planning everything is half the fun...

[@brentbat]

@@toktoktok89 Hey Tom, sounds like we are both at the OCD end of the scale :-). But you are right, I love the planning part.. I'm a map geek and love just staring at maps, visualising them in 3D (Gaia does that), and look for hidden gems etc. Yes, GaiaGPS is a much better tool for planning and managing the files, but I still use Basecamp for building routes and sending them to my Zumo.

[@toktoktok89]

@@brentbat Ah, I had seen the 3d mapping footage in some of your videos and wondered where it came from. Didn't look like Google Earth. I'll check out Gaia. Thanks.

[@nofrontiersmotoadvs]

love it! awesome content, I'm in your category, hahaha. thank you for sharing tons of information and experience!

[@Zerotys_ADV]

Well done! Thanks for sharing.

[@georgeangelos5980]

I like how you use GAIA GPS (never heard of it) looks like a great tool to use. Thanks for sharing Brent👍

[@edmorrison8858]

It’s a great app and when you get into it it’s soooo easy to use. I love it There is also a great video filmed up in QLD done on its application

[@winta2028]

The only time an adventure will go wrong for me is when I have prepared (haha) yeh but for some reason lately I'm enjoying the prepare process.

[@ozadv]

Thanks Brent, always interesting to see how others do it. I'd be somewhere in between - though I do like the research aspects, spreadsheets are not for me. I love Gaia GPS too - mostly just using the app now on my phone rather than the Garmin. All those GPX files around Sydney look good! 😎

[@richardcripps318]

good video thanks for sharing. you might want to take a spare fuel pump in your kit ,on trip in nz my mates 701 fuel pump died with 8000 ks on it, seams to be a common fault. keep the video coming.

[@brentbat]

Hey Richard, yes, I've heard about the fuel pumps going. I did install a filter sock in my main fuel tank to try to make sure that I kept my fuel clean. I think if I was with a few other people, then we would take one between us (I have a mate on 690 and two with 701s).

[@sixty6north913]

Hi Brent - firstly, thanks for putting in the effort to make these videos - I have made a few (only for family use), and I appreciate the amount of time and planning it takes to do this (mine are rubbish compared to yours by the way). Also, the other information about planning and logistics is very excellent - thanks for sharing. Second thing is, a mate and I are planning a trip to the Flinders next month - I was wondering if you are prepared to share your GPX files for this trip that we can use to give us an accelerated start to planning - thanks.

[@brentbat]

Hi. Thx for note. You can find links to the gpx files in the KZbin descriptions of the main 3 videos.

[@sixty6north913]

@@brentbat great - thanks heaps for sharing

[@Nw7574nz]

Another very informative video thanks. Could you post a link to your pillow. I have spent years trying to find a decent one.

[@brentbat]

I use this one. www.amazon.com/NEMO-Nemo-Fillo-Canopy-Green/dp/B083B6ZPPT/ref=pd_bxgy_img_sccl_2/143-6990950-8587310?pd_rd_w=APi9f&content-id=amzn1.sym.7f0cf323-50c6-49e3-b3f9-63546bb79c92&pf_rd_p=7f0cf323-50c6-49e3-b3f9-63546bb79c92&pf_rd_r=VHRR727MQQ9QGK3RWE8F&pd_rd_wg=K0CbP&pd_rd_r=aa40b74f-a084-468e-a8e4-079c66ee0774&pd_rd_i=B083B6ZPPT&th=1

[@Nw7574nz]

@@brentbat thanks, is that the specific size? There’s always that trade off between packability and comfort and I see they do a “luxury” larger size.

[@brentbat]

@@Nw7574nz That is the size that I have and it works well for me, but if you go into one of the bigger camping stores, they should stock several different models, so you can try them out and make the size/comfort tradeoff.

[@Nw7574nz]

@@brentbat thanks again. Rural NZ so limited options! 🤪

[@2wheelsinmotion]

Brent, once again thanks for the inspiration. My OCD noticed on the spread sheet fuel used for the stove (I Believe) I use a SOTO fuel stove.... wondering if you use one what model you use. Thank you also for the prompt regarding organising Gaia... Ive spent the night tidying things up and it makes allot more sense... so thank you.

[@brentbat]

Hey I'm glad I'm feeding your OCD tendencies and that you organised Gaia.... It will pay dividends as you hunt around for GPX files in the future. Regarding Stove, this is the one that I have www.msrgear.com/ie/stoves/stove-kits/pocketrocket-deluxe-stove-kit/13099.html

[@2wheelsinmotion]

@@brentbat Thanks Brent, re the pillow, Ive used a Sea to Summit for years but open to trying somehting new. I tried to research Zilo and got an orthopedic travel pillow but it doesnt look lioke your typical pillow... more a neck wrap. do you have a link at all to the pillow brand please. We're off to Loch Sport in Vic riding the sand for the weekend and Ive plyed with the gearing abit so we'll see how things work out.

[@brentbat]

@@2wheelsinmotion Sure thing... check out this review on them kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3ush6hop9Goo6c

[@2wheelsinmotion]

@@brentbat Bought the pillow today... happy days. The other little gem was the GoPro screws with the wings on them.... I thought... what a great idea, so thank you for sharing its much appreciated

[@brentbat]

@@2wheelsinmotion youlllove the pillow. Sweet dreams 👍

[@scottmclachlan9515]

Hi Brent, awesome video mate!!! I can’t see the spreadsheet upload, where did you post it ?

[@brentbat]

Abo e in the description... hit the "show more" button above.

[@darrynellis2709]

Great vid👍

[@shadowV22]

I’m in sydney too mate, I’d love to tag along one time

[@thecorporategypsy]

Very good and helpful on how to organize my Gaia GPS tracks. Mine are a mess up until now. Do you use your tracks on your phone or do you use Basecamp to put them on your Garmin unit?

[@brentbat]

I transfer all my gpx files to my Garmin unit via Basecamp. My Zumo XT is my main nav unit, it is much more reliable and easy to read than the phone. But I also have the maps cached on the phone and the tracks downloaded there as well, so I have full redundancy on my nav gear.

[@thecorporategypsy]

@@brentbat ok thanks. I use Gaia as a back up as well not primary. I will be renting a bike in the UK and am looking at trying to use Gaia on my phone but the roads are so narrow and small not sure that will work at back road speed

[@thecorporategypsy]

@@brentbat Thanks again!

[@ssamorfati]

Hi Brent, I was just wondering what pillow you have. Was it a zillow pillow? Can't seem to find them. Cheers Sime

[@brentbat]

www.amazon.com/NEMO-Nemo-Fillo-Luxury-Abyss/dp/B083B6SPVT/ref=sr_1_4?crid=MI3AAZ19GUKT&keywords=nemo+fillo+pillow&qid=1676349284&sprefix=nemo+fillo+pillow%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-4

[@ssamorfati]

@@brentbat Thanks a million Brent. BTW, awesome vids. Will be taking your lead on our flinders trip. Cheers

[@rodertera]

Nice video. I’d add water filter or puri tabs just in case.

[@brentbat]

Good point Rob. I do have a water purifier that I pack occasionally, but I need to add that to my list.

[@richardkessen7009]

Hi Brent, are you using the free version of the GAIA GPS to build your gpx files or do I need to pay the subscription fee?

[@brentbat]

I pay the subscription which gives me access to additional maps, but most importantly allows me to download maps on my phone (I use my phone as a backup to my Zumo XT GPS).

[@roberthudson7125]

Can you throw a link up for The G.O.A.T? I have never heard of it. I have being trying to find it since watching your video, but all I am getting is information & pictures of animals. I'm not the smartest person around.

[@brentbat]

Sure thing... No problems sites.google.com/view/thegoatgreatozadventuretrail/the-g-o-a-t-home

[@roberthudson7125]

@@brentbat cheers mate.

[@KaneTerry]

interesting, is that a WR in the background

[@brentbat]

Yes, my boys have dirt bikes... A WR450 and a KTM 500.

[@benblamires3636]

Hey Brent, just from your Cyber Sec viewer your blurring on the excel isn’t that great….brilliant video mate I’m in the middle right of your spectrum. Plan for the worst, hope for the best 🤙

[@Chris_Z.]

What brand were the packing cubes?

[@brentbat]

Mine were Veken, but I think they are all pretty much of a muchness. Something like this works fine. www.amazon.com.au/Set-Packing-Cube-Organizers-Laundry/dp/B07F23YZPB/ref=sr_1_47?crid=122BF6RU4IA46&keywords=veken+packing+cubes&qid=1654397062&sprefix=veken%2Caps%2C466&sr=8-47

[@RogerHuesser]

Hi Brent. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Cool! Just one remark from my side. Maybe you shouldn't show us your email address (in the browser, on the top left side), with respect to spam etc. Or was this intended?

[@brentbat]

Hey Roger, I don't care if people know my email address, I share it readily, but thanks for pointing it out.