Pilbara Meander 2020

[@isnoo1]

Oh I am loving this!! You do what I used to do - get right off the road for an overnight camp. I have not been on the road for 7 years now since my traveling lab mate decided it was time to leave me. BUT getting ready to do it again very soon! Thank you for the inspiration again!

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Kathryn O'Donohue , sorry for your loss....time to get back in the saddle. Thanks for watching.

[@jaisabai4155]

Thanks for bringing back fond memories. Around about 1983 two mates and I rode our XL500s (bullet-proof) from Darwin through WA, SA and back to Darwin. The one place which was, for me, unforgettable was Karijini (Fortescue Falls). It was December, so well over 40 degrees and that water in front of those falls was Paradise. We didn't want to leave. Absolutely stunning place. 👍

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Jai Sabai, glad you had fond memories of your journey. Glad you like the vid. 👍🇦🇺

[@ianhead4740]

Great vid as always fellas and bloody awesome to see a little Dr 650 still showing it can cut the mustard!

[@mongreldogproductions]

Chris swears by the DR….It’s taken him all around Australia. Have a look at my latest vids for more recent adventures. Thanks for watching.

[@ianhead4740]

@@mongreldogproductions Will do thanks

[@roberthocking9138]

Great scenery and roads up there, wish I was fit enough to see it. Great video

[@mongreldogproductions]

Glad you were able to experience it thru the wonders of technology…thanks for watching.

[@robertgordon7328]

Got my gear and I'm ready.....Cheers from New Bern,NC USA!

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Robert Gordon, thanks for watching. 👍

[@Nicontrast]

Always a pleasure to find a video of your latest bite of the unique slice of this beautiful country that you make. 400k with canvas exposed and no resolution! We assume it worked out okay! Really enjoyed this, glad you're out there again.

[@astrobusa]

I think the photo of a new rear tyre just at the end (on the right of screen) means Steve made it back (on canvas....)

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Nicontrast, I got home save n sound with no issues. Sorry to leave you hangin’ with no obvious conclusion. Believe me, if it was a different outcome I would’ve filmed it. I’m sure it would not have been pretty. Glad you like the vid. Thanks for watching.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi astrobusa, actually, that is my profile photo...it is also the subscription button if you want to follow the channel. 👍

[@mikehzz9848]

Thanks for this, I've watched a heap of your videos and enjoy them very much. I've done a lot of outback in 4 different 4wds over many years and it's heatening to see that something seems to break on almost every trip because that's my experience too. Unfortunately for you adventure riders it's sometimes the rider that breaks.😊 Stay upright mate.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Mike, thanks for your continued support over the years...thanks for watching.

[@astrobusa]

Another great adventure Steve. Thanks for taking us along. Great camera work and editing. I just recently bought a 1200GS. Great machine. Keep up the good work. Regards... Bob

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi astrobusa , enjoy the R1200... great bike and very versatile. Thanks for watching.

[@lorgagssertao4036]

It's good to know that you guys & bikes are in good shape for these Adventure Rides! I will grab my gear and go tomorrow for my weekend ride!

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi L GS S, how is it where you are....have you been able to get out much. Western Australia has pretty much returned to normal although the internal borders with other states are shut.

[@lorgagssertao4036]

I'm in Moscow, yes, that Moscow, as in the capital of the enemy! LOL We were only allowed to ride since early this month although the cases of 'Rona are still surging up :( This part of the world is not as pretty as Stralia

[@Livey01]

My Home ❤️ I grew up in the Pilbara and it's a beautiful, surreal place. Thankyou for sharing... Love your vids!

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Woman, Glad you like the vid....the Pilbara has some stunning scenery. We are blessed here in Oz.

[@kradius2169]

... Wow, Western Australia, magnificent scenery. No crocs too, apparently. No camels? Bird shots were fun. Saw a few bugs, hope they weren't too bad. Don't know that I'd venture out into the bush without a spare front & back tire. I've had success lashing them on either side of the front of the bike -- perhaps that wouldn't work for some bikes. Nothin' like having a fresh spare out in the boonies though. There's a nice fork seal cleaner, thin, rigid, tough plastic, almost a specialized business card type deal -- perhaps you had tried that. Someone once told me an actual business card might do it in a pinch, assuming it's just some grit lodged under the seal. Great to see you back out. Thanks for all of your hard work to share with the rest of us.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Kradius, We do have crocs but further north. Camels tend to stick to the 'interior'. I have taken spare tyres on some trips before but i didn't see the need for this one. To be honest, i didnt really consider this trip to be 'remote' although others may disagree. I thought the tyre might do the 3,800km but agree that i did take a chance with this one. Just gotta have faith. We tried the credit card thing on the seal but there are some fork protectors which meant we couldnt get all the way around. Glad you like the vid.

[@BikerBytes]

Superb mate 👍 The Country up that way is spectacular, must have been an awesome trip.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Biker Bytes, good to get outta the city (finally). Thanks for your continued support.

[@dantheman6159]

Lone your work Steve. Binging on your videos now mate.

[@hachewie]

This is certainly an enormous country. Thanks for taking us on the trip.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Glad you like the vid...thanks for watching

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Beautiful country views. Love that red road going into the distance forever. Jealous. That’s for the peak into your trip.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Honda NC750X Stuff, glad you like the vid...thanks for watching. 👍

[@bazza8947]

WA is the only state I haven't really explored yet but very keen to! Great vid as always Steve!

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Bazza, we are blessed in WA. So much variation and no passport needed. We got the beaches, the deserts, the tall timber country and the tropics up north. Thanks for watching.

[@adv-moto-rider7216]

Nice trip, thanks for sharing, Getting value out of that rear.. great stuff.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi ADV-MOTO-Rider 72, tyres are expensive. Gotta get my monies worth. Besides, traction is over rated. Hope you like the vid.

[@johnnavarro9169]

Great to see you again, thanks mate it brings back good memories for me. I have a good 1200 gs but my body is in a lot of pain so I don't know if I can get home to the west on my bike, I am going to try the lightest open face helmet I can get and see if that makes a difference. I'll get there yet.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi John, I guess we all have to face reality one day knowing that our riding days could be numbered. 😞. Glad you enjoyed your trip down Memory Lane.

[@boringbob9357]

Another great production Mr Bly. I’m pretty envious of this trip except for the lack of Morning coffee. Greetings from West Texas.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Robert, glad you like the vid. Thankfully, our lockdown rules are pretty relaxed here at the moment which still allows us to get out and about. Thanks for watching.

[@markhinchcliffe2533]

Thanks again Steve great vid. The variety of camera angles and positions is a great look. Cheers.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Mark, yeah, the different angles stops viewers from going to sleep and mixes it up a little. Glad you like the vid.

[@Mr_Mxyzptlk]

I reckon if you touch up the patch with a Sharpie, you'd get another 5,000 kms from that rear tyre. Good to see HRG reverting to childhood at Temple Gorge with JP.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Chris R, I cut the Tyre in half to see how thick the carcass was...maybe 2cm. I reckon it had 500km left in it. I was told once never to work with kids, animals or Adventure Riders. I should’ve listened to them! It was like herding cats.

[@peterdawson7775]

Great stuff , brings back memories of when I was working at Tom Price and spent the days off exploring the Pilbara. Just a beautiful area of Australia.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi PD, you're right...a great slice of Oz. Glad you like the vid.

[@stevepike195]

Hi Steve, thanks for an excellent and inspiring video, greeting from Sweden. ride safe.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Steve Pike, glad you like the vid. Thanks for watching.

[@sarge6908]

Hey Steve, have you heard of the old 2 thou feeler gauge trick? It actually does work sometimes depending on if the fork seal is not damaged and can often remove the offending grit and grime so the leak is reduced if not repaired. Great footage mate. Keep them coming. Cheers from the east!

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Sarge 690, I believe you can use a credit card or similar with the same results. We didn’t discover all this until after we returned to Perth. We are fortunate here in the West with little or no restrictions so watch this space for more vids. Glad you like the vid...thanks for watching.

[@zarb88]

Beautiful falls. Appreciated you showing us the route maps even if we have no idea where youre going.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Zarb, i guess the maps sometimes helps those who aren't familiar with the geography. Oz is a big country. Thanks for watching.

[@cameronbyrne8972]

Absolute legend you are 👍 wish I had the cash and I would be there with you enjoying the great Australian countryside 🤘

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi CB, there is a lot of country to explore. Glad you like the vid. Thanks for watching.

[@emmanuelmorgan569]

I usually like your videos first before even watching it now.😄 Keep up the good work🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Emmanuel Morgan, glad you like the content. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@bradfieldrich]

Thank you for making and sharing these excellent videos. You have a distinctive style, and overall excellent production. It seems that almost every group ride has a catastrophic injury. What are the most common causes for the "get offs" and the injuries? Thanks again from Colorado USA.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Rich, thanks for the positive feedback. Glad you enjoy the Channel content. Riders crash for a number of reasons depending on the group, the conditions or the Riders experience. Usually, when there is a large group, it's a case of some Riders trying to outdo the other Riders. That is, they try and impress with their skills and ability. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn't. Some Riders will ride outside of their skill set and come unstuck when they come across conditions they were not expecting (like 'over cooking' a corner....going too fast). Sometimes, you get in the 'zone' (when things are going along swimmingly) and you lose concentration and hit some snotty stuff too fast and crash. Some are inexperienced and don't react correctly when the conditions change. We have a lot of loose surfaces here in Oz (gravel, sand, mud etc) and if you hit some shitty stuff and dont respond correctly you can come unstuck. If you hit snotty stuff the best thing you can do is let the bike do its thing, keep constant throttle or accelerate. This will ensure the bike remains straight (as far as possible) and hopefully you'll come out the other side ok. Some riders will instinctively 'back off' which is the worse thing you can do. The front will bog down (especially in sand) and will become uncontrollable using resulting in a 'tank slapper' (violent swaying from side to side). Most injuries are to the lower leg (ankle, fibula, tibia) when the bike pins a rider beneath it, dislocated shoulders (when reaching out to break your fall) and chest/ribs from handlebars and heavy impact. I've been very fortunate over the years (touch wood) and still have full use of most of my arms and legs. Thanks for watching.

[@bradfieldrich]

@@mongreldogproductions Thanks. That makes sense and sounds familiar. If you ever consider saying "Grab your Gear. Let's go!" to adventure riding in the western USA, please feel free to reach out.

[@ericquitt]

Mate really love your videos... great stuff.. Watched a whole swag of stuff you have done and really enjoyed it. Cheers Ric.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Ric, glad you like the video content....thanks for watching.

[@chenderson4969]

Bet it wasn’t turning in very well in the lead up to it getting down to the canvas Steve! Another video thoroughly enjoyed.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Callum, we were on the unsealed roads so much that handling becomes secondary to staying upright. I dont ride hard so i can never tell when the bike is pushed beyond its limits (or in my case my riding ability lol). Glad you like the vid.

[@Jolly-Josh]

Missed you on the road mate, not long back from a trip to Mt Augustus with a few of the PAR guys

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Josh J, they (PAR) will be back up there again soon I believe (early Sep). Hope you like the vid. Thanks for watching.

[@Jolly-Josh]

Mongrel Dog Productions Yeah big crew heading up in September, were looking at doing a run out to Rawlinna via the old Norseman-Balladonia telegraph track in early Sep. I’ve sent you a message on stork book mate..just after a bit of info on the Ball-Rawlinna track. I hear it’s pretty much non existent along the second half and it may be better going up from Cocklebiddy - Haig.

[@jmsask]

Thank you for sharing 👏🍻

[@storeroomjeff1]

Another great ride. The good life for sure!👍

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi JB, we are blessed!!!

[@braaimaster9218]

Another fab video, love them and thank you!

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Adam Collier, glad you like the content. Thanks for watching.

[@sumpjunkie]

Another awesome vid Would love to see the actual map of the roads you took

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi sumpjunkie, If you're a WA local it is pretty straight forward. Up the guts to Murchison, pick the most direct route to Gascoyne Junction, past the Kennedy Ranges and head to Mt Augustus, from there head north on the Doolie Downs Road (great road for Adventure Riding), head to Tom Price, Karijini, Neds Creek Road, Wiluna, Sandstone, and Paynes Find. Avoid the blacktop where you can. Glad you like the vid. Thanks for watching.

[@mtscott]

Must have been winter otherwise your fairing would have melted 😁 40degC in Perth already....🥵

[@justgjt]

You lucky buggers... Gotta luv the lucky country !

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi justgjt, we are blessed. Adventure Rider utopia. Thanks for watching.

[@trevorward1690]

Another great video thankyou Toowoomba.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Trevor Ward, glad you like the vid. Thanks for watching.

[@trevorward1690]

@@mongreldogproductions Always a enjoyable adventurer Steve .

[@adamshani3049]

Great Adventure

[@darrellmeganfoxall8830]

👍👍, did you make it back with that tyre?

[@mongreldogproductions]

I did….the intro of the video shows the tyre when I was 10 km from home. Not much life left in it. Thanks for watching.

[@shoei41]

Another epic M D Production. Are you going on the BMW Safari Enduro to Broome next year?

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Anthony .Williams, didn’t know about it until now. I better get my s*** together and start saving some $$$$. Glad you like the vid.

[@TheSkskitey]

Great trip and video , love your stuff . Shouldn't you guys be checking basic stuff before a big trip , like my rear tyre is a bit worn , maybe i should change it . My battery is a bit old , better get a new one just in case . The front shock seals on an Africa Twin are prone to failing , better get them checked out . No it's not in hindsight , you should do more checks before big trips but who am i to say , nobody died :-)

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Kitey 52, some things fail with no notice. Admittedly some things can be managed. Motorcycle tyres are BLOODY expensive and wear quickly. I took a gamble thinking the tyre would last (and it did...just). Chris' battery was an extra heavy duty battery less than 2 years old. You would not expect it to fail so early. The shock seal either doesn't leak...or it does. We only found out they are prone to leaking after researching the seals on line after the event. The Africa Twin had only covered 15,000km so you would expect longer life than that. I knew the conditions we would be riding under and as long as it stayed dry, traction (for the rear) would not have been an issue. Hope you like the vid...thanks for watching.

[@MrFastrhino]

Oh my, that back tire....😂

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi ,Mike T, you know me, I’ve never been good at judging Tyre wear. If I remember correctly you had to save my bacon when in transit to a Safari lol. Thanks for watching.

[@BTBSean0]

All ways a good trip with M/D Productions .......might head off for a few days meself

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi BTB, time to get out there while you/we can. Glad you like the vid.

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

"Nobody died."🤣 But you sure had your share of drama. You're definitely going to need a new tire after this one.🤙

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi KJ, the only fatality on this trip was the rear tyre. I got my monies worth outta that one. Thanks for watching

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

@@mongreldogproductions I could tell you got your money's worth by the tread.😊 Looking forward to your next video. Ride safe!

[@deanshaw2128]

Haha, it didn’t look like it had any tread on it at the start of the video !

[@jimaylward2396]

Grab yer gear let's go one day round Ireland . Let's Go 👋🤣☘☘☘

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Jim, i thought you'd be out there lurking somewhere. Thanks for your support.

[@martinguybuhler]

Nice vid,that tyre lol

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Martin Buhler, the Tyre got me home with a little bit to spare. I’m glad the roads were dry. Traction IS over rated. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@MavRikBMW]

Steve, always a pleasure watching your great adventures! Was wondering how you made out with that rear tire to Perth. Good to see you responses to some others wondering the same thing! Thank you for yet another great adventure video!

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Rick, Yeah, the tyre did get me home...actually, the first few seconds of the teaser at the beginning of this video was taken about 15km from home on the return journey. I reckon it wore pretty well considering. I probably pushed the boundaries though and wouldn't want to repeat it too soon. It provided next to no grip on the gravel but made me smile every time i twist the throttle and just start fishtailing down the road even when in 3rd or 4th gear. I should learn to grow up lol. Thanks for watching.

[@Neillypoo2007]

Another ripper!

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Neil Haring - the not so grey Wanderers, thanks for the praise....glad you like the video.

[@65LB]

How doew one determine whether there are crocs in the water courses?

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi LouB, the more popular swimming holes are usually signposted warning of the dangers if crocs are there. Otherwise, let your mate go swimming first and if he gets taken by a croc you know not to go swimming. Thanks for watching.

[@robkay9227]

👌

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Rob Kay, glad you like the vid. Thanks for watching.

[@pgoldys5534]

👍

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Pgoldys, thanks for watching.

[@alancoller1602]

Is it credit cards at these outback communities you did not say. And getting tattoos you can’t take them off and the ink is printer ink carsnagenic. Not a good choice.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Credit or debit cards at remote communities. Any card with a PIN number.

[@mrdoodle8748]

God's country up that way, you don't have Scottish or Jewish heritage by any chance 😊😊😉

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Mr Doodle, tyres are expensive...I wanna get my monies worth hahaha. And I did in this case. For the record, no Scottish or Jewish blood lol.

[@johnzee691]

👍