Riding across Western Australia on my solo motorcycle camping adventure S2 Episode 10

[@brotherbrenden]

I went over the Nullabour on a motorcycle in 1981. It seems way different now than then. Progress i guess. You do a wonderfull job presenting your travels like you do. Its inspiring but also really relatable to reality . Thanks for sharing

[@freewayproject]

I can only imagine what it would have been like back then, it would have been way more an adventure and you would have felt way more remote I gather . It's great to hear you are enjoying the series.

[@horsesoldier1]

My week is ending wonderfully, rode my pony and now watching your video. Thank you!

[@freewayproject]

always good to be riding.

[@horsesoldier1]

@@freewayproject nothing better!

[@barra650]

Mental note , If you ride with joe you will get wet . In the cold or rain , it's always good to be on the motorcycle . Cheers mate .

[@freewayproject]

haha, that's only because I am in the south in winter, wait until I head north, it will be all about being hot, sticky and dusty haha.

[@patriciahutson]

Dad and i drove from Sydney to Perth in 1970. Road sure has changed, Flash as tarseal,omg, but the traffic , no way. We had an Austin something and had a tent in the boot. Lovely to see the landscape again, top skills young man. On On UBIQUE

[@freewayproject]

Thank mate, glad you enjoyed it. that would have been a real adventure crossing back in 1970 👌🏻

[@terrycavender]

Thanks for leaving in the exhaust note instead of dubbing over it with music, I love hearing your/my, engine run. 👍 Beautiful landscapes, perhaps I will see them someday.

[@freewayproject]

no problem Terry, yes the sound of a single thumper is always good. It is a stunning place to explore, it changes all the time

[@RafalGrudzien]

Greetings from Poland:) I'm so glad to discover your channel. I caught up with the videos just today, watching them for breakfasts. Your way of showing things is unique, shows the emotions and truth. And the way you frame your videos and photos... I was like "damn, that's really good, this sense of a picture is insane" and then in one video you said that you do documentaries, and I was like "okay that makes sense now" :D Thanks for cool content and keep it up! Oh, I'm almost about to start my Europe - Australia trip so yeah, see you there haha

[@freewayproject]

Glad you are enjoying the series mate. You're up coming ride sounds awesome, that's a massive ride, so much you'll explore along the way.

[@robdotcom71]

Great episode again... thanks Joe.

[@freewayproject]

Glad you’re still enjoying them

[@robdotcom71]

@@freewayproject Yep... I certainly am. Being stuck at home as a carer these type of videos are my only form of escape... I can't wait till I am free and can disappear in a cloud of dust myself. :)

[@khaledashraf5935]

Loved it as usual.. thank you Joe.

[@freewayproject]

Glad you're still enjoying the series

[@bruiser6479]

Those salmon gums are a feature of the WA goldfields woodlands. There are lots of great roads to explore in the Goldfields. In fact there are lots of great dirt roads to explore everywhere in WA. Another excellent video. Your camera work, narration and editing are of a high standards as ever.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the information on the trees.

[@person.X.]

I can understand why you would want to go along the south coast but it is a shame you didn't head north into the Goldfields. If you enjoy remote dirt roads and camping the whole region is absolutely fantastic. It is full of history and abandoned gold mines and ghost towns and a lot of it is a beautiful combination of woodland and salt lakes. I lived and worked in Kalgoorlie for a number of years and really got into exploring the back roads. Surprisingly the remote gravel roads in the Goldfields are usually in excellent condition. Maybe for a future trip. Having said that I am looking forward to seeing the south. Australia is such an exhilarating country to road trip through.

[@freewayproject]

I do want to go and explore the Goldfields. It does look really interesting. Hopefully I’ll be able to get back over there soon. As you said there are so many options to explore in this country it’s going to take me a while to do it all if I ever get there.

[@simonjones2645]

I'll say it every time! Great stuff joe ! Thankyou!

[@freewayproject]

Glad you're enjoying the series mate.

[@holisticaustralia]

Great experience mate, I love the outback country, absolutely beautiful 👍

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it, it is pretty special out there.

[@StephenSGordon]

10 out of 10 for perseverance! 👍

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, some times you just have to keep chipping away at it.

[@ivofer8349]

so enjoyable watching, please keep posting

[@freewayproject]

I'm glad you are enjoying the series, I am only about half way so more to come.

[@TwoTubesADV]

What beautiful country to ride, nice one mate, liked thoroughly enjoyable 👍

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate glad you enjoyed it

[@flemmingthomsen94]

Greetings from Denmark (in Europe, not in WA 🙂) ... Thanks for your cool videos. I lived and worked in WA from 2017 to 2021 (and travelled a lot during those years) and I am a proud owner of a RE Himalayan now. I can really relate and look very much forward to your next videos. I hope you go up north later. You will find a lot of great dirt up there 🙂 Cheers, Flemming

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Flemming, I'm glad you are enjoying the series, yes I'll be heading north to explore. It would be cool to explore your Denmark one day.

[@MidCoastAdventures]

That's one vast expanse out there! Well filmed and captured. Cheers mate 👍

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, glad you're enjoying the series, yes it a massive area, it does take some time to journey through.

[@ronwarber535]

Another great video Joe, it was great to see you take alternative tracks to get to your destination. We ride because it is an adventure otherwise we would drive not ride. Stay upright.

[@freewayproject]

thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it, yes throwing in a dirt track on those big crossing days definitely helps break them up and keep them interesting.

[@jasontaylor8412]

Nice one joe, we never really understand how vast this land is until you have to travel it, great video mate as allways you never disappoint even on the 90 mile stretch you still made it interesting to watch, ride safe.

[@freewayproject]

Glad you enjoyed it Jason, yes it is massive, when your riding in one direction for days it really hits home.

[@timothyhussey940]

Welcome to WA mate ,the trees are probably salmon gums.if you get to Albany drop me a line ,my home town.stay upright mate cheers tim

[@freewayproject]

Thanks for the info

[@darrencarmichael-yd2vx]

Brilliant mate 👍

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Darren, glad you're still enjoying the episodes

[@antonoat]

Crikey, that’s some road! Being in the UK it’s easy to forget it’s winter down under. I imagine the trip you are doing would be even more extreme if not impossible in the middle of Summer! Great film Joe. Cheers👏😀👍🍺

[@freewayproject]

Yes when you're riding in the same direction for days you start to get an idea of how big this island is. Yes there are some places that actually close the road (tracks) as it is way to hot, normally in one of the 7 deserts in Australia. I am going to be heading north and when I get up there I'll want to be riding in just a T-shirt it will be that hot.

[@johnstaring3210]

I have crossed (motorcycles) in both winter and summer, the last summer trip was in 47C temps both ways, and believe me that is taxing. Too risky in some areas to ride at night and in the cool, so you just have to put up with it.

[@freewayproject]

.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

Hay mate been looking coward to your vid When I commented on your last Vid and told you about Rozalyn Veersma “ funny 😄 as she just started a new trip on her Honda 300 L - she was heading East across the Nullarbor as you were heading west ( you MAY have passed one another) 😂😂😂👍. . Those tress are areal surprise, and crapy coast weather hay 😂😂. Looking forward to your next adventure.

[@freewayproject]

we may have past, but my head was probably down trying to hide form the wind 😂. Got a name on the trees now Eucalyptus salmonophloia (Salmon Gum). I was expecting the south of WA to be wet this time of year so all's good.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

@@freewayproject Your living the dream mate 👍

[@marksteele4364]

Joe Esperence Caravan park is one of the best I have seen on my trip around the block....and the wind I copped was a northerly threatening to blow me into oncoming traffic as we rode from west to east....so so many memories in this post...thanks for sharing mate.

[@freewayproject]

yes Esperence Caravan park was next level (but section 6inches underwater) I was stoked they had the ensuite. yes that wind can be unsettling if it's coming across the road like that. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@grahamcairn8379]

Well you did tell me your next video was going to be about straight roads. When you come over here your not ever have that problem. The color of those trees was amazing. Look forward to your next video. At least you don't have to go far for a shower or toilet tonight 😂

[@freewayproject]

Yes I'll be keen to turn 😂. Yes those trees were something, just had to stop and check them out. Yes it all quite convenient, but most of all dry 😂

[@ridewitholdgrizz582]

I am really enjoying your videos. You have a great way of telling a story as well as the video.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, glad you are enjoying the series

[@alansmith1268]

Another enjoyable video Joe even with your mammoth tarmac munching miles in some bleak conditions 😮but as usual you also manage to get off the hard stuff and back on the dirt roads 👍hope things warm up for you.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Alan, yes some big milage, I am glad I could find some dirt tracks to break it up. I was expecting it to be wet in the south of WA at this time of the year, once I start heading north it will warm up quickly to the point it will get too hot 😂

[@unifitft]

I'm amazed you didn't take Balladonia track south to Esperance. Amazing videos Joe, beautiful to watch. I'm from Albany, now living in Tasmania.

[@freewayproject]

It was closed at the entry point, not sure if it was the recent rain or what the issue was. Yes it would have been fun.

[@abitofadetour7315]

This video took me back to my trip across the Nullarbor. I reckon we stopped at all the same servo's! I was going the other way so I didn't have to contend with the headwinds, in fact I got the best fuel economy of the entire trip. Finally, those lakes in WA are incredible, they are everywhere and so many different colours.

[@freewayproject]

It is a unique ride going across the Nullarbor, would have loved your fuel economy haha

[@RoadDogSteve]

Like the simple ride footage....You're doing it right in a tent... lol.....A great ride so far. Really enjoying it. Thanks

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Steve, glad you're enjoying the ride.

[@benjohnson7170]

Mixing it up on the next to the highway. Nice.... The amount of times I've thought the same thing,but I've never done it.... Always short on time.I guess your journey is the destination.Would like to try it one day.

[@freewayproject]

yes it a lot of fun jumping on and off those side trails.

[@nick949eldo]

Great video again Joe. Man, those road trains throw the spray..........😳

[@freewayproject]

thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. Yes it quite a bit of spray, always better if they are going by on a straight bit of road rather than a bend

[@roaming-aus]

My god I’m loving this series. Your style of travel is so much like mine. Though it’s been a few years since my last major bike trip your style of travel brings back fond memories especially the outback. Thank you!!

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, glad you're enjoying the series.

[@neil2402]

Great to see this landscape. Never been to WA, so interesting seeing the countryside. Nice photos at the end as usual. Cheers,

[@freewayproject]

Well it looks like I'll spend a bit of time in the west so hopefully will get to see the diversity WA has to offer.

[@frankseymour4162]

What a fantastic effort, well done. Great video as usual.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate glad you're enjoying the series still.

[@currierigg8302]

when I was cold in Scotland on the bike, I usually used my waterproofs as an outer layer wind break to keep the cold air out. With layers on under it kept the warm air in quite effectively = Onesie not just for rain but cold air

[@freewayproject]

I did think that might be a good back up plan to use the onesie to keep the cold out but have not tried it as you, good to know someone else has and it works, thanks for the tip.

[@simonmills2375]

Good on yer Joe. Great trip Mate.

[@freewayproject]

That’s mate glad you’re enjoying the series

[@hughgardiner2247]

😊 Awesome Joe, thanks mate 👍

[@freewayproject]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@robertmauter6493]

I enjoy your travels through your country, really beautiful country, you know by motorcycle is really the best way to travel, with no timeline just open road in front of you with your front forks leading the way, truly the best way to travel, thank you for sharing with us all, your very fortunate to do this, one question if I may, where do you call home? Take care my friend. Rob from U.S.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Rob, I'm glad you are enjoying the series. Yes it a different experience riding a motorbike rather then cocooned inside a car. Currently on the east coast of Australia on the boarder between NSW and QLD.

[@dynnodebeast4058]

This video really interest me to visit Australia to explore. Many thanks Joe, I’ve subscribed to follow you on your road trip. Stay safe always 👍🏽

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, glad you are enjoying the series, yes Australia is a big place and some many different areas to explore, it will change a lot as I head up the west coast.

[@simonjones2645]

If youre up north at the moment joe, try and check out Kalbarri, Z bend gorge natures window and the Murchison river station( my great uncles old station( not any more😢) then on to Denham shark bay and monkey mia ! (Hopefully) yay my home state !!!!!

[@freewayproject]

I am a bit ahead of the current videos as it take me a while to edit each one, but let's say I may have gotten to a couple spots you mentioned, it is an amazing state.

[@simonjones2645]

@@freewayproject you bloody beauty ! I cannot wait for your photos! Sunset dreaming..! 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@adamclarke1105]

Great work. That head wind looked uncomfortable.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, yes it can be a bit, I'm just hoping the wind doesn't change and I get a tailwind back across

[@retiredwaterdoctor]

you have much longer straight roads than us on the east coast Canada....longest in my home province is about 6 miles through some lowlands...great footage.

[@freewayproject]

Yes there are a few sections that seem to go one for every, and I'll still have more to come but hopefully there are some tight turns soon. I've only been to the West of Canada and it is stunning, I gather the east is the same, would be awesome to ride across it one day explore

[@walterdavey4196]

You must have had the best weather in Tassie! I have heated grips but my thumbs still get frozen.

[@freewayproject]

Yes I think I lucked out when I was in Tassie all great days of weather.

[@walterdavey4196]

@@freewayproject we like to perpetuate the myth of bad Tasmanian weather!

[@craigrik2699]

I know what you mean with the copper color trees, I travel all round WA and have noted these types of trees on the Eastern side of WA. Kalgoorlie - south, as a prospector, these areas also are well known for gold

[@freewayproject]

yes that are an amazing colour, I have since learnt they are salmon gum trees or eucalyptus salmonophloia

[@den2ofoz]

Found your channel. And subbed. Enjoy! Ride on!

[@freewayproject]

Great to have you along for the ride, glad you are enjoying it.

[@christianlebracq1956]

Awesome shots and video again and I wonder how your Himalayan is keeping up with the weather.. I've seen some around here with corrosion on the spokes and metalwork when they are just a year old.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, my bike is all good against the weather, I suspect if the bike sits for a few days the weather like rain or salt air will affect them, like any vehicle. But as I am always moving, and I do clean the bike with I get the chance,.

[@RosMiddlemiss]

If you haven’t found out yet the trees you saw are called Salmon Gums and only found in that part of WA. My partner and I enjoy your travels, we did the trip to WA in 2020 but covid ended our round Oz trip. Stay safe 🏍

[@freewayproject]

Thanks for the info mate, they are very unique in colour. WA is a great place to explore

[@procopiobucaio8840]

Good video and adventure as always. You might add more storytelling and scenes when you are off your motorcycle.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Yes it getting that balance off the bike and one the bike, it does depends a lot on what happens in the episode, trying to get across Western Australia has required a lot of riding so hopefully once I get to the west coast it will be more off the bike.

[@vindictive999]

good going joe dont forget the super glue for your grip regards john :}

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate I'll have to pack the glue for next time 😂, thanks fro the tip.

[@AdventureAfter60]

It looks like there are a few more fuel stops since I last did the Nullarbor in 1987.. The wind is still as brutal though!! :)

[@freewayproject]

Yes, there is the Nullarbor Road House then Eucla, it's only 196km between the two. Yes just for the Nullarbor section it's worth going anti clockwise around the country so you have a tail wind 😂

[@granblogismo]

How’s the cheaper bag vs the Kriega? Looks like it’s doing the job? I’ve got a couple of them but yet to try them out. Cheers for another great vid, nice treat for after work on a Friday 😎 👌

[@freewayproject]

thanks mate glad you are enjoying the series. Yes so far no issue with either bag which is good.

[@horsesoldier1]

Thanks! 😁👍

[@freewayproject]

Thank you again it is greatly appreciated. I'm glad you're still enjoying the series

[@coobye]

Another top video Joe. How far behind are your videos mate. I'm thinking of heading over to WA but that weather looks crap😂.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate glad you enjoyed it. They take me a while to edit so I’m up north in the sunshine 😁

[@coobye]

@@freewayproject Good onya Joe. Looking forward to the rest of your trip mate👍.

[@larrykaminski3269]

Thanks!

[@freewayproject]

Thank you as always Larry.

[@Westaussie_Triumph900]

Another great video mate good to see WA ( home state ) in the channel are you coming up to Geraldton ?

[@freewayproject]

thanks mate, yes I make my way up the west coast.

[@TheMitchellmitchell]

Thanks

[@freewayproject]

Thank you, it is greatly appreciated.

[@wrusty3767]

Just curious: why did you drive on the centreline along the longest straight road?

[@freewayproject]

I normally stick to the centre when there is no traffic around due to there area not being fence so kangaroo and other animals can come out of no where. It may only give you a split second more time to react but I'll take it and it gives you a little more room if you need to go to the left and still have firm ground to turn on.

[@sandrider1406]

What oil type and grade do you use? Love the videos mate!

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, glad you are enjoying the series. Normally Penrite 10w - 40, but in some places, anything I can get, as the one thing never to do is run low on oil with this engine, keep it changed every 5000km and keep the levels up and it will keep putting along.

[@GRiNGO-ADV]

Hey mate! enjoying your videos! What's your camera setup? Cheers! - Yank (Gringo) in Brazil

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, glad you are enjoying the series. I am using a DJI Osmo Action for filming when on the bike (from the helmet) otherwise I using a Sony A7SIII. I am taking photos with a Sony A7RIII, I only have room for 2 lenses Sony GM 24mm 1.4 and Sony GM 70mm - 200mm 2.8. I also have an old DJI Mavic Pro drone

[@GRiNGO-ADV]

@@freewayproject wow! I'm really impressed with the FPV/Moto shots coming from the Osmo Action, seem like they are coming from your higher end gear! I can't seem to get that quality out of my Gopro Hero 9. Are you color grading substantially?

[@freewayproject]

the colour grading I do is mostly just to try and compensate for the Auto functions of the camera, if I could I'd use a real camera on my helmet but so far I have not been able to work out a good solution.

[@paulkeenan4049]

Awsome video again It was pretty cool seeing my car and van a few times in the video It’s funny how many times we came across each other a few times over those couple of days And I have counted 3 places in your last 2 videos that we camped at also Howz is ur trip going Where r u at now

[@freewayproject]

hey mate, yes when I saw I had those shots I just had to put them in. The trip was all good some fun and interesting stuff as I headed north.

[@paulkeenan4049]

Howz the Bike holding up Have you made it to Darwin yet

[@freewayproject]

the bike is all good, made it Darwin, then back to the east coast it's at 40,000km now. @@paulkeenan4049

[@paulkeenan4049]

Wow you didn’t muck around So do you have another trip planned

[@freewayproject]

@@paulkeenan4049 I am trying to do one in late October as I am off to Indonesia this week of a film project ( and to go surfing) so when I get back from that. But trying to work out if I can do a trip in NZ early next year a few things would have to come together. I have filmed enough footage for enough episode to have them run one a week (as it take time to edit) until mid November.

[@ogasi1798]

was that 'historical site' just a bit of ozzy dry humour for the simple annoyance of travellers? i laughed my arse off and i hope my feeling is correct

[@freewayproject]

Yes you spot on there, a dirt clearing is apparently historical 🤣

[@Peter-jm7zt]

Hi Joe, I have just got onto your videos. I recon they are fantastic, I can’t stop watching them. Your photos are magnificent. All the best. Regards Peter.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Peter, I'm glad you're enjoying, Hopefully it made sense where tech of the 2 series first episode is. I gather it would make more sense to watch them in order. Still on the second series in Western Australia at the moment. Thanks for the support.

[@robpinter5431]

The wedge tailed eagles also like to eat motorcycle riders trapped under neath their bike when falling off in the sand.....I always think...don't fall off when riding past the eagles.

[@freewayproject]

😂😂😂, I think they would definitely have a crack, and probably strong enough to drag a lighter rider out from under the bike.

[@Mac_Stacks]

New follower. Just caught up on this season. Love it!! Although as an ex Albany-ite it's pronounced El-ba-nee 😂

[@freewayproject]

Hi mate, glad you're along for the ride. Yes I pronounce about 75% of the names of towns wrong 😳 , I've started putting the names of towns in text on the screen, that way I just have to get the spelling correct 😂

[@Mac_Stacks]

@@freewayproject I'm the same with 99% of town and place names! Although miss pronouncing names is half the fun. Keen to see where the travels continue too!

[@simonjones2645]

Actually pronounced "Al Buh knee" sorry @big-mac !

[@johnstaring3210]

Wow, I have done many crossings and I have to say, you don't often see cyclists going east to west; the wind being the obvious reason.

[@freewayproject]

yes I was surprised too, but it wasn't the only cyclist heading that way, there was British girl heading across too

[@michaelpyke9368]

The coppery tree's are Salmon Gums dud and its Norseman not Norstman. Check ya maps and do ya homework cobba get it right.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks for the information Michael, a few other people were also kind enough to share some information about the trees, I have not set plan on this trip so I stumble upon things I have not seen before and it is great to interact with viewers who can share more about the stuff I find like the Eucalyptus salmonophloia or Salmon Gums, amazing it is endemic to the southern part of Western Australia. Yes my pronunciation of towns is running at about 25% correct 75% incorrect, it's probably due to my dyslexia, and the tiredness from being on the road and trying to edit. That is why on this trip I started putting the towns name in text on screen, to go some way to try and correct my errors. Thanks again for picking that up. I try not to check the map much, I just get a general direction from it, as I find it more interesting and fun not knowing what is out there before I stumble across it. Thanks again and I hope you are out there exploring new places too.

[@michaelpyke9368]

No worries Joe, WA is a pit hard to get your tongue around some of the names. Hope you enjoy your time here. I'II be heading across the Nullabour myself with a couple of mates in April/May to do a tour of the High country them on Beamers me on a Trumphy. Enjoy:) @@freewayproject

[@freewayproject]

@@michaelpyke9368 That will be a great ride. I will probably explore the high country again soon as I only rode through in over a couple of days on the last trip to Tasmania but did get to explore so want to spend more time there.