Nena Rides Australia: Prologue & Prep

Prologue

Time is such an interesting thing. Time, as we humans experience it, is also one direction. This means you can't go back and change anything, and you can't create more of it for yourself.

The concept of time has been studied for thousands of years. People who have lots of it often don't do anything about it. People who don't have much left, wish they did more with it.

I live and breathe the idea that one should live life to its fullest in case your time is cut short, and so I find myself back in the saddle to do this again.

In February 2017, I set off on a very similar journey called Sheba Rides Australia, an 18,000km solo lap of Australia on a Suzuki GSXR600. Back then, I was a backpacker on a working holiday visa, with no idea of how much time I had left to see the country I temporarily* moved to.

While much of it was a genuine sightseeing adventure, the other part of it was that I was determined to grow as a person. In the 40 days of travel there were some true tests of character, especially for someone in her late 20's who was riding around a country she knew nothing about. I was on a time restraint, due to leave the country altogether within a month of coming back, but acquired a bridging visa just in time.

This trip is a little different. I'm no longer doing this solo, I'm doing this with my partner Steph who has found herself between employment and wanted to experience the things I did on my solo lap many years ago. Describing the sights, sounds, and stories to someone else simply doesn't cut it. There were times I wish someone was there with me to witness that I was in fact not exaggerating when there were thousands of locusts pelting me at speed, or the fact that cows do in fact run very fast.

*I ended up staying long enough to get my permanent residency in 2019, then Australian citizenship in 2022.

Preparation for the Trip

Route Planning

Steph is a project manager by trade, and throughout our relationship she's manage to extensively plan and organise trips and dates. This one is no exception. Using my 2017 as a guideline and our knowledge of our bikes' fuel range (plus our own tolerance for fatigue) she set up a detailed spreadsheet of our fuel stops, overnight stays, and potential sights to see.

Physical Training

Steph opted to do pilates 2-3 times a week for core strengthening, and Amanda followed a strength program that involved the back, legs, core, and upper body.

Bike Prep / Mods

Steph's 2019 Yamaha MT-09 was used to carrying the Flying Solo Gear Co Roxby Duffel and Tully Tailbag Medium 15L or Small 7L on all of our trips thanks to the wide and flat pillion seat. 

• Swapped the seat for a comfort seat
• Added a rear rack to support the weight of a 10L jerry can
• Larger (+10cm) windscreen
• Quadlock wireless charger (added during the trip because she kept running out of phone battery)

Amanda's 2017 BMW s1000rr was not accustomed to carrying any luggage at all.

• Added protective film to the front fairings and fenders
• Added Hepco & Becker C-Bow Racks and panniers
• Added Hepco & Becker pillion seat mount
• Used Flying Solo Gear Co Tully Waterproof Tailbag Large 22L

Both bikes underwent a servicing and a meticulous clean before the start of the trip.

Tools & Supplies

Motorcycle Gear:

Amanda

• Helmet: Shoei X-Spirit III
• Jacket: Dainese Air Frame
• Pants: MotoGirl Sherrie Leggings
• Boots: Alpinestars SMX-6 Boots
• Gloves: Five (unknown model)
• Other:
  • REV'IT! Cyclone Rain Jacket
  • REV'IT! Acid Rain Pants
  • Venture Heat Nomad 2.0 Heated Midlayer

Steph:

• Helmet: Shoei X-Spirit III
• Jacket: Knox Urbane Pro Mk3
• Pants: MotoGirl Sherrie Leggings
• Boots: Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 Boots
• Gloves: Knox Orsa OR4 Textile Gloves
• Other:
  • REV'IT! Cyclone Rain Jacket
  • REV'IT! Acid Rain Pants
  • Venture Heat Heated Vest
  
  

General:

• AirPods
• 2x Laptops
  
• Insta360 Camera
• Retractable knife
• Duct tape
• Electrical tape
• Zip ties
• Chargers & cables
• Pack of tissues
• Sunscreen & Sunglasses
• Hats
• Latex gloves
• 4x Spare Flying Solo Gear Co Quick Release straps

Luggage:

• Flying Solo Gear Co - Tully Waterproof Tailbags Medium 15L & Large 22L
• 2x Flying Solo Gear Co - Octane Leg Bag
• Flying Solo Gear Co - Roxby Waterproof Duffel
• Hepco & Becker Panniers
• 2x Flying Solo Gear Co - Killswitch Pack

For the bike:

• 2x 5L Jerry Cans
• 1x 10L Jerry Can
• Tyre puncture repair kit
• Portable air compressor & torch (flashlight)
• Portable jump starter
• Torx set
• Hex set
• Socket set
• Multi-tool (screwdriver with various heads)
• Breaker bar (purchased in Adelaide during trip)

For humans:

• First aid kit
• Snacks
• Water
• Credit cards
• Spare cash

WRITTEN BY

Peak Moto Team

The Peak Moto team is passionate about motorcycling and adventure. Our experts create content to help riders find the best gear, tips, and insights for the road ahead.