Please help me raise vital funds for Médecins Sans Frontières by supporting my 2024 Challenge: To push a Wheelie Bin from Bondi to Broken Hill

Event Information
Thursday 25th April 06:30My Achievements

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Half Way To Target

10 Donations

Reached Target
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The final countdown & thank you all
Saturday 16th Apr
I am blown away by the show of support and generous donations generated by my upcoming ride. When I embarked on this endeavour, I really didn't have any expectation of reaching the very modest $5,000 target I’d set for myself. Well, before I have even departed, we've managed to raise over $4,000. Thank you to you all.
Now, without wanting to come across as greedy, I honestly believe that I can do even better for MSF. Therefore, I have increased my target to see if $10,000 is achievable. I think it is.
Just 9 days to go for me now and I'm getting really excited. The 1st leg of my journey is a relatively benign ride from Sydney to Maroochydore (Qld). I will be taking an inland route for most of this leg to avoid areas that have been damaged and affected by recent flood events. Along the way, I intend to take a few detours to see places of interest or visit family and friends.
The bike’s ready to go. A new rear tyre along with a new chain and sprocket set were the final touches to a long but thoroughly enjoyable process of getting the Red Peril setup for the big job ahead. With way too much time on my hands, I have calculated that the 15,500km round trip will translate into 8.1 million rotations of its skinny wheels and the lone spark plug generating its impressive 7hp (at full bore) will fire around 85 million times as it burns around 530 litres of fuel. That’s an awful lot that has to go right to get me all the way around! We’ll see……..
Follow me from 25 April (in near real-time) on my Garmin MapShare page share.garmin.com/postiegeezer
Catch up with you again when I’m on the road.
Gav.
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Final Countdown
Monday 28th Mar

Count down = 56 days
Tuesday 1st Mar



Another Test Run - Some different Kit - Different issues.
Tuesday 8th FebThursday, 3 February 2022 saw me undertaking yet another shortish (560km) test ride……Just as well!
Aside from testing out, under load, the new VOPO adjustable rear shocks I had fitted and the adjustments to the front forks, I also wanted to test a much lighter tent and camping kit arrangement. I have swapped from the voluminous (and heavy) motorcycle camping tent of my previous video to a 3 person Naturehike Cloudup 3 tent plus offloaded my Helinox camp bed altogether in favour just using the inflatable sleeping mat. All of these adjustments worked perfectly.
The suspension delivered a much more comfortable and safer ride. Probably 100km+ of the trip was riding on gravel surfaces with some really loose gibble and a couple of kms of rough rutted track leading to our campsite. Very few tweaks needed there, if any.
The tent is fantastic! Super lightweight, compact and spacious. Setup time was literally 6 minutes (1st time around)!
That doesn’t mean that the trip (undertaken with Keith, a long-time adventure riding mate.) was uneventful. About 80 or 90km out from our campsite, I noticed the bike squirming each time I changed up or down (which you do frequently on a Postie). This also happened under braking….almost like a tyre had lost pressure or was flat. I stopped and checked but everything looked good. After riding a bit further with the issue still evident, I thought that perhaps one of my newly fitted rear shocks had somehow parted company with a stud/mounting point. Nope. A much closer inspection revealed that the left-hand chain tensioner had broken which caused the rear axle to move under torque. Not good for the chain, sprockets, bearings or rideability. Of course, this is a part you never think will fail, so I had no spare. After much thinking and discussion, Keith proposed the trusty cable-tie be called upon. (Well, gaffer-tape wasn’t an option here!) The idea was to jamb the end ‘block’ of the tie into the space between the axle and frame on the forward side and cut the otherwise ‘useful’ ratchet strip off. We did that, and then tightened the axle bolt as tight as 60+ year-old arthritic hands could manage. It worked for the time being, but was it going to last? It did! I rode out the rest of the trip (probably 400km) with the cable-tie-end doing its job of keeping some reasonably good tension on the chain and the rear wheel tracking straight…enough.
The second issue to befall me was with the left-hand kickstand. I don’t believe that the stock kickstand is designed to hold the kind of weight the bike now carries when fully loaded. Also, they are quite short which means the bike leans over to the left a fair bit, placing even more load on the stand. The net effect of this was the base/foot plate bent under the weight resulting in a tip-over of my bike at one point. Fortunately, the bike has a centre stand and, yes, a right-side kick stand as well. You're a bit spoilt for choice as far as stands go on a Postie! Still, I will fix this issue. Motorcyclists are left-side kick stand users by habit. A repair job also gives me an opportunity to haul out the MIG welder.
The final equipment failure I experienced was with my new wireless microphone setup. In order to give me the ability to provide commentary while on the move, I invested $280 in a Saramonic Blink500 Pro wireless mic kit. It worked great on a couple of test videos I shot in my workshop, however after returning from this ride, I was surprised to discover zero sound/commentary on any of the GoPro footage I took . Nada, nothing, zilch! So, I am now in the process of returning this dud to Amazon for a refund and have already purchased a replacement RØDE Wireless Go II set up. Seems to be much better kit and offers more functionality such as, keeping a rolling backup recording on the transmitter unit itself….useful for when things go wrong. Obviously, the upshot of this is that the video I took will need to be edited with voice-overs and music to replace any commentary I provided along the way. However, that means losing the spontaneity of live commentary….so I won’t. Fortunately, Keith runs his own YouTube channel (Creaky Rider https://www.youtube.com/c/CreakyRider) and has kindly permitted me to link his video of this ride to my MSF page. Please enjoy. Thanks again, Keith. The Amateurish drone footage in Keith’s video was shot from my new DJI AIR2 S. Yet another learning curve for me.
Well, that’s about it for now. I’ll be undertaking the repairs to the Red Peril over the coming days. If anything of interest arises, I’ll be sure to post another update.
Take care and stay healthy.
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A Rookie Mistake
Saturday 27th NovMy boots filled up with water! This happens when your rain pants pull up over the top of your boots in the bucketing rain. I thought I’d get away with wearing a light pair of high-ankle hiking boots as I rode off this morning for a planned 3-day test run with all my gear aboard. A real rookie mistake for an old geezer. Less than 30kms into the ride, my left boot was all but overflowing. I found out that Gortex is just as effective at keeping water in a boot as it is at keeping it out.
I certainly wasn’t about to spend 3 days camping and riding in cool hinterland weather wearing soggy boots. Trip abandoned….and I hadn’t even left greater Sydney! I headed home for a wardrobe change and to wait out the snotty weather system impacting New South Wales. This ride will have to wait for a few days.
With space, weight and horsepower at a premium on a postie bike, you really want to travel light. I don’t want to be carrying more pairs of shoes than I absolutely need to, so I thought I’d take a dual-purpose footwear strategy. Use hiking boots to ride and walk about in and then I only need a pair of thongs as my alternates. Wrong! That’s why they make motorcycle boots the way they do I suppose. You really want them to be well up under your rain pants when you’re getting washed out in pouring rain and car spray. Lesson learned. I’ll need to factor in additional pair of footwear.
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The Launch
Wednesday 24th Nov
I don’t bend easily anymore and ‘I ache in places where I used to play’ (to quote Leonard Cohen) At 65, I sometimes question whether you get smarter or dumber with age. Well, in truth, I know the answer to that.....Heck, I'm going to ride a Postie bike around the Great Dry Continent!
I once responded to a neurologist who treated me 15 years ago for nerve damage I suffered after yet another motorcycle "off"; "You can fix my injuries, but there's no cure for stupid." This was in response to his question as to whether I had decided to get rid of my motorcycles following that specific accident. Of course, I wasn't. So, in the spirit of that very stupidity and with the support of my wonderful partner, I will be putting myself and a 2012 Honda CT110 Postie Bike to the test by undertaking a circumnavigation of Australia in April 2022.
To make the whole ordeal a worthwhile enterprise, I will be using the ride to draw attention to and raise funds in support of the wonderful and selfless work done around the globe by Medecins Sans Frontieres. Please be sure to follow my journey next year and, if you are able, donate generously to this fantastic organization. Thank you.
The Current State of Play
A series of COVID-19 lockdowns during 2021 have put me well ahead in my preparations and the “Red Peril” is eagerly awaiting the challenge of hauling all my gear plus my fat arse for an estimated 15,000kms around this incredible land. My planned departure date is 25 April 2022 when I intend to head north from Sydney following an anti-clockwise route that will hopefully see me traverse the severe northern regions during the cooler months.
At this stage I’m not certain how long my journey will take. To help me gauge this, I will be doing a test run of 1000kms during the latter part of November 2021 to test things like fuel range, average speeds and my ability to sit on this tiny machine for hours on end as the scenery slowly slides by. I will post an update upon my return.
ShareThank you to my Sponsors

$105.50
Dave Mckeough

$200
Michelle And Mark Hohenberg
Well done Gavin!

$5k
Manager Asp

$42.20
Nikki
What an amazing thing to do! Well done Gav, you are an inspiration :)

$527.50
Vicki Grace
Brilliant effort Gav Congratulations

$63.30
Alexandra Knights

$31.65
Maria Walton
Great cause. Wishing you endurance and strength and best wishes to Vanessa too x

$105.50
Albion Ashes
Inspirational - keep on going !!

$211
Grace Family

$211
Gavin Kleinhans (cash Donations)
Cash donations received and rounded up. Thank you one and all for your generosity.

$52.75
Anonymous
Good on ya Gav watch out for the dingoes and yowies and Stormy Daniels from Lyndons mad brother and his mate

$105.50
Trevor Kleinhans
Well done Gavin, so proud of you.

$26.38
Gareth Lentle
Congratulations Gav that's call that half way 👏👏👏

$1,000
Judy Harris
Vicki and Phil told me about your challenge. What an inspiring commitment you have made. I hope the journey is successful. Judy Harris

$422
Gav Kleinhans
All the generous cash donations I've received along the way so far to Narrowmine plu a bit. Thank you one and all. I am blown away!

$10.55
Anonymous
Just saw you on the road on the way to Narromine. Good in ya! 👍

$31.65
Teneale Cameron
Go Gav! so lucky to have your support.

$105.50
Hayley Millner
We saw your bin out the front of our Geurie Inn, we think you’re amazing!! My kids are cheering you on, we wish you a safe and beautiful walk in the bush. PS did we say that you’re amazing!! Have a wheelie good time :)

$105.50
Gareth Lentle
From my mum and partner (Shirley and John) they wish you all the best and good luck but they think your crazy

$26.38
Gareth Lentle
$25 for 250ks call it a progress payment, hope I can leave another message in another 250k

$31.65
Anonymous

$527.50
Bathurst Motor Inn
Goodluck on your travels and hope you enjoyed your stay with us at Bathurst Motor Inn regards the Merediths

$21.10
Anonymous

$26.38
Michael Andersen
Take care.

$31.65
Patricia Osborn
Good luck

$44.31
Matt Alchin
Fantastic effort for a great cause

$200
Anonymous
You are amazing

$31.65
Tony Lewis

$52.75
Gerhardus (gerry) Bloemen

$31.65
Dave Stanton
I hope you get there! I spoke with you outside the markets at springwood. Have posted on Facebook

$100
Alan Field
Go Gav!!

$500
Ivo Frias
Good luck mate!

$31.65
Melissa And Greg Devine
We just drove past you on our way to work and saw you walking through Bullaburra. You have taken on an amazing challenge and it’s great that you are raising funds for a good cause as well. All the best for the rest of the trek!

$31.65
Javier Rodriguez
Hey! I'm the fella who spoke with you as you passed thru Hazelbrook in the Blue Mtns, approx 956 from Broken Hill.

$44.31
Patricia Ann Kleinhans
Goeie genade, Gawie! You're crazy! But, it's all for a good cause, so I wish you well. Best of luck with this next big adventure.

$105.50
Lyndon Marshall
One day at a time

$44.31
Lola & Leighton
Good luck for your walk Grandpa G!

$527.50
Phillip Fiebig
(don’t) break a leg mate

$105.50
Richard H
Richard bumped into me on one of my training walks, wished me well and insisted on donating a green note. Very much appreciated.

$105.50
Gavin Kleinhans

$100
Tracey Dodd
I cant wait to watch your adventures!

$1.58k
Coleen Blomkamp
May the road rise up to meet you; May the wind always be at your back; May the sun shine warm upon your face; and May the flies leave you alone.

$31.65
Matt Bilson
I saw you early on a recent weekend morning training, and was curious why someone was pushing a wheelie bin with "Bondi to Broken Hill" on the side. Looked up what it was about. A great cause. Wishing you best of fortunes in your challenge!

$31.65
Al X
This is bold. Go Gavin!

$100
Allan Murray
Go Gavin. Looking forward to following your journey.

$105.50
Marcia Dowden
Good luck, Uncle Gavin! You are an inspiration! Love it 💜

$80
Revesby Ladies Group

$105.50
Melissa Anderson

$125
Revesby Workers Garden Club

$31.65
Michael Andersen

$184
Probus - Oatley

$30
Bangor Combined Probus Club
Postie Geezer talk gift.

$105.50
Graeme Borlace
Good cause

$100
Normanhurst Probus

$31.65
Robert Norval
From one motorcyclist to another, amazing trip.

$50
Revesby Probus Club

$50
Ingadine Probus Club

$100
Simon Dale
I enjoyed hearing about your ride. Quite an achievement. Fundraising for MSF is good, too.

$10
Glenn Diehm
Hi Gav Much enjoyed your talk last night at the Hills Ulysses meeting held at Castle Hill RSL. Cheers Glenn

$52.75
Chris (cjvfr - Netrider)

$52.75
Steven Roberts
Donation From one of my friends and a fellow Motorcycle Rider Mark Dempsey from Sussex Inlet

$21.10
Anonymous

$52.75
John Shepherd
What a great adventure Gavin! All power to you (110cc) mate - delivering a little peace all round Oz. Shep

$42.20
David Jorritsma
Hoping that you have a successfully and fun trip

$42.20
Steve Roberts
For your achievement in crossing the Western Australia border

$42.20
Steven Roberts
For the Epic crossing of the Northern Territory Border

$44.31
The Grandkids
You’re doing great Grandpa G, keep it up! Lots of love The Grandkids

$31.65
Barbie E Maurizio
All the best on your inspiring adventure Gav!!

$44.31
Mussell
Keep up the good work!!

$44.31
Steve Roberts
Qld Border Crossing Donation

$31.65
Allan Mccorquodale
I had a mate and his wife who used postie bikes to deliver pamphlets because thy were so easy to ride. I also know another guy and his son who did the Postie bike challenge

$100
Gerald De Haan
Hey adventurer…fellow ‘Postie’ Gerald here. We met on day one in a Macca’s car park at Richmond. Good to see you are going strong 👍

$52.75
Mussell
Looking forward to your videos. Stay safe.

$116.05
Ian Best
Amazing! You get a dollar for every engine CC from me. Best of luck with your ride!!

$105.50
Cjvfr - Netrider
Good on you, a worthwhile cause. I was directed to your page by one of our site members (netrider.net.au) who spoke to you in Narrabri. Drop in to the forum and say hello if you get a chance.

$105.50
Steve Howell
Good luck with the ride, great cause.

$31.65
Michael Andersen
Looking to follow your trip,hope I will be doing some of it too.

$31.65
Craig Richardson
Best of luck!! As a big bloke with a postie bike I’ll look on with keen interest 🛵

$263.75
Farrel & Karen
A very BIG achievement "you" are doing for "Honda bikes.".. I hope they "Donate big time".

$50
Helmut Abt
Great and worthy cause and good luck on your adventure. KTM need to build a bike fit for a Postman!!

$263.75
Niki & Jase Pereira
Dear Gav, Good luck on your travels. We hope you have a fun and safe ride. Love Jase, Niki, Matt & Harry

$527.50
Pam & Michael
Good luck Gav! Enjoy the scenery and ride safe. Amazing fundraising efforts for such a good cause. Look forward to the stories on your return.

$527.50
Philip Tunstall
We are very proud of you Gav and excited about your venture. All the best mate

$31.65
Nigel Whawell
Good on you

$896.75
Michael Smithee
Happy birthday for 5th April!

$42.20
Bob
All the best for the trip. Take it easy and enjoy. Regards Bob

$15.83
David Reucassel
Go for it Gavin, good luck. David & Lyn

$250
Mike Gardiner
Scott is going to give me $250 I didn't ask for nor do I need so I decided to put it to better use. Best wishes for the trip

$21.10
Al

$52.75
Patricia Kleinhans
Best of luck to you, Gav, as you embark on this massive adventure. And well done on doing so for a worthy cause.

$31.65
Anonymous

$31.65
N Da Ros
Safe ride, good luck

$100
Chris Lilley
From one biker to another - well done and enjoy the ride.

$527.50
Vicki Grace
Big big love for an amazing journey. Stay safe XXXXXXX

$527.50
Phillip Fiebig
Have fun, stay safe while you're doing good Gav.

$31.65
Janine Doyle

$105.50
Gav K
Just to keep it flowing....

$105.50
Al Murray
Happy travels

$896.75
Dougal Mcfee
Keep your feet dry, mate.

$105.50
Lyndon Marshall
Smelling the roses

$31.65
Mike Potter
Good luck!

$105.50
Marcia Dowden
Love this!! Good luck and big hugs x

$105.50
Gavin Kleinhans
Just to kick things off