Ride stoppers
These generally come in two categories: animals, and vegetables in or on other vehicles. Both can be sudden, unpredictable and very nasty so once again, stay alert.
Wild pigs and kangaroos along with cattle are the biggest animal hazard in Cape York and while they can pop up anywhere anytime, but you can minimize your risk by travelling at safe speed. Native animals are most active around dawn and dusk, so slow down when riding at these times, and keep an eye out on both sides of the track. Most of the time they travel in twos or more so if you see one brake hard and watch out for more, also watch out for stock signs as these also help to you keep alert of the hazards to avoid accident.
First & last day fever
First and last day of the tour statistically you have more chance of having an accident.
The first day is when a rider is all pumped up and ready to show off is skills to the rest of the group at how good and fast he/she can ride, an accident in the making.
Last days riding is when fatigue starts to set in and a rider thinks he/she has made and can become lethargic and ride without care.
Statistical but no means a rule you have more chance of an accident on these day.
Other vehicles
Never ever cut a blind corner treat it as there is a bulbar around every corner, never think that you are the only one on the trail, things can happen fast so be very mindful.
Dust
Stay out of other riders dust, stay out of dust in general, this is the best way to block up your air cleaner fast, your air cleaner should last the length of your tour easily if you follow the above.
Never ride through on coming vehicles dust if you have no clear line of sight as you do not know what maybe in hiding in that dust. The safest thing to do is pull over to the side and let the vehicle pass and resume your travels when you have a clear line of sight again, this is only going to take 10 seconds out of your day.
Equally do not over take a vehicle through their dust if have no clear line of sight, again you do not know what is hiding in that dust, slow down, give your self plenty of space, the smart thing is too be patient and stay safe.
Overtaking
Bike tyres throw up lots of stones, so when overtaking a vehicle give them plenty of space. move to the right as far as practicable and pass cleanly. Allow as big a gap as possible before returning to the left. Pulling in quickly will most likely result in damage to the other vehicle./motorcycle.
Especial the personal safety of another rider on a bike, catching a rock from an over taking motorcycle rider can be dangerous and painful, please show them courtesy and respect that you would want.
Riding in a group
Large groups of riders has a greater potential for an accident. The key to staying safe in large group is to spread out, the more space between the rider the better. Never ride in another bike’s dust as this will restrict your forward vision, your air filters will get blocked up fast along with your eyes and lungs and increasing your fatigue. Once you realise that this is a tour not a race and you are not going to arrive any faster than the next rider, you will enjoy yourself more and see a lot more of the scenery while staying safe.
The corner man system
For a group we use a corner man system for direction and road hazards.
Your guide is the lead rider and no one is allowed to pass him/her, when we come to a corner where we need to make a turn, your tour guide will communicate to the first arrival in the group and pass on instructions to him/her in what direction for the rest of the riders to go. He/she must stay there and direct all other riders until the sweep rider arrives who will be wearing a high vis vest. Only when he/she has sighted the sweep and visual or verbal communication is made is the nominated corner allowed to continue on.
The Guide will stop at regular intervals to allow everyone to regroup and catch a break as we are not in a rush.
Looking out for one another
This is a tour not a race and all riders should always help other riders out when required. This is not only courtesy but makes other rider feel safe this also helps to keep the group rolling nicely to the next stop.
If you see an approaching vehicle on a narrow trail let the vehicle know of oncoming riders even though you might be the second or third rider in the group etc. If you come around a corner and run up against a log or a washout and you think that it is dangerous, park your bike and walk back to warn the rest of the group as they come through.
Every group will have at least one rider who hasn’t developed the skill level of the others. Help them out, encourage them and make sure you consider all riders. If you have to ride someone’s bike to the top of a hill for them, do it graciously. This is great for group bonding and friendship and you will enjoy yourself knowing that you have helped a fellow rider out.
Personal insurance
Trapp Tours is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage to personal belongings or for personal injury, accident or illness however caused. Personal insurance is not the responsibility of Trapp Tours, if you wish to have Travel insurance please arrange this prior to departure.
If you are unsure of anything please get in touch, we are only too happy to help you in any way.
Point of interest, Australia is big!
