Climies Track, Tasmania: When the Ocean Won

One minute we’re enjoying incredible beach riding on Tasmania’s west coast. The next, I’m watching a wave hit Damo at a crossing and shouting into my helmet. This was one of those days that had a bit of everything: relentless rocks, brilliant riding, plenty of encouragement over the intercom and an ocean that made the final decision for us.

Welcome to Part 8 of my Tasmanian adventure with Ultimate Cape Escape. We start at Four Mile Beach, ride Climies Track and finish with a rather different route back from the one we expected.

Watch the full Tasmania episode

Beach riding with a huge sense of space

The beach sections are something else. Firm sand, the sound of the Southern Ocean and that feeling of being a long way from everything. There are moments in this episode where all I can really manage is a wow through the helmet.

The terrain changes as we go, and following the right tracks matters. If the sandy sections make you want to improve your own riding, I filmed a separate guide to riding a motorcycle in sand during this trip. Watch the demonstrations there alongside the adventure footage here.

Lunch, Skyla and riding when I’m not feeling brilliant

By lunch I’m feeling pretty rough with a tummy bug, after a difficult night’s sleep with Skyla. In an ideal world I’d have been under a duvet for 24 hours. Little ones don’t really offer that option, but seeing her at the lunch stop fills me with energy.

Kerry has had quite a morning too. We can laugh about the tumbles, but there’s a lot of effort going into this riding. It’s a good reminder of what sits behind an adventure video: tired bodies, family life and supporting each other, as well as the spectacular views.

Climies Track: rocks that keep you thinking

Climies is rocky, bumpy and pretty relentless. In the video I try to describe the ridges as a dinosaur lying under the ground, which probably tells you why watching the footage is the better option. It just keeps coming.

For me, this section is about picking lines, reading the terrain and enjoying the challenge. The Husqvarna 501 handles the technical riding well, but there are still plenty of places where we pause, help one another and think through the next move.

You can hear me encouraging Kerry through individual obstacles: looking ahead, keeping things gentle and rolling through. Those are conversations about the particular bit of trail in front of us. Watch the terrain and the riders together to understand the context.

On-the-go encouragement through the intercom

Being able to talk while we ride makes such a difference here. I can offer a pointer at the moment Kerry needs it, check she’s all right after a rocky moment and celebrate when she gets through. At the end of the day, seeing her development is one of my favourite parts.

I’m using Cardo intercoms in this episode. If you’re considering one, my affiliate link is https://cardosystems.rfrl.co/5gxzq and my code is TGOAB. Check the current offer and eligible products at checkout; the discount varies. My Cardo page has more information.

Affiliate disclosure: if you buy through my Cardo affiliate link, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my videos.

The crossing where the waves won

At a beach crossing, a wave catches Damo and everything changes very quickly. Bikes are close to the water, the sand is deep and I’m watching the next waves come in. You can hear the concern in my voice as we wait.

By the time we leave, I explain on camera that two bikes have been washed down and emptied. They’re on the far side of the crossing and carry on that way. The rest of us turn back, put our warm layers on and take the road round.

At the hotel I still haven’t heard from Damo or found out whether he’s made it back yet. It’s been a wild end to the beach riding, and there’s a lot to take in after such a long day.

A long day, and a lot to be proud of

We reach the hotel at 6.30 pm with 25 minutes until dinner. I’m tired, still feeling ill and ready to get out of the dirty kit, but I’m also hugely proud of Kerry. Watching someone keep working at difficult riding, and being able to help along the way, is pretty special.

For more of this trip, read why Tasmania belongs on your motorcycle bucket list and watch the Tasmania outtakes and Kerry show.

What would you have done when those waves started coming in? Join the conversation under the YouTube video.