Why do we always drive on the "dirt roads"?

Submitted: Tuesday, Apr 26, 2016 at 21:38
ThreadID: 132239 Views:3015 Replies:9 FollowUps:1
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We are haeading off from Perth to Cape York this week. I am the one that nearly always ( have to be careful here) selects the route. So I showed my partner the route. 1st question. Why do we ALWAYS have to go on the dirt and that was only based on the section from Perth to Norseman via Hyden - Norseman road.

My response was the usual " we don't" followed by some quick justifications such as:

A. It's shorter - only valid if A to B distance is important
B. It's a good road - you only know after you've done it.
C. More to see - possibly true. See B.
D. Far less traffic than the bitumen - reasonable statement
E. Better camp sites - reasonable statement but see B.

Having mulled over the question for a few days I have come to the conclusion that all of the above are in fact mainly justifications. I like driving a lot. I choose the dirt because I like driving on it. It keeps me thinking, keeps me busy, keeps me challenged.

And you.

Why do you choose " the dirt" and

What explanation do you give for choosing so

John

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Reply By: Sigmund - Tuesday, Apr 26, 2016 at 21:44

Tuesday, Apr 26, 2016 at 21:44
Red dirt. Gets under your skin.

Plus you breathe a bit in - free iron supplement.
AnswerID: 599199

Reply By: Member - Milton477 - Tuesday, Apr 26, 2016 at 23:00

Tuesday, Apr 26, 2016 at 23:00
I agree with all 5 points. No need in E to refer to B - they will be better.
AnswerID: 599201

Reply By: Member - Markthemilko (WA) - Tuesday, Apr 26, 2016 at 23:52

Tuesday, Apr 26, 2016 at 23:52
We always prefer to travel on 'the road less travelled': most dirt roads are great roads which we have to ourselves most of the time; most of the oncoming traffic waves to us as we do to them; we can travel at our prefered speed, and it is more scenic.
Happy 4WDriving
Mark

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AnswerID: 599205

Reply By: Member - Blue M - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2016 at 00:47

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2016 at 00:47
J&A I bought a 4wd and a dirt road caravan just for that reason.
It is just a shame I have to travel on so much bitumen to find a dirt one to drive on.

I grew up in South West Qld when all roads were dirt and only the Sreets in towns were bitumen.

Cheers

AnswerID: 599207

Reply By: mike39 - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2016 at 07:42

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2016 at 07:42
Mostly its the destination that chooses the road I need to use simply to get there.
In the approx. 15000km. we travel each year, approx. 30% would be ranging from a graded dirt road to a barely existing track.

The ones I have a particular dislike to are the roads graded over a rocky base. Rock corrugations can really test the fridge door clips.
mike
AnswerID: 599209

Reply By: Baz - The Landy - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2016 at 08:05

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2016 at 08:05
Simply, because we can (and love every moment of it...)_.

Cheers, Baz - The Landy
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Reply By: LAZYLUX16 - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2016 at 15:19

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2016 at 15:19
Agree keep busy and adrenaline going.Bitumen is like Valium.I love being away from people best places are offroad generally
AnswerID: 599233

Reply By: sweetwill - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2016 at 16:52

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2016 at 16:52
the dirt to me is like a relaxation pill, I can pull over and camp when I like,where I like, the people you meet have the same likes as you, you normally can find firewood a lot easier, and the older I get the more alone I like to be.
AnswerID: 599237

Follow Up By: LAZYLUX16 - Friday, Apr 29, 2016 at 00:30

Friday, Apr 29, 2016 at 00:30
Sweetwill lucky no y on the end ha ha ha .I totally agree .I feel something lift from my shoulders when I leave Pt.Augusta .I am from Adelaide.I traveled with Aboriginal family a few times .They taught me to keep things simple just pull over start a fire ,throw a swag out cook a billy ,the simple things in life often give most pleasure.And just listen to the environment around you and you can hear ya own heartbeat..ahh itching to get away cheers
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Reply By: Member - Damien L (Cairns) - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2016 at 17:07

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2016 at 17:07
I took my grandson to Ayr for BMX on the weekend, we covered 1335km. Coming back he decide he wanted to go inland via The Towers, as it was all blacktop he said, when we got to Mt Garnet, "We cant go over 1000ks and not drive on dirt roads". He then said we will go to Almaden via Ootan road. He loves dirt roads as well as all of us.

Damien
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AnswerID: 599240

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