Road Tripping 101

People fly everywhere these days that you might think the classic road trip is a thing of the past. This is not actually the case. While it does seem that the “On the Road” experience of getting a car and just going for the sake of going is in decline, the statistics (and the number of cars all around you) prove that more Australians than ever are taking to the roads for vacations and family visits, albeit apparently for more frequent but shorter trips.

There is a richness to traversing the land an inch at a time that is absent from the experience of climbing into a plane and climbing out at your destination. To get the most of your experience, don’t miss these road trip tips.

1. Clean your car before and during your trip.

Go ahead, leave the napkins and gum wrappers under your seat. Leave the receipts from your last business-related drive in the glove box. Don’t sweat the dog hair in the back bed … but you’ll be sorry. A few days into your trip, when the old gum wrappers are joined by new fast food wrappers, when the glove box starts overflowing with hotel receipts and local maps, when dog hair starts sticking to your luggage and your gear, you’ll rue the day you failed to pull out the Shop-Vac.

As your trip proceeds, take time every couple of days to purge your car of undesirable flotsam and jetsam. Even if you can tolerate some chaos (as I can), the accumulated junk and minor filth will start to drive you mad in the close quarters that define a road trip.

2. Check your vehicle.

About a week before you leave for a long road trip, have your mechanic check your car’s fluid levels, brakes, tires and anything else that could cause problems. Be sure your spare tire is fully inflated and that you have jumper cables and extra wiper fluid on hand.

3. Have a loose plan.

Delays are the one thing that you can count on when driving significant distances. If you overschedule your road trip, you’re almost guaranteed to find yourself slogging the last few miles long after you had intended to be asleep, trying to cancel one hotel reservation so you can pay for another well short of your originally planned destination.

On the other hand, having no plan at all is only recommended for the most hardy souls. On a trip a few years ago, our plan was simply to pull over when we got tired to crash in a hotel; after taking three exits without success, we finally stopped at a place at which the front desk person asked, “Are you staying the whole night?” Ugh.

4. Get off the highways

Unless you have a specific destination and a strict schedule, there is little point in hitting the roads to see the country if you don’t spend some time on the back roads.

However, that being said…

5. Preload your phone with entertainment options.

The days of regional radio offering a musical or informational palette that you can’t find anywhere else are almost all but gone, so tapping into the local vibe via radio is far less satisfying than it used to be. That means you’ll want to make sure your phone is set to keep you entertained over the long hours of driving, whether you’re tapping into your own collection of music, streaming tunes via an app like Spotify or Pandora, or listening to your favorite podcasts.

If you’re road tripping in your own car, you probably already have a phone charger that will plug into the console and keep you powered up. If you’re renting a car for your road trip, be sure you have the right technology to plug into whatever power outlet is available in that vehicle (cigarette charger, USB port, etc.).

6. Tend to division of labor.

Some people are good at navigating; others couldn’t read a map if they tried. Some people are good at planning meals, while others think a big bag of chips counts as a good dinner. Know who does what well, and what really matters to your traveling companions, and you will divvy up tasks in a way that gets things done efficiently and to the satisfaction of all.

7. Join a roadside rescue service.

If you take enough road trips, eventually you will end up stranded on the side of the road. Having that 13-number that immediately ties you in to approved local tow services and mechanics is going to save you a lot of hassle, and also shield you from some of the dangers of the road that none of us wishes to encounter.

8. Eat local and stay local

Give the local grub a go – even if you have no idea what it is. After all, it might be the only chance you get. The same goes for accommodation: check yourself into the local motel, like us here at Kings Park Accommodation and get to know some people who work in the community you are visiting.

Motorcross - For the Physically Fit!

Here's the question for the day - is motocross riding the most physically demanding sport? It's a good question and depending on who you're talking to, the responses may be across the board.

Motocross riding in and of itself is demanding on so many levels. Anyone who participates in the sport of motocross riding already knows, firsthand, the physical and mental drain on the body. Those contemplating getting involved with motocross riding should know what's in store and plan accordingly.

There are two sides of the coin when it comes to "getting ready" for motocross competition. The sport is definitely for the physically and mentally fit, meaning, body mass, muscle tone and strength, along with a positive frame of mind need to be in tip-top shape. The ability to be flexible, versatile and move as quickly as a cat when it's called for is also part of the "must have" package in order to handle everything thrown at you on the track. The body is its own "lean, mean machine" and must be super fit to endure the rigors of the track. This includes the strength and stamina to maneuver a 200+ pound piece of machinery with precision around the track using every muscle from head to toe.

Along with "getting ready" for motocross, riders also need the strength to handle "getting geared-up." Simply try walking around wearing a helmet, boots, chest and back protection, a neck brace and gloves and you'll wonder how it's done on two wheels.

The flip side of the coin is all about your mental state of mind. Riding motocross takes concentration and lots of it. While whipping around the track at top speeds taking on the challenges, your mind is constantly shifting - just like your body - to meet the needs of the current or next move. Your mind is in "strategic think mode" all the time as you must plan for the current move while thinking about the next move down the track. It's much the same as if you were playing in an intense game of high stakes chess where the wrong move means your competition will take home the prize.

A good, solid diet that goes beyond the scope of burgers and fries and a few brews is also essential to feeding both the body and the brain. As you can see, riding involves much more than putting on a helmet and racing around a track.

If you've ridden for recreation along a trail or competed in an enduro, think about the strain on the hands, wrists, arms, legs, back and spine as you're jostled left to right and up and down, sometimes seated other times standing, while doing a balancing act on the pegs. All of these "movements" take a hefty toll on the energy levels.

With motocross, ramp it up even more by adding the need to keep the speed amped while negotiating the track, staying ahead of the pack and taking on a number of challenging obstacles while still maintaining absolute control of the bike. Add a few whoops and the demand on your body, especially the arms, goes to a whole other level.

Studies of motocross riders in past years have compared riders against athletes from demanding sports such as NFL football, professional basketball, track and soccer with results showing that riders, overall, were at a higher level of physical fitness. A 2002 study confirmed the previous results. This in no way takes away from the fact that those participating at high-level supercross competitions, timed trials, arenacross or enduros aren't in a demanding sport. Each takes a toll and for those who are ready, willing and able to take on the tracks and trails and provide all the physical and mental energy it takes, we salute you.

Chinchilla’s Motorcoss Club regularly holds race days for those fit and enthusiastic motorcross fans. The next one will be held on October 21, from 7am at the Brigalow Motorcross Track.

Keeping Fit On The Road

If work keeps you frequently away from home, it can be challenging to maintain your fitness program. Travel time and meetings might leave little room in your schedule for exercise. But dedication and planning can help you stay in shape — and ease the stress that work travel can cause. Consider these travel workout tips.

Pack for fitness

Before your trip, research the hotel or nearby fitness facilities and pack accordingly. Your travel workout essentials might include:

·       Athletic shoes

·       Exercise clothing

·       Swimsuit

·       Jump-rope

·       Resistance tubing

·       Hand grips

·       Headphones

·       Yoga mat

Get started

When you arrive at your destination, set the tone for your trip by working out right away. If that's not possible, schedule time for your next workout and treat it as an important appointment.

Listen to your body

If jet lag or schedule changes leave you exhausted, make your workout shorter or lighter than usual. It's OK to take it easy once in a while. Because travel can be so disruptive to how you sleep and what you eat, it's also not the best time to try to increase your fitness level.

Remember, however, that regular exercise can help reduce stress and feelings of low energy, which might be just what you need to get down to business.

Kings Park Accommodation now has free gym passes for all our guests to workout at Max Fitness Chinchilla. Make sure you ask at Reception for details when you check-in.

Chinchilla Show - Fun for Everyone

The Chinchilla Showgrounds will play host to the Annual Chinchilla Show this Friday 25 May and Saturday 26 May.

Explore the colourful display of arts and crafts in the Pavilion – be in envy of the cooking and preserving skills of the local cooks, and admire the fine needlework and the high standard photographic exhibition. Stroll through the livestock pavilion, and check out the horse ring events including the show jumping.

Much of the entertainment during the day is targeted to family groups and the kids with the all-day entertainment including mini kids rodeo rides, the much-loved petting zoo and roving cartoon animals to name just a few.

Don’t miss out on those mighty lads doing the woodchop, special cooking demonstrations, there is even a Scoot Stunt Juggler workshop!

On Friday night the Trackskill V8 Utes will be racing, followed by a Farmer's Challenge then a wonderful Fireworks display, and on Saturday the Rodeo will finish with a great band. So make sure you stay until the sun goes down to enjoy the whole experience of this wonderful country show.

Attend one day or do both with your family and friends, and keep the tradition of these great country shows going for many years to come.

Time to Remember - ANZAC DAY 2018

Anzac Day is a time for the community to come together to remember and recognise the service and sacrifice of members of the Australian Defence Force.

On Wednesday 25 April, the Western Downs will be commemorating Anzac Day with dawn services and commemoration services across the region.

The Chinchilla Dawn service will commence at 5:55am at Fuller Place on Heeney Street, followed by a Commemoration March at 10:45am and Commemoration Service at 11am.

If you would like to attend one of the many events across the Western Downs, click here to find the closest event to you.