S1E39 Assaulted in the Desert, The end of a Journey! 

Mate, as an Aussie I am appalled at the way you were treated,. I am so sorry that this had happened to you, please come back.

As an Aussie, a fellow motorcyclist, and a victim of an unprovoked attempt on my life by an intoxicated person, I am sorry you met this bloke. At least you are still here to tell the story. Several years ago I rescued an injured rider a long way from home. I took him 4 hours to the nearest hospital, and a flight on the flying doctor plane to the city with multiple broken ribs among other injuries. I arranged for his bike to be transported to his interstate address later. He made a full recovery, repaired his bike, and has been on many more adventures since. We keep in touch, and met up on the Oodnadatta track recently on our way to the Finke Desert Race. He is forever grateful that I came along in his hour of need. A new friendship that will last for life. All the best for your future plans, and may you travel safe. Happy trails

As a Norwegian living in Australia for 50 plus years i am deeply saddened for your experience and i wish you a quick recovery and happy travels in future . I have seen this side of the Australian culture myself and i put it down to excessive alcohol and moronic behaviour and i usually think that karma has a way of going around . Please don’t label all Australians as this type of humans because the vast majority are decent people.

that person should get charged with attempted murder...

As an Australian i am sickened by the attack ..just appalling ..i am sorry this person treated this way .

As an Aussie I am extremely sorry this has happened to you mate. Very embarrassed about how you were treated and can only hope that one day you decide to return. Stay safe my friend and will continue to watch your journey.

I'm an Aussie and I've worked in WA. I saw firsthand the problem alcohol can cause. I hope that one individual hasn't given you the thought that most Aussies are like that, we're not. What a terrible way to end your adventure in Australia. I hope you recover from your injuries and one day return. Safe travels.

Hi, I've been following your channel from the begining and really enjoy your unique content. I was shocked at the way Aaron treated you, by seriously assaulting you and leaving you stranded in such a remote area without even leaving any food or water is attempted murder, he needs to be charged and put before a court to the full extent of the law. At the least, he should be charged with attempted manslaughter and do time in prison for it. If you come back to Australia and are passing through Alice Springs, you are welcome to stay at my place and take advantage of my workshop and my 52 years of motorcycle knowledge and mechanical experience to service and work on your bike. Cheers mate, I wish you all the best, Geoff.

In Australia, Aaron is what we call a “rat” “dog” “maggot”

When I saw how much that guy was drinking while driving I had a bad feeling about the trip for you. I’m glad you’re safe now, and I hope the guy is charged and convicted. What an arsehole!

Trust me as a long time Aussie. There are lots of Aarons out there, just a few drinks and their real personality comes to the surface. I’ve learned how to spot and avoid the Aarons. All the best for your future travels.

I’m English, I live in Australia, as hubby is Australian. These people are the most charitable people I’ve ever met. Disaster? Guaranteed people who don’t know you, will turn up and help. Fund raising? These Aussies will dig DEEP to help. Then, there’s the alcohol. It has ruined people. Aaron is a “dog” as my husband would call him, amongst other colourful things!

While watching your last Video I thought to myself this bloke is bit of a nutter,, the way he was driving, his voice and his body language sent me a red flag warning. I'm 70yrs old and had plenty of experience with these types of people. Sorry about your experience here, but Aust has crazy people too

Man, as an Australian I can only say that some of my compatriots can be just stupid when drunk. We love our alchohol but ‘in vino veritas’ when some blokes drink too much what’s in there comes out. On the whole we are a hospitable and tolerant nation, and I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart for the horrible bogun treatment you received.

I just stumbled on this video and as an Aussie, I am also appalled that you were treated in this way. I am glad you got home safely and I hope you can return and complete what you set out to do. Safe travels.

I watched, listen to your video with horror. I've been patiently waiting for your next vid and not in a million years I expected a video of this nature. I hope we see you back in Australia into the future. I will continue to watch you channel you are a legend.

I'm sure I speak for everyone watching, I appreciate your candor about this traumatic experience. I'm also glad to hear it hasn't deterred you from travelling in the future. All the best 👍

That guy was off his face the whole time. Very sorry that he took the shine off your trip. Hope he got charged by the police. And please return to Australia!

So sorry this happened to you mate. Hope you recover well from this traumatic experience, and do what you do best. Glad you're with your friends and family and I wish you the best and look forward to your adventures. Cheers mate.

Sorry this happened to you , please keep your travelling dream alive and keep creating awesome videos. You are genuine and keep me wanting to see more of your journey’s.

Well as an Australian, I am embarrassed. Sorry to hear that your trip ended that way.

Unfortunately in this crazy world you can never let your guard down. Being raised in NYC I learned that a long time ago. I can tell that you’re a good man just buy your demeanor. Us motorcyclist are a strong community,stay strong. God Bless you my friend

Sorry you had a bad experience in oz mate , most Aussies would give you the shirt off their back , sorry you found a bad egg. All the best with your travels. Stay safe.

Wow! This sounds almost like a WOLF CREEK episode! All joking aside, THANK GOD you made it out of there! 😀

I'm so sorry your journey ended so bad. I loved following you on your travels. As an Aussie I feel so bad for what happened. Keep traveling and stay safe.

Another Aussie here, with Dutch heritage and friends. So sorry to hear this. I have a place to stay for you if you’re ever back in Brisbane.

Sorry your trip ended that way, I'm glad you know most Aussies aren't like that. Good luck with the rest of your travels!

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately this was the first video I found, so now I will go back & watch the happier times. I'm just glad your jacket & beacon were still there for you. Big loves from Melbourne 👊🏽

I'm glad that and your bike are together again. I'm sorry that this has happened to you. I've enjoyed watching your travels and looking forward to seeing your next adventure. Keep safe 🙏

So sorry to hear about such an awful and traumatising end to your travel here in Australia. Hopefully justice will be achieved and your attacker will be punished appropriately. You have shown real grit in your Australian adventure that will serve you for the rest of your travels I am sure. Thank you for sharing your series.

Just saw this video now. That was terrible for you, you have my sympathy, you didn't deserve this. Aaron needs help psychologically when he gets out of and during his imprisonment for serious assault or attempted murder. Stay away from this guy, no matter how sorry he says he is. Bob. Veteran. NZ.

I randomly stumbled across this channel & this vid. As an Aussie that has knocked around a bit I watched & then went to the previous video. Within seconds of watching this Aaron I knew he was an ex criminal that has done time away..let’s just say I know the type. Mate you found one bastard. Rest & come back 👍

So Noralee of Itchy Boots has been travelling south through Africa, through Madagascar, and is now on her way up the east side in Malawi. She has become an icon to all on this continent. The difference between Africa and the western world, is that she has travelled alone on a motorbike, a woman, and met, kind, helpful, warm, hospitable people.........

My heart goes out to you . Plus so many of us all said what a legend he was for helping 🤬🤬🤬… If only hey 😢 Best wishes for the future travels. I’ll be following 🍺🍺🍺🍺

Im so sorry this person did this to you😢 i felt a bit off about him but who knew! Glad you made it out of there alive 🙏🏻 thank you fir sharing in your epic adventure here in Australia 🌏🦘 snd i wish you safe and happy journeys ahead. Will look forward to seeing your next chapter ✨

Watching S1E38 at the end I can see your apprehension and uncertainty begin. It appears you had a gut feeling about what was going to unfold. At the very least, it looks like you felt unsafe. Not much that you could've done given your circumstances. While traveling through Europe I was assaulted, abducted and brutally beaten - skull fracture, broken jaw, nose, ribs - fell from a moving car to escape and left for dead. It took awhile to deal with my PTSD, but when I got my legs back under me, not only did I get back on a motorbike, but I studied, researched, got degreed and taught human communication behavior at a university for twenty five years. I went into consulting for law enforcement and developed material specific to threat assessment and de-escalation. You can find the basics at the link. While this instruction was designed for LEOs, its practice is for everyone, especially those of us on the road. Hope you never have to use these skills. guardiancnv.blogspot.com/

I have really enjoyed watching you travelling around my country. As an Aussie I am appalled & ashamed of what happened. Please don't let this experience stop you from travelling. Hopefully you can give Australia another go, there is so much to see & do.

I'm a Dutch Aussie and most Aussies will take their shirts off their backs to give to you when in trouble or give a hand. I and my Dutch cousins ride motorbikes and are a chilled out bunch. Unfortunately there are some people with mental health issues and take to grog to fix it. Have safe travels.

Nothing more scary then seeing someone completely flip and become a different person when they are on the piss and you are completely isolated in the outback and stuck with them. Happened to a guy my wife and I met on an outback trip, bloody terrifying

I'm so sorry you had to meet that man who ruined your time here in our wonderful country, we apologize to you for the unsavory Australians. glad you did enjoy the rest of your travels here and hope you hold fond memories of the place, cheers and good luck and travels in the future.

All can say is this is an episode from 'Wolf Creek'.😔

Alcohol is such a problem in Australia. I am an Australian who spent many years itinerant, travelling Australia. Alcoholism was the reason I stopped travelling.

Holy crap what a crazy man! I'm new to adventure riding but you are always welcome to ride with me and my friends and we will change your bad experience!

I am so sorry this happened to you, in Australia. You were so lucky you had the beacon. The Outback is wild and desolate, when my cousin traveled solo in the outback I told her to take a gun ( with a licence). People disappear there all the time. It would be better if Aaron was charged, to prevent this happening to someone else.

I'm sorry you experienced such a horrible situation and a horrible person, majority of Australian people are not like this sad individual, please don't be put of visiting this wonderful country. I am so glad you had your epirb in your jacket, it really did save your life.

Love watching your videos and then this.Not good at all and i am so glad you are ok. i bet this has affected you in a big way and trusting people is going to be hard going forward. i am glad you are still wanting to continue with your travels and we all are too. Looking forward to more content soon

Mate sorry to hear about the ending,Glen gave me a heads up.. Was nice meeting you last year as you headed off ,that rally is on again this weekend.

Mate i can only express my deep sadness this happened to you. Looking forward to following your future travels. Be safe and travel well.

Damn that’s a tough story to tell. Leaving aside the attack, it’s hard not to mention that history has many stories of foreign travellers severely underestimating the empty parts of Australia. Your story hopefully will enlighten people considering the same trip, about what’s involved. Safe travels, I’ll be following your future travels !

Sounds like a terrifying experience , hope you recover and continue your adventure .

What an awesome adventure series, to then end in such a terrifying way. That man obviously has a drinking problem mixed in with some poor mental health unfortunately. Aussie from Vic here hoping you definitely come back for more adventures and meet the rest of us! ❤ well done on the whole series.

I’m so sorry that happened to you! So glad you made it out and kept your spirit.

So sorry for what happened to you mate, in your last video he was drinking a lot and that was a concern, I sure we are all glad you are ok, keep up the good work mate and we will follow you on your next adventure 🤙🏻

Holy shit dude. So sorry to hear about that. Glad you are safe and recovering after a very sketchy situation..I don't think Aaron will be having a very good time quite soon......

Very sorry for a terrible ending to your recent trip to Australia. Please don't let this experience put you off visiting again. All the best.

I am so sorry that this happened to you, and glad to know you made it home in one piece to be with family and friends. As a mother of a young man like yourself, this is my worst nightmare. I'm sure there is something for you to learn after going through this terrible experience. Good luck in your adventures and stay safe. From a fellow motorcycle rider.

3:59 “East, West, but home is the best”. Unfortunately I don’t have a home. Although a small Village in England is My Hometown I was dragged away from there when I was Eleven (I’m now 67) and although My Parents promised that I could return there after Two Years, it never happened. And although a small Town in Ireland is My Spiritual Hometown, (Parents Hometown) I can’t live there and will never again be able to visit. Thus I am stuck in an Australian suburb, feeling placeless and homeless.

What a sad way to end an Aussie Adventure. As an Adv rider here is Aust you come across many people like this is the outback. And I'm disappointed you had to experience it. I watched the previous video, and he was drunk way before he got to camp. He could barely stand in the last 2 mins of the video. I would on gone back and bashed the cant while he slept with a rock. People like that end up living in remote towns for a reason.

Mate, I have really enjoyed your videos. You have inspired me to do a trip along the Anne Beadall Hwy (but on 4 wheels). I hope you can block out that awful experience and treasure your best Aussie memories.

Wow! - what a story, really shocked with that incident - pleased your through it relatively unscathed. Wishing you good luck & fortune in the continuation of the journey when the bike arrives home. Take care. SteveD (Isle of Wight) UK

Damn kerel wat een verhaal. Dat het zó heftig was had ik vanochtend niet in de gaten. Goed om te zien dat je bent hersteld. Ik hoop dat je Maastricht nog hebt gehaald. Fijne reis en safe travels. De T7 rijder van vanochtend.

Sorry to hear about your traumatic experience. Unfortunately it is not just an alcohol that fuels someone to become aggressive towards another being. Even without alcohol, It's something to do when one helps the other, that they feel it gives them a right to say or do a wrong thing just because they helped. Experienced it a few times whilst touring on a push bike. It is their OWN issues and complexes. Keep travelling brother, and fight off those fears. There are better humans out there and you will see it again. Good luck.

Sorry you had to go through that, that grub needs to be locked up. Wishing you safe journey in your future adventures.

Dude ☹ really sorry to hear about this, i hope you can put it all behind you and it won't tarnish traveling too much for you,glad you're safe now too,i'll look forward to every video you post,take it easy m8 🙂

That is an appalling thing for Aron to do, this is not typical of the Australian people and i hope he pays for what he did. Im interested to know what was the issue with the bike and the using coolant? I look forward to more of your adventures soon.

Hi,im a first time watching your vid and im an ItchyBoots fan amongst others ,love the Dutch and Holland. Im an English motorcyclist living in Germany. Now liked and sub'd you. Looking forward to watching your back log of videos and now following you on your New life motorcycle Adventure. Good luck 👍 Doi Doi✌

Hi just watched your video for the first time, i was shocked by what happened to you. You come across as a great guy, please dont let one bad person put you off your adventures. I look forward to seeing more of your videos... stay safe

So sorry this happened to you. Rest and regroup! Onwards and upwards. It is still a wonderful world as I'm sure you know.

sad to hear that. its so lucky you're safe home. hoping to see you riding together with superwoman, Itchy Boots in the near future.

First time I’ve seen your videos and am appalled at what you’ve had to endure. Incidents like this will block people for following the big adventure. Hope it hasn’t impacted too much on your desire to travel, and you’re always welcome in the UK.

I am heart broken that this happened to you. I grew up camping in Australain remote bush, throwing a mozzie net from a branch beside a stream was enough security. My Dad is an old hippy & we always picked up hitchhikers with no fear & at 12 y/o we hitchhiked around Tasmania without a second thought. Now I get nervous sleeping in my car if it's too late to keep driving. People need to understand that the Netherlands is such a safe place, even as a teenager travelling alone years ago, I always felt people would always help if needed. You should be able to accept help from a mate, just as you would offer them... without shit going sideways like a fucking January rainstorm in Darwin. My fairly recent experience of being seriously assaulted (in front of people who did ZERO.) lead me to finally go to the police- who queried me regarding drugs or alcohol (at 10am.) because I was notably upset. They then refused to send a car out to ensure the public were safe after I begged them as he was an incredibly dangerous man & heading to a popular local beach. What the living fuck were those idiots doing by asking you to get into a car with a man who assaulted you then left you alone in a remote desert with no water? "Protect and Serve." That is their duty & they failed you miserably. I never self advocate, but I wish I had reported those cops. Please be incredibly kind to yourself, spend time with people who care for you & don't blame yourself for being trusting. It took me a long time to settle my nerves, less due to the attacks- more because no one helped me. I have just bought an Indian FTR 1200 Rally... I live in Australia & wanted to explore on this bike...alone. I am sooooo glad you had a eperb. Bolivia...Patagonia?? Faroe Islands!!!

Terrible way to finish up here in Australia. Mate your next visit most definitely will be epic 💯 Stay blessed brother 🤙🏽

Only now was I just introduced to your channel, which surprises me because I've been following your fellow Netherlander, Noraly Shoemaker, riding her motorcycles around the world for years. I've watched many videos of Amsterdam and the Netherlands, and I can see why you say, "East, West, but home is best." I've now subscribed to your channel. Good luck to you.

Looking forward to your new travels.

That is a very scary experience sorry that you ended your trip in this way. I hope being back home in Netherlands helps you recover from the stress and trauma this must of caused. Happy and safe travels to you. From another Australian.

Bro! That's terrible. I wondered what was up and thought that guy was a bit off with his drinking etc. Maybe that's why the last part of your previous vid was hard to watch. Anyway good to know you are safe and making plans for the future. All the best and catch you in the next one.

Oh man, sorry to hear about your experience in our country. Unfortunately every country has their share of pricks and unfortunately you manage to find one of ours. I hope you will come back some day and continue your amazing adventure. All the best for your journeys. ♥

Wow. And wow! Keep strong, and revive your trust in others. As you know, the vastest majority are good hearted people. If you are quick, you might make it to Scotland for three or two weeks; just twisty backroads in the mist, rain, sun, hail, sun, midges and ever changing scenery; every half hour the weather and the geography flip! Try to get here before July. After that the midges will spoil the fun. You need a holiday from your holiday! Slow down? Short day trips for a wee while? Trust is the key. Trust your own judgement again. Lean on your relatives and friends, those you trust, and don’t be hard on yourself. Btw, I ride ‘94 660 tenere, but feel like a Sunday tripper compared to your bold achievements! Best of luck.

You just came across my recommended channels this morning. I have to go back and see how much of a nozzle this guy was and watch all the other videos as well. I'm glad you're not letting 1 person ruin what you love to do. Im in Ontario, Canada, and back in the day, I used to ride off road. My brother taught me on his dirt bike. I started when I was 7 yrs old, riding a 1976 moped 😂 the kind you have to pedal to get started! My dad used to start it for me, and I would ride it with my feet on the frame. Crazy but fun! I'd love to get back into it. I miss it.

Watch the movie Wolf Creek. You might have second thoughts about travelling with a stranger. I know I wouldn't here in the Australian outback, especially with alcohol involved. Nothing is free & everything comes at a cost. You are lucky you're alive telling the story instead of just another person missing in the outback.

The life of an adventurer can lead to the most beautiful and the most terrifying of experiences; but that is the nature of adventure. While alcohol can be relaxing for some, for others it can be a poison, and trigger the most violent of behaviors. This is especially true when eating is not done with the consumption of the alcohol. Many violent murders occur from alcohol-induced hypoglycemia. Your response of running away was truly the only option available. Thankfully your jacket and phone were recovered so a rescue could be initiated. Ultimately your bike will be home soon, and your next adventure can begin after recovery and planning. I am very happy you survived and lived to tell the tale, and sure your eventual book or video documentary will become a best seller! Best of luck in the next stage of this journey, and thank you for taking the time to share your experiences!

Sorry to see what happened to you in Australia. Come back when you’re ready. :) Looking forward to your European adventures. Arguably one of the most interesting and beautiful regions on Earth!

For a country that isn't that poor or getting bombed, we sure act like we are constantly battling each other for survival. Always on the brink of killing each other. And we have all this space and it doesn't make us less prone to rage

Like many other Aussies who have been following your adventures, I am both saddened and ashamed that your experience ended in such a traumatic way. I hope justice is served and your perpetrator is brought to account. You are obviously a trusting and positive bloke by nature, but your survival instinct and courage may have just saved your life. That is something to be truly proud of. I'm sure you will bounce back more resilient and stronger from this shitty experience. Time to regroup, take stock, and recharge. The Netherlands is close to my heart, as I have a few connections there, so I enjoy your videos, and I look forward to seeing more of your adventures in the future! Best of luck and ride safe, mate! Grant. 🍻👍

Hey mate.. just came across your channel love your content and your commitment to travel our remote areas of AUS…so sorry to hear what happened to you getting your bike… not all Aussie are like Aaron.. your welcome back anytime mate.. safe travels from hear on..👍

Brother , What a Trip I was thinking this is pretty f’d up with the amount boozing and driving omg . But to turn that ugly would be terrifying in the middle of no where. Glad your Safe and Recovering Come to Canada 🇨🇦 Big County, Even Bigger Hearts

Wow, I'm just in shock after watching this video. I'm very sorry to hear what happened to you out there in the desert Luke. That must have been pretty traumatic. Like others have commented, his behaviour in the last video was getting stranger by the minute and with all that drinking and driving....never a good combination. A few videos back when you were have bike troubles with your fist bike and trying to get back to Perth, I wanted to reach out to see if I could help but didn't know the time-line and though that this probably all happened weeks if not months back. I'm kicking myself now. As someone who is also from a Dutch family living in Perth we share a lot in common. I came here in the 80's from South Africa and bought a motorbike on the east coast and rode it around Australia for a year. Loved Perth though and never left. Would love to catch up with you one day for a beer (but just a couple.....) Take care and please come back one day. Cheers.

Mate what a horrible ending, I'm subscribing, I pray your next adventure surrounds you with better humans.

Very sorry to hear. You definitely live an interesting life. Strange mix of a person. On one hand the offer to help was amazing given how massive the recovery task was, on the other hand his behaviour was unacceptable to say the least and bizarre. Yes the situation with the weather was stressful to say the least and these trips can be stressful at the best of times. I have two mates who were old mates and used to ride together the time and while doing this particular trip they had a falling out and never talked to each other again. But what happened to you was way over the topand completely unacceptable. Thanks for all the great videos and good to see you this had not put you off adventure riding. Looking forward to your new adventures. If you make it back to Australia again get in touch with me and other like minded people we will see if we can break the curse and complete this damn trip.

WOW! Glad to see you made it home safe.

What an absolute mongrel dog act! Sorry that this happened to you. Doesn't shine a good light on WA or Australia in a whole. Hope he was charged with assaulting you, thats so wrong. Hopefully you haven't lost your travel bug, we miss your posts. Best of luck legend

Wow! drunks and violence seem to go hand in hand. Glad you kept your cool. When the dust settles, you have quite the campfire story to share about your experience. Hope to see you travel back this way again some day. Consider getting a good crew together to convoy with.

Mate that is so sad what happen to you . I hope you come back one day . Enjoy the rest of your travels ❤

I'm an Australian mate and I'm so sorry that happened to you, hope you come back and finish your trip one day.

Sorry for your terrible experience, Aaron has serious issues, I wish nothing but the best for you.

wat een verhaal zeg ongelofelijk!!! lijkt wel een nachtmerrie. Hoop dat je het snel vergeet en je weg kunt vervolgen. ik blijf je zeker volgen

I live in Australia - i would be very wary of going into the dessert with a bloke like that. Many unusual (to say the least) characters in remote Australia and caution is required

Choose your friends & acquaintances wisely my friend I got a red flag as soon as I saw him. A life experience which you will learn from for the better. Good luck with your adventures.

Such a horrible thing to happen, it's sad that one person can ruin your views of a country in a heartbeat. Glad you made it out ok and thanks for sharing your adventures.

That is absolutely horrible. Glad your basically ok~ Ive had people flip like that, & it's scary! Be well☆