RESPECT!
RESPECT!
RESPECT!
You are a crazy pair of baastids!

Coming from you it means a lot thanx (at least the respect part -

).
Looking back a few comments:
Met two great WD mates.
In the saddle for 15 hours was just crazy, especially considering the conditions.
GP made the right call to turn back. I must have started the DR at least 50 times on the trail which means the XR might well have left GP in a fix on the trail somewhere.
Having too much luggage made the trip a lot tougher than it needed to be. We initially anticipated sleeping over on the trail but looking back will not recommend this only due to the weight issue.
Glad I took more than enough water (7,5 litres)
Glad I replaced the rear tyre with a new Mitas E-07. It did pretty well given the conditions.
Grateful for the progressive fork springs I fitted last year.
I will never do this again with anything other than a plastic bike. Both bike and body just took too much punishment.
Damage on the DR:
Bash plate took a beating with one big ding at the bottom, but I guess that is what it is there for in the first place
Soft luggage got scuffed, but not too bad.
Fine scratches on the tank - I hope to polish these out!
Right side plastic burned on the exhaust due to soft luggage pushing it in. Considered replacing these with black plastics anyway.
Chain guide broken off - RR and I still arguing who broke it off, but I know it was him!

Since the DR is my wife's bike I still have some explaining to do, but leaving that for tomorrow.
Thanx to my two riding buddies. It was a tough day out, but beats doing anything else!!!
I look forward to your side of the story and more pics.
Anyone want to join us in March on tupperware?