Another GP Trip....
With around 6 weeks to go, a recap is always a good idea to whet the appetite.
For some it will be good memories and for others this read may serve as inspiration! It's not too late ya know
Moto GP 2012
Bretts version anyway!
(its no wonder ACP or Fairfax wont give me a job...cant keep it to 250 words..)
Day 1 (Wednesday)
This year there were some 34 names on the FL list of Moto GP trip starters, we are reliably informed that this is the biggest group ever, it seemed that so many had returned to see Casey off in his final year of top level motorcycle racing.
Its easy to argue that the more bikes and people you have on any trip, the greater the chance of incidents..... yes?
This year there were some 34 names on the FL list of Moto GP trip starters, we are reliably informed that this is the biggest group ever, it seemed that so many had returned to see Casey off in his final year of top level motorcycle racing.
Its easy to argue that the more bikes and people you have on any trip, the greater the chance of incidents..... yes?
Organisation had been going on for months with Fearless, JB, Deb46 and myself all arranging houses across the breadth of Cape Woolamai. Beds were allocated, groups were formed and ride away dates were set with the bulk leaving on the Wednesday to take as much advantage of the 7 day minimum house rental cost......those that had to work etc planned to depart Thursday (so as per normal).
Wednesday morning 24 October couldn't come quick enough for most, me being one of them...what, with a new (to me) bike an' all. Cook Park was the meeting venue. We were advised that Fearless & JP were now meeting us along the way, as they were leaving Sydney that morning. The rest of the crew cobbled together over the 20 mins or so after I got there, we had lots of bikes and 2 cars (being Mario & John in the GTS and Sam in the Jetta diesel joining the run!), these blokes helped out famously with some luggage as well as transport support at the Island. Without this capability there would have had to have been more than a few top box trips had.
Barty makes the most of power to weight, once he finds a couple of cars are with us
On the bikes we had most of last years crew return! plus a lot who are irregular regulars, James was with us again on his new M1100 Evo, Rousabout on that BM with the fabulous sounding powershifter. Scott was a 1st timer on the Ninja 250 and Steve "Garth" McG was there on his new FZ1 to ride with us up until lunch.....and then ride back home. Davo was with us on his Yellow Terror FZ1, JB (also an FZ1) turned up with his mate Steve who has joined us from the Alice! He too was on his FZ1..... and some people reckon TRX's & Multistradas are common!
Sue and Cath were also with us on the Speed Triple & Raptor respectively, not really coming to the GP but riding with us for Day 1 and the last day. They were playing up on some lady only weekend with a coupla nights at Lakes Entrance and the 2 more at Bright before catching us again on the last night at Thurgoona.
Ah!! the Red Italians up front!....in the photo anyway!!.........well it is my photo..
The famous "Fearless GP itinary", as distributed, suggested that the intial route was to travel through Blayney to Woodstock, but in his absence, we ditched that in favour of a morning run across the George Russell Drive from Canowindra to Woodstock, and it was a great start to the ride. Despite being a big mob we travelled along quite OK with the departure and traffic spliting us into groups anyway and the Cargo Rd is 80 & 90kmh so no quick riders coming through and the cars behaved.
We stop for a leg stretch at Woodstock and then, of course, Giacomo turns up! Not like him normally to be running late!!.....wonder what happened?....nothing..just normal behaviour,.... I happen to know he just loves to play catchup in the mornings!...well anytime really.
The run down to the Dam was clear and ended up pretty relaxed. I heard Drew say later that he hadn't ever been on that run, across to Mt McDonald, down the hill and over the dam, before and how much he enjoyed it. I waited at that dodgy Frogmore turnoff below Darbys Falls that sneaks up on you, just to mark the corner and waited for the last bike to come by, then the challenge was on to catch as many as possible before the Rugby Rd......got lots and had fun, despite the bumps.
The run down to the Dam was clear and ended up pretty relaxed. I heard Drew say later that he hadn't ever been on that run, across to Mt McDonald, down the hill and over the dam, before and how much he enjoyed it. I waited at that dodgy Frogmore turnoff below Darbys Falls that sneaks up on you, just to mark the corner and waited for the last bike to come by, then the challenge was on to catch as many as possible before the Rugby Rd......got lots and had fun, despite the bumps.
Smoko at Boorowa found Fearless and JP on the Tiger and the MultiS respectively, we also caught up with those softies that slipped down the main road from Cowra. That toilet at the Bakery sure cops a floggin doesnt it! After pies, coffee, cake for some and a refresh, a quick route brief to those who were unsure, that the next critical turn was south of Coolac to Adjungbilly & Petit.
Off we went as a pretty orderly bunch with someone up the front, not real sure but probably JB, we were spread out a long way through to Harden. Out of Murrumburrah though things warmed up considerably when Giacomo went past, as he does, he grabbed about 2 or 3, so I was off after him......of course just to to ensure his safety....it was a great run through to Jugiong. There we found half a dozen of our group who had pulled up at the "T" waiting, Giacomo & I didnt wait, up the hill and onto the FWY, now a chance to have a look about and find out who we are with, surpringly JB doesn't lead a group off the Colac exit through the roundabout and back onto the "on ramp" and return to the FWY, as he had done earlier this year on the TT Trip.
Travelling along the Adjungbilly Rd towards Tumut, is fun but you have to be careful, its narrow mostly, particularly after about 8-10kms into it. Especially the section around Nils' corner, where its very bumpy and dusty due to some new excavations into a few of the cuttings. I suppose the upside is that this section is being widened so there will someday be a new surface. More roadworks up ahead added to the dirt length on this road (Fearless said the sealing had been done by the time he rode it 5 days later on the way home).
On the dirt proper & I am in front, of my group at least, and I am thinking, thats great no dust........then of course who do I see in the mirror....Giacomo, the dirt king. He whistles past seemingly in full control & at a gap of around 250mm....Phk, I say before settling back into "my rythmn". A stop up the top at the T intersection waiting for the group is where I hear Rousie's powershifter as he stormed away from a stop up the hill toward Tumut, sounds very racey!
At the next right hander JB's mate, Steve, spun his FZ in the loose gravel buildup after stopping & waiting for direction, no real damage, but the first of a few on this trip. Nils beat last years effort by arriving safely in Tumut on his carbon (copy) ST1050.
 |
| It was Lemon Squash all round at the Woolpack!! |
As creatures of habit we met at the Woolpack Hotel for lunch after grabbing fuel. At this stage Garth called it a day and departed for his return trip, by all reports he had a great day on his first longish trip on the new FZ1S. After a longish lunch, it was up the Snowy Mtns Hwy to Kiandra, then south to Cabrumurra, Khancoban and the overnight stay of Corryong. The run up the hill was unremarkable, across the top very routine if not fast...ish...When we turned off at Kiandra there was a stack of bikes parked up probably 30 or so, they stayed put, we continued but I was about 8th in line with some nice road coming up and none of my usual "riding" partners in sight. I was starting to work out how many corners may be missed before I got to the front of my pack, just then we came up on the park entrance hut where the road widens into multi lanes for paying the fee, all of a sudden the bikes in front of me went left and right, parting like a Moses job, so I sailed straight through the middle and into the front spot....perfect! Thanks gents.
I stopped again at the Cabrumurra turnoff to mark the corner, this put me at the back again! But that all changed when we got to the next intersection where we turned left to go to Khancoban, I slipped to the front again. Apparently Fearless, Sue, JP and James went into Cabrumurra itself for a specified purpose? (sleep?) Colin found his way there too having suffered some sort of ignition key issue. Anyway I think they had a coffee, I had no idea where JB was or Hoppy & Davo.
 |
Ahhhh!......... another Dam Ducati.....sorry! Rousie in the background..floggin the powershifter
|
Riding along, pretty much on my own I was enjoying the corners and beginning to get a tad more used to the Multi and its capability. I saw a red bike right behind in the mirror thought it was Rousie, and he was looking to pass, bloody hell! I slowed and it wasnt Rousie, but a pretty knocked about Ducati ST4, he came past and, on a bit of a hike too. Off I went and, it took a km or so to get with him, but it was a great ride. Pretty early we caught up and passed Mario and John in the GTS, so they hooked in behind (at a safe distence..thanks Mario!) and I am sure had a great time. Eventually we came across a straight(er) section and I saw a flash of yellow so I backed off, the ST4 in front also hit the brakes, all looked a bit sus....we got closer and saw Davo standing there, helmet off and "dealing" with a copper in a yellow SS . Davo looked very concerned and was stroking his beard. I only got a short look. The main thing I perceived was that Davo looked concerned. A real bugger for Davo its an 80kph Zone in the middle of nowhere & our group may all have been a tad above that! there is no doubt that he saved many of us.... Thanks mate!!!
At the end of that road at the Tooma turnoff we stopped, I thanked the ST4 rider for a great ride and was chatting to the GTS pair when Barty came up next, Barty had in his mind that we were turning left, probably because I was standing on that side of the road, I said "were going that way Barty" pointing in the other direction, so he gave me a nod and proceeded to commence a U Turn in front of the afternoon school bus...the driver had kittens, he braked really hard, the kids inside all glued to the windows wide eyed for signs of busted body parts and blood! But Barty, being the savvy and experienced rider he is...reacted like he possesed a 6th sense, he pulled the lusty Italian hard left in a nano-second, averting any potential, and expected, bloodshed instantly dashing the hopes of the schoolies who didnt get to see any blood or guts!
Then Davo pulled up, yes it was costly.....but he did get to keep his licence and his bike...so far anyway!
Then Davo pulled up, yes it was costly.....but he did get to keep his licence and his bike...so far anyway!
Arriving at the Corryong Motel the group begins to slowly grow again and its a great place where they have a fully stocked fridge full of beers at very reasonable prices. Beer was drank, showers had and dinner was at the Hotel walking distance up the road. Davo wasn't coming, he and Matt were staying at the Caravan Park (being a late starter for the Wednesday departure). Davo said he had to save money (now) so he and Matt got a 6 pack and a Pizza. Wonder if Matt enjoyed that 1 beer Davo let him savour?
As the evening unfolded we found out that JP and James also had a chat with that same copper in the yellow SS, apparently their chat wasn't as long as the one that Davo had! But James' chat, since he got there first in their bunch, may have saved Fearless and Sue...unfortunately, that high vis yellow stuff stands out and it was obviously this coppers favourite colour....sorry JP!
Dinner was had eventually, some had to wait much longer than others. We has some sleep and begging for another day tommorrow.
Day 2 (Thusday)
There was a 2nd mob departing on Thursday, plus some stragglers from Orange, Linz & Deb from Young, a few others & Mike...or did he leave on Friday?... anyway, for those I was with, there were rumours, at breakfast, of Police up the road from Corryong pulling every bike in for licence & rego checks. Spanner & the GTS crew left earliest, then the B team people, the main group until, I reckon, Cath & I were last..but we caught JP & Sue, Fearless & Co just outside town, seems the rumour Police pulling in bikes was incorrect, and we enjoyed a leisurely meander to Tallangatta (Lex's favourite overnight stop!), to regather. Cath and Sue left us here to head to the seaside location of Lakes Entrance, for a girl weekend..or so....happy motoring girls.
At Tallangatta, Fearless gave us the very important briefing where we had to pay attention! He advised that between here and Beechworth there would be turns, apparently there was a left then a right, then a left, right, then left, then right and left! He went on the confirm that there would be corner marking perfomed and "this is how you will do it". Inspiring stuff indeed, I was hooked.
I was so relaxed I swapped bikes with Giacomo for this leg, after he found his glasses we were off, but we stopped after the 2nd turn and waited for a while to get a clear traffic free run so that Giacomo gets a good run in "sports" mode, unknowingly putting pressure onto the aforementioned corner marking system...anyway turns out fearless was very correct, the corner marking was fabulous, his description was spot on and everyone arrived at Beechworth, within a separation that was comfortable, with simplicity.
So we had smoko at Beechworth, this time not at the Bakery, it was a nice rest and we were looking forward to the mountain areas. We went to fuel on the way out of town and whilst there Kel made the FJR fall over! Probably just so he could get the excess fuel out that he had put in! A quiet but a police free ride so far, although most or us had expected some police interaction on the run between Oxley and Whitfield. Someone did a U turn aftyer the Oxley intersection, so that they came back & had to do another U turn..bike was red & smallish! Scott?
By the time we arrived at Whitfield we were broken into smaller groups with JB & Col up in front somewhere and Giacomo & I a few minutes back. I love riding this stretch to Mansfield because it has everything from steepish climbs, tight corners, open running and a great surface. Riding it with Giacomo makes it better just too see how he reacts when the steep cliffs and power lines meet. For me it was fantastic because, while I'm still learning the Multi's character, being the 2nd full day, I begin to really enjoy the way it delivers its torque and power with all that comfort and a feeling of safety. Compared to the same trip last year on the 999 it just feels so easy.
We pass the 1st copper of the day, in a highway car on a straight bit near the Powers Lookout turnoff, fortunately we are on (or under) the limit and pass without any drama, but round the next corner is JB & Col stopped on the roadside. We see them late so keep on going, assuming that they perhaps had been pulled over by plod and then got done for speeding. Turns out they did get pulled over but it was just for a licence check as they too were under the posted limit...amazing...B Team riders....under the limit!!! Mr plod was apparently a bit taken aback by the sight of one of Colins knee sliders...its very worn. He asked Col if this was damage incurred on this trip? If so Col must be very quick and posses a no fear attitude for road riding....Col eventually did explain that the wear is track day related only.
JB & Col caught us around Tolmie so I was looking forward to the next section.. and it was all going beautifully until, later on, some slower riders, that we didn't know, stuffed the last 10 kms or so for us. I do think though that we did make our presence known to them.
At Mansfield almost all of us gather at the Caltex on the corner and the dilema is the route to Marysville, either going the Highway via Alexandria or south toward Jamieson and around the bottom of Lake Eildon. Many including myself had determined the highway was the go, but JB and Giacomo had suggested the alternate route, reasoning that it would be wet soon and perhaps the Eildon Rd was our last chance at dry twisties. Last year this road, in the other direction, was hard work and the surface was a very coarse spray seal bitumen, all new because in all the past years it had been gravel.
They talked me into it and we set off with about half a dozen of us heading south, when I pull up at the start of the road to mark the corner just north of Jamison, the group starts to assemble...but then there is more...and more. Turns out that everyone including the Jetta and the GTS is with us, I think only Roy & Kel opted for the Highway.
What a road! On the Multi, and with Giacomo, JB & Col in tow I had a ball. Last year I found it hard work on the 999, with no lane marking at all, no speed advisory signage and very short sighting distances for the most part. But this year fantastic, I learned that I had to stay well forward on the bike to get the best "feel" in these tight roads, and a new set of lower narrower bars would come in handy to make this easier. The end came way too soon, the four of us didnt wait for the others we just turned left at Thornton and then headed for Marysville.
Its interesting to see the country every year after being there for the 2009 Bushfires that trashed this part of the state, the recovery of nature is amazing. Also amazing is where people are rebuilding, I saw some new houses being reconstructed on their old sites on hillsides with native bush and forest below and around them...planning laws and Council building restrictions would prohibit this sort of thing in NSW, but in Vic....it seems no worries it'll be right!
Pulling into the Mansfield Bakery Kel & Roy are already there, and eventually all of our group regathers, but the other thing gathering is the dark clouds, talking to a couple of other Melbourne based riders who had arrived via the Reefton Spur, they reported that the road was damp after the T intersection for Lake Mountain...bugger. Seems that JB was right again with his weather forecast and lucky I took his advice to use the Eildon Rd.
The Reefton Road out of Marysville is dry initially and JB is with me, the trees are now getting thicker and sighting distances through the corners is getting back to normal (almost nil) after the fires. The pace was reasonable, although cautious of any possible Police presence. I almost overshot the turnoff to Warburton for some reason, its a Y type junction but JB just slowed, waited & shook his head. A little further on and the road dampness got a lttle more consistent, this is OK as it makes it a bit more predictable and it was still fun, I must have been holding him up cause pretty soon JB came past me. It took me a while to catch up properly, hook in behind him and get into his rythym, he was riding very well and smooth although his beaming brake light from a sticky pedal took some getting used to.
 |
| Rousie checking Drew behind Chris behind Matt |
Arriving at Warburton, Fearless had suggested we stop at the Shell servo to regroup again, eventually we were all accounted for and due to the damp conditions there was a bit of wet weather gear on many of the riders. The amount of flouro green or yellow clothing is almost disturbing, some of our people claim they bought it cause it was cheap, or they got it for nicks and some say.... it protects them by making the rider more visible in traffic..... Riding in groups is often the best form of visibility to other traffic...oh yes..and loud exhausts!!
JB & I had to get to Cowes before 5pm to pick up the keys to our rentals (found out later that the real estate office was open till 9pm). So given that the group had regathered and Fearless was there to lead them, we swapped bikes and buggered off, leaving the rest of them to it. The rain started just out of Warburton but it wasnt really rain just nuisance showery drizzle that made everything wet. We turned south at Launching Place to travel through Gembrook and this road is nice in the dry but dodgy in the wet with lots of surface changes, speed limit changes and crests etc, it wasnt any fun riding someone else's bike in these conditions. We swapped back again after the road rejoined with the Cockatoo Rd north of Packenham cause we felt more comfortable.
Through Packenam and Woori Yallock and then we had the Bass Hwy.... now the run along the Bass Hwy is almost always a bastard! This time was no exception with wet cold and very windy conditions I couldn't wait to get to the Island.
When we arrived at the Cape Wooloomai shops, I wondered how we were going to find our people again. I had phone numbers but no one was answering, I knew the guys in my house had the address because I had previously emailed it to them....but had they taken any notice? Just then Giacomo came into view but he was alone. He had lost them all due to another problem with his spectacles at Warburton, having ridden from there on his own.
Turned out that the others were all dutifully following the Fearless Leader when, in the drizzle, they got separated at a set of lights not far out of Warburton and had missed the Launching Place turnoff to Glenbrook, then because no one else really knew the way, they also missed the next potential turnoff at Woori-Yallock to Cockatoo, and were well on the way to Lillydale. This is despite having a veteran GP tripper with them, in the form of Barty! A black mark for Greg indeed!
Someone eventually pulled out a map, Drew got his smart phone to work and they turned around and eventually took the Woori-Yallock - Cockatoo route and arrived sometime later after having ridden through some heavy rain.
So there we were eventually camped across 3 houses at the Island after 2 days of mostly fabulous riding through some of the most heavily Police infested territory ever known...wonderful. Two streets away JB had a house with Hoppy, Derrick, Colin, Mike and Davo. Up in Corona Rd, Fearless had James, Barty, Spanner & his nephew Brom, John, Mario, Brian & Pickett. A 4th house the West was booked by Debbie and Lindsay, they had others in there but still had a spare bed, they were due to arrive tomorrow afternoon.
So there we were eventually camped across 3 houses at the Island after 2 days of mostly fabulous riding through some of the most heavily Police infested territory ever known...wonderful. Two streets away JB had a house with Hoppy, Derrick, Colin, Mike and Davo. Up in Corona Rd, Fearless had James, Barty, Spanner & his nephew Brom, John, Mario, Brian & Pickett. A 4th house the West was booked by Debbie and Lindsay, they had others in there but still had a spare bed, they were due to arrive tomorrow afternoon.
Here is where my story now can only concentrate on those things that I saw or expeienced, and perhaps for some, thats a good thing! (BB)
When Sam arrived, he Kel & Roy Jetta'd off to the shops to grab enough food to cook for dinner and breakfast plus they had to get beer.
When Sam arrived, he Kel & Roy Jetta'd off to the shops to grab enough food to cook for dinner and breakfast plus they had to get beer.
 |
| Sam and the Jet...ta |
When they got back the beer was very much appreciated by those assembled and waiting, even if it was Carlton Mid x 2 boxes, but they did get a box of Old as well....fantastic! By the time we were ready to sit down & eat there was a fair hole in the beer boxes thats for sure, but with 10 blokes, thats probably OK. It turned out that with a massive effort from Kel, with some support from Sam, made sure that all meals were good in this house, the 1st night was no exception. Problem was though, we didnt get any red or spirits so had to make do with Sams well stored 10 year old Magnum of "something" red, it was very nice, and after dinner we had to make do with the 2 hip flasks of Bourbon I had brought with me. Whilst we only got one drink of each, it was all very well appreciated (we didnt know at this stage that Nils had a bottle of American Honey in his bag!)
The night was a 2am job, thanks to whats left of Giacomo's memory and his 1970's and 80's jokes......remember the baby jokes?...yes he dragged them out as well.
 |
| Giacomo telling his 1970's jokes |
Day 3 (Friday)
We woke up with a head ache....I did anyway, some got up early....some didnt (although it was probably early for them). We had breakfast, told bad jokes, relived last nights better moments, tried in vain to forget the bad moments and then went to the track, on the bus! The plan was go to the track, get tickets, have a look then head over to Cowes. And thats what we did, all of us eventually, and got tickets, some got in cheaper than others....ahhh! those pension cards eh!
Giacomo got a fabulous photo of Barty at the ticket counter! Wish I had it to show you.
Whilst at the expo I bumped into a lot of FL's but eventually found myself alone, eating Kransky and drinking beer....does that say something? I later headed to the bus lane for Cowes, & one pulled up straight away I was the only pax but then JB hopped on, a little later Hoppy got on to and I wasnt alone anymore.
 |
| Giacomo, Col & Roy |
 |
| Rousie, JB & Hoppy |
At Cowes, after the obligatory merch shop visit, I bought a 2010 hat for $10 and picked up this years momento gift for Fearless, somehow then we found ourselves at the Bar at the bottom of the street...funny...there were lots of other FL's there too, and more came and went over the next few hours.
That bar, whatever its name is nice, its got a good view has a pretty good feel, but bloody hell you almost need to sell an organ to shout! They say that in Australia there are two currencies....but I reckon that there are now 3!...
- Aussie Dollar (AUD)
- Thredbo Dollar (TBD)
- Grand Prix Dollar (Fleece them while ther'e here)
A stop at the Cowes Woolies for food and the adjoining beer shop, for red & bourbon & rum. Dinner that night was again a show of capability and passion from Kel and his assistants. The reinforcement booze aided another 2am close to the night....I start wondering if I am getting too old for this!
Jonesy remebered more 1970's jokes.
I did get a call earlier in the night from Daring Dan the Wheelstand Man (DDTWSM) advising that he and Deb are leaving early AM Saturday in the racing Patrol for the Island & that spare bed that Deb46 had was now taken....how good is that!!
Day 4 (Saturday)
Similar start as yesterday, up relatively early, but its dribs and drabs, clean up, get your own breakfast, lumox about reliving those 1970's jokes again. The important thing though, is that its Qualifying day and whilst that doesnt start till about 3pm, Casey is on from10am for the last free practice, so need to get there by then. I decide to ride over, cause its cheaper, and I can ride into Cowes after qualifying, and suck up more of the GP cheer. It seems that everyone else, (at this house anyway) decides to do the same.We pull into the gate 4 carpark and headed straight to the Motocross behind Lukey Heights where a round of the Aussie Supercross Championship was being run. It was all close action stuff, some of the boys spent some time there Friday as well. It was hard to see though with limited stands and mounds for shorter spectators....I was OK though..could see just fine!
 |
| Chad Reed in flight |
In the MotoGP Qualifying it was Stoner all over, half a second to George then Dani in 3rd, looks like it will be a good race. We watched quali at Siberia due to three years spectating at the bottom of Lukey Heights, we had a fair crew there and Richard of Bridgestone fame joined us for the session...he was hobnobbing it on the pit roof garage with some company corporate thingy, he was sporting a nice Repsol Jacket as well, but he told me he paid for that himself cause he was cold!
 |
| Does it get any better!! |
Left the track & headed to Cowes, I was on my own & bumped into Lindsay, Deb46, and Daring Dan and Deb were with them. Dan was very nice, he shouted me a beer at Pino's, and cause I couldnt have more than one, I invited them to the house for dinner. Talking of dinner I asked Kel earlier in the day what we were going to do for dinner, and he had suggested some sort of spag-bol, "leave it with me" He said. I get back to the house and he is perparing Kebabs...you know, a bit of meat, capo, onion & other stuff on a sharp stick. The meats been marinating for a while, he has both beef & chicken and the BBQ is brand new and waiting....ah Kel....champion.
 |
| Kel reckons its all about loaves & fishes...Rousie and Giacomo critique his skill...& the dish pigs are washing up! |
Later on DDTWSM & Deb call in as suggested, bringing pizza with them, we also had Fearless, JP & Brian vist us and stay for a drink or two...I think they enjoyed it? Another great meal, more beer, some bourbon and some rum for a few of the boys. Another late night but 1AM this time is not too bad, given that its up early to get a spot.
Day 4 (RACEday)
Even though it was a late night, we were all committed to getting a spot on the fence. I had chosen Siberia as It is the spot where you can see the most and this year there was an extra screen further towards the "Hayshed" as there was now a corporate facility there. The gates opened at 7.30am and due to Casey's retirement we needed to be there early with no more that 200 in front of us before gates open to get a good spot on the fence & near a screen.
WE needed fit and fast people and we had some young blokes, but many were smokers, we had Roy, but he had been crook, looks like it fell to me, no stamina, Nils, maybe he is OK, and Rousie and Giacomo...well we might be buggered then!
We arrive at the bike park and there are just 3 bikes ahead of us already parked with a couple of cars, we quickly walk to the gates and we are perhaps 100th in the line...not bad, we have about 1200m to run to get to "our preferred location". Then Barty rings me to see if I can call round to Corona Rd and pick him up on the way.......Too late Barty I am at the fence already.
Gates open and a rush of people surge forward...the secuity at the gate really do "just go through the motions" in that rush of checking tickets and bags....through and I am off at a gentle jog, in boots and jacket and carrying a bag and 2 chairs. 300m in and I am buggered, but I stick it out pushing on and no one has come past me yet....I am feeling like Steve Monigetti...on a bad day. I slow, then speed up, then walk briskly, then speed up, then nearly die.......Davo & Hoppy had a grandstand seat so they could arrive whenever they freakin please! |
| Waiting at the Gate - 100 back |
I arrive at "a spot" in front of the tele and think beauty, I place out my 2 chairs and bag as wide as I can but people are arriving everywhere and I am getting crushing pressure. I look around wondering where my "mates" are....bugger! Then Roy arrives, then Kel, then Nils, apparently Nils had a great fast plan but as he was jogging he got stopped cause stuff was falling from his backpack....didnt zip it up after the bagsearch at the gate and he was like little red riding hood leaving lots of trinkets to mark his path. He had to go back and clean up!
We had five of us there and I am not sure what has happened to the other five. I go to get a drink, cause I am still dying from that run and Sam calls out to me, they have a spot on the fence about 100m further towards Siberia...bugger. Given the amount of people we didnt want to give up fence space so we accepted the separation. Along with Sam was Scott, Mace, Drew, Rousie, Giacomo and Barty.
 |
| Warm again at Siberia... |
 |
| DDTWSM & Deb |
As the morning rolled on we got more and more FL's, DDTWSM & deb, then Fearless and James, Spanner & his tribe turned up a little later to complete our tribe.
The day was a good one indeed, the racing was sensational in Moto 3 and Moto 2, Aussies building the podiums with Arthur Sisis grabbing 3rd in the Moto3, whilst the evergreen Ant West stole 2nd in Moto 2...could it get any better.
James & Fearless
 |
| Its a Krainer rather than a Kransky....what a meal! |
Hell yes.......first of all there was a new catering provider just behind where I was sitting that were selling Gourmet Sausages....can it get any better? I am not sure..but I had two...
By the time the MotoGp race was upon us the crowd were ready for an aussie win to complete the 3rd, 2nd, 1st podium of Aussies that was the fairytale unfolding. The riders parade in the convertibles certainly showed the favourite, with Casey getting a rousing reception in stark contrast to that given to Jorge and Valentino....Dani, though got some cheer I suppose in the hope he wouldnt get in the way of that fairytale!
 |
| Gooooooooooo.....Caseyyyyy!! |
Well...it was really a race for 2nd, or really third. Dani crashed 2nd lap and Stoner just flogged them, they reckon about 65,000 were there, it was very good...though I cant help to think that next year will be very much poorer.
After the race we waited a bit, I donated my chair to Lindsay Fox (he owns the track) then left with the hoardes of others to our bikes for the short ride back to the house...I got straight away, didnt wait for anyone, split a lane for a bit then went up the RHS and just sauntered all the way up to the intersection on the main road. From there it was an easy trundle back to the house, I was first back, checked the fridge, alomost out of beer (minor crisis) so I jumped on the bike & back up to the bottlo. Grabbed a box sat it on the topbox rack, a few blokes were there sitting outside the shops and having fun taking the piss out of Ducatis' one asked if I was going to just hang onto the carton....I said "dont think so" as I pulled the Gaff tape from my pocket & put three wraps around it and rode off....(crisis averted!)
That night JP had booked the cafe/bar near the shops for dinner, it was new and the menu looked OK. It was a good enough feed, all of the group was pretty much together and the signs of a big day out were telling. Especially for Danny with his sunburnt face still with his sunnies on! sort of!
I walked back to the house....took forever, packed my bag a bit, helped clean up a bit and an early sort of night at around 11pm.
Day 5 (Departure)
We had to face a day of getting across the Gippsland to Bairnsdale without dying of boredom.
JB & I had to take keys back to Cowes so we left earlier than anyone else. When we got back to the meeting point, many had left, Spanner & the GTS crew had gone, Matt along with Davo, Hoppy, Mike and Colin had slipped up to the bike repair shop at San Remo to adjust the ER6's chain, JB nipped up there too, so that just left me & my house mates.
Off we went in a vain attempt to not lose anyone, I blew the horn near the bike shop at San Remo to maybe attract the others at the repair shop....lots of bike...no one pays attention so we ride on.
Outside Inverloch I turned left rather than going straight ahead. Bugger, (black mark for me) but Leongatha was nice anyway. It was a theme to continue, I caught Barty and JB before Yarram and met the rest there for smoko. From Yarram we headed north through Gormandale but JB turned right just before Rosedale and marked that corner up the road a bit, nearly everyone missed seeing him turn off and subsequently most went to Sale via the Hwy...bad! its very very straight.
I met back up with a few stopped outside Sale and directed them to the next bypass turn to Bengworden, all that was good but we did have reports of a copper on this road from Spannerman, who was the early scout. We also had a Police Pajero pass us but all OK and onward through Bairnsdale to the suggested lunch at Swifts Creek.
Running into Bruthen we had another bike mob come through our pack and this put space between us all, wanting to make sure we had everyone I pulled over letting the other group go on through. The run to Swifts Creek was good for me, I began catching all of those other riders that I had pulled over for and that was a little bit of sport for a while...I think that at least 2 of them were a bit pissed at me, they passed me back on a straight bit where I was not keen to exceed more than 15kph over. I passed them again at the next bends....fun! "Get that up ya" I thought to myself.
The lunch spot at Swifts Creek was bad, 1 bloke in a shop on his own at about 2pm trying to satisy 15 or more riders. I ended up having a packet of chips, a snickers and a Powerade, hyped up & ready to go. It was here that Mike suggested that sometime he would like to ride the Multi.."when your happy to do so" he said.
We left Swifts Creek, and just out of town to the north are 2 coppers sitting on camp chairs in the long grass under the trees. No car with them and no apparent car down the road in waiting either, they did have radar but I dont know how they were pulling riders in? Nearing Hotham another few Police cars and they had a whole heap pulled in doing "Licence and Rego checks", wonder how TMA went. The obligatory stop atop Hotham for photos etc and then we were off down to Harrietville, my favourite peice of road bar none, and this is the right direction for me. I had JB & Mike along for the run, passed a few riders including some of our own and even scraped a peg! must've been a depression in the road!
At the bottom of the descent I pulled over, and offered Mike a swap, I told him to "have fun...see you in Bright!" I didnt see him again until about 5kms out of Bright where he was stopped talking to a man in a blue shirt sitting in a black unmarked Commodore SS Wagon. The copper got him for 112kph, which isnt too bad, but Mike was not happy having to now pay the Vic Government some money. Could have been worse...if it was a couple of kms earlier....wouldnt it Mike? Anyway, he didnt want to ride my bike any more...said it was far too easy to get into trouble on.
At Bright, it was warm and some rested more than others, so we split up a bit heading to our overnight stop at Thurgoona near Albury, I went via the Towonga Gap, had a fabulous run with Giacomo and the boys. I waited at the bottom to see who came in next and it was Chris very closely followed by Scott on the 250 Ninja, he was pedalling that thing so hard to keep up and this, his first real ride!
We pulled up between Tangambalanga (say that after a few rums) and Wodonga, having gone past the Hume Weir sign. As we were all getting off Drew did an incredible hop, jump and commando roll as his R6 just fell over and he fell over to his left. In one action he jumped back up leapt, in one action, to his striken bike and lifted it up to minimise the damage. Apparently the stand was not down (properly)..oops
From here it was a simple ride to Thurgoona, but it did take us a while to find the Motel/Club. On arrival we see that Cath & Sue were back with us and almost all of the others had arrived. Davo was suffering a dodgy rear wheel bearing but everone else was intact. We had to rush for dinner as the kitchen shut early that night but during this feast Fearless had a competency certificate to hand out to each rider, it was a funny affair with many of the riders disputing their marks, but all to no avail.
I didnt do the usual Barty awards this year because we just didnt have time to write them up but there were some noteable mentions such as Barty attempting his U turn in front of that schoolbus, and all those who had brought tickets to the Policemans Ball. But we still did have the Gold Barty, this year it was a real trophy and it was formally presented by Barty and last years recipent, Davo. This year the award went to a guy who hadnt really ridden very much, was on a very underpowered bike in comparison to all others, who always seemed to be smiling wider each day and who took on board lots of advice and adapted very quickly. Yes the 2012 Gold Barty winner Mr Scott R on the Ninja 250, for efforts beyond that normally expected by a first time rider.
Day 6 (The run home)
It always amazes me that on the last day so many people are in a hurry to get straight home, the fastest straightest way possible, when 4 days off work and on your bike riding some of our better bike roads are rare. This trip was no different. There were a number who choofed straight off, there were also a few who had to hang around town for while, Davo had his wheel bearing to repair and Matt stayed with him to make sure all was well.
Fearless said the plan was to all meet at the 1st servo on the other side of the freeway, the 1st group headed out with the FL, Nils was then ready so he said "I will see you at the servo", five minutes later I headed out with the late group and the 1st servo I saw was a Caltex past the Fwy & on the western side of the old Hume Hwy. There was about six of us and we saw no one else there, we fueled, I rang Fearless & he advised "we will meet you at the road back to Fwy", I assumed Nils was with that 1st & that we had missed that servo? Anyway as we rode back to the Fwy, saw the 1st group, hooked up with them and traveled south on the Fwy for 2 exists (Myself & Drew missed the exit & done a round Albury tour), to head to the River Rd.
It was a great traffic free ride, eventually caught up with a few of our smallish group to rest at (the spirtual home of the Fls') Jingellic. Whilst Drew turned up the was no sign of Nils nor of Giacomo? I txtd both but no response, We rode on to "The Nest" a cafe/tea house at Tumba that Mike put us on to, very nice place for smoko after a tough run along the Murray and up through the south of Tumba Shire (roads are bad there though...sorry Mike).
Still no sign of Nils or Giacomo...more messages, no answers! we push on, towards Tumut, I had pumped Chris up about the Forest Rd to Tumut and as we left the tea house from Tumba, Fearless travelled along the main st and out on the Batlow Rd,? Then he pulled over ( I thought to turn around), but rather to adjust something, JB pulled beside me & indicated the Forest Rd, I told Cath ..she said OK but I'm going this way, JB & I did a U turn and to the Forest rd we went. Fabulous... no traffic, no trucks, great vision, OK surface, big sweepers, great speed....ahhh! This is why I dont take the short way home!!
At the halfway intersection, I force JB to swap bikes as his last tilt was wet. I had fun on his FZ! He found out that the rear brake is shit on the Multi (worse than anything I have ever known), but managed OK indeed.
We pulled off at Tumut to meet with most of the group, but lost Ian & Sue. Cath woke up and said to me "oh you went on that Forest rd! bugger!!) Chris had apparently developed a leak in the rear brake line along the way on his Monster & had stopped to check...he was still coming, I also had a message from Nils who had assumed we left him and had headed up the Fwy on his own & was well on the way to home....would have been very boring. Still no Giacomo. After Chris arrived, JB told him to suck it up and we were off via Brungle to Gundagai. We stopped at the Servo but didnt get fuel (I think JB did, as he decided he was jetsetting home via Coolac and Young..to be home asap.
At the Servo we saw Davo and Matt, they were 2 up on Matts bike due to a failure to find a suitable bearing today..FZ1 down & out. Bugger! Both were offered a lift in the Jet-ta but found it really comfortable 2 up on Matts bike so decided to push on!!....push eh!.
From there up the Hwy to Jugiong and smoko again at Boorowa, we got fuel, up to the bakery and Giacomo is there...we got food etc & he filled us in on his story. Apparently he had taken a detour along the Granya Gap Rd, got to the end & turned back to do it the other way before continuing on the River Rd, then whilst riding along the river rd by himself (point) he was follwed by a Hwy Patrol man, who Giacomo didnt see, & the policeman took a disliking to the manner in which Geoff could far too easily pass tarmac under his wheels. Several green notes later & Giacomo was free to catch up. Wonderful story..ask him sometime.
From Boorowa we rode the reverse of Day 1 through Frogmore, Wyangala and into Canowindra where we stopped for a rest. This stretch saw Scott, too overwhelmed by the prestige in taking out the "Gold Barty" award just hours before, give the gloves to Sam who was happy to step out of the Jetta for a taste of what his mates had enjoyed. And Sam went well along the bumpy Frogmore section, digged the climb from the Dam up to Mt McDonald before scooting through Woodstock to savour the George Russell Drive to his very familiar Canowindra. Great to share it with yet another rider!
 |
| Scott...in civies |
 |
| "Dancin in the streets" |
At home at around 5.30, it was a long day but rewarding. Thanks to Fearless for putting it all together, to those who arranged house's so we could put our heads down at night and to all who richly contributed to an enoyable seven days on a bike trip....its a rare thing indeed.
MotoGP 2011
This years group was rather on the large side consisting of 20 personnel on 18 bikes and 2 in a car, the plan was to have the pack split into a few groups but that didn't happen as we all headed off down to Boorowa for the 1st stop. It wasn't long before we separated into smaller groups but with many 1st time trippers and a few new to riding at the back end kept Fearless busy waiting at intersections for much of the day. He soon sorted that out!
After a bit of smoko at the bakery, we were off toward Tumut via Adjungbilly for the first bit of tasty road. Unfortunately Drew on the R6 missed the turnoff as he was captured by a couple of B Doubles on the Freeway so Chris (S2R) gave chase and instead they made Tumut via Gundagai.
It was on the way to Adjungbilly we suffered the 1st casualty where Nils (Sprint ST) ditched it on a tight left hander just going a tad quick, he was able to gaff a few bits together and continue to Tumut, but his shoulder was to painful to continue on the bike so he soldiered on in the car, thanks John, and left the bike at Roys eldest sons place in Tumut.
The group all got a bit separated after this but the run through the Rosewood forest section toward Tumba was great with the weather gods smiling on us with sensational riding conditions being experienced. The group pretty much all met up at Jingellic where we were joined by Mike and Colin (Trixie's) plus Brian from Albury on his TDM900.
Checked his leg & it was bent bad, thought the worst and she said "oh don't worry... its a prosthesis" and shook it around like a proper leg shouldnt! It appeared he had got off lightly, no major damage to the bike (except for a broken mirror...ooops) but he did cop a steel signpost pole across his abdomen which was causing some pain. We left them to it and headed off towards the overnighter at Towonga.
At Towonga we grabbed rooms, had alternating hot cold showers & headed to the pub for dinner...nice, and the beer was cold. After dinner a pool comp was roughly arranged and after 5 games Davo & Brett still owned the table. Whilst still being challenged Davo, being the responsible person he is, decided that he should go to bed for it was a big run up to Hotham, Bruthen and Phillip Island in the morning. A few stragglers decided to stay for another game but all were home by around midnight ready for day 2.
DAY 2
Next morning (Friday) saw a short trip into Mt Beauty for brekkie...turned out to be a wonderful cafe with great service and menu, once we had had our fill and a few tips were shared for those who had never ridden over Hotham and then we were off, again in beautiful sunshine
.
The route was Towanga Gap, the 28 km climb and descent into Bright, then the open trek to Harrietville before tackling that lovely twisty climb to Mt Hotham. You just never get sick of this road, its country and beauty, the bonus was the weather...never seen it so good on this patch of roadway.
The morning session was spectacular with no issues other than the sheer pace differential across the group, Some getting to Hotham rapidly with others taking their time to ensure a safe arrival, no names for either pole of that spectrum....you know who you are!
Kel & The FJR
Chris & the S2R
The ride had naturally split into groups and went about descending to Omeo where we refueled had a cuppa and waxed lyrical about that road by the river. A few, notably Brett, Slick & Fearless had a close encounter with a B Double on a tight RH corner....what was a B Double doing on that road anyway? The driver had no real problem negotiating the road really as he only wanted half of it......THE MIDDLE HALF!
Bairnsdale was the lunch stop, although a few, Spanner, Kel, Barty & others elected to ride through to Yarram, trouble is they went the highway rather than through Gormandale and Won Wron, this must have been mind numbing for them.
In Yarrum it was a quick fuel stop & then off to PI via Foster, Fish Creek and Tarwin. Brett had gathered up a few stragglers and led about 12 bikes and the car through the turn offs required to get us to the Island.
Once there though, regrettably, we all split up to the 3 venues of San Remo Camp and 2 houses at Cape Woolamai. For the house people, shopping was done & a scheduled BBQ time was set, thanks again to John for picking up & transporting the groceries, & we thought we had enough beer...gee those boys can drink it! the BBQ and company that night was great, a few were had by a few and there were a couple who were a tad seedy the next day....nothing that Panadol and Kels cooked breakfast didnt fix the next morning.Our second car then joined us with Sam at the wheel, our group just kept growing!
Undercover Parking was nice.....!
A slight sleep in for some (not the campers and it was off to the track, or into Cowes for a coffee and check out the streetscape then to the track.
It is customery to walk the GP Expo shed and to grab some merchandise, the weather was Hot so the bike jackets were a pain. Many of those new to the island circuit steadied themselves for that 5km journey circumnavigating the tracks many viewing locations to get a feel for the action.
As Brett walked from the expo shed he was tapped on the shoulder by Davo who "knew a bloke" giving away 4 Pit Walk Passes & at this stage Davo had only Pol with him. So, BB & Slick grabbed the action and headed to the pits, a fabulous hour or so strolling down pit lane soaking it up with the big knobs!
The Man!!!
Bens Pies bikes
After the pit walk, these losers tried to get into all manner of places that they shouldnt have been....check out the Meatman attempting to gain entry into the forbidden zone....
Following the conclusion of Qualifying most FL's headed back to Cowes for a coffee or a cold ale and some even stayed for dinner. Heres a shot of Spanner and Harrison "Ford" at the bar enjoying another Corona (I think that they thought they had to drink Corona's cause they stayed in a house on Corona Rd?).
It is customery to walk the GP Expo shed and to grab some merchandise, the weather was Hot so the bike jackets were a pain. Many of those new to the island circuit steadied themselves for that 5km journey circumnavigating the tracks many viewing locations to get a feel for the action.
As Brett walked from the expo shed he was tapped on the shoulder by Davo who "knew a bloke" giving away 4 Pit Walk Passes & at this stage Davo had only Pol with him. So, BB & Slick grabbed the action and headed to the pits, a fabulous hour or so strolling down pit lane soaking it up with the big knobs!
A Lady
The Doctors scalpel?
After the pit walk, these losers tried to get into all manner of places that they shouldnt have been....check out the Meatman attempting to gain entry into the forbidden zone....
Following the conclusion of Qualifying most FL's headed back to Cowes for a coffee or a cold ale and some even stayed for dinner. Heres a shot of Spanner and Harrison "Ford" at the bar enjoying another Corona (I think that they thought they had to drink Corona's cause they stayed in a house on Corona Rd?).
And the boys under the supervision of Slick & BB
The rest of that night was uneventful other than a small travel incident, Nils who had caught the bus to the track had then gone to Cowes for a cleansing ale, departed on the bus back to the track so he could catch another bus back to Cape Woolamai, then waited more than 2 hours for a bus that didnt come. He finally befriended a few blokes from bathurst who were in the same boat....they ended up calling one of their Girlfriends staying at San Remo to come get them, Nils bludged a lift.....not a happy camper at all when he arrived back late at the house.
There were around 8 personnel charged with an early morning rise and ride to the track at 6:45am to get a good spot on the fence for the day and these plans finalised the days activities.
DAY4 - Race Day!
The great weather of the first 3 days had to give ..and it did....we woke to the sound of rain and wind! There was trepadation for those who arranged to go early, with roadside inspections of the southern sky and deliberations not seen since the Julia ousted Kevin episode! Finally at 7am Brett said "lets go" and around 9 of us all headed off into the gloom. By the time we got to Smiths Beach the sun was out and a drying line was evident on the road.
Bikes parked and a brisk walk to the track, the gates were open and we mustered through and straight up to turn 10. Unfortunately there was not much room on the fence at that turn and we had to move closer to turn 11 to get a front row seat, this was OK and with the 8 of us there it was easy to claim a bit of ground, not like past years when only 3 or 4 make the early trip trying to claim fence space for 12.
The weather was still fine although a brisk wind was blowing directly across the track into our faces and cold it was too. When the vegetation grows sideways you know its a windy place, check the tree in the background. The sun came and went and came back again with at least 2 antarctic blasts that had my cheap umbrella waning under the strain. The weather didnt dampen the spirits though, at least not as much as the line to get a coffee.........why dont they have multiple coffee stands???
Anyway the weather was the most active feature of the morning until the superbike race started and this was delayed for a time as well as declared early due to rain and time.
Looks bad doesn't it!
It got worse!
Then more worser! who is that? is that you Pop?
The GP bikes, 125's, Moto2 & MotoGP all came out for their respective warm ups, there was a scud or two come through for at least the lower 2 classes but no real problems for them or us, with the exception of Jorge Lorenzo. I caught a look at him on the screen off Lukey Heights and saw him in and out of T10, motoring he was, lifting the front wheel and on it into T11, drifting & on the gas leaving a darkie out of T11 when the bike started to spin & grip spin & grip buck and weave & then poof spat him off between T11 & 12 into the kitty. It was later announced that he was declared medically unfit to ride due to a hand injury....we all thought "pussy"......then we later found out that he had lost part of his ring finger in that accident ...ouch!
The bikes and the colour were impressive and the crowd was beginning to build to the eventual 43,000 race day attendance. We only had one chap attempt to push in to our spot but he was soon sorted by a pleasant tall chap who asked him nicely to move on!
Rossi
In the MotoGP race it was clear from the outset that Stoner was a class above all others, he was smooth and very very fast, leaving black lines in T11 every lap in his quest to win 5 in a row at PI and cap off his birthday. Now that Lorenzo wasn't racing Stoner only had to clinch 10th to take the Championship.....he wasnt going to have it that way, he wanted to win the race again.
Another rider to shine early during the race was Hayden , however he did drop off later whilst Rossi was slow early, he then began a charge in the middle of the race. Alvaro Bautista on the Suzuki also had a great run challenging for a podium for much of the race. Rossi eventually caught him and attempted a pass into to T10 at the bottom of Lukey heights. Unfortunately for the Doctor the Ducati's front end drama plagued him again and down he went...in front of us. Bautista continued his run but a heavy shower that lasted about 90 seconds 3 laps from the end bought him unstuck into T11 and down he went...again right in front of us!
Of course Stoner went on to win and again no victory lap was allowed for the premier class at the Island...so sad!
So we headed back to the bikes and enjoyed the fast..ish trip back to base without any hiccups riding with lots of other bikes very tightly.
Once back it was a quick beer, a shower and we hatched a transport plan to get us all over to the Westernport Hotel at San Remo for dinner, thanks to John "Harrison" Ford for the use of his car...again, and to JP for being the aussie speaking Taxi driver who got us there and back.
It was the first time we had all been together again since the 1st night at Towonga so it was good to have the pack back. The Rugby was on the big screen and the meal was great.
DAY 5
Kel announced that he was heading east to Berridale to visit family...see ya Kel, whilst the rest of us met up at San Remo for an set off time of 8.30.
Travelling out the Bass Hwy we got split up as it happens, and Roy's Thunderbird decided to stop! turned out that it was a blown ignition fused caused by a fault in the heated handgrips circuit, not a major problem but it took some finding, never seen so much wiring inside a headlight!!! That lost 5 of us about an hour that we tried in vain to catch up.
On arrival in Warburton we came upon more of our group in Pol, Mike, Colin, Simon and Craig, unfortunately Pol had discovered worsening wheel bearings in the Tulip Red Tuono so had to pit and replace them...of course he had a spare pair in his bag, just needed a hammer and a stand to get it sorted. I have a theory that Suggests that Pol is not happy unless he has to do some type of service or maintenance on his bike during the trip......remember a few years back when he took the Bullet 500....it was a major rebuild on Saturday. Anyway we left him to it and headed on to the Reefton Spur.....urgh urgh urgh!!!
Again the weather was fine and a great run over the spur was enjoyed by most. Once in Marysville we came upon the remainder of our group but they were heading off to Buxton to get fuel then through Eildon and Jamieson to Mansfield. Once our smaller group was reunited we did the same. Barty was leading but missed the turnoff to Eildon from Taggerty so he was relegated from the leaders role after he made a U turn (Fearless the II).
Whilst we have done the Eildon to Jameison road at least twice before, on those occasions it wasn't sealed, rumour had it that it was now...true...but the seal was very coarse and fresh, very abrasive and the road is such a viscious one where it is just corner after corner for 70kms (hard to beleive that I am complaining about this) with no advisory speed signs. OK fun but hard work and not nice to your expensive tyres.
It was on this road that Roy had a slight argument with the roadside vegetation. Running into a RH turn he was slowing and allowing faster riders, from another group, past when he got a little wide and ended up in the gravel and almost over the cliff. Fortunately the bike stopped where it dropped (just over the edge) but took Chris and a few other non FL riders to drag it back onto the road.
Not too much damage, a blinker, bark buster some scratches and dented pride but otherwise OK. This lost about another hour. This group of 5 pulled into the Mansfield BP Roadhouse at about 3.30pm got fuel and a fatty greasy lunch.
The run from Mansfield through Tolmie to Whitfield is a corker and we had fun in a spirited ride across the top. On arrival in Whitfield we met up with Simon who was on yippy beans after having been to "Bonny Doon". He went to the house, had photos of the BMW in the driveway and saw a vision of "mans capability to make electicity", he also felt and enjoyed the "serenity".
Into Bright and a welcome shower at the Bright Hotel before dinner and the much anticipated "2011 Barty Awards" (see the Barty Award Story soon in "Myths Busted") Hoppy had joined us for the night on his GTR1400 thingy after doing an alleged trip through Canberra, Cann Valley Hwy, Orbost & Hotham.....I am not sure but wouldnt put it past him.
It was another great night with a lot of noise followed by a cleansing ale in the bar before bed.
DAY6 - The run home!
Fearless had advised that he & Brian were hightailing it straight home at about 6.30am as he had some more holidays to arrange for. The rest of us either tried to sneak breakfast back at the fabulous cafe at Mt Beauty, they left at around 7ish whilst the rest just grabbed a coffee & whatever at Bright before heading off in a group of about 10.
Towonga Gap felt a bit weird straight up & so early without the chance to "play yourself in" that was a bugger but the run up the Dairy Rd? then the Murray Valley Hwy certainly had us all warmed up for the Granya Gap again.....a fantastic enjoyable peice of road, lets hope it stays that way.Mike left us at Jingellic for his short run home.
The Group pretty much stayed together then for the lunch stop at Tumut via that Rosewood Forest Rd, ah those sweepers. It was here that JB challenged the 999 for a drag race from an intersection....it was close for the Ducati but no cigar!
At Tumut we contacted JP, Harrison, Spanner and Nils to find that they had picked up the striken Sprint and were about to leave for home, all went OK apparently and he made it back no problems. Roys eldest, Nathan, joined us at the pub and along came Pol and Simon. Col left us for his trip home to Canberra.
Five of us headed home via Adjungbilly whilst the others elected to head to Gundagai & the Fwy....we all met up again at Boorowa and after a bite & drink at the Bakery decided on a run to Cowra, Canowindra & home......bastard of a way to finish but there ya go.
Most of us went back to JP's place to pick up gear from Harrisons Ford and bugger me if JP didnt have a beer waiting along with three gorgeous ladies that seemed interested in talking to us, thats what we come to expect from JP...he always looks after his mates.
The wash up for me was that I started to feel human again by Thursday and now cant wait till next year!! Sorry not too many pics from days 5 & 6 cause my camera battery died, if you have some email them to me at cathy.bowden@bigpond.com.au and I will post them. Chris was talking about a photobucket or Flickr account perhaps.
BB
____________________________________________________________________________________
Grand Prix de Winton ....Story by Debbie "Apps-Rossi"
Lindsay, Marty and I left Young at 8.45am. 3 Bikes loaded into the new trailer all ready to go. Our first stop was at the end of the Old Gundagai Road. This is the first trip for Lindsay's new trailer he had built. The bikes and the inside of the trailer get a look over. All was travelling very well. No movement at all from any of the bikes. Well, there shouldn't be, as they have a lock in brace at the front. We continue on our travelling. We are to meet Mike and Col at Benalla this afternoon.
The rest of the pack from Young will arrive later at Benalla sometime this afternoon too. We take a detour at the border. Our next stop was Beechworth. Marty wanted to unload his bike and ride back to Wodonga and do it all over again!!!!! This did not happen. This was Marty's first time to Beechworth. Don't visit Beechworth on a Saturday. Very busy place. We visited the Sweet Shop of course!!!!! I had very strict instuctions to stay away from the Golliwogs. So I just stocked up on lollies. I have a lot of people to buy for!!!!! Our next stop was the Bakery for lunch. I am pleased we had all day to get to Benalla. I did also pick up Mike's special order!!!!! We left Beechworth at 1.15pm to travel to Wangaratta to get some supplies for lunch tomorrow.
Getting very close to Wangaratta we are sent on a major detour. Roads are flooded everywhere. We get our supplies and continue futher down the highway. Lindsay decides to get some fuel at Glenrowan. A whole 32 litres was added to the tank. Ute and trailer are travelling very well. The only clunk we can hear is when the brakes release off the trailer. We arrive at Benalla Tourist Park a bit before 3.30pm. Weather has been fantastic all day. Glen and Ben arrive at 4.30pm. Mike and Col are not far behind. We are now waiting for Rhett and Peter to arrive.
Peter arrived first on the Ducati. Rhett arrived not long after. We had vehichles and trailers everywhere. And there was still another one to arrive. We all decide it was time to go and get some Dinner. Luckily I had been talking to a local and he suggested we go to the Bowling Club. I was given directions. As it turned out, directions were sketchy. Numerous U turns were done. Ian would be so proud!!!!! We did find the Club. We all had the $21.50 all you can eat Smorgasboard. Good choice as most went back for seconds. Roly and Mike arrive while we were having dinner. They got the key to get into their Cabin. We left the Club close to 10pm to get some sleep before the extremely busy day ahead. People in Cabin 2 decide showering before bed would be the way to go. NO hot water!!!!! Just as well we had 4 plumbers amongst the 11 of us. Pilot light lit, showers to be had. Cabin 2 had most of the snorers. Cabin 1 had the early risers. And NO it wasn't me!!!!!
Glen and Ben were first up before 5.30am. We had to wake up Cabin 2. By 6.30am it was time to go and get some breakfast. The Bakery was very busy with all sorts on their way to the track. We arrived at the track before 7.30am. Bikes are getting unloaded everywhere. This is my first experience at a Track Day. Rushing and organising everywhere. Lindsay's trailer took the longest to unload. Shed is full of bikes and gear. So much gear!!!!!
Scutineering and Info for the day over, it is now time to get ready for the Sessions to begin. The middle of the Winton Track is all dug up, as they are building a Drag Strip. Mud is everywhere. Here's hoping everyone stays out of it!!!!! Yellow Group 1st. No Riders from our group of people.The Formula Extreme Riders were here for practice today. Blue Group 2nd. Mike, Col & Glen. Gaping hole in this line up group. Where was JB? A great Track designed for an FX rider. 2 laps done, Red Flag. Line up again. Another 4 laps, Red Flag. This went on for the whole session. Mike did make a complaint after this session. I am trying to get snaps, but they all go by so fast!!!!! The only other time I have seen bikes go this fast is at the GP.
Mike followed Col most of the day. I have some snaps to prove this. Green Group 3rd. Roly, Ben & Rhett. Lindsay and Marty were supposed to be in this group, only they went down a group as their were only 6 Riders in the Blue Group. I was very pleased with this decision. I have no idea as to how Roly rides without a seat of somesort. Our riders in this group were all on Ducatis. Blue Group 4th. Lindsay, Marty and Mike on his new Triumph. After doing the radiator at Wakefield, Mike bought another bike for the track.Radiator was very costly to replace!!!!! I went to watch this group go round. Holding my breath. All went well. Groups came and went all morning.
After Lindsay had done 2 sessions, Mike and Col thought it was time to give Lindsay some hints as to how to get more out of the Trixie. Leaning and chin techniques were discussed and practised on Col's bike in the shed. Lindsay's next session Mike and I went to watch if Lindsay was taking any notice.
1st lap all new techniques were done. 2nd lap, Lindsay gets to turn 7 and bumps the gearshift into neutral. Not a good look sitting in the middle of the track!!!!! Lindsay recovered very well. He did not touch the back brake at all. He did say the front locked up, once he realised what had happened. Just as well I am a very good walker as I walked all day between the pits and the track.
At 4.00pm we all started packing up. Bikes going into and on trailers everywhere. All ready to leave at 5pm. Mike and Col were first to leave before 5pm. Lindsay, Marty and I stop at Holbrook for fuel and something to eat. We found Mike and Col doing the same thing. It is now 7.30pm. Col is hurrying Mike up to drink his cup of tea, so he can sit on the bonnet of the car to shoo the kangaroo's out of their way!!!!! They will be on lonely roads from here.
We are now heading for home too, and while it has been a very long and busy day, I already know that we will go and do it all again!!!!!
We are now heading for home too, and while it has been a very long and busy day, I already know that we will go and do it all again!!!!!
________________________________________________________
Another Ducati !!
Wow, how many dukes can you have in a one garage??? Well I am certainly not going to tell anyone how many they can have. Our garage is getting smaller and we are being over run by the Italians (there two sneaky asians hiding in there somewhere).
Our son-in-law Chris has just purchased a lovely loooking lusty italian S2R Ducati 800. Looks and sounds great and has a seat height that is just right for the smaller rider in the family.
Welcome to the FL's Chris, see you at the Moto GP
Grand Prix de Wakefield
Story by Trixie Mike
On 27 May 2011 a skeleton crew of seven (three of which are FL Tourers members) lined up at the starting grid at Wakefield Park
The level of competition was highlighted by some race incidents. In the beginners group, Michael (from Young) binned his delectable Ducati S4R in the first session when he couldn’t contain his enthusiasm and overcooked it in Turn Two. Other than a dented ego he suffered no injuries, however, the damage to his bike was sufficient to sideline him for the rest of the meet. Roly (also from Young), his mate on a 1098 without seat padding – Roly reckoned he didn’t need any due to the size of his bum – could not run the distance either. His Italian stallion had to retire due to gearbox trouble. The honour of the team in the junior group, however, was valiantly upheld by Marty (another dude from Young) with his nicely prepared VTR and our very own Lindsey “Spies” Apps on his classic green TRX 850. It took a few sessions to sort out suspension issues before Lindsey started to attack the corners in earnest. These two diced it out to the end with the outcome undecided.
Then there was the lone entry to the intermediate class, Glen “Dovizioso” Don’t-Know-His-Last-Name (Lindsey’s mate from Young) on his dedicated track bike, a CBR 600 RR, tuned to the max and lightning fast. “Dovi” battled hard and eventually left the bunch of other contestants on their Harleys, and just about any other kind of bike, in his wake. He bravely took the fight to such machinery as BMW S 1000 RR and was only left behind due to the superior power of the litre bikes.
Due to the absence of other seasoned FL Tourers racers, the Advanced Group was poorly represented. That did not stop our own Trixie Twins to pull out all the stops. Valentino O’Keefe on his freshly shoed, blinged to the hilt and tyre warmer prepped black Trixie was initially held back, because the tyres needed scrubbing in, the track was cold and the sun hadn’t come out yet. He cleverly used the earlier sessions to get himself into the zone later in the day. But then he was just about unbeatable. Valentino’s well-known tactic of lulling his opponents into a false sense of security paid of in the last session of the day, when he out-smarted and out-maneuvered Casey Bolke on his old, but well-presented in a unique colour scheme, TRX 850 war horse. Other contestants had difficulties accepting that such venerable classics as these two TRXs could be faster through the curvy back sections of the track than their more modern and certainly more powerful superbikes. Such was their general frustration that by the last session most contenders had given up and left the track to pack up and go home.
That left the Trixie Twins to dice it out amongst themselves. The lead changed several times. Where Valentino was often faster out of corners, Cacey made up by going deeper under brakes. The tiniest mistake meant losing precious meters and sometimes translated into a position swap. The pace kept getting more and more furious. Where during the day neither bike used its fifth gear, during the course of the last session Casey reported using fifth towards the end of the straight in an attempt to hit the crucial Turn Two ahead of Valentino.
Getting it right in Turn Two is vital for a good drive to Turn Three and the following double (Four and Five). The smoothest surface in Turn Five is on the inside of the turn and the seasoned racer will always aim for that narrow patch between the bumps and the kerb. It used to be a ripple strip, but since the track was done up a year or so ago, the powers that be decided it would be more interesting to turn this ripple strip into a proper kerb. This same stunt was pulled in Turn Three where you want to give yourself a bit of space before you put your knee down. Turn Six is a fast right hander that intimidates many punters on faster bikes. Hesitate here and you won’t have the drive to swing through Seven on the right line for Turn Eight. Turn Eight is a left hand hairpin to start with before it opens up to a very short straight before Turn Nine.
There is plenty of room in Turn Eight and the superior handling of the TRX allows its rider to capitalize on the torque of its grunty twin. Many a less courageous rider waits too long before hitting the gas and becomes fair game to the hard charging Trixies. Turn Nine requires a wide approach from the far left side of the track, then cutting across to the inside of the turn, if the few bumps towards the end of the turn’s left hand side are to be avoided. The Trixie racers take Turn Nine at full throttle to get the sling shot onto the short straight before hard braking is required for the Turn Ten hairpin. The approach to Turn Ten is another opportunity for the less powerful Trixies to take a few positions from the faster bikes. It appears that many otherwise fast riders chicken out on the brakes and prefer to line up and be held up by other riders doing the same thing. Not so our Trixie Twins. They often still accelerate when others are already going off the gas.
Once past the apex of Turn Ten, with knee on the deck and sparks flying, it is acceleration all the way along the straight. The game of chicken resumes for the next lap when setting up for Turn Two again. Here Turn One is crucial. Positioning yourself towards the outside of the gentle turn so you can brake later than everyone else for Turn Two gives you the space for several options, if there is traffic to dispense of. Wait until the rider in front of you turns too early and runs wide in Turn Two - you will know by the line they take. Then on the gas and past them on the inside. Do it right and there is little opportunity for even a faster bike to pass you before you once again enter the straight where their superior power will out-accelerate you.
In a clandestine move behind the backs of the factory watch dogs “Dovi” offered Casey Bolke a ride on his CBR 600 RR, which, of course, was taken up gratefully. It was an exhilarating experience for the dedicated Trixie rider. Tuned for top end power and set up with a race pattern gear shift, Casey got a taste of why the CBR 600 has won several world championships. Super fast, yet smooth and well-behaved this little 600 was a blast. Even though a staunch Trixie rider, Casey admitted that he could get used to punting such a bike on the track. The smile didn’t leave his face until Valentino outsmarted him at the end of the last lap, when, back on his Trixie, Casey overcooked it in Turn Eight, had to stand the bike up and ran off the track. By the time he returned to the blacktop Casey had to admit defeat and returned to the pits. Other than a bruised ego, no damage was done. That is the advantage of a race track: no road side furniture, trees or other obstacles to run into.
It need to be noted that Valentino is still smiling about having kept it together and brought it home over arch rival Casey.
We will certainly go again. But where are the other FL Tourers fast guys?
Not the Anzac Tour 2011
The annual "B Team" event of a rapid tour to Australias southern coast via some of the more interesting roads.
This year saw Pol (Esparago) arrange the trip instead of JB who had done his time with 3 previous assaults. The 1st night was at Jindabyne via the Adjungbilly section & Snowy Mountains Hwy where we picked up the Trixie twins in Adaminiby.
Day 2 saw the southern assault take on Dalgety Delegate and the Bonang, a delay ensued due to 2 bikes with 2 punctures on the first section of dirt north of Delegate River. After some 120kms of twisting bends and elevation changes, JB & BB waited at Orbost for the remaining pilots unaware of their plight. Some 2 hours later the group was reunited and managed to keep boredom at bay along the transport section to the overnight stop at Metung.
Day 3 was a northerly assault with smoko taken at Omeo before tackling the Omeo Highway to Mitta Mitta and Tallangatta. Despite 2 gravel sections and a Higway Patrol car south of Mitta Mitta the road was enjoyable, challeging and incident free. From here 2 pilots (Lex & the Yellow Power Ranger) departed to make a B line for home.
On the run west toward Corryong another puncture was inflicted upon the yellow Trixie and this one used up the last of the CO2 cylinders held this time by BB. Fortunately we were again on our way but the delay then prompted a change of overnight accommodation and back we went to Jindabyne via the Alpine Way. Again this was incident free and a small amount of fun whilst trying to avoid the horror of an off late in the afternoon.
On arrival at Jindabyne and enroute to the eatery we contacted the 2 pilots (Lex & the Yellow Power Ranger) heading for home, as by then they should have arrived. I was lucky enough to get hold of Lex who had just arrived in the shed at his home and he advised that both he and the yellow Power Ranger had crashed at Batlow in a slow RH turn. It was Lex that crashed and the Yellow Power Ranger, in an effort to not run his partner over, took evasive action into the grass and when he was almost stopped was highsided by the FZ1 into the weeds. Both were Ok but sore.
Day 4 for those left on the tour was uneventful with a quick trip to Canberra, a stop at the bikeshop and restocking of CO2 cylinders, we sad bye to the Trixie Twins and off to Goulburn for lunch then Taralga and Oberon. It was on the northern side of Oberon that JB got a flat front tyre....thank God that he had restocked the CO2 cylinders. Tyre fixed we went to go but BB had a battery problem with the Italian Beast so a bump start was in order and he continued straight home without stopping.
Another great trip packed with great roads and many little incidents that kept the conversation interesting! Cant wait til next year.
Anzac TT 2012
All right you lot,
The plan is a ride - it's not an organised ride mind you, but I'm planning on heading off for 3 days on the weekend 20, 21 22nd April before Anzac Day.
It is the end of the school holidays but most of the route should not be have too much traffic.
Day 1: 591 kms Orange to Jindabyne via usual Boorowa, Tumut run, stay at Lake Jindy Hotel, dinner at Journey - it was good last time and again in January.
http://www.lakejindabynehotel.com.au/
|
Day 2: 426kms Jindy to Mollymook via Bombala, Windham Tathra and up the coast back roads as much as possible, a shorter day to explore maybe.
Day 3: 487kms Mollymook up to Nerriga to Braidwood, newly sealed and new to me at least. Home via Goulburn and Oberon.
Sue and Cath and most welcome, the days are a bit shorter than some of our previous efforts, not aimed at you, but I for one am tired of getting in at night smashed because of the bad weather we seem to score. Day 1 is the longest so we will aim to leave BEFORE 8:00am.
Fearless has given a glowing report on the food at Mollymook "Citrus at the Shores" part of the motel we'll stay at.
I'd like to tie this up early this year, so names please and there will be a deposit to pay once I get numbers to speak to Motels. Room preferences too please, e.g. Single, or who you will share with - you tee up a room buddy or bring the significant other? (Or both???)
Tee shirt planned, screen printed, polo shirt if you insist. Give me sizes, Davo you are NOT a 5XL... Brett mentioned a sloppy joe, also do-able, but must be collected prior - I'm not lugging a heap of them with me.
Cheers, JB
Bretts new Addition
For the past 12 months Brett has been thinking about getting a new bike to replace the trusty ST2 that has been his tool since 2003. This urge for newness has probably been inspired by the constant changes that seem to afflict the likes of Pol & JB, who appear with changed machinary very frequently.
The plan was to purchase something with a little more room betweeen the seat and pegs in order to provide his long legs with less of a challenge to fit in! The plan also included spending around $13K so the changeover from selling the ST was around $6K or so.
As Brett is, reportedly, a snob, any new bike had to be Italian, no Jappo's, no British and certainly no BMW's just yet. The search started with Benelli and a ride of a new TreK Amazonas revealed a very nice practical bike, it fitted well to the lanky lad but it didnt stir the emotion.
The TNT Sport in black and red did stir the emotion but the brand new one was too exxy and the 2nd hand job, as advertised, was apparently not available.
He went to Ducati and rode 2 x 1100 Multistrada's of 2005 vintage, one with panniers and all the carbon bits, again nice enough to ride but by gee they are ugly, they have a wet clutch (no noise) and a strange looking exhaust which, despite the Termi lable, didnt really have the note. So again no stirring of the emotion! and it was about $2K more than the budget.
Brett started to look then at Aprilia's Tuono's, but Pol has one of them and more than one of anything is bad unless its an FJR or a TRX (said so as not too upset Slick, Mike & Col). So the search shifted to RSVR's.....and wouldnt the "Factory" version be nice! with nice Ohlins suspenders and flashy wheels and Carbon Fibre. One was found in Canberra for a song....saw it....rode it....but it was a bit knocked about requiring too many $$$ spent to right the wrongs.
So back to Ducati's and since the search widened to RSVR's there was some potential to look at the 916/996/998 range. For sure, a 1994 model 916 would sit well in his shed but they are a tad rare these days... the search did show a few of the 996's in the price range but a trip to Melbourne would be required as most were down south, perhaps this trip could take in a few RSVR's as well cause there is a few of them in Mexico
Anyhow, whilst trawling the Ducati's in the price range Brett came upon this one...the money was right, the country of origin correct & it was located at the Central Coast.
A 2003 999 in very nice condition for just $11K. He rode it ....liked it......bought it...
Anyone looking for a fast reliable well sorted Black ST2 should contact Brett soon as 3 bikes in the shed is probably a bit greedy!
Geoff & Lisa's EA MkIII
Geoff & Lisa's EA MkIII
I am sitting, cocktail in hand, on the Lido deck, looking at the beautiful Mediterranean go by. The temperature is about 26 or 27 degrees and the breeze is warm. We have been on board the Noordam for 8 days and the first half of the cruise is almost over. Lots of passengers will get off and a whole lot more will get on for the next 10 day trip. We are just kicking back and enjoying a day at sea today. It’s nice not having to get up early to join a tour for a change!
The food on board has been 5 star. We have brekkie in our room most days before a tour, and lunch in the Lido. Dinner most nights has been in the more formal Vista Dining Room, with a five course meal and table service. It’s just like eating in a top restaurant every night. I could get used to this!!
Of course the obesity and Type 2 diabetes that would ultimately follow may not be that great!
We have both been learning Tai Chi and find it quite relaxing. Might take it up properly when we get back. Any takers to join us? It’s good for old, tired and stiff muscles, so you can see it suits us perfectly!
We have visited so many wonderful places that it becomes difficult to remember where we actually are any more.
Dubrovnik in Croatia was our first stop and we rode a cable car to see the wonderful view of the Old city and the stunning coastline. Then we had a guided tour around the old city, the highlight of which was a walk atop the old wall which protects the town from invaders. Great views and good exercise! Seems that everywhere we go we must climb many, many steps! A bit scary for Geoff most of the time but it makes us feel better about the five course dinners!!!
The next stop was Corfu in Greece. We did a tour of the town and visited a palace which once belonged to Elizabeth, Empress of Greece. Very beautiful with lots of statues of Achilles. Apparently she was very fond of him! We heard lots about all the Greek gods and goddesses. It’s a very rich history.
Next morning we docked in Katakolon, from where we took a tour of ancient Olympia. It was totally amazing to stand on the site of the original Olympics and see where they still light the flame to be taken to Athens to start the torch relay for the Modern Olympics today! It’s is still so hard to wrap our minds around the immense age of everything we see. I was kind of expecting it, but still find I am blown away by it!
The ship travels while we sleep, so the next morning we got up early to see the ship pull in to Santorini.
I was really looking forward to seeing this iconic Greek Island and it exceeded all expectations! The island is on the rim of a volcano and the bay we entered was the crater of the volcano now covered by the sea. One small island was a newly formed ash and lava island from a recent eruption. It looked like it could still erupt any minute!
Santorini is the loveliest island. The iconic blue and white buildings, perched high on the volcanic rim, are even more wonderful than you see on the postcards. The streets are narrow and cool and the shopping is good. Hey Thomas, I can see why you liked this place so much! I could stay for a week!
There are over 600 steps to get back down to the ocean. You can walk, take a donkey or ride the cable car. I wanted to ride the donkey down but Geoff said I wouldn’t find a saddle big enough to fit him. Ha Ha! (We took the cable car.)
Later a wonderful pink moon and sunset farewelled us as we sailed off into the blue!
Next visit was Ephesus in Turkey. You can start to see how being in a new and wonderful place every day gets confusing!
We had booked a private tour in Turkey and had a great time. We had a good guide, an air conditioned Merc and a fabulous tour of this amazing place.
The streets we walked down in Ephesus are the same ones that St John and St Paul walked as they spread Christianity to the ancient world. Truly awe inspiring!
The Turks are a lovely people and I can see how over the years since Gallipoli, we have forged such a strong connection. We loved it here and it is probably the only place so far, where we have wanted to return and see more.
My Tom would have been proud of me in the Turkish bazaar, haggling over the price of a pair of earrings and getting the guy down to under half the price he originally quoted! You feel that the store owner may still have profited but it was fun anyway!
Everywhere we have been has been very crowded with tourists and you just get in line and get used to it after a while.
But nothing prepared us for the visit to Athens and the Acropolis!
We thought the Romans we crazy and disorganised, but the Greeks outshone them by a country mile!
I have never seen so many people in a small place, and at times I was afraid of getting trampled in the crush! The tour guides were fighting a losing battle even trying to speak to their groups, and the officials at the entrance and on the site were useless. Traffic to get there was dense and it took our bus 2 hours to leave the port and drive only 7km!
The Acropolis and Parthenon are so amazingly ancient that you really cannot believe you are actually standing on the same spot as people you have only read about in history books. I loved this place as it brought to life all of the wonderful doric and ionic columns and buildings I learned about in school. However, by the end of a 4 hour morning we were the most exhausted we have been yet and we were really glad to get back on board the ship and have a drink!
So that brings us up to today and our relaxing time at sea on our way to Messina in Sicily tomorrow. You can appreciate why we are enjoying today so much!
But, ever onward, we are about to embark on the next exciting leg of our cruise and we are looking forward to such fab places as Barcelona and Monaco.
Thanks for all the messages and emails you are sending us. We are missing you all and hope that everything is going along smoothly for you at home.
Till the next epic saga.
love
The Wanderers on the Waves
Well, we are finally back in Italy!
We have had no internet access for a while so I thought I would catch up!
We left Paris after a day of wandering that lovely city and photographing everything! We feel a bit slack not seeing inside the Louvre, but the queue was so long and the weather was so warm we figured seeing the iconic outside would do us.
We boarded a sleeper train in Paris at 8.30 pm bound for Milano. This was our first experience with the rail system in Europe and we were not overly impressed.
(Geoff says - Remember the train from Orange to Sydney back in the 1960’s? Well he now knows who bought the old carriages when they had finished with them in NSW!)
The sleeper was so small that when we got us and our luggage in we couldn’t turn around – literally! Sorted it out finally and after an awful train meal of a dry bun with salami on it and a water, we set out to find the loo! None worked in our carriage so we had a bit of a hike to the next carriage for the one loo everyone on the train was using! Are you getting the picture?? Not so sophisticated train travel! However we finally rattled ourselves to sleep and set the alarm to get up at 4.30 am so we could get off at 5.30 am. We were all dressed and ready to go and the train just kept on going! We were an hour late into Milan and so missed our connection!
Now we are tired and hungry and trying to get another train in a station where no-one seemed to speak much English. Anyhow – long story short – we found the next train and got on-board. It stopped at every stop along the way and the trip to Vernazza took 4 hours! Boy were we pooped!
Then Vernazza!!!!!
What can you say! Quaint, old-world, picturesque and crowded with tourists on their long weekend break.
We didn’t care. We found our accommodation, and Giacomo (who is 77 years old), lugged my bag up about 8 flights of stairs! Geoff puffed along behind and I thought we were both going to have a heart attack!
The apartment was small and cosy and had everything we needed.
We crashed early and slept for 15 hours. Boy we needed that!
The streets in Vernazza are very narrow and our apartment overlooked the walkway where people arrived after walking to Vernazza from Monterosso. It was like listening to the United Nations passing below! And the ones we could understand were huffing and puffing and complaining of sore legs from their hike!
(Lyn – tell Michelle I think she is a legend for doing all the hiking she did on the Cinque Terra.)
Our room had lovely shutters that opened out to let in the cool breeze and the church tower bells rang out every hour, so we didn’t need a watch!
The piazza was gorgeous. A tiny bay with a tiny beach and lots of outdoor ristorante with their colourful umbrellas. Just like a postcard.
We took the ferry one day to Riomaggiore which is the last town, and we walked from there to Manarola, which is the next one up. An easy walk in case anyone thinks we have suddenly become fit! Although, everywhere you go there are many, many, many stairs, so maybe we are fitter than we think!
We had great gelato in Manarola. In fact, I have had gelato every day while we are in Italy and I still haven’t tried every flavour! Still working on it and still loving the chocolate. Bellisimo!
The other hiking trails were closed due to landslides (or I am sure we would have hiked them all – NOT)
Every town was lovely but we liked Vernazza best. On the fourth day we were there the weather forecast was for rough seas so the men of the town brought all the boats up into the piazza. We sat outdoors watching them and feasting on local fish soup, fresh bread and red wine. Life is so hard!
We have had some downtime here, not having to pack & unpack every day.
Unfortunately I had to pay a visit to the local doctor for some more antibiotics. I feel I am taking the druggie tour of Europe! I have been in more chemists than bars! How tragic is that!!!!!
The doc was interesting. He only came to Vernazza one day a week for one hour and everyone just lined up and waited. He was late – doctors are the same in Italy as at home – and then he had little English and I had next-to-no Italian, but we got along just fine. I typed my name and address into his computer for the script and he printed it out for me. 20 Euros later and I was at the chemist again! Feeling much better now.
Today we left for Civitaveccia to catch the cruise ship. We braved the trains again and this time had a much better time of it. I think we are getting the hang of how it works now. Had to change once in Livorno and all went smoothly. Sat in a carriage with a couple of blokes from Florida who were on for a chat, so the 4 hours went by pleasantly.
It amazes us how many people take dogs on the trains – and in restaurants too for that matter. We know we are not in the Great Southern Land now, that’s for sure!
We are now in a lovely B&B with a view of the Thyrennian Sea. We have had happy hour down on the boardwalk and watched the the Italians strolling about everywhere. After a pasta dinner and a couple of local beers for Geoff, we are back at the B&B getting sorted for the cruise tomorrow. Looking forward to not having to unpack again for 3 weeks! Yay!
Hope everyone at home is well and not too cold!
Ciao from Italy.
MotoGP 2011
DAY 1
This years group was rather on the large side consisting of 20 personnel on 18 bikes and 2 in a car, the plan was to have the pack split into a few groups but that didn't happen as we all headed off down to Boorowa for the 1st stop. It wasn't long before we separated into smaller groups but with many 1st time trippers and a few new to riding at the back end kept Fearless busy waiting at intersections for much of the day. He soon sorted that out!
MotoGP for the First Timer
Purpose
We have a few 1st timers coming to the island, so here are a few tips to make the experience easier and more enjoyable.
Overview
The general guide for each years GP tour is to depart on the Thurday, spend 2 days travelling to the Island via roads not considered as highways or main roads, in doing so we tend to avoid the traffic, avoid (as much as possible) the Police and take in as many of the more interesting roads that twist and turn or rise and fall.
An overnight stay is the norm at around 450 to 500kms; this is generally Pub or cheap Motel in a rural township about halfway to the Island. It is important to fill up with fuel upon arrival in the overnight stop location so that you are ready to go in the morning. It can be frustrating for others when they are all waiting for you first thing the morning.
Arriving at the Island on Friday evening the group will unfortunately split up to their separate accommodation groups. This year there are 2 houses at Cape Woolamai with others camping at San Remo.
There are 2 full days on the Island with a choice of going to the track both days or just on race day. You could spend Saturday just relaxing or sticky beaking at Cowes etc. There is a bit to see & do.
We will attempt to either gather at the San Remo hotel for a meal or a BBQ at one of the 2 houses just to all be a group for at least one of the 3 nights.
An itinerary will be issued closer to the trip and it is worth getting a map out & familiarising yourself with the routes, just so you know the main towns and review the types of roads on which you will be travelling, in case you find yourself alone for a bit. It’s good not to panic and wonder where the next stop is. There is always someone waiting at the next corner.
Travel
Day 1
This years Phillip Island Tour will depart Orange on the Thursday 13 October, probably departing Cook Park at around 8am. At this stage the overnight stop will be at Mt Beauty and we will travel there via Wyangala, Boorowa, Jugiong, Tumut, Cabrumurra and Khancoban.
Day 2
Depart Mt Beauty, travel either to Falls Creek and Omeo or over the Towonga Gap towards Bright then Mt Hotham (what a road!) to Omeo. After that we head forBruthen (another corker!) and onto Bairnsdale. It’s all a bit pedestrian after this but we take in Foster, Fish Creek and then Wonthaggi to Phillip Island.
Day 5
Depart San Remo, and head for an overnight stay at Bright, via the western side of the Great Dividing range taking in Packenham, Gembrook/Cockatoo, Warburton and the Reefton or Healesville and the Black Spur to Marysville. This trip will see the group option to try the Lake Eildon to Mansfield Rd now that it is allegedly sealed! Look out if it is!!! From there it’s on to Whitfield (oh my Lord!) to the overnight stay at the Alpine Hotel, Bright.
Day 6
Heading home it’s important not to get stuck into the habit of rushing home…remember that this is another rare day off work, your on your bike so take a breath, take your time and if the weather is good then take the good road options that will be on offer and enjoy!
Preparation
It’s about a 2,500km trip so make sure your bike is prepared.
Tyres need to be in good nick, they don’t last that long normally and a half worn set at the start of the trip will be shagged by the time you get home. If they are more than half worn then you will be looking for a bike shop somewhere for replacement. That’s not a big deal but it’s a hassle you can avoid.
Check your chain and sprockets (unless it’s a shaftie) and I found out about wheel bearings last year, so check these as well. Make sure that the bike is within its service window & if not get it done beforehand. Make sure that the battery is in good nick and that brake & clutch fluids are topped up. Have the tools on hand that you will need to adjust chains and remove fairing parts along with a few cable ties and tape etc. They may come in handy.
Stops
There will be frequent stops along the way; it is very rare to travel more than 2 hours between stops (because we are old). At each stop its best to refuel, have a drink or a cuppa, stretch and check your bike & luggage. We are never in a hurry to get to the destination; the trip is always about the riding.
The stops are also great for regrouping, particularly for those who ride at a more leisurely pace. The group will normally wait until the last rider in into the stop before setting off on the next leg; it’s about looking after each other.
Briefings
At the stops there will normally be a short explanation of the next leg that will cover where we are going, what turns to watch out for, any dodgy or dangerous sections and at what fuel station or food place we will stop at in the next town. It is important to listen in on these because it may save you.
Where there are a few tricky turns or intersections the 2nd bike in the group will normally stop until the last rider comes along in order to “mark” the corner for those riders following.
The Pace
When riding in a group, particularly a large group, it can be very frustrating on the highway or transport sections as we will all try to sit on the legal speed limit. Problem is you end up going from 90 to 110 and back and forth whilst making room or maintaining the gap between bikes etc etc etc so be patient. If you wish to overtake that’s OK but watch out for Police!
When we turn off the highways or main roads, the group will naturally split up into the fast guys, the faster guys, casual easy going riders and the slow pokes….It doesn’t really matter where you find yourself as you will usually have a companian who is happy to sit at your pace and enjoy the ride. Remember to always travel at a pace that you are happy with and don’t try to keep up with those who find their way to the front, this is where accidents happen, just enjoy your own pace…it isn’t a race..Is it??
An important thing to remember is that there are thousands of bikes on the road all heading to the same place and whilst this can be an enjoyable experience, as we get further south the bikes tend to dominate the roads so that we are no longer the minority road users,….the Police in both NSW & Vic know where we are going, they know the roads we take to get there and they target these roads visciously…..especially in Vic.
Any vehicle in Vic can be a Police Car and they have a penchant for sitting old ute’s and vans on the side of the road with cameras in them. It’s always good to have someone in front of you so they get caught first! A wood duck!! The more experienced GP Trippers, during the stop briefings, can advise on the likelihood of walloppers expected on the next leg.
Packing
Whilst the amount that you take may be limited by your cargo capacity it is important that you consider your basic needs first. Remember that for 4 of the 6 days you will be in bike riding clobber for most part, so besides a change of undies & socks you just need clothes to wear in evening for a few beers and steak at the pub or restaurant.
Whilst at the Island you will have access to a laundry so there is a possibility that you only need to take half the amount of clothes and wash it down there (bring washing powder in a ziplock bags…saves buying it for 1 load). Of course if cargo capacity isnt a drama then bring it all.
Make sure you bring at least
· First Aid Kit – small personal one will do nicely…just in case
· Some basic tools – just in case
· Spare gloves – for WHEN it rains…..it will!!
· A necksock & beanie – Cause its cold at the Island
· A small fold up camp chair – the ground is wet & cold at the track when you sit on it
The weather at Phillip Island is very very changeable but you can expect cold and windy and wet…..perhaps with a bit of sunshine. At the track I take my motorcycle boots and Jacket because they are waterproof, along with some inner gloves a beanie and a cap. A small backpack is almost essential to carry stuff. I buy food at the supermarket to make myself lunch as the food at the track isn’t flash (except for the Kransky’s…cant wait for that!!) and it costs a bomb.
Fueling & Maintenance
As mentioned, try to fuel up at every stop, so that there is never any panic about how much petrol you have and you can then relax. Its also important, after you fuel up, to remember how long it takes to get geared up again, getting your jacket, pants, earplugs, helmet and gloves on can seem like hours when there are 15 other blokes sitting waiting, revving and yelling at you to hurry the @#%$ up!
It’s ALWAYS best to refuel and check the bike over at the end of each day so that all is in readyness for the next day and any problem that arises doesn’t hold everyone else up in the morning getaway. Things to do include checking chain tension and lubrication, tyre pressures and wear, luggage racks are tight; lights and indicators still work etc.
At the Track
Two ways to go here,
1. get a 3 day pass ($160 or $85 concession) as its cheaper than separate tickets for Saturday AND Sunday….or
2. Just buy a race day ticket ($95 or $60 Concession)
If you wish to pay the extra you can get a Grandstand ticket but they are 3 dayers and start at $275, there is no roof but you do get a reserved seat and a big screen opposite the stand. If you wish to go this way I would buy one asap so as to get the stand you want and I would suggest Siberia (Sold Out) or Bass Straight.
If you get a 3 day pass, and for anyone who hasn’t been before it’s a good idea, buy it at the gate unless you want to get it earlier, you just incur the booking fee buying online.
You can spend all of Saturday walking the track, getting views from the various locations to soak it all in. There are fewer people there on Saturday, although it’s still busy, many of the Melbourne folk only come out for race day.
You can spend time at the Expo and various manufacturer stands, If you want to buy merchandise Saturday is the time to get it, Shirts, Caps, Jackets etc go very very quick in the popular lines and sizes….dont wait until race day. If you don’t mind buying last years merchandise there is a shop in Cowes that sells this relatively cheap.
On race day you can take your choice of sleeping in and getting there when you feel like it…or…be up early and at the gate before it opens. The advantage of being early is that you have a chance to get to the best spectator areas and these are “as close to a big screen as possible”. To get this you need to be there before the gates open & run fast when they do. It’s good to have some young fit guys in the crew for this- I will take Roy…he will be the fastest!
Travel around the Island
You can either ride or catch the shuttle. The shuttle bus operates between about 7am and after midnight and a day pass will entitle you to unlimited use of all buses around the island. This is good if you want to have a beer or two at the track, or at Cowes and shop a bit drink a bit etc.
If you arent drinking its best to ride, particularly to the track on race day as this is a great experience, riding in close proximity to thousands of others and where, for once, the bikes rule the cars. It’s also quicker to get in and out and is cheaper and, most importantly, you don’t need to suffer the drunken yobbos on the bus trip back home. If you are travelling to the Island by car…take a helmet and take your mates back seat for race day!
Enjoyment
Remember at all times to soak it up & enjoy…six day bike trips are rare, so relax and make the most of it.
After a bit of smoko at the bakery, we were off toward Tumut via Adjungbilly for the first bit of tasty road. Unfortunately Drew on the R6 missed the turnoff as he was captured by a couple of B Doubles on the Freeway so Chris (S2R) gave chase and instead they made Tumut via Gundagai.
It was on the way to Adjungbilly we suffered the 1st casualty where Nils (Sprint ST) ditched it on a tight left hander just going a tad quick, he was able to gaff a few bits together and continue to Tumut, but his shoulder was to painful to continue on the bike so he soldiered on in the car, thanks John, and left the bike at Roys eldest sons place in Tumut.
The group all got a bit separated after this but the run through the Rosewood forest section toward Tumba was great with the weather gods smiling on us with sensational riding conditions being experienced. The group pretty much all met up at Jingellic where we were joined by Mike and Colin (Trixie's) plus Brian from Albury on his TDM900.
Checked his leg & it was bent bad, thought the worst and she said "oh don't worry... its a prosthesis" and shook it around like a proper leg shouldnt! It appeared he had got off lightly, no major damage to the bike (except for a broken mirror...ooops) but he did cop a steel signpost pole across his abdomen which was causing some pain. We left them to it and headed off towards the overnighter at Towonga.
At Towonga we grabbed rooms, had alternating hot cold showers & headed to the pub for dinner...nice, and the beer was cold. After dinner a pool comp was roughly arranged and after 5 games Davo & Brett still owned the table. Whilst still being challenged Davo, being the responsible person he is, decided that he should go to bed for it was a big run up to Hotham, Bruthen and Phillip Island in the morning. A few stragglers decided to stay for another game but all were home by around midnight ready for day 2.
DAY 2
Next morning (Friday) saw a short trip into Mt Beauty for brekkie...turned out to be a wonderful cafe with great service and menu, once we had had our fill and a few tips were shared for those who had never ridden over Hotham and then we were off, again in beautiful sunshine
.
The route was Towanga Gap, the 28 km climb and descent into Bright, then the open trek to Harrietville before tackling that lovely twisty climb to Mt Hotham. You just never get sick of this road, its country and beauty, the bonus was the weather...never seen it so good on this patch of roadway.
The morning session was spectacular with no issues other than the sheer pace differential across the group, Some getting to Hotham rapidly with others taking their time to ensure a safe arrival, no names for either pole of that spectrum....you know who you are!
Kel & The FJR
Chris & the S2R
The ride had naturally split into groups and went about descending to Omeo where we refueled had a cuppa and waxed lyrical about that road by the river. A few, notably Brett, Slick & Fearless had a close encounter with a B Double on a tight RH corner....what was a B Double doing on that road anyway? The driver had no real problem negotiating the road really as he only wanted half of it......THE MIDDLE HALF!
Bairnsdale was the lunch stop, although a few, Spanner, Kel, Barty & others elected to ride through to Yarram, trouble is they went the highway rather than through Gormandale and Won Wron, this must have been mind numbing for them.
In Yarrum it was a quick fuel stop & then off to PI via Foster, Fish Creek and Tarwin. Brett had gathered up a few stragglers and led about 12 bikes and the car through the turn offs required to get us to the Island.
Once there though, regrettably, we all split up to the 3 venues of San Remo Camp and 2 houses at Cape Woolamai. For the house people, shopping was done & a scheduled BBQ time was set, thanks again to John for picking up & transporting the groceries, & we thought we had enough beer...gee those boys can drink it! the BBQ and company that night was great, a few were had by a few and there were a couple who were a tad seedy the next day....nothing that Panadol and Kels cooked breakfast didnt fix the next morning.Our second car then joined us with Sam at the wheel, our group just kept growing!
Undercover Parking was nice.....!
A slight sleep in for some (not the campers and it was off to the track, or into Cowes for a coffee and check out the streetscape then to the track.
It is customery to walk the GP Expo shed and to grab some merchandise, the weather was Hot so the bike jackets were a pain. Many of those new to the island circuit steadied themselves for that 5km journey circumnavigating the tracks many viewing locations to get a feel for the action.
As Brett walked from the expo shed he was tapped on the shoulder by Davo who "knew a bloke" giving away 4 Pit Walk Passes & at this stage Davo had only Pol with him. So, BB & Slick grabbed the action and headed to the pits, a fabulous hour or so strolling down pit lane soaking it up with the big knobs!
The Man!!!
Bens Pies bikes
After the pit walk, these losers tried to get into all manner of places that they shouldnt have been....check out the Meatman attempting to gain entry into the forbidden zone....
Following the conclusion of Qualifying most FL's headed back to Cowes for a coffee or a cold ale and some even stayed for dinner. Heres a shot of Spanner and Harrison "Ford" at the bar enjoying another Corona (I think that they thought they had to drink Corona's cause they stayed in a house on Corona Rd?).
It is customery to walk the GP Expo shed and to grab some merchandise, the weather was Hot so the bike jackets were a pain. Many of those new to the island circuit steadied themselves for that 5km journey circumnavigating the tracks many viewing locations to get a feel for the action.
As Brett walked from the expo shed he was tapped on the shoulder by Davo who "knew a bloke" giving away 4 Pit Walk Passes & at this stage Davo had only Pol with him. So, BB & Slick grabbed the action and headed to the pits, a fabulous hour or so strolling down pit lane soaking it up with the big knobs!
A Lady
The Doctors scalpel?
After the pit walk, these losers tried to get into all manner of places that they shouldnt have been....check out the Meatman attempting to gain entry into the forbidden zone....
Following the conclusion of Qualifying most FL's headed back to Cowes for a coffee or a cold ale and some even stayed for dinner. Heres a shot of Spanner and Harrison "Ford" at the bar enjoying another Corona (I think that they thought they had to drink Corona's cause they stayed in a house on Corona Rd?).
And the boys under the supervision of Slick & BB
The rest of that night was uneventful other than a small travel incident, Nils who had caught the bus to the track had then gone to Cowes for a cleansing ale, departed on the bus back to the track so he could catch another bus back to Cape Woolamai, then waited more than 2 hours for a bus that didnt come. He finally befriended a few blokes from bathurst who were in the same boat....they ended up calling one of their Girlfriends staying at San Remo to come get them, Nils bludged a lift.....not a happy camper at all when he arrived back late at the house.
There were around 8 personnel charged with an early morning rise and ride to the track at 6:45am to get a good spot on the fence for the day and these plans finalised the days activities.
DAY4 - Race Day!
The great weather of the first 3 days had to give ..and it did....we woke to the sound of rain and wind! There was trepadation for those who arranged to go early, with roadside inspections of the southern sky and deliberations not seen since the Julia ousted Kevin episode! Finally at 7am Brett said "lets go" and around 9 of us all headed off into the gloom. By the time we got to Smiths Beach the sun was out and a drying line was evident on the road.
Bikes parked and a brisk walk to the track, the gates were open and we mustered through and straight up to turn 10. Unfortunately there was not much room on the fence at that turn and we had to move closer to turn 11 to get a front row seat, this was OK and with the 8 of us there it was easy to claim a bit of ground, not like past years when only 3 or 4 make the early trip trying to claim fence space for 12.
The weather was still fine although a brisk wind was blowing directly across the track into our faces and cold it was too. When the vegetation grows sideways you know its a windy place, check the tree in the background. The sun came and went and came back again with at least 2 antarctic blasts that had my cheap umbrella waning under the strain. The weather didnt dampen the spirits though, at least not as much as the line to get a coffee.........why dont they have multiple coffee stands???
Anyway the weather was the most active feature of the morning until the superbike race started and this was delayed for a time as well as declared early due to rain and time.
Looks bad doesn't it!
It got worse!
Then more worser! who is that? is that you Pop?
The GP bikes, 125's, Moto2 & MotoGP all came out for their respective warm ups, there was a scud or two come through for at least the lower 2 classes but no real problems for them or us, with the exception of Jorge Lorenzo. I caught a look at him on the screen off Lukey Heights and saw him in and out of T10, motoring he was, lifting the front wheel and on it into T11, drifting & on the gas leaving a darkie out of T11 when the bike started to spin & grip spin & grip buck and weave & then poof spat him off between T11 & 12 into the kitty. It was later announced that he was declared medically unfit to ride due to a hand injury....we all thought "pussy"......then we later found out that he had lost part of his ring finger in that accident ...ouch!
The bikes and the colour were impressive and the crowd was beginning to build to the eventual 43,000 race day attendance. We only had one chap attempt to push in to our spot but he was soon sorted by a pleasant tall chap who asked him nicely to move on!
Rossi
In the MotoGP race it was clear from the outset that Stoner was a class above all others, he was smooth and very very fast, leaving black lines in T11 every lap in his quest to win 5 in a row at PI and cap off his birthday. Now that Lorenzo wasn't racing Stoner only had to clinch 10th to take the Championship.....he wasnt going to have it that way, he wanted to win the race again.
Another rider to shine early during the race was Hayden , however he did drop off later whilst Rossi was slow early, he then began a charge in the middle of the race. Alvaro Bautista on the Suzuki also had a great run challenging for a podium for much of the race. Rossi eventually caught him and attempted a pass into to T10 at the bottom of Lukey heights. Unfortunately for the Doctor the Ducati's front end drama plagued him again and down he went...in front of us. Bautista continued his run but a heavy shower that lasted about 90 seconds 3 laps from the end bought him unstuck into T11 and down he went...again right in front of us!
Of course Stoner went on to win and again no victory lap was allowed for the premier class at the Island...so sad!
So we headed back to the bikes and enjoyed the fast..ish trip back to base without any hiccups riding with lots of other bikes very tightly.
Once back it was a quick beer, a shower and we hatched a transport plan to get us all over to the Westernport Hotel at San Remo for dinner, thanks to John "Harrison" Ford for the use of his car...again, and to JP for being the aussie speaking Taxi driver who got us there and back.
It was the first time we had all been together again since the 1st night at Towonga so it was good to have the pack back. The Rugby was on the big screen and the meal was great.
DAY 5
Kel announced that he was heading east to Berridale to visit family...see ya Kel, whilst the rest of us met up at San Remo for an set off time of 8.30.
Travelling out the Bass Hwy we got split up as it happens, and Roy's Thunderbird decided to stop! turned out that it was a blown ignition fused caused by a fault in the heated handgrips circuit, not a major problem but it took some finding, never seen so much wiring inside a headlight!!! That lost 5 of us about an hour that we tried in vain to catch up.
On arrival in Warburton we came upon more of our group in Pol, Mike, Colin, Simon and Craig, unfortunately Pol had discovered worsening wheel bearings in the Tulip Red Tuono so had to pit and replace them...of course he had a spare pair in his bag, just needed a hammer and a stand to get it sorted. I have a theory that Suggests that Pol is not happy unless he has to do some type of service or maintenance on his bike during the trip......remember a few years back when he took the Bullet 500....it was a major rebuild on Saturday. Anyway we left him to it and headed on to the Reefton Spur.....urgh urgh urgh!!!
Again the weather was fine and a great run over the spur was enjoyed by most. Once in Marysville we came upon the remainder of our group but they were heading off to Buxton to get fuel then through Eildon and Jamieson to Mansfield. Once our smaller group was reunited we did the same. Barty was leading but missed the turnoff to Eildon from Taggerty so he was relegated from the leaders role after he made a U turn (Fearless the II).
Whilst we have done the Eildon to Jameison road at least twice before, on those occasions it wasn't sealed, rumour had it that it was now...true...but the seal was very coarse and fresh, very abrasive and the road is such a viscious one where it is just corner after corner for 70kms (hard to beleive that I am complaining about this) with no advisory speed signs. OK fun but hard work and not nice to your expensive tyres.
It was on this road that Roy had a slight argument with the roadside vegetation. Running into a RH turn he was slowing and allowing faster riders, from another group, past when he got a little wide and ended up in the gravel and almost over the cliff. Fortunately the bike stopped where it dropped (just over the edge) but took Chris and a few other non FL riders to drag it back onto the road.
Not too much damage, a blinker, bark buster some scratches and dented pride but otherwise OK. This lost about another hour. This group of 5 pulled into the Mansfield BP Roadhouse at about 3.30pm got fuel and a fatty greasy lunch.
The run from Mansfield through Tolmie to Whitfield is a corker and we had fun in a spirited ride across the top. On arrival in Whitfield we met up with Simon who was on yippy beans after having been to "Bonny Doon". He went to the house, had photos of the BMW in the driveway and saw a vision of "mans capability to make electicity", he also felt and enjoyed the "serenity".
Into Bright and a welcome shower at the Bright Hotel before dinner and the much anticipated "2011 Barty Awards" (see the Barty Award Story soon in "Myths Busted") Hoppy had joined us for the night on his GTR1400 thingy after doing an alleged trip through Canberra, Cann Valley Hwy, Orbost & Hotham.....I am not sure but wouldnt put it past him.
It was another great night with a lot of noise followed by a cleansing ale in the bar before bed.
DAY6 - The run home!
Fearless had advised that he & Brian were hightailing it straight home at about 6.30am as he had some more holidays to arrange for. The rest of us either tried to sneak breakfast back at the fabulous cafe at Mt Beauty, they left at around 7ish whilst the rest just grabbed a coffee & whatever at Bright before heading off in a group of about 10.
Towonga Gap felt a bit weird straight up & so early without the chance to "play yourself in" that was a bugger but the run up the Dairy Rd? then the Murray Valley Hwy certainly had us all warmed up for the Granya Gap again.....a fantastic enjoyable peice of road, lets hope it stays that way.Mike left us at Jingellic for his short run home.
The Group pretty much stayed together then for the lunch stop at Tumut via that Rosewood Forest Rd, ah those sweepers. It was here that JB challenged the 999 for a drag race from an intersection....it was close for the Ducati but no cigar!
At Tumut we contacted JP, Harrison, Spanner and Nils to find that they had picked up the striken Sprint and were about to leave for home, all went OK apparently and he made it back no problems. Roys eldest, Nathan, joined us at the pub and along came Pol and Simon. Col left us for his trip home to Canberra.
Five of us headed home via Adjungbilly whilst the others elected to head to Gundagai & the Fwy....we all met up again at Boorowa and after a bite & drink at the Bakery decided on a run to Cowra, Canowindra & home......bastard of a way to finish but there ya go.
Most of us went back to JP's place to pick up gear from Harrisons Ford and bugger me if JP didnt have a beer waiting along with three gorgeous ladies that seemed interested in talking to us, thats what we come to expect from JP...he always looks after his mates.
The wash up for me was that I started to feel human again by Thursday and now cant wait till next year!! Sorry not too many pics from days 5 & 6 cause my camera battery died, if you have some email them to me at cathy.bowden@bigpond.com.au and I will post them. Chris was talking about a photobucket or Flickr account perhaps.
BB
____________________________________________________________________________________
Grand Prix de Winton ....Story by Debbie "Apps-Rossi"
Lindsay, Marty and I left Young at 8.45am. 3 Bikes loaded into the new trailer all ready to go. Our first stop was at the end of the Old Gundagai Road. This is the first trip for Lindsay's new trailer he had built. The bikes and the inside of the trailer get a look over. All was travelling very well. No movement at all from any of the bikes. Well, there shouldn't be, as they have a lock in brace at the front. We continue on our travelling. We are to meet Mike and Col at Benalla this afternoon.
The rest of the pack from Young will arrive later at Benalla sometime this afternoon too. We take a detour at the border. Our next stop was Beechworth. Marty wanted to unload his bike and ride back to Wodonga and do it all over again!!!!! This did not happen. This was Marty's first time to Beechworth. Don't visit Beechworth on a Saturday. Very busy place. We visited the Sweet Shop of course!!!!! I had very strict instuctions to stay away from the Golliwogs. So I just stocked up on lollies. I have a lot of people to buy for!!!!! Our next stop was the Bakery for lunch. I am pleased we had all day to get to Benalla. I did also pick up Mike's special order!!!!! We left Beechworth at 1.15pm to travel to Wangaratta to get some supplies for lunch tomorrow.
Getting very close to Wangaratta we are sent on a major detour. Roads are flooded everywhere. We get our supplies and continue futher down the highway. Lindsay decides to get some fuel at Glenrowan. A whole 32 litres was added to the tank. Ute and trailer are travelling very well. The only clunk we can hear is when the brakes release off the trailer. We arrive at Benalla Tourist Park a bit before 3.30pm. Weather has been fantastic all day. Glen and Ben arrive at 4.30pm. Mike and Col are not far behind. We are now waiting for Rhett and Peter to arrive.
Peter arrived first on the Ducati. Rhett arrived not long after. We had vehichles and trailers everywhere. And there was still another one to arrive. We all decide it was time to go and get some Dinner. Luckily I had been talking to a local and he suggested we go to the Bowling Club. I was given directions. As it turned out, directions were sketchy. Numerous U turns were done. Ian would be so proud!!!!! We did find the Club. We all had the $21.50 all you can eat Smorgasboard. Good choice as most went back for seconds. Roly and Mike arrive while we were having dinner. They got the key to get into their Cabin. We left the Club close to 10pm to get some sleep before the extremely busy day ahead. People in Cabin 2 decide showering before bed would be the way to go. NO hot water!!!!! Just as well we had 4 plumbers amongst the 11 of us. Pilot light lit, showers to be had. Cabin 2 had most of the snorers. Cabin 1 had the early risers. And NO it wasn't me!!!!!
Glen and Ben were first up before 5.30am. We had to wake up Cabin 2. By 6.30am it was time to go and get some breakfast. The Bakery was very busy with all sorts on their way to the track. We arrived at the track before 7.30am. Bikes are getting unloaded everywhere. This is my first experience at a Track Day. Rushing and organising everywhere. Lindsay's trailer took the longest to unload. Shed is full of bikes and gear. So much gear!!!!!
Scutineering and Info for the day over, it is now time to get ready for the Sessions to begin. The middle of the Winton Track is all dug up, as they are building a Drag Strip. Mud is everywhere. Here's hoping everyone stays out of it!!!!! Yellow Group 1st. No Riders from our group of people.The Formula Extreme Riders were here for practice today. Blue Group 2nd. Mike, Col & Glen. Gaping hole in this line up group. Where was JB? A great Track designed for an FX rider. 2 laps done, Red Flag. Line up again. Another 4 laps, Red Flag. This went on for the whole session. Mike did make a complaint after this session. I am trying to get snaps, but they all go by so fast!!!!! The only other time I have seen bikes go this fast is at the GP.
Mike followed Col most of the day. I have some snaps to prove this. Green Group 3rd. Roly, Ben & Rhett. Lindsay and Marty were supposed to be in this group, only they went down a group as their were only 6 Riders in the Blue Group. I was very pleased with this decision. I have no idea as to how Roly rides without a seat of somesort. Our riders in this group were all on Ducatis. Blue Group 4th. Lindsay, Marty and Mike on his new Triumph. After doing the radiator at Wakefield, Mike bought another bike for the track.Radiator was very costly to replace!!!!! I went to watch this group go round. Holding my breath. All went well. Groups came and went all morning.
After Lindsay had done 2 sessions, Mike and Col thought it was time to give Lindsay some hints as to how to get more out of the Trixie. Leaning and chin techniques were discussed and practised on Col's bike in the shed. Lindsay's next session Mike and I went to watch if Lindsay was taking any notice.
1st lap all new techniques were done. 2nd lap, Lindsay gets to turn 7 and bumps the gearshift into neutral. Not a good look sitting in the middle of the track!!!!! Lindsay recovered very well. He did not touch the back brake at all. He did say the front locked up, once he realised what had happened. Just as well I am a very good walker as I walked all day between the pits and the track.
At 4.00pm we all started packing up. Bikes going into and on trailers everywhere. All ready to leave at 5pm. Mike and Col were first to leave before 5pm. Lindsay, Marty and I stop at Holbrook for fuel and something to eat. We found Mike and Col doing the same thing. It is now 7.30pm. Col is hurrying Mike up to drink his cup of tea, so he can sit on the bonnet of the car to shoo the kangaroo's out of their way!!!!! They will be on lonely roads from here.
We are now heading for home too, and while it has been a very long and busy day, I already know that we will go and do it all again!!!!!
We are now heading for home too, and while it has been a very long and busy day, I already know that we will go and do it all again!!!!!
________________________________________________________
Another Ducati !!
Wow, how many dukes can you have in a one garage??? Well I am certainly not going to tell anyone how many they can have. Our garage is getting smaller and we are being over run by the Italians (there two sneaky asians hiding in there somewhere).
Our son-in-law Chris has just purchased a lovely loooking lusty italian S2R Ducati 800. Looks and sounds great and has a seat height that is just right for the smaller rider in the family.
Welcome to the FL's Chris, see you at the Moto GP
Grand Prix de Wakefield
Story by Trixie Mike
On 27 May 2011 a skeleton crew of seven (three of which are FL Tourers members) lined up at the starting grid at Wakefield Park
The level of competition was highlighted by some race incidents. In the beginners group, Michael (from Young) binned his delectable Ducati S4R in the first session when he couldn’t contain his enthusiasm and overcooked it in Turn Two. Other than a dented ego he suffered no injuries, however, the damage to his bike was sufficient to sideline him for the rest of the meet. Roly (also from Young), his mate on a 1098 without seat padding – Roly reckoned he didn’t need any due to the size of his bum – could not run the distance either. His Italian stallion had to retire due to gearbox trouble. The honour of the team in the junior group, however, was valiantly upheld by Marty (another dude from Young) with his nicely prepared VTR and our very own Lindsey “Spies” Apps on his classic green TRX 850. It took a few sessions to sort out suspension issues before Lindsey started to attack the corners in earnest. These two diced it out to the end with the outcome undecided.
Then there was the lone entry to the intermediate class, Glen “Dovizioso” Don’t-Know-His-Last-Name (Lindsey’s mate from Young) on his dedicated track bike, a CBR 600 RR, tuned to the max and lightning fast. “Dovi” battled hard and eventually left the bunch of other contestants on their Harleys, and just about any other kind of bike, in his wake. He bravely took the fight to such machinery as BMW S 1000 RR and was only left behind due to the superior power of the litre bikes.
Due to the absence of other seasoned FL Tourers racers, the Advanced Group was poorly represented. That did not stop our own Trixie Twins to pull out all the stops. Valentino O’Keefe on his freshly shoed, blinged to the hilt and tyre warmer prepped black Trixie was initially held back, because the tyres needed scrubbing in, the track was cold and the sun hadn’t come out yet. He cleverly used the earlier sessions to get himself into the zone later in the day. But then he was just about unbeatable. Valentino’s well-known tactic of lulling his opponents into a false sense of security paid of in the last session of the day, when he out-smarted and out-maneuvered Casey Bolke on his old, but well-presented in a unique colour scheme, TRX 850 war horse. Other contestants had difficulties accepting that such venerable classics as these two TRXs could be faster through the curvy back sections of the track than their more modern and certainly more powerful superbikes. Such was their general frustration that by the last session most contenders had given up and left the track to pack up and go home.
That left the Trixie Twins to dice it out amongst themselves. The lead changed several times. Where Valentino was often faster out of corners, Cacey made up by going deeper under brakes. The tiniest mistake meant losing precious meters and sometimes translated into a position swap. The pace kept getting more and more furious. Where during the day neither bike used its fifth gear, during the course of the last session Casey reported using fifth towards the end of the straight in an attempt to hit the crucial Turn Two ahead of Valentino.
Getting it right in Turn Two is vital for a good drive to Turn Three and the following double (Four and Five). The smoothest surface in Turn Five is on the inside of the turn and the seasoned racer will always aim for that narrow patch between the bumps and the kerb. It used to be a ripple strip, but since the track was done up a year or so ago, the powers that be decided it would be more interesting to turn this ripple strip into a proper kerb. This same stunt was pulled in Turn Three where you want to give yourself a bit of space before you put your knee down. Turn Six is a fast right hander that intimidates many punters on faster bikes. Hesitate here and you won’t have the drive to swing through Seven on the right line for Turn Eight. Turn Eight is a left hand hairpin to start with before it opens up to a very short straight before Turn Nine.
There is plenty of room in Turn Eight and the superior handling of the TRX allows its rider to capitalize on the torque of its grunty twin. Many a less courageous rider waits too long before hitting the gas and becomes fair game to the hard charging Trixies. Turn Nine requires a wide approach from the far left side of the track, then cutting across to the inside of the turn, if the few bumps towards the end of the turn’s left hand side are to be avoided. The Trixie racers take Turn Nine at full throttle to get the sling shot onto the short straight before hard braking is required for the Turn Ten hairpin. The approach to Turn Ten is another opportunity for the less powerful Trixies to take a few positions from the faster bikes. It appears that many otherwise fast riders chicken out on the brakes and prefer to line up and be held up by other riders doing the same thing. Not so our Trixie Twins. They often still accelerate when others are already going off the gas.
Once past the apex of Turn Ten, with knee on the deck and sparks flying, it is acceleration all the way along the straight. The game of chicken resumes for the next lap when setting up for Turn Two again. Here Turn One is crucial. Positioning yourself towards the outside of the gentle turn so you can brake later than everyone else for Turn Two gives you the space for several options, if there is traffic to dispense of. Wait until the rider in front of you turns too early and runs wide in Turn Two - you will know by the line they take. Then on the gas and past them on the inside. Do it right and there is little opportunity for even a faster bike to pass you before you once again enter the straight where their superior power will out-accelerate you.
In a clandestine move behind the backs of the factory watch dogs “Dovi” offered Casey Bolke a ride on his CBR 600 RR, which, of course, was taken up gratefully. It was an exhilarating experience for the dedicated Trixie rider. Tuned for top end power and set up with a race pattern gear shift, Casey got a taste of why the CBR 600 has won several world championships. Super fast, yet smooth and well-behaved this little 600 was a blast. Even though a staunch Trixie rider, Casey admitted that he could get used to punting such a bike on the track. The smile didn’t leave his face until Valentino outsmarted him at the end of the last lap, when, back on his Trixie, Casey overcooked it in Turn Eight, had to stand the bike up and ran off the track. By the time he returned to the blacktop Casey had to admit defeat and returned to the pits. Other than a bruised ego, no damage was done. That is the advantage of a race track: no road side furniture, trees or other obstacles to run into.
It need to be noted that Valentino is still smiling about having kept it together and brought it home over arch rival Casey.
We will certainly go again. But where are the other FL Tourers fast guys?
Not the Anzac Tour 2011
The annual "B Team" event of a rapid tour to Australias southern coast via some of the more interesting roads.
This year saw Pol (Esparago) arrange the trip instead of JB who had done his time with 3 previous assaults. The 1st night was at Jindabyne via the Adjungbilly section & Snowy Mountains Hwy where we picked up the Trixie twins in Adaminiby.
Day 2 saw the southern assault take on Dalgety Delegate and the Bonang, a delay ensued due to 2 bikes with 2 punctures on the first section of dirt north of Delegate River. After some 120kms of twisting bends and elevation changes, JB & BB waited at Orbost for the remaining pilots unaware of their plight. Some 2 hours later the group was reunited and managed to keep boredom at bay along the transport section to the overnight stop at Metung.
Day 3 was a northerly assault with smoko taken at Omeo before tackling the Omeo Highway to Mitta Mitta and Tallangatta. Despite 2 gravel sections and a Higway Patrol car south of Mitta Mitta the road was enjoyable, challeging and incident free. From here 2 pilots (Lex & the Yellow Power Ranger) departed to make a B line for home.
On the run west toward Corryong another puncture was inflicted upon the yellow Trixie and this one used up the last of the CO2 cylinders held this time by BB. Fortunately we were again on our way but the delay then prompted a change of overnight accommodation and back we went to Jindabyne via the Alpine Way. Again this was incident free and a small amount of fun whilst trying to avoid the horror of an off late in the afternoon.
On arrival at Jindabyne and enroute to the eatery we contacted the 2 pilots (Lex & the Yellow Power Ranger) heading for home, as by then they should have arrived. I was lucky enough to get hold of Lex who had just arrived in the shed at his home and he advised that both he and the yellow Power Ranger had crashed at Batlow in a slow RH turn. It was Lex that crashed and the Yellow Power Ranger, in an effort to not run his partner over, took evasive action into the grass and when he was almost stopped was highsided by the FZ1 into the weeds. Both were Ok but sore.
Day 4 for those left on the tour was uneventful with a quick trip to Canberra, a stop at the bikeshop and restocking of CO2 cylinders, we sad bye to the Trixie Twins and off to Goulburn for lunch then Taralga and Oberon. It was on the northern side of Oberon that JB got a flat front tyre....thank God that he had restocked the CO2 cylinders. Tyre fixed we went to go but BB had a battery problem with the Italian Beast so a bump start was in order and he continued straight home without stopping.
Another great trip packed with great roads and many little incidents that kept the conversation interesting! Cant wait til next year.
