Ducati Monster Forum

OK, I've been busy planning the trip for the Sydney people, and it's pretty much finalised, so time to share!

We're planning a 3 day twisty adventure on the way down, 3 days of the WSBK meet including the practices, superpole and all the main and support races, and two days to get back.

Current list of riders are goldFiSh, Dockstrada, Mattyvas and Mostro900. Big's going to make his own way down on the Friday, and I'm not sure what mmick us up to. I remember Palooka is shipping his bike down from Brissy. Bazz can't make it (bummer!) and Heatherp is going to meet us somewhere...

[moto]  ;D

Here's a summary:

Tues 24 Feb	Sydney to Jindabyne	via RNP, Mt Keira, MQ Pass, Camberrawarra Mountain, Bega then up Brown Mountain
Wed 25 Feb	Jindabyne to Bright	via Alpine Way, Corryong, Granya Rd (thanks Heatherp!) Bright,  Hotham back to Bright
Thur 26 Feb	Bright to PI	Black Spur (up and down!) Reefton Spur, Melb and to PI
Fri - Sun	Racing  8)
Mon 2 Mar	PI to Eden	via Sale, Cann River and Bombala
Tue 3 Mar	Eden to Sydney	up the Coast to Batemans Bay, Kings Way to Braidwood, Goulburn to Syd

Total kms - just under 3000  8) I'll be thankful for the Sargent seat  ;D

Since we have Dock on the mighty S4Rs with us, we needed to plan the distances to try to avoid him waiting on the side of the road while Matty brings back some fuel. So, in my usual style, I've put something together (http://users.on.net/orsatti/wsbk/) to plan the trip with the help of my copy of the australian motorcycling atlas and google.

Gotta love google maps and street view  [clap] - I've been able to find distances, rough travel times and fuel for the whole trip. We're going to set off around 8am each day, and try to be done by 6ish to avoid the critters that come out to play at dusk.

Staying in Jindabyne & Bright on the way down,  and Eden on the way back. I've made some tentative arrangements for a cabin in Bright that can sleep up to 6 - it's modest and cheap, just like us  ;D I'm about to find something in Eden, and the plan is to stay at my family's place in Jindy, and my mates place on the Island.

For any of you Vic people, we'd love to meet up with you somewhere in the high country for a little twisty action - Don't forget we'll have our resident photographer with us, so here's your chance to get some nice snappys of your ride  [thumbsup]. Heatherp has already expressed interest, just tell us where we're going to meet you, and have a look at the rough times we're going to be there and plan around it.

Also have a mate of mine on a Tryhard, I mean Triumph. He will be following us from in a designated area 400 mrts behind the pack of monsters   [evil]

So is he looking to join us for the whole time up and back?  basically I need to know how many people to book for in terms of accom.

Also need to know how many people are looking to stay at PI. I've only told my mate 4 people, so if it starts getting bigger than that, it would make sense to book a house somewhere - there are plenty around and they are between 600 - 1000ish for the thurs night through to sun night..

6 or more people for the complete weekend would make it pretty good value, esp if we had a house with a lock up garage and a bbq!

Love your work Nick,

   The planning looks fantastic, cheap and cheerful for any accomm would be great by me.
Specially after the trip away over Xmas-NYE, budget will be on the lighter side.

Talk to you when I get home.
 

My mate (The GM at work) has already bought the tickets so he will be with us all the way.

Cool.

so we have confirmed:

The whole shootin' match - Jindy, Bright, PI and Eden

- goldFiSh
- Mattyvas
- Dockstrada
- Dock's trumpy mate

to be confirmed
- Mostro900
- mmick?
- heatherp?
- big?
- anyone else?

Nick

Splendid job on the itinerary.

I reckon I'm in from Jindabyne.  Can meet up with you there on Tuesday night.

So I'll be needing accommodation from there on in. 

Do I need to get my own cabin at Bright?

Have you considered riding up to Falls Creek instead of Mount Hotham.  There is fuel at Mt Beauty and you get to do Tawonga gap on the the way to Bright?

Just looked at the trip on the maps and I take the above back.  The Bright-Dinner Plain bit looks just as good. [thumbsup] 

Wish I could do the return trip as well. The Monaro Hwy is a great ride.  But I have tickets for the Port Fairy Folk fest the following weekend so I'll just have to go the Great Ocean road  - again.  sigh.

Heather

Top job as usual Nick.  [thumbsup]

We, (me, missus, plus some other mates) will be leaving Wednesday and stopping overnight at Bombala. So I will have to catch up at the Island, also I have sorted my accomadation (with the same bunch of mates) so I will be right at night. I have Nicks, Matty's and Big's phone numbers, hopefully they are right.






                                                        Mmick

hope it rains  :'( :'( :'( ;D

It's Phillip Island - of course it will.  but it will still be fun nah nah  na nah  nah

Hope the nurses treat you ok.  :-*

i _might_ be able to get the time to join you, any chance of fitting me in if i can?


paul.

Ni hao! I'm confirmed nick. back in 2.5 weeks.

+1 on both things  [thumbsup]

ab-so-fark-in-lootly.
we need more states represented  [thumbsup]

What I am trying to do is book accom in places that will allow us to add more people ad hoc.
A few of us got together and decided to keep the accom modest and cheap (were on a bike tour after all!)


Excellent. We'll see you at Jindy, once I have everything finalised I'll PM you the details (as well as peoples mobiles etc etc). I can count you in with the Bright cabins if you're cool sharing with a bunch of blokes, though I may need to book 2 now, I'll have to go check!

The trip up and down hotham (ie the bright to dinner plain) is imho the best roads we did last march. It's a farkin hoot.
There was 4 of us on that trip, me on the M800, a SV650, a 749 and a Guzzi Griso. I remember the dude on the 749 seeing the climb up to hotham heights and just opened it up - what was I to do but follow ? [moto] Picture a steep climb to an alpine resport -  single lane each way goat track with good tarmac and you can see 6 or more corners in advance.... It doesn't get much better  8)

Hi Nick

Yeah I'm okay sharing.  I'll bring my iPod to block out the snoring.

I've only done Hotham once and it was damn cold and wet with roadworks.  I would like to give it another chance.

I've been up Falls creek twice.  Once dry and once wet.  Dry definitely better.  And the Hotham road looks better for monsters - more sweepers.

Really looking forward to it.

H

Accomodation Update
Just so I get it right!

I've been looking at places that offer cabins / villas etc in caravan parks etc to keep it cheap, and potentially a house on the Island depending on how many we get. Ideally looking for places en route for somewhere between $20-$40 per head per night, and a house on the Island that will get us thurs night - mon morning for about $100 per head or so.

Note I plan to finalise this mid next week, so speak up otherwise work it out yourself!

Jindabyne (6 people)
goldfish
matty
dock
dock's mate
mostro
heather

Bright  (6 people)
goldfish
matty
dock
dock's mate
mostro
heather

Phillip Island (6 people)
goldfish
matty
dock
dock's mate
mostro
heather

Eden (5 people)
goldfish
matty
dock
dock's mate
mostro

Cool. I'll bring mine as well, though I could very well be one of the culprits  :P

A trip like this needs both an ipod and plugs, depending on the occasion  [thumbsup]

Im cool with that Goldie,and the G/M want have a problem either [thumbsup]

Hey I was thinking of going for some shake down runs in the coming weeks to get me back into road riding mind set .Went for a squirt  earlier this week did 350km RNP,M/P,Jamberoo and some other place Big Al took me to  [moto]

Found my self not looking for cars on entry to right hand apex , also using track lines and running it out all the way  to the white line on the outside of the turn .Not my normal road riding style of turning in late only after seeing the straight, exiting on the inside of the turn giving me room to run wide if needed.

http://www.rideforever.co.nz/ride_smart/control_cornering.html

 [thumbsup]

Il be bringing these  ;D


(http://www.sentrysafetysupply.com/images/sentry-prod-images/B0008GKILW.01-AVPVLR7M1A873._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_%5B1%5D.jpg)

Shake down runs are a good idea! Need to plan a couple myself I think, given I haven't been riding as much in recent times.

Let me know when your free for a shake down [moto] Goldfish  [thumbsup]

Once again excellent planning Nick, tops job.  [thumbsup]
I'll be in on the shake down rides too.

ok, will do.  didn't end up going to the family lunch today as the three of us are sick.

staying at home, posting on the DMF and trying to get better!

You won't get better posting on here .... we're all sick bastards

.... excpet for those that are 'fully sick'  ;D

well that's true!

Below is a list of suggested items for the trip [thumbsup]
Got it from the http://www.rideforever.co.nz/ride_smart/take.html

Spare earplugs.
Sunglasses or a tinted visor.
Cell phone.
Simple first aid kit.
Visor cleaning gear. 
Lip and sunscreen applications.
Rain over-suit.It's also an easy way to add warmth during a ride.
Spare gloves.
A small towel.
Security lock.
Chain lubricant spray.a chain needs lubrication every 300 to 400km.
Tool kits
Tyre-pressure gauge.
Tyre repair kit, pliers to remove nails from tyres.
Small roll or flat pack of duct tape.
Plastic cable ties.

Im sure we dont all need to carry the same items but there are some personal items you will need  [thumbsup]

yep gotcha.

looks like a list I've got from somewhere for last year, except the lip sunscreen. Got it all ready to go.

but I don't see the camp stove, mocha pot & hand grinder on the list, nor the stash of mama's arancini  [cheeky]

And no where does it mention  [wine] and iPod and iPod speakers.

My essential items for travelling.  :D

SHHH Nick the arancini were our little secret  all 12 of them [thumbsup]

I'd agree with the Ipod, but the ipod speakers? I just carry one of those fm transmitter thingies when I need to share the tunes....



yeah I know, but I figured they were going to find out some time......  ;D

Tried one of those FM transmitter thingies - wasn't impressed.  These are a plug in or battery powered stereo that takes up very little room and doesn't need access to a radio.  You'll see.

well, i can't go. >:(
i have a metering course and i can't get it moved, guess i'll watch you ratbags misbehaving on the telly!
next year i'm going, come hell or high water! i've just finished prepping the bike too, new oil and filter, checked the chain and lubed it, spare plugs under the seat. :-\
BASTARD! >:( >:(

have fun guys and girls. [thumbsup]
paul

Paul , There is something better mate. The MotoGP latter in the year.
I am attempting to go either bike or air.
Lets discuss sometime.

pete

cmon loony, its only work.... j/k

sorry you can't come, would have been good chance to buy you that burbon I owe you  [thumbsup]

pju is right, once this is done, we'll be planning a motogp trip (well maybe not immediately after, but it's on the cards)
the one thing I do like about the supers is that there is a while lot less people, and the fact that you can ride in get around to the the different viewing locations on your bike. try doing that at the gp

  [moto]

Nick
Even if you are only just thinking of a GP run, unless you've got contacts, you need to book a house now. GP accommodation gets booked out months in advance.

thanks Heather, yeah I do have contacts, but I will probably have the family with me (and I still might be able to ride down, they'll fly).

it's all a little pipe dream at the moment, but appreciate the heads up..

BTW, anyone needing Bar SBK tickets (for the 3 days), a mate of mine has two spares which he picked up at the early bird price - $200 each is what he paid and what he's prepared to let em go for...

PM me if you're interested

Il let you know nick my mate (the G/M) bought the wrong tickets he may want one let you know tomorrow.

Last chance, I'm booking tomorrow...

Accomodation Update
Just so I get it right!

I've been looking at places that offer cabins / villas etc in caravan parks etc to keep it cheap, and potentially a house on the Island depending on how many we get. Ideally looking for places en route for somewhere between $20-$40 per head per night, and a house on the Island that will get us thurs night - mon morning for about $100 per head or so.

Note I plan to finalise this mid next week, so speak up otherwise work it out yourself!

Jindabyne (6 people)
goldfish
matty
dock
dock's mate  mark on the s3
mostro  on the loungeroom on wheels beemer
heather

Bright  (7 people)
goldfish
matty
dock
dock's mate  mark on the s3
mostro  on the loungeroom on wheels beemer
heather
goldfish's mate on the guzzi griso

Phillip Island (6 people)
goldfish
matty
dock
dock's mate mark on the s3
mostro on the loungeroom on wheels beemer
heather

Eden (5 people)
goldfish
matty
dock
dock's mate mark on the s3
mostro  on the loungeroom on wheels beemer

Yep all good for me.  Good work Nick.   [thumbsup]

For those that are going to to Phillip Island   [thumbsup]

EVENT SCHEDULE 2009 PHILLIP ISLAND SBK

FRIDAY 27th FEBRUARY 2009
0830 – 0850 Australian Supersport Qualifying #1 (20 min)
0900 – 0910 TRACK INSPECTION
0935 – 1020 WORLD SUPERSPORT Practice #1 (45 min)
1030 – 1130 WORLD SUPERBIKE Practice #1 (60 min)
1140 – 1200 Historic Qualifying #1 (20 min)
1210 – 1230 Australian Superstock Qualifying #1 (20 min)
1240 – 1300 Australian Superbike Qualifying #1 (20 min)
1315 – 1400 WORLD SUPERSPORT Qualifying #1 (45 min)
1415 – 1515 WORLD SUPERBIKE Qualifying #1 (60 min)
1530 – 1550 Historic Qualifying #2 (20 min)
1600 – 1620 Australian Superbike Qualifying #2 (20 min)
1630 – 1650 Australian Superstock Qualifying #2 (20 min)
1700 – 1720 Australian Supersport Qualifying #2 (20 min)
1730 – 1745 Historic Race #1 (5 Laps)

SATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2009
0825 – 0830 Australian Superbike Warm-Up (5 min)
0850 – 0900 TRACK INSPECTION
0910 – 0925 Australian Superstock Race #1 (5 Laps)
0945 – 1030 WORLD SUPERSPORT Practice (45 min)
1045 – 1130 WORLD SUPERBIKE Qualifying (45 min)
1140 – 1155 Historic Race #2 (5 Laps)
1205 – 1225 Australian Supersport Race #1 (8 Laps)
1225 – 1250 PIT WALK (25 mins)
1235 – 1250 Australian Superstock Race #2 (5 Laps)
1300 – 1345 WORLD SUPERSPORT Qualifying (45 min)
1400 – 1445 WORLD SUPERBIKE Practice #2 (45 min)
1500 - 1512 WORLD SUPERBIKE (First 20) SUPERPOLE
1519 – 1531 WORLD SUPERBIKE (First 16) SUPERPOLE
1538 – 1550 WORLD SUPERBIKE (First 8) SUPERPOLE
1600 – 1625 Australian Superbike Race #1 (10 Laps)
1635 – 1650 Historic Race #3 (5 Laps)
1700 – 1715 Australian Superstock Race #3 (5 Laps)
1725 – 1745 Australian Supersport Race #2 (8 Laps)

SUNDAY 1ST MARCH 2009
0805 – 0810 Australian Supersport Warm-Up (5 min)
0815 – 0820 Australian Superbike Warm-Up (5 min)
0825 - 0845 Australian Supersport Race #3 (8 Laps)
0900 – 0910 TRACK INSPECTION
0920 – 0940 WORLD SUPERBIKE Warm-up (20 min)
0950 – 1010 WORLD SUPERSPORT Warm-up (20 min)
1020 – 1045 Australian Superbike Race #2 (10 Laps)
1110 – 1130 PIT WALK (20 mins)
1200 WORLD SUPERBIKE RACE #1 (22 laps)
1325 WORLD SUPERSPORT RACE #1 (21 laps)
1425 – 1450 Australian Superbike Race #3 (10 Laps)
1530 WORLD SUPERBIKE RACE #2 (22 laps)

Hi Guys & Gals,

I am going to PI but only a quick trip. Ride down Thurs/Fri return late Sun/Mon.

Can someone pm me some mobile numbers and I can call when I get there and meet up.

Cheers,

Con

Pm Sent  [thumbsup]

well done Dock !

Oh should of said that too but I PM'd Con earlier today.

i hope it rains :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

Dont think so Bazz  :-\
(http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n22/fourdots1962/finger.jpg)

i hope you get heat strock then  [cheeky]

So, two weeks to go!

Given the tragic news of the vic fires, we may need to alter out plans for day 3 around the spurs. Mostro and I have been speaking about trying to raise some money for the cause during the trip. I think that's a pretty damn good idea..

Oh, and we've had 1 dropout - Dock's mate Mark has a prick for a boss and despite granting approval, has now seen fit to deny his holidays.

 Meaning we have a spare bed in the house (and if it doesn't fill, we'll all be  paying a little more)

I here that Marks Boss is a great bloke, can ride like the wind to .Its been said that he has balls of steel  [cheeky]
Still cant work out why they call him donkey  ???

Eeeee Awwwww Eeeeee Awwwwww...............

does he have big ears?  [cheeky]

Anyone else wanna tag along.  Spare bed going with a bunch of lovely people (come highly recommended by Jukie  ;D )

Not fussed about paying extra Nick. 

Concerned about:
a: fires still burning in spurs by then
b: fires out but roads closed
c: just not fun riding there knowing what's happened and what it used to be.

Will deal with at the time but may be a good idea to have a plan B.

Sorry if this sounds a bit down - been dealing with emotional people all day at work. This really is a small state and we all know someone who is fighting fires, has died or has lost someone or etc etc - you get the picture.

And Rob  aka Ducmeister if your reading this please let us know you and yours are okay.  Don't make me phone up where you work and try to describe you!!!!!

Yeah, share the concern on all counts. We may have to come though omeo and bainrsdale, but lets see what happens in the next week.

Mostro and I were pm'ing earlier - we're not sure whether it's good form to try pass through there or not. We'll wait and see later in the week.

No, but he has a bit of a rhythm in hei walk  [laugh]

schwing......schwing......ding-dong

Hey Heather i'm don't know what work you do, but you are doing a great job. its really hard to keep it together after what has happen down there and it can't be easy for you dealing with it, so we will try and keep a smile on our dial here. If there is anything us Sydney mob can do let us know ok.   [thumbsup]

Thats a ball tearer [clap]

Nah, it is because they know he is such an ass that in his twisted mind it will be viewed as a compliment.
 [cheeky]
Win-win.

Or maybe  just arsey  ;)

Hi Jukie.  Thanks for that.  The paid job is  shift co-ordinator in a laboratory on a mine site but I'm also a Reiki healer (read magnet for troubled people ;D) so people tend to share.  It comes with the territory but can be wearying at times like this when everyone wants some sort of comfort.  (And why do I get the feeling the blokes are going to have a field day with that info?)

Anyway it seems like we are all accounted for now the 'meister has been in touch.  Spiders' sis is ?managing.  Have heard two work colleagues (one a friend) have lost everything but the shirts on their backs. But they survived. And have been hearing good news stories all day whilst trying not to focus on the bad too much. 

Still able to have a laugh.  But I am soooo tired.  Looking forward to a little R&R (SBK) very soon.

Hope the fires up your way have abated a bit.  Poor NSW doesn't rate a mention at the moment.

Cheers
H

I don't remember saying anything about R&R on the trip dose anyone else ??? Goldfish,Matty,Mostro ???

On go on Dock be a  [evil].  Least then I'll have a good excuse for lagging behind  [laugh]

Yes, SBK real soon!
Good to hear you're able to have a laugh, it's important espeically in times like these.

And don't worry about poor NSW, whilst certainly threatening (esp to people like my sister who's real close to it) it pales into insignificance next to what's happened in vic...

So onto SBK, heather I was wondering what your thoughts are on alternate routed rather than through the spurs. I know we can go down to Omeo and Bairnsdale etc, and then perhaps follow the coast rather than that ride into Melb, but do you know of any other decent routes?

I was kinda thinking of trying to catch up with brad black and visit his new workshop on the way through, but if we're skipping Melb, perhaps not. Maybe he's coming down to the supers and I can catch him there.

No we wont, even we know our bounderies





                                          Mmick [thumbsup]

Hi Nick

Yes well Plan B really is the million dollar question at the moment.  Looking at the current map there are fires at every option http://google-au.blogspot.com/2009/02/mapping-victorian-fires.html (http://google-au.blogspot.com/2009/02/mapping-victorian-fires.html).

I would say we can forget about Black Spur.  It will be unsafe and unpleasant if even open to traffic at that time.  But Reefton spur looks like it is still okay (fire free) and that would put us within reach of visiting Brad (I wouldn't mind meeting Brad either as I'm sure I'll have need of his services in the future).

I don't have a lot of knowledge of East of Melb (I live West) so if anybody reading this has suggestions - feel free.

Omeo is a feasible plan B. I haven't done that ride yet but have heard good things about it.

I think we'll have to wait and see what develops over the next week.  Just about all the good riding areas I know are burning  :'(

I'm going to start planning the solo part of my trip soon so I'll have to get the Jindy meeting place details from you, phone nos etc.  and anything I have to bring like sleeping bag and the like.

Sorry I can't be of more help. I'll keep studying the map and asking some locals at work.  Will let you know if I come up with anything.

Cheers
H

The part to omeo is OK, it's Bairnsdale to Sale IMHO is dangerously boring and straight, particularly after hotham et al.

I'd really like to do reefton spur, but to get there we'll need to kit marysville area. Not sure about that, although I've just looked at the map, perhaps there is an alternate route in from mansfield

I predict alot of head scratching, Left or Right  ???

better ensure we have some of the dozen left by then, we may need some brain food.

and inevitably the... "oh hold on, let's do a uy! (sp?)"

Ivan we're counting on you with the oldfartbike with integrated satnav!

I was thinking Mansfield and through Jameison is the only option to Reefton spur.  Taggerty and Buxton areas probably wouldn't be safe and Marysville will be a no go area for a long while. I agree Sale - Bairnsdale yawn!

By the end of Turismo I was getting pretty good at U turns!  ;D

[quote

By the end of Turismo I was getting pretty good at U turns!  ;D
[/quote] i didnt know you was a kiwi  [laugh]

OK how about this (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Great+Alpine+Rd&daddr=Mansfield+Whitfield+Rd,+VIC,+Australia+to:Warburton+Wood+Point+Rd+to:Warburton+Hwy+to:-37.903506,145.104933+to:2+king+street+oakleigh+to:Woolamai+Beach+Rd+to:-38.528046,145.341268&hl=en&geocode=FUDjz_0dyOrBCA%3B%3B%3B%3B%3B%3B%3B&mra=pe&mrcr=0,1&mrsp=4&sz=9&via=4&sll=-37.646859,145.83252&sspn=1.25482,2.471924&ie=UTF8&z=8) for a day 3.

Bright, through Mansfield and Jameison to Reefton spur, down into Melb to visit Brad if he's around the shop on the Thurs arvo, otherwise straight down to PI.

ok sonny! the Zumo will be plugged. If you list the google map routes - I'll load them up. The new plan looks good to me.  [thumbsup]
Lookin forward to it !

 [thumbsup]
Yep that's what I had in mind.


I'm following you!


Neither did I  ;D

Tormenting yourself reading about SBK again Bazz? - such a masochist. [bang]

Gee I'll not be pleased if this rain continues for the whole ride. I mean I don't mind it and I am prepared but still.
Did a little prep day today, checking bolts, screws, chain sorting luggage and the like.

A week to go and the  ;D is already starting to grow

A week and a half ain't it Matty ?  ;D You looking so forward to it, you want to leave next Saturday ?  :D

weather is due to warm up too. espresso maker, beans and stove packed and ready !! [thumbsup]

I  can be your wing man Mostro  [cheeky]

Hey dose anyone know if there are public lockers at the island  ???

Ice Man! (what was that movie called wing man?) Waddya need a locker for ? bags of cash, gold bars, Grange ???? [thumbsup]
My panniers are lockable, so can probably fit a little bit of gear in them when we're at the track - assuming we leave most gear at the accomodation when we're at the track...

that position is already filled  ;D


not that I'm aware of. what you want to lock up?

TOP GUN was the fil...em ,Need one just to chuck the jacket maybe even the helmet in, I plan to have a back pack with me to carry the essentials.But don't think I wanna be lugging them things around  [thumbsup]

I also have precious cargo  ;)

yes vince does have precious cargo hhmmmm

I have seen them at the MotoGP (which is run by the Grand Prix Corporation in VIC). The WSBK is run by Phillip Island Circuit, so probably best to give them a call to be sure.
http://www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au/ (http://www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au/)

If you are parking your bike in the " Lions Club manned secure compound section" they store your stuff (helmet and riding gear) for you each day that you pay for.

HTH

Hiya goldFish, Just a heads up, I thought that I'd mention that although I haven't ridden it myself, I have spoken to others who have and part of the road from Jamieson to Reefton Spur is unsealed road.
I've heard that it is well packed and would be fantastic if they sealed it. However, my understanding is that taken easily; it can be done.

Cheers,
G

FYI: I've been using this website to keep up to date on which roads in Vic are closed: http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/NewsRoom/BushFiresRoadClosures/

Hi G
Dirt!! That's a bugger my duc doesn't like dirt very much although I have done it.  Wish google maps would show that.  Bit stumped for which way to go now.  There doesn't seem to be any other way to the Reefton spur that is sealed and doesn't go anywhere near the Kinglake complex fire.  May have to go the Omeo hwy after all.  And there will still be fires to avoid that way too.  Been watching the fire maps and just hope that the map will be fairly clear of fires in a week's time.

Hi Heather,

Another option is to go the way I went up to Canberra and that is via the Monaro Hwy. It's a big ride. Cooma, Bombala, Cann River, Orbost(police can be active in that area and up the hill to Newmerella ;)), Nowa Nowa, Bruthen and Bairnsdale . Then there is the transport section. This could be up to 160km on the Princes Hwy.

Next you could head to Mirboo North. I usually come from Melbourne and turn off at Trafalgar, but from your direction there is an earlier turnoff. There are a number of options of less obvious routes through this region and I can make further suggestions, but it will be towards the end of the day and you may prefer to go via less tight stuff at that time. Leongatha, Inverloch, Wonthaggi, Kilcunda, and PI.


Here's another website to watch: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/incidents/incident_summary.htm

It's a very dynamic situation, I'm guessing it will be very different in a week's time. I rode through the South and West Gippsland areas (close to PI) yesterday and except for the Bunyip Forrest Fire to the North, the air was fairly clear of smoke.

Thanks G, that's good to know - I'm not fussed with a little dirt, but I'm figuring the concensus of the group will be to avoid it.


We're planning to do the Cann River, Bombala, Monaro etc etc on the way back - the idea on the way down was to spend a day tooling around in the alpine region.

We could change it around if it makes sense given the present situation in Vic. Thanks for the sites, I'll keep a check on it, as will Mostro and Heather who are rapidly taking over the ride organisation (and thy're welcome to do so!) Mostro with his GPS and Heather with a the local knowledge. Sounds like G better come along as well...  [thumbsup] [moto] [moto]

I will give Vic roads a call tomorrow to find out the condition of the road out of Jamieson.   I don't mind dirt roads I rode dirt bikes for years.  But I've found my monster doesn't make a good dirt bike (my old Kwaka roadie didn't mind em) so it will slow us down a bit. If the Jamieson road is not an option the Omeo hwy would be fine by me  - it's on my 'to do' list.

As much as I like the Monaro hwy/Cann river area it would be too far out of my way considering where I'm starting from  ;D (G I'm leaving from Hamilton over near the Grampians!)

Nick I know you've done a lot of hard work on this  [thumbsup] please don't give up now as  I'm in no way qualified to take over.  It's very frustrating looking at the fire maps several times each day.  Two days ago I wasn't even sure I could head north east from home without having to take a very long route to get there.  But a lot can happen in a week and I'm sure it will all be fine by then. Apart from the areas like Marysville (Black spur) which is shut off even to the locals as it's being treated as a crime scene. 

Shall keep you posted on any developments.

G any help with route choices and info greatly appreciated.  ie keeping sanity whilst riding Bairndale to Sale?   

I'm happy with dirt roads, but then I'm on the GS. Anyway, I've ridden about 300-400kms of dirt on the Monster and it handles surprising well. About 100 of those was with a pillion and a packed Ventura bag on the back. Still got to reasonable speeds on the straights.

Hey, that's 3 of us not concerned too much by a bit of dirt - does that make a consensus for that route?!   [moto]

I have also had many years playing on dirt roads ,Belangelo state forest one of the regulars. I don't need to look at my monster very hard to realise that ergo's don't promote dirt riding , My KX was was less than 100kg's and my DRZ was 130kg's yet still a hand full . Dirt road machines are all about rider position and the monster dose not promote this position ,unless you sit on the tank.not to mention my Ohlins being very firm.

In any case it wont stop me from riding these roads, but I for one would be the first avoid long dirt stretches if possible  [thumbsup]

I just looked at the road on Google earth. On there it is still dirt and twisty in places.  Would be great sealed.

Before we make a decision check it out.

Start in Jamieson and head south, south east through Kevington, Gaffneys creek and Matlock. 

I'll still make some phone calls tomorrow.

So had a quick look ,From Jamieson to Graffneys creek is 23km all dirt and to Matlock looks the same so im guessing 50 odd km of dirt and that as far as i wanted to keep looking, My thought " Fark that "at Gaffneys Creek

But if that the only way round it will  be an adventure  [thumbsup] Im getting some Nobie's on the monster[cheeky]

My thoughts too.  But would have to fit the knobbys after the high country as they wouldn't be knobbys after that  [cheeky] More dirt after Matlock too by looks of it.   Knew I should have kept the dirt bike when I moved over here!

There is still the Omeo hwy option.  Good road all the way to Bairnsdale and (touch wood) no fires in the area.

Thought I might chime in being one part of the touring party.
Can't say I've ridden on dirt a whole lot, more likely been caught out unawares while riding.
Being the fact that I'm planning on selling very shortly after we get back from SBK's.
I'd like to avoid as much dirt as possible, but if it means back tracking or side stepping for hours then I guess dirt it is.

Lots can change in a week so we'll see what happens in the next week.

[thumbsup] Tarmac it is then.  phew was wondering how I was going to afford both a set of knobbys and the new set of road tyres that I will need after this trip.  ;D  Valid point Matty.  Following people on gravel roads is one of the best ways to get stone chips not to mention the passing cars we'd likely encounter. 

So does Day 3 look like Bright - Omeo - Bairnsdale - Sale. Turn off at Sale to Gippsland Hwy (A440) to follow coast to PI I guess.  Sorry don't have Nick's map techo skills to do it electronically.

That's still 2 roads from the Motorcycle Atlas.  Unless we are still going into the city to visit Brad? 

The only sealed way from Mansfield to Reefton spur is through Marysville and even if the roads are open by then they will be damaged and covered in debris and I don't really want to be riding through burnt down towns.

Heather,
Is this the route, you're thinking of ?

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Bright+VIC,+Australia&daddr=Omeo+to:Bairnsdale+to:Sale+to:Inverloch+to:Cowes&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=-37.679473,146.815796&sspn=2.504093,4.707642&ie=UTF8&ll=-37.679473,146.568604&spn=2.504093,4.707642&z=8 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Bright+VIC,+Australia&daddr=Omeo+to:Bairnsdale+to:Sale+to:Inverloch+to:Cowes&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=-37.679473,146.815796&sspn=2.504093,4.707642&ie=UTF8&ll=-37.679473,146.568604&spn=2.504093,4.707642&z=8)

Almost but need to avoid Tralgon too (Churchill fire!)

How's this http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Bright+VIC,+Australia&daddr=Omeo+to:Bairnsdale+to:Sale+to:-38.535276,146.870728+to:Inverloch+to:Cowes&hl=en&geocode=&mra=dpe&mrcr=3&mrsp=4&sz=8&via=4&sll=-38.039439,147.755127&sspn=2.626079,5.800781&ie=UTF8&ll=-38.039439,147.755127&spn=2.626079,5.800781&z=8 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Bright+VIC,+Australia&daddr=Omeo+to:Bairnsdale+to:Sale+to:-38.535276,146.870728+to:Inverloch+to:Cowes&hl=en&geocode=&mra=dpe&mrcr=3&mrsp=4&sz=8&via=4&sll=-38.039439,147.755127&sspn=2.626079,5.800781&ie=UTF8&ll=-38.039439,147.755127&spn=2.626079,5.800781&z=8)

This part is not fun.  Will be glad when I'm actually on the road and just have to get somewhere regardless!!!!  No wonder Nick is not saying anything. How do I save these google maps to My Maps.  I can't remember how to do it.

I've been Nemo minding all day, and not really had a chance to follow the thread!

looks good. would rather avoid the bairnsdale to sale bit - can we go via some back roads like:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Bright+VIC,+Australia&daddr=Omeo+to:Bairnsdale+to:-38.009148,147.420044+to:Sale+to:South+Gippsland+Hwy+to:Inverloch+to:Cowes&hl=en&geocode=%3B%3B%3B%3B%3BFaZDtP0dmjfBCA%3B%3B&mra=dpe&mrcr=2&mrsp=3&sz=8&via=3,5&sll=-38.371809,147.453003&sspn=2.48493,4.943848&ie=UTF8&ll=-38.518086,146.151123&spn=2.4799,4.943848&z=8 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Bright+VIC,+Australia&daddr=Omeo+to:Bairnsdale+to:-38.009148,147.420044+to:Sale+to:South+Gippsland+Hwy+to:Inverloch+to:Cowes&hl=en&geocode=%3B%3B%3B%3B%3BFaZDtP0dmjfBCA%3B%3B&mra=dpe&mrcr=2&mrsp=3&sz=8&via=3,5&sll=-38.371809,147.453003&sspn=2.48493,4.943848&ie=UTF8&ll=-38.518086,146.151123&spn=2.4799,4.943848&z=8)

if not, no worries, but I do recall that stretch being dangerously boring, especially after the delights of the great alpine road..

Yep I'ts got my vote.

yeah that looks good to me Nick. Happy with from the couch in the lounge room.

yep, good stuff. I think we're just going to have to remain flexible for any changes between now and till we get there.

Well I am glad we got that sorted certainly looks a better option ,So have we got a meeting place on Tuesday morning  ???

I'm hoping to be in Benalla.   ;D [roll] [cheeky] :-\

I'm more than happy for it to be my place, but figured that you and matty would not want to come north to go south. Maybe I'm wrong, so:

I'm calling a 6.45 meet for 7am breakfast at my place - enough time for breakfast and to be on the road by 8am. We'll all fuel up together at kirawee or similar.

so fellow WSBKers from Syd, what you all think of being at Bar Italia this Thursday for a chat?

Don't think I can make this one as I have to assemble the desmo by Friday  [thumbsup]

Be an early start for Nemo,But I'm not fussed . We could even stop At Maca's for a coffee [puke] and some pancakes just up from my place there is also a servo there for fuel  [thumbsup]

Will try to make Thursday night, but 7am at your place ? That's 6:15 on the bike for me....I need more sleep!!




See you there !

I'm gonna ignore that comment

Not an early one really, and Nemo is cool with it!

Really, I'm cool to meet where-ever, but I'll having  [coffee]  at home prior to meeting up for fuel.
Anyone who want to join me is welcome  [thumbsup]

Where is MonsterMick when you need his one liner about the concrete  ;D

Ok Im cool with that whats cooking   ;D

place your order  8)

as long as it's pretty quick, we can do anything

 [coffee] oink ! oink ! cluck ! cluck !

no problems, that's what I was planning.

Shall I bring a tea bag! Because as you know I don't drink  [coffee]
It'll be a small commute with morning traffic, but  [bacon] will be worth it.

Okay - I've had a slow day trying to get info on the roads. 

Spoke to some guy at VicRoads who sounded like I'd just woke him up (or he took too much ADHD meds).  But when he called back this arvo and we got talking about bikes he was okay.  So his info was that part of the road (Warburton to Woods point - Reefton spur) is closed and will be for some time. He also said fires out in Gippsland area so plan B is fine.

Spoke to barmaid at Woods Point pub who said the road is dirt from Kevington to big river turnoff (Reefton Spur) about 100kms but it's good dirt road and they get roadies through there all the time. And no fire threat at present.

So looks like we made the right decision re Alpine Hwy.  I would still like to ride the Mansfield - Woods Point rd sometime in the future if anyone else wants to give it a go. G??

Nick can you pm me phone numbers and Jindy address please. Do I need sleeping bag, towel things like that?

Great minds think alike....pinged Nick on that same Q today...

I will send you a PM with all the details....

Re linen, I'm sure that I've asked that to be included. To be honest, the PI accom is finalised, but I was waiting on the final route to confirm the others...

Jindy (my family place) has linen from memory, but you will perhaps need a towel. I'm thinking of packing a small travel towel, as Mostro is bringing the grandaddy bike, I assume that he's got the optional BMW drying rack attached so we can ensure the towels are dry....

I'll get onto it tommorrow to firm up the remaining loose ends..

Indeed...I got one of those collapsible Hills Hoists and put wheels on the bottom of it. Mind need some extra strong pegs for the towels though...

Is it heated? I'm sure it is being a BMW, cause they know how to charge for options.

It's got potential once everything settles down up that way.

It would be good to catch up with the group at the Island. I'll be down for the weekend and perhaps can give you some routes to go back via...

Cheers,
G

G, I'll PM you some numbers and the address of our residence on PI!

heated grips, but they come standard....
yeah, they charge like wounded bulls, but I guess so does Ducati compared to the Jap manufacturers.

and bling from Rizoma and others is available too, so needless to say, my credit card is getting a work out between the 2....only live once !

 [thumbsup] 8)

OK, all accom finalised - lined will be there at all locations, I'm bringing a travel towel anyways...
I'll shoot you all the details later tonight...

So I've been looking at the forecast this morning..

Chance of showers on Tues out of Syd... not a big deal

Looks like we'll have fine weather on PI for the whole time..... good news.

rain on the trip = not a problem. Rain at the track would be more of a bummer..

whos excited, that would be me   [thumbsup] ;D

Woohoo a good weather forcast for Philliip Island- that's great.  Your voodoo isn't working Bazz.

I've been to 2 GP's at PI at different times of the year and both times there was one day out of the four where the weather was ordinary so I'm still gonna be prepared for it.  Always a bonus if it doesn't happen.

Excited?  hmn will be on Monday morning when I knock off work to go on leave.

I'll be ready this afternoon after the bike service.
Shall we get an early start.

Service done.

Settle.... Settle....
all in good time....  [moto] [moto]

OK, details sent to people's email accounts.

I think we're all a little excited.
I rode the bike to work today, it's only 5kms, but hey it was worth it!!

http://www.crash.net/World+Superbikes/News/143219/1/phillip_island_test_-_saturday_times.html (http://www.crash.net/World+Superbikes/News/143219/1/phillip_island_test_-_saturday_times.html)

Phillip Island World Superbike unofficial testing times - Saturday

1. Max Neukirchner GER Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1min 32.5secs
2. Michel Fabrizio ITA Ducati Xerox 1098RS 1min 32.7secs
3. Yukio Kagayama JPN Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1min 32.7secs
4. Jonathan Rea GBR Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 1min 32.9secs
5. Noriyuki Haga JPN Ducati Xerox 1098RS 1min 33.0secs
6. Tom Sykes GBR Yamaha YZF-R1 1min 33.2secs
7. Ben Spies USA Yamaha YZF-R1 1mmin 33.3secs
8. Carlos Checa ESP Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 1min 33.3secs
9. Troy Corser AUS BMW S1000RR 1min 33.8secs
10. Ryuichi Kiyonari JPN Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 1min 34.0secs
11. Ruben Xaus ESP BMW S1000RR 1min 34.3secs

big bang R1's are a little off the pace, as are the beemers.

granted, it's early days, but it looks like this year may very well be a corker!

the Editor is in the house....

Sounds like too much fun. Now THAT's a ride. Can anyone do a google map on the ride? Would love to see some detail of the roads and of course some photos!
Thanks,
RED

Very much looking forward to it, the racing and the ride to and from.
And of course there will be pics of the whole journey.  ;)

Matty, congrats on having one of the nicest M O N S T E R S evah! Sweet color combo.

Okay bike is fuelled, lubed, checked in shed ready to go.  My riding gear is ..... spread all over the lounge   [laugh] maps printed, numbers in phone, packed - almost. And I even remembered to pack my ticket.   [clap]

Now just have to go to work for the night  :( and sleep in the morning (if I can) and then I'm off  [moto] ;D [moto]

See some of ya in Jindy on Tuesday and the rest of ya at THE ISLAND.  [beer]

H

Of course! There's been some big fires here, which caused us to change our plans slightly, and we're going to miss a couple of awesome roads because of it, but still It's going to be an awesome trip. Just under 3000kms of some of the best roads in the country...
Here's the planning maps, which are pretty much accurate. Whether or not we follow these to the letter, we'll tell you when we're finished!


Sydney to Phillip Island

DAY 1 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Ramsgate+Rd&daddr=Sir+Bertram+Stevens+Dr,+Audley+NSW+2232,+Australia+to:Sir+Bertram+Stevens+Dr+to:Princes+Hwy+to:-34.660322,150.490723+to:Princes+Hwy,+Australia+to:-36.414237,148.620687&hl=en&geocode=FSpr-f0dBlECCQ%3B%3BFRUH9_0dQQ8BCQ%3BFViB9v0djYv_CA%3B%3B%3BFeNc1P0dj8XbCA&mra=dpe&mrcr=1&mrsp=4&sz=10&via=2,3,4&sll=-34.732584,150.331421&sspn=0.848702,1.779785&ie=UTF8&ll=-35.146863,148.677979&spn=6.753459,14.238281&z=7)

DAY 2 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Kosciusko+Rd&daddr=-36.079627,147.309494+to:Wodonga+to:Prince+St,+Myrtleford+VIC+3737,+Australia+to:Great+Alpine+Rd,+VIC,+Australia+to:Great+Alpine+Rd,+VIC,+Australia+to:Great+Alpine+Rd,+VIC,+Australia+to:-36.73118,146.970978&hl=en&geocode=FcJY1P0dprbbCA%3B%3B%3B%3B%3B%3B%3BFdSGz_0dYpnCCA&mra=dme&mrcr=0,1&mrsp=1&sz=11&sll=-36.064087,147.599258&sspn=0.417402,0.889893&ie=UTF8&ll=-36.408021,146.991577&spn=3.324347,7.119141&z=8)

DAY 3 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Great+Alpine+Rd&daddr=Great+Alpine+Rd+to:Stratford+Bengworden+Rd+to:-38.651198,146.464233+to:Woolamai+Beach+Rd+to:-38.528046,145.341268&hl=en&geocode=FVDEz_0dXPzBCA%3BFbjbw_0drsTPCA%3BFXIkvP0druDHCA%3B%3B%3BFdIbtP0dVLupCA&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=3&sz=8&via=1,2,3&sll=-37.800255,146.61542&sspn=3.263795,7.119141&ie=UTF8&z=8)

Phillip Island to Sydney

DAY 1 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Golden+Sands+Rd&daddr=Bass+Hwy+to:yarram+to:Princes+Hwy+to:-36.93233,149.238281+to:-37.094622,149.771118+to:Eden+NSW,+Australia&hl=en&geocode=FeQbtP0dUrupCA%3BFU65tP0dpMiyCA%3B%3BFUbVvv0dHLnMCA%3B%3BFSL7yf0dblPtCA%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=3,4&mrsp=4&sz=7&sll=-36.980191,147.992684&sspn=6.598581,14.238281&ie=UTF8&z=7)

DAY 2 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Eden+NSW,+Australia&daddr=Princes+Hwy+to:Bungendore+NSW,+Australia+to:Sydney+Rd+to:marulan+to:-33.943645,150.943909&hl=en&geocode=%3BFYYC3v0dGv7yCA%3B%3BFe7L7f0dzPzsCA%3B%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=3&mrsp=5&sz=12&ie=UTF8&z=7)

Safe travels H and see you in Jindy  [thumbsup]

I'm sleeping on my bike tonight and tomorrow night  ;D

who's excited  ;D

You lucky sons of beaches, you get to go a day earlier than me, I rang me mate who is organising our ride and he is still at work until 7:00 pm, bugger, all I know is that we are staying at Bombala Wednesday night.

Got the panniers fitted, showed the wife, and she wants to know where the rest of the luggage system is ?
Err.... thats it darl.... if it dont fit it dont go, anyway, I'm busting to get going. Hope I see you on the road if not then at the Island it will be.






                                       Mmick

Well, hope all you guys have a great time and ride SAFE. I will be thinking of ya  [moto] [thumbsup] 

Can someone whack me with a 4x2 and wake me on Tuesday morning  ;D

i'll do it for you

Hmm dont know about  that Jukie .Im thinking of the things you may do while im out cold  :o  [cheeky]

hhhmmm it will be fun, i will enjoy it, and so will you I promise, and i wont hurt except for the knock out part. [evil]

What !? Only a 4 x 2, whats wrong with the good old phone book and a length of water pipe ??



                              Mmick - not long to go now !!

9 hours or so, but who the feck is counting ?  [thumbsup] [moto]

gee you guys are ya getting a bit more excited now  [moto]

hey Jukie,

I'm too tired to be excited, but I'm now finished work and one ore sleep and then  [moto]
 [thumbsup]

I saw a group of riders heading south on Pennant Hills Road this morning around 7am. Must have been 20 or so at least.
Lucky buggers. I'm off to northern QLD again where it's raining and stinking hot. Man its easy to hate your job.

Have a great trip guys!

Thanks and

Look at the time  :o

Looking forward to catching up with the group at PI. :D

Day one done. In Jindy talking crap about the great day.
Fog coming up Brown Mtn pretty hairy for a few k's.
Planning the day tomorrow looking forward to another great
Day riding with the group.

Cheers
Matty

keep us posted Matty and have a safe ride guys

day two

What a ride out of Jindy on the Alpine Way!
Twisty no much leaf litter at all smile all across
The visor then headed to another brillisnt road
Granya road not very long but what a great set of twisty's.

Now in Bright and heading to PI tomorrow thinking
There will more bikes on the road and most likely a few cops
cause we've only seen 2 so far.

Cheers
Matty

All the racing is done the Duc's did the job well.
Max crashed when he ran out of suspension! Or broke the tyres
Poor Max but yabgotta give someone shit.
It's gonna take you all days to look through flickr after we get back.

can't wait to see all the gang together, you guys are unlucky you wont get to see what i got up to on Saturday

Everybody is heading home as of 10.30ish at the Shell servo in Cowes. I walked around Cowes and the track all weekend with the "old" DMLaugh T shirt on and never even got an approach .  [roll]

And then as I ride into the servo to fuel up for the trip home I get "mugged" by a rowdy bunch (Not you H. ;D )
shoving cards at me.  [laugh]
Did you lot have a competition on card handeroutering?? Was great to put some faces to the names though, even if it a case of gidday-see ya.  :(

Top racing, cops giving people the shits over fender eliminators, fines and photographs, but a fairly quiet weekend compared to last years. Economy?? Maybe but the traders were saying its very short on $$ takings for the weekend. Lots of day trippers.

Ran into Tardozzi and the gang in the Tex Mex last night along with the Yamaha team, and we had that Bayliss fella staying across the road from us. I think the Restaurant staff had to throw the pissed and singing/partying bunch of Italians out so they could go home.  [thumbsup]  [wine]  [bow_down]

Now to get my liver and kidneys to talk to me again!  [evil]  [beer]  [drink]  ;)

glad you guys had a good time

I rode out with the guys on part of the backroads route through Victoria that I'd suggested. We stopped for coffee at a Cafe cum Quilters-haberdashery shop  in Mirboo North and afterwards parted ways.
It was great fun.

Can't really say how much fun it was.
Trip was great roads were pretty good all the way, didn't even have a heart stopping  [leo] moment.

Make sure you set aside an afternoon to view the photos when I collate and get them on flickr.

What a blast! Great fun all the way. Was really good to catch up with a few of the crew at various places and good on Heather for putting up with us bunch of foodie-talking bikers!  [bacon] [popcorn] [wine]

Definitely a good bunch of people to travel with.

The Sherpa

glad to have you guys home and safe. cant wait for the pics

Steph and I got back this arvo safe and sound.  OMFG! Riding down to PI was the funnest thing I've done for a long time. Attendance at Phillip Island for a bike race is *Highly* recommended.

It was good to catch up with all the Monster folk down there! I'm sure lots of interesting stories and photos will be posted over the next couple of days. I'll  post more shenanigans and some pics tomorrow, right now I am having a beer and going to bed.

In the meantime, this made me laugh:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3325475896_b9f661e407.jpg?v=0)


p.s. Scones?!? I mean COME ON lads!

Damn I have to start cooking for myself again  :P

Was great meeting everybody.  Looking forward to doing it again (when my waistline has recovered!!)  [wine]

Some of the country roads G showed me would be good for next time - still had to do a bit of hwy due to fires.

hope the guys looked after you Heather like they told me they would, glad you had a great time and hopefully we will meet up someday.

we did our best !??   [roll]

Heather was most tolerant and we only waited briefly for her on 1 morning only !!!  ;)

sets a good pace too !!

we were promised that they were frshly baked THAT morning!!! how could we say no ???.....not like some bikers that came through earlier and were freezing cold! I mean, it's summer !

That's right - what goes on tour......

shit! I hope you touched wood, or spun three times and chanted a mantra or something...... lets hope no one gets a love letter in the mail from the popo...


There is no "the". There is only Sherpa.

The pics will tell a story


Great week away! Good roads, good company, good racing, lots of laughs and great memories.


So official DMF head count that managed to meet up at various stages...

Matty
Dock
Mostro
GoldFiSh
Heather
G
MMick
Craigo & Steph
Dragon and Mylittleduc
Spider
J C
Mr Black.
and some dude from the US that matty ran into...

there may have been more, but that's my take on it - 15... not bad people  [clap]

all I can say is that they were awesome, and suck shit for not being as  8) as us  ;D

and what's with the freezing thing? We set off this morning at 6am and we managed to man up and not whine about the cold  8)  [cheeky]

On our way home, I took Heather to Metro Ducati in Ringwood and I noticed a sms that began with: "Msg from Vic Police:..."

Initially, it sent a shiver down my spine...

I read down further: "Extreme weather in Vic expected Mon night & Tues. High wind & fire risk. Listen to local ABCRadio for emergency updates. Do not reply to this"

I wonder whether any of you fellows received this although you may well have crossed the border by 2.30pm yesterday.

I hope that you enjoyed the back roads route that I suggested. :)

We all got it. I think they pinged everyone who was in the area. bloody good idea, but I know what you mean about seeing an SMS from the Vic police...

Oh and yes, the back route was great, thanks for all your help G.

If I could speak about things on tour I might be tempted to mention something about taking every opportunity to fill up when its presented. But I cannot speak of that.

And no one is to mention arancini. wait. did I type that out loud??

hmn - what happens away stays away?  [roll]

Yeah they looked after me in their own way.   [thumbsup]

The pics will reveal.

Yep lots of fun on the road out, got to 306k on the trip meter and I thought that I'd better put some fuel in, got that same message from vic  [leo] but now the real trip begins, gosh I wish I could post up some piccies







                             Mmick

Spotted this on the road outside of Cowes on PI on Saturday evening. To say the least it attracted a fair bit of attention:

 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQV3uSrt4mc)

It's a Y2K (well, that's what it said on it's badge anyway). It's a motorbike powered by a jet frikkin engine. It sounds amazing and smells like avgas. Children were crying, Dogs were howling and bike nuts of all shapes and size were salivating at this thing.





Yeah really I'm just jealous about the scones (still). If they were as good as the coffee was they would have been a winner. I just thought it would be too much to ask for nice coffee and good food in a quilting shoppe. :P

It was a bit of a revelation. The "Jasper's" coffee bean sign (read Brunswick/Smith Street groover) gave it away. On most rides through there, a beeline was made for the Grand Ridge Brewery. lol

Snaps are up folks go to the new portal and hit the new OzMonsters flickr page, lots to look through.
Hope you like em.
This was a small highlight for me.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/3326418139_c9214c28fe.jpg?v=0)

Matty, I'm not sure what you mean when you are referring to the new portal: is that ozmonsters.org?
TIA

You know what that means Matty - time for a new one.   [laugh]

Good work getting the pics up so fast.  Will take a while to view all. 

Didn't realise Spider was so hungry that he snorted that Banana crepe.



G
Yep go to the ozmonster.org portal.  The photo gallery tab only becomes visible after logging in.

H

H, thanks for that.   :D  G

yep something new on the way Heather.
We'll see what happens in the coming weeks/months.
Glad you got home safe and well and that your time with the Italian food and cooking touring party didn't get to you too much.

And you thought all you'd be doing was talking about bikes/bikes/bikes. In fact did we talk about bikes much?
Hope you enjoy the photos, still have Ivans to add in the next few days.

cheers.
Matty...

Don't remember bikes getting mentioned at all really.  Too many other subjects covered with one main recurrig theme.   [coffee] [popcorn] [bacon] [coffee] [laugh]

Did you find wog boy yet  ???

Once again great pics Matty.....  [thumbsup]

You alllll look like you had just too much fun...... Might have to come join you allllll on one of these little runs...  ;D  [moto]

If you'll have me. The little old man who only rides his sugar bike o Sunday's.... [cheeky]  [coffee]

you not a little old man. you have the best LEGS every Trev and now i will have to kiss them next time instead of humping them

Must admitt that it is a change from being the humper to the humpie.......  ;D  ;D [bacon]

No  :( :(

Give me a chance. I'm too busy getting ready for the folk fest and don't think I'll find one round this red neck town. 

I'm in training tho as I am attempting to make fagioli tonight for dinner.

Uh oh taking bout food again.  [bang]

No probs Big T.  We'll just call every day of the ride... Sunday.   ;D

Great idea. Works for me......  [thumbsup]  [moto]

I've scrubbed my photos and uploaded the reasonable ones to my Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigeaux/). I think I took 300+ bike shots on the track and I reckon about 30 (if I'm lucky) pass muster. It's hard frikkin work, my good shot to crap shot ratio is 10-1 :) 


If nothing else the photos give you a sense of how very close you actually are to the action at PI, especially in the BarSBK tents. I sat on Siberia for almost two days out of three in a total state of shock and awe  [popcorn]

Know what you mean Craig.
I was so happy to be so close to the track, tried and tried to shoot the bikes but was frustrated with my little G7
for the first time, I did get some reasonable snaps but would love to have had one of my other toys to shoot with.

Anyways all our snaps are up, shanaigans included just gotta get The Sherpa's (Ivan's) snaps to add as there with be explaination
snaps from his camera.

Snaps from Ivan now on flickr.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3337140472_5586acc0d1.jpg?v=0)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3337141824_5ccb564896.jpg?v=0)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/3337144498_dc9846188a.jpg?v=0)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3336322639_3d4ff562fe.jpg?v=0)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3336322747_0aab01bb10.jpg?v=0)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/3336315525_8118576a8c.jpg?v=0)

Nice work with all the photos peoples.

Question though Matty: just how ripped were you when you were cooking that barbie?

don't drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs.
all BBQ smoke and mirrors.

Passive can be just as harmful ... I hope you didn't try and ride in that state  [cheeky]

No riding was done in any state other than fully sober.  [thumbsup]
Mind you there was a bit of  [coffee] drunk by the chaps, some good though mostly  [bang] from what I saw.

+1.

When I got home Mostro and I impatiently waited for the espresso machine to warm up so we could have the first decent espresso in a week (with the exclusion of Mostro's mocca pot of course!)
 

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3326482375_c6a8e96301_o.jpg)


(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3336801863_b7d8c9b08a.jpg?v=0)

I really can't talk because I also do not have a Desmo hat.

Bastid ! :'(

the that's a really nice picture, really caught my eye....the white sr4s in the back there! looks great!

who is the young lady? and how much was she paid to stand with you fellas?

the Rs was the one for sale that was there all weekend.... with the "nakid" vic plate.. I think it's been on ebay....

the young lady is steph, aka Rad, aka Craigo's better half aka proud 696 owner and rider!

Heh, heh, heh!! Throw a bucket of  "COLD" water on Spider.  [thumbsup]

Mr Randy Hormones himself.  ;D  [cheeky]

over the S4Rs perhaps......but only when they are white  [thumbsup]

quite controlled otherwise mate!

I saw the blokes....you saw the blokes.....there wasn't much chance a random woman was going to ask for a photo with them....and those hats!

Gotta admit, the red stripe on white is a fave colour scheme !  [thumbsup]

Wont show the dirt like the bloody black does !  [roll]  :(

Final PI SBK post from me. I promise ;)

Handheld point and shoot cam vid of the crazy trick bikes between races on Sunday. It's shakey and poorly edited 'cause I'm new to this whole video creation thang, but you should get the drift.

trix (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-jCtbYXF4g#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)

Funniest thing was, the marshall at the end got the loudest cheers :)

Craig that's a cracker.
The marshall is excellent, can you imagine if he'd had a moment!
What a cheer he would of got then.