Ladies and Gentleman
The 2017 FJowners Australian Rally March 11th 2017
The recently refurbished Grand Hotel Esk is our venue for this a night of mischief.
As usual the festivities will kick of on Friday night as the riders gather and partake of refreshments.
Saturday will see the bikes line up for the Rally photo shoot.
Then a meandering ride through the ranges with the mighty FJ fleet snaking its way along.
Things will hot up on Saturday night with the awards and the one and only FJ raffle.
Come one come all to the amazing and fabulous
AUSTRALIAN YAMAHA FJ ANNUAL RALLY.
Accommodation can be had at:
The Grand Hotel Esk" (07) 5424 1141
ESK Wivenhoe Motor Inn
Phone:(07) 5424 1677
A visit to Australia is high on my bucket list. I'll have to make sure it's around the annual Fj rally. Have fun ride safe.
Ok. Try again after my last stuff up. :Facepalm:
Hi All.
Well it's now less than two weeks to the rally. Feeling excited. My room is booked and got a confirmation call from the pub yesterday. My bike is about as ready as will ever be. Can't wait to catch up with the FJ crew. See you all soon
Mark
The Australian rally is well underway. Enjoy guys.
I got this photo of the rally shirt, getting them around the world came down to a time crunch.
Randy - RPM
Well the Rally is done and dusted and being my first one I've gotta say i had a lot of fun. Met a few more members and finally got to meet Noel and Arnie and have to say Noel in person is the complete opposite to what you might think and Arnie is also a nice bloke to boot. Weather was perfect though still a bit hot and the venue looking good set amongst a picturesk (gettit) mountain backdrop.
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/IMG_20170310_144506_zpsoqmfrity.jpg)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/IMG_20170310_144652_zpszvchn3pc.jpg)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/IMG_20170310_144715_zpswfwh61nm.jpg)
I was a bit slack and only managed to capture a part of the line up in front of the Hotel but I think I got most in the line up behind the pub.
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/IMG_20170311_080107_zpsot0ujhj0.jpg)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/IMG_20170311_080121_zpsbzg2ek4q.jpg)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/IMG_20170311_081638_zps3mdnppbn.jpg)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/IMG_20170311_081619_zpspgjboj4n.jpg)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/IMG_20170311_081737_zpsfo36oexf.jpg)
The new Rally shirts were a big hit where most people bought one and have to say they look great.
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/IMG_20170310_185905_zpsshlpoxod.jpg)
Some of the crowd.
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/IMG_20170310_185746_zpsynnm21ta.jpg)
Two Doug's, a General and a bald one you might recognize.
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/IMG_20170310_185850_zpspsphhddk.jpg)
Bit of confusion at the start where riders took off at different times but we all eventually ended up at the designated lunch stop. After lunch some of the group went a different way back, with us stopping at Lake Cressbrook for a break and check out some camping spots.
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/IMG_20170311_150940_zps4xudmn7h.jpg)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/IMG_20170311_150724_zpsdaydvolc.jpg)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/IMG_20170311_150811_zpstj7zgts3.jpg)
No pics for the Raffle or awards night as we had to content with the local karoke night that had some woeful singing. but I managed to win a chook in the awards that I understand according to legend has to be attached to the bike on the way home and if presented at next years Rally will receive a free beer.
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/IMG_20170312_075826_zpsjcxwx96p.jpg)
Overall it was a great weekend and look forward to the next one.
Looks like the weather was good and quite a good turnout, wish I could've got there.
Gotta love that chook raffle, now all you have to do is remember where you put the chook when you get home,
Or leave it strapped to your bike until then. :yes:
Thanks for posting your photos, made me feel like I was there :good2:
Nice photos Tony, now make sure you can get some time off next year so you can ride to Mudgee with us
The rally was excellent as usual. Loved the shirts, thanks Randy, and I appreciate the hard work put in be the organisers. Here is a link to a little video (under 9 minutes) of the ride from my perspective.
https://youtu.be/0hZKW7LXNGc
Mark
Quote from: Urban_Legend on March 13, 2017, 11:04:51 PM
The rally was excellent as usual. Loved the shirts, thanks Randy, and I appreciate the hard work put in be the organisers. Here is a link to a little video (under 9 minutes) of the ride from my perspective.
https://youtu.be/0hZKW7LXNGc
Mark
Great Video Mark,
Made me feel that I was there, my daughter said it was Weird seeing so many Red & White FJ's together instead of just 1 in the garage.
How do you get time to put all this together and with captions, music? (I do mean How and with what)
Its usually the bit after The Pub that you should miss so the Coppers don't have any evidence.
My video didn't ended with "Thanks to Pete , you are a"..... What is Pete, is there a second part to this video.
I do have to really try getting to these so I could get a T shirt.
Cheers Alan
Is there a second part
Hi Alan
How do you get time to put all this together and with captions, music? (I do mean How and with what)
I use the good old Windows Movie Maker. Took about 2 hours to do.
My video didn't ended with "Thanks to Pete , you are a"..... What is Pete, is there a second part to this video.
I stuffed up on font size there. Was meant to read..."Thanks Pete (OLDKTMDUDE), you are a bloody legend"
For the shirt. Contact Richard ( RoverFJ1200) .He has a few XL size left.
Mark
Well another Rally done, well that's my second one :yahoo: and looking forward to Mudgee next year (already looking at the way to get there and camping as well).
It's also great with the social events as well, with a great bunch of people.
We were lucky with the weather as a storm went through Goombungee and Esk doing a lot of damage along the way on Tuesday morning.
Top shirt Richard and thank you for all the hard work done by you and others to make it such a great event.
Keep the shiny side up and looking forward to seeing you all next time.
Shane :drinks: :wacko3:
G'day everyone, Alf and I arrived home (safe but damp) this afternoon about 5pm. We covered 4,145 kms of some fantastic roads whilst away. Thanks to all who made the effort to attend. A special thanks to Ray for a great Rally Ride on Saturday, I know how much thought and planning goes into getting a good ride. Richard and Darran did a great job (as usual) with the presentations, although very hard to hear at times, due to the competition from the karaoke racket.
Due to the great hospitality of Julie and Richard, we were treated to Dougies' special coffee and tea-cake morning tea and a great ride through some more fantastic mountain roads, led by Darran (who apparently was too sick to attend work but summoned the strength to spend the morning leading us all over the hills).
On the way home we stopped at Mudgee to check out the venue for next year. It should be a good one. We also went through great pain and hardship to ride most of the 2018 Rally Route, I don't think anyone will be disappointed.
Regards, Pete. Roll on 2018! :drinks:
New rules should apply, anyone who drives a Renault Kolios with a wonky GPS should get the top award, these wossies riding a FJ cruisers should not get any awards.
Glad to see the old gang at ESK even though my bike was still in Perth. Arnie how did you survive the ride back to Brissy as a clump weight for Doug?
Thanks Pete, probably a couple of things we could have done better with the ride, but I was happy how it turned out. I originally though Esk? What's around Esk? But we found some interesting roads which was good. I mentioned in another post that on the Sunday a couple of Harley riders let us know the constabulary had thought of our safety and had put a camera in about the same spot that you and Alf blasted past me in the 60 zone going up Esk-Hampton Road, lol. 60 along there??, unbelievable .
I tell you what, one of the big surprises of the rally was me turning around on the Saturday night at the hotel and there was John (Bozo) standing there! I kid you not, I thought I was hallucinating. Mate, that was so good to see you there and even better you are going to be Brisbane based for 6 months. I see a few day trips coming up when your FJ arrives
Quote from: oldktmdude on March 16, 2017, 04:22:20 AM
On the way home we stopped at Mudgee to check out the venue for next year. It should be a good one. We also went through great pain and hardship to ride most of the 2018 Rally Route, I don't think anyone will be disappointed.
Regards, Pete. Roll on 2018! :drinks:
What is the Venue for Mudgee? or where you just checking Mudgee itself out to see what's there?
Cheers Alan
G'day Alan, we were checking out a venue that we have stayed at several times in the past. It has recently been refurbished, should be a great venue. There may be one or two other contenders for the Rally venue so the announcement won't be made just yet. I know the area very well as I lived in that area back in the early/mid eighties. Great place to spend a few days.
Regards, Pete.
Quote from: oldktmdude on March 16, 2017, 04:22:20 AM
......We also went through great pain and hardship to ride most of the 2018 Rally Route....
Bloody decent of you Pete to take one for the team like that!
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on March 18, 2017, 06:47:14 AM
Quote from: oldktmdude on March 16, 2017, 04:22:20 AM
......We also went through great pain and hardship to ride most of the 2018 Rally Route....
Bloody decent of you Pete to take one for the team like that!
Noel
You know how it is mate, somebody's got to do it. How was your ride? Sorry I didn't get to say goodbye to you on Sunday morning. Thanks for making the effort to attend. With the way it went on the weekend, I didn't get much of a chance to talk to you. Next time!
Regards, Pete. :drinks:
Quote from: oldktmdude on March 18, 2017, 06:10:31 AM
I know the area very well as I lived in that area back in the early/mid eighties. Great place to spend a few days.
Regards, Pete.
G'day Pete
It is a Great place, a good mates parents moved up there in the late 70's and built a big barn to house their caravans in while they built their house out near Frog Rock.
So we'd be out there every couple of weekends, it was a tough ride early as all I had was a XL250.
We were still going there til the mid 80's, we might have even bumped into you as some stage.
Haven't been there for some years, might take a trip via Bathurst, Sofala to Mudgee.
Cheers Alan
Thanks X Ray, can't wait to get the FJ here for some rides, I'm getting tired of opened the door to stick my foot out on my Kolios when going around corners.
:Facepalm:
Quote from: Bozo on March 19, 2017, 03:52:19 AM
Thanks X Ray, can't wait to get the FJ here for some rides, I'm getting tired of opened the door to stick my foot out on my Kolios when going around corners.
:Facepalm:
Quote from: Bozo on March 19, 2017, 03:52:19 AM
........I'm getting tired of opened the door to stick my foot out on my Kolios when going around corners.
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/6d/27/ca/6d27ca4afdaf83bedb6fa73bf11a34c7.jpg)
Noel
If it wasn't for the car colour I swear you took a photo of me going to the rally. The only problem is................where are the cops?
It's not often my bike needs an oil change less than a week after the last one but last week this was the case, 5186 km to the rally and back in 6 days. This would have been fine had I not chosen the most mountainous, twisty roads I could find.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3940/33495379782_299046b4b8_c.jpg)
(http://theclimbingcyclist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Victorian-Alps-Trip-Dec-10-195.jpg)
Going wide is not an option on these roads unless you're wearing a parachute
Average speeds are low on these roads and lead to a few very long days and more night riding than I was comfortable with (that would be any night riding these days). There was not a single road travelled that didn't have enough roo carcasses lining it to remind me of the wisdom in this. I saw enough through the day that couldn't tell the time as it was. Then there's deer, wombats, brumbys, emus, wandering sheep and cattle and rock falls. Even cute cuddly Koala's can be found just sitting in the middle of the road at night, and they don't scamper off, they just sit there. I have previously stopped and removed them from the road, this is something only a motorcyclist wearing head to toe protective clothing should attempt - cuddly my arse!
The ride over Australia's highest mountain takes a steep, forested climb from any direction.....
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2810/32809260194_ec4b715f55_c.jpg)
Snow gums above the snow line.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2835/32838470533_69d4ed1547_b.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2847/33550150631_b2c4460a7b_c.jpg)
...and is rewarded at the top by a plateau with roads like I have never found elsewhere. !00mph + corners one after the other on billiard table smooth roads. Sort of like ascending into motorcycle heaven.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2888/33268058690_eb0702c1f1_c.jpg)
I didn't know it was even possible to engineer roads this smooth and the treeless, tundra-like landscape affording views right through the sweepers and of the road well ahead. Klavdy was in awe of these roads when he wrote about them a while back, and he's been around.
In the first 6 hrs riding that day I saw two caravans, one truck and handful of hydro electric service vehicles, that's it, I virtually had it to myself. No Police car is going to patrol a road with so little traffic.
Google maps made it possible to plan a great route almost entirely on secondary roads and having set the GPS to "shortest" rather than "fastest" and letting it have its head, it took me on some wonderful roads that I doubt you would even find on a statewide map, let alone consider taking them.
Allowing the GPS to have its way added another level of adventure to the trip. I knew where I would end up but how I got there was a mystery only revealed at the time, turn by turn.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2844/33651893375_2a287e1510_c.jpg)
This is an example of where it took me when I was expecting a leg of 4 lane interstate. I rode this for several hours and never did get back to the highway.
The daily distance target allowed little time for photos and no time for breakdowns. I carried my usual kit of spare ignition box, one coil and leads, fuel pump, puncture kit, compressor and enough tools to build a lunar landing module by the side of the road.
However, I had not counted on this.
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(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2838/33477565026_4acebdd381_c.jpg)
I happened to be looking at my instruments when the remote pressure sensor updated, 41psi, good. Just as I looked away the warning light started to flash and a second later I could feel the bars getting heavy.
By the time I stopped the tyre was dead flat. There is some dispute with the fitter over whether it was replaced with the last tyre change (which it should have been), but even if it wasn't, it's only a year old! With the remote tyre monitor I do not physically check my pressures and only handle the valve when adding air and that would only be a couple of times at most. Even then I always support it from the back. The tyre guy tells me he gets them from Italy and they are not Chinese junk. This could have been a disaster in so many places I had ridden the last few days. Geez, it could have been a disaster 5 seconds earlier!
I taped it up with magic tape and carefully inflated it to 20 psi, this stemmed the pressure loss to about 1 psi/min. I rode to the next town on the side of the road at about 60kph.
A chance meeting with a helpful local found a bike shop prepared to fix after hours on a Friday night. He not only did so, but did it cheerfully. Despite being at least my age and having worked on bikes all day long for most of his life, he still had a passion for them and among many of his own bikes in his shop was a BMW he bought new in '73 and had covered 800,000km on. By 7.30 he had finished and charged me the princely sum of $40 - including a metal stem. Good man.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3898/32611159694_7da171b9c3_c.jpg)
A first time event I hope never to repeat, my bike in someone else's workshop.
I now had 200km of roo country to ride through in the dark. Being the first proper ride of any distance with my auxiliary lights, I could not believe just how good they are. It's like riding in a ball of daylight. I took little comfort in the knowledge that I could to describe in detail the roo that took me out should I be that unlucky.
I arrived at the rally venue at 10.30 pm to a suitably "primed" gathering. Doug (the General) had worked his charm on the hotel staff and had a hot meal waiting for me. Being the gentleman he is, he had kept his meal on hold as well so I wouldn't be dining alone. I salute you General.
Delayed by a couple of phone calls, I missed the start of the rally ride next morning and Doug texted the details to me. I did several hundred Km's, never found them until lunch and ended up here.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2867/33361673522_10a49c51f4_c.jpg)
Perhaps I should have paid him back for the meal on the night.
FJ camaraderie was on show everywhere. Marks bike failed to proceed on the return ride after lunch and Richard had it back a rally HQ on a flat top before some of the riders had even arrived. A team of experts, with Pete at the helm, swung into action, tools in one hand beer in the other (is there any other way) and had it running again in no time fixing a problem that certainly would have stopped the bike in it's tracks at some stage in the very near future and most likely in far less convenient circumstances.
When about to order dinner I became aware that I had lost the one credit card I travel with. Troy immediately paid for my dinner and helped me look for my card. When it appeared it would not be found, he offered me one of his to travel home on and of course Doug's catering arrangement the night before and no doubt many other examples I am unaware of, great folks one and all.
This is the spirit of FJdom.
It was great to see so many wives and partners turn up, proving that FJ riders good taste is not limited to their choice of bike and it was good to meet members with whom I have been corresponding for years but never met and to catch up with those I had. The weekend was not long enough and there were some I didn't even get to meet and I would have liked more time to spend with everybody.
Knowing the pitfall of the Sunday breakfast, I forced myself to bypass it and head straight off as I had a big day ahead of me and it was hot and only going to get hotter, and humid.
I consider myself the luckiest attendee as I got to ride the furtherest to get there and of all those that travelled any distance, I seem to be the only one that didn't get wet. The return trip saw me one day ahead of the weather all the way, vindicating by decision to leave early. Towns I had passed through under blue skies getting up to 3" of rain the day after.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2901/33389944931_0ea6441238_b.jpg)
This could easily have been me
I was sitting outside my motel room on my last night on the road reflecting on a magnificent few days, refreshed by a shower after another hot day in my riding gear, relaxing with a drink and enjoying the light, balmy breeze blowing over me when Mother Nature unleashed the entertainment. Magnificent thunderstorms, horizon to horizon lightning only about 20km away and a front row seat, how good does it get.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3674/33268224550_f59892a53c_c.jpg)
This was the view within 10 mins of leaving next morning and only got better
The FJ went like a beauty. Time did not allow for any prep before the trip other than an oil change. I hadn't even washed it since returning from Bermagui in November and haven't put a spanner to it for a couple of years (40k). It used only a 1 litre of oil for 5000km and has 235,000km on it and still goes like the clappers.
Thanks to everyone for a great weekend, it was too short though.
Roll on Mudgee, I already have a route planned.
Some photos from the rally.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2856/33495310332_6e4d4011c3_c.jpg)
Darren and Richard conducting the famous Rally Raffle
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3931/33611328046_d86b330589_c.jpg)
Alf having just found out the "Distance" trophy was for the longest ride, not the longest slide
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A cholesterol raising lunch being enjoyed by all on the rally ride.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2864/33616824406_5c70da3964_c.jpg)
Arnie brought a bit of FJ history (as well as the best head of hair) to the rally
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2946/32845160253_5d9775c6ee_c.jpg)
Darren lives in hope that one day he'll be quicker than the flies
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2886/32838525773_25ba268398_c.jpg)
Troy striking his best "Alex Perry" pose for the camera (Alex Perry wishes he looked this much like himself)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3762/32809200144_25c6412e6a_c.jpg)
Come to an FJ Rally they said, it'll be fun they said, it won't all be about FJ's they said..........
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3770/33611278786_52da5fe3a5_c.jpg)
About the only positive thing the govt does for motorcyclists is identify all the good roads
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3764/32838506323_b3e5d136c3_c.jpg)
You know what they say, in America they drive on the left of the road, in Australia we drive on what's left of the road.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2807/32838426193_ea851fbf00_c.jpg)
A mandatory lap of Mount Panorama. I always forget how steep it is
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2812/33617093256_bac2bb6caa_c.jpg)
More magnificent roads
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3945/33274036790_c943e73f4f_c.jpg)
The one on the left appears to be suffering from either a head injury or a fashion faux par. The one of the right, well, she looked just fine! They were in a group of about 15 riding 50's and 60's vintage bikes and one recovery vehicle, a twin cab with a trailer. Casting an eye over their bikes, they might end up drawing straws over trailer space by the end of their trip.
This was at the Grey Gum Cafe on the Putty Road as was the visor cleaning station below.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3792/32838547603_cdaefa3bbe_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2851/33495283622_a666028b4a_c.jpg)
4000km down, 1000km to go.
What a weekend, what a ride, what a bike.
Noel
Thanks for posting the great pics Noel. As far as bike shops go that was one of the cleanest I've seen.
Dave
Look like an awesome ride. Love the pictures Big R
:good2: :good2:
Very nice Noel, thanks for sharing some of your trip.
Noel, great write up, and pix of a great ride and a nice set of pix & appropriate comments about the down under rally!
Not being 'down under' I had no idea who Alex Perry is. After a quick look, I didn't realize that this famous footballer was also a FJ rider/owner and also a helicopter pilot to boot.
(http://www.sit.det.nsw.edu.au/imagine/wp-content/themes/iconix/inc/thumb.php?src=/imagine/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/p__0009_alex_perry.jpg&w=300&zc=0&q=55)
Quote from: ribbert on March 28, 2017, 08:31:15 AM
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2886/32838525773_25ba268398_c.jpg)
Troy striking his best "Alex Perry" pose for the camera (Alex Perry wishes he looked this much like himself)
Looks like a great time was had by all! Thanks for sharing.
Ed
Another fantastic write up Noel, thanks for the pics! :good2: I was waiting for the photo that had a dirt road in it, you didn't dissapoint . :bye2: Every time I see your photos I can appreciate why you prefer to ride alone ; stop where you like for photo taking, and go at your own pace. Love it!
As you said, bring on Mudgee. ( 235000kms on the FJ, I didn't know that!!)
Well done mate :good2:
Agree, fantastic write up
Great pics and entertaining write up as usual Noel. One thing you pointed out about carrying spares is no matter how prepared you think you are for the known causes, it's the little things than you never even think about that can and will catch you out. Lucky you had some tape to temporarily fix the valve stem, without it you could've been stranded for days or worse depending on where you were.
5000 km in six days??? I'm in awe of anyone who can ride those distances in that time frame because I couldn't do it. I've done 500 km day rides before where I'm glad to get off the bike and am holding my head in shame reading this because It would take me about 12 months to rack that amount up.
230,000 km, mines only done half that mileage but hopefully will look as good as yours when Ive travelled that far. Could take another 20 yrs thou.
Quote from: Bones on March 29, 2017, 07:09:32 AM
230,000 km, mines only done half that mileage but hopefully will look as good as yours when Ive travelled that far.
Tony and Ray, thanks for the comments, it was a great weekend. That post was bit misleading though, the bike has only done 165,000km, the engine has done 235,000km. It's my spare motor I fitted for "
just a few weeks" while I replaced the base gasket on my good motor. That was about four years ago. I never bothered to swap the original motor back into the bike (or for that matter, even fix it)
I should do it one day, it's a low mileage 1219 with adjustable cams, light pistons and a head job and goes very well.
Noel
Hey guys,
Any update on the 2019 rally?
George
gdfj12
Quote from: gdfj12 on June 07, 2018, 10:59:08 AM
Hey guys,
Any update on the 2019 rally?
George
gdfj12
Richard and The General are currently on holiday touring the Good Ol' USA
Here is a link to the prior information posted: http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=17741.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=17741.0)
I am sure there is more to come as it gets closer.
Randy - RPM