G'day gang,
WE ARE ON!!
All booked and organised for a Bermagui Far South Coast rally on the 25th-27th March 2022.
Awards night is on the 26th at the Bermagui Country Club https://www.bermaguicountryclub.com (https://www.bermaguicountryclub.com)
We have the auditorium booked. They have space if there is an annoying square metre rule still on.
On the Saturday there is a short and long ride option. Lunch venue is TBA.
A short walk between each accommodation spot and the Country Club (less than 300m).
Main accommodation is the Bermagui Motor Inn PH 02 6493 4311.
Room rates as follows, 2 people (twin or couple) $145, 1 person $135, 3 people $145 for three, then $20 for each person over (on top :) ). The also have a family style 5 person room but with only one bathroom, same rate as for the 3 person.
Call the number above, ask for Sue, DON'T BOOK ONLINE, quote FJ Rally. These rates are the low season rates, but we are in their peak season so this is a super discount.
They have three rooms where the bike can be on the verandah, I've arranged a marquee and permission for it in the carpark to keep bikes undercover.
No deposit required, but you must ring and book early. This is a coastal holiday destination and will book out quick.
Next accommodation is the caravan park, Bermagui Holiday Park, PH 02 6493 4382, ask for Dianne, quote FJ Rally.
They have camp space only at $40 per night.
Cabins, $117 per night, sleeps 4, $12 per person.
Superior cabins, $138 per night, sleeps 4 adults, $12 per person.
If there are 6 or more separate bookings we get a group discount of 10%.
Final accommodation is the super lux at the Bermagui Beach Hotel TBA exact details till next week.
Currently under renovation, but is a boutique pub with up market rooms, $300 per night TBA for final rates next week.
As I've said above, book early. It is the peak time of year for this town. People from all around Australia (and before COVID overseas) really do come to this town for fishing etc. at this time of year.
The weather is good, but no guarantee about rain :).
The roads for the ride day are great! Just great. Little traffic, good condition and a real mix of high and low speed corners. We'll be going coastal, country plain, hills, ridges, THE WORKS. Fantastic scenery (for those not looking deep into the next corner) and plenty of super pretty spots.
A big shout out to Alf, Greg and Pete for doing most of the work behind the scenes.
Rally shirts on the way but not sorted yet.
Troyskie
Quote from: Troyskie on September 24, 2021, 04:13:42 AM
G'day gang,
WE ARE ON!!
All booked and organised for a Bermagui Far South Coast rally on the 25th-27th March 2022.
Troyskie
Oh yeah!! God's own country.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/5690/31226839472_e6d70db3e5_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/5602/31370739125_df8311997d_b.jpg)
BermaguiGood one guys! :good2: :yahoo: :good:
Noel
Noel, does this mean I will finally get to see your FJ?
Fifth time lucky.
I'm in.
Gavin
We have 10 or so already booked.
Like I said, book quick. You won't have to leave a deposit at the moment as things are so there's no risk in booking.
Quote from: fj-f3a on September 25, 2021, 06:39:02 AM
Noel, does this mean I will finally get to see your FJ?
Fifth time lucky.
I'm in.
Gavin
Haha, maybe so Gavin,
:biggrin:
Noel
Have just booked.
Tee Shirts, polos, hoodies, etc, ready to order now from here: https://www.fjowners.theprintbar.com/ (https://www.fjowners.theprintbar.com/)
Don't forget to put your name on.
Choose 'Customise' and have a laugh.
Sorry it is late, but the first two test prints were wrong their end.
Troyskie.
See you there :good2:
Quote from: Troyskie on February 05, 2022, 11:44:35 PM
Tee Shirts, polos, hoodies, etc, ready to order now from here: https://www.fjowners.theprintbar.com/ (https://www.fjowners.theprintbar.com/)
Don't forget to put your name on.
Choose 'Customise' and have a laugh.
Sorry it is late, but the first two test prints were wrong their end.
Troyskie.
See you there :good2:
Nice one Mr Troyskie
A note to others, pick your size first, then it will give you the colours available in that size.
Righto fellas, I've added a hoodie and a plus size shirt to the shirt line-up. I tried for hats, but no luck (I ran out of enthusiasm).
However, like Al said, start with size. The site is clunky and unintuitive, so click around and see what you can get up to :pardon:.
While we're at it, Pete from Bermie is without a 'ride' to the rally, except from leaving his driveway and a 1 minute ride to the Saturday line-up before the obligatory day ride.
So, for anyone planning on arriving early, i.e. Thursday before, or leaving late, i.e. Monday or after there are a couple of day and overnight rides on either side of the rally day ride as well. Get in touch with Pete or Alf for these rides.
Don't forget to check in with your mates on the way, I think there'll be a few groups gathering on approach.
Troyskie
Quote from: Troyskie on February 17, 2022, 04:09:28 AM
Righto fellas, I've added a hoodie and a plus size shirt to the shirt line-up. I tried for hats, but no luck (I ran out of enthusiasm).
However, like Al said, start with size. The site is clunky and unintuitive, so click around and see what you can get up to :pardon:.
While we're at it, Pete from Bermie is without a 'ride' to the rally, except from leaving his driveway and a 1 minute ride to the Saturday line-up before the obligatory day ride.
So, for anyone planning on arriving early, i.e. Thursday before, or leaving late, i.e. Monday or after there are a couple of day and overnight rides on either side of the rally day ride as well. Get in touch with Pete or Alf for these rides.
Don't forget to check in with your mates on the way, I think there'll be a few groups gathering on approach.
Troyskie
Thanks Troy.
Noel
Quote from: Troyskie on February 17, 2022, 04:09:28 AM
Righto fellas, I've added a hoodie and a plus size shirt to the shirt line-up. I tried for hats, but no luck (I ran out of enthusiasm).
However, like Al said, start with size. The site is clunky and unintuitive, so click around and see what you can get up to :pardon:.
While we're at it, Pete from Bermie is without a 'ride' to the rally, except from leaving his driveway and a 1 minute ride to the Saturday line-up before the obligatory day ride.
So, for anyone planning on arriving early, i.e. Thursday before, or leaving late, i.e. Monday or after there are a couple of day and overnight rides on either side of the rally day ride as well. Get in touch with Pete or Alf for these rides.
Don't forget to check in with your mates on the way, I think there'll be a few groups gathering on approach.
Troyskie
The price you pay for having it in your backyard :biggrin:
I might have to catch up with them on way back from Bendigo or meet them somewhere. :good:
Cheers
Alan
Quote from: Sparky84 on February 18, 2022, 03:25:55 AM
The price you pay for having it in your backyard :biggrin:
I might have to catch up with them on way back from Bendigo or meet them somewhere. :good:
Cheers
Alan
G'day Al, the way things are looking at the moment, it's going to take me around 8,000 kms to attend the Rally that is probably less than 3kms
from my front door.
And NO, I am not kidding!
Regards, Pete. :wacko3:
Quote from: oldktmdude on February 19, 2022, 03:04:22 AM
Quote from: Sparky84 on February 18, 2022, 03:25:55 AM
The price you pay for having it in your backyard :biggrin:
I might have to catch up with them on way back from Bendigo or meet them somewhere. :good:
Cheers
Alan
G'day Al, the way things are looking at the moment, it's going to take me around 8,000 kms to attend the Rally that is probably less than 3kms
from my front door.
And NO, I am not kidding!
Regards, Pete. :wacko3:
Sounds like you're hanging 2 lefts instead of a 2 right to get to the Rally there Pete :good:
Will you be pillioning Mr Witt to the Rally also?
Have you organised new rubber somewhere, just in case, which day are you leaving and where's you first stop?
Very Jealous
Cheers
Alan
Quote from: Sparky84 on February 27, 2022, 05:29:25 AM
Quote from: oldktmdude on February 19, 2022, 03:04:22 AM
Quote from: Sparky84 on February 18, 2022, 03:25:55 AM
The price you pay for having it in your backyard :biggrin:
I might have to catch up with them on way back from Bendigo or meet them somewhere. :good:
Cheers
Alan
G'day Al, the way things are looking at the moment, it's going to take me around 8,000 kms to attend the Rally that is probably less than 3kms
from my front door.
And NO, I am not kidding!
Regards, Pete. :wacko3:
Sounds like you're hanging 2 lefts instead of a 2 right to get to the Rally there Pete :good:
Will you be pillioning Mr Witt to the Rally also?
Have you organised new rubber somewhere, just in case, which day are you leaving and where's you first stop?
Very Jealous
Cheers
Alan
G'day Al, heading off this Thursday, hoping to get to Mildura for the first night. (approx 1,000kms) that should be the longest day we put in on the way over.
Not sure that I'd want John on the back for the ride home but I would if I had to.
Brand new tyres should (hopefully) get me there and back and will be ready for the bin once I get home.
The original ride was via Katherine and down south along the west coast but thanks to border closures that ride is on hold.
Looking forward to seeing WA, never been there before.
See you at the Rally mate. Regards, Pete. :drinks:
Quote from: oldktmdude on February 27, 2022, 03:14:30 PM
G'day Al, heading off this Thursday, hoping to get to Mildura for the first night. (approx 1,000kms) that should be the longest day we put in on the way over.
Not sure that I'd want John on the back for the ride home but I would if I had to.
Brand new tyres should (hopefully) get me there and back and will be ready for the bin once I get home.
The original ride was via Katherine and down south along the west coast but thanks to border closures that ride is on hold.
Looking forward to seeing WA, never been there before.
See you at the Rally mate. Regards, Pete. :drinks:
G'day Pete, going via the Hay Plains? no you'll be coming in lower than that..Last time I went that way, my black Belstaff turned into a brown one after riding through a dust storm, deadset looked like a thunderstorm was rolling in but No :dash1:
its a lovely place to visit.... Esperance is beautiful, spent 2 days there with the pub in walking distance which we needed after 2 x 1000k days and hitting roo at about 120 after tea.
Albany was nice and up to Perth that way was all good.
Enjoy yourselves and Safe riding.
Cheers
Alan
Quote from: oldktmdude on February 27, 2022, 03:14:30 PM
......heading off this Thursday, hoping to get to Mildura for the first night. (approx 1,000kms) that should be the longest day we put in on the way over.
Brand new tyres should (hopefully) get me there and back and will be ready for the bin once I get home.
The original ride was via Katherine and down south along the west coast but thanks to border closures that ride is on hold.
Looking forward to seeing WA, never been there before.
See you at the Rally mate. Regards, Pete. :drinks:
So Pete, it's happening, good on you, is Troy joining you?
Mildura is a good goal and a 1000km achievable in daylight at this time of the year but if you're held up for any reason in that part of the world I'd reckon your destination will be where ever you find yourself an hour or two before dusk.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/0f/50/29/0f5029b1ca39188d00253fdbc81e709b.jpg)
Have you got NRMA cover that includes your bike? They won't let you join roadside anymore.
That's a great bucket list ride, have fun, see you at the Rally. I think the "Longest distance travelled" trophy is already in the bag. :biggrin:
Did you fit the CV carbs for the trip?
Noel
G'day Noel, I did refit the cv's but was so disappointed with the lack of performance compared to the flat slides I took them off after one ride.
The flat slides give better performance and believe it or not, I get better fuel milage with them as well.
There will be no riding at roo hour for me. I have enough trouble seeing in good daylight let alone at roo happy hour. Should be sitting at the bar having a beer at that time of day.
Al, hopefully we have enough spare time to have a good look around the south west corner. John has organised some time off work so he may be our tour guide
whilst we're over there.
Regards, Pete.
Hi Pete , Who,s riding with you Pete ?? , What route do you plan on taking ,what major towns will you visit , All the best and have a good trip mate ,cheers Phil
Quote from: wainot-Phil on February 28, 2022, 04:41:41 AM
Hi Pete , Who,s riding with you Pete ?? , What route do you plan on taking ,what major towns will you visit , All the best and have a good trip mate ,cheers Phil
G'day Phil, the bloke that lives just up the road from you is my tour guide for the trip. Heading straight across the Nullarbor, we should have a week in the Perth area and then back home via the same route. Hopefully, John can show us the south western corner with a day ride or two.
Thanks for the good trip wishes mate. Regards, Pete. :drinks:
P.S See you at the Rally.
Made it to Mildura, so officially 1/4 of the way to Perth before we turn around and head to Bermie.
We both had a wet start that diminished to an incessant drizzle, but was gone about an hour from Wagga.
I had to ford a few floodways in the way to Goulburn. Two were fine, one I shouldn't have attempted and ended up almost surfing across. I think it was the luck of the ignorant :pardon.
The rest of the trip to Mildura was easy. No roo action at all except for the usual early am bits. There was a funny moment with an emu. As we were riding I pointed at it as it was at the edge of the road. The moment I pointed at it it started moving all over the place. I thought it was going to run across the road but luckily it just went in circles.
The next planned overnight is in Kimba SA.
Quote from: Troyskie on March 03, 2022, 05:19:07 AM
Made it to Mildura, so officially 1/4 of the way to Perth before we turn around and head to Bermie.
We both had a wet start that diminished to an incessant drizzle, but was gone about an hour from Wagga.
I had to ford a few floodways in the way to Goulburn. Two were fine, one I shouldn't have attempted and ended up almost surfing across. I think it was the luck of the ignorant :pardon.
The rest of the trip to Mildura was easy. No roo action at all except for the usual early am bits. There was a funny moment with an emu. As we were riding I pointed at it as it was at the edge of the road. The moment I pointed at it it started moving all over the place. I thought it was going to run across the road but luckily it just went in circles.
The next planned overnight is in Kimba SA.
Sounds fun, don't forget to see the Big Galah in Kimba
Quote from: Troyskie on March 03, 2022, 05:19:07 AM
Made it to Mildura, so officially 1/4 of the way to Perth before we turn around and head to Bermie......
.....There was a funny moment with an emu. As we were riding I pointed at it as it was at the edge of the road. The moment I pointed at it it started moving all over the place. I thought it was going to run across the road but luckily it just went in circles.
Well done guys, 1000km day is respectable in anyone's book.
Haha, Emu behaviour always makes me laugh, I can never figure out what's so urgent in an Emu's schedule that they need to go flat out everywhere, they always have one guy out front so that while you're watching him disappear into the scrub on one side, his mates travelling a few seconds behind him appear on the road from the side you're now
not watching and that's just before they all change their minds and turn around and belt back across the road in the direction they just came from. Feral goats aren't much better.
Safe riding.
Noel
On the border to WA. Bullshit WA gov Covid buracrazy, but all done.
Made me t to Perth yesterday.
We're going to resurrect my bros FJ for him to ride over to the rally.
It looks like I've cooked some rings, so my bike is using about a litre of oil per 1000ks. Irritating, but no drama.
Pete & I even went down the Mundaring Weir road in the way into town as we'd followed to goldfields pipe from Coolgardie & decided to follow it to the source.
Troyskie
Quote from: Troyskie on March 07, 2022, 05:50:52 PM
Made me t to Perth yesterday.
We're going to resurrect my bros FJ for him to ride over to the rally.
It looks like I've cooked some rings, so my bike is using about a litre of oil per 1000ks. Irritating, but no drama.
Pete & I even went down the Mundaring Weir road in the way into town as we'd followed to goldfields pipe from Coolgardie & decided to follow it to the source.
Troyskie
Well done Troy and Pete. Not too many places you can ride 4000 km between one set of traffic lights and the next. Shame about the oil consumption Troy but of all the things that could go wrong on such a long trip, I guess it's not too bad. Take some comfort knowing you have the second best mechanic on the forum as your travelling buddy, Pete knows his stuff.
Noel
Quote from: Troyskie on March 07, 2022, 05:50:52 PM
Pete & I even went down the Mundaring Weir road in the way into town as we'd followed to goldfields pipe from Coolgardie & decided to follow it to the source.
Troyskie
If you're a historical engineering buff like me, you'll find the history of that pipeline interesting, look it up.
Noel
As Pete's Sandgroper tour guide I gave him a little history. It was mandatory at school here
Prize at the rally to guess where were are in this pic...
Quote from: Troyskie on March 11, 2022, 07:51:53 AM
Prize at the rally to guess where were are in this pic...
Sounds like a great trip, but do you really need that many oil cans on the back to get that front wheel up :scratch_one-s_head:
Looks like Pete's got his hands full and hope he's not too hot in the garden shed.
Can I guess now ?? What was the food like and did you fill your bikes up there too on the footpath.
G'day Al, guess away buddy.
The oil is a joke about how much oil I'm using. The body of the message is missing, not sure why
Quote from: Troyskie on March 11, 2022, 04:43:57 PM
G'day Al, guess away buddy.
The oil is a joke about how much oil I'm using. The body of the message is missing, not sure why
Wirrulla SA, at the General Store and about halfway there.
How'd you feel at that point knowing you only had the next half to go?
Pretty good mate. We stopped there because our planned fuel stop was closed, I think permanently. We didn't have enough juice to get to Ceduna.
It was pretty funny seeing some towns like Kimba doing real well, but some others in decline
(http://)
Quote from: oldktmdude on February 27, 2022, 03:14:30 PM
Quote from: Sparky84 on February 27, 2022, 05:29:25 AM
Quote from: oldktmdude on February 19, 2022, 03:04:22 AM
Quote from: Sparky84 on February 18, 2022, 03:25:55 AM
The price you pay for having it in your backyard :biggrin:
I might have to catch up with them on way back from Bendigo or meet them somewhere. :good:
Cheers
Alan
G'day Al, the way things are looking at the moment, it's going to take me around 8,000 kms to attend the Rally that is probably less than 3kms
from my front door.
And NO, I am not kidding!
Regards, Pete. :wacko3:
Sounds like you're hanging 2 lefts instead of a 2 right to get to the Rally there Pete :good:
Will you be pillioning Mr Witt to the Rally also?
Have you organised new rubber somewhere, just in case, which day are you leaving and where's you first stop?
Very Jealous
Cheers
Alan
G'day Al, heading off this Thursday, hoping to get to Mildura for the first night. (approx 1,000kms) that should be the longest day we put in on the way over.
Not sure that I'd want John on the back for the ride home but I would if I had to.
Brand new tyres should (hopefully) get me there and back and will be ready for the bin once I get home.
The original ride was via Katherine and down south along the west coast but thanks to border closures that ride is on hold.
Looking forward to seeing WA, never been there before.
See you at the Rally mate. Regards, Pete. :drinks:
Just noticed this, OUCH, that hurts Pete, I was looking forward to riding on the back as your bitch, I have Teddy packed ready for the trip. Unfortunately not this time. We went for a ride today, Pete Troy, Mark, Nevv +1 (sorry bad with names) , My brother FZ1, Stan R6 and me on the Limo. Great ride to Waroona (Western Oz)where my group went back and the others continued to Margaret River(//)
Couldn't miss this amazing mural at Wellington Dam on the way to Margs
I had to escort these undesirables out of WA and sent them back to the Eastern states.
Quote from: Troyskie on March 14, 2022, 12:10:08 AM
Couldn't miss this amazing mural at Wellington Dam on the way to Margs
Spectacular Troy, have you seen all the silo art through Victoria?
I take it from the photos Pete got your brother's bike whipped into action and you're all heading East as per the original plan.
Pete, how good are those RJ's bags for the money? I travelled with a pair of those for years, best bang for buck out there.
Noel
Thanks for the escort John.
Us diseased eastern staters need to get back to our Covid crops :sarcastic:.
Pity you and Bella can't make the rally :sorry:
Thanks heaps for that clutch cover gasket :good2:
We made it to Ravensthorpe just inside skippy hour but safe.
Lunch in Albany was a very quick bite before moving on.
We took the tourist ride via Porongurup, what a beautiful ride through some ancient hills.
Marks new flat slides are too rich and have fouled a plug, easy fix and then we dodge emus to Esperance on the way towards the border. We might stop early at Madura or if we get ahead we might make it to border village.
Noel, we did see some silo art, it is oz wide now. Where did it start? Each state seems to claim origin.
Troy, it was an absolute pleasure meeting you Pete and Mark (others as well). We are in Albany a present going for the Skywalk in the Porongurup tomorrow. The GPZ purred like a kitten, had a drag with a couple of newer Harley's on the way back. not too bad but still had an edge.
Hope you guys have a safe ride and do the manly thing at the rally - Give them all a kiss and hug from Bella and me,,,,,,well the hug at least. If things don't get too bad we'll be there next year. OR is the rally going to be in WA?
Forgot to add, tell Mark at constant 240Kph he won't notice the rich mixtures.
Made it back to Kimba SA.
Yesterday was a run from Ravensthorpe to the Madura Pass. Fuel stops were more of a problem than we expected with many servos only having 91 which is no good for our higher comp bikes. The method was splash and dash to the next servo up the road. We finally found 98 at Norseman.
This (and possibly the worlds worst coffee later at Salmon Gums) caused us to be a bit late but with the 90 mile straight coming up we thought we could make up some time and still get to Border Village.
Unfortunately we came across a coupe who'd blown their radiator and were 160km from the nearest town with no mobile reception. Mark was able to get through for them to organise a tilt tray. This cost us another 45min. Although it was still early arvo we still had over 500ks to go and really needed to stop for an early dinner at Caiguna for a lambs fry and bacon special.
We did the 90 mile, but with temps sitting at 37C we were unwilling to push too hard, basically sitting at 5-6k on the tacho. We each did WOT for a short while, but with all our gear we each backed off once the front end got light.
I suggested we pull off at Cocklebiddy as we were losing the light, but with recent rain we all agreed that we would thread the skippy/emu/camel needle and push in to Madura Pass. Not a fun ride as all our bikes have standard useless FJ headlights. Fortunately the recent rain has kept the animals from the road. Given it is a desert this was a bit of rare fortune for us, including a big bright moon.
Here's a few pics
Righto, serial post to back up day two which is the rerun to Kimba in SA.
A fantastic early start from Madura Pass in WA for a great coffee and brekky in Eucla and fuel stop at Border Village just inside SA.
Here we go lads, high speed cruise across the Nullarbor and end to end of the Bight.
A few quick stops at the famous places with our Kimba goal looking like a real possibility.
There were a few issues, mainly my fuel range at speed and the cooked rings burning oil like Saddam. We did most of the cruise between 5 & 6k.
Mr Plod was blessfully absent. We did another skippy run from about half an hour out of Kimba, but again recent rare rain and an even fuller moon saw us to the pub for the night.
Tomorrow Mildura or nearby (not a fan of that place as a bike destination).
Here's some pics...
Chose to dodge Mildura and surrounds. Great when not wanting a pub stay on a bike. But crap for this trip.
We had a latish start from Kimba, but made up heaps of time to Port Augusta. The local bike shop was great, but are closing down in two weeks, so limited offerings for us.
I'd used 5 litres of oil over about 3000km. Most of it pretty high speed. Def need new rings, but Yummy will be still good for the rally, if a bit smokey. I call this the Bond effect so the pack can get away whilst I decelerate and cover all the plod screens in oil :sarcastic:
Nothing much else to report. Arrived in Berri and staying at the pub, on the banks of the Mighty Murray :good2: :drinks:
Here are the pics ...
Any chance of adding some castor oil to the mix to cheer up some of us old timers. :good:
Quote from: Troyskie on March 17, 2022, 08:42:45 AM
.....Not a fun ride as all our bikes have standard useless FJ headlights. Fortunately the recent rain has kept the animals from the road. Given it is a desert this was a bit of rare fortune for us, including a big bright moon.
I like riding in the Outback and your photos and commentary bring back some great memories, I have photos of my FJ in many of the same places. Thanks for the travelogue.
On the last trip I did before fitting auxiliary lights, I too got caught out in the wonderfully named Orroroo, with the only servo in town suffering a power failure which meant no fuel), and ended up with a few hundred Km to travel after dark in serious roo country on roads even the locals didn't travel at night!
What I discovered accidentally was that I could see many times better by moonlight than with the headlight, so that's what I did for the last few hours, turned the headlight off and it was much less stressful. The country was flat and there was no other traffic.
I'm jealous guys, what a trip.
Unfortunately I won't be seeing you at the rally, turns out the soonest I can get the FJ inspected is April 4th. It never occurred to me they'd still be clearing a Covid backlog
and working with reduced staff levels.
I hope the last leg of the trip is uneventful, it's been an epic journey, well done.
Noel
Great Photos Troy, takes me back but those roadhouses look pretty upmarket these days, not sure if I'd be allowed in....
As Noel says, jealous and you had good weather
Good to see the big Galah in Kimba. Good to see Pete loving every minute getting his photo taken. :wacko1:
Quote from: krusty on March 18, 2022, 04:23:47 AM
Any chance of adding some castor oil to the mix to cheer up some of us old timers. :good:
Used to use that when bikes were new, give the mufflers some inside rust protection.
Quote from: ribbert on March 18, 2022, 06:08:51 AM
I'm jealous guys, what a trip.
Unfortunately I won't be seeing you at the rally, turns out the soonest I can get the FJ inspected is April 4th. It never occurred to me they'd still be clearing a Covid backlog and working with reduced staff levels.
I hope the last leg of the trip is uneventful, it's been an epic journey, well done.
Noel
Sad news that you'll miss the rally there Noel.
Pss, (I'll see you in Bendigo then but don't tell anyone) :good2:
Cheers
Alan
Brilliant guys, glad to hear you're safe and well. I don't know what happened to the bacon patrol/ pigs in space (aerial ), I made at least five calls telling them some bikers were escaping from the WA fortress!.
Figures when we go through the Nulla we constantly see the cops - maybe its the Brisbanates making the phone calls. Brilliant Pics Troy, I can imagine you at the servo, "Fill up with Oil and Petrol for the rest"
Quote from: Bozo on March 18, 2022, 07:22:34 PM
......when we go through the Nulla we constantly see the cops -
It's Pete, he's the lucky charm. He speeds everywhere and hasn't been booked in 30 years. He told me that in NSW the cops won't bother you as long as you keep it under 120 kph. A short time later I was cruising along Thunderbolts Way, confident I was safe armed with this snippet of advice from a local, a native of the State and a veteran speeder - it cost me $300 and 4 demerit points for doing 118 kph.
Maybe I should have taken Pete himself and not just his advice. :biggrin:
Noel
Quote from: Sparky84 on March 18, 2022, 04:59:53 PM
Pss, (I'll see you in Bendigo then but don't tell anyone) :good2:
Cheers
Alan
Alan, do you have an eligible bike?
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on March 19, 2022, 03:48:15 AM
Quote from: Bozo on March 18, 2022, 07:22:34 PM
......when we go through the Nulla we constantly see the cops -
It's Pete, he's the lucky charm. He speeds everywhere and hasn't been booked in 30 years. He told me that in NSW the cops won't bother you as long as you keep it under 120 kph. A short time later I was cruising along Thunderbolts Way, confident I was safe armed with this snippet of advice from a local, a native of the State and a veteran speeder - it cost me $300 and 4 demerit points for doing 118 kph.
Maybe I should have taken Pete himself and not just his advice. :biggrin:
Noel
I've ridden and driven Thunderbolt's Way many times and the HP cops give no leeway. That also goes for the Oxley highway, a brilliant piece of road for MCs after it was upgraded a few (or maybe 4 or 5?) years ago.
Loving the stories and the photo's, definitely wish I was able to do something like that in your countryside.
Is there any chance of a route map, so that those of us not familiar with Oz can get some sense of scale ? :good2:
Quote from: ribbert on March 19, 2022, 03:59:27 AM
Quote from: Sparky84 on March 18, 2022, 04:59:53 PM
Pss, (I'll see you in Bendigo then but don't tell anyone) :good2:
Cheers
Alan
Alan, do you have an eligible bike?
Noel
Why have course, My Concours 84 FJ :biggrin:
Also will I meet you at the Elvis Exhibit at the Art Gallery, just to see if there's any good riding outfits there :good:
Quote from: krusty on March 19, 2022, 06:32:24 AM
Quote from: ribbert on March 19, 2022, 03:48:15 AM
Quote from: Bozo on March 18, 2022, 07:22:34 PM
......when we go through the Nulla we constantly see the cops -
It's Pete, he's the lucky charm. He speeds everywhere and hasn't been booked in 30 years. He told me that in NSW the cops won't bother you as long as you keep it under 120 kph. A short time later I was cruising along Thunderbolts Way, confident I was safe armed with this snippet of advice from a local, a native of the State and a veteran speeder - it cost me $300 and 4 demerit points for doing 118 kph.
Maybe I should have taken Pete himself and not just his advice. :biggrin:
Noel
I've ridden and driven Thunderbolt's Way many times and the HP cops give no leeway. That also goes for the Oxley highway, a brilliant piece of road for MCs after it was upgraded a few (or maybe 4 or 5?) years ago.
Noel, should have at least a photo of Pete in your wallet next to the licence :lol:
Quote from: Sparky84 on March 19, 2022, 03:49:52 PM
Quote from: krusty on March 19, 2022, 06:32:24 AM
Quote from: ribbert on March 19, 2022, 03:48:15 AM
Quote from: Bozo on March 18, 2022, 07:22:34 PM
......when we go through the Nulla we constantly see the cops -
It's Pete, he's the lucky charm. He speeds everywhere and hasn't been booked in 30 years. He told me that in NSW the cops won't bother you as long as you keep it under 120 kph. A short time later I was cruising along Thunderbolts Way, confident I was safe armed with this snippet of advice from a local, a native of the State and a veteran speeder - it cost me $300 and 4 demerit points for doing 118 kph.
Maybe I should have taken Pete himself and not just his advice. :biggrin:
Noel
I've ridden and driven Thunderbolt's Way many times and the HP cops give no leeway. That also goes for the Oxley highway, a brilliant piece of road for MCs after it was upgraded a few (or maybe 4 or 5?) years ago.
Noel, should have at least a photo of Pete in your wallet next to the licence :lol:
You guys have it wrong, its not that Pete is a lucky charm, have you considered they just can't catch him.
You can just imagine Pete on Cruise singing (in his helmet) ha ha ha staying alive - to the disco lights behind him.
Quote from: Millietant on March 19, 2022, 03:29:14 PM
Is there any chance of a route map, so that those of us not familiar with Oz can get some sense of scale ? :good2:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51947777137_3d7cc0e081_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51948833678_57e8351486_z.jpg)
Sydney to Perth is 4000km (one way) which is pretty much what they did.
Noel
Quote from: Sparky84 on March 19, 2022, 03:46:04 PM
Quote from: ribbert on March 19, 2022, 03:59:27 AM
Quote from: Sparky84 on March 18, 2022, 04:59:53 PM
Pss, (I'll see you in Bendigo then but don't tell anyone) :good2:
Cheers
Alan
Alan, do you have an eligible bike?
Noel
Why have course, My Concours 84 FJ :biggrin:
Also will I meet you at the Elvis Exhibit at the Art Gallery, just to see if there's any good riding outfits there :good:
I thought that was a Suzuki event?? I can see the Elvis Exhibit being a must.
I had decided to go to that, sounds great but I may well not be available (circumstances beyond my control). If good fortune smiles on me I'll be in touch and get a mobile number from you and arrange to meet up.
Noel
Mitts Mitta :good:
Quote from: Troyskie on March 20, 2022, 03:49:25 PM
Mitts Mitta :good:
What a trip, Nearly back in NSW.
You've had Great weather, you can take you time now, still 4 days til start of rally and everyone will be expecting you to roll directly in from the west :biggrin:
Quote from: ribbert on March 20, 2022, 06:12:01 AM
Quote from: Sparky84 on March 19, 2022, 03:46:04 PM
Quote from: ribbert on March 19, 2022, 03:59:27 AM
Quote from: Sparky84 on March 18, 2022, 04:59:53 PM
Pss, (I'll see you in Bendigo then but don't tell anyone) :good2:
Cheers
Alan
Alan, do you have an eligible bike?
Noel
Why have course, My Concours 84 FJ :biggrin:
Also will I meet you at the Elvis Exhibit at the Art Gallery, just to see if there's any good riding outfits there :good:
I thought that was a Suzuki event?? I can see the Elvis Exhibit being a must.
I had decided to go to that, sounds great but I may well not be available (circumstances beyond my control). If good fortune smiles on me I'll be in touch and get a mobile number from you and arrange to meet up.
Noel
Major Sponsor, I assume which is amazing as last motorcycle show I saw In Wollongong, the Suzuki stand was pitiful, only about 2 bikes there on display
Mitta Rd TWICE. Falls Creek, Mount Beauty, Tawonga Gap, Mount Hotham, Omeo.
Thousands and thousands of corners over about 500km. I missed a funny photo opportunity of a road sign, 'corners for next 65km, followed by another, 'corners for the next 125km' :dance2:
Personal best, no chicken strip, even rolled over the edge. Had a huge front end slide & now my arse has taken a big divot out of the seat :pardon:
To fill ing the gaps, yesterday was a maintenance day. As my bike gets an oil change every couple of thousand ks I did some other maintenance. Mark & Pete did a little as well, then the bar opened
:Facepalm:
Great prep for today :sarcastic:
The plan for Mark and I tomorrow is Granya Gap, then the Alpine Way and home for some clothes washing before heading off to the rally on Thursday :yahoo: :good2:
Pete Ambo and Pete aka Pete squared are going with us and will split off at Jindabyne to head for Bermie.
Here's today's pics
Quote from: Troyskie on March 21, 2022, 03:12:30 AM
Mitta Rd TWICE. Falls Creek, Mount Beauty, Tawonga Gap, Mount Hotham, Omeo.
Thousands and thousands of corners over about 500km. I missed a funny photo opportunity of a road sign, 'corners for next 65km, followed by another, 'corners for the next 125km' :dance2:
Personal best, no chicken strip, even rolled over the edge.
The plan for Mark and I tomorrow is Granya Gap, then the Alpine Way and home for some clothes washing before heading off to the rally on Thursday :yahoo: :good2:
Pete Ambo and Pete aka Pete squared are going with us and will split off at Jindabyne to head for Bermie.
Here's today's pics
Aaaaah man, that's some of the best riding in the country and the roads are perfect (
unlike the rest of the country)
What a great reward after slogging it out across the Nullarbor, both ways. You've really earned it. You can't find a bad road up there. The Mitta Mitta Valley (Omeo Highway) was the only road Cap'n Ron made special mention of when travelling through OZ. It's particularly special for me because I travelled it dozens of times before it was sealed, when it was largely bike swallowing erosion, rock falls, road washouts, land slips, clay, etc.
Troy, you rode past this place today, I find it wonderfully reassuring in a world of extreme political correctness that Google Maps acknowledges "WTF Corner" :biggrin: If you could somehow include a pair of thongs and a BBQ in there, it would be the most Australian thing ever.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952025809_266e0b3370_b.jpg)
This has truly been an epic ride, well done guys, I'm glad you treated yourself to some twistie heaven on the way home. Autumn is the best up there and it's been unseasonly warm.
Troy, I assume Mark (brother) being a native Sand Groper finds all these corners a bit of a challenge? Congratulations on getting beyond the chicken strips, you'll remember this ride for the rest of you life and dine out on it for years to come.
Noel
Thanks Noel, that's quite a ride and putting it inthat perspective really clears it up for me.
I didn't realise it was basically all the way across the south coast :good2:
This map's a bit confusing though, the Europe map scale is all wrong. The UK is less tha 1/2 the size of France, the size of France, not equal to it, and way smaller than Germany, Poland, Italy etc. None of those countries seem to be the right size relative to their neighbours, but in the context of scale, the difference to Aus is dramatic. :good:
Quote from: ribbert on March 19, 2022, 08:28:00 PM
Quote from: Millietant on March 19, 2022, 03:29:14 PM
Is there any chance of a route map, so that those of us not familiar with Oz can get some sense of scale ? :good2:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51947777137_3d7cc0e081_c.jpg)
Sydney to Perth is 4000km (one way) which is pretty much what they did.
Noel
Getting closer to Bermie :dance:
Nowra for a little maintenance (clean clothes) :sarcastic: and then the bikes :wacko2:
Today started at Tallangatta, then Khancoban, Jindie, clipped Canberra then fuel at Bungendore, quick break at Nerriga (the pub is OPEN!!!!) then finished at Nowra for hugs from the fam.
Off to Bermie on Thursday!!!!!
Here's the pics...
Quote from: Troyskie on March 22, 2022, 04:23:32 AM
Getting closer to Bermie :dance:
Nowra for a little maintenance (clean clothes) :sarcastic: and then the bikes :wacko2:
Today started at Tallangatta, then Khancoban, Jindie, clipped Canberra then fuel at Bungendore, quick break at Nerriga (the pub is OPEN!!!!) then finished at Nowra for hugs from the fam.
Off to Bermie on Thursday!!!!!
Here's the pics...
Congrats guys, that really is an epic ride, well done. (I recognise those snow gums)
Noel
What is the weather like at mo? Just curious considering we had to bow out ( don't trust general weather forecasts). I hope you all have a great ride.
Quote from: Bozo on March 24, 2022, 05:32:26 AM
What is the weather like at mo? Just curious considering we had to bow out ( don't trust general weather forecasts). I hope you all have a great ride.
G'day John, weather is good at Bermagui at the moment but light showers/ light rain is forecast for Saturday's ride. Hopefully the wet stuff will stay away long enough for the ride.
It may be the first wet Rally Ride we've had so something different for the Rally attendees.
Going for a short ride tomorrow morning to test ride Mark's bike after some carbie tuning this afternoon.
Had a great ride back from W.A, thanks again for catching up with us and the gasket you supplied. Shame you and Bella weren't able to join us.
Hope to see you both soon. Regards, Pete.
Nowra to Bermie yesterday, nothing much just roll down the highway.
Bermie is as beautiful as ever and the weather is holding up so far.
Pete and Mark had a fiddle with his carbies.
Thursty Thursday at Alf's with Pete Ambo, Gav, Alf, Gail, Tony, Steve, Pete, Mark and Diesel Dave. Great pasta from Gail and a very drunken stagger back through the golf course home to the Motel.
Nice short run from Bermie to Tathra for a cuppa.
This arvo is fiddle with Marks bike again whilst I scour the universe for any available oil :sarcastic:.
Catchup at the country club tonight.
Here's some pics....
And that's a wrap! :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2:
Great turnout this year, especially given how uncertain things have been with lockdowns and serious flooding, ongoing!!!!!!!!!
Awards for the night went to Pete for travelling 10,000km's to a rally that is less than 3km from his house :dance:
Mark for longest continuous ownerships of an FJ at the rally (since 88), but also most km on the bike (over 600,000km confirmed)
Both Glenn and Jeff received the award for line-up attendance, but ride day pull-out. However, remember they attended the rally!!!!!!
The Ashes were awarded to Darryl and Paula for longest two-up attendance and have agreed to organise next years rally!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:
New attendees encouragement awards went to new Glenn and Steve. Steve also has the most expensive FJ of all time :sarcastic:.
Shout out to and huge thanks to The Bermie Boys for organising everything.
Bermagui 2022 pics...please add more from those there, especially the evening as I didn't take one photo...
Quote from: Troyskie on March 27, 2022, 04:42:10 AM
And that's a wrap!
Great turnout this year, especially given how uncertain things have been with lockdowns and serious flooding, ongoing!!!!!!!!!
(http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20095.0;attach=19586;image)
Well done guys, 26 bikes is a great turn out. On a per capita basis, that would be the equivalent of 230 bikes turning up to a rally in the US, very impressive. The FJ vibe is strong down under.
Some great numbers there Troy, Pete's 10,000km to get there, Marks 600,000km bike, Mark's and your 8000km + trip to the rally etc....
My FJ is very fond of Bermagui and can find it's own way there but disappointingly, not on this occasion.
Well done everyone!
Noel
Indisputable; 26 bikes is a great turn out. I think the most I've seen at an West Coast Rally in California is 23 (some may wish to argue this). Based on relative populations, its unbeatable in my view. A big well done to those downunder for keeping the mark alive. Doubley so due to COVID still messing things and even a local natural disaster to further challenge attendees.
Hurrah
And, how does a pillion passenger lose their licence on a ride? Paula can explain that one. :biggrin:
Well done guys, 26 bikes is a great turn out.
Noel
Noel,
the Aussie FJ Bike numbers are even a little better Mate. I stated 26 Bikes in my posts but on the 2nd recount on the day we totaled 29 FJ Bikes at the Rally. Pretty good effort indeed
Even better Phil - well done, and that's with a few regular attendees missing.
Is that a record?
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on April 02, 2022, 06:26:00 AM
Even better Phil - well done, and that's with a few regular attendees missing.
Is that a record?
Noel
Not sure but I don't think it is a record, I think we had over 30 once but can not find any photos to confirm. I did find a photo of the 2019 Rally which had 28 FJ Bikes in the line.
I think Seaview was the record with 34 bikes, and because I wasn't there the line-up was very neat :sarcastic:
VJMC Rally 2023 is tentatively 17-19 March. TBC.
I have not been here for a while, will have to put up some more rally photos. What a great event it was, still stunned by the amazing scenery that is on offer in Far South NSW coast.
Quote from: X-Ray on April 24, 2022, 06:01:05 AM
I have not been here for a while, will have to put up some more rally photos. What a great event it was, still stunned by the amazing scenery that is on offer in Far South NSW coast.
G'day Ray,
I'm still waiting for those rally photos!! nearly 4 months now (popcorn)
And you are right, Amazing Scenery and don't forget the roads :i_am_so_happy:
Havent I??? Oops sorry Al, will have to get onto it :good2: