:yahoo:
A date with fate
Sorry it's taken me a while to get set up on the forum, Julie and I have been burning the candle at both ends since the Rally weekend.
Firstly I have to thank the General for talking to strangers. General, I'm not sure if you're in the habit of pulling over strange men on the highway, but in this case I'm glad you pulled over for me.
You see, I reckon that fate had a lot to do with me meeting this great group of FJ owners and spending an amazing day with them and their awesome bikes.
On the Thursday night prior to the FJ rally, I was riding my trusty old girl to work. As I pulled up at the traffic lights, a guy on an R1 pulled up beside me. The rider obviously an FJ fan, whipped up his visor and asked me if I were in town for the FJ Rally?
At this stage I had no idea that an FJ riders group existed and certainly had no idea they planned on meeting in Bello this very weekend! I was beside myself with excitement at the thought of seeing other beauties just like the one throbbing between my legs! Needless to say I asked the R1 rider how I could find out more details. He told me to Google the FJ Rally in Bellingen.
After work I raced home and Goggled hard until I found a link to this website.
The website looked very American, and for the life of me I couldn't find any relevant information on Australian topics. I eventually found some banter on the forum from a bloke called Arnie. It may have been the 6 or so beers fogging my ability to find details about the Rally, but I didn't have much luck. That's my excuse anyhow.
Come Friday afternoon I'd almost given up on contacting someone from the FJ group and figured that it must be a private function. Then it happened!
Driving my work vehicle through the main part of town, I hear a familiar roar. Next thing I see a fully loaded FJ. The chase was on!
I speed up to catch this guy, but he's being elusive. I had to reach for all my defensive driving skills to catch him, and managed to pull alongside his beautiful beast. I wind my window down and the rider, not looking too impressed with my driving skills after I zipped up into the lane he wanted to turn in, gave me a snarly look of stern regard! Nonetheless I shout out to him 'mate where you headed, are you with the FJ Rally'?
I have to say, I have never seen a growling snarl turn into a beaming smile so quickly. The rider indicates for me to pull over.
The General had arrived. We chatted for some time, and after I inform him that not only do I have a FJ but my good mate Pete has a very tidy 88, he proceeds to extend a very kind invitation to join the group at 8:30 sharp at the Lodge.
With great enthusiasm, I stop off to invite Pete and get home to explain to my beautiful wife Julie that we have a date with the FJ owners club.
Come the morning, the weather was not that favourable for winding turns up a mountain, and Julzie not being confident of my wet weather windy road riding ability, opts out!
I explain to Julie that nothing on earth could keep me away from seeing so many FJ's in one place and abandon her. We arrived to a warm welcome at the lodge from a great bunch of friendly people, all of whom had FJ in their blood!
Soon after, a photo shoot, and I'm texting my girl some pictures. She's very upset with her decision to stay home, so I offer to pick her up on the way through to Coffs, assuring her that we could catch up with the group. She agrees, having no idea that the whole Rally would arrive to pick her up!
The surprise on her face said it all, and taking full advantage of the situation I reminded her that romance is well and truly alive! Oh and don't worry the feedback from the neighbours was all positive!
Bloody gold!
To top it all off Julz and I got to lead the pack, an experience in itself and a great honour. Thank you.
Also thanks for an absolutely awesome day. It was great to meet you all, and ride with so many FJ's and FJ owners.
We sincerely hope to do it again.
Jason & Julie
Isn't just amazing Jason how things just happen for a reason, what are the chances eh?
It was a great weekend, I'm hoping to get back down there when THE SUN IS OUT, still it was nice even with the rain. Which reminds me, I have been extremely slack, still haven't uploaded any pics, will have to do that this weekend, linky will be in the rally thread when I do them, :bye:
Man, what a great story. Thanks for sharing that and welcome to the club.
CraigO
Oh, GREAT!!!
*MORE CONVICTS*!!! (rolls eyes skyward...)
...jes' kiddin'.
Seriously...
"I'd like to extend a laural, and hardy handshake to the forums' new... "
...members!
Welcome, Jason & Julie. Enjoy your stay.
Cheers from "Up Over". :drinks:
Steve
G'day Jason and welcome. I was one of the many who had great pleasure in following your lead around Coffs. Thanks for the great job you did in keeping a bunch of throttle happy middle aged FJ riders under control. Hope to see you at next years Rally. Pete.
Wow what an intro! Truly awesome bumping into you guys. Shame you couldn`t make it to tha chook raffle, Julie would have loved the coffee. (Majic stuff, made the legs on a couple of the ladies disappear!). Any chance of leading the FJ parade on the great Alpine Way? (Snowy Mountains) next March? (Date with Mate?) Pete? How far north or west do you get on that FJ? cheers (popcorn)
Quote from: The General on March 21, 2013, 05:41:26 AM
Pete? How far north or west do you get on that FJ? cheers (popcorn)
Heading out to Broken Hill in May. At this stage going via Mildura and returning through Cobar , then on to Parkes, then south to home.
welcome mate, you couldnt of ran into a better bunch of blokes
Great story, welcome to the club mate.
Nice intro, Jason! :good:
Love it when things turn out like this.
Welcome aboard Jason was our pleasure I can assure you everyone of was only to happy to accommodate you, thankyou for showing us around and taking us to a great spot for an ocean photo opportunity.
It was a pity you had to work Saturday night as everyone had a ball lots of tall stories and special coffee was drunk, amazing tho most of us were fit to ride home on Sunday :biggrin:
Baldy
Quote from: oldktmdude on March 21, 2013, 05:50:11 AM
Quote from: The General on March 21, 2013, 05:41:26 AM
Pete? How far north or west do you get on that FJ? cheers (popcorn)
Heading out to Broken Hill in May. At this stage going via Mildura and returning through Cobar , then on to Parkes, then south to home.
Mate, I love that country out west - there`s somethin about it I find difficult to describe. We even have an FJ Forum member in Broken Hill. (Carthage warrior). Don`t forget tha pics. :drinks:
I love reading stories like this.
Welcome to the group!
I'm sure you will enjoy getting to know the rest of us.
Leon
Great story Jason, Welcome to the group. :hi: I understand what George is talking about. All these new members in Australia, there has to be a very well hidden FJ Factory that none of you all will tell us about.
Fred
Great story indeed!
I was excited reading it!
Cheers guys
I hope you all had a smooth trip home. Not sure about the Snowy trip yet General, ill have to see how the annual leave situation is by then plus ill need to give my FJ some love before setting out on such an adventure. Something to work on though, thanks for the offer.
Kind words Baldy, it was great to meet you too. Although I can't remember everyone's names at this stage, but I'm sure by the time the next opportunity to catch up with you arrives, Julie and I will be well acquainted, thanks to this forum.
I'll say, it was a terrible shame that Julie and I couldn't stay on for the evening festivities. Believe me having to work was the last thing I wanted to do after spending such an eventful day with you lot.
I believe from what the General tells me the ride from the Golden Dog back to Bello was a lot of fun. Baldy I'm also stoked that you got to the winery, I believe a few choice selections got the evening events well underway!
Some great tips were passed between riders at the rally, some I'm keen follow up on. Firstly the braded brake lines if someone on here cares to point me in the direction of the shelf there on?
Anyhow this weekend I'll be giving the old girl a nice bath and some love with lubes and polish
:bye:
Quote from: The General on March 21, 2013, 07:04:34 PM
Mate, I love that country out west - there`s somethin about it I find difficult to describe. We even have an FJ Forum member in Broken Hill. (Carthage warrior). Don`t forget tha pics. :drinks:
Yeah Doug I'm really looking forward to it. I went out west alot back in my younger days (mainly pig shooting) but never got to Broken Hill. Going with a group of about six so it should be a great trip.
Heading to Adaminaby this weekend for an overnight stay with a group of fourteen riders. Going to do a recon run around some of the roads we may ride at the 2014 Rally. Weathers looking good so should have a ball. Going with a couple of quick riders so I may be working hard to stay with them but I enjoy a challenge. We're staying at the Snow Goose Hotel/Motel so will sus out rates, number of rooms and facilities etc. I'll try and post some pic's of the pub and hotel complex for the intending Rally goers. This of course becomes a waste of time if the Rally ends up in Tassie. ( not that I mind, I did vote for Tassie)
Any way I'll keep you posted. Regards, Pete. :i_am_so_happy:
[quote author=Pelly link=topic=8685.msg81093#msg81093 date=1363921935
Some great tips were passed between riders at the rally, some I'm keen follow up on. Firstly the braded brake lines if someone on here cares to point me in the direction of the shelf there on
[/quote]
Jason, there was a bloke on Ebay Aust that had braided clutch and brake hoses for sale for Fj's but I've just checked and he has no listings at the moment. His name is westozfj or something like that and I also think he may be a member of this forum. You may be able to google him or look him up in the members section here. Hope this helps. Pete.
Quote from: oldktmdude on March 21, 2013, 10:30:21 PM
Quote from: The General on March 21, 2013, 07:04:34 PM
Mate, I love that country out west - there`s somethin about it I find difficult to describe. We even have an FJ Forum member in Broken Hill. (Carthage warrior). Don`t forget tha pics. :drinks:
Yeah Doug I'm really looking forward to it. I went out west alot back in my younger days (mainly pig shooting) but never got to Broken Hill. Going with a group of about six so it should be a great trip.
Heading to Adaminaby this weekend for an overnight stay with a group of fourteen riders. Going to do a recon run around some of the roads we may ride at the 2014 Rally. Weathers looking good so should have a ball. Going with a couple of quick riders so I may be working hard to stay with them but I enjoy a challenge. We're staying at the Snow Goose Hotel/Motel so will sus out rates, number of rooms and facilities etc. I'll try and post some pic's of the pub and hotel complex for the intending Rally goers. This of course becomes a waste of time if the Rally ends up in Tassie. ( not that I mind, I did vote for Tassie)
Any way I'll keep you posted. Regards, Pete. :i_am_so_happy:
Snow Goose Won`t be a waste of time at all:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/4/630_21_03_13_10_54_01.jpeg) We could have a Goose raffle! :yahoo: ...At least I wouldn`t have ta buy one....and and and...He`d be alive and squawkin!...just have ta put the duct tape in a different opening. (ummm... we`d only sell one ticket... We need him for the photo shoot...Naa...might not get through treasurer - but check it out anyhow.)
Jason don't forget those engine mounts, have a look in the sub heading manshed therepy on Jan 20th that will list what we did and show some pics as well and if you get stuck call me 0407 seven six three 4 six five
Baldy( Doug)
Quote from: baldy3853 on March 22, 2013, 08:34:23 AM
Jason don't forget those engine mounts, have a look in the sub heading manshed therepy on Jan 20th that will list what we did and show some pics as well and if you get stuck call me 0407 seven six three 4 six five
Baldy( Doug)
Good point Mate. Hey Jason, how far is it from your place to Bingara?
Quote from: Pelly on March 21, 2013, 10:12:15 PM
Firstly the braded brake lines if someone on here cares to point me in the direction of the shelf there on?
:bye:
Hi Jason.
I got my latest set of braided lines from WestozXjr (Victor from west Oz - forum member).Probably not the cheapest around but excellent quality (which is probably a good idea with brake lines :yes:).He has front ,rear & clutch lines for various fj configurations and heaps of other fj goodies and have found him to be an all round top bloke!
http://yamaha-parts.victordrummond.net/fj1100-fj1200-parts?page=5 (http://yamaha-parts.victordrummond.net/fj1100-fj1200-parts?page=5)
(yes...he does have a couple of pics of my fj on his site too!....must be good :wacko2: lol )
Cheers
Jeff P
:good2: someone in the NSW roads and traffic perfoming monkeys authority had got it right tho.... out west... just past Nyngan...is the Mitchell Hwy.... 123 k's or so of dead straight dead flat no corners good road... maybe we could summon up an "FJ time trials"? no 1/4 miles ..... lets do a 4 mile time trial.... :rofl: i didnt get to have fun.... chuckles xmas day i rode it and knowewing my luck there would have been a copper very upset to work xmas day and would probably loved to book me.... so speed limit it was.... :biggrin:.... but ONE day.....
Quote from: Steve_in_Florida on March 21, 2013, 05:29:01 AM
"I'd like to extend a laural, and hardy handshake to the forums' new... "
...members!
Steve
Heh Heh Heh, one of the best movies of all time, :lol: :lol: :lol:
Jason
Before you go buying your Lines decide whether or not you are going to upgrade your front brakes, if you are going to upgrade then get those fittings on your lines ie if you are getting blue spots R1 or R6 front brakes then get those fittings on your lines just makes it easier when fitting lol
Quote from: flips on March 22, 2013, 02:23:48 PM
Quote from: Pelly on March 21, 2013, 10:12:15 PM
Firstly the braded brake lines if someone on here cares to point me in the direction of the shelf there on?
:bye:
Great tip Jeff thanks for the link. Good 1 :good2:
Hi Jason.
I got my latest set of braided lines from WestozXjr (Victor from west Oz - forum member).Probably not the cheapest around but excellent quality (which is probably a good idea with brake lines :yes:).He has front ,rear & clutch lines for various fj configurations and heaps of other fj goodies and have found him to be an all round top bloke!
http://yamaha-parts.victordrummond.net/fj1100-fj1200-parts?page=5 (http://yamaha-parts.victordrummond.net/fj1100-fj1200-parts?page=5)
(yes...he does have a couple of pics of my fj on his site too!....must be good :wacko2: lol )
Cheers
Jeff P
Quote from: baldy3853 on March 23, 2013, 07:47:55 AM
Jason
Before you go buying your Lines decide whether or not you are going to upgrade your front brakes, if you are going to upgrade then get those fittings on your lines ie if you are getting blue spots R1 or R6 front brakes then get those fittings on your lines just makes it easier when fitting lol
How great are the benifits of changing the brakes to R1 or R6? Which should I choose R1 or R6? Man my wife is going to hate me!
Quote from: Pelly on March 28, 2013, 04:42:25 AM
Quote from: baldy3853 on March 23, 2013, 07:47:55 AM
Jason
Before you go buying your Lines decide whether or not you are going to upgrade your front brakes, if you are going to upgrade then get those fittings on your lines ie if you are getting blue spots R1 or R6 front brakes then get those fittings on your lines just makes it easier when fitting lol
How great are the benifits of changing the brakes to R1 or R6? Which should I choose R1 or R6? Man my wife is going to hate me!
Hi Jason.
Just changing the lines will improve the feel & safety.HH pads will give more bite.Either r1 or r6 or other yamaha blue or gold spot monoblock calipers up till about 04 should work well.Upgrading the master cylinder at the same time will give the most improvement.I went with 01 fjr brake & clutch m/c's(adjustable levers) & calipers.Big improvement over stock.
blue spots...
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/4/medium_1645_24_02_13_8_26_27_3.jpeg)
fjr m/c's.....
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/2/medium_1645_23_01_12_12_32_05_0.jpeg)
I'm sorry if I have helped spread the very contagious moditus! :flag_of_truce:
Cheers :drinks:
Jeff P
Quote from: flips on March 28, 2013, 05:53:33 AM
Quote from: Pelly on March 28, 2013, 04:42:25 AM
Quote from: baldy3853 on March 23, 2013, 07:47:55 AM
Jason
Before you go buying your Lines decide whether or not you are going to upgrade your front brakes, if you are going to upgrade then get those fittings on your lines IE if you are getting blue spots R1 or R6 front brakes then get those fittings on your lines just makes it easier when fitting Lil
How great are the benefits of changing the brakes to R1 or R6? Which should I choose R1 or R6? Man my wife is going to hate me!
I'm sorry if I have helped spread the very contagious moditus! :flag_of_truce:
Cheers :drinks:
Jeff P
Cough, cough, cough, think I am getting a fever now...... :wacko2: :wacko2: :dash2:
George
Welcome to the group! :hi:
Great intro (not half bad writing) :good2: Brother you are absolutely right about fate..... good people have a way of finding each other whether they wind up next door or on the other side of the world...... i can honestly say after 14 years of attending FJ rallies that most all FJ owners are good people! (seriously)
I'm really diggin this new rally banter you all are having.... i remember when we had the first get together off the old yahoo list waaaaay back in 2000 at Deal's gap Tenn..... we all left that rally with new friends complete with faces and unbelieveable stories to tell just like you.
i hope to get over there for a rally soon......I 'm making a move that's gonna cut my overhead and allow me to travel more (Klavdy gave me the inspiration after being dead on the table )
again, good to have ya with us.
KOokaloo! :good2:
Frank
Jeff,
You got a sweet ride :good2:
KOokaloo!
Quote from: flips on March 28, 2013, 05:53:33 AM
Quote from: Pelly on March 28, 2013, 04:42:25 AM
Quote from: baldy3853 on March 23, 2013, 07:47:55 AM
Jason
Before you go buying your Lines decide whether or not you are going to upgrade your front brakes, if you are going to upgrade then get those fittings on your lines ie if you are getting blue spots R1 or R6 front brakes then get those fittings on your lines just makes it easier when fitting lol
How great are the benifits of changing the brakes to R1 or R6? Which should I choose R1 or R6? Man my wife is going to hate me!
Hi Jason.
Just changing the lines will improve the feel & safety.HH pads will give more bite.Either r1 or r6 or other yamaha blue or gold spot monoblock calipers up till about 04 should work well.Upgrading the master cylinder at the same time will give the most improvement.I went with 01 fjr brake & clutch m/c's(adjustable levers) & calipers.Big improvement over stock.
blue spots...
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/4/medium_1645_24_02_13_8_26_27_3.jpeg)
fjr m/c's.....
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/2/medium_1645_23_01_12_12_32_05_0.jpeg)
I'm sorry if I have helped spread the very contagious moditus! :flag_of_truce:
Cheers :drinks:
Jeff P
Quote from: racerman_27410 on March 28, 2013, 04:35:16 PM
Brother you are absolutely right about fate..... good people have a way of finding each other whether they wind up next door or on the other side of the world...... i can honestly say after 14 years of attending FJ rallies that most all FJ owners are good people! (seriously)
i hope to get over there for a rally soon......I 'm making a move that's gonna cut my overhead and allow me to travel more (Klavdy gave me the inspiration after being dead on the table )
KOokaloo! :good2:
Frank
:good2: Amen ta that. Swap that Overhead for Overhear! ... We`d love more accents in the Snowys. :yahoo:
Hey Jason :hi:
Glad to see you found us again.
Look forward to catching up with you and Julie in the Snowys
Just book it in and it will happen :good2:
Darran
Hey guys
Remember Pete from the Rally?
His misso just reversed over his beloved FJ. The ol girl has suffered a little cosmetic damage.
Anyone have any tips on where to find a -
RH Air intake
Upper fairing
RHS trim bar
Cheers
i may have the fairing trim, but cant remember what side or year
Pete's bike is an 88.
Great to hear from you Darren. The snowys sound very tempting and id reckon it would be a hoot. When the details are finalised ill work up the Julz and see what we can do.
:drinks: and one for the General :morning2:
Quote from: Pelly on March 31, 2013, 09:31:46 PM
Hey guys
Remember Pete from the Rally?
His misso just reversed over his beloved FJ. The ol girl has suffered a little cosmetic damage.
:shok: I hope Pete didnt hurt her to badly!!!!
just kidding..... :wacko2:
Cheers
Jeff P
Quote from: Pelly on March 31, 2013, 10:45:42 PM
Pete's bike is an 88.
Great to hear from you Darren. The snowys sound very tempting and id reckon it would be a hoot. When the details are finalised ill work up the Julz and see what we can do.
:drinks: and one for the General :morning2:
no worries mate,, ill check my own 88 and see if the single one matches
Jason
R1, R6, FJR FZ 1000, or FZ600 doesn't matter which you choose they are pretty much all the same, tomorrow I check the wreckers in Slacks creek I'm pretty sure they have a 87,88,89,90 model fairing, will let you know
Baldy
:shok: I hope Pete didnt hurt her to badly!!!!
just kidding..... :wacko2:
Cheers
Jeff P
[/quote]
+1 on that. Know how he feels.
Lucky it wasn't Danielle that knocked mine over
I think that could be a deal breaker
Please pass on my condolances
Darran