Foggy mountain High

[ribbert]

Did my annual Autumn ride to the high country last weekend, absolutely magic. Probably one of the last weekends before the snow sets in seriously. This most spectacular part of the country is all but deserted between Easter and the commencement of the ski season. If you ride an FJ, that means speed. I barely looked at my speedo all weekend. This is a rare treat in Australia and is probably the only ride I do each year where getting caught is not constantly in the back (or front) of my mind.

I'm not a natural early riser, but there is only one time of the day to start a road trip, just before first light, fantastic!



As usual, pre planning on Google maps and the GPS allowed us to parallel all the major roads and ride previously unridden roads through known country. Familiarity with the area allowed for a bit of deviation for the weather, time and light.

We approached the first mountain, Mt Hotham, from the steep side so a hasty retreat (descent) could be made if the forecast snow fell. The other approach has a gentle rise and long plateau, If we were to be caught on that, there is no where to go. The downside was all the cloud was building up against the side of the mountain and we got to such low visibility that even the reference points at the side of the road were barely visible and whisker more I think could have even created balance problems.
Once clear of the fog, the trip across the plateau, whizzing past the sight of next years Rally at a 100mph was exilerating, no time to stop for photos.



This was before it got thick.

We took the same approach over Falls Creek but without the fog. Did some exploring at the top of the mountain.







Came across these guys at 140kph on a sweeper.

Spent the first night at the historic Blue Duck Inn at Anglers Rest, you haven't toured Victoria on a bike unless you've spent a night here. This joint is right in the middle of God sent roads (between Omeo and Falls Creek) they are very biker friendly, always a fantastic night here. Everone is a traveller as it is the only place there, great yarns around the huge open fire over a few drinks.



Stayed with friends the following night in the picture book township of Bright. Below is the view just beyond their back fence. Some people just live rough.



Sunday finally broke into good weather for the last leg of the trip.

Mount Buffalo in the background.



The last of the morning fog burning off.



Hardship like this all the way home.



New toys for this trip were a hard wired heated vest (never leave home without it), the hugger, new gloves and the first good trial of the Sena SMH10 bluethooth intercom. Passed with flying colours for duration, distance, wet weather and clarity. Just don't push the wrong buttons, you could end up listening to Radio Moscow.

Old favourites for the trip were the Tankslapper temporary paint protection, chain oiler, TPMS, heated grips, Givi tank lock bag and my absolute perrenial favourite, the GPS/HUD speed readout on the fairing screen.

You have been spared the pictures I would like to have posted as I am still having trouble with my change from IOS to Android and moving pictures around, think yourselves lucky.

I'll be back.

Roads to die for, weather to die from but not once did I wish I had the bike in a trailer behind me.

Noel

[ribbert]

Forgot to mention. Much as love my Conti RA 2 GT's, I've had 4 sets in a row (the last 2 GT's) and thought it was time to give something else a try. I was tossing up between PR4's and Metzeler Z8's. Come the crunch, I thought I would go with the Michelins but they didn't have a GT front in stock, so Z8's it was.

I can vouch more for their wet weather performance than dry after this trip but I am very happy with them. They copped a bit of everything at the weekend.

But, as my tyre man says, there is no such thing as a bad tyre these days (maybe he hasn't ridden on Bridgestones lately) I took it for granted that he was referring to the major manufacturers.
He only sells Michelin, Continental and Metzeler (by choice)

Noel

[giantkiller]

Terrible that you had to endure such scenery. How could you stand it.

A trip down under is on my bucket list. I signed up to do a foreign exchange student my junior year of highschool. But my parents got divorced.
And that canceled it.

I hated my Metzlers. Terrible in rain. Were gone in 4800 miles. But I think they were z4s.  Z8s must be better. The pr3s, and now pr4s are the best tires I've ever ridden. Pr3s. Had 10,000 miles on them, great cornering traction. Great in down pours. The Metzlers would spin up coming out of corners. The pr3s you can lift the front while your still laid over coming out of low speed corners. Lots of fun.

Woops sorry got off track. Love the pictures. I'm envious.

[Mark Olson]

Thanks for posting your adventure Noel .

It appears you had a great ride through beautiful country views and semi in climate weather . 

[Pat Conlon]

Very enjoyable Noel, thank you....yea, don't leave home without your heated vest, very true.

Another for the PR-4's, wonderful tires.

You're living the dream Noel, kudos.

[Firehawk068]

Nice ride post, with some great pictures!
I need to get my act in-gear.
I got two tires to put on, an oil leak to fix, and some UNI pods to put on!
Riding season is upon us here in Colorado!

[ken65]

Nice photo's Noel.  I'm green with envy.         

[oz.fj]

whizzing past the sight of next years Rally,

Did I miss something

Please tell us more...

[markmartin]

I love the trip report Noel. Keep the pictures coming.

[oldktmdude]

whizzing past the sight of next years Rally,

Did I miss something

Please tell us more...

Weren't you at the meeting? I thought you were there Darren. Vic high country for next years Rally.  
   Great photos Noel. Wish I was there. Maybe next time.  Pete.

[Troyskie]

  Weren't you at the meeting? I thought you were there Darren. Vic high country for next years Rally.  
   Great photos Noel. Wish I was there. Maybe next time.  Pete.
[/quote]
Do we have a date or tentative period?