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Great Australian Adventure

Started by CanDman, July 20, 2013, 07:41:53 PM

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CanDman

#165
April 03, 2014, 12:05:16 PM
Quote from: CanDman on March 30, 2014, 05:25:15 PM

  Well......for almost 2 years I have been chomping at the bit to head across the vast Pacific Ocean to meet my Commonwealth cousins living underneath the rest of the planet. I had no idea what I was in for and all my notions and imaginations couldn't prepare me for what and who I was going to see. This is the first installment of my epic journey Down Under.

Chapter 1. "From Snow to Sand"

It was Wednesday Feb. 26 2014 5:00 am and I had to be at the airport at 6:30 am. Grabbed my luggage loaded the car and was ready to take off. It was -20 Celsius and I was not going to miss this ice and snow even a little bit.... :biggrin:




Now it was off to the airport and on my way!




Stopped in at San Fran for the day and wondered throughout the downtown region from 12 noon until it was time to catch my connecting flight.




Sadly, because it rained all day, I was not able to play "the tourist " so I caught my 10:30 pm flight and it was off to Sydney !!! I arrived in Sydney at 8 am and left my bags at the airport, grabbed the first cab to downtown and told the camel jockey to take me to the biggest sports bar.....my leafs were going to start playing a game at 10.... :wacko3:. Got downtown..and hit  every sports bar on George street with no luck finding the game......so I headed for the local watering hole and started making the rounds. My flight wasn't leaving until 8 pm so I had lots of time to knock elbows.



.

By 6 pm I was already flying....... :wacko1:.....was great walking up to all the Auzzies and saying...."Gooday eh...CanDman Dandee from up over" ......ya I had fun with that......but sadly after 10 shots....5 beers and a dozen new friends...I was on my way to Bris........got into Bris at 9 and there I was greeted by the Rover........his large frame and neandertholic stare sobered me up quickly and I was thinking.....where the hell am I ......am I still asleep on the plane? Nope......reality was staring me in the face




Got the awkward greetings out of the way...and it was off to the Richard Farm.......where I was half expecting a paddock full of goats...none of which I could look at..... :mocking:.......but no such animals......except one......the Princess of the manner.....who greeted me with open arms and a genuine smile...

.

The next morning it was off to the Yacht club for lunch with the gang......it's a funny thing to sit in the left seat with nothing in front of you....but a windshield......a real trip driving on the wrong side of the road.....and everyone does it..... :pardon:.

We arrived at the right place ....finally.....(Rich got lost.... :crazy:) but eventually we made it.....the gang was all there and we spent the afternoon....exchanging gifts ....shots....and lots of laughs.... Rays entire family came all the way there to join in and his youngest daughter was kind enough to make me a rubber wrist band which I wore for the entire trip !!!





......By sun's set we had all made our way to the Ocean and I stood there with my distant cousins and watched the Sun drop below the horizon from underneath...... How cool was that !!!


 


It was there that I realized that the snowman had landed !!!





Here's a little summary video I put together....... :drinks:





Chapter 2   "The trip to Jyndabyne" coming soon   (popcorn)


 
Quote



https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=_oBSB3E2sY8

Never regret your choices in life ! There is no way to go back to do it again and compare. Make the most and do your best with every decision you make

CanDman

#166
April 04, 2014, 03:01:32 PM
  
 Chapter 2.  " The Road to Jindabyne "


*Hey Rich...maybe you could post the map for me......I have had no luck doing so !!!!!  :dash1:


Part 1. "On a Hippie trail...."


After the party at the Yacht club and beach.. Rich and I headed back to his place (where I would be staying)... we sat and drank and sang songs and played music videos......you can tell a lot about a person by the music they like.....
 The next day Rich, his wife and I went for an orientation ride. Rich wanted me to familiarize myself with driving on the wrong side of the road ...so we went "Out for a Rip"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-glHAzXi_M&feature=player_detailpage


 ...... we did a few mountain roads but nothing too extensive...it was a beautiful Sunday drive. It sure was nice to get back in the saddle...... The bike I was riding was graciously provided by the "The General" and Rich spent a lot of time and effort getting the big Fish ready for...thx to both of you !! ........... I christened her ......"The Blue Tuna"......as I was tuning up for the big Rally.




  The Next day was the start of our journey on "Road To Jindabyne". Rich and I had been talking extensively over seas on a cel phone prior to my arrival asking me where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do.....I brushed a few strokes but Rich and I are both Leos and love the adventure and the Mystery more than a set plan..so we were both on the same page.....my thing was always...."you lead...I will follow" and that's how it was going to be. I must say..it was quite exciting! My only concern, which I told Rich, was going to be the language and accent differences........Rich is low talker...tries to say as little as possible...."anyway" was his favorite word...and he a few dental issues ta boot.........so...being a drummer with frozen ears......and riding a motorcycle....I knew I was going to have to ask a lot of Q's and make gumby repeat a lot stuff..... :wacko1:.....was to make for an interesting week. Plus we didn't know each other from Adam ....so there we were.....a couple of perfect strangers who could understand each other....embarking on this Road trip to Jindabyne.


 

  The first leg was to head down to Byron Bay and spend the night in the Blues capitol of Australia........just a 3 hour "rip" down the coast and into the little beach town......Mr Bean and Klavdy were going to meet us there for lunch......so we saddled up and headed out the door. I wasn't too sure what to expect....meeting Klav that is.....as you know...Klav doesn't always play nice with the other kids....here on "THE INTERNET" ...   :mocking:  


It took us all of 3 hours of slabbing to get there and it rained pretty hard on us for part of the ride......but it cleared up nicely by the time we got there.



 

Rich and I then headed of to the motel we booked and checked in.....was exciting to be there....and I was busting inside.....Klav and Bean called us let us know where they were.......then we promptly headed over. Once we arrived there....they were sitting down out on patio of a bar.....and Klav was on the phone.......as soon as we joined them, I was handed the phone?? "Hey Kev....it's my wife Jill...." so I took the phone and had a lovely chat with a lovely woman. As soon as I handed the phone back...Klav stood up and we shook hands (like men!!!)......WRONG.. :biggrin:...I gave Klav a hug and he gave me one  :blush:.......it was a real pleasure to finally meet the real person and to be able to sit down and laugh it up together !! Mr Bean though.....boy he cracked me up...awwwww Garth........was a real pleasure to meet you.......you have genuine personality and no guile to be found on you anywhere !! I know why they call you "Mr. Bean"......but I liked the one Rich and I came up with... "Mr. Sniffy" .......not only because you caught a sniffle on the plane.....but like me......you were perving as much as I was !!!! :wacko1: Weren't those lovelies just everywhere?.....man I got whiplash checkin out all the beauties walking past us by the scores........Beaner and I were laughing....cause while we were perving the skirts......Klav was trying to spot all the cops and giving us the skinny on those #*$!^%$@)!!#&% SOB's ......  :biggrin: but the afternoon was great fun !!!!

 


 After we parted ways with the Dynamic duLa .......we agreed to hook up the next day in Nimbin and "GO OUT FOR A RIP" (poor Rich...I got that song stuck in his head for the whole ride down... :rofl:) . Rich and I then headed oot and aboot for some local suds. One thing about my man Rich...this guy LOVES BEER !!!!!! I drink tequila and beer cause I love the Buzz.....but Rover....drinks beer cause he loves the taste......and man did he know his beer !!!!  :hi:

After several hours drinking down by the Sea.....we went back to the motel....cleaned up and headed out again to find some live music. Normally that is not a big task in this town....but it was a Monday and I think we probably missed some good acts over the weekend. None the less.....unfettered and eager for good time we ended up at a cozy little side bar with a soloist playing his various guitars and chirped out quite a few excellent numbers......we sat there until the show was over and then made our way back to the room......with a few unscheduled stops at a few other gigs..........
  We eventually did make it to the motel and got a goods nights rest............

 




 The next morning we woke up and headed off to Nimbin...... :scratch_one-s_head: ......wasn't sure what a Nimbin was....but it sounded a little Didgereedoowey..... :mocking:

The ride was filled with great roads ....was a lot fun pulling over for pictures as much as it was tearing up the phault.....once we got there I thought I had DR. Who'd it back to the 60's man..... :wacko1:.....I mean...you want to know where the lyrics "ON A HIPPIE TRAIL HEAD FULL OF ZOMBIE" came from....well here it was..... in the middle of nowhere......everything was tie die'd and groovy.....I wanted to call my dad ...Hey POPS I get it now !!! ....but I didn't.......a few goodies were offered to me including some special cookies.....which I politely declined. We eventually sat down at a bar in the middle of the day and grabbed a few drinks.......as soon as I sat down, I noticed a TV with a hockey game on it........and to my shock and utter euphoria ......one of the teams playing were my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs....of all the places to catch a LEAF game....I just about went back for a cookie.....lol......anyway after a short wait Laurel and Hardy turned up and we sat there and had lunch....after lunch we all went "OUT FOR A RIP"..... :biggrin: .....and what a rip it was. Klav lead us through some very VERY COOL TWISTIES........that was a GOOOOOOD RIDE !!!!!! Awesome run......Amazing fun !!

 










The first 2 days were filled with everything and things were just getting started.....I was having so much fun !!! and Rich and I were quickly becoming good friends.... (miss ya bro)


Anyway......as always I love to put together a summary  video.....so here it is....and I hope you enjoy it.........I titled it "The Road to Jindabyne "


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vb06rgCxnGQ&feature=player_detailpage


Part 2. " The Mountains Run " will be posted shortly......Enjoy !!!!

CanDman
   






Never regret your choices in life ! There is no way to go back to do it again and compare. Make the most and do your best with every decision you make

PaulG

#168
April 05, 2014, 12:01:09 AM
Hey there! Looks like a grand adventure. Sorry to hear about your "off".  Hope your wrist heals up in time for you to be swinging that hammer.  Or are you one of those pussies that uses a nail gun?   :biggrin:

Looking forward for the rest of the show.   :good2:
1992 FJ1200 ABS
YouTube Channel Paul G

CanDman

#169
April 05, 2014, 10:39:40 PM
Quote from: PaulG on April 05, 2014, 12:01:09 AM
Hey there! Looks like a grand adventure. Sorry to hear about your "off".  Hope your wrist heals up in time for you to be swinging that hammer.  Or are you one of those pussies that uses a nail gun?   :biggrin:

Looking forward for the rest of the show.   :good2:


  lol...I'ld rather hit my thumb with the hammer than shoot myself with a nail gun  :shok:...................besides...... I was given an honorary "Auzzie" title for riding the bike 80 kms back to the resort with a busted (left) shoulder, wrist and finger (hurt like a bastard shifting gears !!! )...........and you don't get presented that medal if you're a pussy....... :mocking:   

CanDman
   
Never regret your choices in life ! There is no way to go back to do it again and compare. Make the most and do your best with every decision you make

PaulG

#170
April 05, 2014, 11:40:17 PM
Quote from: CanDman on April 05, 2014, 10:39:40 PM

  lol...I'ld rather hit my thumb with the hammer than shoot myself with a nail gun  :shok:...................besides...... I was given an honorary "Auzzie" title for riding the bike 80 kms back to the resort with a busted (left) shoulder, wrist and finger (hurt like a bastard shifting gears !!! )...........and you don't get presented that medal if you're a pussy....... :mocking:   

CanDman
   

Would that medal be a crushed beer can(s) strung around like pearls?   :blum2:

BTW - that vid Out For A Rip was hilarious.  I've never met these guys - but I know them, I've met them, and from time to time... I have been one of them too!  :drinks:  I think this is closer to the Canadian psyche than even Bob & Doug (and I've 'bin there too ya know?)

1992 FJ1200 ABS
YouTube Channel Paul G

CanDman

#171
April 06, 2014, 10:08:35 AM
    
[/quote]

BTW - that vid Out For A Rip was hilarious.  I've never met these guys - but I know them, I've met them, and from time to time... I have been one of them too!  :drinks:  I think this is closer to the Canadian psyche than even Bob & Doug (and I've 'bin there too ya know?)


[/quote]

G .....   (Paul).......   I'm confused as is everyone I imagine .... you've never met them......but you know them cause you've met them  :scratch_one-s_head:


Never regret your choices in life ! There is no way to go back to do it again and compare. Make the most and do your best with every decision you make

PaulG

#172
April 06, 2014, 12:58:33 PM
Quote from: CanDman on April 06, 2014, 10:08:35 AM
   

BTW - that vid Out For A Rip was hilarious.  I've never met these guys - but I know them, I've met them, and from time to time... I have been one of them too!  :drinks:  I think this is closer to the Canadian psyche than even Bob & Doug (and I've 'bin there too ya know?)


[/quote]

G .....   (Paul).......   I'm confused as is everyone I imagine .... you've never met them......but you know them cause you've met them  :scratch_one-s_head:



[/quote]


i.e. I've never met THESE PARTICULAR guys but I know GUYS LIKE THEM, and I've met GUYS LIKE THEM, etc.... etc... etc...   :wacko2:

semantics... jeeesh....  :mail1:

1992 FJ1200 ABS
YouTube Channel Paul G

CanDman

#173
April 06, 2014, 04:12:28 PM
 
  here's the video for "The Road to Jindabyne" it was a blast !!!!


May I suggest that you open up the full screen.................    and    .....        CRANK IT UP !!!






 Road to Jindabyne
Never regret your choices in life ! There is no way to go back to do it again and compare. Make the most and do your best with every decision you make

X-Ray

#174
April 07, 2014, 07:22:24 AM
 :good2: :good2: Nice video, looked like a lot of fun in Nimbin!  :drinks:
'94 FJ1200 Wet Pale Brown
'93 FJ1200 Dark Violet/Silver
'84 FJ1100 Red/White

'91 FJ1200 Dark Violet/Silver ( Now Sold)
'92 FJ1200 Project/Resto Dark Violet/Silver (Now Sold)






For photos of my rear wheel swap, heres the link  https://www.flickr.com/gp/150032671@N02/62k3KZ

CanDman

#175
April 09, 2014, 01:54:49 PM
Quote from: X-Ray on April 07, 2014, 07:22:24 AM
:good2: :good2: Nice video, looked like a lot of fun in Nimbin!  :drinks:

Awww ....glad you enjoyed it bro.......wait though for Chapter #5 " A Glass of Wiser's " .... it'll be smooth.........   :biggrin:   :drinks:
(sorry folks...inside joke.......X-Ray's last name is Wise and while I was in Australia, I stayed with Ray and his wonderful Family for 4 awesome days)

Kev


                             
Never regret your choices in life ! There is no way to go back to do it again and compare. Make the most and do your best with every decision you make

X-Ray

#176
April 10, 2014, 03:21:41 AM
Ooooohhhh that looks nice. Make sure you have some on hand when we come over to visit.  :good2:
'94 FJ1200 Wet Pale Brown
'93 FJ1200 Dark Violet/Silver
'84 FJ1100 Red/White

'91 FJ1200 Dark Violet/Silver ( Now Sold)
'92 FJ1200 Project/Resto Dark Violet/Silver (Now Sold)






For photos of my rear wheel swap, heres the link  https://www.flickr.com/gp/150032671@N02/62k3KZ

CanDman

#177
April 11, 2014, 08:22:10 PM
Quote from: X-Ray on April 10, 2014, 03:21:41 AM
Ooooohhhh that looks nice. Make sure you have some on hand when we come over to visit.  :good2:

It's a deal !!!  :good2:
Never regret your choices in life ! There is no way to go back to do it again and compare. Make the most and do your best with every decision you make

CanDman

#178
April 19, 2014, 09:57:43 AM
The Road to Jindabyne


Part 2. " The Mountains Run "


  This is the second installment of the ride down to Jindabyne which I have titled "The Mountains Run".  The first 2 days were really about the shore line and the coastal attractions with a template designated for the first timer. The Yacht club the big cities and the beaches were number 1 on the menu.....but this next leg was a run to the interior.....away from the cities and tourism and off to the heartlands of the Australian soul. Modernization can be a double edged sword. It can sometimes water down a culture and a people and steal away the essence of the Land and the Spirit of her People. Australia is a harsh and hostile environment....and can catch even the bravest off guard.........and yet somehow She manages to propagate her children with a genuine love for her and any who find their course blown onto her shores.
Rich and I had corresponded many times by phone and by email and it was refreshing to find a kindred spirit......who not only believed in fate and destiny, but was as willing and passionate about letting the wind plot our course as I was!!! No sight....no smell.....no sound...no substance......only an apparition and a Voice calling us on and guiding the way!! Riding the South side of the Sky, there was no desire for Standing Still.......just a gentle breath charting our destination.

After we parted ways with Klav and Mr Sniffy (Bean), Rich and I proceeded on through Glen Innes and the Wash Pool National Park. Grafton was on our radar for a place to rest for the night, so once we arrived we toured around the town a few times looking for that one place......that had us both happy clapping !! That usually included a decent room, a warm shower, a 6 foot bed, and a healthy selection of Australia's finest Hops.......the cheaper the place the better the Barley!!!!
We managed to find the South Grafton Hotel around 6 o'clock...so we parked the bikes and checked into our room. After a quick freshening up...it was down to the Bar for some surf and turf......oh....and a shot of Tequila and some 4X !!!! Sat down and watched Mr "T" on a big screen poke fun at all dem fools  !!!! lol





The next morning was cool....for me at least (not) but for Captain Petrie it was freezing!!!!.....lmao...... I had to snicker to myself as my stable mate snapped at the cool morning air. After a short goodbye to the Lord of the Manner, we were off to........well....... who knew? Somewhere over in that direction sounded about right......so.....off we went......ripping through the Guy Fawkes River National Park on our way to Armidale. Those were some of the most amazing roads I ever been on........huge elevation changes and twisties that were worthy of an Amusement Park !!!! Man...why did I leave my GoPro mounting case in Brisbane????? (one of the dumbest things I ever did........thx again Harv for bringing it to the Rally !!!!). Action cameras are not much use if you have no way to mount it !!!!!!! Doooooooh !!!!





Anyways.....once we arrived in Armidale...was time to refuel.....both steeds and riders. We ended up at a Grocery store where I feasted on a wide selection of Fruits.....and sat and talked to a very sexy fitness instructor in front of her fitness centre. She was certainly friendly.....and got a laugh when I asked her what the best route was? Lmao.......she winked at this eager beaver and said.....straight down big boy!!! At least she didn't take my banana and show me!!!! shhhh when Rich went for a slash...she showed me in private a good route   :wacko1:
  It was a nice pit stop (thx Sheila) ...but the feet were restless and I knew my fellow fist jammer was itching to get in the Pipe five by five !!!! Five was always our target on the clock.............and our destination?  Tamworth....the Country capitol of Australia and home of the "Slim Dusty and Joy McKean" statue.

I loved the fact that Rich and I shared a passion for music...first we did the Blues capitol in Byron Bay and now we were going down to Country Music Capitol ........ Shania Town (Tamworth)..... by the way.....I am still waiting for that song Rich was working on upon our return from the Rally........it was very very good!!!!!!! I am hoping that Doug's poem will be the catalyst to get his Country loven arse in gear....How bout it Rove??? We're waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!
So there we were.......back "OUT FOR A RIP".......Mountain Range style........giddy up...... !!!!!! This part of the runs were absolutely breathtaking......Rich and I must have pulled over every ten minutes to take pictures of the Mountains and Ranges.......I don't know how to convey how Majestic it was riding through all the hills....the valleys......the mountains and the wide open plains.......you could hear the madrigal music melodically riding through your head with each and every turn!!!! There was an abundance of happy clapping going on here......fist pumps....shudder clicks......and HIGH FIVES were endless








...... buy the time we got into Tamworth it was still early and we decided to pull out a coin to see what our next move would be......keep riding or stay here for the night......we stayed.....lol  ....as it turns out it was the right call. Tamworth is a great little town and warm.....you could feel the place hug you as you drove down the main strip




.....was always fun deciding on a hotel/motel.......Rich's motto was always....the cheaper the room...the better tasting the beer!!!!! ... I was a Tequila monster..so it applied to me as well......lol. Well after several rips around town we decided on the Old Court House Hotel.......very nice spot .....perfect in fact.







We checked in....cleaned up and walked up and down the Main drag...... I suggested we go to the place with the most patrons for dinner and that we did. A great little patio bar that was packed and I was right......surf and turf again of course...Rich the Sea lover....Kev the Land lover....lol.






After dinner we headed back to The Court House and I decided to let Rich kill me at Pool?? Actually I am not sure what we were playing.....the balls were the size of squash balls......tiny little balls you guys play with  :mocking:. But after a thorough drubbing, it appeared that we had attracted the attention of one of the locals who was getting a kick out of me getting a kick.....stupid little balls!!!!!!....anyway....this guy was a middle aged bloke who was well into the evening's festivities when we happened into each other. I don't know if any of you can appreciate what it's like to get left behind in a conversation, especially when they're speaking English!!!!! I mean the first time you listen in on two people who are familiar with each other....well you can forget it......send me a post card....

This is a snipit from Rich and Julie...it was my second day in Auzzie and I knew I was going to loose a few....conversations I mean..... :empathy3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3e1P9U-ZAO0 .... :mocking: :unknown: 100 bucks to anyone who can translate this........and no help from the happy couple  :flag_of_truce:
 
After a brief introduction, myself, Rich and Stu, our new friend, were deeply engaged in conversation about cars and adventures. Stu was telling us about some of his adventures including one that took him to Canada for 2 months back in the 80's....said he loved it !!! :hi:  The other subject was Australiana and all the great products Australia used to produce....including automobiles built by Holden. Turned out to be a sure fire way to find out someone's model (age) was..... Stu and Rich were both EH Holden's....and I was an EJ Holden.....I thought it was an interesting way to tell another man your age......lol...but it worked.....Stu and Rich were like 2 cats sharing a bag of catnip and a few Ale's to keep the conversation fire roaring......it was interesting dialogue in the sense I didn't have a clue what these 2 were chattering about but it must have been good!!! Rich later came to the room and was electrically charged by the experience......senses may not capture the wind but you only need to watch a tree bow it's head to know it's there. It was nice for me to see Rich tilt his head in reverence......gave me a charge as well!!!!




The next morning we got up, had breakfast and did our best to find a case for my GoPro......but no such luck....so we saddled up and headed south. We were not sure where we wanted to end up...Rich was hoping to take us to see a few places that Stu had told us might be worthy of our journey. That Stu was a genuine bloke...kind hearted and real....wasn't afraid to open his heart and show you....I must say... I found that a lot while I was there!!!!! It was easy to make the connections between Canada and Australia and how we truly fell from the same tree!!! A few differences...especially when it comes to meat pies and snot blocks..... :rofl:
 
The morning ride ended in Sandy Hollow where filled the tanks....and fueled up ...Rich was a bit confused and told someone we were in Sleepy Hollow so I thought I should at least try to do my best "Ichabod Crane" impersonation (using my empty helmet).....for nothing!!!! ...........the village was called Sandy Hollow!!!!!!




Anyway.....after lunch we weren't sure where to target for the night.....Bathurst or Lithgow..or Goulburn.....We decided on Lithgow with the Bathurst route left for the return trip home. The General was also trying to get a meet in Sydney as well but time and distance were becoming a bit of a factor....so it was off to Lithgow. These roads were also a lot of fun!!! Up and around one mountain after another......was almost exhausting......(NOT!!!!!!!!).......man I was wishing CanD was with me......no knock on the" Blue Tuna " she was awesome.........but I was feeling a bit guilty enjoying these rides without her... :blush:





 Once we got into Lithgow, it was still pretty early and we were trying not to make a shot but to leave a shot!!!! We thought if we made it to Goulburn, it would leave us an easy ride to the Rally the next day....so at 4:30, we gassed up....saddled up and replenished our H2O and headed out.....well it wasn't long before we got to Hampton.....maybe an hour......so the first Roadhouse we passed, I knew the brake lights ahead of me would come on as soon as those 4 great big yellow X's came into sight.........5,4,3,2,1...and there they were!!! Rich was obviously getting thirsty and I needed to persuade him to not think about cold beer.....so out with the cattle prod and on to our fate in Goulburn.
 Now Rich ,up to this point was the model of riding perfection!!! I mean.....whatever the sign said...no matter how slow....Rich was never a km over the limit......kept me on my toes at all times. The other thing that was a strong indication that the 900 km run was taking its toll, was the fact that I didn't need to use my brakes or throttle as much and when we finally got into Goulburn......I noticed we weren't paying as much attention to the signs like before

.......I couldn't stop laughing in my helmet as I knew someone couldn't stop licking his lips under that brain bucket.....nearly soiled myself at one point!!!! Rotflmao!!!!!  :lol: :biggrin: :rofl2: :mocking: :rofl:After an exhaustive search for the right place we pretty much ended up at our very first option "The Gordon Hotel"....funny!!!! It was actually a very nice Digs





....took no time at all to settle in and have an excellent dinner and drinks (best steak of the trip so far mmmmm). I don't think I have ever seen a beer disappear so fast than that first one Rich inhaled!!! Lmao .......Rich was the silent soldier type...sometimes hard to read.....and never excessively chatty.....but when it came to BEER.......wasn't hard to read at all.......as I wrote earlier...Rich drinks beer because he loves the taste of it......period  :drinks:
 The next day we really took it easy.....we had only 350 kms to cover and all day to do it. We had a good breakfast and sauntered over to the local bank, which didn't open until 10:00 AM, to exchange some currency (US to AUS). Thank goodness Rich was there...they wouldn't do it without my passport??? Well we did our business and saddled up for the last leg to the rally.....there was still tons of riding ahead and we were just getting started!!! Well anyway.....on our horses and on our way to the Main event..... it really wasn't much to write about other than the landscape...... it was kind of creepy.....I thought I was in "The Land of The Lost" .....a barren wasteland of hills and ranges.....almost looked "WarTorn".....but a mild and carefree ride into Jindabyne took us only 4 hours.



I have to say, Doug found the perfect spot to hold the rally. It was the greatest feeling once we blew into town knowing that the wind was at our back the whole way!!!!! Great job Captain Petrie !!!!!! Stay tuned for Chapter 3. "The Rally"



And always.....I love posting a video which captures the mood of the ride...and this one was Majestic in every way !!!!!  :drinks:


 
The Mountains Run
             
Never regret your choices in life ! There is no way to go back to do it again and compare. Make the most and do your best with every decision you make

CanDman

#179
May 01, 2014, 01:35:00 AM
Chapter 3. The Rally
 

Welcome to my forth installment of my adventure in Australia. So far, I've been here for just over a week and have travelled and seen quite a bit already.....however I should point out, that "quite a bit" is relative and having travelled already over 2000 kms in a short time frame, in retrospect (Australia-the Country), I have seen very little. XRay said it when he told me if I stayed for 6 months over there, I would barely scratch the surface!!! Imagine that Australia is an old 33 LP record disc.......it would take 50 years to finish side 1.


 Now........all the mountain roads, hills and valleys that we travelled, were a great preparation for the weekend ride. Although, what was to come, I was not prepared for at all !!!  I was not only excited to rip around the Snowy Mountains but also to meet some of the members I have been corresponding with for quite some time. Harvey was definitely one of those mates along many other great Auzzie members who I have enjoyed meeting here on the forum.


 Rich and I pulled in around 2:30 Friday afternoon and several of the 45 attendees had already arrived. I checked into my room and did a quick survey of the accommodations. I was very surprised when I went into the bathroom and saw a whirlpool Jacuzzi looking up at me and inviting me in for a sess.......lol......bubbles up. A 1 hr soak was delightful after a long week!!!!! After my jet massage, I climbed out and headed downstairs to meet and greet the others as they arrived.









  The whole evening was a blast!!! It was awesome dropping shots, drinking beer, making new friends and generally having a great time.....by the end of the evening's festivities, I was given a new nickname....."Pinball".........would have been perfect if the "Wizard" could have made an appearance...........(I'm so sorry you couldn't make it Klav..... snicker). Pinball was perfect.....as I love bouncing around.......caters to my restless nature...... :sarcastic:


Banjo Celebration







 The next morning, everyone headed down to the dining area for an early breakfast and prepared themselves for a full day of riding. Once breakfast was over, we did a bike line up and took photos of the awesome display of FJ Ownership at its best  :good2:. What a moment.......what a group......what a display......the only thing that could have topped that was a guest appearance from a Bike riding Celebrity....... I don't know.......say .......someone like Charlie Boorman  










 Once all the photos and chit chat were finished, it was time to saddle up and go "OUT FOR A RIP" Auzzie style !!





 The rides and the views were amazing and even when we became separated...it was not too difficult to run into the rest of the scattered groups.....although Harv got lost pretty early into the ride and wasn't seen again until dinner time. We made several stops to take pictures and such ..the views were amazing....








"The Blue Tuna's" fuel consumption was a bit hazy.........  Rich was my petroleum abacus.....and was the one I would consult regarding my fuel situation.............so when the inquiry went up about everyone's fuel, I made a quick look at Rich and was given a shaky looking thumbs (half) up..... :mail1:. Well fortunately the calculations were only off by 3 kms and the Tuna ended up on the beach......completely bone dry. I sat there watching and waving at everyone passing by.......Rich was great and ripped ahead and picked up some fuel for the "The Blue Tuna"..........Randy (RPM) also very decent.......he kindly turned around and checked to see if I was OK........thx again Randy :hi:......it wasn't long before Rich came back and got the big fish and her flippers back in the water... We hooked up with the rest of the group and had some lunch. :nyam1:






I also needed to go for a slash so I was directed to the latrine where I emptied the remainder of last night's party. It wasn't long before I looked up and saw a massive spider on the wall.....just above Baldy........I was thinking....if I had stood where Baldy was, I might have been jumped........with that nest on my head and all....but it was Baldy..so nothing there for the Huge Arachnid to land on safely.... :lol:



 Well....after lunch it was back to the ride and this time I wasn't going to let Richard (RoverFJ) out of my sight. I had been following Rich for 5 days and had gotten used to having him in my sights.......so in the morning run......he was passing a lot of the "Open Roaders" leaving me behind.....lol......so I made a point of keeping up with him for the afternoon run.......well that didn't last long at all !!! I was on Arnies ass and  Arnie was on Joe's ass.......and Rich blew right by....... @^%&*%$&  :dash1:SOB...... :flag_of_truce:......so I kept looking for a hole to get past Arnie.....but there were so many twisties ...you were practically blind in every corner.....but what a beautiful run.... :good2:











....finally Arnie could see I wanted past and gave me the hand wave......so I hit it........ Well it wasn't long before I was up on Joe's ass and was tailing him for quite a bit....all the time I am thinking.....f---ck.....Rich is probably long gone to China......so I pushed the big Fish for everything I knew she could take.......and man...... what a blast !!!! YEEEEEEEEEHAAAAHHHHHH........man was it fun. I finally made my way past Joe and was on the hunt.... :good:.. What was funny...was (and I found out later) that Rich had pulled over at a lookout for some pictures




where he heard some friggin maniac fly by at light speed. Here I was trying to catch up to the guy who had pulled over for pictures...... :scratch_one-s_head:........so there I was ....chasing ???? NOBODY !!! Good grief Charlie Boorman !!!!  :blush:


 Anyway......there I was ripping in and out of the turns and hills and shadows.......not thinking and not seeing the road surfaces as they changed in appearance and texture.......and that's when my trip took a sudden and awful turn. I went into a seemingly harmless turn and just as I broke going into the turn......I lost the front end for a split second.......but caught it immediately......however......the sudden loss of control forced me to straighten out which I did.....this took me out of my lean and caused me to overshoot the curve. I saw the collection area across the road was big and I had plenty of space to shut her down......but then I realized that this surface was like ice and it wasn't long before I lost the fight.....I was coming down on the left side and was almost down.....just as I planted my hand to break my fall, the bike hit something and flipped over, throwing me over the top and on to my head and shoulder. :wacko1: I leaped to my feet grabbing my wrist and walking around....... A thousand things started running through my head all at once and I tried to wrap my head around everything :crazy:. The first thing that I decided to do was pick the bike up and put it on its stand.........there was no way I was going to stand there beside the wounded fish.....so I muscled her up.....fak was that ever a wicked Tuna !!!! I stood there grabbing my wrist and pulling on it and watched the other riders pass one by one.......it wasn't long before Rich pulled up  :scratch_one-s_head:.....as he pulled up........he flipped his helmet up and asked if everything was OK ? Panicked and sweating I told him that I just took a dump......he quickly looked around and asked if I took a shit....or dumped the bike? ........and I told him, that I dumped the bike....He asked if I was opened up anywhere and bleeding ...to which I replied "NO" but I think I fucked my wrist..... I was probably dealing with a little shock at the time  :shok:....because I tried to start the bike without really thinking...thankfully Rich's head was clear and unfettered and was able to take control of the situation. After looking over the bike.....it was clear what was damaged. The foot peg for the rear brake was bent down pretty good and the turning lens as well as the intake cowling was scratched up pretty good... :blush:....but apart from that....The Big Blue fired up and was ready to give her... :cray:.......however.....my wrist was going from bad to worse and I was seriously doubting I could ride back to the Resort.......after a brief discussion of the available options, I decided to grind it out and slowly ride back. Shifting was tough....I mean I was wincing with every shift........even in pain I was still enjoying the twisties.

   It wasn't too long before we caught up to the rest of the group and informed everyone as to what happened. Baldy pulled out some matching blue tape ...he may have had several colours...I'm not sure.... :good2:  and taped any loose parts together. All the way back to the Resort..... I couldn't stop the overwhelming feelings of despair and disappointment. I knew that telling Doug was going to be tough and I knew that my Great Adventure was pretty much over. That was a tough ride back  :empathy:. By the time I arrived back to the Banjo, word had spread and everyone came over to see how I was doing. It wasn't long before I saw Doug and apologized.....Doug was great about it......and told me that it would all work out. There were discussions about whether I should go to a hospital right away or wait until I got back to Brisbane. There were tons of options but finally I decided to load up with some Tequila and a few pain killers and see how it was in the morning.
So that's what I did........I never knew what a Pharmacy of painkillers there were available to me right there at the Rally....what a friggin smorgasbord of drugs... :wacko3:...and everyone buying me shots......man I was almost glad I wiped out....woooooohooooo .....I was shocked to see that I was not the only casualty......one of the other members (sorry.. forgot his name)....went to put his bike on its side stand without putting down the side stand first and broke his leg.....I hope you're OK too my brother....man......WHAT A DAY !!!




















.......that was more fun than the night before.........what a party.   :yahoo:  :drinks:





    The next morning I woke up...I think it was 5 am in a lot of pain....and thankfully, Harv was able to hook me up.............thx Harv !!! It wasn't long after that I got up and headed down for breakfast. There was further discussions on how to play this out and find the best solution....There was no way I was going to be able to ride back to Bris....so eventually Doug arranged to have the bike picked up by the insurance company at the Banjo resort and Darren Daniel and Trent volunteered to take me to Canberra to catch a flight back to Bris...... Julie (Rich's wife) would then pick me up from the airport in Bris..............and this only 10 days in....... :dash1:
To be continued.....
As always......I made a video........which I titled " One Ride n One Crash "........ It's sort of a drummer's play on..........Cymbals  


One Ride n One Crash
 

Never regret your choices in life ! There is no way to go back to do it again and compare. Make the most and do your best with every decision you make
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