|  | Topic : Tour de Tassie. |  |
| | | aussietbird | | Set |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 11/09/2012 | | Posts | : | 263 | | Location | : | WODONGA, VIC, Australia |
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| | Posted : 02 Dec 2016 - 09:37 Post title : Tour de Tassie. | | | Yeha, it's on.
Been way to long, since our last adventure. Been way too long since the last tour de Tassie.
3 weeks in the apple isle.
Hauling the trailer Mk11, so free camping will be the order of the day.
Gopro, mounted, camera's checked and packed, fishin licence paid for, (oh to hook up on one or two of those tassie trout.)
The plan, there is no stinkin plan, other than ride, eat and drink the very best Tassie has on offer, fish, sleep and repeat.
Leaving Melbourne, boxing day, arrive boxing day evening.
So if any of the Tassie guys see a cranberry red bird hauling a trailer,  tis me.
| The more I understand the human race, the more I love my bike.
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| | | fab | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 12/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,515 | | Location | : | wyong, nsw, Australia |
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| | Posted : 02 Dec 2016 - 19:37 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: aussietbird) | | |
aussietbird wrote:
Yeha, it's on.
Been way to long, since our last adventure. Been way too long since the last tour de Tassie.
3 weeks in the apple isle.
Hauling the trailer Mk11, so free camping will be the order of the day.
Gopro, mounted, camera's checked and packed, fishin licence paid for, (oh to hook up on one or two of those tassie trout.)
The plan, there is no stinkin plan, other than ride, eat and drink the very best Tassie has on offer, fish, sleep and repeat.
Leaving Melbourne, boxing day, arrive boxing day evening.
So if any of the Tassie guys see a cranberry red bird hauling a trailer, tis me. |
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I'm jealous enjoy that beautiful place 
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Remember, soft cocks hang around all life long, hard ones come and go
ahh f**k im deep
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| | | nelson | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 19/02/2014 | | Posts | : | 145 | | Location | : | Geelong, Victoria, Australia |
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| | Posted : 05 Dec 2016 - 09:34 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: aussietbird) | | | Hi Mick
so its on well i too are booked but in feb i have been watching the flockings been to a couple and some have made suggestions of a tassie trip but it never eventuates so my dearest and i bit the bullet for a tassie trip. its a must such a landscape and no crowds cant wait enjoy my friend as i will also. safe journey. Ray and Laura
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| | | aussietbird | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 11/09/2012 | | Posts | : | 263 | | Location | : | WODONGA, VIC, Australia |
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| | Posted : 28 Dec 2016 - 06:41 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: nelson) | | | Dec 26 2016
Well we made it. No not to Tassie but the wharf to board the ship, at Port Melbourne
Long story short, Murphy and his mate O'Toole philosophy, anything that can and could possibly go pear shaped did.
So Mr and Mrs officious border protection agency staff, ask the usual stuff, food stuffs, knifes firearms gas bottles, etc etc etc.
Yes to the knives, got me fishing gear, yes to gas cartridges. So open up the trailer and let them stick their noses through everything, open up tool boxes, tackle boxes, unpack little gas burner to prove that there is not a canister hidden away. The question of food stuffs comes up again, I thought my previous answer of no, zero food stuffs at all, was a fairly good answer. No clearly not, what about vegetable matter? No. Honey or honey products? No. On and fucken on he goes. What the fuck do you not understand, I have zero, nada, zip, no food on board. So here I am packing everything back into the trailer, and one of these gentlemen, stands their watching and telling me to hurry up. About 3 psi off blowing my cool totally, I restrain myself from telling him to turn around and to take a long walk off a short pier.
So given the all clear I proceed to the boarding que. Sitting inline, more officious dickheads with a degree in fuckwitism, kindly informs me that I'm not to shut down the engine. How's fuck off sound bud, it's 30 degrees C, the fan is almost constantly on, and I'm efen melting in this riding gear sitting in the sun and not moving. I think he got the message that I was by this stage a grumpy sleep deprived, hot and bothered pressure vessel about to explode, and he fucked off and hassled some cage driver, whose vehicle was overheating.
Yeha, about half hour later I'm rolling toward the entry of the ship, in, bike secured, and off to the upper levels to plonk the weary bod.
Yeha spot found, not many kids in this area either, bonus. (it's not that I don't like kids, I just find it difficult to eat a whole one these days.) lets face the truth here, 9 to 10 hours for a kid on a ship, can be stressful enough for the kid, parent, and every other paying passenger. Yes I'm a self-confessed cantankerous grump old tired bastard.
Well the trip across the straight was quiet a non-event, the 5.5m swells had little effect upon the ship and the total, absolute doing nothing more than breathing was a welcome relief from the last month of hell and mayhem, Toy run and the organisation of, rewiring my mate's bike, and the dramas of my own bike, 2 days out from leaving. and I must say, not being a sit down and do nothing guy, I enjoyed every single minute of it
Off the ship at Devonport was nice and easy, and the 20 minute ride to Ulverstone was very pleasant, and the digs at the Beachway motel was great, reasonably priced, quiet and clean overnight stay.
Dec 27 2016
A good night sleep, under the belt feeling a whole lot better, and with an attitude far more acceptable for riding, it was off to the Christmas Hills raspberry farm for a hearty breakfast. There is nothing open for miles except for Mac-chuckers, nope I want, no that's, I need real coffee and real food. Christmas Hills raspberry farm is a nice 30 minute ride from the heart of Devonport. Great tucker and the coffee, was brilliant. This place is a must do, if the Mac-chuckers fare is not your thing, this is the place to head too.
So feed, and coffeed up, it's, let's hit the frog and toad and break the back of the trip to Hobart.
Oh dear a close call, as I stood beside my bike putting gloves and helmet on. As an oriental gentlemen who had just driven out of the entry only driveway totally oblivious, then proceeds to pull out onto the main highway straight out in front of a Toll, double B truck and trailers. This should have served as a clear warning, to me, that the boat had let loose a boat load of intellectual pigmy drivers. But it did not, silly me.
About 10 k's from Epping forest, and I must say enjoying the road and sights, although overcast a mild day indeed, I encounter the next intellectual pigmy, whom almost succeeded in running me off the road. Again totally oblivious and oriental. I'd like to be a fly on the wall, when she has to explain to the car hire company the caved in rear door. (Hey Eurocar if ya read this, it was me and you can check the heel imprint to my boot if ya like.) And I'll tell you exactly how your car happened to end up with a caved in door. On the proviso you let me know and of course the police who the fuck you let loose behind the wheel, upon the general public.
Well after all that, the rest of the trip to the east side of Hobart was pretty well, a non event, and arrived at my mates place in beautiful warm sunny weather. Several cold and cleansing ales, where the order of the day, which lead to several bottles of some fine reds. Oh glory be, sitting on the balcony overlooking the Derwent, the city of Hobart, the docks, with Mt Wellington as a perfect backdrop. Glory be!
| The more I understand the human race, the more I love my bike.
| | Post edited by aussietbird on 28 Dec 2016 - 11:57 |
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| | | nelson | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 19/02/2014 | | Posts | : | 145 | | Location | : | Geelong, Victoria, Australia |
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| | Posted : 29 Dec 2016 - 08:19 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: aussietbird) | | | Hey Mick great story love it, Im taking notes for our Feb trip keep up the good work
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 29 Dec 2016 - 22:00 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: aussietbird) | | | Give some people a uniform and it goes to their heads!
I have to get back down there on a bike, last time was in 1975 on Honda 250 Elsinore, took it down on my ship when I was in the Navy. 
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it 
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | rabbi | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 28/02/2012 | | Posts | : | 926 | | Location | : | Geelong, Victoria, Australia |
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| | Posted : 29 Dec 2016 - 22:18 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: Leethal) | | | Sad to see you could only handle a 250 back in those days Lee
| "Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably why so few people engage in it"
Henry Ford
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 29 Dec 2016 - 23:05 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: rabbi) | | | I had just sold my Honda 605/4, yoshimura cam, s&w valve springs, modded carbys, four into ones etc to my best mate as I wanted to do some more dirt stuff. It was my first and last foray into strokers. Wish I had kept the four. Next dirt bike was 550 XT Yamaha.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | aussietbird | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 11/09/2012 | | Posts | : | 263 | | Location | : | WODONGA, VIC, Australia |
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| | Posted : 30 Dec 2016 - 05:02 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: aussietbird) | | | 28th Dec 2016.
Well, hmmm something to do with them ales and reds, missed the Sydney to Hobart yacht race winners, crossing the line. F*#* me swinging, what is with these guys, sneaking up the Derwent at 2.30 in the morning. Typical bloody Kiwi's. No thought for anyone else, like the spectpotatoes, no no it's all about them. LOL.
Anyways a damp and overcast day, so good for catching up with old friends, including the dearest of them all my old OMC prez. His been through the wars of late, 5 years of battling cancer, and just lately a herniated diagram. So we spent the afternoon reminiscing, the old days, and shit we used to get up to for shits and giggles. Arh the good old days, when OMC's where about nothing more than bikes, brotherhood, booze and broads.
So with that done and those reds and ales calling like the mythical sirens of the Mediterranean. It was time to knuckle down to a few Mr fix it jobs around my mates place. His just bought the place, and his not exactly a handyman. Well not at all to be blunt. Some non to smart ex owner has installed, a irrigation system. Not so smart by any stretch of the imagination, no isolation tap for the electronic garden irrigation system what so ever, so after digging up half the efen yard to find the said leak, the only way I can turn it off, is to turn the mains off at the meter. Great now there is no water supply to the house at all.
Armed with the thread size and sample of the gal pipe, coming out of the brick work a dash, to the local plumbing supply. $16.50 later and 10 minutes fitting, leak fixed, and another good deed done. FIGJAM. Fuck I'm good just ask me.
What now I got fix his PC, fuck need more ale and wine. 
29th Dec 2016.
Rule 1 for today, it's all about me.  No more Mr Nice Guy.
I'm heading to the docks, for the taste of Tasmania festival. Where the very best of Tassie's food, wine, ale's etc are all in one place for the pleasure of the likes of myself. The Taste of Tasmania, is a must do, for anyone traveling down this way at this time of year. But be warned there is a brew called spinal tap, holy mother of god, I want a barrel of this shit, a barley based beer, with figs, matured in port barrels. I cannot for the life of me figure, how one would or could come up with such a concoction, but they did, and thank god they did, what a grand way to start a gastronomic day.
So with a liquid breakfast under the belt it was time to find food, hmmm to many choices, wallaby taco's, Tassie salmon roti, yum, Tassie oysters, double yum, Tassie cheese's and berry fruits with double thick Tassie cream, triple yum. Tassie distilled single malt whiskeys, and gins, kinda glad we caught the bus here, things are starting to get a little messy, LOL.
With one more must do, for anyone hitting Hobart, is the Jackman and McRoss bakery, only a wee walk (of course this all depends on how much of the good drop one has consumed) from the Docks area at Battery Point, for my favourite, sour dough light rye bread, they are IMHO Australia's premier bakers for sure. The pastries and goods are to die for, pricey yes, but a cut above anything anywhere else, but this time round it's just the bread thank you very much, as it's a case right now of, fuck off I'm full. But I will be back for a lamb and rosemary pie and a lemon citrus tart, before I leave. (Yes its true, I've always been a sucker for a nice piece of tart.) LOL.
Oh glory be, why oh why is there not a job, here for me? In a heartbeat, would I pull up stumps and move down here. Even Mr Plod is nice down here.
| The more I understand the human race, the more I love my bike.
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 30 Dec 2016 - 06:34 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: aussietbird) | | | Good read Mick, keep it going 
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | nelson | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 19/02/2014 | | Posts | : | 145 | | Location | : | Geelong, Victoria, Australia |
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| | Posted : 30 Dec 2016 - 07:05 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: aussietbird) | | | Fuck me Mick all that ale wine and double cream you will sink the boat on the way back hahaha. Glad you caught up with an old mate and did the good deed enjoy and your doing a grand job love the story. Ray
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| | | aussietbird | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 11/09/2012 | | Posts | : | 263 | | Location | : | WODONGA, VIC, Australia |
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| | Posted : 02 Jan 2017 - 01:58 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: aussietbird) | | | Since last post till now. 
Hmmm, well with the mind finally clearing itself from the alcohol induced fog of the last few days, thought I'd best write things down before, the old memory bank failed. God, I'm starting to paint myself as a total piss head, well it's not really like that, but I have given it a fare nudge. However I have been doing stuff, although not getting much riding in, the weather has been far from good.
The better half bought her 4wd landrover over from the mainland to (She lived down here for 16 Years) her most trusted landrover mechanic, (that's other than myself of course), anyways she is a member of the landrover online community, like I am here. So when people need parts transported around Oz the community makes it happen.
So off we go, heading off into the Tassie back blocks, through some totally delightful country side, definitely, not for the likes of the bird, to find this fella with a spare WW11 landrover rim, apparently, just after WW11, landrover changed the design and strengthened the rim, and it is visually different.
So we found the place and like so many before, of the Tasmanian landrover community, his place was like a landrover grave yard. But there was a couple of motorbikes, Hmmm an old 80's GSX1100, and in not bad shape, got talking to the fella, and he see's my triumph teeshirt, and I'm dragged off down to the shed. Low and behold, glory be, a genuine 1975 Triumph trident, with less than 4,000 genuine miles on it. I'm looking this piece of history over, and I start to notice a few Norman Hyde knickknacks, Pipes, fork brace, and in the corner of the bench a set of barrels and pistons. Hmmmm, what's the story there? Me asks. Well he bought the bike over form the states, as is, the spares are the 750 barrels and pistons, this thing has had the full Hyde treatment, including cam, 810cc upgrade. Oh glory be. And he is thinking of selling. She isn't pretty, far from it, the chrome is shot, the alloy just as bad, but with some TLC this singing beauty, would be singing that delightful 3 cylinder song once again.
His got my contact details.
So from the back blocks it's back to the coast, to catch up with a lovely couple we meet on our last far Nth Queensland motorcycle adventure. Man people rave, over New Zealand's bay of Islands, keep on raving please, cause it will keep people away from this little slice of heaven. (Pun intended).
I got a half day ride in, New Year's eve, went up into the central highlands, solo no trailer. With the new rear hoop on it was time to get her leaned over, and scrub the sides of the tyre in. Well let me tell ya the Lyell Highway is just the ideal road to do that on. As you gently meander alongside the Derwent river towards New Norfolk, then on the other side is just heaven on a stick, beautiful scenic views, riverside hamlets and farms. I had a quick look around the town of Hamilton, riverside camping yes, Hotel accommodation yes, and plenty of cafe style eateries. Indeed a nice little stop over for those travelling down the west coast, across the central highlands into Hobart.
Warning, anyone venturing down this way, don't forget the 50+ sunscreen, although the temperatures here are not hot as compared with the mainland, the sun is very very intense, and for those of us whom wear open face helmets getting burnt, is a real danger. If you are like myself whom enjoy the whiskers being massaged by the wind, 50+ on the nose and forehead and around the eyes is a must do, I cannot stress this enough. A lesson learnt the hard way, last time I rode down here. I am lead to believe, because of the hole in the Ozone layer being partially over Tasmania, is the reason behind the high UV count, and the intense warmth of the sun. I would even suggest to those whom wear short gloves to cover with sun screen any exposed forearm.
So there ya go ya been warned, and having been warned I will take great delight in saying I told ya so, should anyone ever get on here and tell a story of how burnt they got, while visiting Tasmania.
And bumble bees, ouch them there flying wombats hurt like all bejesus.
So with that said, back to the story.
We caught up with another landrover community member just North of Hobart, Wrinkle Arthur what a dag, well in Tassie Greenslopes would be an appropriate name for many properties down here, Well wrinkle's place would have to be named landrover slopes. Yet every single landrover there is a works in progress. Hmmm, you'll be very wrinkled Arthur by the time at least one tenth are seen running again. He really is the glass half full kinda man. Arthur is trying to get in touch with a fella he knows who has a spread up the North end who moved here a few years back from a place that the booze induced fog has made me forget, well apparently he bought a shitload of the original tooling from the original Triumph factory, including some bikes. So hoping old wrinkle comes through on that front, hanging to check this little gem out.
One of the amazing things about Tasmania, is the wealth of talent, and craftsmen/women down here. And the openness about talking about their craft. I have been toying with the idea, of converting trailer Mk11 into Mk111 using timber for the compartment area. Although Mk11 is a vast improvement over the 44 gallon drum MK1, Mk11 still has it limitations and can be a right PITA loading and unloading. There is a look (finish) I am aiming for, this bloke I spoke to understood after seeing Lady Penelope, its beautiful IMHO cranberry red colour exactly what I am aiming for, and how to achieve it. Love this place.
Well, it has stopped raining, the sun is out, so its time to slip slop slap, slip on the jacket slop on some sun screen and slap on a lid and head out for a ride.
Catch up soon guys, hope ya had a great new year. I would love to say I had a great one, I think, the alcohol induced fog has not lifted on that. Well I couldn't have got up to much mischief aye, cause I didn't awake in a cell. Think I spend today and tomorrow abstaining from the evil brews, cause for Wednesday its my birthday, and the crew down here, are planning a wee get together, at the local drinking hole. Hmmm sure as pelican shit, I'll get lead astray. 
| The more I understand the human race, the more I love my bike.
| | Post edited by aussietbird on 02 Jan 2017 - 04:58 |
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| | | nelson | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 19/02/2014 | | Posts | : | 145 | | Location | : | Geelong, Victoria, Australia |
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| | Posted : 02 Jan 2017 - 05:43 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: aussietbird) | | | Hey Mick
Great story your definitely answering some of my questions try not to get too plastered enjoy the birthday, Ray
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| | | aussietbird | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 11/09/2012 | | Posts | : | 263 | | Location | : | WODONGA, VIC, Australia |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 02:41 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: nelson) | | | One word WOW.
We headed out of Hobart, west coast bound, bike solo, no trailer, her indoors got her Land Rover serviced, including new rear diff and wheel bearings, and all in an under 24 hr turn around. Lucky for her as after a couple of shortish rides from Hobart, her hip due for surgery in the next month or so, was so painful that the ride to the west coast, was deemed totally out of the question.
So with the Landy loaded with all the gear needed to be self-sufficient for 5 days out in the bush. And let me tell you, the Tbird, as much as I love her, aint the bike for here, so being minus the trailer and the pillion was a god send.
Due to whatever, you know Murphy, his stupid mate O'toole, we didn't leave Hobart till Midday, grrrrr. Hellyer River the destination. Weather perfect, traffic not to bad, well in the direction we was travelling. Ouse was the first smoko break, and a top up of fuel, 98 fuel is a rare thing down here so topping up with 95 was probably the best option.
Once past Ouse the roads aint to bad, bit of road works here and there, but nothing to bad. From here the steady climb up to the central highlands and lakes area, bloody beautiful country, and the roads pretty good, the Tbird got to stretch her legs in places, 100kph to 120kph at best but mighty aware that the next corner could well be ones last. Tassie roads authorities don't seem to use advisory corner speed marker signs, unless the corners are rated for a car at less than 60kph, so be warned be on the ball 100%.
Derwent Bridge is the next town, would have liked to have stopped, but time was of the essence, so blasting straight though to Queenstown and fuel was the order of the day. Super Wow, this section is just way past awesome, but, very hard to keep up an average speed nearing 100kph, and I guess in the height of touro and the locals holiday session, it stands to reason. However, you would have no doubt read my rant on the moronic intellectual pigmy's, well let me tell you the local 4 wd fraternity aint much better, so more speed was knocked off to make allowance for columns of 4wd's hooking around blind corners coming at you on the wrong side of the road.
Indeed her in doors and myself had several phucker moments. But we had to keep moving, lake Burbury, wow double wow, the views 360 degrees, are just wow. The climb up and down into Queenstown, road is a bit rough, the corners tight and some off camber, bloody hard work on the Tbird.
Once into Queenstown again no 98 fuel but 95 readily available, armed with the 20 litre jerry can just for good measure, we headed due north toward Roseberry, missing out on Strahan. This road is a ripper, not bad nick at all, however we needed to keep the hammer down as it was late afternoon, and the idea of sharing the road with the furies was not at all appealing.
Done, made it, and with very little time to spare, we pulled into Hellyer Gorge, and picked our spot, set up the tent, celebrated with a couple of ice cold beers, shot the wind, with fellow riders also camping at this dead set gorgeous part of Tassie, river, forest, and time to relax.
Awoke to a glorious morning, with the obligatory real coffee under the belt and some breakfast, it was time to set some rods. I opted for one lure one bait, then spent the next hour looking for a spot. Since the floods last year making ya way to the river bank is a right PITA. I could see a great spot, but getting there was a totally different ball game. Warning, Tassie tiger snakes aint nothing like the mainland units, from a distance a mainlander could easily mistake one for the mostly placid black snake. Tassie don't have the black snakes, its an efen tiger, and they are everywhere round here. So be warned never tramp through the bush without caution and heavy footwear.
So I set the bait line, and started using every lure in the box, not so much as even a chase, but the bait is getting a little attention. They are here, and on the rise, bastards mocking me, no more than 10 metres from me, rising clean out of the water, I'm guessing 2.5 kg to 3 kg in weight. It's a good thing I'm a fisherman, with the adage that a bad days fishing is still better than a good day at work, as I wandered back to camp empty handed.
And possibly a good thing, some campervaners had pulled in, gone down to the river and two of the four had drunk a cup of the mountain river water each, within 30min both were crook as dogs, and they had moved back out to seek medical attention. A local rider who had pulled in for a break, told us of a 6six man mining operation way up river, who are mining a rare ore, that the Chinese are buying for big dollars. So who bloody knows what is being washed down stream.
So it was eat, sleep, fish, chat, relax, ride and repeat for three great and warm days at this location, loved every minute. Was, as I would imagine a bit like camping track side at the TT. One day one lap riders putting everything on the line, some awesome euro race breed machines, on or near their limits being pushed though the tight and twisty stuff in and out of the gorge. Not for the likes of Mr and Mrs Average, but for me, this place is heaven on a stick.
One thing I must say about the west coast, and side of the state is how much it has changed for the better, instead of being nothing but mining, it has learnt from Strachan, tourism. You can actually buy a real coffee, and real food in just about every town in the region, the last time I rode through here, a coffee if lucky was a Nescafe shit granulated yuck coffee, and a three day old crusty meat pie, or sausage roll. So a very welcome positive for the region.
Camped way out the way, in the far corner of the cleared area, was a young couple, of what we would call forest fairies. Got chatting, the young fella a young Englishman, and young lady from the Netherlands, hitchhiking their way around. As we was heading back to Hobart, over two days and they needed to be in Hobart the day we needed to be back we offered a lift, problem being one would have to be on the back of the bike. Kaya the Englishman jumped at it, he used to be pillioned around by his grandfather on a triumph back in England.
Well the morning of departure was upon us, and we awoke to the sound of rain pissing down on the tent, bugger, roll over and go back to sleep, but by 9am the rain had lifted and the sun started beating down, so it was out of the fart sack and start the pack, as we needed to hit the road to make our way to our booked overnight stay at Lake St Clare. Near Derwent Bridge. By the time we actually hit the road, it had dried out nicely, and the temperature had warmed by dramatically, glory be. It was not long before I came to the realization that young Kaya, had not been bullshiting me about being a pillion rider, and within 15 minutes we was cutting up the black ribbon, and having fun.
The sights, holy mother of god, mountain ranges, lakes, rivers, what was last time I rode through ghost towns, were again thriving communities, yes mining is back, however with, and green and touristy slant. This place rivals anything Aust has to offer. No I'm not saying there is nothing great about the rest of Aust, I'm saying that Its different, and its downright gorgeous, like nothing else, in its own way.
So we head into Strachan, a beautiful place however, pricey as, I remember last time I stayed overnight here, and by the time I left next day, I felt, like I'd been bent over and raped. Example, I wandered into the pub for a pub meal. Salmon steak was on the specials menu, hmmm, yes please, big mistake, big white plate, small efen meal, a salmon steak, bout the size, of half my palm, and about 15mm thick, with some green crap on top and juz, $38.00 efen dollars, fuck me swinging, a pub meal fuck off. From that point onwards I said I'd never spend a cent in this place ever again. The place, beautiful. However the bloke that owns most of Strachan these days is nothing more than a money hungry fucken pig.
I dumped Kaya, and we made room in the landy, the weather was closing in, and the wind was making things just a wee bit uncomfortable, The road out of Strachan to Queenstown is crap, lots of gravel on the left hand bends, poor and patched surface, and many off camber corners. But the sights, awesome. Fuelled up again at Queenstown and told Kaya, that once over the next range hopefully the wind would not be as bad, and arranged to stop at Lake Burbury, and if my hunch was correct, he could climb back on board if he wished. I didn't even need to ask. So off we went again.
This is a great ride, and as per previous warning, be 100% on the ball, toe tapping and stretching the legs of the Tbird is a roger that, but many corners are unmarked, and one could quickly find ones self in lots of bother. And mid-week is a perfect time, far less traffic. And into Derwent Bridge we rolled. Found our new found forest fairy friends, a tucked away road side camp, and we headed to our prebooked camp spot.
Rolled in set up, and headed to the $1.00, 6minute shower, smelling worse than a pole cat, a shower and fresh set of clothes was the first order, before heading to the diner for a proper sit down meal, yefuckenha. Well the shower was the highlight, the meal a real let down, and the camping etiquette of those around us, was even a bigger let down. I had thought, one of the blokes in the adjacent site to us was a bit funny, well fuck me I saw the vic number plate, I know this number plate, his one of the bully boy 4wd drivers, who has in the past given me the right royal shits, on my highway rides to and from work. And he recognized me. Well after packing up the next morning, he was standing by his 4wd greasing me as we pulled out, I stopped pointed at the GoPro, and said got your number bud.
As I now have the ear of the Vic Roads ministers aid, through my work with the motorcycle lobby group I am involved with, he will be videoed and made an example of, as he is at the very top of the shit list, of the bullshit driving and behaviour motorcyclists have to endure, aint paybacks a bitch.
So back on the main road, and in Derwent Bridge, there is a great food place next to the fuel station (no I didn't check if they had 98 as it was one of them no name branded stations and I had enough fuel to limp into Hobart). What a bang up reasonably priced cooked breakfast, and good properly made coffee.
So with a belly that has been contented with food and coffee, it's a five minute ride to find our forest fairy friends, pick them up and head on into Hobart, well low and behold the young lady, Marta, wants very much to have a go on the back off the bike, and having never been a pillion in her life. So we do through the does and don'ts and head off gently, well I reckon with in 10 minutes, I've got her nice and settled and I'm into it. Now between Derwent Bridge and Ouse, is where there is some logging is going on, so the road west isn't too bad, however the road east is rough as guts, and if your unfortunate as we getting caught behind one, there is very little opportunity to pass, and there is even less opportunities for the driver to pull over and let you by. So if you should hit this road midweek be prepared. So lunch was the next stop at Hamilton, a pre scoped stop, at the cafe next door to the original pub, again great tucker at reasonable prices.
Oh domestic blitz, now we have a shit fight, Marta, and Kaya, both want to be pillion for the last leg into Hobart, well that didn't take long, to convert a greenhorn, into a fan. Kaya won the coin toss, and off we go, through New Norfolk and meander long side of the Derwent River once again, and into Salamanca. Where we exchange contact details, and Kaya, asks if he can be in contact, as when he gets back to the mainland he will be buying his own motorcycle, and would appreciate, any help, with picking out a good second hand ride. Arh my job is done, the conversion of two youngens, to the world of two wheels.
So a quick ride to the eastern shore back to our mates place, to get cleaned up, get some clothes washing done, and feed a glass or two, hmm maybe three, of red and relax, and to bed down on a real bed. Oh glory be.
Hmmm awaken next day, the day I hate, the day of a dental appointment, I hate dentists, got a collection of the bastards, buried in the back yard. Her indoors had secretly booked me in for a check-up, she comes down here, for all her dental work reckons this bloke is the best of the best, and doesn't charge like a wounded bull, and is a biker to boot. Still hate the fuckers. Money robbing, pain inducing, pathological masochists. Well it wasn't all that bad, a clean and scrap, and one filling, not bad considering I haven't seen a dentist in five years, and the last time I subjected myself to a scrap and clean was some thirty odd years back. Told ya I hate the bastards, memories of the old school dentist, or should I say butcher, run very deep. I would rather break a leg than see a dentist any day. And yes I have broken a leg and an arm in recent times.
So from there it was back down to the Land Rover mechanic, there once again was a canary under the bonnet giving her indoors the shits, fortunately, Justin had its measure, and had it fixed in 15 min. Bloody idler bearing bush, just kicking the belt onto the side of the pulley, bit like our belt drives. Shit you not the Landy isn't like a Landy anymore, no diff whinge, no bucket load of fucken canaries under the bonnet, to bloody good. And best part no charge for the eradication of the efen canaries and a quick run down on the fueling adjustment. To efen easy. Next time we have the trailer on, or we tow a van a quick two min adjustment will having it pulling harder than a sixteen year old with his first playboy.
Well its nearly time to pack up, doing the last minute shopping for the shyte you cannot get back on the mainland, catch up with old mates, and meander back up to the north end, couldn't get hold of the fella with the bike collection, we are lead to believe he has not long ago lost his good woman, so I'll let that slide till next time.
| The more I understand the human race, the more I love my bike.
| | Post edited by aussietbird on 11 Jan 2017 - 02:53 |
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 06:29 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: aussietbird) | | | Thanks for the read Mick
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | tamboritha | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 26/08/2011 | | Posts | : | 365 | | Location | : | morwell, vic, Australia |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 08:18 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: Leethal) | | | i must say that this thread is the best of all the others put together funny and informative...I think you should maybe sit down and write a book of all your experiences, it would be a best seller...If BORIS can do it why not
cheers greg
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| | | aussietbird | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 11/09/2012 | | Posts | : | 263 | | Location | : | WODONGA, VIC, Australia |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 11:11 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: tamboritha) | | | Thanks all,
Glad you enjoyed the read, if only I could write it as good as the experience itself. Once I get back to the mainland I do a shitload of video editing, join up with Youtube and put on the web shitthing some of the footage, will also post on this thread some of the many many photo's.
Hey Greg Boris  , there is a distinct difference between he and I. I have had many and would rather a bottle in front of me, Boris, just a frontal lobotomy.
Write a book, would love too, but it would take up to much riding, building, drinking and fixing time. Furthermore by the time I finally get to retire, I won't be able to remember half the shit I got up too anyway. Probably a good thing aye, as the olde olde saying goes, what happend on the road stays on the road.
If only the road could tell the stories, maybe not, I for one could end up in a bucket load of shyte.
| The more I understand the human race, the more I love my bike.
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| | | nelson | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 19/02/2014 | | Posts | : | 145 | | Location | : | Geelong, Victoria, Australia |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 20:05 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: aussietbird) | | | Hey Mick
Love it just good to hear your adventures love reading the puns great work im sure we will enjoy more of your stories. Cheers mate. Ray
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| | | aussietbird | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 11/09/2012 | | Posts | : | 263 | | Location | : | WODONGA, VIC, Australia |
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| | Posted : 15 Jan 2017 - 07:11 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: nelson) | | | Homeward bound.
Murphy struck again, instead of leaving early, we got delayed, and possibly a good thing with the wind and threatening weather. So the loosely planned idea of, checking out some recommended roads was abandoned for the direct route, straight up the guts.
So let me tell you, of the endless road works, all the way to Campbelltown, loose deep gravel, not fun on the bird with trailer in tow. But anyway delightful country side. Ross, an historic town, with a old women's prison factory. Sign posted as the women's factory, hmmm had a wee bit of fun with that, with her indoors. When I played the dumb bum, and said we should have gone there, women made to order. Hmmm still paying for that one.
Campbelltown, again historical town, with many cafe style eateries, good place for a break and a nibble. The roads north of here are pretty good, with ample sights, to please the eye, all the way though to Devonport.
Caught up with an old musician mate had the now obligatory BBQ, and sampled many of his home brew ales and beers, and crashed the night. Just before hitting the sack we got a text message from TT lines the operators of the Melbourne, Devonport ferry service, ship delayed by one hour. Oh bummer an extra hour sleep in.
So we rocked up just after 8am, bugger the ship still hadn't docked, so in fact it was more like 2 hours late. We proceeded to que up and be herded like sheep into the holding area. And of course we got separated, from one side of the area to the other. No big deal, except, it was now pissing down. "BIG HINT to all whom travel here, don't be a dumb Pollock like me, and forget the umbrella. 2 and a half hours all us corralled motorcyclists stood in the rain watching all the cage drivers being loaded. Grrr.
One of the other riders made comment on all the cars in front of us, none had occupants, hmm, a quick look in order me thinks, they are a dealership cars new and used heading back to the mainland on stand bye, hmmm, watching row after row of cages being loaded, and by now most of us looking like drowned rats, I cracked it with the loading staff. Something said along the lines, "of fuck the cage drivers their all dry and warm, we on the other hand are wet and cranky". Within seconds we peasant folk motorbicyclists are being ushered on board in double quick fashion.
Departure was now a full 2 hours behind.
BIG HINT number 2, most of all the good seating positions are gone, half way through the load, deck 10, is a safe bet, but if your slow getting there, you end up near the children's video game area, precious little darlings, abandoned there by their cabin dwelling parents. It was a good thing I could not back to my trailer and fishing gear, as shark fishing from the stern, would have been the order of the day. So if I wasn't cantankerous enough from the load in and being soaked the shrieking screaming excitable little darlings, just topped the day off perfectly. NOT.
Pulled into Melbourne station pier, at 8.45pm we had lost another 15 minutes due to a mighty North westerly that hit about half way across the strait, but the ride itself was pretty smooth. Finally at 9.45pm I was off the boat, a quick ride round the corner to a mates place for a catch up a cuppa and a quick bite. So with that done it was time to head home, but the freeway is closed due to road works, bugger, so the normally one hour fifteen minute trip, is now 2 hours and 10 minutes, double bugger, rolled through the gates at 2.30am totally shagged.
BIG HINT number 3, Tbird polished wheels, oh my god, seriously fucked, do yourselves a huge favour, if you aint got any alloy wheel wax, at least wipe a whole lot of petroleum jelly, to protect them. I've just spent the last two days removing the wheels and to clean them up, had to do a complete repolish, starting with 800 grit wet and dry, working up to 2000 grit, and then purple polish.
Seriously shagged, tomorrow back to work, bike clean and polished, and now hanging out for the next riding adventure.
Honestly motorcyclists, there is something seriously fucked in our heads. And we long to do it all over again. Yes sir re.
| The more I understand the human race, the more I love my bike.
| | Post edited by aussietbird on 15 Jan 2017 - 07:12 |
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 15 Jan 2017 - 22:14 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: aussietbird) | | | Thanks mate for a great read, glad you got home safe and sound, that ferry sounds like a nightmare. Shame that they built a prison for old women though.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | easyrider | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 17/12/2011 | | Posts | : | 2,066 | | Location | : | NSW, Australia |
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| | Posted : 17 Jan 2017 - 07:03 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: Leethal) | |
| | | aussietbird | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 11/09/2012 | | Posts | : | 263 | | Location | : | WODONGA, VIC, Australia |
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| | Posted : 24 Jan 2017 - 09:54 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: easyrider) | | | Yep thats the place, hmm, she still don't see a funny side.
| The more I understand the human race, the more I love my bike.
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| | | aussietbird | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 11/09/2012 | | Posts | : | 263 | | Location | : | WODONGA, VIC, Australia |
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| | Posted : 24 Jan 2017 - 10:04 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: aussietbird) | | | 
Don't ya feel sorry for me mate, he cops this view everyday and everyday its different, efen hard life for some
interesting home made 4 into 4 exhaust system, this plucker sings
| The more I understand the human race, the more I love my bike.
| | Post edited by aussietbird on 24 Jan 2017 - 10:18 |
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| | | Ninox_s | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 18/08/2010 | | Posts | : | 755 | | Location | : | Naracoorte, South Australia, Australia |
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| | Posted : 24 Jan 2017 - 11:36 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: aussietbird) | | | Thanks for the story and the photo's, a great write up. you are a natural story teller.
Frank
| I'm Incredible! Believe Me!!
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| | | AZCactus | | Taranis | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 24 Jan 2017 - 15:29 Post title : Re: Tour de Tassie. (Re: aussietbird) | | | Nice countryside!
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
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