Bylong Valley Way

Well it's still raining outside so I won't make it to this place for real this week as planned however I will post a virtual look at it while awaiting for the weather to change.Bylong Valley Way has a web site (click the text to visit) which gives a nice overview and some pictures of the area however for riders the road is important as well as the scenery. From the information I have gained the

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Stoney Chute

Here is a top ride I have been enjoying for awhile that even a local didnt know about so I better make a mention of it.Stoney Shute Road NSWTo or from Nimbin are a number of decent roads, the original road north to the Kyogle road has been under repair for so long that I don't bother with it - however once fixed it will be a good ride if you can strike it without much traffic. The road south has

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The Channon

The Channon and Dunoon to Nimbin


Part 4 of my series of reports on the roads that lie north of Lisnore



There is a fair bit of road works underway in the far northern NSW which is great news for riders as some roads with unsealed sections are about to or have already been sealed.



A route that should be finished by the time you read this is Dunoon to Nimbin via The Channon. I wrote

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Goonengerry to Eltham

Goonengerry to Eltham











Part 3 in my series of road reports in the area north of Lismore


Near Federal is the district of Goonengerry and here starts Repentence creek road.







Minyon Falls might be worth a look after heavy rain but was just dry and dusty on this day



I have posted about this road in day rides a number of times - its a another fun back road in this area with

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Roads Less Travelled

Despite the heat I had arranged to meet my friend and frequent ride partner today for a long overdue catch up and last ride before Christmas.



I spent a bit of time on Google maps last night to pick some roads less traveled in my favorite part of the world between Murwillumbah and Lismore then worked out a way to link them to end up at a pub for lunch and then plotted that into my GPS. I

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Christmas Tour Revised

I have been reworking my route for a 7 day motorcycle tour of the eastern states after Christmas. I want to try out some new (to me) roads, try to avoid routes I know well and where I need to revisit roads then ride them in the reverse direction of travel to last time.Obviously getting this combination right everywhere is not possible in a mere 7 day ride so I have been playing with the possible

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Sunday Ride Report

Full Summer outfit today, Alpinestars jeans, Dryrider Airflow mesh jacket, both have armor yet are very cool on hot days.Less work, more life...Work has been a bit overbearing of late. I swear some people seem to have no passion in them except for their jobs. I wonder if they will wake up at some point and realise life has passed them by.I am only a noob at the whole corporate ladder world. I

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Nolan N43 Helmet review

Update 2012.

The N43 is now released in Australia for anyone still thinking of one. Now with a few years of ownership I want to give a long term update. I have criticized the helmet in my comments below but I always end up back using it again. The reason is the vision is the best. After using it regular full face helmets feel very closed in. In fact you need to move your head about a lot to

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Railway Excursion

Finally well enough to go for a ride. So excited I even woke up extra early!Haha, and then back to bed to nap a bit longerI had this idea for a ride to try trace more of the old Murwillumbah to Lismore railway line. It has not been used for years and the government is looking at the 'walking path' conversion option like has been done elsewhere (with little success or general use).I more or less

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Road report - New Zealand South Island 2009

Lake TekapoI have been wanting to visit New Zealand for a long time and always something seems to crop up. I finally got the opportunity to visit the South Island last week albiet at a time of year that is far too cold to ride a motorcycle. So rather than say I'll go when its warmer I decided to do a recon by car for a week and then know better what I would do in the future riding over there.

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1st ride of summer

Wiangaree Spring, Summerland way.I sat about wondering what to wear this morning. It was a cold winters day my last ride just a couple of weeks ago so I figured it would be still a little too cool to go with my summer jacket and gloves despite the warm forecast. And as is the case each year I ended up overdressed on the first ride of Summer.That's the sub tropics for you, Spring lasts all of two/

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Something different - ride report.

That's what a friend said when I asked where to ride today - something different. So I suggested we meet at Woodenbong and ride to Queen Mary Falls from the south.Mt BarneyWhat happens when only communicating via online things easy get muddled and it ended up I was riding by myself today. I actually like riding solo these days as the ride happens at my pace however I was undecided where to go at

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New Zealand motorcycle atlas

I just ordered a copy of the above. I am off to New Zealand next month.



Circumstances mean it will just a be week fly/drive holiday on the south island. At this time of year I would not be at all comfortable on a motorcycle over there however it will serve as a good introductory trip for a future motorcycle tour.



I have long wanted to tour New Zealand (by motorcycle of course) but

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Laverda Club of Brisbane Motorcycle Show 2009

Each year in Brisbane the Laverda club hosts the cities biggest motorcycle show in the park at Kangaroo point. I went along today for a look.Turned out to be a warm and clear day - I walked over the Story Bridge first, the bikes were laid out below on either side. A superb collection of motorcycles on display - I did not try to capture everything or even just the the best as it was too difficult

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Southern Escapade

A cool and clear morning when I woke today, I headed south to ride some of my favourite roads with my friend and ride partner from Alstonville NSW.I think I have finally managed to get a clothing combo that keeps my upper body warm. Today I was using a close fitting base layer technical thermal shirt from Lowe with a plain cotton t-shirt both tucked into my BMW city pants. Over this was a

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Thank you

I previously mentioned I had been contacted by Alpinestars who noticed my fitting troubles with their boots. Just that contact in itself I found pleasing however I want to update readers on this further.



I was again contacted by Tim from Alpinestars who offered to send a pair of new straps out to me to try and I was very happy about this however when I opened the package I was overwhelmed to

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Delegate

One last road I want to mention in advance of my end of year ride. Seems everyone has ridden this road recently so you should find some info and pics on your favourite forum.



The road from Bombala to Orbost has gained quite a reputation as a superb ride. There is two small sections still unsealed and then about 100 odd km of twisty corners with little to no traffic.



I have been wanting to

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Four Mountains

The area near Bega has some excellent riding.



I previously rode Brown Mountain and I am going to explore a couple more roads there when I next visit. In the meantime here is some preliminary information and I will fill in the gaps at the end of the year.





Near Tathra



A good ride can be enjoyed if aproaching from the North along the coast. Locals often speak of this road and I plan to

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Falls Creek

Another ride I wanted to report on post the Buell Muster was the road to and from Falls Creek. From Omeo it has just been sealed all the way to the top and makes a tempting alternative to the Great Alpine Road.



I think most people know the road from Omeo to Anglers Rest has many nice corners and the road to the north of Falls Creek is also frequently spoken about so really all that was

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Bunya Mountain

I didn't think today's ride would be such a big one - however that's what it turned out to be when I decided to ride to a new destination.

I left a little late at 8.00am after not being able to decide what to wear for this mornings chilly temperature. The textile jacket with it's zip in quilt liner and zip in nylon water and wind liner you would think would work better than my quilt lined

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The Tablelands Way

The Tablelands Way is a route that has only recently been sealed all the way.

I was to have ridden this road on my recent tour however things didn't go to plan. Rather than wait until I can revisit here before posting anything I have decided to write just a little about it and four other roads I was going to ride so readers might consider if going on tour.


The Tablelands Way by all accounts is

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New Gloves

I have been using these new gloves from Chilhowee.



After my recent experiences I started to seek a new pair of gloves. These may look simple however are anything but. Made from Deer skin and with a cotton lining they are incredibly comfortable, like no other glove I have ever worn.

The makers say Deer skin is more abrasion resistant than cow hide and also can be washed unlike leather gloves.

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A Buell in Texas

I am back riding after a forced break - and to make up I did my biggest ever one day ride out - all the way to Texas.I left Brisbane about 6.50am and despite being in full winter gear it was rather cold in the shadows all the way to Tamrookum where I stopped for a rest and refuel and coffee. The sun started to get some warmth into its rays by the time I left there which was just as well as I

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BMW City Pants

BMW City Pants.



I have purchased some new riding pants. My old draggin jeans no longer fit me and was looking for something better. For about the same money these pants from BMW have a special soft armor in the hip and knee that shapes itself somewhat and an inner comfort lining.

I was never really worried about the comfort of the kevlar lining in Draggins - not much that can be done about

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Best laid plans .... Buell Muster tour report.

Yes I am back home sooner than I planned... a medical condition forced me to turn back :-(To say I am disappointed is an understatement - but what can you do in such a situation except to gather up your thoughts, your will and do what is needed for your health and well being and know there will always be another chance.So this then will be a short ride report. I did enjoy riding some excellent

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Hands on - Garmin Nuvi 760 GPS

I have enjoyed using the Nuvi 760. Personally traveling the countryside I can get by fine without GPS navigation however it is useful when zig zagging on back roads that are not always clearly signposted. Also in towns I liked having the unit show me turns in advance as some of the signage can be difficult to read. Lastly the ETA to destination let me plan how long I would stop at sights along

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Convertibars.

This is a heads up for anyone looking at the after market bars made by these guys. They advertise offering a rebate to anyone fitting their bars first time to models of bikes they list. You are required to provide measurements and photos at certain angles of the range of adjustment and fitting of the bars.

However despite my supplying all the requested information plus answering a

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Road Test - Alpinestars S-MX 1 Riding Shoes

I have been a bit disappointed with these shoes. As a sneaker type of shoe they look great and the design for air flow is good.

The real problem is they simply are not the size stated on the shoe. I take a 9 Aus, which is a 9.5 US/43 Euro size shoe. I can fit into a size 9 US/Euro 42 in a pinch. These are labelled as US 9.5 yet they are tight in places no matter what I try.

Not

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Road test - Alpinestars Raven Gloves

Edit: I read on New Enough that these gloves are a full size smaller than labeled so there is most of the problem...

The dimensions of these gloves seem odd. The glove that is loose enough in places and tight in other areas. Fingers have plenty of room while the thumb is short and hard up against my thumb nail causing discomfort when riding.

So I find I am trying to pull the glove

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All set - well almost!

Updated Sunday 12.04.2009Here is how the bike looks with the luggage fitted. Now perhaps I am seeing the bike how I envisioned it to work for me as a sports tourer. I am not ready yet to move to a full size tourer which seem a bit heavy in the mountains and back roads (heavier feeling actually than some cruisers due to how they carry their mass) anyway they and the sports tourers on the market

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Buell Muster '09 Australian Tour Preview

I have after some consideration completely revised my tour route for the Buell Muster.Previously I had myself leaving on Easter Monday to allow enough days to travel in a counter clockwise loop into Victoria and back up to Jindabyne prior to the weekend of the muster. Three things stood out as potential problems with this plan.1. Riding on Easter Monday.2. Trying to ride the bigger portion of my

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Tour 2009 Update

Look what has arrived.My luggage for the tour. A pair of Buell factory saddle bags specifically designed for the bike. Should do the job nicely I think. I got these for $59US and they came all the way from Argentina - what an amazing thing the internet is.The bike goes in for its 1st service tomorrow. Took quite some time to get the initial 1000km's up, in fact not quite there however need to get

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Hot weather riding.

I am sure you can pick this spot by now...It was rather hot Sunday the 1st of March. I decided to go for a ride all the same since fine days have been a bit scarce this year.Riding apparel.There is many ways of approaching riding in peak summer here, some perhaps better than others. Riding in shorts and t-shirts is the stupid way however riding in full leathers IMO isn't the answer either. I have

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2009 Australian Motorcycle Tour.

I finished watching the Long Way Down for the 2nd time when it aired recently on SBS and I enjoyed it much more this viewing. I still think from a entertainment point it didn't present as well as the original Long Way Round series however I now recognise that for the riders and support crew this trip would have been every bit as good. I am still very jealous.I have started working out what I

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Ride Report - back on the road at long last!

Well I never thought I would be off the road for this long. Been quite some time since my last ride report.What a beaut day for a ride - after the gloomy weather forecast of showers and heat it turned out to be a fine and mild morning with just some heat mid afternoon on the way home.I wasn't ready tackle the ride I want to do to Tenterfield - after all just 70km on the new bike so best I visit

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Mods finished - ready to ride this weekend.

I have finished the alterations I wanted to make.First up was rider foot pegs:Beautiful crafted items from Knight Design which give an extra inch of comfort for your knees.Next was what turned out to be a rather big job. Fitting the Convertibars:The process was removal of existing bars and triple clamp. Installation of the special Convertibar system and then reinstall triple clamp. Reroute some

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