Motorbike trip - Gympie, Qld to Phillip Island, Victoria and back...

This trip was a different take on being a grey nomad ... but the idea was to attend the Australian MotoGP with motor biking enthusiasts.  A group make the pilgrimage every year and Dave was invited to go with the group.  They have accommodation bookings at different hotels along the way with secure overnight storage and a house rental down on the Island.

This year at the last minute they were short of a body and so to make up costs so I was allowed along.

Dave and the extra body

We travelled roughly round 600 k's daily but there was a Harley in our midst so we were hindered timewise by this bike - extra fuel stops and the like.  I suspect there were a lot of fellows with lousy prostates so the frequent stops were welcomed by them as well.

One of the frequent 'piddle stops"

Andrew "resting"

Andrew was one of the young fellows in the group, however his bike over a long distance is not as comfortable as perhaps a touring bike.  He also has back issues so he suffered with the long distance riding.

Our first stop was a short trip only to Toowoomba.  There were 3 persons to collect for the trip, Mark and Sara and Scotty (the lone Harley rider).  We overnighted with some "Wallabie" friend,  John and Ellen Crimean.  They were perfect hosts and we dined 'like kings' that night.  Ellen is a cook of great talents.

JC and the chef extraordinaire, Ellen

The second day on the road saw us make many kms to Coonabarabran, NSW.   The rain started shortly before lunchtime so we donned the wet weather gear.  Not very pleasant riding and it started growing colder the further south we headed ....brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.   The good thing about the BMW was that David had heated handle bars and we both had heated seats!

We also lost an hour to daylight saving so it was late when we pulled in for the night.  We gathered more of the crew, Glen and Ally who were travelling by ute.

Junee, NSW - outside one of the hotel we stayed in

In Junee we overnighted in one of those really old fashioned hotels that used to be a popular accommodation spot before the advent of motels.  Shared bathrooms and toilets, musty smells, beautiful ornate ceilings but generally pretty rickety but I believe very reasonably priced.

Secure, covered parking on the ground floor somewhere in the bowels of the hotel

The third day on the road, we lost the rain but not the cold.  Our communication system between our helmets worked well so the long hours were dotted with odd comments about sights and scenery. Certainly the countryside was very green - pastures and crops lush with animals looking very contented.  If you didn't read the papers or see the TV news you'd swear the country was prospering.

Most of the group had road or sportie bikes except for the one Harley rider.  He was a proud Harley rider who took all the pissling very well.  However apart from sounding beautiful, it was a real liability as we constantly had to wait for him (hard to handle in the wind, unable to corner at any speed etc. etc.)  and his tank capacity was minimal so more fuel stops slowed the trip!  Fortunately he was a good bloke.

The beautiful looking and sounding Harley ....

Scotty's treasured Harley

The fourth day of travelling was longggggggggggg but we took in a couple of sights.  We lunched at Ben Rowan, the stomping ground of Ned Kelly.  Getting closer to Melbourne  we entered part of the Dandenongs and rode one of the iconic bike rides known as the Black Spur.  In motobiking circles it's known as one of the fun rides - many kms of twists, turns uphill and downhill and seemingly never ending.  As luck would have it we got stuck behind the Harley so we were restricted to going around at a more sedate speed, David did manage to scrape one of the side pedals much to my horror.

It was in a beautiful forest with many tree ferns and extremely steep sides that dropped to nowhere.  Being a pillion I was probably the only one to see the scenery.  One of the crazy younger guys had a webcam fitted to the front of his bike so he could re-live the ride over and over without actually doing it! (think that's what happened and why?)


Finally we arrived at Cowes, on Phillip Island on the Wednesday night after a long day of travel.
The house that sleeps 12 was on Seascape St and it was well situated, close to town centre and bus stops.  A very spacious 2 storey house with independent living areas on each level.  Dave and I were lucky to get our own room.

For the evening meal we went up to "the place to go " for an Italian meal.  Apparently there were some celebrity bike riders in the same joint.  I was none the wiser who they were but Sara was busily taking photos.

the bike parking area under the house

Some of the fellows relaxing and watching Sara wash her bike.

I thought this photo in the house was very pertinent as it seems to apply most of the time!

The blurred caption says "never mind the weather"

 Anyway the Thursday was a sort of rest day before the GP started the next day.  Apparently it was also a buying merchandise from last years GP merchandise at discount prices.  We all went up the street, nobody bought anything but it was a day spent in the pub.  I had arranged to meet some old 'Darwinites" who lived in the area so had a nice catch up with them as well.

 Friday, the day the MotoGP started all the diehards were up at daybreak to ride their bikes into the track!  We made a leisurely trip in on the bus.  At this stage the weather was deteriorating, rain definitely on the way and the temperature dropping.  Anyway my lovely leather coat I bought in Italy finally got an outing and it was great against the elements, perhaps a tad too dressy but what the hell.

Some of the keen Friday fans in the general entry area

Some ominous cloud formations

View from the Doohan Stand

As I was a last minute addition to the bike group I wasn't able to get tickets to the Honda club pavilion where all the group were allocated  So the best seat I could get which was covered was in the Doohan Stand which is Turn 1 on the track.  As I had a back seat I could also see most of the other parts of the track despite the fact the wind was blowing a gale on our backs.

 So Nigel Jean was sitting all alone for three days.  Fortunately there were a couple of women from Qld and some Pommy women fans who I discovered who didn't have that greater interest in all the racing so a bit of company was better than none.  All the facilities were good and there was no need to watch outside if you wanted to slouch in a bean bag and watch it on the big screen then you could that as well.

tyre barrier to protect spectators?

Gravel pit to enable a safer outcome if the riders have a spill

Phillip Island race track stats - the circuit is 4.448 km long and 13 m wide.  It has 5 right-hand corners and 7 left-hand corners.  Gardner straight is 900m long.

On the Friday and Saturday were days of time trials for grid positions for the final day of the big race.
The bad weather affected this somewhat and events were abbreviated because of the inclement weather.  There was a very good trackside commentary which one of the speakers was an old RAAF friend from back in the late 70's - Mark Bracks.  He was kind enough to give the fellows passes to get into the pits area and other areas that would normally be out of bounds to the average race goer - so a bit of privilege arises out of old mates!

Dave chatting to Bracksie

All the many garages on pit lane ...

One of the other attractions at the track was The GP Expo, an enormous pavilion which had a wide range of exhibits from all the different motorcycle manufacturers such as Honda, BMW, Yamaha and new model motorcycles, bike apparel, bike products and accessories.  A big shop that men drool over especially the young girls with really long legs draped over the bikes!  The Expo also featured unique bike memorabilia, not to mention all merchandise of the official event  and team and rider gear.

Some of the machines ...

Some of the fellows from the group ...

Anyway it's history the race results - Cal Crutchlow , a pom from the Honda team followed by Valentino Rossi with his Yamaha and the Spanish guy, Maverick Vinales on his Suzuki.  The favourite Marquez crashed out and unfortunately Jack Miller, the Aussie wasn't on the podium.

The bus system on exiting the track could have been improved upon but it's always going to be difficult moving hordes of people in those situations.  Regardless of the Victorian weather, it was a great event, and the group of avid bikers were an easy lot to spend time with.  An experience not to be missed if the opportunity is available.

Anyway Monday, after a general clean-up, it was homeward bound.  The road out of Phillip Island was literally littered with bike riders, there were hundreds upon hundreds.  It eventually thinned out but they came and were going all places.  The return trip took in mainly going up the east coast to Toowoomba.  The first days travel included a few getting lost along the way so there was waiting and a bit of patience required by some.

There was another really interesting and curly ride through some country known as the Kangaroo Valley ride.  It was up and over a range with several corners, twists and turns that took your breath away at times.  I noticed there were u-turns recommended speed at 15 kmph so pretty tight cornering in parts!  Anyway the good thing is there was a lovely little township at the bottom where we had lunch.

A lot of travelling in the afternoon and into the early evening before we reached Bermegui for the nights stay.  It was a particular tiring part of the trip - we were at the back keeping the Harley rider company most of the time.  However the little town on the coast was quite idyllic so the ride was worth making it to there.

One of the several fuel and food stops along the way ...

About midway along the Thunderbolt Way - stunning countryside

The next day involved bypassing Sydney and still having to ride on the motorways so it was fairly hectic traffic for some of the time.  Once past Newcastle the ride took in another one of those 'must do rides for motorbikers'.  It was through the country around Scone or somewhere in NSW country but the road was called the Thunderbolt Way.  The name in itself describes well the road and countryside.  It was thrilling at times and views were quite breathtaking.

We finally made it to Stroud - a gorgeous old village full of crafty shops and the like, well-kept gardens and old houses, for the evening stop.  Most of the fellows had left the group along the way, some to Canberra, others to Newcastle so we were reduced to 5 people.

Some of the group outside a special bikie cafe

The next day we bolted as fast as the Harley could go and headed to Toowoomba where we were reduced to 3, Col from Maryborough who was our Fearless leader and ourselves were the ones remaining.

Rider and pillion passenger ...

We made it back to Gympie before lunch on Thursday.

11 days after we set out and 4,500 kms on the odometer.  It was a fun time.

We consumed a lot of fried takeaway food, a lot of stuff normally not in the regular diet but for a short time it was really nice.

Great to go away and great to be home!

Relatives from the West ...

Cousin Ros and hubby Peter called in for a few days visit while on a trip round the country.  With the BT50 and caravan they have been running up the kilometres.

Anyhow they have enjoyed the many places along the way.  We were thrilled to have their company despite the fact most conversations were about childhood days.

Dave, Roslyn and Peter

Drinking again!

Roslyn used to be married to a kiwi fellow and they had a kiwi fruit orchard in Te Puke.  They family was reared there as well so she is pretty much a kiwi gal at heart.  Anyway she has moved on and is happily living back in Mandurah, WA.  A lovely visit, thanks guys for calling in.

Crallan whanau

I received some lovely photos from my sister-in-law Jovy and would like to share them with the rest of the family and friends.

 My niece Lorna-Jen who is 18 years old now, is developing into a lovely young lady with great ideas and focus in life..

Lorna-Jen (in the black) with a friend

Lorna-Jen on the left with her cousin Aso

Lorna-Jen 2nd from left, cousins Aso and Aya and Jovy closest to the camera

Graduation pose with Mum Jovy and Aunt Lorle

Last, but not least is Lorna-Jen's grandma who still lives in the Philippines

Nan tending her flock

Lorna-Jen is attending university and studying medicine.  With about 8 years of education in front of her she plans on working in the Maori health area.  In particular, she is interested in the welfare of the Maori people and hopes to make a difference with bettering the health standards in the country.

Well done thus far Lorna-Jen - enjoy yourself along the way.

New MOTORBIKE!

Out with the old and in with the new....

or in David's words 'out with the stodgy scooter and in with the pocket rocket'

JEAN with her redundant Evie and the new Racing Red Machine!

Xmas has come early for me, I am now the owner of a Yamaha MT-03 ... soon I'll be able to ride it and use the gears.  I'm learning to master it but so far have managed to stall it up the hill.  Early days...

Looking the part

This time next year I'll be riding in the Moto 3 GP!  Watch this space.

Trip to Perth - June 2016

My main reason to visit Perth at this time of the year was to be present for Angel's 6th birthday.  As is the Vietnamese custom for birthdays,  is to celebrate the event at a local restaurant - usually a Vietnamese one but it was a Chinese one, the Gold Leaf which was nearby.

All Tuyen's immediate family from Perth attended - Aunt Tammy and Peter her husband and her two kids Duey and Julie; Uncle Hu and Aunt Tu and their daughter (can't remember her name); cousin Candy, and Darryn and Tuyen's kids - Kyle, Marc and Angel ; a fair mob really.  Anyway it was a nice informal evening with delicious food and many doggie bags being taken home.  Angel adored the attention with Happy birthday music filling the restaurant and blowing all the candles out.

Angel  seems to be tall for her age and appears that way in class photos. She is very much a Tom boy and loves dressing in plain clothes with no signs of ruffles or lace anywhere. (much to her mother's dismay). Also she seems interested in the male-type activities - playing with swords, bows and arrows, Spider-Man and tumbling around with her brothers. From what I witnessed she is definitely not a girly girl!

The birthday cake and birthday GIRL

One of the presents she received which was really like a ribbon the gymnasts use in floor routines but she preferred to believe it was a whip and she was "cracking the whip".

Note the athletic stance!

Angel attempting to 'fly' the copter

I was a bit of a winner as she received a transformer helicopter for her birthday.  She enjoyed getting that off the ground and crashing it.

I mainly hung out at Darryn's house for most of the time - looking at the improvements to the house and yard that's taken place over the last year or so.  He's certainly added to the area of the house with two extra rooms giving the family more space and privacy.  In the backyard he's removed an old shed and replaced it with a better and more convenient structure.  His brickwork and paving have vastly improved over the period from start to where he is currently at - it's a credit to his resourcefulness, Mr Google and Gumtree.  Good on you Daz.

I also ventured over to Mother Peters place on the other side of the river to Como.  She has a 2 bed-roomed villa in a retirement village in a very nice part of town.  We indulged each other with plenty of wine, food and enjoyment.  She's an amazing lady for over 90, getting around on her prosthetic limb' and other times buzzing about in her car.  No way is she giving in life's little obstacles.

Mother Peters and Myvanwy at the Windsor Hotel

It was an enjoyable week over in the West.

Bike ride

Dave is a member of the Ulysses Motorcycle Club and occasionally I accompany them as a guest on some of their rides around.  They are an accommodating group and they happily allow me to 'hold up the rear'.

The photos and report are compliments of the Ulysses secretary

Sunday ride report - A nice roll up of members this morning for today's ride. We traveled all the back roads to the North and West of Gympie before getting to the Blue and White Tea-pot at Amamoor. We sat in the newly developed courtyard, its nice and open but still has that tropical feel. Then we traveled to the Wolvi Vintage festival. Unfortunately the festival was a bit of a fizzer and the displays were mostly packed up or in the process of packing up when we arrived at noon. 

Some members suggested that we try the near-by Cooloola Berry farm for lunch. What a beaut spot and looks like everyone has heard about place too! There were loads of people having lunch, a very aromatic Spanish Paella was being cooked on the big cooker, while the kitchen was turning out other meals.

Morning tea but mainly coffee enjoyed by the motorcyclists

Some of the bikes parked outside the Blue and White Tea-Pot cafe

They are a friendly bunch and it's a good opportunity to socialize as well as get some motorcycling experience and to see some countryside from behind a motorbike or scooter in my case.