Day 5: Road Trip - Canberra to Janolan Caves
Woke up on our last morning in Canberra and rode down to the Canberra Motorcycle Centre in Mitchell. The regulator hadn't arrived yet and we were a bit nervous, but they assured us it should arrive this morning. We left the bikes there and went next door for a coffee (good coffee joint if you're a coffee junkie like me). Dim decided since we were waiting around to get a haircut. Finished the haircut and got the call that the bike was ready at the
same time (see it was meant to be!). The guys were brilliant, replaced the part under parts warranty from Yamaha and didn't even charge us for labour.
Late morning we headed out of Canberra on the Federal Highway and cruised. Thoroughly enjoying just being out riding again and on the adventure. Pulled in to a rest stop along the
highway, and had views of a wind farm in the distance... see Adam shows us how it's done:
Then we cruised on till we got to the Big Merino in Goulburn. Fuelled up the bikes and ourselves before heading on. The freeways had numbed our brains so much that Adam said "The twisty long straights" were his favourite roads (?!?!)
We rode on to Taralga where the roads were very rough. Nice and windy but very rough. Once we got past Taralga the roads got really good. We pulled in for a photo op:
Adam had a wee on the fence (he said it wasn't electric, but I dunno, he's been acting strange ever since!)
From this point the roads became awesome. Beyond awesome actually!! (Dim's favourite road here). Big sweeping curves and bends and up and down hills with great views. One very very steep twisty decline, followed by a very steep and twisty incline, then the road stretched out nice and windy again until Black Springs. Wanted to go back and re-do the Taralga to Black Springs road over & over. Do it if you get the chance.
Next stop was Oberon for fuel, then we headed down to the Janolan Caves. Noticed a few signs as we got closer to the caves, which said that Trucks and Caravans were not allowed to go down that road. I knew something good was coming up... Dim's literal diary entry after doing the ride down to the Janolan Caves goes like this: "OMG crap that was a scary ride. Down down down the very steep mountain side with all those 15km p/hr bends and all that camber on the road! Barely one lane wide with vans and 4wd's refusing to move over to the edge while they were heading up the mountain and we were coming down."
Booked into the hotel and were given a free upgrade due to a school coming in and taking the motel rooms. So we got a beautiful "Traditional Stay" room with antiques and fantastic mountain views (but no TV). Checked in and explored the grounds for the evening.
Day 6: Road Trip - Janolan Caves to Sydney
It was hard to fall asleep last night with thoughts of having to go back up that mountain and dreams of "The Shining", which Adam had told me about because the traditional hotel had reminded him of the hallways in the movie. After breakfast we headed down to pick one of the cave tours. We picked the Orient Cave tour which was great. Lots and lots of stairs and tight passages but well worth doing. Spectacular views of the cave
with stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations. Nature is incredible, makes you wonder what else of such beauty lies in dark caves undiscovered!
We decided not to take the mountain road up and out, and instead to take the only other way out of Janolan Caves, which is a less steep but longer windy ride out of the mountains. This road happens to be closed between 11.45am and 1.15pm daily, as it's one lane only for part of the road, so they close it to allow only bus tours to come in. So after the cave tour we had a bite to eat while we waited for the road to open.
Light misty drizzle and fog started as we headed out of the mountains. Much nicer roads, still twisty but nowhere near as steep. Just before Lithgow, pulled off the road to check the maps, and an older local guy pulled up in a ute to see if we needed help.
Headed into Lithgow looking for the Bells Line of Road. Great start to it with a cop car having pulled someone over to the side of the road right before the beginning of Bells Line. Mostly 60 - 80km/hr speed limits and we have to say, a very disappointing road. Sorry to all you Sydney folk who think it's brilliant. A small section in the middle at 100km/hr was okay. Maybe it had been over-hyped because we've heard about this road so much, or maybe because we'd just come off such great riding the day before (e.g. Taralga to Black Springs), but it's not a road we'd recommend to people or that we'd make an effort to do again.
Came in to Sydney and for the first time ever had to pull over to a pay toll booth on the bikes (I'm sure that novelty will wear off quickly). Went through a few other electronic tolls as we got closer (must remember to set up a toll account) and we rode in over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Unfortunately there was a lot of traffic so we had to keep eyes on the road for braking traffic, so didn't get much chance to enjoy the experience or check out the scenery. Once we were in the city we started looking for the street our hotel was on. When we finally got to it we were in the right lane but the hotel was a left hand turn. So we had to keep going and I thought we could just go round the block... but this is Sydney hey? So noooooo... once we turned right, we found we couldn't do another right at the next block, and so we were on a wild goose chase to get back to Point A. Finally got there & checked into our hotel. Set up the toll account & time to unwind. We got a call from this strange bloke, they call him Al... made plans to meet Al & his wife Coz the next day.
Stay tuned for the next episode... Will Als try and push Dim & Adam off The Gap? hmmmmmmmm LOL
Dim & Adam
We are renovating the house at the moment. It is something we seem to do so frequently that one reno job seems to blend into another. The painters just finished painting the interior about a week ago and now the contractor is setting up to add a bathroom in the basement. I don’t have a very good idle speed so waiting for people to turn up (the gas company, the builder) makes me edgy. I make Maureen edgy when I am edgy so she suggested I go for a shot run to kill time (an t get me out of her hair).
It’s a nice sunny clear fall day here so it was not hard to get talked into firing up the Road Glide and hitting the road. The Niagara River Parkway is almost empty this time of year and it sweeping curves are enticing me to crack the throttle and dance the Glide through the 10 km of great ride.
The stock sound system and speakers are no match for my helmet ear flaps and the Rineharts. Maybe one of the Cruiser Customizing friends can point me to a good sounding upgrade. Christmas is coming!
The Falls area is bathed in yellow afternoon sun as I cut away from the parkway. I just axed the Glide and don’t want the mist from the Falls to ruin the wax job. Back near Marineland is a small oasis above the Falls called Dufferin Islands. I stop and park the Road Glide pulling my Nikon D90 out of the saddlebag. The sun and shadows are fantastic. I take several shots then an obliging person sitting in their car having a late lunch enjoy the peace and beauty, offered to take a picture of me with the Harley. I couldn’t resist.
A few more shots and it is past the time to meet the builder. I fire up the Glide and take the back roads out to the main highway and get on the throttle as traffic is moving about 70 mph. The sun is just glorious and I feel great. It is just a short respite from the world of home renos but I will take every minute I get to ride and to shoot photos on such a wonderful fall day.
In January of 2009, after retiring in July 2008, I decided I need to get a new motorcycle after not having one for over 10 years. I bought a Star Silverado 1700, and put 16,700 miles on it by September going on road trips. At that point I wanted more, and went back to the brand I learned to ride on - Triumph. I traded the Star in on a Rocket III, and I now have my dream bike. Slowly getting her ready for my first planned road trip - June of 2010 will head for California to Ride Highway 1 along the coast from north of LA to San Francisco.
went to the fall rally in SC.It was great never been to one and went with a great bunch of guys. Learned alot about ridin with a group. And how much fun it is to ride with a group. I was the new guy so it seem I was gettin told alot of BS but they all meant well. (guess it did not help was the only female.)
the ride down was great had a beautiful day. left at 730 am and got there around 1130am. We of course made the rounds to the bars and ended up at the Iron Gate and started enjoyin ourseleves. thing is we were suppose to ride back that evening. That didn't happen ended up callin home and tryin to explain we were spendin the night. Safety first right...no sense in doin some thing stupid like ridin tired and buzzed.
After we found a place to stay and some dinner, We decieded to go to the suckbangblow. (yes thats really is the name)It was awsome had a burnout pit and wild people. they had a kick ass band coveriing one of my favorite groups AC/DC. they were kickin and I was jammin even got on the stage and danced.My buds had to drag me out around 130am. I wanted to stay and party but the group was ready to go and well I was a passenger at this point so you go when your ride goes.made it back to our rooms and of course had few more and checked out the bike in the lot. It was aroound 300am when I got to bed.
Was up at 600am for some reason and so was a few others. So we packed up and hit the road home. It was sunny but cold. I wished it was like the morning before but it wasn't Hung over and cold not the best way to ride. things were goin good besides the cold thing we all just want to get home. This is were things got interestin for me and guess everyone else to.
crruising along right behind the lead bike and one of the guys come flyin by us and turns in this little chruch drive. the lead bike waved me on to turn in to the drive. well guess I didn't slow enough and turned a little too sharp and mt floorboard rubbed the ground which scared the crape out of me. My handlebars just missed a palm by inches and a brick sign then went through the grass legs flyin every direction and stopped my bike about 10 feet from a row of tombstones. I throw down my kickstand and jump off the bike and just stood there.I look around and all my buds are just starin at me.Took a few deep breaths and got back on my bike.THey all asked if I was ok said yea lets ride. Well started my bike and put it in gear and was set to go...well what do I do pop the clutch and drop my bike at a dead stop. About 3 guys jump off there bike to help and I tell them to get there butts back on there bike I dropped it I pick it up and I did and once again they asked me if I was ready to go and I told them give me a minute this time. got back on the road in few and was fine but earned me a new nickname TOMBSTONE.
So my trip was not boring in the least. and once again I learned some thing. well many things but most of all slow down when turnin lol... If you can't laugh at your self what can you laugh at. So RIDE ON AND BE SAFE
Because of the minor Hurricane coming our way, for the last week or so it has been grey and rainy here in the "Big Bend" area of Florida. For the first time in days the weather this morning is bright and beautiful with nice warm sun, and since I have the day off I'm going to jump on one of my bikes and take a nice short ride! This is the kind of day that’s made for the best rides, for I have no particular place to go and no particular time to get there and best of all, my pain meds have kicked in this morning and I’m not in my normal achy agony! I truly miss the days when I could jump on my bike and ride for hours and hours and the only thing I needed to worry about was a sore “Monkey Butt” … but with age, comes the endless hassles of age. Aching back, stiff legs, screaming hips, cramping in my lower back and all of the other assorted ills and woes are a part of my every-day life now. It’s almost worth dying young and not having to deal with all of various complaints. Dye young and leave a beautiful body … that’s the ticket! Well, this blog post isn’t supposed to be about my aching back and screaming hips or even about feeling like I’m going to puke because of all the pain meds I’ve had to take this morning. This post is about “expectations”. I didn’t expect to eventually have to pay the price for my life-style up to this point, and now because of that life style being in constant pain. I don’t expect to go out for a nice little ride and have an accident on my bike and be hurt. I don’t expect to be riding today and have a rain-cloud come up from nowhere and ruin my ride. I don’t expect whatever bike I take will break down somewhere and leave me stranded and fuming on the side of a road. I don’t expect to be calmly making a turn in some parking lot and have the bike slip out from under me dropping my arse onto the concrete in embarrassment. “Expectations.” We as humans in general … and as bikers specifically … go through our lives with more or less good expectations. I know I do, and I’m sure of all you do as well. I don’t worry and “expect” that bad or horrible things will happen every time I go out in the world. Like you, I “expect” I will be just fine … and have a wonderful and enjoyable day. After all … I expect to! And in the end … isn’t that what being a “biker” is all about for most of us? Not hiding away in some dark corner being afraid of life and the consequences it can bring … but rather a huge celebration because of that life! We as bikers seize every moment and live it to the fullest … and despite the sometimes disapproval of society and all the “non-bikers” that cannot or will not understand … we rejoice in our life! It’s expected! Ride on and be safe … and please … take the long way home on your ride!
Spent some time this morning with the two of the most important guy's in my life, my father and grandfather. I just wanted to let them know how much I love them & how proud I am for their service to their country. My grandfather was a "doughboy" in WW1 & my father was in the USAF in the Korean conflict. Both are very proud of the time they gave for their country and fly the "Red, White, & Blue" with pride on Veterans Day. While talking to them, I noticed many of their neighbors also fly "Old Glory" with pride, because of the service they gave defend this great nation. I was humbled; by seeing so many veterans gathered together. Men & woman who had defended this land in Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam, WWII, WWI, The Spanish American War, & the Civil War. You’re thinking by now "Where the heck is he at?" Well, I'm at my Dad & Grand-dads gravesites. I never met my Granddad, he passed before I was born, and I lost my Dad in 1999. I grew up hearing of the stories my granddad told Dad about fighting the "Hun" in the "Great War"! My Dad didn't talk much about service time in Korea, but as I got older, seeing programs about the Korean War, I knew it wasn't a pleasant experience. I never said thanks to my Dad till it was to late.
The point of this story is: Weather it's a relative, friend, or co-worker, don't wait to show a "Vet" how proud you are of their service, to their country. Till they are gone. Let them know today!" So with that said thanks to all of you in the community who has served. I could name many of you by name, but I would be still posting this on the 12th. By the time I am done..."A BIG THANKS" for your service guy's & gal’s! You’re a "COOOL Group"!
Chris/aka Madcow
P.S. Want to especially thank a guy who spent more time under the water than above during his "stint" in the Navy. You always make me laugh when I feeling down! I won't embarrass him by giving his name, since most of you know whom I'm talking about...He's had it rough lately but he's still there for the rest of us....
How to Lift a Fallen Motorcycle
CAUTION
Picking up a motorcycle can be dangerous and cause serious injury if done incorrectly or under poor footing. A simple back injury could wreck your life! Always, always, always try to get help first—and remember, you don't want anybody else to get hurt, either. You need to think clearly, use common sense, and be in good physical condition. Keep your body and back straight, and lift only with your legs. Maintain control of the motorcycle and never twist your body while lifting. Check the motorcycle for damage prior to riding it again.
The majority of picking up a motorcycle is mental: Work smarter, not harder. Motorcycles are heavy machines. Think about how you want to do it first—if you were going to lift a 300-pound refrigerator, would you just run up and grab it and start muscling it around, or would you plan your attack? What would you do if you were going to lift an 800-pound refrigerator?
The ideal situation for lifting a motorcycle would be:
1. Have the lifting technique demonstrated by a qualified professional.
2. Practice with a qualified professional.
3. Have the qualified professional evaluate and coach your lifting technique.
Step 1: Assess Yourself
Take a few minutes to calm down. Seeing your bike lying on its side can be a traumatic experience, but it happens to everyone at one time or another. Your bike's not going anywhere without you. Spend a few minutes asking yourself questions and talking yourself through it: are you hurt? Are you able to pick up your motorcycle in a normal situation? Do you want to pick up your motorcycle? Is it safe to pick up your motorcycle? Etc., etc. You have the rest of your life to pick up your bike; take a few minutes to relax and assess the situation. It's best if you get help. And remember: if someone helps you, don't forget to warn them not to touch the hot exhaust pipe, not to lift by the turn signals, etc. Also make sure they lift correctly. You don't want someone else getting hurt.
Step 2: Assess the Environment
If you are in danger from other traffic, get away from your motorcycle and seek a place of safety. Let law enforcement respond and take control of the scene before picking up your motorcycle. Take a look at the ground: do you have a solid surface to lift from? Is there gravel? Is the pavement wet? Are you right next to a ditch? You don't want to slip and get pinned under your bike.
Step 3: Assess the Motorcycle
Turn it off using the engine cut-off switch or the ignition switch. Turn off the fuel using the fuel supply valve. Spilled fuel is common, so use caution (though usually you need sparks, flame, or an ignition source to have a fire or explosion.) If the motorcycle is lying on its right side, put the sidestand down and put the motorcycle in gear. If the motorcycle is on its left side, you can't put the side stand down and can't put the motorcycle in gear. Make a mental note of these facts. You don't want to pick up your motorcycle and then immediately drop it onto its other side! Techniques to Lift the Motorcycle—Preferred and Regular Methods
Technique I: Facing Away from the Motorcycle - For Large Motorcycles Preferred Method for any Size
1. Turn the handlebars to full-lock position with front of tire pointed downward.
2. Find the "balance point" of the two tires and the engine, engine guard, or footpeg. The motorcycle will be fairly easy to lift until it reaches this point because it's resting on its side. Once you start lifting from there, you are responsible for the most of the weight of the bike.
3. "Sit" down with your butt/lower back against the motorcycle seat. Be very careful to keep your back straight and your head up. Put your feet solidly on the ground about 12 inches apart, with your knees bent slightly.
4. With one hand, grasp the handgrip (underhand, preferably), keeping your wrist straight.
5. With your other hand, grip the motorcycle framework (or any solid part of the motorcycle), being careful to avoid the hot exhaust pipe, turn signals, etc.
6. Lift with your legs by taking small steps backwards, pressing against the seat with your butt and keeping your back straight. On slippery or gravelly surfaces this technique probably won't work. On inclined surfaces this can be very dangerous.
7. Be careful not to lift the motorcycle up and then flip it onto its other side! If possible, put the sidestand down and the bike in gear.
8. Set the motorcycle on its sidestand and park it safely.
Technique II: Facing the Motorcycle - For Small and Medium-Sized Motorcycles Regular Method
1. Turn the handlebars to the full-lock position with the front of the tire pointed skyward.
2. Find the balance point of the two tires and the engine, engine guard, or footpeg. The motorcycle will be fairly easy to lift until it reaches this point because it's resting on its side. Once you start lifting from there, you are responsible for the most of the weight of the bike.
3. Stand very close to the handlebars. Plant your feet about shoulder-width apart with the lower handgrip in between them. Use both hands to lift. Keeping your back straight and your head up, lift carefully, keeping the handgrip close to your body. Use your leg muscles for power, and not your back muscles.
4. Be careful you don't lift the motorcycle up and then flip it onto its other side.
5. Set the motorcycle on its sidestand and park it safely.
The information given by the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center, its instructors, and volunteers is offered as a benefit for those with an interest in riding motorcycles. Our intention is to further discussion and enhance individual safety and skills. Although the MMSC will continue to research, field test, and publish viewpoints on the subject of motorcycle safety, it disclaims any liability for the views expressed. Every motorcyclist is responsible for his or her own safety and that of their passengers. We do not accept any duty or responsibility toward any individuals. We urge all those using the information and views presented on this site to use their own critical judgment. When you may have any doubt about a safety or skill issue, we urge you to seek clarification and information from sources you trust, and to proceed with caution to ensure your safety.
Attention Community Members! Kyle Bradshaw (manybikes) of Cruiser Customizing here!
Congratulations to the following members who have reached New Crusier Customizing Membership Levels in the month of October!
For those of you unfamiliar, click here to read about Membership Level Points
10000 points World Traveler Membership Level! As of October 31st, 2009 there have been 20 members who have reached the level of World Traveler Membership! These 20 World Traveler Contributors are the leaders of our community and I want to thank you all for making this community, The Cruiser Customizing Community the greatest on-line motorcyle community in the world! Our 20 World Traveler Contributors are as follows:
snake06, als1953, RMFIII, kenney102564, manybikes, daycaremama, surfwer, copperguy, mcornelsen, moreland4, Cehszar, madcow, brentward, geoffbaker, Bikinjb, PioneerGirl, TIMTHEGAS, vstargrl, Luuna800, Robin001
5000 points Country Rider = Cruiser Customizing Sweatshirt! As of October 31st, 2009 there have been 44 members who have reached the level of State Rider Membership! All 44 members will need to fill out the Free Gifts form to receive your sweatshirt. (limit 1 per member - while suplies last)
The Top 3 Country Rider Contributors are as follows:
Philcole with 9770 Points
simmbad with 9138 Points
australian6 with 9032 Points
2000 point State Rider memberhship level and are entitled to the NEW Cruiser Customizing Pint Glass! As of October 31st, 2009 there have been 76 members who have reached the level of State Rider Membership! All 76 members will need to fill out the Free Gifts form to receive their Cruiser Customizing Pint Glass. (limit 1 per member - while suplies last)
The Top 3 State Rider Contributors are as follows:
roadie07, semperfi1037, darkrenegade
1000 point City Rider memberhship level and are entitled to a Crusier Customizing T-shirt! As of October 31st, 2009 there have been 145 members who have reached the level of State Rider Membership! All 145 members will need to fill out the Free Gifts form to receive their Cruiser Customizing T-shirt. (limit 1 per member - while suplies last)
The Top 3 City Rider Contributors are as follows:
dtinz, sliverdeer0454, ronsigns
500 point Neighborhood Rider memberhship level and are entitled to a Crusier Customizing Key Chain! As of October 31st, 2009 there have been 813 members who have reached the level of Neighborhood Rider Membership! All 813 Neighborhood Rider member Cruiser Customizing Key Chains will be sent when you reach the City Rider Membership Level and fill out the on-line form for the Free Gifts as your Key Chain will be mailed wrapped in a Cruiser Customizing T-shirt.
I want to take a moment to personally thank you for all of your great controbutions here in the Cruiser Customizing Community! I know that I have personally benefited from the information which has been shared...
Thank you all for your participation!
Thanks again for your participation in making the Cruiser Customizing Community the worlds largest On-line biker community!
Ride safe!
Kyle Bradhaw aka: manybikes
Community Director
The Pink Ribbon Ride, Victoria, Australia 2009 - all funds raised go to aid breast cancer research