Tassie Trip report

[Bob Bennett]

Back again, The next weekend we went over to the north of Hobart to see the end of the final stage
of the Targa Tasmania at Grasstree Hill. This is truly a great bike road, thinking about it the timed stages
in the Targa Tas must be all great bike roads, so here is a map

Boy it's difficult to take shots of fast cars even if they are slowing down at the end of the stage.


Several classes from Vintage to modern, 350 started and over 200 finished, For a not so small fee anyone can take
part in a noncompetiteve section the organisers call the tour, it would be great with closed roads, police escort, etc,


Back again soon.

[Airbear]

I’ll contribute briefly to the story, since I have just had the pleasure of Bob and Allison’s company for the weekend. They arrived on Friday evening. Jeff turned up - George too, and judging by the line-up of empties, a good time was had by all. I didn’t take many photos, and it was hard to get the animated Allison to be still enough for a flashless shot.


On Saturday they visited George's shed. He has owned "quite a few" Suzuki DRs, and had a spare electronic tach to donate to Alli's 650, fabricating a beautiful bracket to fit same (no photo, unfortunately). I was busy with studies so couldn't go for a ride. Bob and Alli did some exploring, including the Granya Gap loop. On Saturday night we piled into the car to go to a 30 year-old friend's 50th birthday party (long story). Another great night with some spectacular music - lots of beautiful female harmony singing around the fire. On Sunday morning they headed off towards Canberra, via Jingellic, Tumbarumba, Tumut, Brindabella. It was a cold and foggy morning, but quickly cleared to a sunny day.





O, and before they arrived, this postcard turned up in my mail. It might help to explain the Map of Tassie references to non Australians.



Thanks to Boxerworks I’ve met these lovely people and started what I know will be a lasting friendship. Great to meet you folks, and I hope the rest of your trip goes/went well. I'll definitely be catching up with you over at the coast sometime. All the best.

[Bob Bennett]

G'day All, Finally posting again as I had a few things to catch up with after arriving home.
First of all many thanks to Steve and Charlie for the help and hospitality that they generously
provided during our return through Victoria.
While we were in Melbourne staying at one of Ali's friends house Steve droped in to deliver some
parts that he had kindly sourced for me, we had a good chat over a cuppa, BMs of course, I got
some helpfull advise regarding some issues with my bike.

After two nights in Melbourne it was off up to Bethanga, Charlie had emailed a route that kept us off
the mind mumbing Hume Hwy and it was a great ride, along the way we called into Powers Lookout

The road into Powers Lookout

Power was a bushranger and this place was one of his hideouts, now a nice spot for a camp with water
and toilets also this covered area which has an open fireplace.
After a short break at this spot it was on to Charlie's via a short detour when I missed a turm off
and almost ended up in Myrtleford.
Will post again soon.

[Bob Bennett]

Back again. On arrived at Bethanga at dusk and true to his word Charlie had cold beer
awaiting plus homemade pizza ready to go,Jeff turned up soon after and George also poped in.
It was a great night swaping yarns and generally having a good chat untill way into the morning
followed by a rather late arising. During the evening George offered to install a tacho on Ali's
Suziki so in the morning (late) we ducked up to his big workshop and the job was done,Many
thanks George.

That afternoon Ali and I had a look around Bethanga

Then a ride out to the east on some very picturesque and good riding roads.

To come to a tight turn on a crest and see this view above is most stunning.
Then further on east is the causway across to Old Tallangatta.

After another fantastic night with some of Charlie's frends and another sleepin it was time to say hooroo and be on the road to Canberra

Thanks again for your hospitality Charlie

[Deleted User 62]

Thanks for the ride report and pictures!

[Sunbeem]

I know I'm not going to be the only far-off observer who gets tremendous vicarious enjoyment from posts like this, and perhaps I'm not alone in feeling a pang of envy. Australia seems like a good place to be a motorcyclist, and the camaraderie which constantly recurs in the stories of our Ozzie mates attests to the fact that they know what the important things in life are, and make great efforts to meet and share them.

One thing troubles me deeply.
Airbear couldn't go for a ride -- he had to study ..?
Whoooooah! Careful now, steady old chap. Thank goodness you've got Jeff handy, to keep you in order.
By the bye, have you seen http://lecturefox.com/ ? Enough there to start several riots in Grosvenor Square, I think.

So thanks all, for the inspirational stuff you cram in between major disasters -- good on yer.

Sunbeem.

[ME 109]

Airbear couldn't go for a ride -- he had to study ..?

Sunbeem.

Lots of homework for Charlie, Sunbeem.
Charlie came 'round to my house after school the other day. We hung out.

[Airbear]

Good to see you made it home safely, Bob n Allison. It seems you beat the weather pretty nicely - we had a bit of the wintry bleakness arrive here the day after you headed for Canberra. I hope your run was as enjoyable as I was imagining in my head that day.

I finally got that fekkin' essay finished - yesterday. Now starting on the next. But it will all be done in time for the Alpine Rally, and that will be my next proper ride. Hope to see you there.

Gidday Sunbeem. Yes, I am indeed fortunate to have Jeff nearby to help keep me ... um ... focussed?
I had a quick look at the LectureFox site - interesting range of stuff. Thanks.