OzSTOC
OzSTOC Ride Reports, Pictures & Videos => RIDE REPORTS => Topic started by: Williamson on May 11, 2014, 07:38:50 PM
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Day 1 - Sunday 2 March 2014
Short ride from home to Station Pier to meet my mate for the next two weeks, Phil. Phil is a friend and work college, some of you met him at the Blackwood RTE last year - he's an ST rider too, a Triumph Sprint ST.
Anyway we departed on-time at 7:30pm, dinner and beers before settling into cabin around 10:00pm ready for a big Monday.
Day 2 - Monday
Disembarked early, roll-up for Big Breakfast at sleazy looking cafe. We wait for "Bob" to deliver Phil's new ride, a Suzuki GSX1400 with sidecar - the Behemoth (a beast mentioned in Job 40:15–24 - suggested identities range from a mythological creature to an elephant, hippopotamus, rhinoceros or crocodile, the name has come to be used for any extremely large or powerful entity).
Bob arrives on the Behemoth (this is Bob on the Behemoth):
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140303-00540_zps7b455e60.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140303-00540_zps7b455e60.jpg.html)
Some freeway, then back roads and highway to Stanely via Ulverstone, Gunns Plains, Somerset and Table Cape.
Gunns Plains:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140303-00542a_zpscb1032ca.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140303-00542a_zpscb1032ca.jpg.html)
A view of Gunns Plains from above. Mmmmm ........
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/AboveGunnsPlains_zps712c7f1f.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/AboveGunnsPlains_zps712c7f1f.jpg.html)
Table Cape:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140303-00551_zpsf92e0bdc.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140303-00551_zpsf92e0bdc.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140303-00552_zps22a17bef.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140303-00552_zps22a17bef.jpg.html)
Stanley:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140304-00591_zps5b18c2d8.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140304-00591_zps5b18c2d8.jpg.html)
Stanley pub & Kentish Brown Ale - liquid wood.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140303-00553_zpsfdb3b23c.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140303-00553_zpsfdb3b23c.jpg.html)
It's fair to say that Phil struggled at first with his first ever ride of a motorcycle with sidecar. The going was slow, I was patient, we arrived at Stanley around 4:00pm, set up camp at the Stanley Cabin & Tourist Park - excellent facilities, reasonably priced.
More to come .....
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Look forward to the rest of the story.
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:thumbs :popcorn
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:thumbsup :clap :popcorn :popcorn :popcorn
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:popcorn
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C'mon Williamson. It'll soon be 24 hours we've been waiting...
I can see the double bed on your trailer. I'm guessing the sidecar is one also.
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C'mon Williamson. It'll soon be 24 hours we've been waiting...
I can see the double bed on your trailer. I'm guessing the sidecar is one also.
Patience please .... if I get more time tonight I'll continue.
I'm a local, I'm authorised to say this... :grin
Geeez, that's a bit harse - even for a local.
We found the weather particularly good - warm 220 - 250 days, no rain - yeah, I reckon that's a bit harse.
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Day 3 Tuesday 4 March 2014
Early start, head for Smithton then Montagu and Woolnorth.
There's not lots to do at Montagu, so some of the locals sit around for a while.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140304-00554_zpsa21bbe51.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140304-00554_zpsa21bbe51.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140304-00557_zpsa2906bbd.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140304-00557_zpsa2906bbd.jpg.html)
End of the road at Woolnorth.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/WoolnorthTurnaround_zps5abaab9c.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/WoolnorthTurnaround_zps5abaab9c.jpg.html)
Friendly bunch out that way.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140304-00563_zps1029e6dc.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140304-00563_zps1029e6dc.jpg.html)
About time to ride some gravel down to Marrawah.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/WoolnorthEntrance_zps4c18b360.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/WoolnorthEntrance_zps4c18b360.jpg.html)
Marrawah - flat white and slice of fruit cake here, okay if you like that sort of thing (which I do), if you don't - ride 50km and hope its better.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/Marrawah_zps2393d3e6.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/Marrawah_zps2393d3e6.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140304-00574_zps58cf5fd6.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140304-00574_zps58cf5fd6.jpg.html)
Then onto Arthur River.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/ArthurRiver_zps18ce9f78.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/ArthurRiver_zps18ce9f78.jpg.html)
A rare rear view of Phil on the Behemoth.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140304-00578_zpsa37dcd71.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140304-00578_zpsa37dcd71.jpg.html)
Onto Couta Rocks (AKA the-drop-zone), and the Mighty ST is mighty again (after its little nap).(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140304-00579_zps4d91ee4f.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140304-00579_zps4d91ee4f.jpg.html)
A panoramic view of the coast.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/CoutaRocks_zps86bb0a54.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/CoutaRocks_zps86bb0a54.jpg.html)
Back to Stanley.
The Mighty ST's nap? Well it was something like this .......
It had been a hard day for the Mighty ST rider but Phil (AKA Behemoth Bandit) decided to lead me down a gravel track, Phil stops and say it's getting a bit rough, I says yeah, I find a place to turn around, so I did.
But in the meantime, the Mighty ST went over a rock, its rider didn't notice the drop on the other side, but did notice the loud bang and crunch as the Mighty ST's alloy sump crashed on to the rock (resultant slight damage to under-carriage - very slight crack in fairing, and scraped alloy fin on sump ), then a multi-point turn on track, and then the short-legged rider whilst trying to get a left foot down - didn't, and IT happened .............. the Mighty ST went down (didn't look so Mighty then).
Now just don't tell anyone!
Today's route went something like this:
http://goo.gl/maps/5VpsR (http://goo.gl/maps/5VpsR)
More to come.....
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>:() not nice when they have a sleep..... :popcorn
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Day 4 - Wednesday 5 March
Stanley to Strahan went something like this:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/1stWednesdayMap_zpsf38e8d40.png) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/1stWednesdayMap_zpsf38e8d40.png.html)
Via Wynyard:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140305-00593_zpsb4b87211.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140305-00593_zpsb4b87211.jpg.html)
Nice bakery and coffee in main street.
Then Waratah:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140305-00598_zpsde962049.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140305-00598_zpsde962049.jpg.html)
Good $10 chicken parma lunch at pub:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140305-00597_zps6c184ffb.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140305-00597_zps6c184ffb.jpg.html)
Great view from pub:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/WaratahFalls_zpsfa5bbc89.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/WaratahFalls_zpsfa5bbc89.jpg.html)
On to Strahan for the night and another great view:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140305-00603_zps9e8773b3.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140305-00603_zps9e8773b3.jpg.html)
And not-so-great view:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140305-00604_zps3aa233b0.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140305-00604_zps3aa233b0.jpg.html)
And a good night's sleep (after knocking off the sleeping pill):
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140305-00607_zps8909ce23.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140305-00607_zps8909ce23.jpg.html)
Day 5 - Thursday 6 March 2014 - Strahan to Lake Leake to Launceston to Lake Leake
The day's route was something like this:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/1stThursdayMap_zpsb11f8869.png) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/1stThursdayMap_zpsb11f8869.png.html)
Strahan to Queenstown was bouncy and twisty, not much fun towing the Elite camper, even with the Mighty ST13 - top speed was around 80km/h. I never thought I'd be glad to see Queenstown.
After topping up stomach, fuel tank and wallet, Phil and I looked for the best part of Queenstown - the road out, and out and up we went. What a road!!!!
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/Panoramics/Queenstown_zps98f1ce6a.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/Panoramics/Queenstown_zps98f1ce6a.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140306-00611_zpse43cc303.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140306-00611_zpse43cc303.jpg.html)
But I suppose you all know about that. Anyway some pics at the lookout.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140306-00608_zps5b37c8fc.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140306-00608_zps5b37c8fc.jpg.html)
See me taking a pic of the 'chicks' in the background - Phil thought his luck had changed.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0303_zps08fe49b2.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0303_zps08fe49b2.jpg.html)
We got the youngest one (around 70yo) to take a pic of us.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0304_zpsd54075af.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0304_zpsd54075af.jpg.html)
On to Gormanston. The old girl has seen better days.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140306-00612_zps56dd6957.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140306-00612_zps56dd6957.jpg.html)
It was after this the Mighty GSX14's fuel problems started. I got plenty of practice waiting for Phil to catch up.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140306-00613_zpscc2f5e4b.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140306-00613_zpscc2f5e4b.jpg.html)
Sometimes Phil waited for me.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0306_zps61de5bb8.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0306_zps61de5bb8.jpg.html)
I did not see this view (the rear of the Mighty GSX14) very often.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0307_zpsc272385e.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0307_zpsc272385e.jpg.html)
Where's Phil?
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140306-00614_zpsab516bf0.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140306-00614_zpsab516bf0.jpg.html)
It was about here that I started to plan our stops using the calendar.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140306-00615_zps0bce5e03.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140306-00615_zps0bce5e03.jpg.html)
Five minutes later after a nap, I almost missed him.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140306-00616_zps76e5c0eb.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140306-00616_zps76e5c0eb.jpg.html)
The fuel problems were getting more frequent, Phil's top speed was sometimes as low as 50km/h. This didn't worry us too much after we turned up the Marlborough Road, around 30km of rough gravel. The Mighty ST didn't mind, can't say the same for the rider.
Lunch at Miena, then to Poatina, down the twisties, to the plains, Campbelltown and Lake Leake.
That climb out from Campbelltown to Lake Leake was something, and I got to experience another three times.
At Lake Leake , Haysey (another mate) waiting for us, set up tent, quick refresher, then to Launcestion airport, pick up Helen and Karen (Haysey's wife), back to Lake Leake and party time.
Today's distance: Around 520km - that was a big ride in Tassie, for me.
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:popcorn
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Great report and pics guys, keep them coming
Gibbo
:wht11
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Beaut report Williamson - keepemcummin.
Classy photos especially the panoramas.
Mother Terese and I had our honeymoon there 25 years ago and even tho we had her elderly parents with us (yes, u read right - inlaws on a honeymoon - but I really like them and they hadn't been on a holiday for many yonks), we had gr8 weather and are gr8 admirers of the Apple Isle:
(but couldn't find any apple trees???) :o
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...
Classy photos especially the panoramas.
Nice to know some of my skills are recognised, or perhaps it's the quality of the camers that's important.
And, speaking of cameras, does anyone want to guess what camera I was using? Nominate one of the following options (from my STable of cameras):
A. Sony Mavica Digital SLR
B. Nikon CoolPix
C: Canon PowerShot
D. Blackberry (mobile 'phone)
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D: Blackberry...
Whats my prize..
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D: Blackberry...
Whats my prize..
Correct. The Blackberry is a crap 'phone, but a good camera.
I'll put your name on one of these in the beer fridge. It's up to you to retrieve it.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Forum%20Inserts/DogBolter_zpsd3bb52de.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Forum%20Inserts/DogBolter_zpsd3bb52de.jpg.html)
:beer :beer :beer
That's what's left of my six slabs of my Dog Bolter larger, brewed at U Brew It - that's grouse!!
Six slabs = 144 stubbies = a gross. That's a grouse gross. Oh dear, I think I've had too many already, sorry about that!
:beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer
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I'll be right over to collect..
I picked the Bery, cos it was on the bottom of the list, how is that for logic o:) o:) o:)
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I'll be right over to collect..
I picked the Bery, cos it was on the bottom of the list, how is that for logic o:) o:) o:)
Some of the pics ain't that bad, ay!
The Dog Bolter usually has a use-by date which is often preceded by my mates' departure. Strange, I've had more of those lately ..... 144 bottles of beer on the wall, 24 fell over, there's now 120 bottles of beer on the wall.....
Anyway, PM, SMS or call before you leave, I wouldn't want you to travel 3,500km to find that I was not at home.
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Great write up. :thumb
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A good write up, nice pics, a lot more of Tassie to ride yet!
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Day 6 - Friday 7 March, & Day 7 - Saturday 8 March
Lake Leak to Hobart to Lake Leake went something like this:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/FriampSatmap_zps7ca2da33.png) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/FriampSatmap_zps7ca2da33.png.html)
There were 30 plus of us staying at Lake Leake, but a few of us had decided that all this holidaying was hard work, we needed a holiday so we headed for Hobart.
On the way, somebody led us to a bakery at Swansea, after a pie & chips and skinny mug and plenty of pics (what a view), pity I didn't take any.
We found an old bridge (no surprise):
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0313_zpse95a19bc.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0313_zpse95a19bc.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0314_zps42216cf3.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0314_zps42216cf3.jpg.html)
Checked into Edinburgh Gallery (AKA Faulty Towers, but worthwhile consideration if your looking for cheap, clean, central accommodation), freshened up, walked to Salamanca Place, found the James Squire tavern, found a few more friends, had a few ales, had a few laughs, a lot of bull shyte and the best seafood platter for two ever (and at $78.00 it was great value) and then back to Faulty Towers for the night.
A bike rack at Salamanca:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140308-00618_zps982d6173.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140308-00618_zps982d6173.jpg.html)
Up early, B&B breakfast, down to Salamanca Markets, purchasing suitably restrained with purchases, then off to the Museum of Old & New Art at Berriedale, and then some back roads to Richmond where we found a few more friends, and some dude admiring the Mighty ST13:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0315_zpse4f32510.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0315_zpse4f32510.jpg.html)
Some more back roads and gravel and some old buildings in Oatlands:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0316_zps1bf4cd69.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0316_zps1bf4cd69.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0317_zps5e1b7c52.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0317_zps5e1b7c52.jpg.html)
And back to Lake Leake for happy hour.
Day 8 - Sunday 9 March
Phil decided it was about time he found out what the cause to loss of power problem was with the GSX 14. Tank off, fuel pump out, filter removed and there was a problem - filter full of gunk and shyte.
Phil looks like he knows what he's doing so we all go for a ride, in different directions and end up all together at Mount Elephant Pancakes http://www.mountelephantpancakes.com.au/mtelephant.htm. (http://www.mountelephantpancakes.com.au/mtelephant.htm.) I'm sure that all who participated in lunch would agree that these are pretty good pancakes.
Between the coast road and Mount Elephant and then St Mary we struck the first and only rain (well that I can remember) for the two weeks. Not much rain but enough for the wet weather gear to be put on, and to spoil the Elephants Pass ride.
St Marys - it was a quiet day:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0318_zps5d575e32.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0318_zps5d575e32.jpg.html)
Then back to Lake Leake via Fingal and Campbell Town.
Meanwhile, back at Lake Leake Phil gets the GSX14 "fixed", and heads off in pursuit. He must not have spent much time on the repairs as he catches at Campbell Town after a visit to the Iron House Brewery to pick up some supplies and a coffee at Aladdins Caves in Fingal.
Phil had time for pics on Elephants Pass:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0319_zps45d98d19.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0319_zps45d98d19.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0321_zpsb91f94ea.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0321_zpsb91f94ea.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0322_zpsf96c75da.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0322_zpsf96c75da.jpg.html)
Phil must've been impressed with Aladdins Caves, well enough to take this pic:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0323_zpsfd7cd255.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0323_zpsfd7cd255.jpg.html)
Or perhaps it was the emergency transport options for sale:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/MotorisedWheelChair_zps1f93d875.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/MotorisedWheelChair_zps1f93d875.jpg.html)
And bikes in background:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/BikesatAladdinsCave_zps69f2fe49.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/BikesatAladdinsCave_zps69f2fe49.jpg.html)
It's prudent for sick GSX14 riders to be aware of the alternatives available to them when riding remote areas.
Thankfully a quiet night awaits at Lake Leake.
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:popcorn :popcorn :popcorn
:clap :clap :clap :clap
:popcorn :popcorn :popcorn
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Day 6 - Friday 7 March, & Day 7 - Saturday 8 March
([url]http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0321_zpsb91f94ea.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0321_zpsb91f94ea.jpg.html[/url])
Is this the corner I see in all those car ads???
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Great write-up, and I'm hanging out for the next installment. :popcorn :popcorn
This has sharpened my appetite for my own (4th on a bike) trip to Tassie at the end of this year.
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This has sharpened my appetite for my own (4th on a bike) trip to Tassie at the end of this year.
If you're going in the end of October around the 22nd, I'll see you there
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This has sharpened my appetite for my own (4th on a bike) trip to Tassie at the end of this year.
If you're going in the end of October around the 22nd, I'll see you there
Afraid not. We're leaving after Christmas and will be in Hobart for the arrival of the Sydney-Hobart. :grin
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([url]http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0321_zpsb91f94ea.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0321_zpsb91f94ea.jpg.html[/url])
Is this the corner I see in all those car ads???
Dunno! Which ads are those?
Great write-up, and I'm hanging out for the next installment. :popcorn :popcorn
This has sharpened my appetite for my own (4th on a bike) trip to Tassie at the end of this year.
The best is yet to to come.
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Never mind Marcus, if you're very lucky you might see me :crackup
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Never mind Marcus, if you're very lucky you might see me :crackup
Well, clearly I was coming to your place. :p
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Good stuff!! :hatwave
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Day 9 - Monday 10 March - Lake Leak to Georgetown to Launceston to Bothwell
Today's route was something like this:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/MondayMap_zps862b986d.png) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/MondayMap_zps862b986d.png.html)
Phil was longing for a feed of crayfish so we headed for George Town for lunch. Up the East Tamar Highway - what an impressive bit of four lane divided highway that is in parts, not much traffic on the road, not sure why they would build it like that - probably some politicians in the neighbourhood?
Found a pub George Town:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140310-00641_zps20b8e457.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140310-00641_zps20b8e457.jpg.html)
The pub had a pretty good looking seafood menu, Phil ordered "the crayfish", only to be told that they didn't have any ..... Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, no crayfish in a seaside pub!!!!
Disappointed we headed up the highway to cross the Tamar River on the Batman Bridge:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/BatmanBridge_zpsec11965d.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/BatmanBridge_zpsec11965d.jpg.html)
Yeah, must be pollies in the area.
Took a wrong turn, and then a U-turn tried to get lost, we kept going (had to get Helen to the airport).
Drop Helen at airport, head for Bothwell via Poatina.
Hmmmmm......that climb up to the tablelands, must do that again - without the trailer, and those switch-backs - oh yeah!!
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/PoatinaView2_zps89ba1f28.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/PoatinaView2_zps89ba1f28.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/PoatinaView1_zpsafd235d8.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/PoatinaView1_zpsafd235d8.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0327_zps4c0258e8.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0327_zps4c0258e8.jpg.html)
Yikes!!! 15km/h - yep they mean it, scary at speed with the trailer going down, okay goung up.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0330_zpsefdbf1d4.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0330_zpsefdbf1d4.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0332_zpsd33ca57d.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0332_zpsd33ca57d.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0334_zps9bdb980e.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0334_zps9bdb980e.jpg.html)
Overnight at the Council camp ground ($10.00 per night for two) just a short walk to the pub.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140310-00658_zps4c408951.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140310-00658_zps4c408951.jpg.html)
Pity it was closed - no meal, no beers. We walked around town - one street north and one street west we found another licensed establishment. I mention this in case any others are desperate for a beer, my suggestion is stay thirsty and avoid this "place".
It was at Bothwell that the Mighty ST had its second nap. It just fell over onto its right side after we stopped and I got off. No damage.
Day 10 - Tuesday 11 March - Bothwell to Maydena to Gordon Dam to Maydena
Today's route was something likes this:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/TuesdayMap_zps8210bd8a.png) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/TuesdayMap_zps8210bd8a.png.html)
Early start, walk to general store to pay $10.00 camp fee (honour system, pay in AM if no one there in the previous PM), collect shower key, return key to general store, get some supplies at store, chat to some knarly adventurers on sports bikes, onwards to Hamilton. On the way we rode through some undulating terrain, twisting roads, tiny towns and great views.
Hollow Tree:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140311-00662_zps026a3bde.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140311-00662_zps026a3bde.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/BetweenBothwellampHamilton_zps7b9e52ca.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/BetweenBothwellampHamilton_zps7b9e52ca.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0339_zpsfd5e452f.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0339_zpsfd5e452f.jpg.html)
Didn't stop at Hamilton for a coffee as planned, the place was full of lyca-clad pushie riders, support crews and long queues.
At Maydena we found my mate's holiday cottage, parked the camper behind the garage and headed for Strathgordon. Took some pics on the way.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0341_zps0cc818cb.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0341_zps0cc818cb.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140311-00666_zps32170794.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140311-00666_zps32170794.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/Strathgordon_zps2a6a4d53.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/Strathgordon_zps2a6a4d53.jpg.html)
Coffee and cake at Strathgordon. Our host was a bit grumpy, but the coffee was okay and the CAKE was worth the ride. The cake was a freshly baked apple crumble with fresh whipped cream (very worthwhile ordering next time). Stuck our head in the kitchen to thank the Chef, who turned out to be a young Indian fellow - Strathgordon / superb apple crumble / Indian chef, that's not an every day trifecta.
Onwards again and a few more pics.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0359_zpsb19eeaea.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0359_zpsb19eeaea.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0360_zps21cfa68e.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0360_zps21cfa68e.jpg.html)
At the Gordon Dam:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0367_zpscccf62f5.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0367_zpscccf62f5.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0368_zpsc9f5bfa5.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0368_zpsc9f5bfa5.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0361_zps1dee6cca.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0361_zps1dee6cca.jpg.html)
Grumpy:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0364_zps3bbdf5fa.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0364_zps3bbdf5fa.jpg.html)
Happy:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0362_zps93ef395e.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0362_zps93ef395e.jpg.html)
On the way back to Maydena:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140311-00679_zps2505bb46.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140311-00679_zps2505bb46.jpg.html)
Then back to Maydena.
The ride to and from the Gordon Dam unencumbered by the bulk of the camper trailer allowed the Mighty ST1300 to really show its potential, fast straights (I reckon a bloke braver than me could easily see 200km/h or more), sweeping corners, tight corners.
At Maydena the accommodation was very comfortable indeed, two double bedrooms, a twin bedroom, large kitchen and a large eating / lounge area, undercover parking - all for $0.00 per night per head. There's room for some friends next trip.
Free booze too, let me know when you are visiting this part of Tassie again, I'll check with my mate to see if it's available, and I'll let you know where he keeps the key to the cupboards with all of their personal gear - including the booze.
:beer :beer
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What a great write-up with coffee-table quality photography. Thanks very much.
Two questions: Is this white rock some kind of chalk?
(http://i1308.photobucket.com/albums/s616/_gregorypb/e8288a6381f01a9de2ea23fadf2297ac_zps519c2004.jpg)
Secondly, no photos of rain? Are you telling us you escaped the rain? Is that possible in the Apple Isle?
Anyway, Michael, congrats on a great trip around amazing Tassie.
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What a great write-up with coffee-table quality photography. Thanks very much.
Two questions: Is this white rock some kind of chalk?
([url]http://i1308.photobucket.com/albums/s616/_gregorypb/e8288a6381f01a9de2ea23fadf2297ac_zps519c2004.jpg[/url])
Secondly, no photos of rain? Are you telling us you escaped the rain? Is that possible in the Apple Isle?
Anyway, Michael, congrats on a great trip around amazing Tassie.
Some answers are in earlier posts .....
...... the Blackberry is a crap 'phone, but a good camera......
Most of the pics were taken on my Blackberry, some were taken by Philon his digital camera - the good ones are mine.
Day 8 - Sunday 9 March
...... Between the coast road and Mount Elephant and then St Mary we struck the first and only rain (well that I can remember) for the two weeks. Not much rain but enough for the wet weather gear to be put on, and to spoil the Elephants Pass ride......
Yep! Only rain for the whole trip. Tassie was hot for the two weeks, only cold nightswere at Lake Leake.
Chalk on the rock - you are asking the wrong bloke. Someone will know better than me.
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For those who don't know, Tasmania doesn't have the rain that most people think it has, Hobart is the second driest city in Australia, second only to Adelaide, Google it if you find that hard to believe. I moved down to Tassie from Brisbane six years ago and because we live in a rural area we rely on tank water, I've had to buy water on seven occasions during those six years, 3000 gallons each time, because we don't get sufficient rain to fill the tanks, and we're very careful with how much water we use. I think they get a bit more rain on the western side of the state, but on the eastern side we usually only get light rain for very short periods, and I've never seen rain here like we used to get in good old "sunny" Queensland.:grin
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The West is normally the wetest but only certain times of the year . . From memory February is usually the wetest month and yet the only rain you encountered was on the East coast . . .
How did the 1300 cope with the extra weight of the Elite? Pretty much most of the time, you wouldn't even notice my Classic trailer was there and the only change in speed is in the wet thru the twisties . . .
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Great report. I was only just there on the east coast and north-west roads, in a car unfortunately. It is even better than the pictures suggest. I also found some of that missing rain near Cradle Mountain as 26mm fell that day and I went through the cloud and rain with near zero visibility.
I now have great ideas about roads to redo and others to try out.
As for apple trees, growers were paid to pull them out as when the UK joined the EU the market was lost. may be more in the future as cider is really taking off.
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There are still plenty of apple (and pear) orchards in Tassie, we have a few very near to where we live.......usually pay $3.00 for a 3kg bag. Also some unbelievable cherry orchards with the largest yummiest cherries you've ever seen. :grin
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- quote from Couch:
For those who don't know, Tasmania doesn't have the rain that most people think it has, Hobart is the second driest city in Australia, second only to Adelaide, Google it if you find that hard to believe.
Sorry Couch, my brain gets befuddled at times coz I was confusing Tassie with north Qld. I know that sounds stupid but I am the first to admit I'm a dolt at times. When Terese and I were in Tassie some twenty odd years ago it didn't rain once in the two weeks we were there. We had a ball and it never occurred to me at the time that Tassie is so suited to motorcycles. I'd sold my boxer Beemer after relocating to the Gong and completely forgot about riding until about twenty years later when I was eligible to use my super to rekindle my motorcycling adventures. So now that I have one of the best bikes on the planet I am thinking of how I can get down there again. BTW r u "Couch" as in grass or "Couch" as in sofa. I'm guessing the latter.
:hatwave
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"Couch" as in grass or "Couch" as in sofa
Nope, its grass..
Have a look in the "How did you get your name" thread
o:) o:)
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Ha ha! I'm afraid Brock's correct........and I'm still getting over the name change from "Tazzie Baz" :cuss
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.....How did the 1300 cope with the extra weight of the Elite? Pretty much most of the time, you wouldn't even notice my Classic trailer was there and the only change in speed is in the wet thru the twisties . . .
There's not that much difference in weight. Whilst the Elite is heavier than the Classic, I don't take as much in the Elite. The Tassie trip with the Elite but without Mrs W (most of the time) I was touring with less weight than when towing the classic and Mrs W in riding pillion.
Initially the ST1300 doesn't seem to cope as well as the CB1300, but after towing the Elite for over 4,000km now I'm getting use to it. The ST's 86kw (is that correct?) doesn't seem to pull as well as the CB's 74kw. I put this down to the different gearing and my riding technique.
The gearing?
The CB's 5th gear is around the same as the ST's 4th gear. Towing my previous Classic trailer and the now Elite camper, I could just about leave the CB in 5th gear all day, some hills would require a shift down to 4th gear, and very rarely 3rd gear.
If I am going to keep the same pace on the ST, I would need to travel most of the day in 4th gear, some hills in 3rd gear and frequently back to 2nd gear. On some of those 15km/h switchbacks near Poatina, I even needed 1st gear.
My technique?
Well I'm not going to tour all in 4th gear, 5th is better for touring, less engine stress, better fuel consumption, but I've gotta plan ahead a bit more and be ready earlier to change down. Sometimes when I left the change down until too late, I've gotta go from 5th to 4th and then 3rd if I'm gunna keep up the pace.
I am getting better ......
The big improvement is less fuel consumed on the ST. I put this down to the taller gearing and the full fairing.
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I've ridden the Poatina road and you have to be precise with your gear changing on more than one of those bends whether you're towing a trailer or not, if you were to hit one in 3rd gear and then have to change down midway, then you better make it mighty quick, or you're likely to come to a stop before you get the chance to get going again, and if you do, there's only one way you're going to go!! :eek I go into them in 2nd gear, and with the greatest care! :grin
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.... Poatina road .....
I could ride that again and again and again and ...........
Day 11 - Wednesday 12 March - Maydena to Ida Bay to Adventure Bay
Today's route was something like this:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/WednesdayMap_zps8a23273d.png) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/WednesdayMap_zps8a23273d.png.html)
A bit of overnight rain or heavy dew had left the road wet for a while and as we passed through a few small towns.
National Park
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00682_zps475a2591.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00682_zps475a2591.jpg.html)
Westerway
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00683_zps552f4f65.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00683_zps552f4f65.jpg.html)
Then a leisurely ride along the Derwent Valley, avoided Hobart peak hour traffic. A fantastic climb into the hills (Tollmans Hill?) heading south out of Hobart, slip the Mighty ST1300 into 3rd gear, give the throttle a decent twist and hang on, even with the Elite camper - oh yeah!!! That Flying Coffin, the Behemoth, the GXS1400 was just a spec in the mirror.
First stop Kingston, wasted an hour looking for my designer prescription specs (if anyone finds them, please post them to Locked Bag 1, Bundoora MDC 3083 collect, please). Continued down Huon Highway via Huonville, Geeveston and Dover.
Lunch at Dover at the Post Office Café:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00685_zps4ca9c2fe.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00685_zps4ca9c2fe.jpg.html)
Post Office, Take Away Bottle Sales, Woodfired Pizza, Café, Bar & Grill - sounds like my type of Post Office, pity they don't offer any mail or postal service.
The seafood basket would be worthwhile stopping for next time in Dover.
The ride continued on to Southport:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00691_zps3864ccae.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00691_zps3864ccae.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/Southport_zpseb82d688.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/Southport_zpseb82d688.jpg.html)
And my new screen saver:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00690_zps04222249.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00690_zps04222249.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0372_zps732b320b.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0372_zps732b320b.jpg.html)
Ida Bay:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IdaBayTurnaround_zps385e6e27.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IdaBayTurnaround_zps385e6e27.jpg.html)
An old railway carriageway:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00697_zps951c957e.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00697_zps951c957e.jpg.html)
Did you check the rear? Here's a better view:
V\(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00696_zps4dd729eb.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00696_zps4dd729eb.jpg.html)
Oh dear, even the Taswegians are being stalked .......
Turned around and headed north. By the time these knarly adventurers reached Franklin they were tired and weary, a pick-me-up was needed, so they stopped like all tough knarly bikkie adenturers do, they stopped for a ......
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Pot-of-Tea.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0383_zpsd33c3629.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0383_zpsd33c3629.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0382_zpsd21af0e6.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0382_zpsd21af0e6.jpg.html)
Pssst ...... just don't tell anyone on ADVRider.
Shyte, it's getting late, we better get going if we are gonna get the ferry at Kettering and set-up camp at Endeavour Bay before it gets dark, better hurry then .......
Whilst waiting for the ferry:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0384_zps729c14e3.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0384_zps729c14e3.jpg.html)
Next stop Endeavour Adventure Bay caravan park and camping ground.
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Is that Endeavour Bay or Adventure Bay on Bruny Island?
Great piccies, a taste of the Tour de Tassie.
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Is that Endeavour Bay or Adventure Bay on Bruny Island?
Great piccies, a taste of the Tour de Tassie.
Good skills.
Errrrr! Adventure Bay.
Fixed in post.
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Ulysses AGM in Launceston in 2016 . . . . .
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Ulysses AGM in Launceston in 2016 . . . . .
Mmmmm, can't wait, planning my next Tassie trip around the AGM in 2016. I reckon I won't be the only one spending a week before or after touring, touring, touring ......
Anyway, back to reality and continue this report ......
Day 12 - Thursday 13 March - Adventure Bay to Bicheno
Yawn! ....... something like this:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/ThursdayMap_zps535f964d.png) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/ThursdayMap_zps535f964d.png.html)
It's at this stage I mention that some of my pre-ride arrangements are starting come unstuck ..... I had planned to visit Nubeena to have a coffee and cake with Couch. But it was the night before when I realised that we seemed to be running out of time and the revised plan was to head straight from Hobart to Bicheno. So I call Couch and say I wont be visiting, perhaps next time - in two years, sorry mate!!
By the time I realised that the route Phil was leading (yes the GSX1400 finally managed to lead the ST1300) us on was only 25km from Nubeena, well it was too late.
Next time ...... >:()
Anyway, back to today's ride. Early start, don't want to miss the ferry. But pics will need to be picced.
On the isthmus, before we leave Bruny:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/BrunyIsland_zpsc4b259d9.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/BrunyIsland_zpsc4b259d9.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140313-00706_zps023a1510.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140313-00706_zps023a1510.jpg.html)
Great Bay:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140313-00709_zpseac9f29d.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140313-00709_zpseac9f29d.jpg.html)
Waiting for the ferry:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/BrunyIslandFerry_zps97108136.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/BrunyIslandFerry_zps97108136.jpg.html)
On the ferry:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140313-00713_zps8ff87a69.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140313-00713_zps8ff87a69.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140313-00714_zps96d3c352.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140313-00714_zps96d3c352.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140313-00715_zps166c7723.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140313-00715_zps166c7723.jpg.html)(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0390_zps27ee460d.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0390_zps27ee460d.jpg.html)
Then via Margate, Kingston, Hobart, Sorell and lunch at Dunalley. Whilst we were waiting for what turned out at the best six deep fried battered scallops for $10.00 ever, and truckie parked his truck.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0391_zpsa43080a0.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0391_zpsa43080a0.jpg.html)
Hmmmm ...... don't think he's earned his navy blue singlet.
Eaglehawk Neck:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140313-00716_zpsb747ee45.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140313-00716_zpsb747ee45.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/EaglehawkNeck_zps274e886a.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/EaglehawkNeck_zps274e886a.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0392_zpsc23bd7b7.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/DSCF0392_zpsc23bd7b7.jpg.html)
Turned around again, headed north.
Mt Wellington in far background:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140313-00719_zpsdaf836b5.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140313-00719_zpsdaf836b5.jpg.html)
Freedom camping in the paddock beside the Dunalley Hotel:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/FreeCampingatDunalley_zpsd0ed0668.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/FreeCampingatDunalley_zpsd0ed0668.jpg.html)
Then to Bicheno for the night.
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Day 13 - Friday 14 March - Bicheno to Gladstone to Devonport
.... something like this:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/FridayMap_zps97e21c61.png) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/FridayMap_zps97e21c61.png.html)
The Tasman Highway from Bicheno to St Helens was a good as ever, gentle undulations, tight curve, sweeping corners, great view, some traffic, plenty of overtaking opportunities (even with the camper).
Big Fisherman's Breakfast and pot-of-tea at St Helens Bakery, good friendly service - it's the breakfast spot in St Helens.
It was just after St Helens that the Mighty GSX1400 finally cleared its throat, or Phil had finally found top gear, and it and rider disappeared in a vapour trail ahead of me. Couldn't catch them for around 50km at the turn-off to Gladstone.
Turned off at went via South Mt Cameron:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140314-00723_zps754d5703.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140314-00723_zps754d5703.jpg.html)
Then via Gladstone and some nasty gravel road on the way to Bridport.
I didn't know that Tasmania had such a long straight road. Anyway we found it and it was bloody gravel!!! (http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/8ea2bccd-fad9-4b72-bf4d-e08ecdfb820f_zps54d98983.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/8ea2bccd-fad9-4b72-bf4d-e08ecdfb820f_zps54d98983.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/43e96688-69ad-4e8a-a640-34caf903f7dc_zps4c188e38.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/43e96688-69ad-4e8a-a640-34caf903f7dc_zps4c188e38.jpg.html)
Lunch at Bridport where we me a NZ couple spending a couple of days touring the north on a couple of rental bikes. A friendly chatty pair, spoke Phil's native tongue, I couldn't understand, may as well as left my earplugs in, perhaps I did ........
The old chick in tourist centre asked if I gonna go back one day. Sadly I don't think she'll be there when I return.
From Google Streetview:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/Bridport_zps83567808.png) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/Bridport_zps83567808.png.html)
The best road in Bridport:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140314-00726_zps5db8f4d9.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140314-00726_zps5db8f4d9.jpg.html)
No, that's not fair. Bridport looks like a nice place. I'll have to take Mrs W there and spend a week, one weekend.
We then headed west and took a few back roads, tried as best we could to get lost and miss the ferry, but alas we found ourselves in a sea of asphalt called a waiting area in East Devonport.
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140314-00727_zps75be9ced.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140314-00727_zps75be9ced.jpg.html)
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140314-00728_zpsd2afee12.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140314-00728_zpsd2afee12.jpg.html)
Board ferry, check in, find bar, start drinking ........ oh dear, might as well finish the holiday the way it started.
Day 14 - Saturday 15 March - Port Melbourne to St Helena
Didn't sleep too well, might have been the rough seas, might have been a dirty glass - I mean what's the chance that could all of the 20 beer glasses (that they served up to me) clean?
Home by around 8:00am for a good day's sleep.
What a great two weeks - travelled over 4,400km, just over 3,500km on the Mighty ST 1300 and 900km on the ferry.
Overall fuel consumption was around 6 litres per 100km. This was much better than previous trips on the CB1300 towing the lighter and more aerodynamic Classic trailer.
The Mighty ST1300 ........ :rockon
The ST has now done around 11,000km, half of this has been towing the Elite camper trailer on the OEM rear Bridgestone and is now is shot, kaput, expired. Some of you may re-call that this Bridgestone was new at around 1,450km after five rope plugs couldn't save it after it got a large sharp piece of blue-metal in it on the first big ride.
So that's it after around 9,500km. Are the original OEM Bridgestones that bad, or do I need to slow down towing the camper?
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What an awesome adventure thanks for sharing, I was planning on going to Bridport, people tell me its pretty... hmmm
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What an epic adventure, thanks for sharing it with us :hatwave
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What an awesome adventure thanks for sharing, I was planning on going to Bridport, people tell me its pretty... hmmm
The old dear at the Pavillion Visitor Information Centre (Google photo) was telling me some facts, something like (keep in mind that the numbers in my head are all jumbled):
* Permanent population is around 1,500
* Holiday population soars to over 5,000 - lots of houses, but mostly empty.
* Infrastructure, shops, facilities pub, adequate for permanent population, very very long queues on holiday periods.
Neat and tidy - Yes!
Pretty - Yes! Others I've talked have said pretty boring , I think that's probably unfair.
Good bakery - Yes!!!
Friendly people in the Pavillion Visitor Information Centre - Yes! Just make sure you don't succumb the old dear's advances.
Avoid Waterhouse Road (the road to Gladstone) - unless you like the gravel.
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Well, this one went-through-to-the-keeper:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00696_zps4dd729eb.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/IMG-20140312-00696_zps4dd729eb.jpg.html)
Take a closer look:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/5ae08331-ff7e-4cdb-aebe-852cea140d19_zpse3d65ee1.jpg) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Tassie%20Tour%20March%202014/5ae08331-ff7e-4cdb-aebe-852cea140d19_zpse3d65ee1.jpg.html)
Stalkers everywhere ........
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Nice.. the Ida Bay Railway. Rough old noisy ride isnt it, but the views are great.