The Cormanus Chronicles: The Dolt Report

[Cormanus]

9 of 2017

Introduction

One of the many reasons I hung around on this forum was because some people seemed to appreciate what started out as modest little ride reports. Of course, they became larger and larger and larger, although I hope they retained their essential modesty. Of course it was purely selfish on my part: there was some need in me to write. But, with something to write about, fuelled by positive feedback, there was no stopping me.

Time goes by, though, and, while the enjoyment both of riding and writing continues, life's circumstances have conspired to leave me with less time for both activities. More than that, though, I've found it a bit hard to get motivated to write about roads traversed and described before. And how many lanyard-cam photos of bits of road does a person want to see?

That's why this report's been a-while coming. It's also why it will be abbreviated as I'm not going to spend too much time talking about roads already ridden a number of times.

The other reason for abbreviation is that the dastardly Pterodactyl [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=11837]scooped many of the interesting bits of the ride.

Which brings me to the title of the report.

Australia, some say, is blessed by the gift of an immigrant reporter, employed by the global empire of the former Australian, now US citizen, Rupert Murdoch. The reporter's name is Andrew Bolt and he hosts a television program called [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bolt_Report]The Bolt Report. Not being a Foxtel subscriber, I have no access to cable TV, can't watch The Bolt Report and make no comment on it. I will say only that Bolt is a darling of the political left, curiously not because they agree with a word he says, but more because they'd lose another whipping boy if he were silenced. As with all successful agents provocateur, Bolt's opponents have failed to realise the wisdom of ignoring him.

Anyway, as Pterodactyl was kind enough to refer to me as a 'dolt' in his essay, the Dolt Report this shall be.

Day 1: 16 October 2017, Brisbane to Walcha (598 kms)



[url=https://drive.google.com/open?id=1oWwJ_vrf_RSeq9H1ibsmebQZiJqaHs67&usp=sharing]Link to Day 1 map

The forecast was for rain until late in the day. It was overcast as I left home and I was ready for a quick stop to put on the wets. After the [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=10537]Ride Down Under, when I spent days with boots full of water, I'd bought some new over-boots. I was faced with one of the motorcyclist's dilemmas: do I want it to rain so I can see if my new kit works, or would I rather never know? I now don't remember how long it was before I stopped and put on all my waterproof gear; I do know I was over the border into New South Wales before I got showered on.

That was to be the pattern for the rest of the day: dry patches then showers. I kept my wets on all the way to Walcha where I checked into the local pub for the night.

The waterproof over-boots worked well.

My route for the day took me along the Mt Lindsay Highway over the border; down the Summerland Way to Grafton and then up the glorious Grafton-Armidale Road to the top of the Great Dividing Range. There's a description in [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=10076]this ride report.

Other blokes on their way to the GP and staying at Walcha invited me to join them and we made a reasonable evening of it.

The CB outside Fusspots Tea House at Ebor, a welcome oasis in an otherwise rather bleak and chilly spot


A milestone passed somewhere between Ebor and Armidale

There are no other photos. It was too miserable.
Day 2: 17 October 2017, Walcha to Sydney (649 kms)


[url=https://drive.google.com/open?id=1K9wlMiWsHqEDAKKQmCp7mv3tcm04MGBO&usp=sharing]Link to Day 2 Map

Although perhaps not in showroom condition, I was up early and on the way. The forecast was better, but it was overcast and I wondered how long it would be before the wets came out again. I recall the mist closing in as I rode down Thunderbolts Way, but I didn't put them on and from Gloucester on the weather got better and better.

I've written often about Thunderbolts Way. There's one report [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=4414&pid=66273#pid66273]here.


Just outside Walcha at the start of Day 2


The flat, quick northern part of Thunderbolts Way with slightly ominous weather to the south


Heading into the mist

At Gloucester I stopped for fuel and then found a quiet spot where I could haul the bike on to the centre stand and give the chain a good lube. It had been making an occasional clunking noise during the morning and I hoped it was pretty dry from the rain day before. I say 'hoped' because it had actually started clunking on the Ride Down Under-where it got seriously wet and pretty muddy as well-but I'd kept it well lubed and it had been OK in the succeeding months.

I also took the luggage off the bike and put the AirHawk cushion on under my newly acquired sheepskin seat cover which, while a great improvement on the stock seat, was not quite enough for my apparently over-sensitive backside.

After a cup of coffee, it was off to Singleton via Dungog along a road I enjoy more every time I ride it. It's covered briefly in the report linked to above, including telling of an uncomfortable period following a cattle truck.


Climbing onto the ridge between Gloucester and Singleton

From Singleton, I headed for the Putty Road, a favourite of Sydney motorcyclists. Boring as bat guano when you first join it, it is not too long before you leave the plain and make your way into a long valley. This section-the '10 Mile'-towards the northern end is famed for its twisties. The surface is excellent; so too the scenery. Pterodactyl, Tezza and I rode it on the way South to the Ride Down Under-see [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=10537]here.

I stopped for Lunch at the Grey Gum International Café somewhere south of the 10 Mile.


A Grey Gum burger for lunch

A bleat: Australians like their bread and in recent decades more and more speciality bakers have appeared offering tasty and interesting bread. So, why do fast food shops continue to install otherwise excellent burgers with equally excellent trimmings in tasteless rolls (buns) made of unhealthy white flour?

Fortified by the burger, I decided it was such a glorious day that I had time to ride the 10 Mile the other way and then make my way down the Wollombi Road to the Old Pacific Highway. The remaining stretch of the Putty Road is a good ride, but the 10 Mile is better and the stretch of the Wollombi Road from Wollombi to Central Mangrove is quick and really enjoyable.




On the 10 Mile

Leaving the hamlet of Wollombi, the road takes one through a valley and gradually uphill until you come to Lemming Corner, famous as a decreasing-radius corner on which motorcyclists come to grief. Its approaches are set about with dire warnings to slow down. Apparently they're not very effective as people keep falling off there.




Warnings on the approach to Lemming Corner. It's a relief to get through it without coming off!

The Old Pacific Highway would be a glorious ride if it were not ridiculously speed limited; even so, it's much more enjoyable than the slab and there's a couple of OK cafés where it's good to stop for a late afternoon cup of tea. This time I stopped at the Old Road Café where I made one of those gender-based assumptions of which modern man should be ashamed. There was a middle-aged bloke in a well-worn leather jacket and an attractive young woman in smart black leathers sitting at a table chatting and drinking tea. A beautiful red Firebird and an older smaller bike were clearly theirs and I made the assumption that the older bloke was taking the younger woman out for some practice. When the woman got on the Firebird, I realised the error of my assumption.

From there I rode a little further before joining the slab for the run into Sydney where I spent an agreeable evening with my son and his fiancée.
Day 3: 18 October 2017, Sydney to Moss Vale (234 kms)


[url=https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jcUyUrnU3iv3B3cIsPRnJOu1Jq8loJm0&usp=sharing]Link to Day 3 Map

After breakfast with my son, I set off across Sydney for a cup of coffee with Pterodactyl. We hatched a plan for the following day and tightened and lubed my chain in the hope that it would cure the noise it was making.

I then set out for the very pretty Royal National Park. For all that it's heavily speed limited and over trafficked, it's a great ride and, on a good day, deposits you pretty much on Stanwell Tops.





Views of the Royal National Park. I followed the bloke on the cruiser all the way through as there are very few places to pass and, anyway, there's little point. I had occasion to reflect, not for the first time, that, from the rear, the riders of that style of bike look more than a little odd.

I stopped at Stanwell Tops for lunch. Last time I was there-on the Ride Down Under with Pterodactyl and Inhouse Bob-it was a hideous day- [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=11837](see Pterodactyl's report).

This is part of the view Inhouse Bob would have seen if the weather hadn't been quite so vile on the day we passed through

I then followed the route Pterodactyl was to take the next day, although my ascent of the Macquarie Pass was completely the opposite of his as there'd been accident.

The approach to Macquarie Pass


But it was a slow ascent


I had time to kill so I treated myself to a sneak preview of Kangaroo Valley


The bridge at Kangaroo Valley


The Great Dividing Range from Kangaroo Valley

I had a hilarious night with my relatives in Moss Vale during which I uncovered this remarkable piece of research.

Day 4: 19 October 2017, Moss Vale to Braidwood (356 kms)

[url=https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UKUc7KUVt2qXJ5gfCMEr4Bxg039wZ6ZA&usp=sharing]Link to Day 4 map

Feeling slightly second hand, I left the relatives early-ish in the morning and treated myself to another ride down Kangaroo Valley and then via a beautiful road to Berry. It was not in spectacular condition, but, hey, it was lovely.

After a healthy romp back up the escarpment via the beautiful Jamberoo road, I met Pterodactyl at the Robertson Pie Shop.


On the road between Kangaroo Valley and Berry


it was a glorious day! On the slab heading north to meet Pterodactyl

Heading up the Jamberoo road to the Robertson Pie Shop

From this point, things get a bit complicated from a narrative point of view as the Pterodactyl scoop covers the ensuing events.

[use2b_imp]

Cormanus i so much enjoy your post but most of all the photo's as i almost got to see these things in my life time and still dream of a vacation which i very much can afford.

Australia is the one Nation I most wanted to see and sailed to the coast as i told you before but was not allowed in. I never told you why but we were having riots on board the US Navy Ship at the time and Australia wanted nothing to do with us. the " rioters " took over the chow hall and all food supplies leaving the ship to starve.
I was a young US Marine Sgt and ordered to retake the chow hall. the way we went about it was we cut off the air supply and induced tear gas which caused the " rioters " to open the water tight hatch and we did not hit below the shoulders with the steel butt plates of our M16's while retaking control of the ship with maximum force. causing significant casualties !!!!!!!!!!

hope this is not TMI but i really wanted to visit Australia and feel robbed i came so close

[Cormanus]

use2be, thanks for the kind words. At least your exclusion was nothing personal, so you'd be welcome here any time. Talk to Inhouse Bob about the joys of riding in Australia. Or maybe wait for the next instalment of this post when there'll be a reference to Bob's experience.
The solution I've hit on is to quote the ride report section of Pterodactyl's earlier post in full, except that I'll break it into sections so I can insert maps and photos in vaguely relevant places. Quoting it will allow those of you who've read it to skip over it; alternatively, it can stand another read.

[quote="Pterodactyl_imp" pid="34968" dateline="1512616980"]
I haven’t posted on the forum for some time now and haven’t really been a frequent visitor. Why? Well, certainly not to spurn the good members of this forum, simply to cut down on screen time. I found that it was often easier to open my computer and pleasantly while away an hour or two than it was to, say, load up my kayak and go fishing, go for a ride, play a few holes of golf, swim at nearby Bronte beach or even to do some walking in the surprisingly, considering how close they are to the city, wild and remote mountains and national parks that surround Sydney.

However, after a little nudge from my good mate Cormanus, I have dusted off my keyboard, opened an Imgur account and got down to posting. But where to post? Milestone thread? Seat Time? Technical? Maybe even Introductions considering how long it’s been. For reasons that will, eventually, be apparent the Agony Aunt Column would be good, but, alas, the good Guth has not seen fit to give us that comfort. Any of the aforementioned might suit I guess. I’ll dump it in General Discussion section and let the Mods decide it’s fate.

The Sort-of Introductory Bit

In June and July, Darling and I spent a month in Greece. We spent a week on Mykonos and then, returning to Athens, we hired a car to explore the Peloponnese. After ten days we handed our car in and took a ferry to the island of Hydra. What has that got to do with motorcycles you may ask. Well, nothing really, except that on Hydra all vehicles, and motorcycles are, by law, banned. If you need to go somewhere then it has to be by either horse, donkey, boat or Shanks' pony. With a population of a little less than 2000, great restaurants, welcoming tavernas and beautiful beaches with crystal clear water it is a great place to unwind. Recommended.

Hydra, town and port.


Who needs a litre bike?




The Milestone Bit

Thursday last week; 24degC, wind light and variable with some scattered fair weather cumulus cloud. Perfect for a ride. I slipped on my Ixon textile gear, checked Last Blast’s tyre pressures and oil level, geared up and headed south from Sydney. Filling up on the city outskirts I noted the odometer at 99893kms. I rode through the Royal National Park and then on to Mt Keira lookout. Perched 460m (about 1600ft) on the escarpment above Wollongong, Mt Keira gives a stunning view, as they say in the realty ads, of Wollongong and nearby coast.



After contemplating the scenery for twenty minutes or so I saddled up and turned towards home. The odometer showed 30kms to 100k. Not wanting to stop for a milestone photo on a freeway or on narrow twisty bits I considered the options. It was 28kms to Bald Head Lookout in the Royal National Park. Perfect. Here’s a photo of our good mate Inhouse Bob, [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=10537&pid=168472#pid168472]earlier in the year, admiring a not quite so stunning view from Bald Hill.



As an aside, on a recent ride with Cormanus (and more of that later) we discussed whether it was appropriate, when rain was on the horizon, to call out "Bob’s-a-comin”. Or worse still, “Wets on! Bob’s-a-here!”. That bloke is more effective at the precipitation game than a Zuni rain dancer, or a C130 cloud seeding operation. My poor attempt at humour aside, we would love to see Bob in Australia again and show him the real view from Bald Hill (and a number of other spots that were cancelled due weather).

With one eye on the odometer, and the other on Google Maps, I made a short detour through Helensburg and rolled into the Bald Hill car park just as 100k ticked over.



Here’s the view with Bob safely tucked away on the other side of the Pacific.







The Very Abbreviated Seat Time Bit

Earlier in the year Cormanus and I hatched a plan to ride to the Australian MotoGP and then, after the GP, take the car ferry to Tasmania and spend a week riding the great motorcycle roads the Island State has to offer. Cormanus also had some family business to attend to while there. I won't attempt to describe in detail the trip but I will say, without hesitation, if you ever intend to take a motorcycle tour of Tasmania, and you surely should, then for a guide choose Cormanus. In the week we were there we got around most of Tasmania, rode the best roads and had a great time. Thanks Mate. Recommended.

However, back to the MotoGP ride. I met Cormanus, who had bypassed Sydney on his ride down from Brisbane, at the Robertson Pie Shop, about 100kms to the south-west of Sydney. After a pie and a coffee we rode through Kangaroo Valley to Nowra and then on to the Braidwood Hotel for the night. Over a few refreshing beers, a little red wine, and some good pub grub we pondered the next day ride options and decided we would take a generally coastal route to Phillip Island. We planned to deviate from the coast road to ride a couple of the roads that link the coast to the mountains and plateaus of the Great Dividing Range. All these are lightly trafficked, lightly monitored by the law (not that we would ever break any laws) and very heavily twisted.

We left Braidwood next morning to effect the "plan". The weather was overcast and cool. As we proceeded eastward and came to the downhill run to the coast the overcast lowered. During the next hour we experienced, in my opinion at least, one of those rides that are memorable for their nightmare qualities; up there with thunderstorm rides, heavy rain rides or falling over on dirt kind of rides. The problem? Just fog, that's all. But dense fog, a thick pea soup that reduces visibility to around 30 meters at best and makes everything, including the road, very, very, wet. The kind of, well, let's say, cussed stuff that makes a mat of small beads that cling to the visor like pooh to a blanket and will not be removed except by a glove wipe, and then only for a millisecond. The kind of stuff that produces internal fogging of the visor that needs one to crack the same to clear but also lets cold, moisture laden air into the helmet. All this on a downhill section of twisties that, on a good day, would be motorcycle Nirvana but on this day was replete with hard-driven, tail-gating, windscreen wipered and air-conditioned four wheel drives that seemed intent on terrifying two CB riders relying on engine braking alone to negotiate corners that would give no indication of what, or who, was more than a few meters ahead. Couldn't slow down (who wants to be rear ended), couldn't speed up (poor adhesion and can't see) and with no shoulder to stop and get some respite, forty minutes of this felt like an eternity. At one stage, on a nasty bend, I thought Cormanus was going to over-run me and then he slid back and disappeared from view for the next twenty minutes until I could find a place to safely stop and wait. Later, on comparing notes with Cormanus, I believe that I had it a little better than him as my helmet is equiped with a [url=https://pinlock.com/what-is-a-pinlock-visor/]Pinlock Visor System that gave some measure of relief from internal fogging. Recommended.

Down on the coastal strip the weather cleared and all was good. Our spirits soared and our hearts were filled with joy as we rolled the throttles on. In the nature of motorcyclists our travails were quickly forgotten, at least for the moment. We also managed to howl past those who had given us such a hard time coming down the mountain. Revenge is sweet, even if only imagined.

After spending the night at Cann River, and doing some pondering in a similar manner to the previous night we headed for the Fish Creek Hotel, which at about 60kms from Phillip Island, was to be our base for the weekend (no camping for us this year). This would normally entail riding a particularly boring piece of the Princess Highway between Bairnsdale and Sale, about 100kms of straight, heavily policed road that despite the amount of revenue raised along its length still seems to produce some notable accident statistics. The main cause is almost certainly sheer boredom leading to inattention. However, some years ago, our good friend and forum member, Noroomtomove, had pointed us in the direction of a pleasant country road that bypasses this piece of highway and, in his honour, Cormanus and I now refer to this road as the "Eijnar Highway". Previously Mr and Mrs Noroomtomove had invited us to lunch with them and so around midday we pulled into their property in a rural setting, which, curiously enough, has plenty of room to move. It was good to be welcomed by the Noroomtomoves (and again many thanks to them). After a great lunch of excellent sandwiches and many cups of tea to wash down the chatter we set out for Fish Creek. We were disappointed that due to family commitments Noroomtomove was not able to accompany us to the GP as he has done in the past. His white CB was in the garage and looking good.

The Fish Creek Hotel - sometimes called "The Fishy"


Those who are interested would have seen what transpired at the Australian MotoGP as Marquez continued his march to another World Championship while the Moto3 World Champion, Mir, cemented his place in motorcycle history so I will leave that alone. While at the track I met up with a group of friends that I have accompanied on rides to previous GPs. Cormanus and I joined them and we watched the race from turn 6 (Siberia). Younger, and mostly much more adept and faster riders than I, they are a great group of blokes and have always made me feel welcome both on the ride and camping with them. I had developed a friendship with one of the lads' father, a lifelong and very keen motorcyclist. I was saddened to learn that earlier in the year he had developed a cancer and, perhaps mercifully, quickly passed away. After the race and the crowd had dispersed Cormanus and I joined them as we scattered his ashes on the grass inside of turn 3. A few words were spoken and a beer or two consumed. Dusk had fallen and we were in prime skippy time for the last of the run back to Fish Creek. Fortunately none were sighted.

On the Monday evening, we pulled up in Melbourne Docklands to board [url=https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au]The Spirit of Tasmania. We had some time to spare as Cormanus had arranged for us to meet with another forum member, Aussieflyer, at the Station Pier. We heard him before we saw him. Not overloud, but a very distinctive, and some would say perfect, note from the exhausts. And the [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1974]bike? Well, a real tribute to Aussieflyer's imagination, workmanship and attention to detail. A true café racer and in absolutely concourse condition. In a word, superb. And his mate Mick's Suzuki was not bad either. I don't have photos but am hoping Cormanus will bulk up this thread with photos and comments, or even give us another chapter of the Cormanus Chronicles to help me out.

Next morning, leaving the Spirit, we started our Tasmania ride. On day one we explored Cradle Mountain, rode to Burnie on the north coast and then down the west coast to Strahan. The west coast is exposed to the frequent low pressure systems that march unhindered from the Antarctic across and up from the Southern Ocean. West coast weather conditions can often and for long periods be very motorcycle unfriendly. Heavy rain, snow and ice are common all year round. Average rainfall is about 80ins a year, producing a wilderness area noted for its isolation, rainforests, wild rivers and lakes. But we struck it lucky. The weather was cool and generally fine making great riding conditions to match some really good roads.
Cradle Mountain, summer but still with some snow and ice


Cormanus atop the same


Strahan at dusk


After a night at Strahan (pronounced "Strawn") we rode on to Hobart. On the way we passed Derwent Bridge where, thirty years ago, I introduced Darling to the joys of bushwalking in the Tasmanian wilderness. We had three glorious days of trekking, trout fishing and camping around Lake Petrach. Steep terrain, flats covered with difficult to traverse button grass, constant rain, some sleet, mud and midges with the odd snake sighting. Oh, I nearly forgot the leeches. I loved it. Since then Darling has held fast to: "Spending the night under the stars is fine. It just has to be five stars". Hasn't stopped me though.

There followed three days of great day rides out from Hobart. A day with Cormanus and his mate Richard and wife (on a very nice BMW) to Port Arthur; a day by myself (Cormanus doing family duty) riding to the top of Mt Wellington and then to the south west of Hobart and, finally, a day ride with Cormanus where he showed me a couple of very scenic and motorcycle challenging roads that I had missed the previous day. All very, very, good stuff.

Cormanus and BMW K1200 riding friends


Hobart from Mt Wellington


Leaving Hobart we rode up the east coast. Most of the moisture pushed onto Tasmania's west coast remains there making the east coast a different country. Scenic but dryer and more akin to the east coast of the mainland. We had a good run up to St Helens for the night. Highlight of the ride was some "spirited" riding amongst a group of bikes on the Lake Leake Rd up to Campbelltown (some twisties and brilliant sweepers). While in Hobart, Cormanus had a dealer change his CB's chain and sprockets and the chain needed some adjustment by St Helens, probably from piling on the torque on the Lake Leake Rd. Next morning we did find a motorcycle workshop on the outskirts of St Helens, East Coast Motorcycles. As we rolled into the driveway I couldn't help but be reminded of Billy Bob Thornton's workshop in the movie U Turn, a 1997 neo-western neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Oliver Stone. But, in fact, the truth couldn't have been further from that. This bloke knew as much about motorcycles, and maybe more, as anyone I've known. Racing bikes to home made rat bikes, all there. And all showed the signs of someone who knew what they were doing. Cormanus' chain was adjusted very smartly and in the true Aussie tradition of helping out a bloke on the road, no charge, with the laconic "She'll be right, mate". Highly Recommended.


That evening we boarded the Spirit at Devonport and next morning arrived in Melbourne. The weather had turned to wet and cool, cold in the mountains. We rode northward from Melbourne over some interesting roads in the Healesville to Marysville area. Mind you, in the dry they would have been a whole lot more interesting. The area itself is heavily forested so wet bark and leaf litter made for a cautious but enjoyable ride. Reaching Marysville we then skirted the Snowy Mountains region and rode to Mt Beauty for the night. Once again, we did some serious pondering regarding the next days ride.

Marysville Tavern (Victoria), Rhododendrons, CBs and
Cormanus


Leaving Bright we headed north west to Ebden on the banks of the Hume Reservoir, formed in 1936 by the damming of the mighty Murray River. After some good seasons (thanks Bob, you helped) it was brimming and surrounded by lush green countryside. After breakfast at Ebden and a short stop at the dam itself, we rode the delightful Murray River Road, well described by Cormanus in previous Seat Time threads.

Hume Dam, Victoria


Our initial plan was to ride to Corryong then, due to the uncertain weather, skirt the Snowy Mountains and head north towards Sydney. While having lunch in Corryong both Cormanus and I kept casting glances to the east towards the Snowy Mountains and tried to convince ourselves that the weather over the mountains was improving. Surely it was. Wasn't it? Surely that cloud looks as though it is lifting. Doesn't it? Well, to quote young Oscar, "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.” So we did. Thirty minutes later we were blasting up Swampy Plains Road climbing into the Jagungal Wilderness. The clouds had indeed parted and the road surface was dry. Talk about Twist and Shout. This was serious fun. Concentrating on the road ahead took the mind away from the cold and we were elated when we stopped at Cabramurra, Australia's highest town, for a self serve refuel and a little sight seeing from a nearby lookout. Another hour on we had descended to Gundagai and were headed for the Boorowa Hotel where Mike, the Kiwi Irish publican, helped us wash the dust from our throats. Several times. Later we played darts with Mick and a couple of friendly locals. The rules of the game I never did comprehend but apparently everyone has a chance until the last few throws, I think. I slept well.

Boorowa - from the hotel verandah


Well, good readers, if you have stuck with me to here I thank you. But all good things must come to an end. We rode out of Boorowa through Crookwell and the Abercrombie Gorge, all good riding, to the Tarana Hotel. After a killer burger for lunch, it was time for Cormanus and I to go our seperate ways. For Cormanus another 1000kms to Brisbane and home; for me a mere 180kms to home for a total of about 5150kms for the ride.

It is always a privilege to ride with Cormanus and I have to thank this forum for introducing us. We have riden many tens of thousands of kilometres together since June 2014 and I do hope that we have a few more rides left in us. Just in case you think I am being too kind to him, remember he was the dolt who accidentally deleted my Milestone thread and then replaced it with his own. I have therefore, by Pterodactylian decree, declared his Milestone thread unauthorised, even provocative. I have taken offence and thus sought a safe space in the General Discussion section for my Milestone post.


The Sort-of Technical Bit

Most of us have riding habits that sometimes we are almost unaware of. I guess that's why we call them habits. After an hour or so of touring riding, when coming to a reduction in the speed limit, normally upon approaching an urban area, I tend to let go of the handlebar, drop my hands to my sides and steer the bike with my knees for a few seconds. Easy. It relaxes me and resets me to Urban Mode. You know, the mode that prioritises being aware of motorists with mobile phones rather than Touring Mode where corner speed entry tends to take priority. After disembarking from the Spirit of Tasmania and less than an hour into our Tasmania ride on decelerating I released the bar. To my surprise Last Blast took a distinct liking to making a left turn with me automatically leaning my body to keep running straight while I quickly replaced my hands on the bar. I then noticed that with the wheel running straight that the handle bar was turned to the right. With both hands on and leaning on the bar the effect was not really noticeable, but it was there. What was going on? My theory is that the tie down procedure on the Spirit was the cause. On riding to the allocated deck and parking position the bike is left on the center stand in first gear with the steering unlocked. The crew then attach two substantial fabric tie down straps with mechanical ratchet tightners to both sides of the bar until the the bike is secure with the front forks firmly compressed. They also apply the front brake and secure the brake lever with an elastic band. I suspect this twisted the forks out of alignment. So why not Cormanus' bike? Well, he has a fork brace and I suspect my bottom bridge pinch bolts may have been a little under-torqued.

So, how to straighten this out. I used the following procedure:

First check the rear wheel is aligned by checking the index marks on the adjustor plates. Then:
1. Loosen the steering stem nut. To get a socket on this the bar needs to be lifted. When done replace the bar; no need to fully torque. Ensure the top bridge bolts are at correct torque.
2. Loosen the bottom bridge bolts. Leave almost finger tight.
3. Loosen the right axle pinch bolts, the axle bolt and then the left axle pinch bolts. Leave all almost finger tight.
4. Loosen both left and right brake caliper bolts to almost finger tight.
5. Loosen the mudguard mounting bolts.

When I say, "almost finger tight", I mean take to finger tight and back off a turn.

If you have help get the helper to hold the bike from the rear while it rests on front and rear wheel. Mount up with feet on the pegs and, firmly pushing forward onto the front bridge, throw your weight onto the front suspension and bounce it up and down several times. Continue until you see that the front wheel and the bar are aligned with the fore and aft axis of the bike. I didn't have help so with the bike on the center stand I held the front brake on and trying to not put any input to the bars threw my weight forward to bounce the front suspension releasing the brake and bar as the suspension compressed and rebounded. I had to put brake input incase the bike came forward and off the centre stand leaving me and the bike lying on the floor. This straightened things up but not completely so I put the front tyre against a cement column and pushed the bar to help align it with the front wheel. I then did the bouncy bouncy bit again and all came good. Then I followed this:

1. Torque up the steering stem nut and the handlebar upper holder bolts
2. Torque up the center bridge bolts.
3. Torque up the axle bolt
4. Torque up the right axle pinch bolts
5. Torque up the caliper bolts*
5. With the front brake applied pump the fork up and down several times to seat the axle
6. Torque up the left axle pinch bolts
7. Tighten up the mudguard.

Recheck that all is correctly aligned and torqued in case you, or I, have forgotten something. Check front brake operation. Go for a ride and check that on deceleration with the bar released the bike runs straight and true. Last Blast did so.

*Note that Honda requires the caliper bolts (ALOC bolts) to be replaced after loosening or removing. I don't often do this. Instead I apply medium strength Loctite and make sure I don't over-torque. So far so good.

The Agony Aunt Column
or
"There is no fool like an old fool"

Dear Aunt Agutha,

Please help me. In February 2012 I took a CB1100 (build date 6/10), pure and unsullied, from the showroom. In Candy Glory Red it was a sight to behold. I'm a pretty constant sort of bloke and I was so sure that our union would last me well into my twilight years (I'm in my 73rd year) that I named that CB Last Blast. In the past I have had flings with Triumphs, BSAs, Matchless', Ducatis and Hondas. The Ducati I particularly remember as being a monster, not only by name but by nature; high maintenance that one. One ageing Triumph ('61 T120) is still, like a maiden aunt, in my possession but sees no action. But flings were all they were. Honest. I thought that Last Blast was the real thing and as we cruised towards our 100k anniversary all was well.

Then, walking through the Exhibitors Pavilion at the 2016 WSBK at Phillip Island it happened. Across a crowded room I caught sight of a [url=http://www.mvagusta.com/en-us/motorcycles/turismo-veloce-lusso-800/]shapely young Italian. My pulse quickened, my head spun and the desire to possess, quite frankly, overtook me and has become an obsession. However, to realise this obsession I would have to consign my faithful Last Blast to the realm of bikesales.com.au, a realm of no longer wanted bikes characterised as "pre-loved". Does Last Blast deserve this fate? Does the Italian need me or do the carers just want my money (about AUD25.000, ride away)?

Your advice is eagerly awaited.

Pterodactyl.

The Photo Competition Bit

This is not a competition for the best photo but is a test of observation. One of the above photos that I have posted contains an anomaly. What, who or where is it? Who sees it? Easy peasy really and I am sure that blokes like Popgun, Ferret or Django will be all over it. Can you beat them to it? Go on, have a go.

Merry Christmas to you all. I hope you have a happy and healthy 2018.
[/quote]

Back down Kangaroo Valley for the third time in two days. What could be better?


Approaching Braidwood. Pterodactyl sporting new riding kit and freshly painted side covers
Day 5: 20 October 2017, Braidwood to Cann River (531 kms)


[url=https://drive.google.com/open?id=12o0ceIbjWe23zzKdnLnvINkp63oq9Zce&usp=sharing]Link to Day 5 Map

[quote="Pterodactyl_imp" pid="34968" dateline="1512616980"]
I haven’t posted on the forum for some time now and haven’t really been a frequent visitor. Why? Well, certainly not to spurn the good members of this forum, simply to cut down on screen time. I found that it was often easier to open my computer and pleasantly while away an hour or two than it was to, say, load up my kayak and go fishing, go for a ride, play a few holes of golf, swim at nearby Bronte beach or even to do some walking in the surprisingly, considering how close they are to the city, wild and remote mountains and national parks that surround Sydney.

However, after a little nudge from my good mate Cormanus, I have dusted off my keyboard, opened an Imgur account and got down to posting. But where to post? Milestone thread? Seat Time? Technical? Maybe even Introductions considering how long it’s been. For reasons that will, eventually, be apparent the Agony Aunt Column would be good, but, alas, the good Guth has not seen fit to give us that comfort. Any of the aforementioned might suit I guess. I’ll dump it in General Discussion section and let the Mods decide it’s fate.

The Sort-of Introductory Bit

In June and July, Darling and I spent a month in Greece. We spent a week on Mykonos and then, returning to Athens, we hired a car to explore the Peloponnese. After ten days we handed our car in and took a ferry to the island of Hydra. What has that got to do with motorcycles you may ask. Well, nothing really, except that on Hydra all vehicles, and motorcycles are, by law, banned. If you need to go somewhere then it has to be by either horse, donkey, boat or Shanks' pony. With a population of a little less than 2000, great restaurants, welcoming tavernas and beautiful beaches with crystal clear water it is a great place to unwind. Recommended.

Hydra, town and port.


Who needs a litre bike?




The Milestone Bit

Thursday last week; 24degC, wind light and variable with some scattered fair weather cumulus cloud. Perfect for a ride. I slipped on my Ixon textile gear, checked Last Blast’s tyre pressures and oil level, geared up and headed south from Sydney. Filling up on the city outskirts I noted the odometer at 99893kms. I rode through the Royal National Park and then on to Mt Keira lookout. Perched 460m (about 1600ft) on the escarpment above Wollongong, Mt Keira gives a stunning view, as they say in the realty ads, of Wollongong and nearby coast.



After contemplating the scenery for twenty minutes or so I saddled up and turned towards home. The odometer showed 30kms to 100k. Not wanting to stop for a milestone photo on a freeway or on narrow twisty bits I considered the options. It was 28kms to Bald Head Lookout in the Royal National Park. Perfect. Here’s a photo of our good mate Inhouse Bob, [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=10537&pid=168472#pid168472]earlier in the year, admiring a not quite so stunning view from Bald Hill.



As an aside, on a recent ride with Cormanus (and more of that later) we discussed whether it was appropriate, when rain was on the horizon, to call out "Bob’s-a-comin”. Or worse still, “Wets on! Bob’s-a-here!”. That bloke is more effective at the precipitation game than a Zuni rain dancer, or a C130 cloud seeding operation. My poor attempt at humour aside, we would love to see Bob in Australia again and show him the real view from Bald Hill (and a number of other spots that were cancelled due weather).

With one eye on the odometer, and the other on Google Maps, I made a short detour through Helensburg and rolled into the Bald Hill car park just as 100k ticked over.



Here’s the view with Bob safely tucked away on the other side of the Pacific.







The Very Abbreviated Seat Time Bit

Earlier in the year Cormanus and I hatched a plan to ride to the Australian MotoGP and then, after the GP, take the car ferry to Tasmania and spend a week riding the great motorcycle roads the Island State has to offer. Cormanus also had some family business to attend to while there. I won't attempt to describe in detail the trip but I will say, without hesitation, if you ever intend to take a motorcycle tour of Tasmania, and you surely should, then for a guide choose Cormanus. In the week we were there we got around most of Tasmania, rode the best roads and had a great time. Thanks Mate. Recommended.

However, back to the MotoGP ride. I met Cormanus, who had bypassed Sydney on his ride down from Brisbane, at the Robertson Pie Shop, about 100kms to the south-west of Sydney. After a pie and a coffee we rode through Kangaroo Valley to Nowra and then on to the Braidwood Hotel for the night. Over a few refreshing beers, a little red wine, and some good pub grub we pondered the next day ride options and decided we would take a generally coastal route to Phillip Island. We planned to deviate from the coast road to ride a couple of the roads that link the coast to the mountains and plateaus of the Great Dividing Range. All these are lightly trafficked, lightly monitored by the law (not that we would ever break any laws) and very heavily twisted.

We left Braidwood next morning to effect the "plan". The weather was overcast and cool. As we proceeded eastward and came to the downhill run to the coast the overcast lowered. During the next hour we experienced, in my opinion at least, one of those rides that are memorable for their nightmare qualities; up there with thunderstorm rides, heavy rain rides or falling over on dirt kind of rides. The problem? Just fog, that's all. But dense fog, a thick pea soup that reduces visibility to around 30 meters at best and makes everything, including the road, very, very, wet. The kind of, well, let's say, cussed stuff that makes a mat of small beads that cling to the visor like pooh to a blanket and will not be removed except by a glove wipe, and then only for a millisecond. The kind of stuff that produces internal fogging of the visor that needs one to crack the same to clear but also lets cold, moisture laden air into the helmet. All this on a downhill section of twisties that, on a good day, would be motorcycle Nirvana but on this day was replete with hard-driven, tail-gating, windscreen wipered and air-conditioned four wheel drives that seemed intent on terrifying two CB riders relying on engine braking alone to negotiate corners that would give no indication of what, or who, was more than a few meters ahead. Couldn't slow down (who wants to be rear ended), couldn't speed up (poor adhesion and can't see) and with no shoulder to stop and get some respite, forty minutes of this felt like an eternity. At one stage, on a nasty bend, I thought Cormanus was going to over-run me and then he slid back and disappeared from view for the next twenty minutes until I could find a place to safely stop and wait. Later, on comparing notes with Cormanus, I believe that I had it a little better than him as my helmet is equiped with a [url=https://pinlock.com/what-is-a-pinlock-visor/]Pinlock Visor System that gave some measure of relief from internal fogging. Recommended.

Down on the coastal strip the weather cleared and all was good. Our spirits soared and our hearts were filled with joy as we rolled the throttles on. In the nature of motorcyclists our travails were quickly forgotten, at least for the moment. We also managed to howl past those who had given us such a hard time coming down the mountain. Revenge is sweet, even if only imagined.

After spending the night at Cann River, and doing some pondering in a similar manner to the previous night we headed for the Fish Creek Hotel, which at about 60kms from Phillip Island, was to be our base for the weekend (no camping for us this year). This would normally entail riding a particularly boring piece of the Princess Highway between Bairnsdale and Sale, about 100kms of straight, heavily policed road that despite the amount of revenue raised along its length still seems to produce some notable accident statistics. The main cause is almost certainly sheer boredom leading to inattention. However, some years ago, our good friend and forum member, Noroomtomove, had pointed us in the direction of a pleasant country road that bypasses this piece of highway and, in his honour, Cormanus and I now refer to this road as the "Eijnar Highway". Previously Mr and Mrs Noroomtomove had invited us to lunch with them and so around midday we pulled into their property in a rural setting, which, curiously enough, has plenty of room to move. It was good to be welcomed by the Noroomtomoves (and again many thanks to them). After a great lunch of excellent sandwiches and many cups of tea to wash down the chatter we set out for Fish Creek. We were disappointed that due to family commitments Noroomtomove was not able to accompany us to the GP as he has done in the past. His white CB was in the garage and looking good.

The Fish Creek Hotel - sometimes called "The Fishy"


Those who are interested would have seen what transpired at the Australian MotoGP as Marquez continued his march to another World Championship while the Moto3 World Champion, Mir, cemented his place in motorcycle history so I will leave that alone. While at the track I met up with a group of friends that I have accompanied on rides to previous GPs. Cormanus and I joined them and we watched the race from turn 6 (Siberia). Younger, and mostly much more adept and faster riders than I, they are a great group of blokes and have always made me feel welcome both on the ride and camping with them. I had developed a friendship with one of the lads' father, a lifelong and very keen motorcyclist. I was saddened to learn that earlier in the year he had developed a cancer and, perhaps mercifully, quickly passed away. After the race and the crowd had dispersed Cormanus and I joined them as we scattered his ashes on the grass inside of turn 3. A few words were spoken and a beer or two consumed. Dusk had fallen and we were in prime skippy time for the last of the run back to Fish Creek. Fortunately none were sighted.

On the Monday evening, we pulled up in Melbourne Docklands to board [url=https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au]The Spirit of Tasmania. We had some time to spare as Cormanus had arranged for us to meet with another forum member, Aussieflyer, at the Station Pier. We heard him before we saw him. Not overloud, but a very distinctive, and some would say perfect, note from the exhausts. And the [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1974]bike? Well, a real tribute to Aussieflyer's imagination, workmanship and attention to detail. A true café racer and in absolutely concourse condition. In a word, superb. And his mate Mick's Suzuki was not bad either. I don't have photos but am hoping Cormanus will bulk up this thread with photos and comments, or even give us another chapter of the Cormanus Chronicles to help me out.

Next morning, leaving the Spirit, we started our Tasmania ride. On day one we explored Cradle Mountain, rode to Burnie on the north coast and then down the west coast to Strahan. The west coast is exposed to the frequent low pressure systems that march unhindered from the Antarctic across and up from the Southern Ocean. West coast weather conditions can often and for long periods be very motorcycle unfriendly. Heavy rain, snow and ice are common all year round. Average rainfall is about 80ins a year, producing a wilderness area noted for its isolation, rainforests, wild rivers and lakes. But we struck it lucky. The weather was cool and generally fine making great riding conditions to match some really good roads.
Cradle Mountain, summer but still with some snow and ice


Cormanus atop the same


Strahan at dusk


After a night at Strahan (pronounced "Strawn") we rode on to Hobart. On the way we passed Derwent Bridge where, thirty years ago, I introduced Darling to the joys of bushwalking in the Tasmanian wilderness. We had three glorious days of trekking, trout fishing and camping around Lake Petrach. Steep terrain, flats covered with difficult to traverse button grass, constant rain, some sleet, mud and midges with the odd snake sighting. Oh, I nearly forgot the leeches. I loved it. Since then Darling has held fast to: "Spending the night under the stars is fine. It just has to be five stars". Hasn't stopped me though.

There followed three days of great day rides out from Hobart. A day with Cormanus and his mate Richard and wife (on a very nice BMW) to Port Arthur; a day by myself (Cormanus doing family duty) riding to the top of Mt Wellington and then to the south west of Hobart and, finally, a day ride with Cormanus where he showed me a couple of very scenic and motorcycle challenging roads that I had missed the previous day. All very, very, good stuff.

Cormanus and BMW K1200 riding friends


Hobart from Mt Wellington


Leaving Hobart we rode up the east coast. Most of the moisture pushed onto Tasmania's west coast remains there making the east coast a different country. Scenic but dryer and more akin to the east coast of the mainland. We had a good run up to St Helens for the night. Highlight of the ride was some "spirited" riding amongst a group of bikes on the Lake Leake Rd up to Campbelltown (some twisties and brilliant sweepers). While in Hobart, Cormanus had a dealer change his CB's chain and sprockets and the chain needed some adjustment by St Helens, probably from piling on the torque on the Lake Leake Rd. Next morning we did find a motorcycle workshop on the outskirts of St Helens, East Coast Motorcycles. As we rolled into the driveway I couldn't help but be reminded of Billy Bob Thornton's workshop in the movie U Turn, a 1997 neo-western neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Oliver Stone. But, in fact, the truth couldn't have been further from that. This bloke knew as much about motorcycles, and maybe more, as anyone I've known. Racing bikes to home made rat bikes, all there. And all showed the signs of someone who knew what they were doing. Cormanus' chain was adjusted very smartly and in the true Aussie tradition of helping out a bloke on the road, no charge, with the laconic "She'll be right, mate". Highly Recommended.


That evening we boarded the Spirit at Devonport and next morning arrived in Melbourne. The weather had turned to wet and cool, cold in the mountains. We rode northward from Melbourne over some interesting roads in the Healesville to Marysville area. Mind you, in the dry they would have been a whole lot more interesting. The area itself is heavily forested so wet bark and leaf litter made for a cautious but enjoyable ride. Reaching Marysville we then skirted the Snowy Mountains region and rode to Mt Beauty for the night. Once again, we did some serious pondering regarding the next days ride.

Marysville Tavern (Victoria), Rhododendrons, CBs and
Cormanus


Leaving Bright we headed north west to Ebden on the banks of the Hume Reservoir, formed in 1936 by the damming of the mighty Murray River. After some good seasons (thanks Bob, you helped) it was brimming and surrounded by lush green countryside. After breakfast at Ebden and a short stop at the dam itself, we rode the delightful Murray River Road, well described by Cormanus in previous Seat Time threads.

Hume Dam, Victoria


Our initial plan was to ride to Corryong then, due to the uncertain weather, skirt the Snowy Mountains and head north towards Sydney. While having lunch in Corryong both Cormanus and I kept casting glances to the east towards the Snowy Mountains and tried to convince ourselves that the weather over the mountains was improving. Surely it was. Wasn't it? Surely that cloud looks as though it is lifting. Doesn't it? Well, to quote young Oscar, "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.” So we did. Thirty minutes later we were blasting up Swampy Plains Road climbing into the Jagungal Wilderness. The clouds had indeed parted and the road surface was dry. Talk about Twist and Shout. This was serious fun. Concentrating on the road ahead took the mind away from the cold and we were elated when we stopped at Cabramurra, Australia's highest town, for a self serve refuel and a little sight seeing from a nearby lookout. Another hour on we had descended to Gundagai and were headed for the Boorowa Hotel where Mike, the Kiwi Irish publican, helped us wash the dust from our throats. Several times. Later we played darts with Mick and a couple of friendly locals. The rules of the game I never did comprehend but apparently everyone has a chance until the last few throws, I think. I slept well.

Boorowa - from the hotel verandah


Well, good readers, if you have stuck with me to here I thank you. But all good things must come to an end. We rode out of Boorowa through Crookwell and the Abercrombie Gorge, all good riding, to the Tarana Hotel. After a killer burger for lunch, it was time for Cormanus and I to go our seperate ways. For Cormanus another 1000kms to Brisbane and home; for me a mere 180kms to home for a total of about 5150kms for the ride.

It is always a privilege to ride with Cormanus and I have to thank this forum for introducing us. We have riden many tens of thousands of kilometres together since June 2014 and I do hope that we have a few more rides left in us. Just in case you think I am being too kind to him, remember he was the dolt who accidentally deleted my Milestone thread and then replaced it with his own. I have therefore, by Pterodactylian decree, declared his Milestone thread unauthorised, even provocative. I have taken offence and thus sought a safe space in the General Discussion section for my Milestone post.


The Sort-of Technical Bit

Most of us have riding habits that sometimes we are almost unaware of. I guess that's why we call them habits. After an hour or so of touring riding, when coming to a reduction in the speed limit, normally upon approaching an urban area, I tend to let go of the handlebar, drop my hands to my sides and steer the bike with my knees for a few seconds. Easy. It relaxes me and resets me to Urban Mode. You know, the mode that prioritises being aware of motorists with mobile phones rather than Touring Mode where corner speed entry tends to take priority. After disembarking from the Spirit of Tasmania and less than an hour into our Tasmania ride on decelerating I released the bar. To my surprise Last Blast took a distinct liking to making a left turn with me automatically leaning my body to keep running straight while I quickly replaced my hands on the bar. I then noticed that with the wheel running straight that the handle bar was turned to the right. With both hands on and leaning on the bar the effect was not really noticeable, but it was there. What was going on? My theory is that the tie down procedure on the Spirit was the cause. On riding to the allocated deck and parking position the bike is left on the center stand in first gear with the steering unlocked. The crew then attach two substantial fabric tie down straps with mechanical ratchet tightners to both sides of the bar until the the bike is secure with the front forks firmly compressed. They also apply the front brake and secure the brake lever with an elastic band. I suspect this twisted the forks out of alignment. So why not Cormanus' bike? Well, he has a fork brace and I suspect my bottom bridge pinch bolts may have been a little under-torqued.

So, how to straighten this out. I used the following procedure:

First check the rear wheel is aligned by checking the index marks on the adjustor plates. Then:
1. Loosen the steering stem nut. To get a socket on this the bar needs to be lifted. When done replace the bar; no need to fully torque. Ensure the top bridge bolts are at correct torque.
2. Loosen the bottom bridge bolts. Leave almost finger tight.
3. Loosen the right axle pinch bolts, the axle bolt and then the left axle pinch bolts. Leave all almost finger tight.
4. Loosen both left and right brake caliper bolts to almost finger tight.
5. Loosen the mudguard mounting bolts.

When I say, "almost finger tight", I mean take to finger tight and back off a turn.

If you have help get the helper to hold the bike from the rear while it rests on front and rear wheel. Mount up with feet on the pegs and, firmly pushing forward onto the front bridge, throw your weight onto the front suspension and bounce it up and down several times. Continue until you see that the front wheel and the bar are aligned with the fore and aft axis of the bike. I didn't have help so with the bike on the center stand I held the front brake on and trying to not put any input to the bars threw my weight forward to bounce the front suspension releasing the brake and bar as the suspension compressed and rebounded. I had to put brake input incase the bike came forward and off the centre stand leaving me and the bike lying on the floor. This straightened things up but not completely so I put the front tyre against a cement column and pushed the bar to help align it with the front wheel. I then did the bouncy bouncy bit again and all came good. Then I followed this:

1. Torque up the steering stem nut and the handlebar upper holder bolts
2. Torque up the center bridge bolts.
3. Torque up the axle bolt
4. Torque up the right axle pinch bolts
5. Torque up the caliper bolts*
5. With the front brake applied pump the fork up and down several times to seat the axle
6. Torque up the left axle pinch bolts
7. Tighten up the mudguard.

Recheck that all is correctly aligned and torqued in case you, or I, have forgotten something. Check front brake operation. Go for a ride and check that on deceleration with the bar released the bike runs straight and true. Last Blast did so.

*Note that Honda requires the caliper bolts (ALOC bolts) to be replaced after loosening or removing. I don't often do this. Instead I apply medium strength Loctite and make sure I don't over-torque. So far so good.

The Agony Aunt Column
or
"There is no fool like an old fool"

Dear Aunt Agutha,

Please help me. In February 2012 I took a CB1100 (build date 6/10), pure and unsullied, from the showroom. In Candy Glory Red it was a sight to behold. I'm a pretty constant sort of bloke and I was so sure that our union would last me well into my twilight years (I'm in my 73rd year) that I named that CB Last Blast. In the past I have had flings with Triumphs, BSAs, Matchless', Ducatis and Hondas. The Ducati I particularly remember as being a monster, not only by name but by nature; high maintenance that one. One ageing Triumph ('61 T120) is still, like a maiden aunt, in my possession but sees no action. But flings were all they were. Honest. I thought that Last Blast was the real thing and as we cruised towards our 100k anniversary all was well.

Then, walking through the Exhibitors Pavilion at the 2016 WSBK at Phillip Island it happened. Across a crowded room I caught sight of a [url=http://www.mvagusta.com/en-us/motorcycles/turismo-veloce-lusso-800/]shapely young Italian. My pulse quickened, my head spun and the desire to possess, quite frankly, overtook me and has become an obsession. However, to realise this obsession I would have to consign my faithful Last Blast to the realm of bikesales.com.au, a realm of no longer wanted bikes characterised as "pre-loved". Does Last Blast deserve this fate? Does the Italian need me or do the carers just want my money (about AUD25.000, ride away)?

Your advice is eagerly awaited.

Pterodactyl.

The Photo Competition Bit

This is not a competition for the best photo but is a test of observation. One of the above photos that I have posted contains an anomaly. What, who or where is it? Who sees it? Easy peasy really and I am sure that blokes like Popgun, Ferret or Django will be all over it. Can you beat them to it? Go on, have a go.

Merry Christmas to you all. I hope you have a happy and healthy 2018.
[/quote]

After the ghastly descent from Braidwood, it turned into a pretty decent sort of day
Day 6: 21 October 2017, Cann River to Fish Creek (388 kms)

[url=https://drive.google.com/open?id=1pKvh1snT_Qw7pBeyznjrgo7MtRsNR8tc&usp=sharing]Link to Day 6 Map

[quote="Pterodactyl_imp" pid="34968" dateline="1512616980"]
I haven’t posted on the forum for some time now and haven’t really been a frequent visitor. Why? Well, certainly not to spurn the good members of this forum, simply to cut down on screen time. I found that it was often easier to open my computer and pleasantly while away an hour or two than it was to, say, load up my kayak and go fishing, go for a ride, play a few holes of golf, swim at nearby Bronte beach or even to do some walking in the surprisingly, considering how close they are to the city, wild and remote mountains and national parks that surround Sydney.

However, after a little nudge from my good mate Cormanus, I have dusted off my keyboard, opened an Imgur account and got down to posting. But where to post? Milestone thread? Seat Time? Technical? Maybe even Introductions considering how long it’s been. For reasons that will, eventually, be apparent the Agony Aunt Column would be good, but, alas, the good Guth has not seen fit to give us that comfort. Any of the aforementioned might suit I guess. I’ll dump it in General Discussion section and let the Mods decide it’s fate.

The Sort-of Introductory Bit

In June and July, Darling and I spent a month in Greece. We spent a week on Mykonos and then, returning to Athens, we hired a car to explore the Peloponnese. After ten days we handed our car in and took a ferry to the island of Hydra. What has that got to do with motorcycles you may ask. Well, nothing really, except that on Hydra all vehicles, and motorcycles are, by law, banned. If you need to go somewhere then it has to be by either horse, donkey, boat or Shanks' pony. With a population of a little less than 2000, great restaurants, welcoming tavernas and beautiful beaches with crystal clear water it is a great place to unwind. Recommended.

Hydra, town and port.


Who needs a litre bike?




The Milestone Bit

Thursday last week; 24degC, wind light and variable with some scattered fair weather cumulus cloud. Perfect for a ride. I slipped on my Ixon textile gear, checked Last Blast’s tyre pressures and oil level, geared up and headed south from Sydney. Filling up on the city outskirts I noted the odometer at 99893kms. I rode through the Royal National Park and then on to Mt Keira lookout. Perched 460m (about 1600ft) on the escarpment above Wollongong, Mt Keira gives a stunning view, as they say in the realty ads, of Wollongong and nearby coast.



After contemplating the scenery for twenty minutes or so I saddled up and turned towards home. The odometer showed 30kms to 100k. Not wanting to stop for a milestone photo on a freeway or on narrow twisty bits I considered the options. It was 28kms to Bald Head Lookout in the Royal National Park. Perfect. Here’s a photo of our good mate Inhouse Bob, [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=10537&pid=168472#pid168472]earlier in the year, admiring a not quite so stunning view from Bald Hill.



As an aside, on a recent ride with Cormanus (and more of that later) we discussed whether it was appropriate, when rain was on the horizon, to call out "Bob’s-a-comin”. Or worse still, “Wets on! Bob’s-a-here!”. That bloke is more effective at the precipitation game than a Zuni rain dancer, or a C130 cloud seeding operation. My poor attempt at humour aside, we would love to see Bob in Australia again and show him the real view from Bald Hill (and a number of other spots that were cancelled due weather).

With one eye on the odometer, and the other on Google Maps, I made a short detour through Helensburg and rolled into the Bald Hill car park just as 100k ticked over.



Here’s the view with Bob safely tucked away on the other side of the Pacific.







The Very Abbreviated Seat Time Bit

Earlier in the year Cormanus and I hatched a plan to ride to the Australian MotoGP and then, after the GP, take the car ferry to Tasmania and spend a week riding the great motorcycle roads the Island State has to offer. Cormanus also had some family business to attend to while there. I won't attempt to describe in detail the trip but I will say, without hesitation, if you ever intend to take a motorcycle tour of Tasmania, and you surely should, then for a guide choose Cormanus. In the week we were there we got around most of Tasmania, rode the best roads and had a great time. Thanks Mate. Recommended.

However, back to the MotoGP ride. I met Cormanus, who had bypassed Sydney on his ride down from Brisbane, at the Robertson Pie Shop, about 100kms to the south-west of Sydney. After a pie and a coffee we rode through Kangaroo Valley to Nowra and then on to the Braidwood Hotel for the night. Over a few refreshing beers, a little red wine, and some good pub grub we pondered the next day ride options and decided we would take a generally coastal route to Phillip Island. We planned to deviate from the coast road to ride a couple of the roads that link the coast to the mountains and plateaus of the Great Dividing Range. All these are lightly trafficked, lightly monitored by the law (not that we would ever break any laws) and very heavily twisted.

We left Braidwood next morning to effect the "plan". The weather was overcast and cool. As we proceeded eastward and came to the downhill run to the coast the overcast lowered. During the next hour we experienced, in my opinion at least, one of those rides that are memorable for their nightmare qualities; up there with thunderstorm rides, heavy rain rides or falling over on dirt kind of rides. The problem? Just fog, that's all. But dense fog, a thick pea soup that reduces visibility to around 30 meters at best and makes everything, including the road, very, very, wet. The kind of, well, let's say, cussed stuff that makes a mat of small beads that cling to the visor like pooh to a blanket and will not be removed except by a glove wipe, and then only for a millisecond. The kind of stuff that produces internal fogging of the visor that needs one to crack the same to clear but also lets cold, moisture laden air into the helmet. All this on a downhill section of twisties that, on a good day, would be motorcycle Nirvana but on this day was replete with hard-driven, tail-gating, windscreen wipered and air-conditioned four wheel drives that seemed intent on terrifying two CB riders relying on engine braking alone to negotiate corners that would give no indication of what, or who, was more than a few meters ahead. Couldn't slow down (who wants to be rear ended), couldn't speed up (poor adhesion and can't see) and with no shoulder to stop and get some respite, forty minutes of this felt like an eternity. At one stage, on a nasty bend, I thought Cormanus was going to over-run me and then he slid back and disappeared from view for the next twenty minutes until I could find a place to safely stop and wait. Later, on comparing notes with Cormanus, I believe that I had it a little better than him as my helmet is equiped with a [url=https://pinlock.com/what-is-a-pinlock-visor/]Pinlock Visor System that gave some measure of relief from internal fogging. Recommended.

Down on the coastal strip the weather cleared and all was good. Our spirits soared and our hearts were filled with joy as we rolled the throttles on. In the nature of motorcyclists our travails were quickly forgotten, at least for the moment. We also managed to howl past those who had given us such a hard time coming down the mountain. Revenge is sweet, even if only imagined.

After spending the night at Cann River, and doing some pondering in a similar manner to the previous night we headed for the Fish Creek Hotel, which at about 60kms from Phillip Island, was to be our base for the weekend (no camping for us this year). This would normally entail riding a particularly boring piece of the Princess Highway between Bairnsdale and Sale, about 100kms of straight, heavily policed road that despite the amount of revenue raised along its length still seems to produce some notable accident statistics. The main cause is almost certainly sheer boredom leading to inattention. However, some years ago, our good friend and forum member, Noroomtomove, had pointed us in the direction of a pleasant country road that bypasses this piece of highway and, in his honour, Cormanus and I now refer to this road as the "Eijnar Highway". Previously Mr and Mrs Noroomtomove had invited us to lunch with them and so around midday we pulled into their property in a rural setting, which, curiously enough, has plenty of room to move. It was good to be welcomed by the Noroomtomoves (and again many thanks to them). After a great lunch of excellent sandwiches and many cups of tea to wash down the chatter we set out for Fish Creek. We were disappointed that due to family commitments Noroomtomove was not able to accompany us to the GP as he has done in the past. His white CB was in the garage and looking good.

The Fish Creek Hotel - sometimes called "The Fishy"


Those who are interested would have seen what transpired at the Australian MotoGP as Marquez continued his march to another World Championship while the Moto3 World Champion, Mir, cemented his place in motorcycle history so I will leave that alone. While at the track I met up with a group of friends that I have accompanied on rides to previous GPs. Cormanus and I joined them and we watched the race from turn 6 (Siberia). Younger, and mostly much more adept and faster riders than I, they are a great group of blokes and have always made me feel welcome both on the ride and camping with them. I had developed a friendship with one of the lads' father, a lifelong and very keen motorcyclist. I was saddened to learn that earlier in the year he had developed a cancer and, perhaps mercifully, quickly passed away. After the race and the crowd had dispersed Cormanus and I joined them as we scattered his ashes on the grass inside of turn 3. A few words were spoken and a beer or two consumed. Dusk had fallen and we were in prime skippy time for the last of the run back to Fish Creek. Fortunately none were sighted.

On the Monday evening, we pulled up in Melbourne Docklands to board [url=https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au]The Spirit of Tasmania. We had some time to spare as Cormanus had arranged for us to meet with another forum member, Aussieflyer, at the Station Pier. We heard him before we saw him. Not overloud, but a very distinctive, and some would say perfect, note from the exhausts. And the [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1974]bike? Well, a real tribute to Aussieflyer's imagination, workmanship and attention to detail. A true café racer and in absolutely c

[Cormanus]

Day 8: 23 October 2017, Fish Creek to Melbourne (212 kms)


[url=https://drive.google.com/open?id=1y-lcKLMkXW05_nTY51ovai-LKDRD6I4e&usp=sharing]Link to Day 8 Map

[quote="Pterodactyl_imp" pid="34968" dateline="1512616980"]
I haven’t posted on the forum for some time now and haven’t really been a frequent visitor. Why? Well, certainly not to spurn the good members of this forum, simply to cut down on screen time. I found that it was often easier to open my computer and pleasantly while away an hour or two than it was to, say, load up my kayak and go fishing, go for a ride, play a few holes of golf, swim at nearby Bronte beach or even to do some walking in the surprisingly, considering how close they are to the city, wild and remote mountains and national parks that surround Sydney.

However, after a little nudge from my good mate Cormanus, I have dusted off my keyboard, opened an Imgur account and got down to posting. But where to post? Milestone thread? Seat Time? Technical? Maybe even Introductions considering how long it’s been. For reasons that will, eventually, be apparent the Agony Aunt Column would be good, but, alas, the good Guth has not seen fit to give us that comfort. Any of the aforementioned might suit I guess. I’ll dump it in General Discussion section and let the Mods decide it’s fate.

The Sort-of Introductory Bit

In June and July, Darling and I spent a month in Greece. We spent a week on Mykonos and then, returning to Athens, we hired a car to explore the Peloponnese. After ten days we handed our car in and took a ferry to the island of Hydra. What has that got to do with motorcycles you may ask. Well, nothing really, except that on Hydra all vehicles, and motorcycles are, by law, banned. If you need to go somewhere then it has to be by either horse, donkey, boat or Shanks' pony. With a population of a little less than 2000, great restaurants, welcoming tavernas and beautiful beaches with crystal clear water it is a great place to unwind. Recommended.

Hydra, town and port.


Who needs a litre bike?




The Milestone Bit

Thursday last week; 24degC, wind light and variable with some scattered fair weather cumulus cloud. Perfect for a ride. I slipped on my Ixon textile gear, checked Last Blast’s tyre pressures and oil level, geared up and headed south from Sydney. Filling up on the city outskirts I noted the odometer at 99893kms. I rode through the Royal National Park and then on to Mt Keira lookout. Perched 460m (about 1600ft) on the escarpment above Wollongong, Mt Keira gives a stunning view, as they say in the realty ads, of Wollongong and nearby coast.



After contemplating the scenery for twenty minutes or so I saddled up and turned towards home. The odometer showed 30kms to 100k. Not wanting to stop for a milestone photo on a freeway or on narrow twisty bits I considered the options. It was 28kms to Bald Head Lookout in the Royal National Park. Perfect. Here’s a photo of our good mate Inhouse Bob, [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=10537&pid=168472#pid168472]earlier in the year, admiring a not quite so stunning view from Bald Hill.



As an aside, on a recent ride with Cormanus (and more of that later) we discussed whether it was appropriate, when rain was on the horizon, to call out "Bob’s-a-comin”. Or worse still, “Wets on! Bob’s-a-here!”. That bloke is more effective at the precipitation game than a Zuni rain dancer, or a C130 cloud seeding operation. My poor attempt at humour aside, we would love to see Bob in Australia again and show him the real view from Bald Hill (and a number of other spots that were cancelled due weather).

With one eye on the odometer, and the other on Google Maps, I made a short detour through Helensburg and rolled into the Bald Hill car park just as 100k ticked over.



Here’s the view with Bob safely tucked away on the other side of the Pacific.







The Very Abbreviated Seat Time Bit

Earlier in the year Cormanus and I hatched a plan to ride to the Australian MotoGP and then, after the GP, take the car ferry to Tasmania and spend a week riding the great motorcycle roads the Island State has to offer. Cormanus also had some family business to attend to while there. I won't attempt to describe in detail the trip but I will say, without hesitation, if you ever intend to take a motorcycle tour of Tasmania, and you surely should, then for a guide choose Cormanus. In the week we were there we got around most of Tasmania, rode the best roads and had a great time. Thanks Mate. Recommended.

However, back to the MotoGP ride. I met Cormanus, who had bypassed Sydney on his ride down from Brisbane, at the Robertson Pie Shop, about 100kms to the south-west of Sydney. After a pie and a coffee we rode through Kangaroo Valley to Nowra and then on to the Braidwood Hotel for the night. Over a few refreshing beers, a little red wine, and some good pub grub we pondered the next day ride options and decided we would take a generally coastal route to Phillip Island. We planned to deviate from the coast road to ride a couple of the roads that link the coast to the mountains and plateaus of the Great Dividing Range. All these are lightly trafficked, lightly monitored by the law (not that we would ever break any laws) and very heavily twisted.

We left Braidwood next morning to effect the "plan". The weather was overcast and cool. As we proceeded eastward and came to the downhill run to the coast the overcast lowered. During the next hour we experienced, in my opinion at least, one of those rides that are memorable for their nightmare qualities; up there with thunderstorm rides, heavy rain rides or falling over on dirt kind of rides. The problem? Just fog, that's all. But dense fog, a thick pea soup that reduces visibility to around 30 meters at best and makes everything, including the road, very, very, wet. The kind of, well, let's say, cussed stuff that makes a mat of small beads that cling to the visor like pooh to a blanket and will not be removed except by a glove wipe, and then only for a millisecond. The kind of stuff that produces internal fogging of the visor that needs one to crack the same to clear but also lets cold, moisture laden air into the helmet. All this on a downhill section of twisties that, on a good day, would be motorcycle Nirvana but on this day was replete with hard-driven, tail-gating, windscreen wipered and air-conditioned four wheel drives that seemed intent on terrifying two CB riders relying on engine braking alone to negotiate corners that would give no indication of what, or who, was more than a few meters ahead. Couldn't slow down (who wants to be rear ended), couldn't speed up (poor adhesion and can't see) and with no shoulder to stop and get some respite, forty minutes of this felt like an eternity. At one stage, on a nasty bend, I thought Cormanus was going to over-run me and then he slid back and disappeared from view for the next twenty minutes until I could find a place to safely stop and wait. Later, on comparing notes with Cormanus, I believe that I had it a little better than him as my helmet is equiped with a [url=https://pinlock.com/what-is-a-pinlock-visor/]Pinlock Visor System that gave some measure of relief from internal fogging. Recommended.

Down on the coastal strip the weather cleared and all was good. Our spirits soared and our hearts were filled with joy as we rolled the throttles on. In the nature of motorcyclists our travails were quickly forgotten, at least for the moment. We also managed to howl past those who had given us such a hard time coming down the mountain. Revenge is sweet, even if only imagined.

After spending the night at Cann River, and doing some pondering in a similar manner to the previous night we headed for the Fish Creek Hotel, which at about 60kms from Phillip Island, was to be our base for the weekend (no camping for us this year). This would normally entail riding a particularly boring piece of the Princess Highway between Bairnsdale and Sale, about 100kms of straight, heavily policed road that despite the amount of revenue raised along its length still seems to produce some notable accident statistics. The main cause is almost certainly sheer boredom leading to inattention. However, some years ago, our good friend and forum member, Noroomtomove, had pointed us in the direction of a pleasant country road that bypasses this piece of highway and, in his honour, Cormanus and I now refer to this road as the "Eijnar Highway". Previously Mr and Mrs Noroomtomove had invited us to lunch with them and so around midday we pulled into their property in a rural setting, which, curiously enough, has plenty of room to move. It was good to be welcomed by the Noroomtomoves (and again many thanks to them). After a great lunch of excellent sandwiches and many cups of tea to wash down the chatter we set out for Fish Creek. We were disappointed that due to family commitments Noroomtomove was not able to accompany us to the GP as he has done in the past. His white CB was in the garage and looking good.

The Fish Creek Hotel - sometimes called "The Fishy"


Those who are interested would have seen what transpired at the Australian MotoGP as Marquez continued his march to another World Championship while the Moto3 World Champion, Mir, cemented his place in motorcycle history so I will leave that alone. While at the track I met up with a group of friends that I have accompanied on rides to previous GPs. Cormanus and I joined them and we watched the race from turn 6 (Siberia). Younger, and mostly much more adept and faster riders than I, they are a great group of blokes and have always made me feel welcome both on the ride and camping with them. I had developed a friendship with one of the lads' father, a lifelong and very keen motorcyclist. I was saddened to learn that earlier in the year he had developed a cancer and, perhaps mercifully, quickly passed away. After the race and the crowd had dispersed Cormanus and I joined them as we scattered his ashes on the grass inside of turn 3. A few words were spoken and a beer or two consumed. Dusk had fallen and we were in prime skippy time for the last of the run back to Fish Creek. Fortunately none were sighted.

On the Monday evening, we pulled up in Melbourne Docklands to board [url=https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au]The Spirit of Tasmania. We had some time to spare as Cormanus had arranged for us to meet with another forum member, Aussieflyer, at the Station Pier. We heard him before we saw him. Not overloud, but a very distinctive, and some would say perfect, note from the exhausts. And the [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1974]bike? Well, a real tribute to Aussieflyer's imagination, workmanship and attention to detail. A true café racer and in absolutely concourse condition. In a word, superb. And his mate Mick's Suzuki was not bad either. I don't have photos but am hoping Cormanus will bulk up this thread with photos and comments, or even give us another chapter of the Cormanus Chronicles to help me out.

Next morning, leaving the Spirit, we started our Tasmania ride. On day one we explored Cradle Mountain, rode to Burnie on the north coast and then down the west coast to Strahan. The west coast is exposed to the frequent low pressure systems that march unhindered from the Antarctic across and up from the Southern Ocean. West coast weather conditions can often and for long periods be very motorcycle unfriendly. Heavy rain, snow and ice are common all year round. Average rainfall is about 80ins a year, producing a wilderness area noted for its isolation, rainforests, wild rivers and lakes. But we struck it lucky. The weather was cool and generally fine making great riding conditions to match some really good roads.
Cradle Mountain, summer but still with some snow and ice


Cormanus atop the same


Strahan at dusk


After a night at Strahan (pronounced "Strawn") we rode on to Hobart. On the way we passed Derwent Bridge where, thirty years ago, I introduced Darling to the joys of bushwalking in the Tasmanian wilderness. We had three glorious days of trekking, trout fishing and camping around Lake Petrach. Steep terrain, flats covered with difficult to traverse button grass, constant rain, some sleet, mud and midges with the odd snake sighting. Oh, I nearly forgot the leeches. I loved it. Since then Darling has held fast to: "Spending the night under the stars is fine. It just has to be five stars". Hasn't stopped me though.

There followed three days of great day rides out from Hobart. A day with Cormanus and his mate Richard and wife (on a very nice BMW) to Port Arthur; a day by myself (Cormanus doing family duty) riding to the top of Mt Wellington and then to the south west of Hobart and, finally, a day ride with Cormanus where he showed me a couple of very scenic and motorcycle challenging roads that I had missed the previous day. All very, very, good stuff.

Cormanus and BMW K1200 riding friends


Hobart from Mt Wellington


Leaving Hobart we rode up the east coast. Most of the moisture pushed onto Tasmania's west coast remains there making the east coast a different country. Scenic but dryer and more akin to the east coast of the mainland. We had a good run up to St Helens for the night. Highlight of the ride was some "spirited" riding amongst a group of bikes on the Lake Leake Rd up to Campbelltown (some twisties and brilliant sweepers). While in Hobart, Cormanus had a dealer change his CB's chain and sprockets and the chain needed some adjustment by St Helens, probably from piling on the torque on the Lake Leake Rd. Next morning we did find a motorcycle workshop on the outskirts of St Helens, East Coast Motorcycles. As we rolled into the driveway I couldn't help but be reminded of Billy Bob Thornton's workshop in the movie U Turn, a 1997 neo-western neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Oliver Stone. But, in fact, the truth couldn't have been further from that. This bloke knew as much about motorcycles, and maybe more, as anyone I've known. Racing bikes to home made rat bikes, all there. And all showed the signs of someone who knew what they were doing. Cormanus' chain was adjusted very smartly and in the true Aussie tradition of helping out a bloke on the road, no charge, with the laconic "She'll be right, mate". Highly Recommended.


That evening we boarded the Spirit at Devonport and next morning arrived in Melbourne. The weather had turned to wet and cool, cold in the mountains. We rode northward from Melbourne over some interesting roads in the Healesville to Marysville area. Mind you, in the dry they would have been a whole lot more interesting. The area itself is heavily forested so wet bark and leaf litter made for a cautious but enjoyable ride. Reaching Marysville we then skirted the Snowy Mountains region and rode to Mt Beauty for the night. Once again, we did some serious pondering regarding the next days ride.

Marysville Tavern (Victoria), Rhododendrons, CBs and
Cormanus


Leaving Bright we headed north west to Ebden on the banks of the Hume Reservoir, formed in 1936 by the damming of the mighty Murray River. After some good seasons (thanks Bob, you helped) it was brimming and surrounded by lush green countryside. After breakfast at Ebden and a short stop at the dam itself, we rode the delightful Murray River Road, well described by Cormanus in previous Seat Time threads.

Hume Dam, Victoria


Our initial plan was to ride to Corryong then, due to the uncertain weather, skirt the Snowy Mountains and head north towards Sydney. While having lunch in Corryong both Cormanus and I kept casting glances to the east towards the Snowy Mountains and tried to convince ourselves that the weather over the mountains was improving. Surely it was. Wasn't it? Surely that cloud looks as though it is lifting. Doesn't it? Well, to quote young Oscar, "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.” So we did. Thirty minutes later we were blasting up Swampy Plains Road climbing into the Jagungal Wilderness. The clouds had indeed parted and the road surface was dry. Talk about Twist and Shout. This was serious fun. Concentrating on the road ahead took the mind away from the cold and we were elated when we stopped at Cabramurra, Australia's highest town, for a self serve refuel and a little sight seeing from a nearby lookout. Another hour on we had descended to Gundagai and were headed for the Boorowa Hotel where Mike, the Kiwi Irish publican, helped us wash the dust from our throats. Several times. Later we played darts with Mick and a couple of friendly locals. The rules of the game I never did comprehend but apparently everyone has a chance until the last few throws, I think. I slept well.

Boorowa - from the hotel verandah


Well, good readers, if you have stuck with me to here I thank you. But all good things must come to an end. We rode out of Boorowa through Crookwell and the Abercrombie Gorge, all good riding, to the Tarana Hotel. After a killer burger for lunch, it was time for Cormanus and I to go our seperate ways. For Cormanus another 1000kms to Brisbane and home; for me a mere 180kms to home for a total of about 5150kms for the ride.

It is always a privilege to ride with Cormanus and I have to thank this forum for introducing us. We have riden many tens of thousands of kilometres together since June 2014 and I do hope that we have a few more rides left in us. Just in case you think I am being too kind to him, remember he was the dolt who accidentally deleted my Milestone thread and then replaced it with his own. I have therefore, by Pterodactylian decree, declared his Milestone thread unauthorised, even provocative. I have taken offence and thus sought a safe space in the General Discussion section for my Milestone post.


The Sort-of Technical Bit

Most of us have riding habits that sometimes we are almost unaware of. I guess that's why we call them habits. After an hour or so of touring riding, when coming to a reduction in the speed limit, normally upon approaching an urban area, I tend to let go of the handlebar, drop my hands to my sides and steer the bike with my knees for a few seconds. Easy. It relaxes me and resets me to Urban Mode. You know, the mode that prioritises being aware of motorists with mobile phones rather than Touring Mode where corner speed entry tends to take priority. After disembarking from the Spirit of Tasmania and less than an hour into our Tasmania ride on decelerating I released the bar. To my surprise Last Blast took a distinct liking to making a left turn with me automatically leaning my body to keep running straight while I quickly replaced my hands on the bar. I then noticed that with the wheel running straight that the handle bar was turned to the right. With both hands on and leaning on the bar the effect was not really noticeable, but it was there. What was going on? My theory is that the tie down procedure on the Spirit was the cause. On riding to the allocated deck and parking position the bike is left on the center stand in first gear with the steering unlocked. The crew then attach two substantial fabric tie down straps with mechanical ratchet tightners to both sides of the bar until the the bike is secure with the front forks firmly compressed. They also apply the front brake and secure the brake lever with an elastic band. I suspect this twisted the forks out of alignment. So why not Cormanus' bike? Well, he has a fork brace and I suspect my bottom bridge pinch bolts may have been a little under-torqued.

So, how to straighten this out. I used the following procedure:

First check the rear wheel is aligned by checking the index marks on the adjustor plates. Then:
1. Loosen the steering stem nut. To get a socket on this the bar needs to be lifted. When done replace the bar; no need to fully torque. Ensure the top bridge bolts are at correct torque.
2. Loosen the bottom bridge bolts. Leave almost finger tight.
3. Loosen the right axle pinch bolts, the axle bolt and then the left axle pinch bolts. Leave all almost finger tight.
4. Loosen both left and right brake caliper bolts to almost finger tight.
5. Loosen the mudguard mounting bolts.

When I say, "almost finger tight", I mean take to finger tight and back off a turn.

If you have help get the helper to hold the bike from the rear while it rests on front and rear wheel. Mount up with feet on the pegs and, firmly pushing forward onto the front bridge, throw your weight onto the front suspension and bounce it up and down several times. Continue until you see that the front wheel and the bar are aligned with the fore and aft axis of the bike. I didn't have help so with the bike on the center stand I held the front brake on and trying to not put any input to the bars threw my weight forward to bounce the front suspension releasing the brake and bar as the suspension compressed and rebounded. I had to put brake input incase the bike came forward and off the centre stand leaving me and the bike lying on the floor. This straightened things up but not completely so I put the front tyre against a cement column and pushed the bar to help align it with the front wheel. I then did the bouncy bouncy bit again and all came good. Then I followed this:

1. Torque up the steering stem nut and the handlebar upper holder bolts
2. Torque up the center bridge bolts.
3. Torque up the axle bolt
4. Torque up the right axle pinch bolts
5. Torque up the caliper bolts*
5. With the front brake applied pump the fork up and down several times to seat the axle
6. Torque up the left axle pinch bolts
7. Tighten up the mudguard.

Recheck that all is correctly aligned and torqued in case you, or I, have forgotten something. Check front brake operation. Go for a ride and check that on deceleration with the bar released the bike runs straight and true. Last Blast did so.

*Note that Honda requires the caliper bolts (ALOC bolts) to be replaced after loosening or removing. I don't often do this. Instead I apply medium strength Loctite and make sure I don't over-torque. So far so good.

The Agony Aunt Column
or
"There is no fool like an old fool"

Dear Aunt Agutha,

Please help me. In February 2012 I took a CB1100 (build date 6/10), pure and unsullied, from the showroom. In Candy Glory Red it was a sight to behold. I'm a pretty constant sort of bloke and I was so sure that our union would last me well into my twilight years (I'm in my 73rd year) that I named that CB Last Blast. In the past I have had flings with Triumphs, BSAs, Matchless', Ducatis and Hondas. The Ducati I particularly remember as being a monster, not only by name but by nature; high maintenance that one. One ageing Triumph ('61 T120) is still, like a maiden aunt, in my possession but sees no action. But flings were all they were. Honest. I thought that Last Blast was the real thing and as we cruised towards our 100k anniversary all was well.

Then, walking through the Exhibitors Pavilion at the 2016 WSBK at Phillip Island it happened. Across a crowded room I caught sight of a [url=http://www.mvagusta.com/en-us/motorcycles/turismo-veloce-lusso-800/]shapely young Italian. My pulse quickened, my head spun and the desire to possess, quite frankly, overtook me and has become an obsession. However, to realise this obsession I would have to consign my faithful Last Blast to the realm of bikesales.com.au, a realm of no longer wanted bikes characterised as "pre-loved". Does Last Blast deserve this fate? Does the Italian need me or do the carers just want my money (about AUD25.000, ride away)?

Your advice is eagerly awaited.

Pterodactyl.

The Photo Competition Bit

This is not a competition for the best photo but is a test of observation. One of the above photos that I have posted contains an anomaly. What, who or where is it? Who sees it? Easy peasy really and I am sure that blokes like Popgun, Ferret or Django will be all over it. Can you beat them to it? Go on, have a go.

Merry Christmas to you all. I hope you have a happy and healthy 2018.
[/quote]
Not a bad opportunity again to show AussieFlyer's bike and say thanks again for the fish and chips!




And Mick's Suzuki.





Day 9: 24 October 2017, Devonport to Strahan (457 kms)


[url=https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IjUuSJw0cvRUuoN4TE19svb5bkkADk8e&usp=sharing]Link to Day 9 Map

[quote="Pterodactyl_imp" pid="34968" dateline="1512616980"]
I haven’t posted on the forum for some time now and haven’t really been a frequent visitor. Why? Well, certainly not to spurn the good members of this forum, simply to cut down on screen time. I found that it was often easier to open my computer and pleasantly while away an hour or two than it was to, say, load up my kayak and go fishing, go for a ride, play a few holes of golf, swim at nearby Bronte beach or even to do some walking in the surprisingly, considering how close they are to the city, wild and remote mountains and national parks that surround Sydney.

However, after a little nudge from my good mate Cormanus, I have dusted off my keyboard, opened an Imgur account and got down to posting. But where to post? Milestone thread? Seat Time? Technical? Maybe even Introductions considering how long it’s been. For reasons that will, eventually, be apparent the Agony Aunt Column would be good, but, alas, the good Guth has not seen fit to give us that comfort. Any of the aforementioned might suit I guess. I’ll dump it in General Discussion section and let the Mods decide it’s fate.

The Sort-of Introductory Bit

In June and July, Darling and I spent a month in Greece. We spent a week on Mykonos and then, returning to Athens, we hired a car to explore the Peloponnese. After ten days we handed our car in and took a ferry to the island of Hydra. What has that got to do with motorcycles you may ask. Well, nothing really, except that on Hydra all vehicles, and motorcycles are, by law, banned. If you need to go somewhere then it has to be by either horse, donkey, boat or Shanks' pony. With a population of a little less than 2000, great restaurants, welcoming tavernas and beautiful beaches with crystal clear water it is a great place to unwind. Recommended.

Hydra, town and port.


Who needs a litre bike?




The Milestone Bit

Thursday last week; 24degC, wind light and variable with some scattered fair weather cumulus cloud. Perfect for a ride. I slipped on my Ixon textile gear, checked Last Blast’s tyre pressures and oil level, geared up and headed south from Sydney. Filling up on the city outskirts I noted the odometer at 99893kms. I rode through the Royal National Park and then on to Mt Keira lookout. Perched 460m (about 1600ft) on the escarpment above Wollongong, Mt Keira gives a stunning view, as they say in the realty ads, of Wollongong and nearby coast.



After contemplating the scenery for twenty minutes or so I saddled up and turned towards home. The odometer showed 30kms to 100k. Not wanting to stop for a milestone photo on a freeway or on narrow twisty bits I considered the options. It was 28kms to Bald Head Lookout in the Royal National Park. Perfect. Here’s a photo of our good mate Inhouse Bob, [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=10537&pid=168472#pid168472]earlier in the year, admiring a not quite so stunning view from Bald Hill.



As an aside, on a recent ride with Cormanus (and more of that later) we discussed whether it was appropriate, when rain was on the horizon, to call out "Bob’s-a-comin”. Or worse still, “Wets on! Bob’s-a-here!”. That bloke is more effective at the precipitation game than a Zuni rain dancer, or a C130 cloud seeding operation. My poor attempt at humour aside, we would love to see Bob in Australia again and show him the real view from Bald Hill (and a number of other spots that were cancelled due weather).

With one eye on the odometer, and the other on Google Maps, I made a short detour through Helensburg and rolled into the Bald Hill car park just as 100k ticked over.



Here’s the view with Bob safely tucked away on the other side of the Pacific.







The Very Abbreviated Seat Time Bit

Earlier in the year Cormanus and I hatched a plan to ride to the Australian MotoGP and then, after the GP, take the car ferry to Tasmania and spend a week riding the great motorcycle roads the Island State has to offer. Cormanus also had some family business to attend to while there. I won't attempt to describe in detail the trip but I will say, without hesitation, if you ever intend to take a motorcycle tour of Tasmania, and you surely should, then for a guide choose Cormanus. In the week we were there we got around most of Tasmania, rode the best roads and had a great time. Thanks Mate. Recommended.

However, back to the MotoGP ride. I met Cormanus, who had bypassed Sydney on his ride down from Brisbane, at the Robertson Pie Shop, about 100kms to the south-west of Sydney. After a pie and a coffee we rode through Kangaroo Valley to Nowra and then on to the Braidwood Hotel for the night. Over a few refreshing beers, a little red wine, and some good pub grub we pondered the next day ride options and decided we would take a generally coastal route to Phillip Island. We planned to deviate from the coast road to ride a couple of the roads that link the coast to the mountains and plateaus of the Great Dividing Range. All these are lightly trafficked, lightly monitored by the law (not that we would ever break any laws) and very heavily twisted.

We left Braidwood next morning to effect the "plan". The weather was overcast and cool. As we proceeded eastward and came to the downhill run to the coast the overcast lowered. During the next hour we experienced, in my opinion at least, one of those rides that are memorable for their nightmare qualities; up there with thunderstorm rides, heavy rain rides or falling over on dirt kind of rides. The problem? Just fog, that's all. But dense fog, a thick pea soup that reduces visibility to around 30 meters at best and makes everything, including the road, very, very, wet. The kind of, well, let's say, cussed stuff that makes a mat of small beads that cling to the visor like pooh to a blanket and will not be removed except by a glove wipe, and then only for a millisecond. The kind of stuff that produces internal fogging of the visor that needs one to crack the same to clear but also lets cold, moisture laden air into the helmet. All this on a downhill section of twisties that, on a good day, would be motorcycle Nirvana but on this day was replete with hard-driven, tail-gating, windscreen wipered and air-conditioned four wheel drives that seemed intent on terrifying two CB riders relying on engine braking alone to negotiate corners that would give no indication of what, or who, was more than a few meters ahead. Couldn't slow down (who wants to be rear ended), couldn't speed up (poor adhesion and can't see) and with no shoulder to stop and get some respite, forty minutes of this felt like an eternity. At one stage, on a nasty bend, I thought Cormanus was going to over-run me and then he slid back and disappeared from view for the next twenty minutes until I could find a place to safely stop and wait. Later, on comparing notes with Cormanus, I believe that I had it a little better than him as my helmet is equiped with a [url=https://pinlock.com/what-is-a-pinlock-visor/]Pinlock Visor System that gave some measure of relief from internal fogging. Recommended.

Down on the coastal strip the weather cleared and all was good. Our spirits soared and our hearts were filled with joy as we rolled the throttles on. In the nature of motorcyclists our travails were quickly forgotten, at least for the moment. We also managed to howl past those who had given us such a hard time coming down the mountain. Revenge is sweet, even if only imagined.

After spending the night at Cann River, and doing some pondering in a similar manner to the previous night we headed for the Fish Creek Hotel, which at about 60kms from Phillip Island, was to be our base for the weekend (no camping for us this year). This would normally entail riding a particularly boring piece of the Princess Highway between Bairnsdale and Sale, about 100kms of straight, heavily policed road that despite the amount of revenue raised along its length still seems to produce some notable accident statistics. The main cause is almost certainly sheer boredom leading to inattention. However, some years ago, our good friend and forum member, Noroomtomove, had pointed us in the direction of a pleasant country road that bypasses this piece of highway and, in his honour, Cormanus and I now refer to this road as the "Eijnar Highway". Previously Mr and Mrs Noroomtomove had invited us to lunch with them and so around midday we pulled into their property in a rural setting, which, curiously enough, has plenty of room to move. It was good to be welcomed by the Noroomtomoves (and again many thanks to them). After a great lunch of excellent sandwiches and many cups of tea to wash down the chatter we set out for Fish Creek. We were disappointed that due to family commitments Noroomtomove was not able to accompany us to the GP as he has done in the past. His white CB was in the garage and looking good.

The Fish Creek Hotel - sometimes called "The Fishy"


Those who are interested would have seen what transpired at the Australian MotoGP as Marquez continued his march to another World Championship while the Moto3 World Champion, Mir, cemented his place in motorcycle history so I will leave that alone. While at the track I met up with a group of friends that I have accompanied on rides to previous GPs. Cormanus and I joined them and we watched the race from turn 6 (Siberia). Younger, and mostly much more adept and faster riders than I, they are a great group of blokes and have always made me feel welcome both on the ride and camping with them. I had developed a friendship with one of the lads' father, a lifelong and very keen motorcyclist. I was saddened to learn that earlier in the year he had developed a cancer and, perhaps mercifully, quickly passed away. After the race and the crowd had dispersed Cormanus and I joined them as we scattered his ashes on the grass inside of turn 3. A few words were spoken and a beer or two consumed. Dusk had fallen and we were in prime skippy time for the last of the run back to Fish Creek. Fortunately none were sighted.

On the Monday evening, we pulled up in Melbourne Docklands to board [url=https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au]The Spirit of Tasmania. We had some time to spare as Cormanus had arranged for us to meet with another forum member, Aussieflyer, at the Station Pier. We heard him before we saw him. Not overloud, but a very distinctive, and some would say perfect, note from the exhausts. And the [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1974]bike? Well, a real tribute to Aussieflyer's imagination, workmanship and attention to detail. A true café racer and in absolutely concourse condition. In a word, superb. And his mate Mick's Suzuki was not bad either. I don't have photos but am hoping Cormanus will bulk up this thread with photos and comments, or even give us another chapter of the Cormanus Chronicles to help me out.

Next morning, leaving the Spirit, we started our Tasmania ride. On day one we explored Cradle Mountain, rode to Burnie on the north coast and then down the west coast to Strahan. The west coast is exposed to the frequent low pressure systems that march unhindered from the Antarctic across and up from the Southern Ocean. West coast weather conditions can often and for long periods be very motorcycle unfriendly. Heavy rain, snow and ice are common all year round. Average rainfall is about 80ins a year, producing a wilderness area noted for its isolation, rainforests, wild rivers and lakes. But we struck it lucky. The weather was cool and generally fine making great riding conditions to match some really good roads.
Cradle Mountain, summer but still with some snow and ice


Cormanus atop the same


Strahan at dusk


After a night at Strahan (pronounced "Strawn") we rode on to Hobart. On the way we passed Derwent Bridge where, thirty years ago, I introduced Darling to the joys of bushwalking in the Tasmanian wilderness. We had three glorious days of trekking, trout fishing and camping around Lake Petrach. Steep terrain, flats covered with difficult to traverse button grass, constant rain, some sleet, mud and midges with the odd snake sighting. Oh, I nearly forgot the leeches. I loved it. Since then Darling has held fast to: "Spending the night under the stars is fine. It just has to be five stars". Hasn't stopped me though.

There followed three days of great day rides out from Hobart. A day with Cormanus and his mate Richard and wife (on a very nice BMW) to Port Arthur; a day by myself (Cormanus doing family duty) riding to the top of Mt Wellington and then to the south west of Hobart and, finally, a day ride with Cormanus where he showed me a couple of very scenic and motorcycle challenging roads that I had missed the previous day. All very, very, good stuff.

Cormanus and BMW K1200 riding friends


Hobart from Mt Wellington


Leaving Hobart we rode up the east coast. Most of the moisture pushed onto Tasmania's west coast remains there making the east coast a different country. Scenic but dryer and more akin to the east coast of the mainland. We had a good run up to St Helens for the night. Highlight of the ride was some "spirited" riding amongst a group of bikes on the Lake Leake Rd up to Campbelltown (some twisties and brilliant sweepers). While in Hobart, Cormanus had a dealer change his CB's chain and sprockets and the chain needed some adjustment by St Helens, probably from piling on the torque on the Lake Leake Rd. Next morning we did find a motorcycle workshop on the outskirts of St Helens, East Coast Motorcycles. As we rolled into the driveway I couldn't help but be reminded of Billy Bob Thornton's workshop in the movie U Turn, a 1997 neo-western neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Oliver Stone. But, in fact, the truth couldn't have been further from that. This bloke knew as much about motorcycles, and maybe more, as anyone I've known. Racing bikes to home made rat bikes, all there. And all showed the signs of someone who knew what they were doing. Cormanus' chain was adjusted very smartly and in the true Aussie tradition of helping out a bloke on the road, no charge, with the laconic "She'll be right, mate". Highly Recommended.


That evening we boarded the Spirit at Devonport and next morning arrived in Melbourne. The weather had turned to wet and cool, cold in the mountains. We rode northward from Melbourne over some interesting roads in the Healesville to Marysville area. Mind you, in the dry they would have been a whole lot more interesting. The area itself is heavily forested so wet bark and leaf litter made for a cautious but enjoyable ride. Reaching Marysville we then skirted the Snowy Mountains region and rode to Mt Beauty for the night. Once again, we did some serious pondering regarding the next days ride.

Marysville Tavern (Victoria), Rhododendrons, CBs and
Cormanus


Leaving Bright we headed north west to Ebden on the banks of the Hume Reservoir, formed in 1936 by the damming of the mighty Murray River. After some good seasons (thanks Bob, you helped) it was brimming and surrounded by lush green countryside. After breakfast at Ebden and a short stop at the dam itself, we rode the delightful Murray River Road, well described by Cormanus in previous Seat Time threads.

Hume Dam, Victoria


Our initial plan was to ride to Corryong then, due to the uncertain weather, skirt the Snowy Mountains and head north towards Sydney. While having lunch in Corryong both Cormanus and I kept casting glances to the east towards the Snowy Mountains and tried to convince ourselves that the weather over the mountains was improving. Surely it was. Wasn't it? Surely that cloud looks as though it is lifting. Doesn't it? Well, to quote young Oscar, "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.” So we did. Thirty minutes later we were blasting up Swampy Plains Road climbing into the Jagungal Wilderness. The clouds had indeed parted and the road surface was dry. Talk about Twist and Shout. This was serious fun. Concentrating on the road ahead took the mind away from the cold and we were elated when we stopped at Cabramurra, Australia's highest town, for a self serve refuel and a little sight seeing from a nearby lookout. Another hour on we had descended to Gundagai and were headed for the Boorowa Hotel where Mike, the Kiwi Irish publican, helped us wash the dust from our throats. Several times. Later we played darts with Mick and a couple of friendly locals. The rules of the game I never did comprehend but apparently everyone has a chance until the last few throws, I think. I slept well.

Boorowa - from the hotel verandah


Well, good readers, if you have stuck with me to here I thank you. But all good things must come to an end. We rode out of Boorowa through Crookwell and the Abercrombie Gorge, all good riding, to the Tarana Hotel. After a killer burger for lunch, it was time for Cormanus and I to go our seperate ways. For Cormanus another 1000kms to Brisbane and home; for me a mere 180kms to home for a total of about 5150kms for the ride.

It is always a privilege to ride with Cormanus and I have to thank this forum for introducing us. We have riden many tens of thousands of kilometres together since June 2014 and I do hope that we have a few more rides left in us. Just in case you think I am being too kind to him, remember he was the dolt who accidentally deleted my Milestone thread and then replaced it with his own. I have therefore, by Pterodactylian decree, declared his Milestone thread unauthorised, even provocative. I have taken offence and thus sought a safe space in the General Discussion section for my Milestone post.


The Sort-of Technical Bit

Most of us have riding habits that sometimes we are almost unaware of. I guess that's why we call them habits. After an hour or so of touring riding, when coming to a reduction in the speed limit, normally upon approaching an urban area, I tend to let go of the handlebar, drop my hands to my sides and steer the bike with my knees for a few seconds. Easy. It relaxes me and resets me to Urban Mode. You know, the mode that prioritises being aware of motorists with mobile phones rather than Touring Mode where corner speed entry tends to take priority. After disembarking from the Spirit of Tasmania and less than an hour into our Tasmania ride on decelerating I released the bar. To my surprise Last Blast took a distinct liking to making a left turn with me automatically leaning my body to keep running straight while I quickly replaced my hands on the bar. I then noticed that with the wheel running straight that the handle bar was turned to the right. With both hands on and leaning on the bar the effect was not really noticeable, but it was there. What was going on? My theory is that the tie down procedure on the Spirit was the cause. On riding to the allocated deck and parking position the bike is left on the center stand in first gear with the steering unlocked. The crew then attach two substantial fabric tie down straps with mechanical ratchet tightners to both sides of the bar until the the bike is secure with the front forks firmly compressed. They also apply the front brake and secure the brake lever with an elastic band. I suspect this twisted the forks out of alignment. So why not Cormanus' bike? Well, he has a fork brace and I suspect my bottom bridge pinch bolts may have been a little under-torqued.

So, how to straighten this out. I used the following procedure:

First check the rear wheel is aligned by checking the index marks on the adjustor plates. Then:
1. Loosen the steering stem nut. To get a socket on this the bar needs to be lifted. When done replace the bar; no need to fully torque. Ensure the top bridge bolts are at correct torque.
2. Loosen the bottom bridge bolts. Leave almost finger tight.
3. Loosen the right axle pinch bolts, the axle bolt and then the left axle pinch bolts. Leave all almost finger tight.
4. Loosen both left and right brake caliper bolts to almost finger tight.
5. Loosen the mudguard mounting bolts.

When I say, "almost finger tight", I mean take to finger tight and back off a turn.

If you have help get the helper to hold the bike from the rear while it rests on front and rear wheel. Mount up with feet on the pegs and, firmly pushing forward onto the front bridge, throw your weight onto the front suspension and bounce it up and down several times. Continue until you see that the front wheel and the bar are aligned with the fore and aft axis of the bike. I didn't have help so with the bike on the center stand I held the front brake on and trying to not put any input to the bars threw my weight forward to bounce the front suspension releasing the brake and bar as the suspension compressed and rebounded. I had to put brake input incase the bike came forward and off the centre stand leaving me and the bike lying on the floor. This straightened things up but not completely so I put the front tyre against a cement column and pushed the bar to help align it with the front wheel. I then did the bouncy bouncy bit again and all came good. Then I followed this:

1. Torque up the steering stem nut and the handlebar upper holder bolts
2. Torque up the center bridge bolts.
3. Torque up the axle bolt
4. Torque up the right axle pinch bolts
5. Torque up the caliper bolts*
5. With the front brake applied pump the fork up and down several times to seat the axle
6. Torque up the left axle pinch bolts
7. Tighten up the mudguard.

Recheck that all is correctly aligned and torqued in case you, or I, have forgotten something. Check front brake operation. Go for a ride and check that on deceleration with the bar released the bike runs straight and true. Last Blast did so.

*Note that Honda requires the caliper bolts (ALOC bolts) to be replaced after loosening or removing. I don't often do this. Instead I apply medium strength Loctite and make sure I don't over-torque. So far so good.

The Agony Aunt Column
or
"There is no fool like an old fool"

Dear Aunt Agutha,

Please help me. In February 2012 I took a CB1100 (build date 6/10), pure and unsullied, from the showroom. In Candy Glory Red it was a sight to behold. I'm a pretty constant sort of bloke and I was so sure that our union would last me well into my twilight years (I'm in my 73rd year) that I named that CB Last Blast. In the past I have had flings with Triumphs, BSAs, Matchless', Ducatis and Hondas. The Ducati I particularly remember as being a monster, not only by name but by nature; high maintenance that one. One ageing Triumph ('61 T120) is still, like a maiden aunt, in my possession but sees no action. But flings were all they were. Honest. I thought that Last Blast was the real thing and as we cruised towards our 100k anniversary all was well.

Then, walking through the Exhibitors Pavilion at the 2016 WSBK at Phillip Island it happened. Across a crowded room I caught sight of a [url=http://www.mvagusta.com/en-us/motorcycles/turismo-veloce-lusso-800/]shapely young Italian. My pulse quickened, my head spun and the desire to possess, quite frankly, overtook me and has become an obsession. However, to realise this obsession I would have to consign my faithful Last Blast to the realm of bikesales.com.au, a realm of no longer wanted bikes characterised as "pre-loved". Does Last Blast deserve this fate? Does the Italian need me or do the carers just want my money (about AUD25.000, ride away)?

Your advice is eagerly awaited.

Pterodactyl.

The Photo Competition Bit

This is not a competition for the best photo but is a test of observation. One of the above photos that I have posted contains an anomaly. What, who or where is it? Who sees it? Easy peasy really and I am sure that blokes like Popgun, Ferret or Django will be all over it. Can you beat them to it? Go on, have a go.

Merry Christmas to you all. I hope you have a happy and healthy 2018.
[/quote]
A couple of things about Day 9. This is the third time I've ridden the CB1100 to Tasmania and each time I've intended to ride the west coast but the weather has always been appalling. This time, although we had a couple of showers to contend with, it mostly fine and beautiful. It's a great place to ride.

Secondly, for those following the map, after leaving Cradle Mountain, we visited Waratah and then rode anti-clockwise (or counter-clockwise in American) around the loop to the north. That was purely for the benefit of riding south through the Hellyer Gorge.


Wildflower at Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain



Australians seem to have a fascination with 'big things'. I've talked about this before. This blow-up treasure is the Big Thylacine on the awning of the Waratah Roadhouse. It differs from other big things by not being made of fibreglass or concrete or something more enduring. The thylacine, or Tasmanian Tiger is almost certainly extinct. The last one died in the Hobart zoo in 1936 or thereabouts, but there are those who keep searching for it and those who swear black and blue that it still lurks in the forests of the west coast of Tasmania. But then so does the Yeti.



The Waratah Roadhouse also sported this sign on the door of the loo. I include it because I like and because it seems to me to pose one of those mildly philosophical questions that amuse members of this forum in the winter months. I look forward to views on the question in due course.


Roads on the west coast contain a fair bit of quartz
Day 10: 25 October 2017, Strahan to Hobart (328 kms)

[url=https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-v6UyzpB1lFB6_Ed6iR3tPKF9rMcrENH&usp=sharing]Link to Day 10 Map

[quote="Pterodactyl_imp" pid="34968" dateline="1512616980"]
I haven’t posted on the forum for some time now and haven’t really been a frequent visitor. Why? Well, certainly not to spurn the good members of this forum, simply to cut down on screen time. I found that it was often easier to open my computer and pleasantly while away an hour or two than it was to, say, load up my kayak and go fishing, go for a ride, play a few holes of golf, swim at nearby Bronte beach or even to do some walking in the surprisingly, considering how close they are to the city, wild and remote mountains and national parks that surround Sydney.

However, after a little nudge from my good mate Cormanus, I have dusted off my keyboard, opened an Imgur account and got down to posting. But where to post? Milestone thread? Seat Time? Technical? Maybe even Introductions considering how long it’s been. For reasons that will, eventually, be apparent the Agony Aunt Column would be good, but, alas, the good Guth has not seen fit to give us that comfort. Any of the aforementioned might suit I guess. I’ll dump it in General Discussion section and let the Mods decide it’s fate.

The Sort-of Introductory Bit

In June and July, Darling and I spent a month in Greece. We spent a week on Mykonos and then, returning to Athens, we hired a car to explore the Peloponnese. After ten days we handed our car in and took a ferry to the island of Hydra. What has that got to do with motorcycles you may ask. Well, nothing really, except that on Hydra all vehicles, and motorcycles are, by law, banned. If you need to go somewhere then it has to be by either horse, donkey, boat or Shanks' pony. With a population of a little less than 2000, great restaurants, welcoming tavernas and beautiful beaches with crystal clear water it is a great place to unwind. Recommended.

Hydra, town and port.


Who needs a litre bike?




The Milestone Bit

Thursday last week; 24degC, wind light and variable with some scattered fair weather cumulus cloud. Perfect for a ride. I slipped on my Ixon textile gear, checked Last Blast’s tyre pressures and oil level, geared up and headed south from Sydney. Filling up on the city outskirts I noted the odometer at 99893kms. I rode through the Royal National Park and then on to Mt Keira lookout. Perched 460m (about 1600ft) on the escarpment above Wollongong, Mt Keira gives a stunning view, as they say in the realty ads, of Wollongong and nearby coast.



After contemplating the scenery for twenty minutes or so I saddled up and turned towards home. The odometer showed 30kms to 100k. Not wanting to stop for a milestone photo on a freeway or on narrow twisty bits I considered the options. It was 28kms to Bald Head Lookout in the Royal National Park. Perfect. Here’s a photo of our good mate Inhouse Bob, [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=10537&pid=168472#pid168472]earlier in the year, admiring a not quite so stunning view from Bald Hill.



As an aside, on a recent ride with Cormanus (and more of that later) we discussed whether it was appropriate, when rain was on the horizon, to call out "Bob’s-a-comin”. Or worse still, “Wets on! Bob’s-a-here!”. That bloke is more effective at the precipitation game than a Zuni rain dancer, or a C130 cloud seeding operation. My poor attempt at humour aside, we would love to see Bob in Australia again and show him the real view from Bald Hill (and a number of other spots that were cancelled due weather).

With one eye on the odometer, and the other on Google Maps, I made a short detour through Helensburg and rolled into the Bald Hill car park just as 100k ticked over.



Here’s the view with Bob safely tucked away on the other side of the Pacific.







The Very Abbreviated Seat Time Bit

Earlier in the year Cormanus and I hatched a plan to ride to the Australian MotoGP and then, after the GP, take the car ferry to Tasmania and spend a week riding the great motorcycle roads the Island State has to offer. Cormanus also had some family business to attend to while there. I won't attempt to describe in detail the trip but I will say, without hesitation, if you ever intend to take a motorcycle tour of Tasmania, and you surely should, then for a guide choose Cormanus. In the week we were there we got around most of Tasmania, rode the best roads and had a great time. Thanks Mate. Recommended.

However, back to the MotoGP ride. I met Cormanus, who had bypassed Sydney on his ride down from Brisbane, at the Robertson Pie Shop, about 100kms to the south-west of Sydney. After a pie and a coffee we rode through Kangaroo Valley to Nowra and then on to the Braidwood Hotel for the night. Over a few refreshing beers, a little red wine, and some good pub grub we pondered the next day ride options and decided we would take a generally coastal route to Phillip Island. We planned to deviate from the coast road to ride a couple of the roads that link the coast to the mountains and plateaus of the Great Dividing Range. All these are lightly trafficked, lightly monitored by the law (not that we would ever break any laws) and very heavily twisted.

We left Braidwood next morning to effect the "plan". The weather was overcast and cool. As we proceeded eastward and came to the downhill run to the coast the overcast lowered. During the next hour we experienced, in my opinion at least, one of those rides that are memorable for their nightmare qualities; up there with thunderstorm rides, heavy rain rides or falling over on dirt kind of rides. The problem? Just fog, that's all. But dense fog, a thick pea soup that reduces visibility to around 30 meters at best and makes everything, including the road, very, very, wet. The kind of, well, let's say, cussed stuff that makes a mat of small beads that cling to the visor like pooh to a blanket and will not be removed except by a glove wipe, and then only for a millisecond. The kind of stuff that produces internal fogging of the visor that needs one to crack the same to clear but also lets cold, moisture laden air into the helmet. All this on a downhill section of twisties that, on a good day, would be motorcycle Nirvana but on this day was replete with hard-driven, tail-gating, windscreen wipered and air-conditioned four wheel drives that seemed intent on terrifying two CB riders relying on engine braking alone to negotiate corners that would give no indication of what, or who, was more than a few meters ahead. Couldn't slow down (who wants to be rear ended), couldn't speed up (poor adhesion and can't see) and with no shoulder to stop and get some respite, forty minutes of this felt like an eternity. At one stage, on a nasty bend, I thought Cormanus was going to over-run me and then he slid back and disappeared from view for the next twenty minutes until I could find a place to safely stop and wait. Later, on comparing notes with Cormanus, I believe that I had it a little better than him as my helmet is equiped with a [url=https://pinlock.com/what-is-a-pinlock-visor/]Pinlock Visor System that gave some measure of relief from internal fogging. Recommended.

Down on the coastal strip the weather cleared and all was good. Our spirits soared and our hearts were filled with joy as we rolled the throttles on. In the nature of motorcyclists our travails were quickly forgotten, at least for the moment. We also managed to howl past those who had given us such a hard time coming down the mountain. Revenge is sweet, even if only imagined.

After spending the night at Cann River, and doing some pondering in a similar manner to the previous night we headed for the Fish Creek Hotel, which at about 60kms from Phillip Island, was to be our base for the weekend (no camping for us this year). This would normally entail riding a particularly boring piece of the Princess Highway between Bairnsdale and Sale, about 100kms of straight, heavily policed road that despite the amount of revenue raised along its length still seems to produce some notable accident statistics. The main cause is almost certainly sheer boredom leading to inattention. However, some years ago, our good friend and forum member, Noroomtomove, had pointed us in the direction of a pleasant country road that bypasses this piece of highway and, in his honour, Cormanus and I now refer to this road as the "Eijnar Highway". Previously Mr and Mrs Noroomtomove had invited us to lunch with them and so around midday we pulled into their property in a rural setting, which, curiously enough, has plenty of room to move. It was good to be welcomed by the Noroomtomoves (and again many thanks to them). After a great lunch of excellent sandwiches and many cups of tea to wash down the chatter we set out for Fish Creek. We were disappointed that due to family commitments Noroomtomove was not able to accompany us to the GP as he has done in the past. His white CB was in the garage and looking good.

The Fish Creek Hotel - sometimes called "The Fishy"


Those who are interested would

[use2b_imp]

the views are incredible and that one looks like deals gap on pillions
AussieFlyer's bike looks amazing but the first thing I notice is that huge silver engine on a light looking frame.
would love to be there so much it makes me want to break something

[Rocky_imp]

Wow, another excellent ride report with great pictures and entertaining narrative. I love reading your reports. Fantastic stuff

[peterbaron]

EXCELLENT read, report and pics...no wonder we have one of our moderators from Australia.
For sure I'll bring back to Canada a mini kangaroo
Well done Cormanus,


pb

[Cormanus]

Days 11-13: 26-28 October 2017, Hobart and environs

[quote="Pterodactyl_imp" pid="34968" dateline="1512616980"]
I haven’t posted on the forum for some time now and haven’t really been a frequent visitor. Why? Well, certainly not to spurn the good members of this forum, simply to cut down on screen time. I found that it was often easier to open my computer and pleasantly while away an hour or two than it was to, say, load up my kayak and go fishing, go for a ride, play a few holes of golf, swim at nearby Bronte beach or even to do some walking in the surprisingly, considering how close they are to the city, wild and remote mountains and national parks that surround Sydney.

However, after a little nudge from my good mate Cormanus, I have dusted off my keyboard, opened an Imgur account and got down to posting. But where to post? Milestone thread? Seat Time? Technical? Maybe even Introductions considering how long it’s been. For reasons that will, eventually, be apparent the Agony Aunt Column would be good, but, alas, the good Guth has not seen fit to give us that comfort. Any of the aforementioned might suit I guess. I’ll dump it in General Discussion section and let the Mods decide it’s fate.

The Sort-of Introductory Bit

In June and July, Darling and I spent a month in Greece. We spent a week on Mykonos and then, returning to Athens, we hired a car to explore the Peloponnese. After ten days we handed our car in and took a ferry to the island of Hydra. What has that got to do with motorcycles you may ask. Well, nothing really, except that on Hydra all vehicles, and motorcycles are, by law, banned. If you need to go somewhere then it has to be by either horse, donkey, boat or Shanks' pony. With a population of a little less than 2000, great restaurants, welcoming tavernas and beautiful beaches with crystal clear water it is a great place to unwind. Recommended.

Hydra, town and port.


Who needs a litre bike?




The Milestone Bit

Thursday last week; 24degC, wind light and variable with some scattered fair weather cumulus cloud. Perfect for a ride. I slipped on my Ixon textile gear, checked Last Blast’s tyre pressures and oil level, geared up and headed south from Sydney. Filling up on the city outskirts I noted the odometer at 99893kms. I rode through the Royal National Park and then on to Mt Keira lookout. Perched 460m (about 1600ft) on the escarpment above Wollongong, Mt Keira gives a stunning view, as they say in the realty ads, of Wollongong and nearby coast.



After contemplating the scenery for twenty minutes or so I saddled up and turned towards home. The odometer showed 30kms to 100k. Not wanting to stop for a milestone photo on a freeway or on narrow twisty bits I considered the options. It was 28kms to Bald Head Lookout in the Royal National Park. Perfect. Here’s a photo of our good mate Inhouse Bob, [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=10537&pid=168472#pid168472]earlier in the year, admiring a not quite so stunning view from Bald Hill.



As an aside, on a recent ride with Cormanus (and more of that later) we discussed whether it was appropriate, when rain was on the horizon, to call out "Bob’s-a-comin”. Or worse still, “Wets on! Bob’s-a-here!”. That bloke is more effective at the precipitation game than a Zuni rain dancer, or a C130 cloud seeding operation. My poor attempt at humour aside, we would love to see Bob in Australia again and show him the real view from Bald Hill (and a number of other spots that were cancelled due weather).

With one eye on the odometer, and the other on Google Maps, I made a short detour through Helensburg and rolled into the Bald Hill car park just as 100k ticked over.



Here’s the view with Bob safely tucked away on the other side of the Pacific.







The Very Abbreviated Seat Time Bit

Earlier in the year Cormanus and I hatched a plan to ride to the Australian MotoGP and then, after the GP, take the car ferry to Tasmania and spend a week riding the great motorcycle roads the Island State has to offer. Cormanus also had some family business to attend to while there. I won't attempt to describe in detail the trip but I will say, without hesitation, if you ever intend to take a motorcycle tour of Tasmania, and you surely should, then for a guide choose Cormanus. In the week we were there we got around most of Tasmania, rode the best roads and had a great time. Thanks Mate. Recommended.

However, back to the MotoGP ride. I met Cormanus, who had bypassed Sydney on his ride down from Brisbane, at the Robertson Pie Shop, about 100kms to the south-west of Sydney. After a pie and a coffee we rode through Kangaroo Valley to Nowra and then on to the Braidwood Hotel for the night. Over a few refreshing beers, a little red wine, and some good pub grub we pondered the next day ride options and decided we would take a generally coastal route to Phillip Island. We planned to deviate from the coast road to ride a couple of the roads that link the coast to the mountains and plateaus of the Great Dividing Range. All these are lightly trafficked, lightly monitored by the law (not that we would ever break any laws) and very heavily twisted.

We left Braidwood next morning to effect the "plan". The weather was overcast and cool. As we proceeded eastward and came to the downhill run to the coast the overcast lowered. During the next hour we experienced, in my opinion at least, one of those rides that are memorable for their nightmare qualities; up there with thunderstorm rides, heavy rain rides or falling over on dirt kind of rides. The problem? Just fog, that's all. But dense fog, a thick pea soup that reduces visibility to around 30 meters at best and makes everything, including the road, very, very, wet. The kind of, well, let's say, cussed stuff that makes a mat of small beads that cling to the visor like pooh to a blanket and will not be removed except by a glove wipe, and then only for a millisecond. The kind of stuff that produces internal fogging of the visor that needs one to crack the same to clear but also lets cold, moisture laden air into the helmet. All this on a downhill section of twisties that, on a good day, would be motorcycle Nirvana but on this day was replete with hard-driven, tail-gating, windscreen wipered and air-conditioned four wheel drives that seemed intent on terrifying two CB riders relying on engine braking alone to negotiate corners that would give no indication of what, or who, was more than a few meters ahead. Couldn't slow down (who wants to be rear ended), couldn't speed up (poor adhesion and can't see) and with no shoulder to stop and get some respite, forty minutes of this felt like an eternity. At one stage, on a nasty bend, I thought Cormanus was going to over-run me and then he slid back and disappeared from view for the next twenty minutes until I could find a place to safely stop and wait. Later, on comparing notes with Cormanus, I believe that I had it a little better than him as my helmet is equiped with a [url=https://pinlock.com/what-is-a-pinlock-visor/]Pinlock Visor System that gave some measure of relief from internal fogging. Recommended.

Down on the coastal strip the weather cleared and all was good. Our spirits soared and our hearts were filled with joy as we rolled the throttles on. In the nature of motorcyclists our travails were quickly forgotten, at least for the moment. We also managed to howl past those who had given us such a hard time coming down the mountain. Revenge is sweet, even if only imagined.

After spending the night at Cann River, and doing some pondering in a similar manner to the previous night we headed for the Fish Creek Hotel, which at about 60kms from Phillip Island, was to be our base for the weekend (no camping for us this year). This would normally entail riding a particularly boring piece of the Princess Highway between Bairnsdale and Sale, about 100kms of straight, heavily policed road that despite the amount of revenue raised along its length still seems to produce some notable accident statistics. The main cause is almost certainly sheer boredom leading to inattention. However, some years ago, our good friend and forum member, Noroomtomove, had pointed us in the direction of a pleasant country road that bypasses this piece of highway and, in his honour, Cormanus and I now refer to this road as the "Eijnar Highway". Previously Mr and Mrs Noroomtomove had invited us to lunch with them and so around midday we pulled into their property in a rural setting, which, curiously enough, has plenty of room to move. It was good to be welcomed by the Noroomtomoves (and again many thanks to them). After a great lunch of excellent sandwiches and many cups of tea to wash down the chatter we set out for Fish Creek. We were disappointed that due to family commitments Noroomtomove was not able to accompany us to the GP as he has done in the past. His white CB was in the garage and looking good.

The Fish Creek Hotel - sometimes called "The Fishy"


Those who are interested would have seen what transpired at the Australian MotoGP as Marquez continued his march to another World Championship while the Moto3 World Champion, Mir, cemented his place in motorcycle history so I will leave that alone. While at the track I met up with a group of friends that I have accompanied on rides to previous GPs. Cormanus and I joined them and we watched the race from turn 6 (Siberia). Younger, and mostly much more adept and faster riders than I, they are a great group of blokes and have always made me feel welcome both on the ride and camping with them. I had developed a friendship with one of the lads' father, a lifelong and very keen motorcyclist. I was saddened to learn that earlier in the year he had developed a cancer and, perhaps mercifully, quickly passed away. After the race and the crowd had dispersed Cormanus and I joined them as we scattered his ashes on the grass inside of turn 3. A few words were spoken and a beer or two consumed. Dusk had fallen and we were in prime skippy time for the last of the run back to Fish Creek. Fortunately none were sighted.

On the Monday evening, we pulled up in Melbourne Docklands to board [url=https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au]The Spirit of Tasmania. We had some time to spare as Cormanus had arranged for us to meet with another forum member, Aussieflyer, at the Station Pier. We heard him before we saw him. Not overloud, but a very distinctive, and some would say perfect, note from the exhausts. And the [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1974]bike? Well, a real tribute to Aussieflyer's imagination, workmanship and attention to detail. A true café racer and in absolutely concourse condition. In a word, superb. And his mate Mick's Suzuki was not bad either. I don't have photos but am hoping Cormanus will bulk up this thread with photos and comments, or even give us another chapter of the Cormanus Chronicles to help me out.

Next morning, leaving the Spirit, we started our Tasmania ride. On day one we explored Cradle Mountain, rode to Burnie on the north coast and then down the west coast to Strahan. The west coast is exposed to the frequent low pressure systems that march unhindered from the Antarctic across and up from the Southern Ocean. West coast weather conditions can often and for long periods be very motorcycle unfriendly. Heavy rain, snow and ice are common all year round. Average rainfall is about 80ins a year, producing a wilderness area noted for its isolation, rainforests, wild rivers and lakes. But we struck it lucky. The weather was cool and generally fine making great riding conditions to match some really good roads.
Cradle Mountain, summer but still with some snow and ice


Cormanus atop the same


Strahan at dusk


After a night at Strahan (pronounced "Strawn") we rode on to Hobart. On the way we passed Derwent Bridge where, thirty years ago, I introduced Darling to the joys of bushwalking in the Tasmanian wilderness. We had three glorious days of trekking, trout fishing and camping around Lake Petrach. Steep terrain, flats covered with difficult to traverse button grass, constant rain, some sleet, mud and midges with the odd snake sighting. Oh, I nearly forgot the leeches. I loved it. Since then Darling has held fast to: "Spending the night under the stars is fine. It just has to be five stars". Hasn't stopped me though.

There followed three days of great day rides out from Hobart. A day with Cormanus and his mate Richard and wife (on a very nice BMW) to Port Arthur; a day by myself (Cormanus doing family duty) riding to the top of Mt Wellington and then to the south west of Hobart and, finally, a day ride with Cormanus where he showed me a couple of very scenic and motorcycle challenging roads that I had missed the previous day. All very, very, good stuff.

Cormanus and BMW K1200 riding friends


Hobart from Mt Wellington


Leaving Hobart we rode up the east coast. Most of the moisture pushed onto Tasmania's west coast remains there making the east coast a different country. Scenic but dryer and more akin to the east coast of the mainland. We had a good run up to St Helens for the night. Highlight of the ride was some "spirited" riding amongst a group of bikes on the Lake Leake Rd up to Campbelltown (some twisties and brilliant sweepers). While in Hobart, Cormanus had a dealer change his CB's chain and sprockets and the chain needed some adjustment by St Helens, probably from piling on the torque on the Lake Leake Rd. Next morning we did find a motorcycle workshop on the outskirts of St Helens, East Coast Motorcycles. As we rolled into the driveway I couldn't help but be reminded of Billy Bob Thornton's workshop in the movie U Turn, a 1997 neo-western neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Oliver Stone. But, in fact, the truth couldn't have been further from that. This bloke knew as much about motorcycles, and maybe more, as anyone I've known. Racing bikes to home made rat bikes, all there. And all showed the signs of someone who knew what they were doing. Cormanus' chain was adjusted very smartly and in the true Aussie tradition of helping out a bloke on the road, no charge, with the laconic "She'll be right, mate". Highly Recommended.


That evening we boarded the Spirit at Devonport and next morning arrived in Melbourne. The weather had turned to wet and cool, cold in the mountains. We rode northward from Melbourne over some interesting roads in the Healesville to Marysville area. Mind you, in the dry they would have been a whole lot more interesting. The area itself is heavily forested so wet bark and leaf litter made for a cautious but enjoyable ride. Reaching Marysville we then skirted the Snowy Mountains region and rode to Mt Beauty for the night. Once again, we did some serious pondering regarding the next days ride.

Marysville Tavern (Victoria), Rhododendrons, CBs and
Cormanus


Leaving Bright we headed north west to Ebden on the banks of the Hume Reservoir, formed in 1936 by the damming of the mighty Murray River. After some good seasons (thanks Bob, you helped) it was brimming and surrounded by lush green countryside. After breakfast at Ebden and a short stop at the dam itself, we rode the delightful Murray River Road, well described by Cormanus in previous Seat Time threads.

Hume Dam, Victoria


Our initial plan was to ride to Corryong then, due to the uncertain weather, skirt the Snowy Mountains and head north towards Sydney. While having lunch in Corryong both Cormanus and I kept casting glances to the east towards the Snowy Mountains and tried to convince ourselves that the weather over the mountains was improving. Surely it was. Wasn't it? Surely that cloud looks as though it is lifting. Doesn't it? Well, to quote young Oscar, "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.” So we did. Thirty minutes later we were blasting up Swampy Plains Road climbing into the Jagungal Wilderness. The clouds had indeed parted and the road surface was dry. Talk about Twist and Shout. This was serious fun. Concentrating on the road ahead took the mind away from the cold and we were elated when we stopped at Cabramurra, Australia's highest town, for a self serve refuel and a little sight seeing from a nearby lookout. Another hour on we had descended to Gundagai and were headed for the Boorowa Hotel where Mike, the Kiwi Irish publican, helped us wash the dust from our throats. Several times. Later we played darts with Mick and a couple of friendly locals. The rules of the game I never did comprehend but apparently everyone has a chance until the last few throws, I think. I slept well.

Boorowa - from the hotel verandah


Well, good readers, if you have stuck with me to here I thank you. But all good things must come to an end. We rode out of Boorowa through Crookwell and the Abercrombie Gorge, all good riding, to the Tarana Hotel. After a killer burger for lunch, it was time for Cormanus and I to go our seperate ways. For Cormanus another 1000kms to Brisbane and home; for me a mere 180kms to home for a total of about 5150kms for the ride.

It is always a privilege to ride with Cormanus and I have to thank this forum for introducing us. We have riden many tens of thousands of kilometres together since June 2014 and I do hope that we have a few more rides left in us. Just in case you think I am being too kind to him, remember he was the dolt who accidentally deleted my Milestone thread and then replaced it with his own. I have therefore, by Pterodactylian decree, declared his Milestone thread unauthorised, even provocative. I have taken offence and thus sought a safe space in the General Discussion section for my Milestone post.


The Sort-of Technical Bit

Most of us have riding habits that sometimes we are almost unaware of. I guess that's why we call them habits. After an hour or so of touring riding, when coming to a reduction in the speed limit, normally upon approaching an urban area, I tend to let go of the handlebar, drop my hands to my sides and steer the bike with my knees for a few seconds. Easy. It relaxes me and resets me to Urban Mode. You know, the mode that prioritises being aware of motorists with mobile phones rather than Touring Mode where corner speed entry tends to take priority. After disembarking from the Spirit of Tasmania and less than an hour into our Tasmania ride on decelerating I released the bar. To my surprise Last Blast took a distinct liking to making a left turn with me automatically leaning my body to keep running straight while I quickly replaced my hands on the bar. I then noticed that with the wheel running straight that the handle bar was turned to the right. With both hands on and leaning on the bar the effect was not really noticeable, but it was there. What was going on? My theory is that the tie down procedure on the Spirit was the cause. On riding to the allocated deck and parking position the bike is left on the center stand in first gear with the steering unlocked. The crew then attach two substantial fabric tie down straps with mechanical ratchet tightners to both sides of the bar until the the bike is secure with the front forks firmly compressed. They also apply the front brake and secure the brake lever with an elastic band. I suspect this twisted the forks out of alignment. So why not Cormanus' bike? Well, he has a fork brace and I suspect my bottom bridge pinch bolts may have been a little under-torqued.

So, how to straighten this out. I used the following procedure:

First check the rear wheel is aligned by checking the index marks on the adjustor plates. Then:
1. Loosen the steering stem nut. To get a socket on this the bar needs to be lifted. When done replace the bar; no need to fully torque. Ensure the top bridge bolts are at correct torque.
2. Loosen the bottom bridge bolts. Leave almost finger tight.
3. Loosen the right axle pinch bolts, the axle bolt and then the left axle pinch bolts. Leave all almost finger tight.
4. Loosen both left and right brake caliper bolts to almost finger tight.
5. Loosen the mudguard mounting bolts.

When I say, "almost finger tight", I mean take to finger tight and back off a turn.

If you have help get the helper to hold the bike from the rear while it rests on front and rear wheel. Mount up with feet on the pegs and, firmly pushing forward onto the front bridge, throw your weight onto the front suspension and bounce it up and down several times. Continue until you see that the front wheel and the bar are aligned with the fore and aft axis of the bike. I didn't have help so with the bike on the center stand I held the front brake on and trying to not put any input to the bars threw my weight forward to bounce the front suspension releasing the brake and bar as the suspension compressed and rebounded. I had to put brake input incase the bike came forward and off the centre stand leaving me and the bike lying on the floor. This straightened things up but not completely so I put the front tyre against a cement column and pushed the bar to help align it with the front wheel. I then did the bouncy bouncy bit again and all came good. Then I followed this:

1. Torque up the steering stem nut and the handlebar upper holder bolts
2. Torque up the center bridge bolts.
3. Torque up the axle bolt
4. Torque up the right axle pinch bolts
5. Torque up the caliper bolts*
5. With the front brake applied pump the fork up and down several times to seat the axle
6. Torque up the left axle pinch bolts
7. Tighten up the mudguard.

Recheck that all is correctly aligned and torqued in case you, or I, have forgotten something. Check front brake operation. Go for a ride and check that on deceleration with the bar released the bike runs straight and true. Last Blast did so.

*Note that Honda requires the caliper bolts (ALOC bolts) to be replaced after loosening or removing. I don't often do this. Instead I apply medium strength Loctite and make sure I don't over-torque. So far so good.

The Agony Aunt Column
or
"There is no fool like an old fool"

Dear Aunt Agutha,

Please help me. In February 2012 I took a CB1100 (build date 6/10), pure and unsullied, from the showroom. In Candy Glory Red it was a sight to behold. I'm a pretty constant sort of bloke and I was so sure that our union would last me well into my twilight years (I'm in my 73rd year) that I named that CB Last Blast. In the past I have had flings with Triumphs, BSAs, Matchless', Ducatis and Hondas. The Ducati I particularly remember as being a monster, not only by name but by nature; high maintenance that one. One ageing Triumph ('61 T120) is still, like a maiden aunt, in my possession but sees no action. But flings were all they were. Honest. I thought that Last Blast was the real thing and as we cruised towards our 100k anniversary all was well.

Then, walking through the Exhibitors Pavilion at the 2016 WSBK at Phillip Island it happened. Across a crowded room I caught sight of a [url=http://www.mvagusta.com/en-us/motorcycles/turismo-veloce-lusso-800/]shapely young Italian. My pulse quickened, my head spun and the desire to possess, quite frankly, overtook me and has become an obsession. However, to realise this obsession I would have to consign my faithful Last Blast to the realm of bikesales.com.au, a realm of no longer wanted bikes characterised as "pre-loved". Does Last Blast deserve this fate? Does the Italian need me or do the carers just want my money (about AUD25.000, ride away)?

Your advice is eagerly awaited.

Pterodactyl.

The Photo Competition Bit

This is not a competition for the best photo but is a test of observation. One of the above photos that I have posted contains an anomaly. What, who or where is it? Who sees it? Easy peasy really and I am sure that blokes like Popgun, Ferret or Django will be all over it. Can you beat them to it? Go on, have a go.

Merry Christmas to you all. I hope you have a happy and healthy 2018.
[/quote]
Day 11: 26 October 2017, Hobart to Tasman Peninsula and return (216 kms)

[url=https://drive.google.com/open?id=1boMKa4T-Bk_kWG5e6-MxmxMhslR9l8RW&usp=sharing]Link to map Day 11

Back when I was in my late teens my father, who was not a rich man, used a modest inheritance to buy a 36 foot Huon Pine motor-sailer. The family had some fantastic times on this boat. In 1974 I recall going away with my father, a mate of his and a mate of mine. After dinner we were chewing the fat and my father and his mate were talking about the nascent Tasmanian wine industry and predicting great things for it. Broadly speaking, 40 years later those things have come to pass. My father, an enthusiastic consumer of Scotch whiskey, was also fond of saying that very good whiskey could be made in Tasmania, largely due to the quality of the water. As it turns out, that has also come to pass and, in around 2014, a Tasmanian whiskey won a prestigious award for the world's best single malt.

On the ferry between the mainland and Tasmania, Pterodactyl and I met a man called William McHenry who went to Tasmania not so long ago to join the whiskey producers. He continues to work at that. However, realising that good whiskey takes a good few years to mature, he decided to dabble in gin as a way of earning a quid while the whiskey developed and is now producing some very fine gin in Tasmania, including one for Australia's Parliament House in Canberra. Pterodactyl and I sampled a couple on the ferry, both of which were excellent. Later I was to try a McHenry's sloe gin which was also very good.

I tell you all this because Mr McHenry's distillery is on the Tasman Peninsula and it turned out he is also a motorcyclist. He told us we should reverse the way I planned to ride around the peninsula from anti-clockwise to clockwise so as to be stunned by the magnificent view back to Hobart as we descended the hill into Premaydena. He was right. And we rode past his distillery.


One of the treats of riding to the Tasman Peninsula in warmer weather is that the Cubed Coffee Caravan is open for business. Offering really good coffee and exquisite sweet things, there is also a spectacular view of Pirates Bay and the eastern side of the peninsula.


Everywhere we went in Tasmania we saw old Triumph sports cars




McHenry's Marvellous Medicine
Day 12: 27 October 2017, Pterodactyl's solo ride (153 kms)

I sat this one out. The persistent noise in my chain was a worry and I'd rung the Honda dealer in Hobart to order a new chain and sprockets in the event that was the problem. It was and they were replaced in the morning. I spent the rest of the day attending to some family business while Pterodactyl went riding. I'm pretty sure the map below represents his route.


[url=https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ieuRmOMn_loLFZkR8Bw9lqQELbsQ7hEV&usp=sharing]Link to Map of Day 12

We met up late in the afternoon and decided to take a walk to Hobart's historic Salamanca Place where, amongst the Friday evening after-work revellers, we found a beer or two and something passable to eat. Blowed if I can remember where or what we ate now.

On the walk home we passed an interesting looking bar and stepped inside to take a look. It specialised in spirits, particularly Tasmanian produced spirits. Liquor, I think it would be called in North America. Anyway, after meeting William McHenry we felt we should sample one or two. This was where I drank the McHenry Sloe Gin as well as the Sullivan's Cove Single Malt that won the world prize. It was very good indeed.

There may have been a cleansing ale consumed at the hotel before bed.

Day 13: 28 October 2017, A reprise of Pterodactyl's solo ride (163 kms)


Given the dilapidated state of the two pathetic old men who sat beside Sandy Bay Road eating greasy food late on Saturday morning, it is slightly surprising this ride occurred at all.

We went anti-clockwise around the route to point G, then E, F and then Back over the mountain giving spectacular views south. The back to Hobart via Cygnet.

We might even have made it back to the pub to see some of the final qualifying races for the Sepang MotoGP on the TV.


The nineteenth century shot tower at Taroona, still one of Tasmania's tallest buildings. It's a hideous climb to the top.

Posting this photo made me look to the history of this building. [url=http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=2820]See here[/u for detail. I was interested to learn that the details of the process were a Big Secret. So this excerpt from the web page was of interest:

Quote:Moir's process was probably as follows:[ul] [li]Lead was prepared in a furnace at the south-eastern corner of the property. Moir added 900g of arsenic (to decrease surface tension) and 6.35kg of antimony (to harden the shot) to every 45.35 kg of lead.[/li] [li]The resultant 'poisoned lead' was cast into 7.7 kg ingots, conveyed to the factory, then remelted in cauldrons on the upper level of the factory for small shot and the top of the tower for larger shot. Firewood had to be winched to the upper cauldron. The molten lead was then poured through colanders, forming droplets which became spherical as they dropped. They fell into a tub of water at the base of the tower. The size of the shot depended on the amount of arsenic, the size of the holes in the colander and the height of the fall. Watts' patent stipulated that large sized shot required a fall of 45.75m (150 feet), hence the height of Moir's shot tower at 48m with the colander 46.36m above the base.[/li] [li]The lead cooled partly while falling, then completely in the water. The antinomy hardener ensured that it maintained shape under the impact of the water.[/li] [li]The cooled shot, green in colour, was winched to the factory's upper floor where it was dried and run over inclined glass planes to separate out defective shot (which did not roll true). Imperfect shot was remelted and the process repeated.[/li] [li]The shot was polished in a revolving drum (likened to a farmer's barrel churn) using plumbago (graphite) then lowered through a trapdoor to the ground floor where it passed through ten sieves for grading into sizes ranging from fine birdshot to large balls. The graded shot was bagged into 12.7kg (28lb) handsewn linen bags stencilled with the manufacturer's name and sent to market. At its peak the factory produced 100 tons of shot per annum.
[/li][/ul]
Looking south from the top of the hill between Woodbridge and Cygnet


On the road around Mt Wellington
Day 14: 29 October 2017, Hobart to St Helens (339 kms)


[url=https://drive.google.com/open?id=1nZRL00kKgG8XnJdf9XsxCIz7cu2orf95&usp=sharing][u]

[quote="Pterodactyl_imp" pid="34968" dateline="1512616980"]
I haven’t posted on the forum for some time now and haven’t really been a frequent visitor. Why? Well, certainly not to spurn the good members of this forum, simply to cut down on screen time. I found that it was often easier to open my computer and pleasantly while away an hour or two than it was to, say, load up my kayak and go fishing, go for a ride, play a few holes of golf, swim at nearby Bronte beach or even to do some walking in the surprisingly, considering how close they are to the city, wild and remote mountains and national parks that surround Sydney.

However, after a little nudge from my good mate Cormanus, I have dusted off my keyboard, opened an Imgur account and got down to posting. But where to post? Milestone thread? Seat Time? Technical? Maybe even Introductions considering how long it’s been. For reasons that will, eventually, be apparent the Agony Aunt Column would be good, but, alas, the good Guth has not seen fit to give us that comfort. Any of the aforementioned might suit I guess. I’ll dump it in General Discussion section and let the Mods decide it’s fate.

The Sort-of Introductory Bit

In June and July, Darling and I spent a month in Greece. We spent a week on Mykonos and then, returning to Athens, we hired a car to explore the Peloponnese. After ten days we handed our car in and took a ferry to the island of Hydra. What has that got to do with motorcycles you may ask. Well, nothing really, except that on Hydra all vehicles, and motorcycles are, by law, banned. If you need to go somewhere then it has to be by either horse, donkey, boat or Shanks' pony. With a population of a little less than 2000, great restaurants, welcoming tavernas and beautiful beaches with crystal clear water it is a great place to unwind. Recommended.

Hydra, town and port.


Who needs a litre bike?




The Milestone Bit

Thursday last week; 24degC, wind light and variable with some scattered fair weather cumulus cloud. Perfect for a ride. I slipped on my Ixon textile gear, checked Last Blast’s tyre pressures and oil level, geared up and headed south from Sydney. Filling up on the city outskirts I noted the odometer at 99893kms. I rode through the Royal National Park and then on to Mt Keira lookout. Perched 460m (about 1600ft) on the escarpment above Wollongong, Mt Keira gives a stunning view, as they say in the realty ads, of Wollongong and nearby coast.



After contemplating the scenery for twenty minutes or so I saddled up and turned towards home. The odometer showed 30kms to 100k. Not wanting to stop for a milestone photo on a freeway or on narrow twisty bits I considered the options. It was 28kms to Bald Head Lookout in the Royal National Park. Perfect. Here’s a photo of our good mate Inhouse Bob, [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=10537&pid=168472#pid168472]earlier in the year, admiring a not quite so stunning view from Bald Hill.



As an aside, on a recent ride with Cormanus (and more of that later) we discussed whether it was appropriate, when rain was on the horizon, to call out "Bob’s-a-comin”. Or worse still, “Wets on! Bob’s-a-here!”. That bloke is more effective at the precipitation game than a Zuni rain dancer, or a C130 cloud seeding operation. My poor attempt at humour aside, we would love to see Bob in Australia again and show him the real view from Bald Hill (and a number of other spots that were cancelled due weather).

With one eye on the odometer, and the other on Google Maps, I made a short detour through Helensburg and rolled into the Bald Hill car park just as 100k ticked over.



Here’s the view with Bob safely tucked away on the other side of the Pacific.







The Very Abbreviated Seat Time Bit

Earlier in the year Cormanus and I hatched a plan to ride to the Australian MotoGP and then, after the GP, take the car ferry to Tasmania and spend a week riding the great motorcycle roads the Island State has to offer. Cormanus also had some family business to attend to while there. I won't attempt to describe in detail the trip but I will say, without hesitation, if you ever intend to take a motorcycle tour of Tasmania, and you surely should, then for a guide choose Cormanus. In the week we were there we got around most of Tasmania, rode the best roads and had a great time. Thanks Mate. Recommended.

However, back to the MotoGP ride. I met Cormanus, who had bypassed Sydney on his ride down from Brisbane, at the Robertson Pie Shop, about 100kms to the south-west of Sydney. After a pie and a coffee we rode through Kangaroo Valley to Nowra and then on to the Braidwood Hotel for the night. Over a few refreshing beers, a little red wine, and some good pub grub we pondered the next day ride options and decided we would take a generally coastal route to Phillip Island. We planned to deviate from the coast road to ride a couple of the roads that link the coast to the mountains and plateaus of the Great Dividing Range. All these are lightly trafficked, lightly monitored by the law (not that we would ever break any laws) and very heavily twisted.

We left Braidwood next morning to effect the "plan". The weather was overcast and cool. As we proceeded eastward and came to the downhill run to the coast the overcast lowered. During the next hour we experienced, in my opinion at least, one of those rides that are memorable for their nightmare qualities; up there with thunderstorm rides, heavy rain rides or falling over on dirt kind of rides. The problem? Just fog, that's all. But dense fog, a thick pea soup that reduces visibility to around 30 meters at best and makes everything, including the road, very, very, wet. The kind of, well, let's say, cussed stuff that makes a mat of small beads that cling to the visor like pooh to a blanket and will not be removed except by a glove wipe, and then only for a millisecond. The kind of stuff that produces internal fogging of the visor that needs one to crack the same to clear but also lets cold, moisture laden air into the helmet. All this on a downhill section of twisties that, on a good day, would be motorcycle Nirvana but on this day was replete with hard-driven, tail-gating, windscreen wipered and air-conditioned four wheel drives that seemed intent on terrifying two CB riders relying on engine braking alone to negotiate corners that would give no indication of what, or who, was more than a few meters ahead. Couldn't slow down (who wants to be rear ended), couldn't speed up (poor adhesion and can't see) and with no shoulder to stop and get some respite, forty minutes of this felt like an eternity. At one stage, on a nasty bend, I thought Cormanus was going to over-run me and then he slid back and disappeared from view for the next twenty minutes until I could find a place to safely stop and wait. Later, on comparing notes with Cormanus, I believe that I had it a little better than him as my helmet is equiped with a [url=https://pinlock.com/what-is-a-pinlock-visor/]Pinlock Visor System that gave some measure of relief from internal fogging. Recommended.

Down on the coastal strip the weather cleared and all was good. Our spirits soared and our hearts were filled with joy as we rolled the throttles on. In the nature of motorcyclists our travails were quickly forgotten, at least for the moment. We also managed to howl past those who had given us such a hard time coming down the mountain. Revenge is sweet, even if only imagined.

After spending the night at Cann River, and doing some pondering in a similar manner to the previous night we headed for the Fish Creek Hotel, which at about 60kms from Phillip Island, was to be our base for the weekend (no camping for us this year). This would normally entail riding a particularly boring piece of the Princess Highway between Bairnsdale and Sale, about 100kms of straight, heavily policed road that despite the amount of revenue raised along its length still seems to produce some notable accident statistics. The main cause is almost certainly sheer boredom leading to inattention. However, some years ago, our good friend and forum member, Noroomtomove, had pointed us in the direction of a pleasant country road that bypasses this piece of highway and, in his honour, Cormanus and I now refer to this road as the "Eijnar Highway". Previously Mr and Mrs Noroomtomove had invited us to lunch with them and so around midday we pulled into their property in a rural setting, which, curiously enough, has plenty of room to move. It was good to be welcomed by the Noroomtomoves (and again many thanks to them). After a great lunch of excellent sandwiches and many cups of tea to wash down the chatter we set out for Fish Creek. We were disappointed that due to family commitments Noroomtomove was not able to accompany us to the GP as he has done in the past. His white CB was in the garage and looking good.

The Fish Creek Hotel - sometimes called "The Fishy"


Those who are interested would have seen what transpired at the Australian MotoGP as Marquez continued his march to another World Championship while the Moto3 World Champion, Mir, cemented his place in motorcycle history so I will leave that alone. While at the track I met up with a group of friends that I have accompanied on rides to previous GPs. Cormanus and I joined them and we watched the race from turn 6 (Siberia). Younger, and mostly much more adept and faster riders than I, they are a great group of blokes and have always made me feel welcome both on the ride and camping with them. I had developed a friendship with one of the lads' father, a lifelong and very keen motorcyclist. I was saddened to learn that earlier in the year he had developed a cancer and, perhaps mercifully, quickly passed away. After the race and the crowd had dispersed Cormanus and I joined them as we scattered his ashes on the grass inside of turn 3. A few words were spoken and a beer or two consumed. Dusk had fallen and we were in prime skippy time for the last of the run back to Fish Creek. Fortunately none were sighted.

On the Monday evening, we pulled up in Melbourne Docklands to board [url=https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au]The Spirit of Tasmania. We had some time to spare as Cormanus had arranged for us to meet with another forum member, Aussieflyer, at the Station Pier. We heard him before we saw him. Not overloud, but a very distinctive, and some would say perfect, note from the exhausts. And the [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1974]bike? Well, a real tribute to Aussieflyer's imagination, workmanship and attention to detail. A true café racer and in absolutely concourse condition. In a word, superb. And his mate Mick's Suzuki was not bad either. I don't have photos but am hoping Cormanus will bulk up this thread with photos and comments, or even give us another chapter of the Cormanus Chronicles to help me out.

Next morning, leaving the Spirit, we started our Tasmania ride. On day one we explored Cradle Mountain, rode to Burnie on the north coast and then down the west coast to Strahan. The west coast is exposed to the frequent low pressure systems that march unhindered from the Antarctic across and up from the Southern Ocean. West coast weather conditions can often and for long periods be very motorcycle unfriendly. Heavy rain, snow and ice are common all year round. Average rainfall is about 80ins a year, producing a wilderness area noted for its isolation, rainforests, wild rivers and lakes. But we struck it lucky. The weather was cool and generally fine making great riding conditions to match some really good roads.
Cradle Mountain, summer but still with some snow and ice


Cormanus atop the same


Strahan at dusk


After a night at Strahan (pronounced "Strawn") we rode on to Hobart. On the way we passed Derwent Bridge where, thirty years ago, I introduced Darling to the joys of bushwalking in the Tasmanian wilderness. We had three glorious days of trekking, trout fishing and camping around Lake Petrach. Steep terrain, flats covered with difficult to traverse button grass, constant rain, some sleet, mud and midges with the odd snake sighting. Oh, I nearly forgot the leeches. I loved it. Since then Darling has held fast to: "Spending the night under the stars is fine. It just has to be five stars". Hasn't stopped me though.

There followed three days of great day rides out from Hobart. A day with Cormanus and his mate Richard and wife (on a very nice BMW) to Port Arthur; a day by myself (Cormanus doing family duty) riding to the top of Mt Wellington and then to the south west of Hobart and, finally, a day ride with Cormanus where he showed me a couple of very scenic and motorcycle challenging roads that I had missed the previous day. All very, very, good stuff.

Cormanus and BMW K1200 riding friends


Hobart from Mt Wellington


Leaving Hobart we rode up the east coast. Most of the moisture pushed onto Tasmania's west coast remains there making the east coast a different country. Scenic but dryer and more akin to the east coast of the mainland. We had a good run up to St Helens for the night. Highlight of the ride was some "spirited" riding amongst a group of bikes on the Lake Leake Rd up to Campbelltown (some twisties and brilliant sweepers). While in Hobart, Cormanus had a dealer change his CB's chain and sprockets and the chain needed some adjustment by St Helens, probably from piling on the torque on the Lake Leake Rd. Next morning we did find a motorcycle workshop on the outskirts of St Helens, East Coast Motorcycles. As we rolled into the driveway I couldn't help but be reminded of Billy Bob Thornton's workshop in the movie U Turn, a 1997 neo-western neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Oliver Stone. But, in fact, the truth couldn't have been further from that. This bloke knew as much about motorcycles, and maybe more, as anyone I've known. Racing bikes to home made rat bikes, all there. And all showed the signs of someone who knew what they were doing. Cormanus' chain was adjusted very smartly and in the true Aussie tradition of helping out a bloke on the road, no charge, with the laconic "She'll be right, mate". Highly Recommended.


That evening we boarded the Spirit at Devonport and next morning arrived in Melbourne. The weather had turned to wet and cool, cold in the mountains. We rode northward from Melbourne over some interesting roads in the Healesville to Marysville area. Mind you, in the dry they would have been a whole lot more interesting. The area itself is heavily forested so wet bark and leaf litter made for a cautious but enjoyable ride. Reaching Marysville we then skirted the Snowy Mountains region and rode to Mt Beauty for the night. Once again, we did some serious pondering regarding the next days ride.

Marysville Tavern (Victoria), Rhododendrons, CBs and
Cormanus


Leaving Bright we headed north west to Ebden on the banks of the Hume Reservoir, formed in 1936 by the damming of the mighty Murray River. After some good seasons (thanks Bob, you helped) it was brimming and surrounded by lush green countryside. After breakfast at Ebden and a short stop at the dam itself, we rode the delightful Murray River Road, well described by Cormanus in previous Seat Time threads.

Hume Dam, Victoria


Our initial plan was to ride to Corryong then, due to the uncertain weather, skirt the Snowy Mountains and head north towards Sydney. While having lunch in Corryong both Cormanus and I kept casting glances to the east towards the Snowy Mountains and tried to convince ourselves that the weather over the mountains was improving. Surely it was. Wasn't it? Surely that cloud looks as though it is lifting. Doesn't it? Well, to quote young Oscar, "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.” So we did. Thirty minutes later we were blasting up Swampy Plains Road climbing into the Jagungal Wilderness. The clouds had indeed parted and the road surface was dry. Talk about Twist and Shout. This was serious fun. Concentrating on the road ahead took the mind away from the cold and we were elated when we stopped at Cabramurra, Australia's highest town, for a self serve refuel and a little sight seeing from a nearby lookout. Another hour on we had descended to Gundagai and were headed for the Boorowa Hotel where Mike, the Kiwi Irish publican, helped us wash the dust from our throats. Several times. Later we played darts with Mick and a couple of friendly locals. The rules of the game I never did comprehend but apparently everyone has a chance until the last few throws, I think. I slept well.

Boorowa - from the hotel verandah


Well, good readers, if you have stuck with me to here I thank you. But all good things must come to an end. We rode out of Boorowa through Crookwell and the Abercrombie Gorge, all good riding, to the Tarana Hotel. After a killer burger for lunch, it was time for Cormanus and I to go our seperate ways. For Cormanus another 1000kms to Brisbane and home; for me a mere 180kms to home for a total of about 5150kms for the ride.

It is always a privilege to ride with Cormanus and I have to thank this forum for introducing us. We have riden many tens of thousands of kilometres together since June 2014 and I do hope that we have a few more rides left in us. Just in case you think I am being too kind to him, remember he was the dolt who accidentally deleted my Milestone thread and then replaced it with his own. I have therefore, by Pterodactylian decree, declared his Milestone thread unauthorised, even provocative. I have taken offence and thus sought a safe space in the General Discussion section for my Milestone post.


The Sort-of Technical Bit

Most of us have riding habits that sometimes we are almost unaware of. I guess that's why we call them habits. After an hour or so of touring riding, when coming to a reduction in the speed limit, normally upon approaching an urban area, I tend to let go of the handlebar, drop my hands to my sides and steer the bike with my knees for a few seconds. Easy. It relaxes me and resets me to Urban Mode. You know, the mode that prioritises being aware of motorists with mobile phones rather than Touring Mode where corner speed entry tends to take priority. After disembarking from the Spirit of Tasmania and less than an hour into our Tasmania ride on decelerating I released the bar. To my surprise Last Blast took a distinct liking to making a left turn with me automatically leaning my body to keep running straight while I quickly replaced my hands on the bar. I then noticed that with the wheel running straight that the handle bar was turned to the right. With both hands on and leaning on the bar the effect was not really noticeable, but it was there. What was going on? My theory is that the tie down procedure on the Spirit was the cause. On riding to the allocated deck and parking position the bike is left on the center stand in first gear with the steering unlocked. The crew then attach two substantial fabric tie down straps with mechanical ratchet tightners to both sides of the bar until the the bike is secure with the front forks firmly compressed. They also apply the front brake and secure the brake lever with an elastic band. I suspect this twisted the forks out of alignment. So why not Cormanus' bike? Well, he has a fork brace and I suspect my bottom bridge pinch bolts may have been a little under-torqued.

So, how to straighten this out. I used the following procedure:

First check the rear wheel is aligned by checking the index marks on the adjustor plates. Then:
1. Loosen the steering stem nut. To get a socket on this the bar needs to be lifted. When done replace the bar; no need to fully torque. Ensure the top bridge bolts are at correct torque.
2. Loosen the bottom bridge bolts. Leave almost finger tight.
3. Loosen the right axle pinch bolts, the axle bolt and then the left axle pinch bolts. Leave all almost finger tight.
4. Loosen both left and right brake caliper bolts to almost finger tight.
5. Loosen the mudguard mounting bolts.

When I say, "almost finger tight", I mean take to finger tight and back off a turn.

If you have help get the helper to hold the bike from the rear while it rests on front and rear wheel. Mount up with feet on the pegs and, firmly pushing forward onto the front bridge, throw your weight onto the front suspension and bounce it up and down several times. Continue until you see that the front wheel and the bar are aligned with the fore and aft axis of the bike. I didn't have help so with the bike on the center stand I held the front brake on and trying to not put any input to the bars threw my weight forward to bounce the front suspension releasing the brake and bar as the suspension compressed and rebounded. I had to put brake input incase the bike came forward and off the centre stand leaving me and the bike lying on the floor. This straightened things up but not completely so I put the front tyre against a cement column and pushed the bar to help align it with the front wheel. I then did the bouncy bouncy bit again and all came good. Then I followed this:

1. Torque up the steering stem nut and the handlebar upper holder bolts
2. Torque up the center bridge bolts.
3. Torque up the axle bolt
4. Torque up the right axle pinch bolts
5. Torque up the caliper bolts*
5. With the front brake applied pump the fork up and down several times to seat the axle
6. Torque up the left axle pinch bolts
7. Tighten up the mudguard.

Recheck that all is correctly aligned and torqued in case you, or I, have forgotten something. Check front brake operation. Go for a ride and check that on deceleration with the bar released the bike runs straight and true. Last Blast did so.

*Note that Honda requires the caliper bolts (ALOC bolts) to be replaced after loosening or removing. I don't often do this. Instead I apply medium strength Loctite and make sure I don't over-torque. So far so good.

The Agony Aunt Column
or
"There is no fool like an old fool"

Dear Aunt Agutha,

Please help me. In February 2012 I took a CB1100 (build date 6/10), pure and unsullied, from the showroom. In Candy Glory Red it was a sight to behold. I'm a pretty constant sort of bloke and I was so sure that our union would last me well into my twilight years (I'm in my 73rd year) that I named that CB Last Blast. In the past I have had flings with Triumphs, BSAs, Matchless', Ducatis and Hondas. The Ducati I particularly remember as being a monster, not only by name but by nature; high maintenance that one. One ageing Triumph ('61 T120) is still, like a maiden aunt, in my possession but sees no action. But flings were all they were. Honest. I thought that Last Blast was the real thing and as we cruised towards our 100k anniversary all was well.

Then, walking through the Exhibitors Pavilion at the 2016 WSBK at Phillip Island it happened. Across a crowded room I caught sight of a [url=http://www.mvagusta.com/en-us/motorcycles/turismo-veloce-lusso-800/]shapely young Italian. My pulse quickened, my head spun and the desire to possess, quite frankly, overtook me and has become an obsession. However, to realise this obsession I would have to consign my faithful Last Blast to the realm of bikesales.com.au, a realm of no longer wanted bikes characterised as "pre-loved". Does Last Blast deserve this fate? Does the Italian need me or do the carers just want my money (about AUD25.000, ride away)?

Your advice is eagerly awaited.

Pterodactyl.

The Photo Competition Bit

This is not a competition for the best photo but is a test of observation. One of the above photos that I have posted contains an anomaly. What, who or where is it? Who sees it? Easy peasy really and I am sure that blokes like Popgun, Ferret or Django will be all over it. Can you beat them to it? Go on, have a go.

Merry Christmas to you all. I hope you have a happy and healthy 2018.
[/quote]
I can't remember why, but I took not a single photo this day.

We arrived in St Helens in time to check into our room, buy a 6-pack of beer and watch the Sepang MotoGP live on the TV. I forget what happened now, but it was exciting and we drank all the beer.
Day 15: 30 October 2017, St Helens to Devonport (288 kms)

[url=https://drive.google.com/open?id=1zDDxtaWNOG1TacSgjlQF42bdwoWXXZxE&usp=sharing]Link to Day 15 map

[quote="Pterodactyl_imp" pid="34968" dateline="1512616980"]
I haven’t posted on the forum for some time now and haven’t really been a frequent visitor. Why? Well, certainly not to spurn the good members of this forum, simply to cut down on screen time. I found that it was often easier to open my computer and pleasantly while away an hour or two than it was to, say, load up my kayak and go fishing, go for a ride, play a few holes of golf, swim at nearby Bronte beach or even to do some walking in the surprisingly, considering how close they are to the city, wild and remote mountains and national parks that surround Sydney.

However, after a little nudge from my good mate Cormanus, I have dusted off my keyboard, opened an Imgur account and got down to posting. But where to post? Milestone thread? Seat Time? Technical? Maybe even Introductions considering how long it’s been. For reasons that will, eventually, be apparent the Agony Aunt Column would be good, but, alas, the good Guth has not seen fit to give us that comfort. Any of the aforementioned might suit I guess. I’ll dump it in General Discussion section and let the Mods decide it’s fate.

The Sort-of Introductory Bit

In June and July, Darling and I spent a month in Greece. We spent a week on Mykonos and then, returning to Athens, we hired a car to explore the Peloponnese. After ten days we handed our car in and took a ferry to the island of Hydra. What has that got to do with motorcycles you may ask. Well, nothing really, except that on Hydra all vehicles, and motorcycles are, by law, banned. If you need to go somewhere then it has to be by either horse, donkey, boat or Shanks' pony. With a population of a little less than 2000, great restaurants, welcoming tavernas and beautiful beaches with crystal clear water it is a great place to unwind. Recommended.

Hydra, town and port.


Who needs a litre bike?




The Milestone Bit

Thursday last week; 24degC, wind light and variable with some scattered fair weather cumulus cloud. Perfect for a ride. I slipped on my Ixon textile gear, checked Last Blast’s tyre pressures and oil level, geared up and headed south from Sydney. Filling up on the city outskirts I noted the odometer at 99893kms. I rode through the Royal National Park and then on to Mt Keira lookout. Perched 460m (about 1600ft) on the escarpment above Wollongong, Mt Keira gives a stunning view, as they say in the realty ads, of Wollongong and nearby coast.



After contemplating the scenery for twenty minutes or so I saddled up and turned towards home. The odometer showed 30kms to 100k. Not wanting to stop for a milestone photo on a freeway or on narrow twisty bits I considered the options. It was 28kms to Bald Head Lookout in the Royal National Park. Perfect. Here’s a photo of our good mate Inhouse Bob, [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=10537&pid=168472#pid168472]earlier in the year, admiring a not quite so stunning view from Bald Hill.



As an aside, on a recent ride with Cormanus (and more of that later) we discussed whether it was appropriate, when rain was on the horizon, to call out "Bob’s-a-comin”. Or worse still, “Wets on! Bob’s-a-here!”. That bloke is more effective at the precipitation game than a Zuni rain dancer, or a C130 cloud seeding operation. My poor attempt at humour aside, we would love to see Bob in Australia again and show him the real view from Bald Hill (and a number of other spots that were cancelled due weather).

With one eye on the odometer, and the other on Google Maps, I made a short detour through Helensburg and rolled into the Bald Hill car park just as 100k ticked over.



Here’s the view with Bob safely tucked away on the other side of the Pacific.







The Very Abbreviated Seat Time Bit

Earlier in the year Cormanus and I hatched a plan to ride to the Australian MotoGP and then, after the GP, take the car ferry to Tasmania and spend a week riding the great motorcycle roads the Island State has to offer. Cormanus also had some family business to attend to while there. I won't attempt to describe in detail the

[emptysea]

Woke to find this expansive report. As I have only slept a few hours, I am too bleary-eyed to finish this delight in one gulp, but I will return for a bite here and there throughout the morning. A great yarn once again, Cormanus. Welcome back to the pen.

[Inhouse Bob]

Another excellent ride report from the Down Under Twins. And thanks for the photos. It's nice to actually see all that I "saw" while I was there.
And it's great to see Tony back in one piece, and with pretty new side panels, too!