One of my pet peeves is people who don’t use their indicators to change lanes or, even more infuriatingly, when they turn corners. You see it more and more nowadays and probably more from a driver of a certain type of car brand as well. I have no idea what wild imagination these people have but if you actually use your indicator for its intended purpose – to let other road users know of your intention to change lanes, turn a corner or whatever – you might find that you’re safer on the road and what’s more don’t get people abusing you for your arrogance. And it’s this kind of arrogance that drives me mad – be aware of your surroundings, you fools. Would you blindly jump into a sus looking billabong in the NT without first reading the warning signs? Well, same goes for the use of your indicator – use it and the crocs won’t bother you! What’s your “pet peeve” on the road? Send us a letter, we’d love to hear about it. Or maybe not… Now that I’ve got that out of my system, here’s some good news (and more bad). You may have read that Victoria is the latest State to allow motorcycle lane filtering. A great common sense decision by the Government down there, and along with the other States which have already introduced this rule – well done, keep it going. Although I did read that Victoria Police were going to be hammering those riding motorcycles to Phillip Island to watch the MotoGP. Seriously, what is wrong with your decision making, Vic Pol? Have you no idea of the kinds of people that go to watch the GP – obviously not. Sure, you might get one or two rats that ride crazy, but you get that in all crowds, even within your own ranks and probably worse. Grow up and realise that hundreds of thousands of dollars are being spent in the very State that you live, making it better for you and for all who live or visit there! In fact, as I write this I’ve just heard that the Assistant Commissioner in charge of Road Policing in Victoria has got the sack. Despite the smashing of speed limits and booking everything including flies that go one kilometre an hour over the posted speed limit, the road toll has risen in Victoria. It was on the decline, as in the rest of Australia. Maybe Vic Pol should realise that staring at your speedo takes your eyes off the road – ever thought of that, boys? We received some emails from you in regards to the blanked-out number plate on our MT-07 in the last issue. We purposely did that so you wouldn’t focus on the number plate itself, rather the tail tidy we were talking about – it got you looking anyway. Cheers, Stuart.

NEW TRIUMPHS THE BONNEVILLE IS ALL GROWN UP Triumph has thrown the covers off a four year project to give you the next generation of the iconic Bonneville with five exciting new bikes. From the fun and accessible ride ability of the new Street Twin, to the timeless style of the Bonneville T120 and T120 Black, through to the Thruxton and Thruxton R, the Triumph racing legend is reborn. All bikes come with 100% authentic Bonneville character and truly modern capability and performance. Powered by an all-new engine family built specifically for the modern classic riding style, the bikes offer more torque, more immediate and exciting power delivery and a richer sound you can really feel and hear. The Street Twin features an all-new high torque 900cc parallel twin engine, while the rest of the family goes large with an equally new 1200cc parallel twin powerplant. The Bonneville T120 and T120 Black have what Triumph calls the “High Torque” version and the Thruxton models have the “High Power” version. All of the family’s engines are now liquid-cooled for better fuel consumption and an even smoother ride. Triumph says that the bikes feature rider-focused technology which has been implemented with care to deliver an engaged and safer ride, without compromising the style or character of the bikes – this includes ABS, traction control, slip assist clutch, ride-by-wire throttle and rider modes (T120, T120 Black, Thruxton R and Thruxton), distinctive LED rear lights on all models and LED DRL headlights on all the 1200s (where legislation allows), USB charging socket and an engine immobiliser. A completely new, ground up chassis design, unique to each motorcycle, incorporates all-new suspension and geometry, so all of these bikes will deliver what Triumph says is stunning handling, outstanding stability and neutral handling tailored to the style and character of each motorcycle, making them easier to ride for longer. Each model has also undergone a beautiful evolution of the iconic Bonneville styling with tighter and more crafted styling cues faithfully taken from classic Bonneville bikes of the past. And there are more than 470 new accessories! We can’t wait to ride them and The Bear is already dreaming of owning the T120. I feel the Street Twin will be the massive seller out of the family and it’s great to see the attention to detail, while improving performance has been blended nicely. As soon as we get to ride them, you’ll be reading the reviews in these pages! SW carbon, the red stripes and the Dark Chrome paintwork on the frame. The exclusive forged wheels with exposed machined finish enhance the muscular design of the bike. Other new features on the 2016 version of the Diavel Carbon include the exhaust manifolds with Zircotec ceramic coating. In addition, the bike boasts a totally redesigned seat with new and exclusive trim. Get into your local Ducati dealer to secure this stylish machine. “JUST SMILE AND WAVE, BOYS. SMILE AND WAVE.” See Madagascar with Touratech Have you ever dreamed of exploring an exotic island on a motorbike? This dream could now come true. Under the slogan “United People of Adventure“, Touratech founder, Herbert Schwarz, and his wife, Ramona, invite motorcycle travellers from six continents to join them on an adventure ride on the Island of Madagascar – on fully equipped Touratech bikes and with the appropriate riding gear. If you don’t want to miss this once in a lifetime chance, apply online with a short video at www.real-adv.com and/ or for further information and conditions of participation. SLICK AND TRICKIxon Pitrace jacket Price – $199.95 The Pit Race is the slick, versatile and durable sports riding jacket used and trusted by Australian stunt rider, Dave McKenna. It comes with loads of mesh panels to help keep you cool and CE protectors on the elbows and shoulders. Not only is the new Pit Race jacket incredibly inexpensive, it’s well thought out too with a classic collar, pocket for the optional CE back protector and a zip to connect to pants at the back. Seeing there is so little room for carrying items on most bikes, the six pockets will come in handy: two external, two internal, one waterproof and one back pocket dedicated to insert storage. See your local bike shop or www.ficeda.com.au WAVE THE FLAGArai Vector II helmetPrice – $649.95 The popular and heavily revised Arai Vector II helmet now comes in this exciting Australia Flag design. Show your Aussie support and wear it with pride. See your local bike shop or www.cassons.com.au KICK START MY HEARTRocky Creek Designs Jump StarterPrice – $98.95 This little lithium jump starter is pocket-sized and light but packs a real punch. It will easily tuck into a tank bag, top box or pannier. The mini jump starter comes with a recharging plug suitable for both BMW (merit) sockets and normal car type accessory sockets. The jump starter offers a USB port and 1-into-4 5V/2.1A USB accessory cable that can plug into many different devices including Apple,Samsung, HTC, Nokia, Motorola, and Sony phones, iPads, GPS etc. It also has an LED flash light with 3 modes:illumination, strobe or SOS. This mini jump starter has short circuit protection, overcharge protection and discharge protection. Don’t let yourself be stranded with a fl at battery. Pop a mini jump starter into your bag! Buy it direct from Rocky Creek Designs – www.rockycreekdesigns.com.au or call Ph: 02 6689 5703.

LIES, DAMNED LIES AND STATISTIC “Strange that we all got flat tyres at the same time…” Let’s get the actual danger of “speed” on the road into perspective once again. During a recent interview on ABC Radio’s Ockham’s Razor with Robert Solomon, former parliamentarian and now apparently an authority on road safety, pointed out an interesting comparison. Australia’s rate of road deaths per 100,000 people is 5.1, the same as for France with its speed-limited autoroutes. That put us 15th among the 32 countries which contributed to the International Road Traffic and Accident Database (IRTAD) in 2013. Despite its 8000km of unlimited speed autobahns (plus another 5000km limited to 130km/h), Germany’s rate was only 4.1, making it 11th of 32. The UK (where in my experience everyone speeds, at least on the motorway) had a rate of 2.8. Less developed countries such as Namibia (where the roads are so bad you can’t speed) and Thailand (where they are too choked) have shocking death rates of 45 and 44 respectively. “Iran is little better with 38, despite having differential speed signs of 100, 110 and 120 for the lanes of divided highways. “Between 2000 and 2012 the annual road death toll in the IRTAD countries fell by nearly 40 per cent,” said Solomon, “largely as a result of ‘robust road safety strategies’ involving speed management, alcohol control and seatbelt use.” I would argue with that, er, argument. I suspect, with some pretty good backing from other road safety authorities, that in fact improved roads and overall safer cars (not just seatbelt fitment) were more ‘robust road safety strategies’ than his suggestions. Sadly, and as usual, motorcycles didn’t get a mention but Solomon did point out that “Pedestrians and cyclist [sic] safety was not reduced [sic] by the same amount, probably because there are increasing numbers of cyclists and more old pedestrians.” Well, yeah, but wouldn’t his ‘robust road safety strategies’ have helped cyclists and pedestrians by stopping cars from mowing them down? Isn’t that another hint that it was cars that take greater care of their drivers and passengers that are a major reason for the improved safety? Whatever; our thanks go to Robert Solomon and the ABC for at least raising the fact that it is not necessarily speed that kills. Ducati has taken the idea of bike electronics further than any other manufacturer by simply replacing the rider and pillion with robots.There’s no need for ABS or cruise control or any other electronics when the rider can have them all built in. Borgo Panigale is, of course, just making sure that our new Robotic AI Overlords ride Ducatis rather than some other marque RESIGN! RESIGN! I’ve got to stop reading. The latest issue (as I write this) of New Scientist features a story about the human-like behaviour and ability that some wild animals show. Now quite apart from the Russian circus bears who ride motorcycles, I had thought that most of my achievements (such as they are) would be superior to those of which animals are capable. Turns out that’s not so. I can handle the fact that killer whales can learn complex songs while I struggle with “Happy Birthday”; singing is not high on my list of priorities. But elephants can apparently remember up to a thousand individuals and recognise them by sight or scent. Now okay, there are a few fellow motorcyclists I know whom I’d recognise by “scent” as well. But all in all I doubt that I could recognise more than about 200 individuals by sight or smell. This is not helped by a peculiar tendency I have to “see” a celebrity when I’m looking at a perfectly ordinary person. For example, F.W. deKlerk cuts some of the lawns in my street, and Lloyd Bridges drives the 288 bus. A trick memory like that can pose problems, such as humming a few bars of the Internationale to a bloke in the Chemist’s and then finding he’s not Friedrich Engels after all. Maybe I should resign and hand my job over to an elephant. The only real problem is finding a keyboard big enough…

Sure, the new H2 might have excellent handling and super powerful brakes, but it is more the supercharged in-line four cylinder lurking in between that super sexy metallic green trellis frame that is the main attraction of this bike. The one I rode for this story is also owned by our good (very good) friend Nigel. I’ve already ridden it a number of times. The H2 750 saying, “Up yours!” It has also been “freed” up a bit thanks to a Race fit slip-on muffler and DNA air filter. This has turned what was a heavily restricted (yet still powerful) bike into a ravening power

ROLLIES SPEED SHOP OPEN HOUSE 2015 Our Kuryakyn-customised H-D Sportster has scored a win at its first ever show – although it was a bit of a show with a difference. Here’s Ian from Rollies to tell us about the event where the bike won a cash prize for its builders, Iron Head Customs in Melbourne. Every second year Rollies Speed Shop hosts a get together of American manufacturers and members of their National Dealership Network to showcase the development of products for the Australian v-twin marketplace. The second day the event is open to the public allowing v-twin owners the opportunity to talk to the people behind the major brands, in a one on one situation. The third Rollies Open House was held on Sat 3rd and Sunday 4th of October with a fantastic roll out of manufacturers from the United States including Performance Machine, Kuryakyn, Arlen Ness Enterprises, Legend Air Suspensions, Jim’s USA Performance Parts, Progressive Suspension, Daytona Twin Tec, Magna Flow, Spectro Performance Oils, Russ Wernimont Designs, Rinehart Racing Exhausts, Genuine James Gaskets, Freedom Performance Exhausts, Thunder Max, S&S Cycle, Roland Sands Designs to name just a few. The dealer day was extremely well attended with both Daytona Twin Tech & Thunder Max offering introductory and advanced training courses from a workshop perspective. Our Australian market differs from the USA experience, as we do not have the same interest in the touring bagger segment as our American counterparts. Over time Rollies Speed Shop has engaged the manufacturers in looking for specific solutions to our market; more emphasis on the V-Rod and Softail models that are not as popular in the States. We also had the launch of some new exhaust systems from Rinehart Racing who have typically held huge market share in the States due to the company’s history in Indy Car exhaust development; there will be new models released as Rinehart focuses on performance through the stepped header designs that are more often seen on high performance exhaust builds. Crusher Performance exhaust systems were highlighted as well, this is the performance arm of Kuryakyn, another giant in the USA aftermarket space. They also featured the new line of Bahn Products for the Harley-Davidson range. Arlen Ness by Magna Flow showcased exhaust products for the first time at the show, with a new range of performance systems that have the definitive mastery of Arlen Ness design, with the performance background of Magna Flow; the largest aftermarket automobile performance exhaust builder in the USA. Rollies Speed Shop Distribution would like to thank the manufacturers and dealer network who supported this year’s event. This was an exceptional event that was well supported by the American manufacturers, the National Dealership Network and the general public. State tuned for the next even in 2017 – don’t miss it! FAR CAIRN RALLY 2015 HERE IS THE POSSUM’S FAR CAIRN REPORT Our little group made an early start for the wilds of Tottenham well wrapped in our wet weather gear. Intermittent showers followed us to Richmond, and we experienced wet roads but no rain over the Bells Line. Plenty of roadworks on the Bells Line and a rumoured 80 km/h speed limit to be imposed over the full length helped us along our way. Following an overnight stay in Forbes, we made our way under sunny skies to Tottenham. I had some initial concerns that the rally had been taken over – there seemed to be more Suzuki Bandits than BMWs! But by the time we arrived at the Racecourse all was well and BMWs were in plague proportions. There was a first for me, I saw my first MV Agusta at a rally and not a barista in sight. The local Food works supermarket did a big trade in bags of ice and boxes of things to be kept cold. As in previous years, the Lions Club was in attendance and feeding the multitudes, and they backed up next morning to make sure everyone had a bacon and egg roll to soak up the evening’s excesses. Walking about the camp site we found a good representation of number plates from QLD, NSW, VIC and SA. As the sun set, the awards and raffles were rolled out. Oldest Combined Age was 116 for Mick and his BMW – not sure who was older. Longest Distance Sidecar was Garry with 573 km L/D Female was Margaret from Stanthorpe in QLD at 1005 km. L/D Male was Peter from Hervey Bay QLD at 2779 km – must have come the scenic route. L/D Pillion was Deborah from SA at 1135 km – she won it last year too. Youngest Rider went to 22 y.o. Tom Reynolds The SA BMW Club was disappointed that there was no award for Club attendance, as they had a big group on hand. The preferred charity of the BMW Touring Club of NSW has been the Motorcycle Accident Rehabilitation Initiative (MARI) and the club President Alan Peters spoke about the work of MARI and its evolution before introducing Ken Lovegrove. Ken is the moving force that is spreading MARI’s work around the countryside. He had recently returned from a trip down the length of QLD where he has most of the major hospitals on board and volunteers established in most major towns and cities. MARI provides a network to support victims of bike crashes in practical ways. At the end of the presentation, the BMWTCNSW presented Ken with a cheque for $8,900 to help with the continuation of MARI’s work. For more information go to www.drwings.org.au . Raffles were a mixed bag of goodies from various sponsors and while one of our party won three times, the rest of us got nothing! After the raffles, there was a picture show with a motorcycle theme that include promos from old B&W movies, the BMW Enduro Safari, and the funniest short film Western ever seen. Speaking with BMW TC NSW Club stalwart Warren Buffet next morning I learned that the 150 badges […]

SUPERSONIC ADVENTURES AWAIT WORDS STUART WOODBURY PHOTOS NICK WOOD Stuart is wearing a Shoei ADV helmet, Held Carese II jacket, Held Sambia gloves, Draggin NextGen jeans and Sidi Vertigo boots. It was only a matter of time until KTM brought out a big distance eater to tackle BMW’s all-conquering R 1200 GS Adventure. KTMs take on this was to release the 1290 Super Adventure. Stick the hugely powerful 1301cc V-twin from the Super Duke R in it, give it a massive fuel tank and loads of luxury and there you are. It’s a bike that looks like a road train coming at you, yet is relatively agile and immensely fast. Cornering headlights in the tank and engine protection bars surround that massive 30 litre tank. Best KTM seat ever? You bet! Comfort, or you can remove the rubber insert for a grippy aluminium peg. That 75-degree V-twin engine is retuned by 15kW from its Super Duke specification, but still produces a maximum of 118kW, along with even more mid range torque, plus smoother low-rev running due to a heavier crankshaft – as a result the 1290 is immensely fast for such a big bike. Four riding modes give differing levels of throttle response and traction control, including Rain and Off-road modes with reduced power output. Eight times out of ten I left it in Sport mode because the acceleration is intoxicating, but when I was doing some longer distance I switched to Touring for a softer throttle. The 1290 comes with chain drive which is the lightest solution and delivers the power to the ground with the smallest resistance, but big all-road touring motorcycles do benefit from the maintenance-free shaft drive setup as seen on other equivalent models. Nevertheless, high quality chains are today, really good and require less maintenance than ever and the 1290 comes with a centre stand for easier cleaning and lubrication. Chassis performance is equally impressive as the engine, and similarly boosted by electronic refinement. The 1290 follows previous Adventure models with its tubular steel frame and long travel suspension from KTM subsidiary WP. For such a comprehensively equipped bike it is light at 229kg without fuel, and has agile handling that makes it easy and fun to ride on and off road. The Super Adventure introduces KTM’s first semi-active damping system, featuring four settings that are independent of the riding modes. It works well most of the time, most vividly in Comfort mode. This gives an outstandingly compliant ride at a steady pace, and magically firms the front forks under braking, and the rear shock under hard acceleration – truly the best of both worlds. Excellent wind protection also contributes to the KTM’s ability to cover ground rapidly and comfortably. Its intricately shaped screen, adjustable by hand on the move, gives an outstandingly quiet, turbulence-free ride, which is especially noticeable with a peaked helmet where you might be used to your head lifting slightly. You get none of this on the 1290 Super Adventure with the screen on its highest setting. The seat is very comfortable over long distances and quickly height-adjustable, but inevitably short riders will struggle even on its lower setting due to the seat being wider than, say, the 1050 Adventure’s. But, for those riders over 175cm or thereabouts you will love the comfort this bike gives you and I have to say that this is probably the best seat KTM has ever put on one of its motorcycles. Not only does the 1290 have an adjustable seat height but the handlebar clamps can be changed by plus or minus 10mm and the foot pegs can be changed by 10mm, so you really can get the right ‘personal’ setup with this bike. The Adventure can’t quite match (yet almost does) the weather protection of a touring bike’s big fairing but its hand guards, heated grips and heated seat – with individual controls for rider and pillion, who also gets generous hand holds – add to its long-distance appeal. The big, 30-litre tank gives a generous (putting it mildly) range of about 480km. It felt as if I’d ridden the 1290 forever without having to fill it up – a feeling you don’t get with many other bikes. Cruise control comes as standard, and is just one more of the KTM’s electronic features. Bosch’s brilliant cornering and combined ABS system helps the Brembo brakes’ outstanding stopping ability and a world first are the 1290’s cornering headlights, which are fitted to the side of the tank. Consisting of three LED segments, and linked to a lean angle sensor, the cornering light can use one segment or all three depending on the lean angle, giving you more peripheral vision at night. The instrument panel is well thought out for the travelling motorcyclist with a bucket load of info and to the left of the panel is a 12V socket to plug in your GPS or gadgets. You can also set up a ‘favourites’ screen for all the info that you’d like to look at, rather than continually scrolling for it. Accessories are extensive as you would expect from KTM. To really set up the 1290 Super Adventure as a big distance eater, I’d be looking at the Ergo seat for even more comfort, panniers, topbox or maybe the seat bag and the GPS mount. If you like bling, there’s plenty of that and if you want even more performance, KTM will let you unleash the beast. You may jibe at the higher $26,995 price tag against the base price of the R1200 GSA at $24,550, but the BMW doesn’t come with as many electronic features standard. If you want those it takes the price just above the KTM’s. The 1290’s price tag seems entirely reasonable for a bike that offers extraordinary performance, refinement, comfort, safety and versatility. This Adventure’s “Super” prefix is richly deserved. SPECSKTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE PRICE: $26,995 (plus on-road charges)WARRANTY: Two years, unlimited distanceSERVICING INTERVALS: Every 15,000km or 12 monthsENGINE: Liquid-cooled V-twin […]

THIS APPEALS! A WIN FOR THE LITTLE BLOKE Bitupave Ltd t/as Boral Asphalt v X [2015] NSWCCA 298 Ward, Emmett, Gleeson JJA Never let it be said that the law does not occasionally back the little bloke in a battle with the business and public administration giants of the land. Here is a report of a recent case from northern NSW. I’ve removed the name of the plaintiff for privacy reasons. It’s somewhat dry; persevere with it, it’s worth it. Not only does it describe a win, it will also give you an insight into the way the law actually works, and what a judge considers. The Court of Appeal today dismissed an appeal brought by Bitupave Ltd t/ as Boral Asphalt (‘Boral’) from a finding that it was negligent in the manner in which it conducted roadworks on a stretch of road where Mr David X subsequently sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle accident. The Court also dismissed a cross-appeal by Lismore City Council (‘the Council’) from a similar finding of negligence against it, and allowed a cross-appeal brought by Mr X in relation to a finding of contributory negligence on his part. The accident occurred on 22 January 2006 when Mr X was riding his motorcycle north of Nimbin on a gently curving stretch of road with an uphill gradient. The accident occurred shortly after three days of very heavy rain in the area and some six weeks after the Council had undertaken resurfacing works on that stretch of road. During the course of those resurfacing works, Boral carried out work as the Council’s contractor spraying bitumen on the re-sealed road. Road quality on the North Coast varies enormously; so, obviously, does the care that’s taken when repairs are made. No matter what the legal position is, it always pays to be careful. Mr X, through his tutor, brought proceedings in the Common Law Division of the Supreme Court claiming damages for negligence against Boral and the Council. Boral and the Council each cross-claimed against the other for indemnity and/or contribution in respect of any liability owed to Mr X. The primary judge found that the accident was caused when Mr X lost control of his motorcycle when it came into contact with a swathe of material on the road. His Honour found that the swathe contained road base and aggregate which had been left by the Council and Boral, respectively, at the completion of their respective roadworks, in a “feathered out” windrow on the higher side of the road (to the east of the road and west of a table drain). The table drain had been blocked during the heavy rains and his Honour found that a torrent of water had fl owed over the drain and across the road. His Honour found that the Council and Boral were negligent, as it was foreseeable by each of them that leaving a feathered windrow in that position involved a risk that it would be washed across the roadway, thereby reducing the available friction on the road and endangering motorcyclists. The primary judge apportioned responsibility for the accident as to 60% to Boral and 40% to the Council. His Honour found that Mr X was on notice of the presence of the swathe, having travelled in the opposite (southerly) direction on that stretch of road earlier in the day, and reduced his award of damages by 10% to reflect his contributory negligence. On the question of indemnity, his Honour held that the Council was entitled to indemnity from Boral for the whole of its liability to Mr X, having breached cl 10 of the contract between the Council and Boral in failing to effect a policy of public liability insurance. Boral appealed from the whole of the decision. It challenged the factual findings made by the primary judge as to what was on the road at the time of the accident and how it came to be on the road. The Council cross appealed, challenging the findings relating to its liability, the degree of contributory negligence and the apportionment of responsibility between it and Boral, and sought to affirm the finding of liability against Boral on a number of bases, including that it was in breach of two other clauses (cll D2.7(iii) and D2.7(v)) of its contract with the Council. Mr X cross-appealed on the issue of contributory negligence, and sought to affirm the findings of negligence against Boral and the Council on other grounds. The Court of Appeal found that the primary judge did not err in finding that each of Boral and the Council was negligent in leaving the feathered windrow, to which each had contributed, to the east of the road and to the west of the table drain. There was no error in the factual finding by the primary judge that the swathe contained aggregate and road base from the feathered out windrow in that position. The risk of harm to motorcyclists was one of which both Boral and the Council knew or ought to have known, it was not insignificant and there were reasonable precautions that could have been taken to avoid the risk. The Court of Appeal found that the primary judge had not erred in concluding that the presence of a combination of road base and aggregate in the swathe was a necessary condition of the harm occurring. It was not necessary for the primary judge to seek to determine the amount of each of those components in the swathe. Each of Boral and the Council had an opportunity to remove the windrow that had been created by a combination of their actions and each failed to do so. But for Boral’s failure to remove the windrow (to which it had added aggregate), the accident would not have occurred. But for the Council’s failure, when it completed the roadworks, to remove the windrow (other than by feathering it out as it did), the accident would not have occurred. Further, the primary judge’s […]

MANOEUVRES THE BEAR ARMY MARCHES ON Greetings, Troopers! By the next issue I should have the location of our South and North Manoeuvres for 2016 worked out, and I am even looking at the possibility (after more than a few requests) of adding a third event for summer. It might be a bit early for that, but you never know… Meanwhile I’m introducing a bit of a bonus for troopers. Every now and then we get something interesting to review, and we’re told to keep it. Sometimes it gets added to our stock of useful stuff, but often it duplicates something we already have or is not immediately required for any other project. What I’m going to do is make these things available to you. Only to Troopers, of course! I’ll announce them in this column and all you need to do if you want one, is email me within a fortnight of the magazine hitting the stands. The numbers of the interested parties will go into the hat, we’ll announce the winner in a following issue and we’ll post you whatever the goodie is. Don’t expect vastly expensive items; they’ll be small but always interesting. And let’s face it, all it will cost you is an email! This month’s goodie is a great start – the 2016 Motorcycle Adventure Travel calendar from Horizons Unlimited. It is full of wonderful images and will dress up any wall. The high-quality calendar costs $19, but for you it’s free – if your number comes out of the hat. And make no mistake about it – the images in the calendar are spectacular! If you’d like to find out a bit more about Horizons Unlimited, see www.horizonsunlimited.com . At ease, Commanding Officer, Bear Army

NORTH AND SOUTH OF SYDNEY TWO DAYS TO DIE FOR WORDS/PHOTOS THE BEAR We don’t know how lucky we are to live in Australia – even in Sydney. There, I’ve said it. Well, written it. I know that just about every capital city in Australia has easier access to better bike roads than we do here in the Harbour City, but comparisons are odious or, as Shakespeare has it, odorous. The fact remains that we can jump on our bikes and spend a day on some wonderful roads, without much traffic and with not too many restrictions. We can challenge ourselves and our bikes, or we can drift around enjoying the scenery and Mother Nature’s many delights; we can even find decent food and coffee. You want me to back that up with real-life roads? No worries. Oh, and if you know these roads already (as many of you will) show this article to beginning riders, or those who are considering taking up motorcycling. You’ll be doing your good deed for the day. Jamberoo Road is worth a visit – or even two! COFFEE CRAZY Get yourself to the beginning of the Pacific Highway just south of Horns by. Yes, this is freeway but I suspect that you’ll be tired of any other roads by now – no matter how close by you live. Unfortunately, Sydney traffic really is odorous! Equally unfortunately there is nowhere much to meet around here – see below for the suggested meeting point if you’re riding with mates. Enjoy the effortless ride as far as the Berowra exit, also known as the Windy banks Interchange, and join the Old Pacific Highway. Better known as just the Old Road, this was the highway before the freeway was built; a thought that’s almost impossible to believe now. At Easter and other holiday times this used to back up for a couple of hours or more. No matter what you think of freeways, this one has been a Good Thing. There are a couple of servos on your left not long after you hit the Old Road, first a Shell and then a 7Eleven. They offer an opportune chance to top up your tank, and the 7Eleven is the most common meeting place for riders who are on their way north. Everybody’s favourite hairpin on Macquarie Pass. Take the “Pacific Hwy” not the “Pacific Mwy” track where the road divides, not far past those servos. Remember to keep more or less to the speed limit as you roll through Cowan; pedestrians are likely to be rambling across the road from the station, and this is a popular place for radar. Next up, after a couple of nice corners, is Pie in the Sky; a good stop for a coffee. Another nice set of corners takes you down to the river and the bridge over the Hawkesbury, and then you’re on the Old Road proper. It’s difficult to know what to say about this road. The speed limit is far too low, but the road does have a poor safety record. Next stop, after a set of some more enjoyable corners – but watch out for bicyclists – is the Old Road Café, nee Road Warriors and any number of other names. Another coffee stop, as well as a bacon and egg roll stop. Continue north to the Calga turnoff, which you want to take, and at Peats Ridge is the Tin Shed café, on the right. More coffee! Yes! Turn left just out of the little township to Central Mangrove, and left again to Mangrove Mountain. A less restricted and in some ways more enjoyable though occasionally bumpy road takes you down to the Hawkesbury River. More coffee and food stops at Spencer and Gunderman (where we will shortly be reviewing the Wombat Café) and then you’re at the Wise mans Ferry ferry, which takes you across to the pub, a servo and a small selection of cafés. The road back to Sydney starts with an inspiring left-hand hairpin going up the scarp and continues to be good fun until you hit the ‘burbs. You have the options of turning right at Maroota if you live in western Sydney, left at Middle Dural for the connection to Galston Gorge if you live in the north, or carrying on along the Old Northern Road if you’re from anywhere else. Hornsby to Hornsby should be about three hours’ riding, for a total distance of some 170km. Not a long day, but a good one. STILL LOTS OF COFFEE It’s a little easier to nominate a meeting place if you and your mates are on the road south. The Maccas at Heath cote is opposite Heath cote Road and next to a servo, and just for once you’ll just have to drink the McCafé coffee. Or be the last to arrive, with everyone ready to head off. You’ve missed the first entrance to National Park by meeting this far south, but that’s all right. Turn left at Waterfall instead and enjoy the excellent road that connects with the main park road over a concrete causeway, down in the valley. It’s only 5km down there, but it’s a fun road – except perhaps for occasional leaf litter. Turn right and straight on through National Park now. A stop at Stan well Tops is always worth it, if only to check out any other bikes stopped there. Then continue straight on, not down to Stan well Park, and turn left again to continue along the road south. I’d avoid the freeway, but it’s up to you. At the top of Mt Ousley, take a right and then a left to Mt Keira. There’s a kiosk on a spur road with a terrific lookout over Wollongong and Mt Kembla. At the bottom of the hill turn into the highway and then the freeway, which will take you south to the big roundabout just north of Illawarra Regional Airport. If you’re interested, there is a […]

ACROSS THE TOP OF TAS ST HELENS TO LAUNCESTON WORDS/PHOTOS THE BEAR ST HELENS In my mind, St Helens will always be associated with crayfish. Freshly caught, these tasty crustaceans form an important ingredient for the local restaurants. However, Bicheno, further south, and St Helens are the only places where I’ve ever seen (and eaten) crayfish as a takeaway meal, wrapped in newspaper and eaten with a wooden fork. Sadly, the last time I was there the place where you could buy it was gone – maybe it was just out of season. The beaches are beautiful, and the mild climate means that this is a place where camping is almost always a pleasure. All services are available, and you might as well fuel up here. BINALONG BAY A short detour north from St Helens takes you to this small but almost staggeringly picturesque village. A combination of pristine bush, lichen covered granite boulders and white sandy beaches definitely gives Mother Nature a good name here. The village, really a collection of what seems to be more or less just holiday houses from the foreshore (there’s more of it inland), intrudes relatively little. Let’s hope it stays that way. I could image de rich folks deciding that Binalong Bay would make an uncrowded Byron Bay, and moving in. Don’ read dis, rich folks! Oh, apparently Binalong hosts the Great Abalone Bake off every February – I’ve never been there for it, but doesn’t it sound good. GOULDS COUNTRY Off the highway a short distance to the north, this is a small timber settlement that had its heyday when tin was mined around here. It’s been called “a fine, unadulterated example of early Tasmania” and might be worth a look. There are no services. PYENGANA Also just off the road, Pyengana doesn’t have a pub. It is a pub. Commonly referred to as The Pub In The Paddock, which is precisely what it is, it’s a small, pretty standard Tasmanian country pub with variable opening hours. In my experience it is rather quiet, but I suspect that tourist buses now stop there. If you get invaded, ride on to St Columbas Falls, a waterfall pleasantly set in the bush. And don’t forget the Pyengana Café at the dairy farm. Great atmosphere, food and coffee! WELBOROUGH Once the Weld borough Hotel was known officially as The Worst Little Pub On The Coast (no, it’s nowhere near the coast). It was a rather run down, whimsical sort of place with obscene cartoons plastered on the wall of the bar and a steady fl ow of motorcyclists through its basic but beautifully located campground. These days it is a stop on the Tasmanian Brew and Cider Trail, known as Historic Hotel Weld borough and very fl ash indeed. It was closed when I passed through fairly recently (well, okay, it was 8.00 o’clock in the morning) so I can’t vouch for it myself but by all reports it is worth a stop – and you can drink your way all around Tasmania with the comprehensive range of beers and ciders*. SCOTTSDALE One of Tasmania’s most agreeable towns, Scottsdale allegedly also has the best soils in the entire island. One crop that takes full advantage of that is lavender. There are a couple of excellent if not exactly cheap café/restaurants in town, and all services are available. It’s worth taking a look at the Forest Eco Centre, I’m told, which is all about sustainable forestry. There is no point in going to Jetsonville, a few kilometres to the north, and asking for George. He doesn’t live there, and neither does his boy Elroy. LAUNCESTON Despite a bit of a messy one-way system, Launceston makes a good stop. It offers lots of 19th Century buildings, extensive parks and gardens and the terrific National Automobile Museum which, despite its name, has some interesting motorcycles on display. And of course there is the Boag’s Brewery, owned these days by the Japanese. Tours can be booked online and are good fun, even if they do cost $33 per person. Gulp. The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery has some really good exhibits on Aboriginal history. If you’ve ever wondered what all the fuss is about Huon pine, take a look in the Design Centre of Tasmania. *I am not going to insult you by carrying on about not riding after drinking. I presume you’re an adult.