Excellent Iron Butt Report

Here is a link to a really informative report from a first time entrant and successful finisher in the 2009 IBR.

Tyre Plug

About a year ago I got a piece of glass through a near new Michelin Pilot Road 2. At AUD$300 for a PR2 fitted, I was reluctant to ditch the tyre because of a puncture, despite having a long trip planned. After some advice on various forums I had it professionally plugged.

The plugged tyre performed flawlessly for over 8,000 kms, including a trip through the Snowy Mountains in summer, fully loaded with gear, with temps nudging the 40C mark some days.

Exterior view


Interior view

Repsol Fireblade

Going through some old camcorder video I found this footage of a mates Fireblade.



These are the still shots I'm taking in the video.

Tragedy in the Iron Butt Rally 2009

Devastating news this morning regarding Davo Jones, an Aussie competitor in the 2009 IBR held in the USA. Davo hit a deer less than 3 hours from completing this 11 day event. His family report that he has sustained a serious head injury and that his condition is grave. Davo is the founder of FarRiders, a long distance motorcycling group in Oz.

For those who are unfamiliar with the IBR here is what it's all about click here

Davo video

Sad news from the FarRider's website this afternoon from Davo's family that he has died as a result of his injuries.


RIP Davo Jones.

Great Ocean Road run

We had an unexpectedly good day for winter, so Marty & I made the most of the opportunity to go for a run.

In Apollo Bay we talked to some folk from Colac, proud Ulysses club members . The woman who rides this Can Am Spyder took up motorcycling later in life when she & her husband retired from farming. She's done 10,000 ks on the Spyder since last Christmas she said. It turned out that we had met him previously - in Straun Tasmania back in Feb 2008 when we were touring there with the guys.

We had a great run from Apollo Bay around to Lorne, hardly any traffic going our way. However, I'm developing a case of Toyota Yaris Phobia (TYP) - fear of the (rental) Yaris (with OS driver) cutting across the white line onto my side of the road head on around the corners! There were many people stopped just out of Lorne at Cathedral Rock looking at the whales.

We pulled up in front of the Arab for a hot drink. The street scape in Lorne is a mess at present - some major changes happening, but a hell of a mess at present!

Talked to a guy with a 50th anniversary VFR800.
We had a fantastic run from Lorne inland back to Geelong via Deans Marsh and the Cape Otway Road. I couldn't believe that I was actually too hot when I pulled up at home - incredible for the middle of winter.

A grand day out, 318 Ks and no performance awards!

Andy's Commando on YouTube

The first bit of video I ever shot - complete with finger obscuring the lens at one stage! Now it's heading for 30K views, how is that possible? Listen to the audio as the Norton goes up the hill and you will know why.





Here's Steve's Commando on You Tube

2010 Honda VFR1200

Motorcyclist magazine online has a brief rap on the new for 2010 Honda V4. It features the same spy photos that have be on the web for a couple of weeks now.

Motorcyclist online link