Gday Team, thought I would introduce myself.
As you can tell my name is Matt. Found this site from TBs comments in the Tenere thread on ADVrider. Bought my new Tenere 2 weeks ago, after a change in my focus on riding. I work at Olympic Dam in the Ventilation department. I have been based here for 12 years, but keep my bike at Riverton in the Gilbert Valley as the riding down south is much better for week in week out touring. Up here is good for once a year/lifetime adventures.
I have been riding most of my life, early on on old silver tank XL 250s around various paddocks, then a 10-15 year break over my teens and early 20s until I bought a WR250f. Loved that, but stepped up to a 450 in 07.
I grew up in the Barossa valley SA, and spent my youth watching and fantasizing about the 24 hour trial run just to the North of the Valley. Made the decision on my 30th that I would ride and finish it. Entered my first ever race early in 08 and got some lights fitted ready for the 24. DNFed that year at the 8 hour mark, but have since finished the 09 and 10 24 hours. Most rewarding ride ever!
Lost a bet last year, my side of it was to race Finke, not my thing really, but gave it my best. Had a big off on the way down there and Dislocated my shoulder, an old work injury previously reconstructed twice, got it back in and finished the race, but the shoulder is now ready for it’s third recon, and I needed a rethink of my enjoyment of motorcycles.
A trade in of a YZ 450 from a Tenere was the answer, and has bought me here.
First few rides have been very rewarding. A totally different style of riding, but riding a bike is still riding a bike, and nothing beats that. My shoulder is much happier too. So after the recon and rehab, I have a new focus to start working towards. This APC rally looks like a must do.
These sites have helped so much with the research and development of these bikes. Makes life so easy. That and the fact ride reports just fuel the need to get back on the bike and see the country side.
Cheers
Matt
