[GregMember]

Jeffro wrote:

When the video had uploaded utube noted that it was shaky and gave the option to fix it which I accepted and they modify it somehow giving that appearance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg7jvZv13XU&feature=youtu.be

Well, that certainly is clever… I guess that is why the guys from youtube are sunning it up on their yacht in the Bahamas and I am slogging away in the office hoping my boss doesn’t catch me on OBT…

[GregMember]

Hey Jeffro,

Certainly looks like you had a better day than I did in the office… Question re your camera setup; your shadow looks like a normal go pro set up on top of your lid, but the camera seems to move independently of your visible visor… Whats your trick?

Cheers

[GregMember]

Recent experience is worth a mention.

I have just had my bike in with Simon from the Bikesmith at Blacktown. Used to be at Yamaha Australia and he could not have been more helpful or knowledgeable. One point I want to raise is the cleanliness of his workshop – even though he thought it was a bit of a mess, it was in another world compared to all other service centres I have been to.

I would give him the nod.

[GregMember]

Hmmm… you sound just like my brothers… apparently that video is their “go-to” happy place when things are getting them a bit down… Always makes them laugh.

[GregMember]

Hey Craig,

Sorry mate, only just got time to log on to OBT… I will give you a call tomorrow.

Greg

[GregMember]

When I was in a carpark overlooking Strahan and had mid life hoon moment, without realising the tourances would bite… resulting in a stationary backflip, I too disintegrated my tail section. $140 for he whole shebang from local Yamaha dealer and attacking it with a dremel and its nice and tidy again.

[GregMember]

Shoei Hornet… I love mine and wouldn’t wear anything else after having a Zeus, RJays and Icon Variant.

Shoei is quietest, most comfortable around your ears, especially when running headphones or internal speakers and the sunnies groove it worth the purchase alone.

The vision is amazing, I only noticed how wide the port is when I wore my old icon the other day…

It does not get near as stinky as my icon and the visor can be opened when riding and you can wear (some) goggles with the visor up or down.

Good vents and you know it’s safe. I light for what it is too.

Cheers.

[GregMember]

I have both these cameras and they are both very good, I use them for my bike riding and for the kids to play with… I must say though, for absolute quality of pictures, consider the Lumix DMC-TZ20 (I have the older TZ10). I heard that there is now a TZ30 being released with a 20x optical lens.

It would have to have one of the best optical lens’ out there, the HD video is great and it has a nicer palm presence than the Canon (meaning its easier to hold), just looks a bit clunkier.

Both the Lumix and Canon are great for camping shots as they have variable shutter speeds – great for those starry night piccies.

Why do I have three cameras???

[GregMember]

We are doing a ride in the remoteness of NSW/SA/NT and WA in August and, being two bikes alone, we have both technologies.

My comments on the spot are:

I have the Spot 2 which as Nick says, you buy and then have a subscription. I have the subscription that allows unlimited tracking and you can share a link via email or Facebook so friends and family can track your progress. It sends a location every 10 mins and is really good for those at home. It has 3 message buttons:

I use one to say we have just stopped and everything is fine. This goes tommy immediate family as both email and sms message. It is great because it has the data and link for google maps when clicked on.

I have another button, set up the same but the message states that we have stopped for the night – my wife likes this one because she knows no more riding and can relax and stop worrying… women.

My third customised button is a pre-alert that I have programmed to persons I know who can assist or mobilise assistance if needed. The message basically says that I am in the shit, I either have a mechanical issue or minor injury that is not life threatening but either way, I cannot go on so please do what you can to arrange a pickup. This is not an all out emergency.

The last button is a SOS button that works similar to an epirb. It sends out a message that alerts the rescue authorities that we need immediate assistance. It is not like an epirb that transmits a constant distress signal that can be tracked, rather it goes through the normal Spot satellite system to their exchange, just like your normal SMS or email messages, then they will forward to the relevant countries emergency services authority with the GPS coordinates… As I understand it, this means that it may take a little longer for the message to reach those who can help and I am not sure if you can keep moving once you set it off… the Ambos may go to where you fired it off?

In short, it is easy to use, relatively cheap and gives my family peace of mind and some enjoyment watching your trip unfold… As you can easily get separated from your bike in an off or if you walk a trail, it is best to locate your spot on your body, but I have mine on my handlebars… My kids say I am a do as I say, not as I do kind of person…

My mate has just bought the Spot connect, which is the Spot 3 as Nick refers to TB’s.

I am not sure of TB’s experience with it but old mate is a little frustrated with the functionality of it. Yes you can send custom texts, update Facebook etc… but everything you do is reliant upon connecting your smart phone to it. The spot 2 has buttons you just press. This may be no issue for most, but my mate finds it incredibly annoying plus, leaving your blue tooth on both devices eats batteries.

I am in two minds, I would likely trade off the frustration to be able to send a personal message to my kids, but then again, I like the simple aspect of the Spot 2.

Now for the second part…

I know its a cost, but for a cross country ride, we are both going to take sat phones… For a few hundred bucks to hire for the duration, I want to be able to call at any point and more importantly, I want to be able to be contacted in case of emergency. I have not determined who I will be hiring off yet or the final costs, but I have estimated $600 for the three weeks, calls inclusive… If it goes over that, then it is my fault and I am paying for the luxury of saying night to my kids – worth it for that alone.

Anyway, thats my two bob, hope I have been of some help.

[GregMember]

I have been carrying a 10lt jerry can (plastic) in each side and split between them my tool roll, cooking kit, some spares, sleeping mat and other odds and sods and they are rock solid and packed in nice and tight to the bike. Top bag then just has all the light weight kit – clothes, tent and sleeping bag plus a water bladder secured. If doing again, I could really improve on it, but it really has made them worthwhile for me.

I have only done test rides but I have just registered for the Sunshine Coast Team Moto ride in June, only 4 weeks before an 8,000km trip across the country. Should test them out.

[GregMember]

Hi DC,

My bike is very soon migrating back to Brisbane where it lives with my riding buddies – they get out most fortnights, I am only able to do a ride even other month up there, but we too are heading to WA from Brisbane in August – may see you on the trails.

Cheers,

Greg

[GregMember]

[attachment=3339]Hernert.jpg[/attachment]

My Great Grandfather, 22 years young, killed in Fromelles 1916. Lay in a mass grave for 94 years before her was found in 2010. I was at his funeral.

Looking forward to seeing you again old mate in 12 weeks, 96 years to the day after you were killed. Gunna have a beer by your grave.

Lest we forget. Amen.

Herbert “Nutsy” Bolt

[GregMember]

I thought I was the only one…

I too like the Pro Taper pillow tops, yes they are a bit thicker and wear quickly but I find the grip and comfort quickly off sets those factors. They are inexpensive too, so when worn, I cut them off and replace.

I use hairspray for the lube – dries with no mess. I do a bit of trials riding and you seem to replace grips very often, hairspray and wire is all we use.

Question though, my latest foray to Adventure moto saw me return with a set of grip heaters for an upcoming very cold desert crossing… any experience as to what grips do, or do not work with grip heaters? Also, any glue that may be more appropriate than the wifes Loreal?

[GregMember]

I have recently shelled out my hard earned with both these guys. One day I rang Barrett and he could not have been more helpful – never took my name or pressured me in any way but rest assured it resulted in a purchase the next day through his website. He would never know if I was just a tyre kicker or not, which is why he got my business (plus his exhaust is awesome!).

Unfortunately for my big spends, Steve has been away but he is always so helpful and seems to have an uncanny knack of having exactly what I want in stock. While he does not have a shop, per say, he is always helpful to be around (so is Janice) when I have the desire to spend up. Good business sense I know, but being the sole provider or much stock (or at least has it in stock) makes you want to buy from him even when the dollar is so damn good and the states is so damn cheap. When I was there, of he didnt know he rang trail boss and sorted my question. Being relatively new to the sport, I am still discovering the benefit of the local post sale support and these two have scored well in my books.

Another that was very helpful, even though it has not yet resulted in a sale, was mick from micks tyres just north of Brisbane. I left a message when trying to sort new tyres for a mates bike I was borrowing and he returned it promptly and was really helpful. I did not end up buying anything but he was right up there too and I recommend him if your in that neck of the woods.

[GregMember]

I have only had a couple of dealings with Steve from Adventuremoto, both have been very positive. I rang today and, for unfortunate reasons Steve was not available, however Janice (or maybe Janet???) was ever so helpful and lovely to deal with. After a quick trip up at lunch time (was not a short lunch, I live at Cronulla…) I am now resplendent with the Badlands suit.

Sure it can be bought cheaper overseas, but when I send out an SOS from the middle of bum $%*&, I reckon Steve would be the first to pull out the stops and get whatever I need to where ever I need it. Only starting to forma a relationship, but I reckon its worth a little extra to support the local.

Note on the sizings of the Klim kit – I found them to be generous and went down one size compared to other makes. Unfortunately, while as TB says its not a shop, I did leave with a little more than I intended and am not at all looking forward to when the credit card bill comes in and my wife comes a calling… What she does not know won’t hurt, at least for the next 55 days, then I am in for a helluva time…

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