By David1300 on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 01:10 pm:

Anyone interested in getting the Sydneysiders and SE Qld FJR owners together mid way between Brisbane and Sydney, for a stay-over on Saturday 6 September. Suggested venues so far are Dorrigo or Bellingen. If there is enough interest I'll research accomodation options, or if anyone knows the options already, please post here. May get Phil (the Carbon Fibre man from Geelong Carbon Craft) along on his Burgman as an 'almost' FJR owner . 

By Atlas on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 11:25 am:

Hi David,

Yes count me in, again. Jim(wackos forum) is keen as well. I am actually off to Taree tomorrow forthe w/e, on the car... So will check some stuf on the way.

Cheers,

Atlas 

By David1300 on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 12:24 pm:

Jimdavo - we'll be riding the back roads inland. Less traffic, less LEO's, more twisties

If the Sydneysiders decide to come up Thunderbolts Way then Armidale is also an option  

By Jimdavo on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 12:29 pm:

Yes a very cold option,though.I'll see a few on sunday so will see what the go is. Another quick thought although again a bit far for you guys is the National Motorcycle Museum at Nabiac.
After all I dont want to see you guys have to put the thermals on.
Jim 

By Fjr01 on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 01:24 pm:

Are you guys taking partners? I find it hard to sneak away without mine.

We will try to make it, but would prefer two or three nights away, so will see if I can get a couple of days off work. 

By David1300 on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 01:50 pm:

Dennis - Zea will definitely be coming along. I don't think I could get her to stay even if I left my credit card to keep her company

The idea of adding some extra nights is a good one, and there is a great loop to ride one day - Urunga - Armidale - Glen Innes - Grafton - Urunga. This can also be substantially shortened.

It seems then that staying at Urunga or Nambucca Heads on the coast will be the best option. 

By Fajar on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 12:50 pm:

Guy's
Would like to join you need a confirmation on dates to be able to arrange work loads,a little bit further north than your bunch, keep the info going and i can let you know for sure. 

By Fjr01 on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 12:55 pm:

David - Urunga or Nambucca Heads sounds good. Do you think you might spend more than the one night away yourself?

Regarding the loop ride you mentioned...we did a little bit of that about this time last year. We rode up to Maroochydore for a 50th birthday party and on the way home did the Urunga - Bellingen - Dorrigo - Armidale - Uralla - Wauchope loop. We particularly liked the first part of the Dorrigo to Armidale leg....beautiful road surface and lovely sweepers. There was a lot of road work happening between Bellingen and Dorrigo at that time though. 

By Fjr01 on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 01:06 pm:

Fajar - hope you can make it! 

By Mike on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 04:06 am:

Mary and I would like to go on such a long weekend but maybe in November when it gets warmer. 

By Rod on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 01:51 am:

My partner, Michele is interested in driving and meeting at destinations, if other women want to go too. 

By Atlas on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 06:55 am:

Hi All,

I have just got back from Taree, in the car along the Pacific hyway... What a shocker.... FJR, Uringa is a lot firther than I recall !! That goat track theyu call our national hyway is a discrace... And the speed cameras, whats with the warnings !! Amazing... Anyway, IMHO we would need a couple of days, or I surley wont walk for a week ! Backroads would be the go. We need to nail some dates.

Cheers,

Atlas 

By Jimdavo on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 07:54 am:

Geez Charlie.
I'm surprised you could be that distressed after a car trip.
Ian and Ted and I did a little 500k sunday ride and had a fine time ,only took us about 7hrs [with an hour for lunch]didnt go over 235 and had some productive touring time around the 190-200 mark and that was on some parts of the goulburn -
crookwell road,the other's I cant talk about.Had a couple of ladies with us on cbr600 and gsxr750r
they were quite happy purring along with us.
Looks like you may need a couple of days to get there and a double dose of Geritol.
Cheers
Jim. 

By Ianminus on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 11:36 am:

Yes Jim, Sunday was a great ride - those girls could put a few blokes to shame. I'm sure that when we passed that wind farm, there was a little extra spin on those turbines.

After riding your bike, I reckon that rear shock shim looks like the way to go. I think I'll take Ted up on the offer of an install on my bike.

I am busy building up brownie points to gain favour with the wife, in the hope I can join you in the ride to Urunga 

By Atlas on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 11:59 am:

Jim,

DISTRESSED is one word.... Give me the New England anyday... Did you do those speeds with Panniers in tack ?? They say in the book (yes, I read it) not to go over 130KMH....

Will be studying the maps to avoid at all costs the Pacific highway from now on

Cheers,

Atlas 

By David1300 on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 01:30 pm:

Date Options - trying to accomodate the request for warmer weather, and also to make the trip a long weekend, rather than just an overnight stay, I would like to float the following options:

1 - stay with the proposed date of Sat 6 Sept. Those that can make it on Friday do so and stay 2 nights, or

2 - The first weekend in October has the Monday as a holiday in NSW. This could be good, because it gives the NSW guys an extra day for travelling, but it could be bad because of double demerit points, extra traffic, bookings, etc.

3 - 21st and 22nd November. This is the weekend of the World Cup final, so some guys will have a clash. Could be good watching the match in a pub somewhere, together. This is the only weekend I have available in November - unless someone gives me tickets to the final.

Let's see a show of preferences: 1, 2 or 3. Then we'll just go with the preferred date, and spread the word far and wide 

By Mike on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 10:16 pm:

October weekend 4th and 5th would suit us fine, I have Friday and Monday off that weekend and Mary could get a day off. 

By Jimdavo on Tuesday, August 05, 2003 - 07:08 am:

Hi Ian.
Thanks again for taking Simon.
I had a bit of a play with the suspension today and have gone back to 3 rings of preload with 7 clicks [from hard] of rebound and with the 7mm spacer in the rear it is better again by far needed a touch more preload and more rebound.I think you should look at a 5mm.
Sorry about the suspension talk lad's.
Charlie no panniers.
David late Oct. and early Nov are out for me [doing birdsville and the corner] but Oct.long weekend could be good.
Cheers.
Jim. 

By Atlas on Tuesday, August 05, 2003 - 08:52 am:

Hi All,

Option 1 suits us, the thought of long w/e traffic is a great turn off, and option 3 is a goer as well.

Cheers,

Atlas 

By Fjr01 on Tuesday, August 05, 2003 - 11:10 am:

No. 1 is good for us.

I checked at work today and I'm right for Friday 5th and Monday 8th September.

No. 2 is not a goer for us and we would prefer to be at home November 21/22 to see the All Blacks win the World Cup . 

By Fjr01 on Tuesday, August 05, 2003 - 11:18 am:

The (NSW) October Long Weekend is also NSW school holidays, another reason not to be on the road.

Possible accommodation problems too . 

By David1300 on Tuesday, August 05, 2003 - 01:01 pm:

Date confirmed - Friday 5th and Saturday 6th September. Venue either Urunga or Nambucca Heads. I don't know either venue, so does anyone have any suggestions. The Urunga Beach Hotel could be a possibility or maybe something from Nambucca Heads

Who knows the accomodation in that area? I'll also post an enquiry on the Ulysses site - might get a few ideas from there.

@ Mike - if you and Mary can't make it, we will have a chance to do it again soemtime warmer.

@ Rod - would love it if Michelle can make it. Also Dave and his wife. 

By Atlas on Wednesday, August 06, 2003 - 12:01 pm:

Hi All,

Count us in. Trouble I see with Nabucca or Urunga is its too close to the pacific hyway !!! How about somewhere further inland, perhaps New England to Glenn Innes, Gwydir Hyway to Grafton, Pacific to Urunga - Nambucca ?

Having just travelled the Pacific all the way to Taree and back, IMHO it has too many drawbacks, Bad roads, MANY speed cameras, holiday makers in caravans, a killing field between Ballina & Yamba (sorry to be so negative, you should have read the write up in the papers whilst I was down there about all the accidents in this area...)

Looking at my old map thee are a heap or roads to use, condition unknown( but isnt that half the fun ?) between SEQ and there.

Again, not trying to be negative about the Pacific, but I think the facts talk for themselves.

Cheers,

Atlas 

By Atlas on Wednesday, August 06, 2003 - 12:04 pm:

Hi Again,

Right off subject, but is there anyway to adjust the settings to view these threads so that the newest appear on top ??

Just curious.

Cheers,

Atlas 

By David1300 on Wednesday, August 06, 2003 - 01:32 pm:

Atlas - Pacific highway - No Way. I think many share your views. Also, inland destination will be saved for an Autumn run, to see the colours as the chill hits the leaves. Probably April/May next year.

For this run the Queenslanders will have at least 3 options:

Quick run - Kyogle, Casino, Grafton, Glenreagh, Coffs Harbour, Urunga - total distance 365k's from Beaudesert, only 25 of which are on the Pacific Highway

Long run - Kyogle, Casino, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Grafton, Glenreagh, Coffs, Urunga - total distance from Beaudesert 638k's, and again only 25 on Pac Hway

Medium/long run - from Willowbank, Warwick, Stanthorpe, Glen Innes, Grafton, Coffs, Glenreagh, Coffs, Urunga - total distance from Willowbank 585k's, again only 25 on Pac Hway. A lot of this run is on the New England H.way, so it will be a quicker ride time, possibly.

These options give flexibility and people can choose their preferred route, and their ride length. I think we'll have people travelling down in small groups, and linking up when we all get there. 

By Fjr01 on Wednesday, August 06, 2003 - 02:06 pm:

We are leaving Sydney on the Wednesday, taking a leasurely jaunt, probably via Denman, Muswellbrook, Scone, Tamworth, Armidale and Dorrigo. It will be good to have the time to stop longer than we usually do, at points of interest along the way. First night will be Scone or there-abouts and the second at Dorrigo. I particularly like the Dorrigo - Bellingen area. Looking forward to the trip and meeting some fellow FJR owners.

Dennis 

By Fjr01 on Wednesday, August 06, 2003 - 02:32 pm:

David,

Have you had any email responses re your Ulysses site accommodation info request?

Sue and I have been through magazines, "The Bear's" book, etc, but haven't come up with anything promising yet. Will be seeing some much travelled Macarthur Ulyssians on Saturday night, so might come up with something there. Sue arranged today (by phone) for an info pack from the Bellingen - Urunga area, to be sent to us. 

By David1300 on Thursday, August 07, 2003 - 12:16 am:

Dennis - nothing too helpful at this stage. Great idea for Sue to get some info. Thanks. I favour being as close to the sea as possible if we do go to a seaside destination. I'll try and find more info on the Urunga Hotel, or some of the other options in Urunga. Also your feeed back after Saturday will be useful. 

By Jwm on Thursday, August 07, 2003 - 04:27 am:

Should be plenty of options at Urunga. At least 2 large van parks that I am aware of, the hotel on the waterfront and numerous motels.
God, I can remember Urunga 36 years ago when there was hardly anything there. We used to drive up in an old Austin A40, as 17 years olds after we had just got our licences. Particularly remember the old wooden theatre with the plank seating and dirt floors. God, I must be getting old. Excuse my reminissing! 

By Rod on Thursday, August 07, 2003 - 06:32 am:

I'll lend a car to the ladies if they want to cruise down together I think. Dave's wife, Mary-Ellen and Michele look like wanting to do that. I favour a long weekend but may go with the majority. 

By David1300 on Thursday, August 07, 2003 - 07:34 am:

Rod - I'm going to aim for taking Friday off, and taking the long route down. Zea will (very) probably be with me, but it does involve us both juggling time. 2nd option will be to leave around 3 on Friday afternoon and take the shortest route option. Worst case will be to leave breakfast time Saturday, and decide on the day which route we'll take .

We can all possibly make a time to meet you and Dave at Kyogle if our travelling day/time coincides. Or, if you go via Boonah, Urbenville, Tabulam, we can meet at Drake before we head up via Tenterfield, if we are all going 'the long way'. We'll confirm plans closer to the weekend. 

By David1300 on Sunday, August 10, 2003 - 10:49 pm:

Hi Dennis - any more on the accomodation possibilities/suggestions?

Zea and I will definitely be going down on Friday, taking the long route. Time still to be decided, but probably a 9:00am start from Nerang, so possibly a 10:30 to 11:00 meet at Kyogle or Casino.

Rod, let Michele and Mary-Ellen know that we have definite pillion/partners coming along. Would love to see both of them there. 

By Fjr01 on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 10:57 am:

G'day David - no, nobody could help (Sat. night) re accommodation in that area but Sue received some stuff in the post today. The Ocean View Hotel at Urunga sounds promising. I spoke with the manager this evening. There is also a good holiday park opposite, in case of an overflow. The Urunga Cup is on that weekend....the hotel is half booked already. Could be the same with the holiday park.

Sue has come up with another suggestion for a shorter loop ride for the Sunday. It is Urunga - Bellingen - Dorrigo - Ebor - Nymboida - Grafton - Glenreagh - Coffs - Urunga. Looking at the map, there appears to be an unsealed section on this loop but we have been assured that it is now all sealed. One of the guys we saw Sat night has recently done this ride.

David - I'll send an email with more detail regarding that hotel. 

By David1300 on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 11:28 am:

Dennis - I also thought that the Ocean View Hotel looks the go, but I'm not sure if they have off-street parking. See here for hotel details

Urunga Cup? Could be good for a shorter (morning?) ride, as suggested by Sue, and maybe an afternoon at the races, if they'll let the ladies in without hats Zea and I will probably have an afternoon stroll on the beach or around the town, although a country race meeting could be fun.

I did receive an email from 'the font of all knowledge touring-wise' - Peter, "the Bear" himself, and this was his suggestion: "Hi, David. Best bet is the Belle-Vue Riverside Motel in Macksville. It's owned by Ulysseans To and Rhonda Coulcher. Call 02 6568 1363. The Federal Hotel in Bellingen is a bit closer and gets quite a good wrap, too. Call 02 6655 1003. Further up the hill the Dorrigo Hotel is also recommended. Regards, The Bear"

I think his recommendations are worth considering, but, if parking turns out OK, I favour going with the Ocean View Hotel. 

By Fjr01 on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 11:48 am:

As you say, we probably couldn't go wrong with any of "The Bear's" suggestions. Good stuff!

As regards the parking at the Ocean View, I did ask about that and was told that there is parking out the back and they have had no problems in the past. There is also a garage but it is currently "full of junk" and Christine couldn't promise that it would be cleared any time soon. 

By David1300 on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 12:50 am:

Reservations made for Zea and myself at Urunga Ocean View Hotel 02 665506221 Fri 5 Sept and Sat 6 Sept 

By Fjr01 on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 08:24 am:

Sue and Dennis Rae are also booked in at Ocean View Hotel, Urunga, Fri and Sat, 5/6th Sept. 

By Fjr01 on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 08:29 am:

Correction to above hotel phone no.

Should read: 02 6655 6221 

By Atlas on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 08:58 am:

Hi Guys,

Don't forget us !!! We will stay at the same place. David is there anyone else from up this way ?? We would like to travel together, safety in numbers and all that . Will confirm major plans at boys day out ?

Cheers,

Atlas 

By Fjr01 on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 02:17 pm:

Hi Atlas,

Might be a good idea to book a bed (ph. 02 6655 6221).

There is some demand for rooms with the Urunga Cup being held that weekend.

I hope there will be a bunch of others going but things seem to have gone a bit quiet. 

By Jimdavo on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 06:44 am:

I'm organised with a room also.
Ian , there's a bed if youre going ,thinking about an early start-Putty-T/Bolts-Walca-Oxley-may pop into Port to quickly catch up with a friend and up to Urunga.Look at Bellingen-Dorrigo on the way back.Bad timing in a way the Bellingen Jazz Festival is on the weekend before,but so is the TTT rally. Ah,so much to do so little time.
Cheers.
Jim 

By David1300 on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 12:20 pm:

So far the list looks like:

Booked
Dennis and Sue (Sydney)
David and Zea (Brissie)
Jimdavo (Sydney)

Probably booked
Atlas? (Brissie)
Rod (and Michele, coming by car) (Brissie)
Dave (and Mary-Ellen - by car with Michele) (Brissie)

There are probably others lurking, so we'll see how the numbers shape up. I have also posted the details on the Yamaha Tribe site. 

By Rod on Thursday, August 14, 2003 - 04:32 am:

I've booked for Dave and myself Sat night. 

By Atlas on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 11:21 pm:

Hi All,

What route will the car take and is there space for one more ? I ask as my wife tends to get a sore back, and we have not covered that amount of KMs in one day ( I have by myself) so it may be a option for her. Will be booking accomm as soon as I get off here. Lucky its not this w/e, its terriable out there, but we sure could use the rain...

NO, I am not a dry weather rider, but the thought of getting my baby wet & dirty ....

Cheers, 

By Atlas on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 11:24 pm:

What is the Yamaha tribe site ??

Atlas 

By Atlas on Saturday, August 16, 2003 - 01:20 am:

Have just booked, but they were unsure of other bikers for that w/e. Confirming 5/6 Sept ??

What name/s has it been booked in ? 

By Jimdavo on Saturday, August 16, 2003 - 03:05 am:

Charles
Yamaha Owners Club [hosted by Yamaha Aust] you can access the Tribe site thru Yamaha's website.
Cheers.
Jim 

By David1300 on Saturday, August 16, 2003 - 03:31 am:

Atlas - all reservations are in peoples own names. Check car option direct with Rod - he raised the possibility earlier (Aug 7th). Latest confirmed list is:

Dennis and Sue (Sydney)
David and Zea (Brissie/Nerang)
Jimdavo (Syney)
Rod (Brissie - west)
Dave (Brissie)
Atlas (Brissie - west)

You can find the Tribe site Here. I find it not very impressive - it doesn't seem to offer all that much. 

By Taipan on Saturday, August 16, 2003 - 11:34 am:

AW----YOU GUYS!!!!!!!
You are really starting to piss me orf--all this talk about riding and here I am stuck at home--just drooling!!!
As soon as I can I am gunna fire up the blue beast and come over your way and join the action!!!!
'Til then can you spare a thought for some of us geriatric southerners!!!!!!
GO ENJOY GUYS N GALS!!!

"can't help myself--bad habits--he he!"


cheers Ross n Jen 

By Atlas on Sunday, August 17, 2003 - 09:37 am:

Hi All,

Hope the New South Welshman will not overawed by the number of Queenslanders !! Looking forward to it.

ROD - Can you contact me, re girls drive down. I have emailed youy but I am guessing its a work email address. My details are in my profile.

Ross, dont feel too bad, we actually had some 'southern' type weather, so my beast is still under its cover, though I noticed the dog is usuing it as teething ring..

Ride safe all,

Atlas 

By Ianminus on Sunday, August 17, 2003 - 10:28 am:

Jim
It's not looking good in the wife dept at the moment. I don't know if I can afford the risk of divorce and come along. Still, it is 3 weeks away. 

By Atlas on Sunday, August 24, 2003 - 08:44 am:

Hi All,

Dave & Rod have pulled the pin by an email I received. Maybe time to do a tally for this one as well.

Cheers,

Atlas 

By David1300 on Sunday, August 24, 2003 - 09:21 am:

I have just got home after a weekend away (Zea's birthday ) and saw the email from Rod. That's OK, we are going no matter what. Zea and I are definites, so the confirmed list as I know it is:
Dennis and Sue (Sydney)
David and Zea (Brissie/Nerang)
Jimdavo (Syney)

Even if this is a very small group, we will enjoy the ride, and it will give us useful info for when we arrange the next one.
Atlas (Brissie - west) - still to confirm. 

By Atlas on Sunday, August 24, 2003 - 10:43 am:

Hi David,

I wll be going, Wife not convinced, yet Have booked accomondation at the pub. Will go over finer details with you next Saturday.

Best to Zea, a fellow LEO

Hope the weather is better than we got this w/e !!

Cheers,

Atlas 

By Fjr01 on Sunday, August 24, 2003 - 02:08 pm:

Dennis and Sue are still coming.

We expect to check into the hotel at Urunga mid- afternoon, Friday.

I know we are going to strike some cold weather on our run up through Armidale and there-abouts, but I just hope we don't experience anything like the near gale force winds we have had in Sydney today. 

By David1300 on Friday, August 29, 2003 - 05:21 am:

Received this email from a NSW owner:

Hi David,
Picked a great area to ride into,I live down the coast at Crescent Head and own an 2003 FJR. Groups of us quite often ride to that area Dorrigo/Bellingen and generally stop at the Anchors Wharf cafe in Urunga for lunch, great spot great food. Consider going there Fri or Sat night for dinner,but you should book.
I would come up on friday or saturday to meet and maybe ride locally.
Cheers and safe riding

Looks like dinner on one of the nights at Anchors Wharf Cafe is a good idea. 

By Fjr01 on Friday, August 29, 2003 - 01:51 pm:

The dinner idea sounds good to me.

Hope this chap can manage to come along. 

By Atlas on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 07:34 am:

Hi All,

Dinner for Friday night sounds the go. I plan to shoot down to Taree on Saturday to see family, and back in the arvo.

Cheers,

Atlas 

By David1300 on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 09:31 am:

Atlas rehearsing today on the Boys Day Out - wearing his Qld State of Origin jumper already


I think the dinner will probably be Saturday night, but who knows, we'll probably eat together both nights anyway. Maybe an early start for you Saturday - Taree is 200k's from Urunga
 

By David1300 on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 09:04 am:

@Jimdavo - Dennis and Sue (from Sydney); Shaughan, and Zea and I (all from Qld) will all arrive on Friday, probably late afternoon. I'm going to contact the Anchors Wharf cafe and book dinner Friday night (and possibly Sat night too - we can cancel if we decide to go elsewhere) for us all there. On Friday we'll decide Saturdays 'activities' - probably a ride as suggested earlier in this thread by Dennis/Sue August 11, and my post that same day. Zea is already looking forward to the ride - not packed yet, but almost

I suggest we all email mobile phone no's - I'll start tonight - just add yours and 'reply all' 

By Jimdavo on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 10:52 am:

Hi guys.
Let me know what you all think for saturday,so I can make some rough plans time wise.
Cheers. Jim. 

By Fjr01 on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 01:28 pm:

Hi all....looking forward to the ride. Sue got all our gear ready today, as we leave here Wednesday morn. Great weather in Sydney today. More of the same up through New England during the week, I hope.

@David - enjoyed your pics from "Boys Day Out". We should get some good shots on this trip too. I'll be bringing my camera and an extra card. 

By Atlas on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 11:39 pm:

Hi All,

I had it pointed out to me yesterday that is was fathers day on Sunday... So I am not sure what to do now... Did not relaiase it at the time... Would hate to bale at last minute and David & Zea to represent QLD !! Will work on it

David, you are right about the early trip, had no idea it was another 200 kms to Taree... Will certainly test my sheepskin out by the time I get home

Chat soon.

Atlas 

By Jwm on Monday, September 01, 2003 - 06:30 am:

FJR01..

What time are you guys leaving on Wednesday and which route are you taking. It's possible, just possible that I might be able to tag along part of the way. 

By Fjr01 on Monday, September 01, 2003 - 01:41 pm:

Jwm...

That would be great if you can make it. We are leaving 9:00am and will join The Northern Road at Bringelly Rd, follow through to Windsor and onto the Putty Road. Short of Singleton, we will turn to Denman.

If you can join us, perhaps a good place would be the Northern Road - Park Road intersection. Park Road being the one that takes you through to Wallacia. We expect to be at that point around 9:20am.

What do you think? 

By Jwm on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 08:15 am:

I know it well Dennis, I will try and be there at about 9.15am (that will give me a chance to do a load of washing before hand). If I'm not there, please don't wait, as anything can happen between now and then. 

By Fjr01 on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 09:43 am:

OK John....hope to see you in the morning. 

By Jwm on Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 10:56 pm:

Ok you bannana benders, we got FJR01 and his good lady underway to Urunga yesterday. Now I'm just a little bit concerned that you guys and girls from North of the border might out number them and corrupt them? So you guys be kind to them or us southerns will come looking for you.
All jokes aside, have a great weekend all those that are making the trip to Urunga and be careful out there. 

By Atlas on Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 11:47 pm:

Hi All,

I am going to have to bale..

Apologies to all. David, hope you got my SMS, am not sure if you will see this before you go. Was sure looking forward to it, just did not relaise it was Fathers day... Oh well, I am sure there will be other weekends... have a good one all of you attending.

Cheers,

Atlas 

By David1300 on Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 12:35 am:

That's OK Atlas - unwrapping socks and jocks beats riding every day - only kidding. I've been waiting to use that line ever since my daughter-in-law used it when you first became doubtful.

Seriously, we will be leaving tomorrow morning, and John, don't worry, we will treat Dennis and Sue very well. In fact, it looks like the first annual State of Origin FJR Owners meeting will have greater representation from NSW than Qld - two bikes from NSW (Dennis and Jimdavo) and only one bike from Qld Well, that will leave us as the founding fathers. Zea and I were going to do a ride away anyway, and so were Dennis and Sue, so we won't feel 'piked' on.

We'll take enough piccies, and tell enough tall stories to make you all jealous

Now, did I tell you how great the road up the range to Tenterfield is? The last time I did it in ....... - I'll save that for later  

By Jwm on Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 01:48 am:

David 1300

Watch out for those NSW Speed Camera's. I would hate to see you contributing to the coffers of this state. 

By Jimdavo on Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 07:46 am:

Hi all.
@David can you give me a call friday night ,so I know what time to leave saturday,I can be there from about midday on,if youre not doing anything
in the afternoon,i'll check a few things in Bellingen before I get there.
Cheers.
Jim. 

By Jimdavo on Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 07:53 am:

Oh BTW,my son will have a tasty butt of beef ready for me when I get home,my Fathers Day present is, go and have a good ride. seeya.
Jim. 

By David1300 on Monday, September 08, 2003 - 11:12 am:

Well the first Annual State of Origin FJR Meet has been run and won. Great weather, great riding, great roads, great mates, great fun, great food - oh, and did I tell you, we had a great time

On Friday night we held the First Inaugural Dinner. David and Zea (David1300), Phil (a lurker), and Dennis and Sue (FJR01):


That was so good that we held a second Inaugural Dinner on Saturday night , joined by Julie (with Phil) and Jim (Jimdavo), who rode up from Sydney just for the dinner:


We stayed at the Urunga Ocean View Hotel

Morning temps around 18C (65F), tops around 25C (77F), not a cloud in the sky, and yes, the sky really is that blue

The hotel has a great view of the river mouth and the the ocean (maybe that's how it got it's name)


The accomodation and rooms were not quite the same standard as the location and the view, and the weekend was the weekend of the local Urunga Cup horserace, so the locals all came to the hotel (loads and loads in multiple busses) to celebrate and commiserate. Loud celebrations on Saturday night didn't help our light sleepers.

On Saturday Phil was unanimously appointed ride captain/organiser, and what a great days riding, viewing, stopping, chatting and having a good time. First stop was the Newell Falls:


Then up through the forest


and more


and on to lunch. Can't let the Ride Captain go hungry
 

By David1300 on Monday, September 08, 2003 - 11:18 am:

We came from down there:


Phil and Julie:


Dennis and Sue:


Local bird - Kookaburra for you who don't know:


It was a real pleasure to have Phil lead the way - he set a pace we were all comfortable with (not handcuff pace, but certainly 'Please Explain'), and the three of us also had three great pillions who enjoyed the company, the riding and the scenery, (when they could see it). It was also excellent to have such comfortably matched riders - no-one pushing past their limit, but also no-one feeling they were holding the rest back. 250 k's ridden with plenty of stops and chats a views to admire. Thanks heaps, Phil.

For the record:
Dennis and Sue from Sydney - planned a six day trip around the SoO meeting, and probably would have completed close to 2,000k's by the time they get home
Jim - came from south of Sydney - rode 650 k's on Saturday to come to the dinner, and 650 k's home on Sunday
Phil and Julie - the 'locals'. Rode in each day - 100 k's plus each way
David and Zea - only Queensland representatives - 650 k's scenic route to get there (see later), direct route home 380 k's

We really all enjoyed it so much that we all decided that the annual State of Origin meetings will be held at least twice a year - the next one being late April or early May next year - watch this space for details  

By David1300 on Monday, September 08, 2003 - 11:36 am:

Deleted (errors in posting piccies)- see next post 

By David1300 on Monday, September 08, 2003 - 11:38 am:

Also for the record, some details of our trip down and back. We took as many back roads as we could, and had morning tea here:


After pasing through Woodenbong:


avoiding the locals and the stockman:


The bike ran faultlessly, and the only part that could have been better was when we decided to improvise on the route, and ended up doing 35k's on a gravel road. The bike was fine, but I was extra cautious as we were unlikely to have pasing traffic for hours if I needed to pick it up. And I did not want to drop my precious pillion in the dirt.

We did 1,300 k's in the three days - hardly saw a cloud all trip. Excellent riding conditions with temps topping out around 25 to 28 (C) each day.

Dennis has the black carbon fibre tank protection on his silver bike - looks very classy:


Jim has Staintunes on his - sound great:


Could do it all again next weekend if we could spare the time of work.

And lastly, Zea doing her impersonation of the Wedge Tailed Eagle we came across feeding on a road kill.


And the score - no-ones counting, but the winners were all there  

By Atlas on Tuesday, September 09, 2003 - 06:46 am:

HI All,

ENVY, ENVY ,ENVY... Wish we were there.... Oh well, there is always next time.

Cheers,

Atlas  

By Jwm on Tuesday, September 09, 2003 - 07:25 am:

Damn, looks like I stopped 450klms too soon. Oh well, maybe next time. Glad all the guys and girls had a good time, good company and good weather. 

By Grmrpr on Tuesday, September 09, 2003 - 08:02 am:

Hey Dave, what are all those silver bikes you have over there? Are they 'merican? 

By Grmrpr on Tuesday, September 09, 2003 - 08:05 am:

By the way - GREAT pics. I've always wanted to see the down under, but something always came up to prevent it. Looks like great riding. 

By Fjr01 on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - 01:20 pm:

David and Zea,

Sue and I really had a great time....we are very much looking forward to the next such event!

I've been tied up with other things since returning home and haven't had much computer time, but as soon as I can, I'll post some photos taken on the way up to meet you people. 

By Fjr01 on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 12:36 pm:

The following are a few pics taken as Sue and I meandered our way up to Urunga for the S o O meeting:

Near Scone, the FJR often attracts a crowd!


140 Horses....and a few more in the background!


Fossickers Way, on the way to Nundle.


Chaffey Dam


Ebor Falls, Waterfall Way.


Dangar Falls at Dorrigo.


The Board Walk at Urunga.


The lovely area known as "South West Rocks".
 

By Fjr01 on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 12:59 pm:

Those last two pics turned out smaller than I wanted....they look a bit ordinary here but believe me, they are both very attractive locations. 

By Atlas on Monday, September 15, 2003 - 03:11 am:

Hi FJR01,

Nice pics. Would love to know the actual route you took as I am not familiar with the area, but looks like a nice ride.

Can't believe the Dams and waterfalls actually had water, or did you spend lots of time editing

Will look forward to the next SOO, just dont make it mothers day w/e !!

Cheers,

Atlas 

By David1300 on Monday, September 15, 2003 - 11:56 am:

Thanks for the piccies, Dennis. You and Sue seem like you had a really good time. There is definitely a repeat lined up for next year - as noted earlier, late April or early May.