THE OLD BLOKE'S BLOG
Welcome to The Old Bloke’s Blog!

Well, it's more than just a blog actually; it's a blog combined with general news, things of interest, and smaller items etc.
It is, basically, a traditional type blog of things that I've been doing that will, hopefully, be of some interest to the reader. But, as I said, it's more than that; it's also where I put items of interest that I've come across that aren't big enough for a separate article. So don't think that it's all about me! Some of it is, but it's also a newsy kind of thing, relating stories of interest, products I've discovered and so on.
It's set out month by month, going down the page - so for the latest entries, scroll down to the bottom.
For previous installments in this Blog, just scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the button there.

I hope you find it interesting!
JULY 7, 2015. Thanks to Chris for recommending this. There's a TV series on some obscure channel (The Travel Channel) called “Worlds Greatest Motorcycle Rides.” It's presented by an English bloke by the name of Henry Cole. To watch some episodes, go to YouTube and search for “world's greatest motorcycle rides” and perhaps also mention “henry cole” to narrow the search a bit. You’ll find a stack of videos, varying from short snippets to full episodes. There are rides from lots of different countries all over the world. In fact, if you’re interested in a particular country, add the name of the country to your search – like “world’s greatest motorcycle rides new zealand”. (That’s a great one too, by the way!). He’s been to so many places, there’s a chance he’s been there and you can watch a bit of his travels there. Well worth watching! As an example, here's one of Scandinavia.
Thanks again, Chris!

JULY 11, 2015. Yesterday was a bit rainy, tomorrow is forecast to be blowing a gale, very cold and raining. For today the forecast was “Mostly sunny”. Yeah! Now, where to go? I’ve been staying to coastal areas recently, in these colder times, but thought I might go over the mountain. I haven’t been that way for a while. Local temp was 17 (forecast top of 18), while over the mountain it was 11 (heading for 13). Hmm, that’s not bad, I’ll go into the Highlands.
Macquarie Pass was damp almost the whole way, and there were damp patches in the shaded areas of many roads around the Highlands - even on the highway: at times, to the extent that cars were leaving tyre-marks. One section of back road had damp patches and loose gravel from roadworks over-fill. Pot-holes had been over-filled, with the loose black pebbles littering the road in a trail after them. So need to be attentive, but no troubles. It was good to get back into the Southern Highlands again.

JULY 22, 2015.
I ended up having a late start for work today. I have a lot of things to do, but, well, it was a beautiful day, and the forecast says it's about the best day for the next week ... so I went for a ride! Just a short one to a favourite cafe down the coast, then back through some country area. Yeah, that's better than working!
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JULY 25, 2015. I saw this at my lunch-stop today. An interesting machine! Obviously set up for a wheelchair. Registered. There's a small motor on the right that drives the right-rear wheel. On the left side there is a handle with a rod attached that pulls the tailgate shut. Very clever! Great to see that this person doesn't let being wheelchair-bound stop him (her) from riding!
JULY 28, 2015.
I saw this T-shirt on Facebook recently.
Ha ha! Well, when you put it that way .....!
Thanks to Jon for posting this. It's a video that takes a look back at some of the iconic bikes of the 1970s. Great video! Check it out!

AUGUST 10, 2015. Combining a day-ride with visiting my mother-in-law in hospital ends up with me riding home in the dark – again! Almost every ride lately has had me arriving back home well after dark. I don't mind though: it's good to ride in different conditions. And oddly enough, it isn't uncomfortably cold. (I think the warmth of the hospital keeps me warm for long enough until I get home).

AUGUST 16, 2015. We know that motorcycling is dangerous, and we accept – and try to manage – those dangers. But, perhaps because of that, it can be good to be in a situation where we feel totally safe too. Today I was travelling a long a major regional road (one lane in each direction), in a light but constant stream of cars. I was maintaining a safe buffer to the car in front, and the car following me was maintaining a more than adequate buffer behind me. It occurred to me that, at that point, it was totally safe: no dangers at all. And that was quite a nice feeling. Of course, too much of that sort of running and it would be boring, we want riding we can enjoy: but it was just good, at that point, to be out on the bike and feeling totally safe, for a while at least.

AUGUST 22, 2015. It’s been one of the coldest winters for a number of years, but today it felt like Spring – or summer almost! The temperature topped 28 at my place, although I’d gone by the time it did. Still, it got to 27 where I stopped for lunch. Didn’t feel that hot though. The summer jacket hasn’t been dusted off yet, so I was in my winter jacket – but without a jumper, or thermals under my jeans, that I’ve been wearing!
I saw this on the side of the road – had to stop and take a photo! I think he’s gonna need a bigger bike!
AUGUST 22, 2015. Another couple of photos: a very nice Kawaski, and a well-travelled BMW.
AUGUST 25, 2015. Thanks, Rod, for sending me this link. Wow, these helmet laws, as recently introduced in Queensland and Victoria, are causing confusion! And NSW wants to join the party and bring in changes as well. For a long time now there have been conflicting laws between different states, but the situation has just got worse. This article asks the question (and answers it) as to whether these laws are actually constitutional. It seems some are not! Just how diabolical this all is can be seen by this summary of the situation in Victoria: “The Victorian Gazette lists three standards, only one of which is legal to sell, but you can’t buy one of those, because nobody makes them. The others require a rider to be a party to an illegal transaction.” What?? Ever heard that old saying, “The lunatics are running the asylum”? I think it applies to our governing bodies – in this legislation especially! And I mean, how hard would it be to just accept the overseas (European especially) standards and then no-one would have a problem! Ridiculous!

AUGUST 25, 2015. This sounds great! A new film is coming out called, “Hit The Apex”. It’s described thus: “The inside story about six of the fastest motorcycle racers of all time – Simoncelli, Rossi, Marquez, Lorenzo, Stoner, Pedrosa –and of the fates that awaited them at the peak of the sport. Hitting the Apex is the story of what is at stake for all of them; all that can be won, and all that can be lost, when racing for glory at over 200mph on a motorcycle. A Mark Neale film narrated by Brad Pitt.” Here is a trailer for the film. Now, before you get your hope up too high (except for our British readers), the movie is, I’m told, only to be released in the UK. Although you will be able to buy the DVD version on-line. (Thanks again to Rod for this link).

AUGUST 26, 2015. If you ride a Harley with Michelin tyres, wear a Nolan helmet, a Dririder jacket and gloves (all of which together, at the same time, is highly unlikely!), then congratulations – you are using the most popular brands on the market! These brands are the most popular brands, according to a recent survey conducted by Canstar Blue. The survey covered 700 riders, which is really not a lot for a proper evaluation, but they say it did cover 5 different rider / motorcycle categories. Some of what they say is backed up by sales figures though, with Harley out-numbering Honda for top-selling brand for the first half of this year. Here is a link to a MotorbikeWriter article listing the results of the survey.
Looking at the comparison tables is interesting. Harley scores top marks for owner satisfaction, with European brands coming next. Japanese brands are at the bottom of the table. (Really?). Also surprising is the ratings for comfort and reliability, with Harley again scoring top marks, with the Japanese (apart from Honda) trailing behind. Check it out, it’s interesting reading. (Another thanks to Rod for giving me the link to this).

AUGUST 29, 2015. Yamaha’s new R1 has just been awarded “Motorcycle Of The Year” by Motorcyclist Magazine in the US. Now, as a Yamaha owner, I reckon that’s a great choice! Ha ha! But to be honest, a super-sport that is more track-focused and less road-rider friendly, I don’t see as being an ideal choice for Bike Of The Year. Still, I suppose if it’s as much improved on the track as they say it is, then the award probably is well deserved.

AUGUST 29, 2015. Life has been a bit crazy around The Old Bloke’s place lately – with other commitments, a mother-in-law in hospital, and various things. So all of my riding recently has been on my own. I actually don’t mind riding on my own, but it’s good to go riding with friends too! Today I finally got to go for a ride with a good riding friend. A very enjoyable day out! It was good to finally go for a ride with him again (it’s been a while!) and an enjoyable route taken too. And nice weather to boot!

AUGUST 30, 2015. If you had to come up with list of the most important motorcycles of all time, which ones would you choose? Well, the Motorcyclist magazine staff put their heads together and came up with eleven bikes that they claim, “Changed the world.” It’s an interesting list, and it’d be hard to argue with any of the bikes they selected. Of course, there will always be bikes that people will say should have been included, but still, it’s an interesting and quite diverse list! Click here to see the article.

SEPTEMBER 5, 2015. Today, a reader of this site, Norm Watson, sets off from his home in Adelaide on a 16,000km journey around Australia, raising money for the Childhood Cancer Association. What a great effort, Norm! As most of you will know, having lost my grandson to cancer (a brain tumour) earlier in the year, this cause is especially close to my heart. You can read all about Norm and his journey, and the charity, as well as keep track of his progress, on his web-site: “Never Too Old”. I’m going to try to arrange to meet up with him as he passes through my area, and maybe get some bikes together and ride with him. http://www.nevertooold.org.au/

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015. Worth mentioning. I’ve had a couple of discussions in recent times with people who have had punctures. With today’s tubeless tyres, punctures aren’t necessarily as bad – or inconvenient anyway – as they once were. In most cases, when you get a nail or screw or any such sharp object imbedded in the tyre, the tyre seals around it. It will leak air, but usually only slowly. So you’ve got time to ride to your nearest bike shop / mechanic and get it fixed or the tyre replaced. That’s often easier than having to pull the wheel off and take it there. But what about when the first you know of the puncture is a few days later when you go to get your bike and notice the tyre is flat. Well, same deal: in most cases the tyre can be pumped up and will seal around the nail or screw that has punctured it, and will usually hold enough pressure to enable you to ride to the nearest bike shop to get it fixed. Now, obviously, ride gently, and check the tyre as you go to make sure it is holding air.
Oh, and it’s well worth carrying a puncture repair kit with you – like one of these, that I wrote about some time ago.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2015. A taste of summer! It was around 25 degrees in my neck of the woods today, so I had to dust off the summer jacket for the first time since before winter. Beautiful day for riding!

SEPTEMBER 22, 2015.
Terry, who has told us a bit about his many travels before, is currently on a ride from his home near Wollongong, across to Western Australia. He has posted lots of photos on his Facebook page. Really makes me wish I was out there doing the big road-trip! He’s been to some fascinating places, and has taken the time to stop and investigate towns and various interesting spots along the way. That’s a great way to do a trip I reckon. Did I mention that it really makes me wish I was out there doing the big road-trip?
The photo? I guess if the boredom doesn't get you, the wildlife will!
SEPTEMBER 23, 2015. To add even more to the confusion of helmet laws, Victoria has now approved the use of helmets complying with European standard ECE22.05. Queensland has this law too. The Victorian Motorcycle Council says that the Australian standard, AS1698, has fallen behind the rest of the world, and is pushing other states to adopt the same law. If they did, it would standardise the helmet law across the nation, as well as bringing Australia in line with international standards. This means that you can import a helmet from overseas and legally wear it in Australia, provided you live in Queensland or Victoria. This seems to be a very sensible thing, although incidents such as the one Rod mentioned in the Feedback page (look in the September section), would suggest they still have some way to go to remove the confusion and silliness of the helmet situation.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. It was a great idea: a ride to some local bike shops – a “bike-shop-crawl” to put it that way – organised by a local ride-group. Normally, with work and another commitment, I wouldn’t have been able to go, but being school holidays, with one of those commitments off, I was able to go. But then the weather turned. It wasn’t raining at home, but looked very threatening. I pondered whether to go: the radar showed a little bit of rain, but not much. Eventually I decided I'd go.
By then it was far too late to meet them at their starting point, and by the time I left it was too late to go to their first stop, so I thought I'd go to the next one. So off I went. When I got to the shop none of the group were there. A phone call to the first shop revealed none had arrived there either. Obviously it had been called off. (Later, at home, I checked on Facebook – where the group does all its organising etc – and found that it had been cancelled, about three hoyurs previously. Yes, of course I should’ve checked, but I didn’t have time for that!). Anyway, I had a cuppa and a bit of a chat to the one of the owners and his father, read a bit of a bike mag I like but don’t regularly buy now, and then headed for home.
As I turned out onto the highway it started raining. I didn’t bother stopping and putting the rain-gear on; I wasn’t far from home and I figured I’d probably end up riding out of it anyway. An accident (a very bad one!) had traffic on the highway in gridlock, so I just pulled left and rode up the shoulder beside the cars. No, that’s not the legal way to filter, but I maintain it's the safest in that situation; and there was plenty of room for emergency vehicles to pass beside me if any were to come.   
So back home with the riding gear hanging out to dry. The bike-shop-crawl has been postponed to next week, which is good – I’ll still be able to go. Hopefully the weather will be more kind.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2015. I was in the car today, and had an interetsing time following a P-plate rider from Kangaroo Valley heading west. Obviously lacking confidence and experience, he was slowing down a lot for corners, and having two bites at most of them: nervously leaning the bike into the corner, but not leaning enough, so having to slow and have another try. Having two car-sickness-prone passengers, I was going slower than I otherwise would have and stayed behind him. As we headed up Barrengarry, he appropriately rode in the left-lane. Just as the left-lane was ending, a car flew past us in the right lane. He got to the bike just as the left lane came to an end, and the guy on the bike, obviously not looking in his mirrors or over his shoulder, swung out into the right lane. I held my breath as he only just missed hitting the car! At the same time, the car realised he'd turned out, and both immediately slowed down. Then both, assuming the other was giving way, accelerated. So they continued, now in one lane, side by side. There's a sharp left-hand hairpin next, and they went around that side-by-side, the bike wobbling around on the inside. Finally, the bike backed off and the car accelerated away in front of him. Scary stuff! Hopefully he learns to use his mirrors, and when there's a conflict over road space, get out of the way of cars!

OCTOBER 2, 2015. The Bike-Shop-Crawl that I mentioned on September 25 happened today. And the weather was much nicer – mid-20s temperature and all sunny! Great day for it! (Actually, it started to feel a bit hot at times, in the traffic. Being a week day there were only 7 bikes in the group – made up of 4 blokes and 3 women. Good to see! The fact that the person who runs the group is a woman probably helps attract other women, but there are a lot of blokes in the group too, so it’s not just that. First stop was Fraser Motorcycles to drool (well some did) over the Harleys and Ducatis. And clothing.
From there we walked across the road to Steel City Motorcycles to look at MV Agusta (a salesman telling us all about the latest technology in their most recent release) and Royal Enfield.
From there we headed back to the bikes and rode to the other end of suburbia to a new shop, Carr Brothers Motorcycles. I’ve called in before, but this was actually the first time I’ve been there on the bike. It was a slow trip to there, as one lady is still on Ps, and restricted to 90kph. And she is riding a Lara – a cheap Korean 250 that is pretty slow. Although she said it has been a great learner's bike. There was a lot of holiday traffic too.
  Having looked at all the Yamahas (they stock Aprilia and MotoGuzzi also), and the Lara rider looked very seriously at a 2nd-hand Triumph America, we left and went to V-Twin Motorcycles, where we could check out lots more clothing and accessories, as well as look at the latest bike from Braaap. Braaap, we were told, is an Australian company and their bikes are designed in Australia, then made overseas – probably China. I got to know the owner of the shop, Mark, many years ago when I joined a Yamaha Owners club. He still rides a Yamaha.
The group were then going to a restaurant for lunch, but I had to go back home. I had to work later that afternoon. It was a great outing with a great bunch of people. Good people to ride with too! Thanks Sharon, for putting it on. Here are some photos. The bikes in the bottom / right photo are the Braaaps.
OCTOBER 3, 2015. Summer arrived today! Temperatures all around my area were 30 degrees and above. Time to “get-outa-Dodge-and-head-for-the-hills”! Well, head for the hills anyway! Up to the Southern Highlands. With my summer jacket in full-ventilation mode (the wind-liner removed) and just a T-shirt, it was almost cool – very pleasant! Only a few degrees cooler than the coast, but it felt like more. Fresh air and sunshine and pleasant temperatures; that makes for a good ride! The hottest I felt was when I left home and got back home again. 

OCTOBER 11, 2015. Queensland comes to NSW! I didn't go to this particular custom bike show, as it's not really my scene, but there have been a lot of reports from people who did go describing the heavy-handed approach taken by the special taskforce that was sent in to oversee the event. The thing is, this event is not a club-only event, but one where the general public is encouraged to go and help raise funds for a very worthy cause. Official complaints have been made, and the local media seems to be reporting this from the public's viewpoint, and not just writing in defence of the police unit, as a lot of reporters did in Queensland. Here is a link to the online story the local paper did. There will be more on this, I'm sure.

OCTOBER 21, 2015. The forecast was for showers and possible thunderstorms. But the weather, which started out very overcast and rainy-looking, started to clear a bit. I had half-planned to go for a short ride for a cuppa at a favourite cafe, following some good riding roads on the return trip. A favourite loop of mine. I checked the radar - always (okay, "usually"!) a good indication of what is happening. Lots of rain around, just not where I was. I checked a little later and yep, still lots of rain all around, just none where I was. Okay, so I'll go in the car.
I went to the same cafe and did the same loop. I like cars too, and enjoyed driving briskly (when traffic allowed) along the winding road. The radar continued to show lots of rain around, but just none wherever I was. A few big drops on the windscreen near home, then nothing. I could've gone on the bike!! Oh well, I did enjoy the drive anyway.

OCTOBER 24, 2015. Today it was the reverse of what happened in the entry above. The forecast was for a fine day, with cool temperatures, so I was off for a ride! I decided on the Bomaderry / Kangaroo Valley loop. Having lunch at Berry I checked the radar to see what the temperature was up on the highlands. Surprisingly, it showed a band of rain moving across! And right where I was headed. Where did that come from? I looked out the window - all blue skies and sunny! After lunch I checked again - there was quite a large rain cell moving across from the west. I was in line with the southern end of it, and there was nothing behind it, so I thought maybe I'd ride around it. As I turned right at Bomaderry and headed towards Cambewarra Mtn, there were black clouds up on the mountain. I looked at the cars coming towards me (always a good indication of what the weather is like ahead) and they were dry. So I kept going.
At Kangaroo Valley I could see rain on the mountain to the north. Between me and home were two winding mountain roads - no matter which way I went. If I went back the way I came I'd probably beat the rain to the coast, but then I'd get wet between there and home. So I kept going - for about 1km and then it began. I stopped and put on the wet-weather gear.
The rain was heavy - heavy enough for me to feel the impact of the drops on my legs, through the wet-weather pants and the thickly padded C-Evo Draggin Jeans. Then it eased to drizzley type rain. I took it easy going up Barrengarry, and had no problems. Having tyres renowned to be good in the wet is some assurance in these conditions.
Up in the Highlands the rain had virtually stopped, but there was still rain off to the north, so I kept going west, coming out at the western end of Moss Vale and then rode back to Robertson, where I pulled in to the newly-renovated Chats for a cuppa. All the way steam had been rising off the still warm bitumen. Quite thick at Robertson. Macquarie Pass was damp, but not too bad. Back home it was blue skies and sunshine again. And a very grubby bike! (Much worse than it looks in the photo!).
NOVEMBER 6, 2015. There are a few people I know who are going to The Snowy Ride today. Last year I was determined to go – for the sake of my grandson, who was suffering from a terminal brain tumour – but I had a prior commitment to organise and lead the music at the Christian Motorcycle Association’s National Rally, which was being held in the southern Sydney area, and happened to fall on the same weekend. So of course I honoured my commitment to that. I still entered – so they got my donation, which is the important thing – but didn’t actually go.
This year ...... it's strange, I haven't really wanted to go. I don’t know why. Part of it is that there are problems in actually going. I couldn't ride that far (to the Snowies) in one day, so it would mean more time off work, and it makes the event into a bigger (and longer) trip. I had that in mind last year, of course, but I was determined to overcome those issues. After all, I had done it before, and I’d considered ways of over-coming it again. But this year … I don’t know.
Another issue is that I think I've heard too many stories of the dangers of too many bikes on the roads and a lot of idiots etc. So, even last year, I began to think that maybe it's best I don't go anyway. I must say I really enjoyed riding down there when I did go, although I think the danger-from-hoons issue has increased since then. I was talking to a friend about this, and he said, “It's five years since I last did it and it was bad enough then with the idiots that think they are on a race track.” He said he wouldn’t go again, for just that reason. So that's kind of my thinking now too. Still, my lack of desire to be there is surprising – especially with the subject of children's cancer even greater in my awareness now than ever!

NOVEMBER 7, 2015. As if to underscore the issue of danger with The Snowy Ride I mentioned above, I heard tonight that a rider had died this afternoon on The Alpine Way, on his way to the Snowy Ride. In 2013 three riders were killed on their way to, or returning from the event. The year before, there were two serious crashes, with one rider sustaining critical injuries. And there have been fatalities in previous years too. Now, I must emphasise that this is in no way a reflection on the organisers! In fact, they do everything they can – including issuing strong warnings to all entrants – to avoid dangerous riding by participants. But they can’t control the actions of 3,000 riders being let loose on the often unfamiliar mountain roads.
I noticed that a couple of regulars I know took routes that were well away from the recognized Snowy Ride routes; as one said, “to avoid the hoons.” (See the Feedback page under November for more on this).

NOVEMBER 8, 2015. Today I went to Oran Park. If I'd said that any time between February 1962 and January 2010, you'd know I was going to watch a motor-race. Back in the 70s, when the track was probably at its peak, I went to many races there. Great place! And I went a few times after that too. Sadly, the track closed in January 2010 and is now a huge housing development. The old track is unrecognisable. What I thought was “the hill” near the Shell dog-leg wasn't, when I looked at the map and where the estate lies in relation to the circuit later. The estate pays homage to its history by naming the streets after racing drivers and riders. Oddly though, there were no streets named after Gardner, Doohan or even (Alan) Jones, who must've raced there. Anyway, it was interesting to visit and there’s a nice little shopping centre and cafe. I just wish they’d retained a bit of the old circuit, for history’s sake.

NOVEMBER 15, 2015. Today I took part in a local charity event, the i98Camp Quality Convoy. It involves trucks and bikes. This year there were over 800 trucks and 1300 bikes.
It was started 11 years ago by a local radio announcer, Marty Haynes, of radio station i98, who wanted to do something to raise money for childrens cancer. So he organised a convoy. Originally, for trucks, but it soon included bikes as well.
Despite always being keen to combine my love of motorcycling with doing some good in the community, I have never entered this event. Part of the reason is that you've got to be at the starting point very early (a bit of a problem for non-morning people like me, who work afternoon-shift type hours), but the main thing was the sheer number of cars and bikes crammed into the starting point and then taking off on the run. The start of the run has been described as like sardines fighting their way out of a tin! There are inherent dangers in huge groups like this, so I have stayed away. Even last year, with my grandson terminally ill with a brain-tumour I still didn't enter.
But this year ..... Part of what persuaded me was that the local police organisation, Cops For Convoy, had a big truck they were dedicating to honour the memory of my late grandson. My daughter and her family were riding in it and they had a big banner across the front in honour of him. So I entered.
I avoided the start though. I joined the convoy some distance along the way. This worked out well. When the bikes (which are sent away first) appeared, I let maybe 100 pass me then I pulled into the line of bikes. When we got to the end point we were directed to a great parking / display area. But it appeared that they were only letting a certain number in, as others a bit behind me were turned around at the entrance.
It was great to be a part of it - doing it in memory and honour of my much loved grandson. Here are some photos of the bikes at the end point.
NOVEMBER 21, 2015. Today I went to the Motorcycle Expo in Sydney. As you probably know, these shows are now held every year, but alternate between Sydney and Melbourne. This year it was Sydney’s turn. Of course I always go these: well, almost always anyway. (If you haven’t read my article reflecting on some humorous aspects of going to these shows – both car and bike shows – that I wrote a few years ago, click here). It’s a bit of a drive to get there (and, as I say in that article, I always drive, not ride), but enjoyable once I’m there. And this was enjoyable too, of course.
Amongst all the bikes there were a lot of stands selling clothing and accessories, including a small portable tens machine for pain relief. Draggin Jeans had a stand of course, and seemed to be doing a very good trade.
One of the first stands I looked at was Triumph. They had a good display with the latest café-racer version of the Thruxton on display. Apparently this had only just been released in Europe and the bike on display here had been flown in at the last moment to be displayed. It was a great looking machine, with quite a few people I spoke to saying it was the highlight of the show. (See photo below). Victory had a good display, with lots of models. They make good bikes! Indian had a good display of models too, including the huge behemoth of a machine you see below. Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, and Ducati all had good displays too, with just about every model they make on show. Harley were not in their usual position of just inside the front door, but their display was as impressive as usual.
Yamaha made a big thing of their 60th anniversary, with special models on display and a couple of their “landmark models” there as well. As if to highlight their company’s total heritage, they had a display of musical instruments too. (They began making instruments way before they made bikes of course). (As a musician, I enjoyed seeing the guitars and other items they had there!). It was a big display, but they were one of the ones with “Do Not Sit On This Motorcycle. Ask For Assistance” signs on their bikes. (Ducati is well-known as a brand that always has those signs too).
Yamaha had a new release too – the café-racer versions of the MT-07 and MT-09, called, XSR700 and XSR900. They also had a bike created by Deus Ex Machina, (with “God Speed” on the tank), which was based on the SR500 I think, and was a rather odd thing, yet strangely appealing in that very minimalist sort of way. Big front wheel and knobby tyres.
Kawasaki and MV Agusta were good too. BMW also had an excellent display, with every model on show – including their scooters, which you don't see much.
Very noticeable by its absence was Honda. That was strange! KTM was also missing. I didn’t see any of the Chinese manufacturers there either – only one stand that seemed to be offering modified versions of Braap motorcycles.
Outside Lukey Luke was putting on a display of stunt-riding, and there were test-rides available on Indian and Harley.
The Learner-Legal segment was getting a big push, even from Harley, with its Street 500. Suzuki had two very different 250s on show side-by-side: the modern sporty-looking twin-cylinder Inazuma, and the old-style, traditional-looking single-cylinder TU250. That was interesting.
Oh, and in case you’ve read that article and are wondering, there weren’t any humorous incidents this time; and I went on my own. (Other friends went on other days). I got my pensioner-discount on entry, ($22 reduced to $15), but paid $20 for parking, $18 for lunch (burger-and-chips and an orange-juice) and of course the cost of petrol. So it was still an expensive day out. But worth it! 
DECEMBER 22, 2015. I'm thinking that Duncan Gay (NSW Minister For Roads etc) might really care about roads and motoring issues: and is trying to do things to benefit people who use the roads. Unusual for a politician!
He first came to my attention when he proposed raising the speed limit on expressways. Now that is not like a normal politician! (It didn't happen, of course - no doubt other pollies saw to that!).
Then he introduced a new (trial) system for use of historic vehicles that allowed them to be used, on a limited basis, outside just club events. Okay, so there are potential issues with this that might not have been thoroughly thought through, but I think his intention was good, and for classic vehicle enthusiasts, this gives them greater freedom - at no extra cost (from the government anyway).
Then he allowed motorcycle helmets that met European standards to be approved in NSW. Having a separate standard for Australia contributes to some lack of choice and higher prices. And there is no reason why European-standards-approved helmets shouldn't be suitable for Australia. If every other state did this we would get out of the ridiculous situation we now have where not only does Australia differ to the rest of the world, but different standards are in place in different states.
His latest effort is to introduce a law that dictates that motorists must keep at least 1 metre away from cyclists. Now, I'm not a cylist, and I must admit that when I'm in the car and crawling up Macquarie Pass at 10kph behind a bunch of lycra-clad Tour-de-France-wannabees, I feel like a bullbar would be a good solution, (I’m joking!), but it’s dangerous out there for cyclists and the 1-metre rule is a good one! Also good is the requirement they carry ID.
Yep, this Duncan Gay is doing some good stuff!

DECEMBER 23, 2015. It seems that ACT has joined with NSW in approving the use of European-approved helmets. Check out all the details here.
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