Bonneville America Forums Forums General Motorcycle Forums Rides, Rallies, & Events Tasmania (Australia)

Just go back from two weeks touring Tassie, some of the best roads to ride and some of the worst. Due to the decline in the number of Tassie Devils who come out onto the road at night and eat the road kill (so the locals tell us) there are dead wallabies and an asortment of animals on every corner (just about). We travelled around 3000 ks all up from leaving home (Adelaide) and return. [image]http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/416927_2993275223543_1012033741_32351206[/image]

Hi Garry, So you had your own rally in Tassie hey? I've got no doubt the apple isle is on my hit list also. Would you agree though some of the best and but more remote quality sites need the ability to ride on some dirt. I've had a look at some maps which is why I'm buying a BMW R1200GS so I can access many of the best parts of Aus including the mainland.

Glad your trip worked out well and hope the road kill didn't spoil the nicer twisties. Thanks for the tip anyway.

Yeah sort of my own rally (I organised) with a selection of bikes, Bm's, KTM's, Harleys, Ducatis and of course Triumphs. This is our 7th trip and there are more roads being bitumised all of the time. The boys on the KTM,s and the Beamers would tackle some of the dirt roads and beach rides (you know screaming along a beach @ 140kmh roster tailing (so they told me). We would all meet up each after noon staying in pubs or caravan parks and change stories each day. But definetly for the weather you need to look at January through to March, I have been there in October (after the motogp) and it's raining, snowing and all of the good stuff to hone your skills.

Sounds like you've got a good thing going with a group of mates Garry. I've just recently retired at 52 yrs of age which is why I'm now setting myself up for what I'm planning to be some regular touring. That's where the Beemer comes into the equation. I'm going to keep my Speedmaster as my round town and project bike though. I just bring myself to selling it cos I know from experience I would have regretted big time.

I'm planning for the Beemer which I'll buy second hand, to be one of those low K jobs which some cashed up mid life crisis dude has bought everything I want on it, so I don't have to fork out as much myself. That way it'll be a quality reliable mile muncher that I only have to service.

My Speedmaster on the other hand will be my retirement interest and hobby bike that I can continually play with and eventually do the power mods to.

The other bonus of having two bikes is, my special Yanky brothers like Eddy (from Fast Eddy Sports online fame) will have a bike to ride when he gets his ar*e down here. I can then treat him to some great riding country which he shouldnt forget in a hurry. He's also doing the same for me in June when I fly over to the States in June and ride his Speedmaster on the Mid Eastern Rally. Can't wait for that.

Apologies for my rant but as you can see, my retirements looking good so far provided my back continues since giving my job away as a firie. I must say it's never felt better.

Anyway, maybe I can pick your brains about Tassie when the time comes. Btw, do you guys plan on riding NZ at any stage? That place is a must imho.

Better go Garry. Thanks for Letting me know what you got up to over in Tassie. I bet you're already working out your next adventure ha ha

Stacka