Ha Ha Nath. Yes it is a bit chilly but it fitted in with where we need were going to be at certain times. We're in Smithton right now, leaving in the morning to head south to Hobart via Strahan. We don't really have a plan as such, but the general consensus is that we will go clockwise round the place, heading back to the mainland in mid December.

What are you rough plans? Would be good to meet up for a few sherbets if poss.

Well looking at the weather forecast I want to stay away from the East coast in the coming week, so I'll either be exploring the West or the centre. I've got a 4wd guide to Tas, so I plan to try and ride some nice out of the way dirt roads. It's quite likely I'll be down in Hobart around the same time as you, so I'll keep an eye on that.

I need to replace a bearing in my rear suspension linkage at some point, so if you come across anyone with a half decent workshop/garage who seems keen to help passing foreign motorcyclists, then be sure to point me in their direction.

Queensland
 

If you need somewhere to stay for a bit, and you are in southern inland Queensland, contact me. I am out Texas way.

Made it down to Zeehan on the west coast of Tassie, went off to ride the track and beach to Pieman's heads, camped the night. Rode back in the morning and stopped again at Zeehan for lunch. Came out from the café and when I kickstarted the bike the camchain slipped 7 teethe! :(

My feelings were a mixture of 'Bollocks, why does crap like this always happen to me??!!' and 'Thank feck this didn't happen whilst I was still up by the Pieman river!!'.


Hopefully my exhaust valves aren't bent, and I'll make it to Hobart in another week or so.

Hello Nath
 

So that's what you're up to Nath!!
Sorry to hear about the teeth on the camchain - not even too sure where that bit is.
Keep us all posted on how it's going and give Belle, Nads and Gordon a big hug from me.
you'll never believe it but I'm currently riding a DR350 as well- my first time ever riding a small bike (I'm in muddy Madagascar with it).
Anyway, take care, hope you get your mechanical woes sorted and enjoy the rest of your trip.:D

Tide safe, mate

did exactly the same
 

started reading your post, noticed that its exactly what i did a few years ago.
i was on working holiday to oz, started sydney
bought a xr600
got a little job for a while.
what i'd say is look up the 'old bull trail riders'
i think they're based around Sydney area, well, Greg is
they were good blokes, got me along on a junk yard rally and helped me out when my wheel fell apart (surprisingly not on the rally)
look them up.
also. if you need some spares for your bike (a '91 i think) mine, with a seized engine can be found (maybe) on the road up to alice springs. its got good tires on it!

Hi Tiff! :mchappy:

Yep, finally back having some fun on bikes, and about time too. Last few years contained far too much boring stuff like working in London and failed marrages etc :funmeterno:


I saw the start of your ride report on Madagascar a month or two back, was certainly not expecting to see you riding a DR350! Well I suppose you had to upgrade from your old beemer at some point! :rofl: They're a great bike and much lighter and more off-road-focused than most people think, but watch out for oil leaks from the cylinder-head, cus that's what happens to them all eventually. Where's your next adventure once you're back on Thelma?

Stuck a new camchain in my XR and all good, and like in all good stories it worked out for the best as the mechanic who helped me took me out dune riding a few days later. No sign of the postie bike girls here in Hobart, I reckon I've missed them. So it turns out a postie bike is a faster way to travel than an XR600!


Rymm

That's quite a coincidence, I wouldn't have thought there'd be many people choosing the XR6 as a general travel bike. I might give you a shout when (if!??) I get up Alice way and try and find your dead bike. I'll try looking up that club when I make it up to NSW as well.

Cheers, nathan.

Nath, i guess we talked on adv rider before... sorry i havent been on there for a while.
Im in Tasmania myself and met Belle and the other two a couple days ago and have been riding with them today.
I will be in Tassie for a while. Will be working for a bit, so if you want, we can meet up for a ride!
Should be fun!
Did you get your bike fixed?

Cheers, Hannes

Ahhh so that was you I bumped into in Zeehan. Hope you got the bike back in shape.

Hi Scootergal,

Yep pommy pushing an overloaded xr600 a couple of kms down the road :( Sorry I wasn't a bit more talkative, but aside from the dire weather the bike breaking down left me a bit spun out. Hope you're enjoying Tasmania as much as I am!

The bike is fine now (for the moment, fingers crossed).

I'm in Hobart and am going to have a look at doing a bit of farm work nearby.


Hannes:
I've sent you a PM!