In 3 weeks Time......

[Exdukenut]

The wife and I are going to Tasmania for a long weekend away, (Valentines Day and all), leaving the kids with my sister. Whilst in Tasmania, we'll be hiring a couple of motorcycles. My wife hasn't ridden a m/cycle for some 13 years, but she has a licence. The 2 bikes we'll be hiring are an F650GS for the wife, and I'm taking out an F800. Should be a great weekend away. Apparently Tasmania is similar to NZ as far as roads and twisties go, but the speeds she'll be travelling at will be a lot slower than the boys and I do normally when in NZ. I think I'll be waiting a lot whilst on the roads, but hey I get a great weekend, which she's paying for!!

So today I let her take the T out for a spin to get used to riding a bike again, (eek: I hear you say!! ). Anyways she brought the bike and herself back in one peice. I'll let her do so again over the coming weekends as well. It was quite bizaar seeing the bike being ridden by someone else and hearing it come round the corner, but it looked and sounded great. (At least I know if she drops it, she'll pay for it to be fixed, Cause I know how much is in the bank!!

[MauriceOz]

Originally Posted by Exdukenut

The wife and I are going to Tasmania for a long weekend away, (Valentines Day and all), leaving the kids with my sister. Whilst in Tasmania, we'll be hiring a couple of motorcycles. My wife hasn't ridden a m/cycle for some 13 years, but she has a licence. The 2 bikes we'll be hiring are an F650GS for the wife, and I'm taking out an F800. Should be a great weekend away. Apparently Tasmania is similar to NZ as far as roads and twisties go, but the speeds she'll be travelling at will be a lot slower than the boys and I do normally when in NZ. I think I'll be waiting a lot whilst on the roads, but hey I get a great weekend, which she's paying for!!

So today I let her take the T out for a spin to get used to riding a bike again, (eek: I hear you say!! ). Anyways she brought the bike and herself back in one peice. I'll let her do so again over the coming weekends as well. It was quite bizaar seeing the bike being ridden by someone else and hearing it come round the corner, but it looked and sounded great. (At least I know if she drops it, she'll pay for it to be fixed, Cause I know how much is in the bank!!

It always sounds different and how many packs did you smoke while she was out there? (or beers drunk).

Maurice

[vonDutch]

Not the 9th or 10th or feb right? You're expecting a dutchman picking up some parts then

Have phun! And indeed, it is cool to hear and see your own bike driving by.

[APRILiaFOOL]

Be sure to ride the Targa Tasmania route near Queenstown (West Coast) :-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVxg2BB4744

and don't miss the Elephant Pass Road just north of Bicheno (East Coast) :-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY6qY1krasw

Unfortunately I could only find one Youtube clip of the Elephant Pass Road and it was Harley-based. Try to imagine doing this road on something that can actually corner.

[RossGuzzi]

Hope you have a very 'safe' blast of a time !

Don`t you just LOVE women that dig bikes!
Mine has hinted we should go to PI superbikes this year !!
We spent our honeymoon there. Guess she is just getting romantic !

[john_char]

ross,

Do PI, you'll have a great time. I track marshal there every year and this year I'll be doing the supebike course as well as a track day the day after. Gonna be a fantastic week.

John.

[Exdukenut]

Originally Posted by vonDutch

Not the 9th or 10th or feb right? You're expecting a dutchman picking up some parts then

Have phun! And indeed, it is cool to hear and see your own bike driving by.

Yep all sorted for the 9th or 10th. We're leaving the 12th. Look forward to meeting. I'll PM our details. Hope you can stay for some Aussie hospitality, and home brew!!

[Exdukenut]

Originally Posted by APRILiaFOOL

Be sure to ride the Targa Tasmania route near Queenstown (West Coast) :-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVxg2BB4744

and don't miss the Elephant Pass Road just north of Bicheno (East Coast) :-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY6qY1krasw

Unfortunately I could only find one Youtube clip of the Elephant Pass Road and it was Harley-based. Try to imagine doing this road on something that can actually corner.

Only got 2 days of riding, at this stage, so we are doing a loop up the East coast and back.

[Exdukenut]

Originally Posted by MauriceOz

It always sounds different and how many packs did you smoke while she was out there? (or beers drunk).

Maurice

Too many!! Plus she had to cope with GP shift as well!!

[OZSLR]

Originally Posted by Exdukenut

Only got 2 days of riding, at this stage, so we are doing a loop up the East coast and back.

You'll have plenty of options available but no shortage of good roads. The east coast is a good choice given the time frame!

[OZSLR]

Originally Posted by RossGuzzi

Mine has hinted we should go to PI superbikes this year !! We spent our honeymoon there. Guess she is just getting romantic !

Hehehe, so what's stopping you? I'll even buy you a beer!

[RossGuzzi]

Working shift, hardly see her to talk.

A mate (kind of) asked if I want to go (PI) He has hired a house in Cowles.
I might see if my old employer (Frasers) can get me into the Ducati club tent.

East coast of Tassie is beautiful. Wine glass bay

[Peter S]

You will have a ball. There are some great roads all over the Island.
I will be doing the east coast from the 7th to 11th of Feb as part of this year's Ducati Turismo (about 300 bikes this year I think). Then myself and six mates will head back to the ferry via the west coast. I'll be coming home on the Saturday night ferry from Devonport.
This will be my fourth time around. I'll go back through my notes and post some of my favourite roads for you (I've got a terrible memory for road names). Depending on which way you go we may be able to meet over a couple of quiet ones!
Look for the black Falco! Each Ducati riding participant is allowed to bring a non-Ducati riding mate so there is usually a few Apes scattered among the Ducatisi!

[Exdukenut]

Originally Posted by Peter S

I will be doing the east coast from the 7th to 11th of Feb as part of this year's Ducati Turismo (about 300 bikes this year I think). Then myself and six mates will head back to the ferry via the west coast.

I think we'll just miss you, as we arrive late Friday 12th. Hiring the bikes Sat till Monday. Nice thought though on the beer or 2. Ride safe.

[Peter S]

I forgot you will be flying in so you will be at the bottom when I'm heading for the top. As I have already stated I have a lousy memory for road names so one of my more organised riding buddies has put together a short list for you to peruse.

Devonport to Launceston via Miandetta (Frankford Road) B71 takes you to Exeter then follow Tamar river south to Launceston. Open, fast roads.
Main Hwy A3 from Launceston via Scottsdale to St Helens - big road, very windy in spots - goes past pig in the paddock
Can do a short loop at St Mary's & Elephant pass A4 & A3 - inland road can get very tight and has some gravel on the road
B34 Lake Leake Road to Campbell Town - VERY fast and good road.
Hobart to Port Arthur - scenic and pretty windy - lots of tourists - do not go too fast.
B68 Channel Hwy out of Hobart south to D'Entrecasteaux Channel, then back via Cygnet and Huonville - nice scenic drive. Can even get ferry to Bruny Island - but roads are flat out there.
Hwy A10 - Hobart to Strahan - brilliant!!!! Can do a big side trip to Strathgordon B61 (to Gordon River) - apparently very windy road, some gravel, watch out for fuel - maybe none at Strathgordon. Haven't done this road yet, but hope to one day.
Queenstown to Tullah on B28 (Anthony Road) - another brilliant road with no traffic.
B23 to Savage River - meant to be very exciting road - also not done this.
Cradle Mountain Rd C132 - go both ways! Very fast to Devonport
Sheffield towards Mole Creek on C137 through Paradise, but turn right at T-intersection on B12 ro King Solomon Mine and then right onto C138 heading towards Liena and back to Mt Roland and finally back to Sheffield or Paradise.
Both sides of the Great Lake are now sealed. The East side through Poatina is fast but slows as you go up or down the tiers. The West was gravel until very recently - haven't been down here on a bike, but should be good.
If this doesn't keep one happy - nothing will!

Hope this helps. Lake Leake and Anthony Roads are among my favourites.
We will make sure we sweep them well for you!