Every second year we get a treat, the airport down the hill puts on a spectacular show (I tell people that they do it at my request). Lots of old planes hit the sky, looping and diving while we have a barbie and a beer.
No wonder so many aircraft owners ride bikes and vice versa. The movement through the air, the sounds and colour are always spectacular.
Magnificent persons in their flying machines... Photos: Matt Oliver.
There's nothing like having a baby in the family to remind one of just how time is flying past. Our recently arrived grandson is 5 months old already, it's fascinating to see his personality emerge. As a Dad, a Midwife in a previous life, and an Emergency Nurse who worked for a spell in a Paediatric ED (many Nurses learn about kids in EDs, and get very protective of sick kids in the department) it's lovely to engage with a healthy, normal baby. It's amazing how much I can still recall, a couple of decades later.
Ticker Update.
At my recent Cardiology review, I put on my best Charge-Nurse voice and 'negotiated' a return to riding. I managed to get a plan to get an Echo in April with a view to coming off the bruise pills in May.
In the meantime, the GasGas trials bike has been put back into service and I'm getting my fix about the terraces of the front yard.
Don't tell anyone but I did take the new 900 Beemer around an extended blockie as a taster this week. Like sleeping with no undies, it felt soooo GOOD!
We've got a pannier frame set well underway for it. I reckon BMW are hoping that this incarnation of a mid-weight Adventure rig will hit the spot for them. On my quick sampler, it certainly feels like it. I always thought that the earlier F-series bikes were a little underwhelming. More info here
I agree with the birds
Hat Chat
Here's one of Cam Donald's helmets (and leathers too) from his Isle of Man assault in 2009 (we think). From what we know, he changed to similarly designed KBC helmets in 2010. From what I've been able to work out, he ran his lucky Aussie number on his helmet and raced with number 6.
Based on the North East outskirts of Melbourne, Cam is a regular face at Aussie tracks and motorcycle events. These days Donald travels to the Isle of Bloke to fill the role as TT expert commentator most years.
We were lucky enough to be there in 2008, his breakthrough event, Cam bagged both the Superbike and Superstock wins, completing a great effort with a second in the Senior TT.
I always get that warm cozy, fku dipstick feeling as I see some plonker in a blacked-out BMW flying down the inside lane, cutting across to the outside and charging toward an urgent acquisition of a kebab. As a motorcyclist, my speeding fines are gonna have to count, no half-RRsd, point-to-point couple of points or a freeway melee 5 over. I'm not going to waste points in the city! I need to jealously guard mine for that time I get done over-taking a white aluminium turtle in a set of twisties or get done in one of those, let's protect the unprotectable, recent downgrade to 80 kph, favourite mountain road areas. What seriously gets up my jacksie is making sure I don't burn points in 80 zones. I'm not sure what it's like in your jurisdiction but 80 kph has a very rubber interpretation in Vic-bloody-toria. On the bike it is very scary to have trucks, 4x4s, P-plated Hyundai, and black-windowed Mercs fly past me in an 80 zone. Despite there being signs that ensure drivers that roadworks speed limits are enforced, I've never heard of anyone getting booked.
An ignominious end to a K series Beemer.
The Unsung Hero Of the Month
Apart from the amazing team who make our stuff here's this month's underrated bit of kit. A fine Merino helmet liner is a joy to wear. It keeps the helmet a lot cleaner, adjusts to temperature and keeps earplugs under control. Over the years we've stocked helmet liners from names like Icebreaker and Sea to Summit but supply was always a nightmare until we offered them suggestions regarding sex and travel... and started to make our own. Constructed of the same Superfine Merino cloth we make the Allrounder and Thermalz from with low profile flat seams. Our three-panel design helps keep it from bunching up. Simply toss it in the warm wash, it dries in a very short time. My only problem with mine is keeping track of it. I keep finding it in the pocket of a jacket or tucked inside my spare helmet. Great for the bicycle, ski helmet or welding helmet.
Next month we are releasing our brand spankin' new Strapz. As it's the first new strap design in (not counting the Smart Net... that isn't a strap) 15 or more years, we think it's a big deal. It's a project that has been a couple of years in the gestation and we are almost ready to push the button.
Next month there'll be a special introductory offer for you.
That's all from this end. Stay Safe. Happy Easter, take extra care it's a Numpty Fest out there this time of year! Copyalater Andy
