"It's the most wonderful time of the year, sleigh bells are ringing and children are singing and..." ... well, not quite, but Christmas is upon us once again!
But even though this is an exciting time of year, it can be hard to get excited about Christmas shopping and not only because of this heat. No, shopping can be somewhat of a nuisance for many people - with a large percentage of those people being male - but we have tried to make this Christmas a little easier by putting together our Christmas Catalogue full of awesome gift ideas for everyone!
The Catalogue boasts a massive range of products, including exclusive Smooth Industries Backpacks & Lunchboxes for the kids, huge Christmas Specials on FOX Casual wear for Adults, Youths and Ladies plus Genuine Accessories from your favourite manufacturer.
Do all your Christmas Shopping in one place, with something for everyone! Hurry in-store now to your local TeamMoto dealership, or shop online or over the phone.
So have a look through our 2011 Christmas Catalogue now and see all the latest gift ideas that are sure to make this Christmas a smashing hit!
THE crunch of rubber on gravel greets us just outside Boonah and instantly the pace changes. Some go slower, some go faster.
All sense a change of mood in the pack with the change of gear and the change of scenery.
With that first twitch of slippery gravel under the tyres, the weekday woes slip away into a blur in the mirrors and the adventure begins.
Adventure riding is "good for the soul'' says Andy Weekes, 55, of Brisbane, who bought a Triumph Tiger 800 XC in August and is on his first organised adventure ride with TeamMoto.
Australia's largest motorcycle dealership has been conducting one-day adventure rides this year for customers but this Triumph RAT Adventure Ride is their first attempt at a two-day event.
TeamMoto group marketing manager Mark Luxford says the aim of the not-for-profit ride is to give back something to their customers.
He says it also takes advantage of the new Tiger, the first adventure bike the iconic British manufacturer has produced. It will be followed next year by a 1200+cc Tiger Explorer adventure bike, with rumours of a smaller adventure model to come.
TeamMoto also sells a range of other brands of adventure bike, so even though this is a Triumph RAT Adventure Ride with support from Triumph Australia, the invitation is open to riders of all brands of adventure bike.
And it is a wide array of machinery that turns up at 7am on the last Saturday of October for the ride. There are hardcore KTMs with all the accessories, some "ancient'' and bulletproof DRs and XTs, some well-used BMWs and, of course, several shiny new Tigers.
Two latecomers are quickly forgiven: Dawn and Richard Cuskelly had to leave before 5am from their Murwillumbah home to get to the Triumph dealership in Moss St, Slacks Creek.
Cup of coffee in hand, the riders gather around for ride leader and well-known dirt-riding expert Ron Grant to lay down the rules.
He points out that all roads are public roads, no tracks. So it's important to stay left and obey speed limits.
Riders are split into three groups - green, orange and yellow - to avoid large numbers riding together and the problems that creates.
Within each group is a leader and a sweep, both wearing group-coloured fluoro vests. The idea is not to pass the leader and not to be passed by the sweep.
Grant explains the corner-man system for keeping the groups together, but inevitably this breaks down several times during the ride. It happens on all rides. Here it breaks down on the first corner for one group and on the second for another.
But no one gets lost or split from the group because each rider has been provided with detailed maps of every turn.
Before the eager riders strap on their helmets and mount up, Grant has one final point to make.
"It's not about a race or a rally. It's just a ride,'' he says, even though there are several international standard riders among the group, including Nate Castle, 28, who competed in this year's International Six-Day Enduro in Finland.
He's riding his brand new Tiger XC alongside fiance Rosie Lalonde who works in TeamMoto marketing.
(Pictured below from left: Andy Weekes and "Kitty", Dawn & Richard Cuskelly, Nate Castle with Triumph QLD Rep Jeff Crank and Rosie Lalonde)
The ride follows the blacktop south-west out of the city to Boonah where we top up with fuel and check tyre pressures.
Even before we hit the gravel, a massive python greets the riders just outside of town and despite stretching almost the entire width of the road, all riders avoid the slithery obstacle.
Down the other side of the hill, the bikes hit the dirt for the first time.
TeamMoto sent several riders out early in the week for a "recce'' ride in blistering heat. Since then, there has been a small amount of rain - just enough to settle the dust - and clouds overhead threaten to burst but hold their load, providing ideal conditions for the adventure.
Crashes are inevitable on adventure rides and pretty soon a rider literally hits the trail.
Despite cartwheeling the bike, the sweep rider and back-up truck quickly attend to his minor scrapes and get his bike back on the road. To his credit, the rider completes the whole trip.
Our ride takes us over the ridge south of Boonah down to Maroon, around the back of the dam to White Swamp Rd, through the national park forestry, across the border and down to Old Koreelah for morning tea.
Grant's orange group of eager riders gets there too quickly and leave before Grant's son, Andrew, arrives with the morning tea of water, Gatorade, biscuits and Mars bars. The steady-as-she-goes orange and yellow groups arrive and fuel up their bodies for the next leg of the journey down Paddy's Flat Rd to the Bruxner Highway.
Grant's group leaves behind tell-tale signs of spontaneous off-road excursions where the over-enthusiastic have out-braked themselves going into corners and overshot.
Back in the orange group, a second rider decks his bike and hitches a ride for himself and his busted Beemer to the lunch stop at the Drake Hotel (now renamed Lunatic Hotel after the nearby historic mine).
In doing so, he misses out on the first real test of the trip - a small creek crossing.
It's shallow, but the water flows fast and there are some large, submerged rocks in there to bounce riders off course.
Three go down and three get back up again. A few wise riders take the bridge alternative, but even that offers some adventure with a missing plank.
There isn't much flat about Paddy's Flat Rd and it bounces the best of the riders out of the saddle until it opens up and smooths out toward the end when the pace picks back up again.
Grant has earlier suggested no lunchtime beers as the afternoon ride includes more strenuous sections of track through the Boonoo Boonoo National Park and a very challenging river crossing.
Riders dutifully comply and with a mixture of trepidation and enthusiasm, they saddle up again for the final leg to the overnight accommodation at Cherrabah Resort.
Before hitting the dirt again at Sandy Hills, the post-lunch ride begins with about 20km of some of the best twisties the Bruxner has to offer. This tunes the riders up for the tough section to follow.
Stretching out across some lush dairy countryside, the dirt road snakes north to the Boonoo Boonoo River crossing Grant has warned of.
The floods have swept away the wooden bridge which lies discarded off to the side, leaving behind a granite plunge pool.
The first riders dive in only to find it gets even deeper at the other side.
Just as many go under as make it across before riders discover a better diagonal line. Still, it doesn't stop a few from giving their bikes an untimely bath.
Maybe it's the fun of watching others dunk their machines, or maybe it's the camaraderie of riders, but all stay to help, shoot some video or laugh until the full complement of riders has crossed.
From here the track gets steep and slippery up huge ascents of granite-pebble track. Then it's a fast dash down open stretches of granite and new bitumen road to Cherrabah Resort.
It was built in 1970, but has been well maintained and is comfortable and clean. Better still, the drinks are cold and the food is hot and wholesome.
Riders have each paid $150 for the adventure which includes a twinshare room and a huge barbecue dinner with more than enough for seconds and even thirds.
Riders also receive a souvenir RAT ride t-shirt, cap and stubby cooler, plus two free morning teas and hot Sunday breakfast, not to mention the escorted ride with comprehensive maps.
It's a bargain as the rooms, alone, cost $120 on a weekend and $80 during the week.
Reservations manager Susanna Avar says they welcome bike riders and even stage two enduro events each year on the 2055-hectare property's trails.
They also attract a lot of other riders passing through the picturesque Granite Belt region or attending a track day at nearby Morgan Park circuit, Warwick.
Avar says the resort also offers horse riding, bushwalking and canoeing,
plus a swimming pool, barbecue and spa. It can accommodate 184 people
at a time.
The rowdy group of 48 riders stretches out on the verandah at the main
building to soak up the spectacular and commanding view across toward
Killarney and knock back some well-deserved drinks.
The laughter and stories flow as liberally as the drinks, but the
track-weary riders beat a wise early retreat to their rooms and all is
quiet at a respectable hour.
The next morning is a casual start with breakfast from 7.30am and the ride from 9am.
Eager and clear-headed riders are up early and milling about their bikes, tinkering with things that need to be fiddled with and things that don't.
The second day's leg is a wind-down ride of about 90 per cent tarmac, following the winding ribbon of tar past Queen Mary Falls and down to Moogerah Dam for a final morning tea and farewell.
Some riders decide to take their own routes home and split from the main groups, but the report from organisers is that everyone makes it home.
Andy Weekes declares he has had plenty of "soul food'' on his new Triumph Tiger over the two-day adventure.
"I've absolutely had a ball,'' he says.
"I like that we know where we're going and what's happening. The rides have been exactly what I wanted and in beautiful country.''
Rob Creely, 46 of Albany Creek, has only been riding for three years but has already tackled some epic journeys on his Suzuki DR-Z400E including an unsupported trip to Cape York.
"It was my birthday two weeks ago, so my partner bought this trip for me,'' he says with an appreciative grin.
The Cuskellys joined the ride on their two adventure bikes, part of a stable of six they have for track, road and off-road use.
Their bikes are shod with road-biased tyres but the TeamMoto adventure ride has given them a taste for more, so they plan to get a second set of wheels with knobbies fitted.
"The scenery is better on dirt roads,'' says Dawn.
"And you can have a bit of a play,'' adds Richard.
There will be even more opportunities to play in future with TeamMoto planning to offer a variety of similar two-day adventures next year.
A huge thank you to all the TeamMoto staff you made this ride possible and more importantly all the riders who came along and made it such a success!
Video edited by Alice Hinchliffe
Movember Riders Story: Stay alive to live!
My name is Gordon Lalonde and this is my story.
Five years ago my whole family and our best friends from Canada were planning to be in New Zealand for the 2006 ISDE. Instead, my wife Donna and I were in Scottsdale Arizona, where I was to begin treatment for Prostate Cancer.
The New Zealand trip had been planned for years as we had just emigrated to Australia in 2003.
My PSA (prostate specific antigen, possible indicator of prostate
cancer) score when checked for the first time only a month before was
13. It should have been well below 4.
Having a PSA score over 10 usually means spreading of the cancer can have occurred, treatment becomes very difficult, the prognosis bleak.
If I had been checked years earlier, much simpler and less invasive treatments could have been used. Fortunately, the cancer had not spread, so the treatment I chose was Brachytherapy (implanting of radio-active pellets) and Tomotherapy radiation (c.a.t. scan guided).
My final treatment was on November 9, 2006. The next day we went to the Stadium EnduroCross in Las Vegas! Score!!
I am a typical bloke, laughing when bleeding from a bike crash (as I was not the first to bleed that day and we all know its the first one who bleeds that gets laughed at)!
But the hardest thing I have ever had to do was phone my daughters to tell them I have cancer.
Now five years on I have a PSA under 0.2 and a lifestyle exactly as we want - making family the number one priority.
Donna and I first met at an ice race in Alberta, Canada, in 1979. Since before we met, and throughout our 31-years of marriage, motorcycles and racing have been our main passion, which we share with our daughters and their families. I am now the proud owner of a new Suzuki DR650se, purchased from TeamMoto Virginia.
It's been five years to the month since my last treatment and I am grateful everyday of being able to ride again with my youngest daughter and her fiancé - who own a Triumph 800XC - and my eldest daughter's husband, who rides a Yamaha Tenere 660.
Riding with my family is what I love more than life itself and I am also looking forward to going out with my eldest daughter, also an enthusiast, and my grandchildren, when they are ready.
Prostate cancer, at best, is just a minor inconvenience, but caught early and monitored, can give real peace of mind and allay the fear.
Movember is about our loved ones pounding on our thick, perfectly formed chests to pay attention! If you are over 40 then you should know your PSA score and if you are over 50 you have to know your score.
New screening will revolutionise testing. Not that you as a bloke care that much, but if you want to know how important it is ??? Just ask my daughters!!
TeamMoto Mo Bro Contenders!
Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of mens faces in Australia and around the world.
The aim is to raise vital funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men.
This year, gents all across TeamMoto stores have taken up the challenge with fervour and are sprouting whiskers in support of this fantastic cause.
A specific group of Mo Bro's from TeamMoto have banded together and have created a "Team" where you can sponsor all contenders together or as individuals.
These brave young contenders are lead by TeamMoto Mo Bro Captain Brendon Day (TeamMoto Virginia) and include other soldiers-of-moustachery such as Des Stapylton (TeamMoto Virginia), Marty Pocock (TeamMoto Finance), David Woolacott (TeamMoto Virginia), Gareth Mason (TeamMoto Yamaha Enoggera), Joel Gonella (TeamMoto Virginia), Shayne Dunkley (TeamMoto Virginia) and Damien Hammond (TeamMoto Virginia).
To show their commitment, these gents have donated their "face" to the cause of growing a moustache for the month of November. Their Mo's will spark conversations and no doubt generate some laughs, all in the name of raising vital awareness and funds for prostate cancer and male depression.
As Des put it, they are "looking ridiculous for a great cause", so why not support them?
Funds raised will help make a tangible difference to the lives of others. Through the Movember Foundation and its men's health partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and BeyondBlue - the national depression initiative, they are funding world class research, educational and support programs which would otherwise not be possible.
Thank you from the TeamMoto Mo Bros contenders for supporting their efforts to change the face of Men's health.
Kawasaki has just released two new exciting models for 2012.
The 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is the long-awaited big brother of Kawasaki's mid-size any-road street bike and is designed to enable the greatest riding enjoyment in the widest variety of street riding situations.
And then there is the new Vulcan ... with its muscular curvature based on that if the 1700 Voyager, the 2012 Vulcan 1700 Vaquero is a sporty flowing designed bagger loaded with top-end tools.
2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000
Whether riding solo or two-up, around the corner or around the globe, its unique combination of a highly responsive In-Line Four engine tuned for flexibility, and a nimble chassis fitted with dynamic suspension will have riders grinning in their helmets.
With the Versys 1000, Kawasaki extends its any-street promise to the litre-bike class.
Focusing on the "any street, any time" motto, the new Versys offers some fantastic features for all riders.
Long travel suspension front and rear allows riders to enjoy sport riding on a variety of streets and conditions, with an upright position offering a high level of control with confidence in various situations. The riding position also contributes to a relaxed and comfortable ride.
The new verses also features 17" wheels and a sporty, nimble handling courtesy of a lightweight aluminium twin-tube frame.
The long range and long time riding potential is enhanced by an adjustable windscreen (no tools required), functional bodywork offering high wind protection and a long range 21L fuel tank.
You can scroll through LCD modes using convenient handlebar switches and the robust rear frame is designed for a heavy payload - 220kg payload which is plenty for riding with a passenger and luggage.
There are numerous genuine accessories available as well, including panniers, top-case, grip warmers, DC outlet, handguards, engine guards and more!
Check out the Official Kawasaki Versys 1000 video below.
***
2012 Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS
The newest edition to the Vulcan 1700 line-up, Kawasaki’s first bagger model follows a wide-and-low concept, its design flowing from the front to the rear of the bike.
A number of blacked-out parts and numerous original-design styling components give the Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS a hard, sporty image and its own distinct look.
It is loaded with high-grade cruising essentials, like Kawasaki’s advanced brake system K-ACT ABS, Electronic Cruise Control, and a high-spec iPod-compatible audio system.
In typical bagger fashion, the Vulcan 1700 Vaquero follows a wide-and-low concept, its design flowing from the front of the bike to its integrated rear.
While its muscular curvature is based on that of the Vulcan 1700 Voyager, it is much more than a Voyager with the top case removed; the Vaquero features host of original-design components: engine shrouds, side covers, rear fender, mufflers… even the side bag flaps are new.
Further, numerous blacked-out parts contribute to a hard, sporty image.
Both bodywork and engine covers received the meticulous attention to
detail and exquisite craftsmanship expected of all Kawasaki cruisers.
There are numerous options of customising, with a huge range of accessories available.
EICMA 2011: The latest & greatest released in Italy
The Granddaddy of all motorcycle shows was held recently in Milan, Italy … EICMA is the place to be if you want to see all the brand new bikes and models released from every motorcycle manufacturer under the sun.
This year there were a few stand out examples of new bikes at EICMA … including the trio of brand new beasts from Triumph which we featured in last months newsletter (click here for October eNews).
Of the new models, the 2012 Honda Crosstourer stood out from the crowd.
Honda teased everyone last year at EICMA with a Crosstourer concept, but for 2011 Honda is making good on its promise to introduce a big into the ever competitive big-bore adventure category.
Powered by the VFR1200 1200cc V4 engine, according to Honda it's "an adventure sports tourer which takes Honda's unique V4 heritage in a new direction."
It comes with traction control, combined anti-lock brakes and the
optional dual-clutch transmission. It also features ride-by-wire
throttle control, a shaft drive in a single swingarm and the ability to
mount tubeless tyres on the 19" front and 17" rear wheels.
It also features a giant 21.5L fuel tank, has a wheelbase of 1595mm and a seat height of 850mm.
There is no word yet on when the Crosstourer will be available in Australia, however be sure to contact your local TeamMoto Honda dealership for more information if you are interested in this great new adventure bike.
Two other very interesting bikes introduced at EICMA are KTM's FREERIDE range ... including the all new KTM Freeride 350 and Freeride E.
KTM presents the Freeride 350 with a simple message: Maximal offroad pleasure.
The Freeride 350 has all the same genes as every KTM competition Enduro
bike but is still quite different. The aim was to create a bike on
offroad wheels that could master the same challenges as a KTM EXC, but
with significantly less effort and energy.
So the Freeride 350 is a playful and feather light Enduro to really enjoy and no extreme competition machine.
The new KTM Freeride 350 unites extremely easy handling with a
low seat height and outstanding ergonomics.
It has a super low weight of only 99.5 kg, allowing the rider to be be completely in control, even on the toughest trails - whether it be rough terrain, narrow single tracks or wide gravel roads.
The state-of-the-art 350cc fuel injected engine, newly laid out especially for this bike has proven to be the ideal drive unit for this vehicle concept and scores highly in every situation with controllable, torque-oriented performance characteristics.
No word on when the Freeride 350 will be available in Australia, but we will definitely keep you up-to-date, as these little beauties look awesome! Check out the video below to see more ...
The other Freeride KTM has released is an electricity-powered 'zero emissions' model, the Freeride E.
With this revolutionary electric bike, KTM takes lightweight, noise-free and agile offroad motrocycles where enduro riding was previously impossible; the city!
With 42Nm of torque, up to 22kW (30hp) peak power and uninterrupted acceleration, it's just as sporty as other KTM bikes. It only needs recharging rather than refuelling!
It weighs in at 95kg and the "fuel" range isn't measured in kilometers
or litres ... it's measured as 20minutes for pro's and 45 minutes for
amateurs. Then you can charge back up tthe 300v battery which takes just
90 minutes.
Again it isn't confirmed if or when this bike may make it to Australia,
but check out the video below. KTM has embraced this electric craze and
have produced an incredible little machine!
SPOT Tracker: Someone's watching you ... in a good way!
Enjoy the ride with peace of mind! You would be hard pressed to find a more exhilarating experience then exploring the Australian bushland on the back of a motorcycle … but wonders can turn to worries if you run into issues.
You never know what is around the next corner and that is part of the thrill of riding any type of motorcycle, so that's why you take SPOT along for the ride! Ease those niggling worries and can enjoy the ride with pure peace of mind, especially when your in remote areas where a mobile phone doesn't' stand a chance.
TeamMoto is proud to be a new stockist of these great new products and offer two options for all types of motorcyclists.
SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger
The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger provides a vital line of communication with friends and family when you want it, and emergency assistance when you need it. Using 100% satellite technology, SPOT works virtually anywhere in the world, even where cell phones don’t – all with the push of a button.
This SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger functions are easy to use and to the point! Simply press the corresponding button on the spt tracker for these functions:
SOS: Use this function in the event of a life threatening or other critical
emergency to notify emergency services of your GPS location and that you
need assistance. The GEOS International Emergency Response Center
alerts the appropriate agencies worldwide – for example contacting 9-1-1
responders in North America and 1-1-2 responders in Europe., 0-0-0 in Australia.
Help (black button on left with two hands): In the event of a non-life threatening emergency, you can use this
function to notify your personal contacts that you need assistance.
Additional SPOT Assist services can be purchased and programmed to your
Help button as well.
Check-in/OK (left hand grey button): This feature allows you to let your friends and family know that all is
OK with a pre-programmed message along with your GPS location. With a
push of a button a message is sent via email or SMS to up to 10
pre-determined contacts and your waypoint is stored in your SPOT account
for later reference.
Custom Message (bottom grey button): This feature allows you to let your friends and family now receive a
custom message along with your GPS location with a push of a button.
Use this feature as a secondary OK message or transfer your personal
help alert to this message function if you are using a SPOT Assist
service on your Help button.
Track Progress (right hand button): This feature allows you to send and save your location and allow
contacts to track your progress in near real time using Google Maps.
With your SPOT account you have the ability to set up a SPOT Shared Page
which allows you to show your SPOT GPS locations to others on a Google
Map.
Michael Oliver recently undertook the APC Rally - a 7,500km 14-day Adventure ride - in which every single competitor had one of these SPOT Satellite GPS Messengers.
"They are really great," Michael states. "It's not only a peace of mind thing, knowing that your exact location is always visible on Google maps, but I was able to send a quick message to my family every night in the middle of no-where with no mobile reception."
"I never go riding without my SPOT these days and I even bought a second one for my Dad! He is constantly out on bulldozers and machines working on his property, so I bought him one and programmed the messages for help and I'm okay, etc. That way he can work in peace and Mum doesn't have to worry if he is hurt and can't call for help."
SPOT Connect
The latest SPOT device is called the "Connect" and takes the idea one step further.
Today's smartphones provide a level of social connection far beyond what
we imagined just a few years ago.
But when you go beyond the reach of
the grid, your smartphone needs the help of SPOT Connect to keep you in
touch with friends, family, and emergency personnel.
Simply pair your smartphone with SPOT Connect, and get connected to a
global satellite network that lets you send messages and GPS coordinates
from virtually anywhere on the planet.
Update Twitter and Facebook.
Send email and text messages. Request non-emergency help from
professional service providers. And in the case of a critical emergency,
send an SOS message requesting emergency assistance.
The SPOT Connect offers all the functions that the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger (outlined in bullet points above) but it also includes the below functions:
Type & Send: Use SPOT Connect to send custom email and text messages via satellites
to your contacts. Create up to 41 character SOS, Help and Check-in/OK
messages. Messages will be sent directly to the contact groups you
select via email or SMS. You can even post custom messages on Twitter
and Facebook. If you encounter problems, you can send custom SOS
messages describing your situation, with your GPS position included.
Social Networks: Don't lose the connection to your social networks when you venture off
the cellular grid. SPOT Connect with the basic service package enables
you to send Predefined messages to your favorite social destinations.
The Type & Send function allows you to create short custom messages
in the field, which you can send to social destinations or specific
contacts via email or text message.
In order to utilize your SPOT Tracker to the best of its abilities, there are SPOT Basic Service Plants available, which you will need to activate your SPOT device.
Depending on which product you purchase, these packages due range in
functionality but they start from $115USD per year.
This also allows you to
connect to SPOT Adventures, which is a community website for you to
share all your travels, pictures, routes and experiences!
SPOT Adventures connects people from all types of disciplines all around the world, so share in this great community of avid thrill seekers.
For more information on these SPOT devices, be sure to contact your local TeamMoto dealership today! We are new stockists to SPOT and are very excited by this great new product. Remember this isn't just for the adventure or trail riders out there, this is a great device for all types of motorcycle enthusiasts.
Click here to contact TeamMoto now!
Motorcycle Riding School: Dumb & Dumber meets The Shining...
By Steve McDowall, TeamMoto Motorcycle Riding School Manager
I’ve decided to buy a video camera.
Actually, I’m going to buy one of those awesome little Contour cameras that mount to the side of my helmet so I can record what I see as I ride.
Now, why would I want to do that?
Well sadly, it’s not because I want to record my exploits in the twisties. It’s because I reckon I could produce a feature length film with some footage from my trips to work up the M1 every morning.
It’d be kind of like a mix between a horror flick and “Dumb and Dumber”.
I’ve got a production schedule, and I think two weeks of footage should edit down to just enough for my movie.
Here’s a sample of what we’ll see in Steve’s first ever movie...
There’s the fuel truck I followed this morning. Yes, it was loaded with BP Ultimate fuel. On the back of the truck was a BIG sign that said the truck needed 100m to stop safely from 60 km/h, and asking drivers to respect that distance. So it must have been safe for it to follow about 10 metres behind another truck at 110km/h – right?
And there’s the Japanese tourist bus that was wandering all over the road because the driver was using one hand to hold a microphone while he gave his commentary, and pointed to things with the other hand!
One of my stars is the guy that was having a shave one day – with shaving cream and a blade!
How about the guy eating breakfast? No, not a bacon and egg roll, he had a bowl of cereal, milk and eating with a spoon while he held the bowl in his hand.
Oh yeah, girls you’re not exempt. For the lead female role I’ve decided to cast the woman who was doing a facial on the way to work. The whole green face mask thing!
The supporting female roles would have to be all the girls with their mascara and lipstick.
My stand out role though – and hopefully the one that gets me an Oscar nomination – is the guy with the playstation set up so he could play while he was driving.
And all my extras (because there are so many people skilled in this role) would be the numerous people talking on a mobile phones or texting. Some of them even have the weird idea that it’s better to put the phone on speaker and still hold it in their hand.
Well, with that cast and those scenes I think I’m on track for a hit movie! (pun intended)
And now the scary thing – it’s all true!
Sadly, driving to work is no longer a simple “hop in the car and drive” situation. More and more people are using that time to get things done, even if it means putting themselves and others at risk.
And professional drivers, like our star fuel tanker driver, seem to be forgetting they have a responsibility to not only drive to the letter of the law, but in a way that sets a good example to other road users.
So where does that leave us motorcyclists? In danger of course!!
It means that we need to take extra care and be more observant, because those around us aren’t. And the only way we can be sure of our safety is to take responsibility for it ourselves.
I often say to our students, there’s no point in lying in a hospital bed saying it was someone else’s fault.
My approach to the problem is to glance inside every single car or truck I’m riding near, because that way I can tell whether that driver is likely to be on the ball, or totally distracted.
And obviously I’m not going to put myself in front of anyone that isn’t totally focussed on driving.
So there it is – my grand plan for staying safe on the M1. And for my first movie.
Now all I need is a title – any suggestions? - Steve
27th November Road Rides: Northside / Southside
There are two road rides coming up next weekend, with one for the Northside riders and one for the Southside riders on Sunday, November 27th 2011.
TeamMoto Triumph Springwood will be hosting their ride for Southside riders, meeting at 61 Moss St, Springwood at 7.30am.
TeamMoto Triumph Virginia will be hosting the Northside ride, meeting at 1924 Sandgate Rd from 7.00am.
TeamMoto Triumph Springwood - Southside
TeamMoto Triumph Springwood (61 Moss St) is hosting a road ride on Sunday, November 27th 2011. Meet & Greet at the store from 7.30am. Ride departs 8.30am sharp.
The route will follow the Old Pacific Highway - Paradise Road -
Chatswood Road to M1 southbound. Exit left using exit 38 to Jacobs Well
Road Stapylton. Turn Right on Norwell Rd - Right onto Pimpama Jacobs
Well Road.
Left onto old Pacific Highway follow to Dreamworld - Rejoin M1
southbound exit/entry 60 at Helensvale. Follow DP servo at Chinderah.
Distance approximately 98km's arrival time approx 9.45am for a coffee
break / leg stretch.
Depart again 10:15am via Tweed Valley Way to Murwillumbah - follow signs
to Uki. Turn Left at Uki to Stokers Siding approximately 130km's from
start. Follow to Old Pacific Highway then turn right into Burringbah -
follow through to Mooball (NOTE fixed speed cameras operate over
Burringbah Ranges) - continue South rejoining Pacific Highway to Byron
Bay turnoff. Continue into Byron Bay - turn Right at main roundabout in
town to Railway Hotel (on right) for lunch. Railway Hotel number (02)
6680 9009.
Distance to Byron Bay 184km's (Fuel available at Caltex or BP entering or leaving Byron).
Arrival time approximately 11.30am (12.30pm EDST-NSW). Lunch stop approximately 1-1.5 hours.
Return to Brisbane via Pacific Highway - Tugan Bypass - M1 to
Springwood. Return Ride from Byron Bay to Springwood approx 1.5-2 hours
depending on traffic.
Total ride distance: 325km's. Note: NSW is on daylight savings time during summer.
Enjoy your day - ride to your ability - stay upright - stay safe. Hope to see you there!
For more information, please call TeamMoto Triumph Springwood on (07) 3380 2100.
TeamMoto Triumph Virginia - Northside
For all those Northsiders, TeamMoto Triumph Virginia's monthly road ride will kick off from 1924 Sandgate
Road, Virginia on Sunday, November 27th 2011 at 7am with the coffee van in attendance!
The ride will take a route through Clear Mountain and up into the
Sunshine Coast hinterland. The ride will conclude around for Lunch at Bellbird Creek Tea House outside Kenilworth.
And this month, due to the awesome amount
of numbers that we have been receiving, each rider will be given an arm
band to distinguish them as part of the TeamMoto Triumph Virginia ride!
For more information, please contact TeamMoto Triumph Virginia on (07) 3177 5080.
WIN a FLY trip to America!
Want to WIN a trip to the AMA Supercross at Anahiem in 2012? Buy a set of FLY Evolution or Kenetic Race Gear and go into the draw!
Simply purchase a set of new 2012 Kenetic or Evolution FLY RACING apparel (set is comprised of 1 pant, 1 jersey, 1 pair of gloves) and email a copy of your receipt to info@mcleodaccess.com.au.
This is a HUGE price that includes (and is limited to):
Return flights to Los Angeles for 2 (economy) from your nearest capitol city.
3 nights twin share accommodation.
Transfers Airport - Hotel - Event - Hotel - Airport.
Entry to Event for 2.
Meet & Greet with FLY RACING riders Andrew Short, Trey Canard, Michael Byrne & Kyle Regal.
Friday Night dinner with FLY Racing Race Manager & Owner.
Terms and Conditions do apply, visit www.mcleodaccessories.com.au for more information!
TeamMoto has the huge range of 2012 FLY Racing Gear in-stock for both kids & adults, so hurry in-store before Christmas and who knows - you might have another surprise from Santa come January!
Shots of the Month
This month features shots from around the TeamMoto world!
From the Honda Springwood #58 Tribute Ride, to a wonderful birthday surprise in Blacktown and a trip of a lifetime for two lucky salesman!
Above. The shocking death of MotoGP star Marco Simoncelli - affectionately known as "Super Sic" - rocked the motorcycling world. The crew at Honda Springwood were just as devastated as others around the world and decided to honour the #58 by hosting a road ride on November 13th 2011. Over 70 riders rocked up at 68 Moss St bright and early and had a fantastic ride. Pictured above are all the TeamMoto staff in their #58 Tribute shirts, specially organized by Steve Douglas. Ciao Marco!
Above. The TeamMoto crew at the Lunch time stop.
Above. Chris Schramm came along to the #58 Tribute Ride with his CBR250R all stickered up in honour of Super Sic. Good on ya Chris!
Above & Below.Raelene surprising her husband Gary for his 50th Birthday with a Triumph Sprint GT from TeamMoto Blacktown. Gary's reaction was priceless he was totally shocked and speechless.
Above. Honda Springwood Sales Manager Carl Tapping at the Malaysian Sepang MotoGP, next to Casey Stoner's bikes.
Above. Honda Gold Coast Salesman Justin Langford (Juzzi) & Carl Tapping at the Malaysian Sepang MotoGP sporting their Casey Stoner Tee's! Proud Aussies :)
