I absolutely hammered my credit card today.
I bought Genuine Yamaha fairings from eBay and Yamaha Australia, another Puig screen (as the last online store ran out of stock), Pazzo levers, R&G frame and clutch sliders and Arai visors.
The bill is slowly creeping up and I haven't even bought rearsets or a new muffler. These aren't super urgent either, as I've managed to bend them back again and put the original factory muffler back on. Once she is done, she will be magnificent again.
Next time I go on the track, I'll only take race fairings and put all the old original gear back on like the footpegs, levers and muffler. I don't want another damage bill like this again.
I guess that's how you learn.
Well, it's back to some hard saving again.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Australia Day 2008 in Sunny Dunnie
On the back of the door it said "Welcome to Sunny Dunnie". That pretty much sums the place up. It was on again, the now traditional Australia Day Long Weekend getaway to Dunsborough with the crew. This time it was a smaller, more tight-knit group than last year and we also drove down rather than riding down.
I took the Friday off to make it an extra long weekend. I couldn't wait to get out of the office on Thursday afternoon. I'd had MORE than enough of work. As soon as it struck 4pm, the "out of office" was on, the desk phone diverted from my mobile back to the front desk and the computer was getting powered down. It was time to chillax, eat, drink and be merry.
Ells was driving myself, Robin and Glen down in his work car, which made the trip all the more affordable. The drive itself wasn't too interesting except for me feeling a little queezy in the back seat. The last time I was in the back seat for a long drive... I think I was about 14 years old. We were all busting to get there so we could check in and hit the turps.
The intention of the weekend wasn't to get smashed, but to unwind. Have some beverages. Eat fish and chips. Swim in the crystal clear waters. Get stung by jellyfish. I did all of those things, and I didn't even get sunburnt; which is a bonus.
When we got to Dunborough, we checked in and got straight into it. Well, everyone except me. I was still unwell from the drive so I crashed out in bed for a nanna nap. I woke up about an hour later and joined the boys on the beach for some drinks and a swim. The water was fantastic. We chucked a vortex around and tried avoiding the stingers.
Compared to last year it was cooler and a lot more windy, but it was still warm enough to go swimming every day.
In amongst the boozing and swimming, we celebrated Australia Day with traditional Aussie fare. Booze, Triple J's Hottest 100, the cricket, the tennis, waving Aussie flags and to top it off a ripper of a BBQ.
Sunday was a little different. We jumped in the car and went for a drive. What we planned as being a drive to Yallingup for a swim ended up being a mass tour to the Margaret River wine region with stops at Voyager Estate and Howard Park wineries with the *best* fish and chips ever in Augusta.
Later in the day, Robin and I went snorkelling just off the shore in less than a metre of water. Surprisingly there were heaps of fish to see. I got my first jellyfish sting that afternoon, with a pearler of a welt on my left arm near my elbow. Jeeeeezus did it hurt.
It ended up being another long day and again, I got caught in the back seat in the car and went to bed early. Meanwhile the boys had been drinking the wine they had bought earlier in the day and ended up calling stumps around 3am.
So the tally stands at:
1 x carton Jim Beam and Coke
1 x 500ml bottle of Absinth Dabel (70%)
1 x 1L bottle of Bacardi Oro
1 x 1L bottle of Smirnoff Black (about a third of it)
3 x bottles of wine
1 x 2L bottle of apple juice
1 x 2L bottle of orange juice
Couple of pints
lots of bacon
4 x nanna naps
2 x bikinis
1 x show of nudie bathing
2 x streaks and one black cat
I took my camera with me, but never ended up taking any photos this time around. I guess half the reason is that this trip wasn't really going to be as much of a "tour" as it was last year. This year we just got there, stayed and had fun, then left. I'll be booking another room in Sunny Dunnie for Australia next weekend I think!
Cheers to Sean for the lift on Friday and for organising, Ells for driving down, Glen for being a gentleman, Robin for being my #1, Simon for his nude biscuiting, Annie for tolerating Simon and all the crazy and downright weird backpackers we met.
To say worked sucked today.... is an understatement. I should have taken the whole bloody week off! Nevertheless, the weekend is nigh.
I took the Friday off to make it an extra long weekend. I couldn't wait to get out of the office on Thursday afternoon. I'd had MORE than enough of work. As soon as it struck 4pm, the "out of office" was on, the desk phone diverted from my mobile back to the front desk and the computer was getting powered down. It was time to chillax, eat, drink and be merry.
Ells was driving myself, Robin and Glen down in his work car, which made the trip all the more affordable. The drive itself wasn't too interesting except for me feeling a little queezy in the back seat. The last time I was in the back seat for a long drive... I think I was about 14 years old. We were all busting to get there so we could check in and hit the turps.
The intention of the weekend wasn't to get smashed, but to unwind. Have some beverages. Eat fish and chips. Swim in the crystal clear waters. Get stung by jellyfish. I did all of those things, and I didn't even get sunburnt; which is a bonus.
When we got to Dunborough, we checked in and got straight into it. Well, everyone except me. I was still unwell from the drive so I crashed out in bed for a nanna nap. I woke up about an hour later and joined the boys on the beach for some drinks and a swim. The water was fantastic. We chucked a vortex around and tried avoiding the stingers.
Compared to last year it was cooler and a lot more windy, but it was still warm enough to go swimming every day.
In amongst the boozing and swimming, we celebrated Australia Day with traditional Aussie fare. Booze, Triple J's Hottest 100, the cricket, the tennis, waving Aussie flags and to top it off a ripper of a BBQ.
Sunday was a little different. We jumped in the car and went for a drive. What we planned as being a drive to Yallingup for a swim ended up being a mass tour to the Margaret River wine region with stops at Voyager Estate and Howard Park wineries with the *best* fish and chips ever in Augusta.
Later in the day, Robin and I went snorkelling just off the shore in less than a metre of water. Surprisingly there were heaps of fish to see. I got my first jellyfish sting that afternoon, with a pearler of a welt on my left arm near my elbow. Jeeeeezus did it hurt.
It ended up being another long day and again, I got caught in the back seat in the car and went to bed early. Meanwhile the boys had been drinking the wine they had bought earlier in the day and ended up calling stumps around 3am.
So the tally stands at:
1 x carton Jim Beam and Coke
1 x 500ml bottle of Absinth Dabel (70%)
1 x 1L bottle of Bacardi Oro
1 x 1L bottle of Smirnoff Black (about a third of it)
3 x bottles of wine
1 x 2L bottle of apple juice
1 x 2L bottle of orange juice
Couple of pints
lots of bacon
4 x nanna naps
2 x bikinis
1 x show of nudie bathing
2 x streaks and one black cat
I took my camera with me, but never ended up taking any photos this time around. I guess half the reason is that this trip wasn't really going to be as much of a "tour" as it was last year. This year we just got there, stayed and had fun, then left. I'll be booking another room in Sunny Dunnie for Australia next weekend I think!
Cheers to Sean for the lift on Friday and for organising, Ells for driving down, Glen for being a gentleman, Robin for being my #1, Simon for his nude biscuiting, Annie for tolerating Simon and all the crazy and downright weird backpackers we met.
To say worked sucked today.... is an understatement. I should have taken the whole bloody week off! Nevertheless, the weekend is nigh.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
On the Mend
Well, the process of restoring the R1 to its former glory has begun. With the help and love of Robin I don't think my bike would have had a chance... *thanks babe*
The damage bill is going to be pretty big, with the balance opening on Saturday with a new Arai helmet, and during the week I bought a new Puig race screen. Next on the list is a new CRG brake lever, a Yoshimura titanium muffler, new TechG rearsets and of course, fixing the fairings or buying replacement ones.
I'll be painting the race fairings as well seeing as I'll be buying paint already. It's just a matter of time. She'll be back on the track soon, with more love than ever. She will be beautiful again soon. For now, she's got most of the stock factory parts back on her just so she is rideable.
Thanks again to Robin for all his help as well as Nath for his tips on brakes, Dean for helping out with fairings, Matt for bringing my bike home for me, and everyone else at the track for offering their assistance. It's really appreciated!
The damage bill is going to be pretty big, with the balance opening on Saturday with a new Arai helmet, and during the week I bought a new Puig race screen. Next on the list is a new CRG brake lever, a Yoshimura titanium muffler, new TechG rearsets and of course, fixing the fairings or buying replacement ones.
Can has ding
Oggy knob has ding
Brake fluid reservoir has ding
Screen has ding
Lots and lots and lots of yellow sand. Everywhere.
Belly pan has ding
Dove tail has ding
Front fairing has ding
Oggy knob has ding
Brake fluid reservoir has ding
Screen has ding
Lots and lots and lots of yellow sand. Everywhere.
Belly pan has ding
Dove tail has ding
Front fairing has ding
I'll be painting the race fairings as well seeing as I'll be buying paint already. It's just a matter of time. She'll be back on the track soon, with more love than ever. She will be beautiful again soon. For now, she's got most of the stock factory parts back on her just so she is rideable.
Thanks again to Robin for all his help as well as Nath for his tips on brakes, Dean for helping out with fairings, Matt for bringing my bike home for me, and everyone else at the track for offering their assistance. It's really appreciated!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
A Weekend of Highs and Lows: The High
To say I was a nervous was an understatement. I was actually packing my dacks. When Jess rang me about 6 weeks ago, she asked me how to get photos up into a computer and then put them to music. I replied, "put them all in a shoe box and give them to me". I had put together all the photos that Jess and Joel had taken from holidays and other events and put it to "Never Let You Go" by Evermore. All I was praying for, was that the computer wouldn't die and that the screensaver wouldn't work.
Saturday was a fantastic evening. It was Jess and Joels Engagement at the South Perth Bowls Club. Robin and I came in early to set up and meet everyone. There was heaps of food, lots of drinks and much merriment. I was warned not to eat all the prawns...
Taking photos
Robin and Joel
Girls on the dancefloor
Robin and I
And an awesome fireworks display!
Saturday was a fantastic evening. It was Jess and Joels Engagement at the South Perth Bowls Club. Robin and I came in early to set up and meet everyone. There was heaps of food, lots of drinks and much merriment. I was warned not to eat all the prawns...
Jess striking a pose at the bar
Taking photos
Robin and Joel
Girls on the dancefloor
Robin and I
And an awesome fireworks display!
CONGRATULATIONS JESS AND JOEL
on your Engagement!
on your Engagement!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
A Weekend of Highs and Lows: The Low
It was Friday afternoon. I'd been waiting for this track night for ages. It was going to be one of those rare opportunites to do the short track at Barbagallo Raceway, under lights. I was buzzing! I was ready, I took off from work early to get to the track. I was excited.
What a fucking mess that was...
Six laps into the first session I came off. The R1's front end washed out and I slid. I slid for a very long time. Long enough to grind about a third of my footpeg off.
This will be *the last* time I tell this story.
The "basin" is turn 6 at Wanneroo Raceway; a fairly long right hand corner, where if you take the correct line through it, it sucks you in like a drain, with awesome G-forces acting on you as you power through it.
I had come over skyline as usual, keeping to the black tyre lines from bikes that had gone through there previous, but I had run a little wide into the basin. My entry was a little off centre track, where usually I would be around the one-third mark. I'd say that any other day I would have made it. But it wasn't my lucky day. My tyres were warm, I was on the pace and I was doing well. I was about one third of the way through the corner, I was looking out to the ripple strip, aiming for it, looking up into the distance and up the hill...
I had collected some sand or dirt. I hit the road with my right shoulder, scraped with my elbow and slid on my right hand side. My helmet made contact with the road for a poofteenth of a second as the scratch was only the size of a twenty cent piece. I remember the feeling of the large tarmac grains scuffing my leather. All in silence. I didn't hear the bike skid, I didn't hear anything breaking. It was all in silence. Once I'd reached the end of the bitumen I put my right hand down and that had pushed me into an upright seating position; with both legs in front of me, body upright with my hands on my knees skittling into the yellow sand on my ass.
When I had slowed down my feet dug into the sand and I did one last tumble forward and ended up on my elbows and knees facing the ground. I looked up and saw all the dust in the air surrounding my bike. I pushed myself up off the sand and two things entered my mind. In order of appearance: "I'm OK, I've crashed, and I'm OK" then "N'aaaaaw, I broke my bike". I only looked at the bike for two seconds, then I turned away and started walking straight to the tyre wall. I didn't want anyone else to get target fixation and come off the track either.
Once I had reached the tyre wall, I signalled to the flag marshall with two thumbs up. I was OK.
The red flag was out and I could see everyone over Skyline slowing down for the red flag. No-one was expecting it to be me. I could see the faces of those that rode past. They knew, and I knew; it wasn't supposed to happen like that.
The flaggie ran down towards me once the rest of the bikes were off the track and I got a dinky back to the pit lane. Until then, I was relatively OK. Then I saw the sad faces of Robin and Glen, they were so sad for me. I started crying. "Robin.... I broke my biiiiiiiike"
I was checked out by the medical team at the track, and all I got was a scratch on my shoulder where the velcro in my leathers had rubbed on my skin when I hit the ground, and a little short term memory loss. I was offered a Corona (with lemon <- that was the clincher) and sat around for the rest of the evening. I was bitter that I couldn't go back on track.
My body positioning was fine, my speed was fine, my throttle control was fine, my line was wide, but I had positioned myself to make the corner. It was just on the dirty part of the track. I was shitty. I couldn't even blame myself for stuffing it up. The bike was there, it was feeling good.. then it was gone...
What a fucking mess that was...
Six laps into the first session I came off. The R1's front end washed out and I slid. I slid for a very long time. Long enough to grind about a third of my footpeg off.
This will be *the last* time I tell this story.
The "basin" is turn 6 at Wanneroo Raceway; a fairly long right hand corner, where if you take the correct line through it, it sucks you in like a drain, with awesome G-forces acting on you as you power through it.
I had come over skyline as usual, keeping to the black tyre lines from bikes that had gone through there previous, but I had run a little wide into the basin. My entry was a little off centre track, where usually I would be around the one-third mark. I'd say that any other day I would have made it. But it wasn't my lucky day. My tyres were warm, I was on the pace and I was doing well. I was about one third of the way through the corner, I was looking out to the ripple strip, aiming for it, looking up into the distance and up the hill...
I had collected some sand or dirt. I hit the road with my right shoulder, scraped with my elbow and slid on my right hand side. My helmet made contact with the road for a poofteenth of a second as the scratch was only the size of a twenty cent piece. I remember the feeling of the large tarmac grains scuffing my leather. All in silence. I didn't hear the bike skid, I didn't hear anything breaking. It was all in silence. Once I'd reached the end of the bitumen I put my right hand down and that had pushed me into an upright seating position; with both legs in front of me, body upright with my hands on my knees skittling into the yellow sand on my ass.
When I had slowed down my feet dug into the sand and I did one last tumble forward and ended up on my elbows and knees facing the ground. I looked up and saw all the dust in the air surrounding my bike. I pushed myself up off the sand and two things entered my mind. In order of appearance: "I'm OK, I've crashed, and I'm OK" then "N'aaaaaw, I broke my bike". I only looked at the bike for two seconds, then I turned away and started walking straight to the tyre wall. I didn't want anyone else to get target fixation and come off the track either.
Once I had reached the tyre wall, I signalled to the flag marshall with two thumbs up. I was OK.
The red flag was out and I could see everyone over Skyline slowing down for the red flag. No-one was expecting it to be me. I could see the faces of those that rode past. They knew, and I knew; it wasn't supposed to happen like that.
The flaggie ran down towards me once the rest of the bikes were off the track and I got a dinky back to the pit lane. Until then, I was relatively OK. Then I saw the sad faces of Robin and Glen, they were so sad for me. I started crying. "Robin.... I broke my biiiiiiiike"
I was checked out by the medical team at the track, and all I got was a scratch on my shoulder where the velcro in my leathers had rubbed on my skin when I hit the ground, and a little short term memory loss. I was offered a Corona (with lemon <- that was the clincher) and sat around for the rest of the evening. I was bitter that I couldn't go back on track.
My body positioning was fine, my speed was fine, my throttle control was fine, my line was wide, but I had positioned myself to make the corner. It was just on the dirty part of the track. I was shitty. I couldn't even blame myself for stuffing it up. The bike was there, it was feeling good.. then it was gone...
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Year of Self Improvement
This year I've decided to learn more things. Do more courses like AutoCAD, finish my CPEng, play the piano more, get back into fencing, have a crack at road racing on my motorbike and of course learn Swedish. Why? Because ideally, Sweden is where I'd like my current job to take me.
I started learning Swedish nearly two years ago, and I know a little, but not nearly as much as I'd like to. I want to get back into it and get a decent conversation going. Not just "Hello; How are you? Do you understand Swedish? Passport please" and other common banter.
On Friday I went out and bought Teach Yourself Swedish, and along with the Pimsleur Swedish 1, I should have half a chance at holding a conversation. Luckily I also have some Swedish mates to practice with. I'm looking forward to being able to use my Swedish later in the year...
I started learning Swedish nearly two years ago, and I know a little, but not nearly as much as I'd like to. I want to get back into it and get a decent conversation going. Not just "Hello; How are you? Do you understand Swedish? Passport please" and other common banter.
On Friday I went out and bought Teach Yourself Swedish, and along with the Pimsleur Swedish 1, I should have half a chance at holding a conversation. Luckily I also have some Swedish mates to practice with. I'm looking forward to being able to use my Swedish later in the year...
Monday, January 14, 2008
Snorkelling at Penguin Island
I had a another great weekend outdoors. This is the first summer in many years where I've seen enough sunshine to get a tan and also have my hair start to lighten up! There have been many afternoons after work at the beach, many Saturday mornings on the coast and Sunday afternoons in the pool with beers.
On Saturday I went out with Robin and Ben (plus the West Coast Stuntors crew) to Penguin Island as part of a meet'n'greet. I packed up all the snorkel gear and met up with the guys and walked over to the Island. It was cool and breezy and the water was freezing! I was wondering how cold it was going to be and if it was going to be worth snorkelling.
Once on the island we crossed over the top of it to the west side where the better reefs were. There was a 4m drop off about 15m offshore with lots of fish, but it was a mission to actually get into the water. Final tally of rock and coral cuts on my body is at 15. It was a matter of walking over rocks in very shallow (20cm) water with waves breaking right at the dropoff, sucking all the water out from under you, then pushing it all the way back!
There were about 8 0r 9 of us in the water at first, but a few people were put off by the waves and being pushed around on the dropoff to actually continue snorkelling. In the end, five of us went for a long swim out around the west of the Island. It was a little choppy in the water, but the visibility was adequate. I saw lots of blowfish, some large mackerel looking fish and some white/black stripey fish. Sorry, I'm not a marine biologist - best I can do is describe what I saw.
We snorkelled for about an hour then dried off and headed back to land for a BBQ.
After the BBQ it was back home and time to have a nap and generally relax. Robin and I then went to Tash's 21st Birthday to watch all the shenangians. We rocked up just in time for the cake and candles.
Sunday morning we were back on the bike with the WCS crew, getting tips, watching the show and generally enjoying the outdoors. After lunch it was nap time then Robin and I went to Taz's house to see the remnants of Beerfest III, with everyone so drunk and rowdy. We hopped into the pool together and before we knew it, there were another 8 guys in the pool throwing soccer balls at each other. I got the hell outta there before I got hurt.
I ended up sustaining more injuries once out of the pool, all from Alex. Being very drunk, he kicked me in the back of the leg, elbowed me in the back and burnt my arm with his cigarette. At least I managed to find some ice left in the beer bucket.
In all, a very enjoyable weekend. Next weekend should be just as nice, with Jess and Joel's Engagement on Saturday.
On Saturday I went out with Robin and Ben (plus the West Coast Stuntors crew) to Penguin Island as part of a meet'n'greet. I packed up all the snorkel gear and met up with the guys and walked over to the Island. It was cool and breezy and the water was freezing! I was wondering how cold it was going to be and if it was going to be worth snorkelling.
Walking towards Penguin Island
It took about 10 minutes or so to get through the shallow water, all the while Ben and I were yelling out "daaaan-jerr" (danger) in a French accent. Why? I'll never know, but it was funny at the time.
Penguins at Penguin Island. No shit!
The boys sitting on the edge of the dropoff
We snorkelled for about an hour then dried off and headed back to land for a BBQ.
After the BBQ it was back home and time to have a nap and generally relax. Robin and I then went to Tash's 21st Birthday to watch all the shenangians. We rocked up just in time for the cake and candles.
Sunday morning we were back on the bike with the WCS crew, getting tips, watching the show and generally enjoying the outdoors. After lunch it was nap time then Robin and I went to Taz's house to see the remnants of Beerfest III, with everyone so drunk and rowdy. We hopped into the pool together and before we knew it, there were another 8 guys in the pool throwing soccer balls at each other. I got the hell outta there before I got hurt.
I ended up sustaining more injuries once out of the pool, all from Alex. Being very drunk, he kicked me in the back of the leg, elbowed me in the back and burnt my arm with his cigarette. At least I managed to find some ice left in the beer bucket.
In all, a very enjoyable weekend. Next weekend should be just as nice, with Jess and Joel's Engagement on Saturday.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Sun Setting on the First Day of the New Year
Day One: Tuesday, 1st January 2008
PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
NYE 2008 with the Crew
I had stocked up beer at Sean's place during before Christmas, making the most of the various season specials. I knew that New Year's Eve this year would be a cracker. A fairly casual affair, mates meeting up, watching photos of various events from 2007, having some drinks and then heading over to the Flying Scotsman pub to count 2008 in. There was much drinking, hugging, kissing and dancing.
Glen, Ells and Robin
Georgina and Glen
Simon and Annie
Sheena and Vivienne
Glen and Sean
Robin and Maya
Robin and Marcia
It was a most interesting early morning, where Glen did a runner, Sean got woken up by phone calls at 4am and doorbells going off... My favourite comment was:
Simon and Sean
Glen, Ells and Robin
Georgina and Glen
Simon and Annie
Sheena and Vivienne
Glen and Sean
Robin and Maya
Robin and Marcia
It was a most interesting early morning, where Glen did a runner, Sean got woken up by phone calls at 4am and doorbells going off... My favourite comment was:
Robin: Happy New Year SeanBreakfast was some nice oily McDonalds, hash browns, bacon and egg rolls. mmm!
*Sean frowns*
Maya: Fuck you and fuck you and fuck you!
*Maya hugs Sean*
*Everyone laughs*
Happy New Year bytchez!
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