well, that was a good way to unwind after a busy harvest, left Hyden 7:45, got back at 9:45 that evening having covered 971 Ks and a had a lot of fun in the forest.....planned the route so it was mostly gravel on the way across and then cruised home from Collie on the bitumen.
had the best steak sandwich at Dwellingup Community Hotel....
BTW, if you happen to come across this bridge, I think its called "Asquith or Long Gully Bridge", a GSA won't fit across unless you take off the panniers!
so, a good ride, however "memo to self" i really need to get over to Perth and get a new set of Heidenaus fitted, having bought this GS only a few months ago (got it sent over from Vic), it is still fitted with the original front Tourance that it came with (in 2002!!!)......, Gobby Road at Keysbrook is like marbles and proved to be a lot of fun.....
Was also the first full day of riding with the new System 6 Evo with the factory bluetooth, when I first got this helmet I wasn't that keen on it, something dug into my left temple when i put it on (turned out to be the charging lead for the bluetooth battery), then I found that the securing buckle always seem to cut into my windpipe area, quite uncomfortable until I removed the small half moon shaped pad that was velcroed (???) under the chin piece. I guess this piece would be good in cold weather but once I removed it all problems were solved. Having researched the forums I went for a size smaller than I would normally wear and it has proven to be a good decision, the helmet has good even pressure all over the head without any uncomfortable "hot spots". While I don't "need" to have music when riding, I did use the bluetooth paired up with the smartphone, clarity is excellent, volume could be a bit louder, then again I nearly always ride with my visor up so I have more wind noise. Interesting when the phone rang, I heard it ring through the helmet speakers and thought "how am I going to answer that", well after two rings the music faded out and the phone connected to the caller, having finished the conversation the phone automatically disconnected and the music faded back in.... gotta love technology!!!
The best feature of this helmet though, IMHO, is the integrated dark visor, I found it to be very useful and convenient... you do however need to remember to carry a pair of sunnies for when you get off the bike, got caught a couple of times where I took my hemet off and immediately reached for a pair of sun glasses
Anyway, Merry Christmas and stay safe in 2014...... I hope to get a bit more time on the bike in the New Year and join in a few club rides.....
regards Jim
PS speaking of tyres... who do we generally go to for good service and value over this side of the country?