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Exploring the known and unknown
After arriving back in Australia, Gert was itching to go for a long ride with me (as promised).
Our ride was delayed as it took a week for me to get over my jetlag after my Austrian holiday, a bout of bronchitis and to get the bikes ready. As we were about to undertake a journey similar to three previous ones I had taken, I have decided not to bore you with another blog covering the same territory. (New readers can always refer back to previous blogs.) However, no trip is identical so, for those who are interested, I have placed a series of pictures which will tell the story of this beautiful Country. As has been said before, motorcycling is about the journey and not so much about the destination, so one tends to ride the same unusual roads over and over again. I have kept a log over the years of all my bikes and how many km I enjoyed riding them. Some years ago I passed the 500.000 km mark and I still don’t get tired of it. On the road, you meet many other riders in a variety of categories. Some ride older bikes and travel the world, some ride new models and travel only to the local cafe and others buy bikes to impress other people and ride very little. Whatever the reason or style, we all share the same love for our motorized two-wheel form of transport. The feeling of throwing a leg over and hearing the sound of the engine rumbling under your bum is one which cannot be described but has to be experienced.
And, while talking about throwing a leg over.... Manufacturers are already tuning in on the aging population. Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki and BMW all now produce large capacity scooters with a 600 cc 60 HP engines which can leave ordinary bikes for dead. Last year on the briefing night of the BMW safari we were introduced to the BMW staff who were riding various BMW sports bikes. The introduction included the photographer who was riding a BMW scooter. We were told that if the photographer wanted to pass us that we should give him room to do so in order for him to carry out his work.
Someone replied: “Passing us? On a scooter?”. This was met by a lot of laughter. A few days later we found out that many people on 1000 and 1200 cc bikes could not keep up with him riding the mountains.
With that in mind, I ask myself "Will I ever give up riding?" Probably not, even if one day, it may come to buying one of those scooters when I can’t get my leg over anymore. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the pictures.
Oh... re "The Other Extreme", riding at 42 degrees for a prolonged period, Never done that before.
- comments
Eddie Precies dezelfde achterkant van de bikes. toeval?
David Heins BMW Safari Always nice to see your rides
Gert Roos Had a wonderful time Richard, and a beautifull ride!
Rob Great story, must have been a great ride! 42degrees... Pfff.... Hot!
Richard Wolters Both bikes are the same model although one is 2005 and the other 2010. Only minor design changes
Richard Wolters Thank you David