Hi all just a quick intro and hi from Brisbane I've been riding for some time now and have fallen off once or twice, my current bike is, well, not the sort of bike you would think of for adventure touring, but (and there is always a but) i need to get into this slowly as i'm afraid it might become contagious and may need some to remove the smile from my dial.

Rod (oh, the avatar should be obvious)

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I once ruled the world, till mum told me it was only the garden!

Hallo and .

Just thought I'd mention, in case you haven't spotted the info on this site yet, that the annual Australian Horizons Unlimited meeting is happening in your area next weekend 17-19 June at Dayboro showgrounds. These meetings are an absolutely fantastic way to meet like minded people and to really give you ideas about what you can do. Given its so close to you if you are able I strongly recommend going (even if only for one day). You'll find the details under the Events tab on the left of the screen.

All the best

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Martin

finally back on the road again


http://awayonmybike.blogspot.com/

Hi Rod.
What bike do you have? Myself its an XT600 98 with a 99 mod TT motor but thats because I like XT's and parts are plentiful also it was cheap at $1700 and didnt need anything for the RWC. If you already own the bike and it will suit what you want to do for the time being then thats 1 less expense or more money you have towards setting you and the bike up. Good luck.
Ernie.

Hi Rod,

to the HUBB. You don't need any specific type of bike to enjoy touring, you just need the right attitude, and I think you already have that. If you fall off, just pick yourself back up and keep on riding!!

Lots of info here so you're definitely at the right place.

Safe riding.

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TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net

Hi, good look with your riding - it's not the falls that hurt - only the abrupt stop at the end! I busted 3 ribs last December on the Oodnadatta track. I work in Alice, but home is in SW Queensland down Goondiwindi way.

Well thanks guys for the warm welcome. My life took a strange turn three years ago that left me unemployed and unable to work, long story and one that require coffee or to be told in all its glory But with lots of help and love from my wife I'm getting back to being normal (what ever that is).

So what's been happing and what bought me here? Well after several new bikes over the last couple of years i found i was not enjoying the ride that much, so I had a long look at myself and realised i had grown old and unfit so the 250Kg+ bikes were just to big for me to enjoy, as I'm 6'4" and 110Kg i really did need a bike that fitted me.

So the hunt was on for a low cost, fun, light weight, sport bike i could enjoy and a gym membership

What i found was not what i went looking for and now a 1999 Yamaha TRX850 lives with my classic's in the garage, believe it or not it fits me perfectly!
Well that was 18months ago and I've ridden the bike more than i've been to the gym (so sad) but I'm loving it.
What next, i found a group of TRX enthusiasts on the web (where else) and started riding with them and having a ball. Earlier this year i broached the idea of an Australian get together at Perisher Valley in the Snowy Mts the week after the Australian Moto GP and have been planing that ride/tour since then. So a week in the Alps enjoying some fantastic roads and wonderful scenery will be the order of the day in late Oct.

This brings me to this forum and the vast knowledge base here what bike to get next to do some dirt roads that will lead up to adventure touring!
I'd like to keep the TRX and buy another cheep bike that has proven mechanicals and capable of solo or two up touring. I've never been a fan of BMW only due to the cost but would consider one, that's my only thoughts on this. So what to get? A soft off roader and then up grade when I'm more experienced or just get the right bike and slowly improve it as i go?

What are your thoughts?

Rod

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I once ruled the world, till mum told me it was only the garden!