tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45899767219950157062023-11-16T10:37:53.370-08:00Tenere TragicsTrailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-35348608526038370732012-02-28T10:45:00.002-08:002012-02-28T10:50:44.957-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQ2zWIRkZGRi6syTG678lM3bbKO7tYt7JdQKGvJqNCWNQH789QvKriD2dw1yXkP4_i3Lh5JDG1KwIZqZJAx2RXTyGkb3CSDtstmCt0Es3O-fH4IhZuROXbEsIixGZKR_upUusaWAo_7s/s1600/TT+2012+FB+Logo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQ2zWIRkZGRi6syTG678lM3bbKO7tYt7JdQKGvJqNCWNQH789QvKriD2dw1yXkP4_i3Lh5JDG1KwIZqZJAx2RXTyGkb3CSDtstmCt0Es3O-fH4IhZuROXbEsIixGZKR_upUusaWAo_7s/s320/TT+2012+FB+Logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714260819220006354" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TENERE TRAGICS TAKE AIM ON FACEBOOK!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dear Ténéré Tragics fans and followers: We have just made the shift from this Blogspot page across to a dedicated Facebook page to post all our Ténéré Tragics news, mail, photos and ride reports. You will also be able to post your Comments on the Facebook page. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">To view the new Ténéré Tragics Facebook page, please go to</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tenere-Tragics/118714944907441"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tenere-Tragics/118714944907441</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /><br /></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Please 'Like' the new Ténéré Tragics Facebook page and please be sure to circulate this link to your family and friends so they can follow 'Live' updates from next week's 2012 Ténéré Tragics Mountain to Mountain Run event.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-79560655646961872912012-02-26T11:50:00.003-08:002012-02-26T12:13:46.851-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT-zn6tx1PolzMZJb9FPmDDxhKv-YS1tlrWcR-4ozI7XQ8Yx-uGsP_7477ju2TCsxERi-8szW_dDdpd31RWiD4bjM0UtDgfjDFSFB50zjpfPQv0yLSlhuM750fU5u2EN39RjEcKTsgpU/s1600/xt1200z+Ltd+Edition.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT-zn6tx1PolzMZJb9FPmDDxhKv-YS1tlrWcR-4ozI7XQ8Yx-uGsP_7477ju2TCsxERi-8szW_dDdpd31RWiD4bjM0UtDgfjDFSFB50zjpfPQv0yLSlhuM750fU5u2EN39RjEcKTsgpU/s320/xt1200z+Ltd+Edition.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713539063153385762" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: PROGRESS IN THE READFORD'S YAMAHA DUBBO WORKSHOP!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hi Clubby: It's getting close now, so time for another update from our corner of the Tragics world!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">have a new set of off-road maps arriving Monday for my Garmin. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">They were only released last Thursday! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hopefully I can get my head around the new program. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">These type of maps are very basic, unlike roads and highways where you can plot everything. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Anyway I have maps (printed types) as well!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Updates on our bikes are as follows:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1). Col has just had new tyres and H/D tubes fitted, fresh chain and cogs, new fork seals/oil/spacer, front brake master cylinder and</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">caliper rebuild upgrade and then a test ride -- but, oops, there's an oil leak! The n</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ext time I see him will probably be as we are leaving to go to Bathurst next weekend as he will be working</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">away all this week.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2). Pete has now picked up his bike after its blue slip, green slip ... and a massive rebuild! It's going through rego </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">next week at Wellington. His bike had a r</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ebore, head rebuild, new front rim/spokes, two new tyres and tubes and new fork seals. It had the same front brake rebuild as Col's bike, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">except it also included a new braided line as we couldn't get the brakes to pump up as the hose was</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">old and bulging under pressure. It also scored n</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ew chain and cogs, new chain guide, new front and rear fenders, repair of the taillight bracket and flashers ... plus heaps more items too many to mention now!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3). My 'Baby' has been upgraded with a sump mod, Hepco bash plate, Yamaha engine bars with Col's version</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">of a support bar (powder-coated), e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">lectronic cruise control, adjustable windscreen, wind deflectors (modded), extra power outlet, GPS, UHF, music, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Bagster tank cover, SW Motech tank bag, GPS ram ball and new</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> tyres as it was assembled. We've also given it a p</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">aint job (as per the European Off-Road 2012 'Special Edition' model). Took her for a t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">est ride today Dubbo to Molong (gelato factory) to Mumbil to Wellington and home -- all went fairly well in the rain</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">all the way! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Marg and some mates also came along for the ride.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Test fitted the luggage when I got home, but I still can't decide whether to topbox it or run a waterproof </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">bag (as per Arkaroola trip). </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Anyway, that's our news, can't wait until next week -- hope you had an eventful weekend of pre-planning!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Dave, Ténéré Tragic #21</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Crikey, Dave, has there been any time for paying customers' bikes in the Readford's Yamaha workshop over the past month?! It sounds like you boys and your Ténérés have been keeping the workshop flat-out! Can't wait to see Pete's '83 model, for it sounds like it has had a serious make-over -- excellent! And exactly what colour is your 1200 going to be? The European Limited Edition model is available in a couple of different colour options (the white/red one is shown in this photo), so which one have you re-created? As for me, well, YES, I did have an eventful long weekend of final pre-ride route checking. I absolutely sizzled for two days down south and was hampered by a closed section of state forest that is now being logged, so much re-routing work was required there. Then yesterday, I was out near Bathurst and, like you, got piddled on from a great height for the entire day. With the weather so unpredictable these days, I would say all Ténéré Tragics this year best be prepared for blazing heat and drizzling rain, as we are sure to cop it all at some stage over the five days of the ride. Okay, mate, see you boys at Bathurst next Sunday arvo ... for crying out loud don't forget the printed maps!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-91624236569571668852012-02-26T02:26:00.002-08:002012-02-26T02:33:10.227-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEk_3Ot8G9I9Zgpj5_vu-GH558nI470edRLgMBrmSiMubkLr_VWBZptTpdbZ-RzwOMCgFs9pnNa0XJopBKNJ6VNTsDyL2GajwshcVtejlPiou3Wr5CVgJk3MRKzN7IQCuWuSZ8w4xlR50/s1600/Wheeler+Odo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEk_3Ot8G9I9Zgpj5_vu-GH558nI470edRLgMBrmSiMubkLr_VWBZptTpdbZ-RzwOMCgFs9pnNa0XJopBKNJ6VNTsDyL2GajwshcVtejlPiou3Wr5CVgJk3MRKzN7IQCuWuSZ8w4xlR50/s320/Wheeler+Odo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713390413189345506" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC JOHN ON THE WAY! </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hi Tania & Clubby: It's Friday, February 24, as I write this note and I'm just about to toss the panniers over the seat ready to leave in the morning as I set off for the 2012 Ténéré Tragics Mountain to Mountain Run. I have had to change my route and will be coming via Echuca in Victoria, so if any of the other Tragics heading north out of Victoria catch up to a Ténéré, I will be more than happy to have the company. Looking forward to the ride and catching up next week!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- John, Ténéré Tragic #36</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Good luck on the long trip south, John; we can't wait to catch up again at Bathurst next weekend. Now, for those who don't know, John hails from the Northern Territory, so needless to say he has a few miles ahead of him in just getting to the Tragics event -- but can you believe he is going via Victoria to get to Bathurst?! Once again John's a definite candidate for the Most Kilometres Ridden in getting to the event Award! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-4689332760288392232012-02-26T02:19:00.002-08:002012-02-26T02:26:21.006-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx7czFM3wQIHlxN7u2eqgbTHlElLfjbcZpEntvXKeW7HjxL6KK9sOAIjro7obbKqh08rP-W0qbqWfp_dMdiqar7PttoUwOWd-M-6UyMXAsFs90Dsfj_R1T0zuoyC4k_-NDQV-7qglCz4/s1600/Dinkum+Dave.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx7czFM3wQIHlxN7u2eqgbTHlElLfjbcZpEntvXKeW7HjxL6KK9sOAIjro7obbKqh08rP-W0qbqWfp_dMdiqar7PttoUwOWd-M-6UyMXAsFs90Dsfj_R1T0zuoyC4k_-NDQV-7qglCz4/s320/Dinkum+Dave.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713388611892053394" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">FOR SALE: XT1200Z SUPER TENERE</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Our good mate Dave Williams from Fair Dinkum Bike Tours Cairns just sent us a note to advise a good mate of his has a little-used Yamaha XT1200Z Supere Tenere for-sale -- here are the details: </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere 1200.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Price $16,000.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Blue/silver.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8900km.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Still has two brand new Continental tyres to go on, existing rear nearly shot, front 90 per cent good.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fitted with bar risers, Pivot Pegz, Motorrad Garage alloy bash plate and crash bars.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Never been dropped or even scratched.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Solo Qld rego till June 2012, but it has the rear pegs on it. Nothing changed from original.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Only ever ridden by an excellent mature rider on Sundays!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For more details, call Dave on (07) 4053 6999 or (0412) 950 192</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-61391739427890808832012-02-22T18:29:00.002-08:002012-02-22T18:37:53.409-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-nNQtRZ6Niqe8qEoqAYFNhIcCbWU3Qa9lsjG1KBOw7uy7yCMVhB7t-LzlPYK-qztBPm6zVjN17lvUHhIcaFYQ9h6HMBbjmZsYZmtOWC7TYjjXvQDzL3bMCVj4uiDju0UbPKrDrWnSi4/s1600/James.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-nNQtRZ6Niqe8qEoqAYFNhIcCbWU3Qa9lsjG1KBOw7uy7yCMVhB7t-LzlPYK-qztBPm6zVjN17lvUHhIcaFYQ9h6HMBbjmZsYZmtOWC7TYjjXvQDzL3bMCVj4uiDju0UbPKrDrWnSi4/s320/James.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712154284580319986" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: THE SA CREW ARE READY & RARIN'!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hi Clubby & Tania: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Getting very excited. Only nine sleeps until we leave Adelaide to head to Bathurst. It's g</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">reat to now have all the information on the fuel/food stops. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I think Glenn and Michael were considering if they can set me up as a mobile food truck complete with an esky full of beer to meet them at the lunch stops ... but we’ll see. Café Latte anyone! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The ute and trailer is ready to go and I am more than happy to have sponsors stickers added to the vehicle for the Run and also if needed to be back-up for Pete. Here’s hoping no fellow riders will need a lift back ... unlike last year! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Attached is a photo of the boys' bikes as they were getting ready for a recent ride – unfortunately Greg who owns the white Ténéré is unable to make it to Tragics. In our group of friends there are seven Ténérés in total but I haven’t been able to get them all together for a photo. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Michael is unsure if he is taking the ’88, which won him an award last year, or his recently acquired 750 Super Ténéré. He also has an ’83 sitting in the shed if need be. Too many options!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Well, back to the prep. Look forward to seeing you all at Bathurst.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Caron, Ténéré </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tragic supporter, wife of Glenn (Dambo), Ténéré Tragic #14</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Great news, Caron, and congrats to all your SA crew as you tie off all the loose ends for your Ténéré Tragics trip this year. Can’t wait to catch up with you all again, and thanks also for the offer of acting as an added support vehicle running from each overnight stop to the next. I am sure your vehicle and trailer will come in handy at some stage or another ... but you might live to regret the offer of Cafe Lattes -- Wolfy and Russ will be stopping you every chance they get! Can’t wait to see just which Ténéré Michael arrives on this year! Okay, I need to get out and do some more pre-running. C U soon!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-38112948321018008982012-02-22T18:19:00.002-08:002012-02-22T18:29:05.714-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMPfk-bsE9Ed9-xKgoptSVEKZd7q4qI7bgEZP1CcSKe35PFe0ST75dzD7BglaQCe9a0VF_-ELziIEKbWRJ4KpafP7iE1glO8I_zOkp9oAwXSMUn2zJIX3diKE86VcxLt6JrBu_9LAtnA/s1600/Ralph+660.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMPfk-bsE9Ed9-xKgoptSVEKZd7q4qI7bgEZP1CcSKe35PFe0ST75dzD7BglaQCe9a0VF_-ELziIEKbWRJ4KpafP7iE1glO8I_zOkp9oAwXSMUn2zJIX3diKE86VcxLt6JrBu_9LAtnA/s320/Ralph+660.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712152397335719634" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC RALPH IS READY & RARIN'!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dear Tragics: My p</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">reparation is almost complete on the 660: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Service - tick; </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tyres - tick; </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Staintunes on - tick. I really can't </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">wait, just need those little wobbly mirrors, but from where? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oh, and I better book those hotels!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Ralph, Ténéré Tragic</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thanks for the fast update, Ralph, it will be great to have you along this year as a Ténéré Tragic virgin! Now, if I may, I need to make a quick introduction to all our fellow Tragics that you will actually be 'hard at work' on this year's Run -- as Ralph is a freelance journalist and will be writing a number of articles on the event for national magazines. Ralph, if you need any info from any of our Tragics re any matter Ténéré, do not hesitate to ask ... they are all fountains of information on all things Ténéré related!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-4034872296380622832012-02-20T01:56:00.000-08:002012-02-20T02:03:50.486-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircHnweBJe1KK2PL-8RdLM2z-iLAJ4ZTtxwN5iSjOQdc8x4kDpZ2YME_1se0Fg5YWtAtEQtlzIAFK2EfypSFdo89VzsJpJCmFNVlov_HJMTNI_5l8Hg_GHuOusnSsNnsIwITKkpRcunj0/s1600/IMG_2595.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircHnweBJe1KK2PL-8RdLM2z-iLAJ4ZTtxwN5iSjOQdc8x4kDpZ2YME_1se0Fg5YWtAtEQtlzIAFK2EfypSFdo89VzsJpJCmFNVlov_HJMTNI_5l8Hg_GHuOusnSsNnsIwITKkpRcunj0/s320/IMG_2595.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711156200819629986" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: READFORD'S MOTORCYCLE CENTRE IS A HIVE OF ACTIVITY</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hi there Tragics: I thought I would take a moment to send in a photo of our workshop with a 'Triple Treat' of Ténérés being prepared for this year's big ride. There's my 1200 waiting for a heap of goodies to be fitted; Col's '86 ZS getting some TLC; and Pete's '83 600 undergoing major surgery. There have been much fun and games with time constraints based around work and parts availability making for interesting scenarios as to when these bikes actually be ready to ride!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Best regards and we'll see you all at the Mountain.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Dave Readford, Ténéré Tragic #21<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now Dave, we have ultimate faith in you and all the boys there at Readford's Motorcycles in Dubbo getting that mighty trio of Ténérés ship-shape for this year's Tragics Run. Look forward to seeing you in Bathurst.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">Ténéré Tragic #1</span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-51889801265781911262012-02-20T01:48:00.001-08:002012-02-20T01:55:39.252-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmq1u5n2YAknaT5ZEHdbED-rQJuz_wXtcCHG0SyvW3gy_KNzdWMxpIEkmcoVpr1WCTvPi7Yz1Lhc3kCsJRvyxNR18fLA2dz8SkRDYDwTdOWcCCx4Yo3HCBDFp-TB7rJd7YdqtQPDGtE7A/s1600/C+Jay+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmq1u5n2YAknaT5ZEHdbED-rQJuz_wXtcCHG0SyvW3gy_KNzdWMxpIEkmcoVpr1WCTvPi7Yz1Lhc3kCsJRvyxNR18fLA2dz8SkRDYDwTdOWcCCx4Yo3HCBDFp-TB7rJd7YdqtQPDGtE7A/s320/C+Jay+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711153967252382418" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC COLIN'S BUSHPIG IS ALIVE AND RUNNING!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hi Clubby & Tania: Unlike last year where I was still trying to get the Bushpig up and running while the rest of you Tragics were already on your way to Arkaroola, this year I have the old girl off the bench and have even managed to go out for a shake-down run. You will notice in the picture there have been a few changes since last year. The flammable saddle bags have been replaced with some hard panniers and I have done some major revisions to the front end. Funny how replacing a leaky fork seal can turn in to a $500 front end overhaul with new seals, wipers, bushes, fork boots, steering head bearings and a set of Hyperpro springs to replace the stacked-out originals.</span></span><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">One of the many advantages of living in the country is that you don’t have to go far to find some good adventure riding. In my case, living on a dirt road, the adventure starts as soon as I head off down my driveway. I was having a good ride on some of the great dirt roads and tracks that run around the Clare Valley area here in SA until I stopped to take another picture after about 70km of riding. It seems that the Motoz Tractionator that I put on the rear is a bit wider than my previous rear tyre and it had been rubbing on the inside of the oil tank and caused a small crack to appear, making the rear of the bike an oily mess. Luckily I was only about 15km from home, so a had a slow ride home, stopping every few kilometres to check that I still had oil in the tank. So the bike is now back in her normal position on the work bench while I repair and modify the oil tank to stop a repeat performance on the big trip.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Colin, Ténéré Tragic #6</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Nice one, Colin, the old Boy Scout theory of being prepared is clearly the order of the day this year -- good stuff! But it just won't seem the same if you don't roll up to greet us at the start of the ride with the delicious waft of molten saddle bags in the air and emu feathers jammed inside the engine fins! Take care on the long ride across from South Aussie and we'll see you at Mount Panorama on Sunday week. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1 </span></span></p></div></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-41776966651578053852012-02-20T01:30:00.000-08:002012-02-20T01:48:10.644-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__nlngJM4ohrk3I5Kk2lpjWSxhWFXEQjMQwR1-UlV0TtJwCSHdsoJaaoJsAgGXlF4idvaHTAJHOl5x1VWmUmUYHpatDYbeC7XeFY6HxFOe8NCLg0zFBXvu3CQUiEA8e2DWDW0MdMg5vc/s1600/MacMillan.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__nlngJM4ohrk3I5Kk2lpjWSxhWFXEQjMQwR1-UlV0TtJwCSHdsoJaaoJsAgGXlF4idvaHTAJHOl5x1VWmUmUYHpatDYbeC7XeFY6HxFOe8NCLg0zFBXvu3CQUiEA8e2DWDW0MdMg5vc/s320/MacMillan.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711151335127424450" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC STEVE SHOULD WORK ON A MAGAZINE! </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">G’day fellow Tragics: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Look ... it’s all very good for Clive to give us his preparation and maintenance tips for this year's Ténéré Tragics Mountain to Mountain Run ... but what about the Tragics whose idea of ride preparation is a wash and a wander around and then a full tank of fuel? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">I mean, what's wrong with riding till bits break or fall off then repair? It saves money on maintaining bits that don’t break and fall off!</span><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And then we Blog-on to see a competition to see how far you can spread a Ténéré over your shed floor. Some of these dinosaurs look like they have been separated back to their basic elements and are ready to be put back into the earth. I just hope these reconstructors took some photos as they dismembered their pride and joys, otherwise they will be belting along wondering if they tightened up the feaffle valve nut to the correct torque setting and did they use the correct grease on the woofle pin and why do I have two nuts and a split-pin left over?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Being a veteran at the annual Ténéré Tragic rides (yes, I attended last year), I have some advice and comments for all riders attending this year:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1. Team up with someone on a 1200 so you can swap on the transport stages.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2. Team up with someone on a 600/660/750 so you can swap when the dirt turns up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3. Don’t listen to all the 'experts' about how high you can pump up a HiddenOwl tyre to push it over the bead (95psi is too much, but that's just my tip).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4. Look for modifications on other bikes and then destroy the resale value of your own bike by copying others (thanks Troy!).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">5. Pack the Liquid Metal at the top of your gear (actually, that's Theo’s tip).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">6. Look out for Clubby’s hopeless ideas of distance and degree of difficulty (Hmmm, remember the Rock Farm?!).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">7. Soak up the great atmosphere (that's everyone’s tip).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now, in the Pre-Ride build-up: You should lie awake at night for weeks earlier worrying about do you have the right gear, too much gear or not enough gear? And ask yourself d</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">id you wander around the bike enough? And then ask yourself if you're </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">good enough to keep up with the pack or will you drop your bike off the stand in front of 74 Ténéré Tragics who will look on in cool detachment thanking their lucky stars that they didn’t drop their bike first.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">During the Ride: Rehydrate your body every night of the ride with barley, hops or grape juice. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">Rest your body by camping in small tents on even smaller carry mats in the rain. And e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">njoy the company of 74 other Tragics who all have a story to tell.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After the Ride: Do not sit down for two days. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">Tell all your non-Tenere mates how fast/quick/sideways/high/deep you went. Then get right in and b</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">ook a place on next year’s Ténéré Tragics ride.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Steve McMillan, Ténéré Tragic #27</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ripper yarn, Steve, and you know what's best? It's all bang on the money! Love your style, son, and your sense of humour. You should get a job writing for a dirt bike magazine -- send us your resume. See you at Bathurst! Oh, and go do one more lap wandering around your bike: chain tension looks a little slack in the photo you sent ... Oh, and another thing, Lance 'Russ' Turnley wants his chair back.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></p></div></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-70691640438169591992012-02-20T01:24:00.000-08:002012-02-20T01:29:38.207-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PKCy1JoI6qWVm3goXJSu0Gy2KrBr3IjNft-CNl7tgCQdBDkddftUlTK0EDI34gSXt-G3JXI7OCsE7vppoa2CEJkDa7PY8WA_1ceR0Lt3ivjH0xVN3BE2gE3L9ILkfU4D_hI8sOL3WZw/s1600/Dave+Harrison.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PKCy1JoI6qWVm3goXJSu0Gy2KrBr3IjNft-CNl7tgCQdBDkddftUlTK0EDI34gSXt-G3JXI7OCsE7vppoa2CEJkDa7PY8WA_1ceR0Lt3ivjH0xVN3BE2gE3L9ILkfU4D_hI8sOL3WZw/s320/Dave+Harrison.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711147358466718002" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC DAVE IS READY & RARIN'!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hi all Tragics: With only two weeks to go before we all meet at Mt Panorama, I've been doing some prep on the bike. All new wheel bearings, steering head bearings, chain and sprockets, brake pads, brake fluid, air filter cleaned and oiled and finally the engine oil and filter done. All my spare tubes, patch repair kit, spark plug, levers etc are tucked away in the tail bag. I have just been doing a final fit of the luggage and the only thing I have left is to see Steve from AdventureMoto.com.au for either a tank bag or a clip-on map holder.</span></span><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Looking forward to catching up with everyone on March 4! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-- Dave Harrison, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ténéré Tragic</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">#43</span></span></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Definitely looking good, Dave! In fact, I am guessing you may well be a long way ahead in bike preps than many of our fellow Ténéré Tragics! Can't wait to see you in Bathurst for the start of this year's event!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-88704679169684485642012-02-12T20:46:00.000-08:002012-02-12T20:52:55.988-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdErxKgdtGg6njIXXSHL381LC9kiQjt-xsgvCeF_snYku-OtNohHOrrxEMdBi6Q0nH4PGGNhBJY8tG6Y7e2fDMpQhXaibBdm9pVK3yhoWitjRe9qN_bOJogy7IAK15GZ4cEZoegIxxu4/s1600/P7160021.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdErxKgdtGg6njIXXSHL381LC9kiQjt-xsgvCeF_snYku-OtNohHOrrxEMdBi6Q0nH4PGGNhBJY8tG6Y7e2fDMpQhXaibBdm9pVK3yhoWitjRe9qN_bOJogy7IAK15GZ4cEZoegIxxu4/s320/P7160021.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708478662437229954" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC KEN INVITES QLD TRAGICS ON THE ROAD TO BATHURST</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div><span class="750422903-13022012"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">G'day Tania & Clubby: </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Only a few weeks to go before the next Ténéré Tragics ride, can't wait, it should be good, looking at the general outline of the route you've told us about, and looking forward to and wondering about all the other things (obstacles/rocks/rivers/hills etc) that you haven't told us about? </span></span></div><div><span class="750422903-13022012"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A few of </span></span></span><span class="750422903-13022012"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the Tragics -- Mike #19, Dave #8 and myself Ken #13 -- are planning to set off on Saturday 3rd March 2012 from the Maccas at Beaudesert, located on Brisbane Street (meet at 7.15 to 7.30am for 8.00am departure).</span></span></span></div><div><span class="750422903-13022012"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We plan to travel via Rathdowney, down behind Stanthorpe and on to the New England Highway at Tenterfield. We will proceed down to Tamworth then onto the Hunter Valley, stop over in maybe Denman. </span></span></span><span class="750422903-13022012"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Su</span></span></span><span class="750422903-13022012"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nday will then be an easy ride via the Bylong Way down to Bathurst arriving early afternoon in plenty of time for the Tragics get-together. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="750422903-13022012"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If any other Tragics wish to tag along, they can meet up at Maccas or elsewhere along the way.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Ken Henderson, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tenere Tragic #13</span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thanks for the heads-up, Ken, as no doubt other 2012 Ténéré Tragics from up your way will most likely want to meet up and ride in convoy. Have a safe ride and we'll see you all at Mount Panorama. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">And hey, great photo ... quite the fleet you've racked up there, son! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-13875384286074596162012-02-04T14:21:00.000-08:002012-02-04T14:26:02.842-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfJo9fqAhe4OXlqJsvck4ResDwCOXY06oLIo3jimFPuhRJyytZmhNwHVLJKqUlFpmbmaeH1KIcDCDTnk0vvCy0qcjDrIx-GYFkFdGWCcG0_-1_050igcvSg20wjLKOwyle3-AL13nmLo/s1600/TT+Kenny.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfJo9fqAhe4OXlqJsvck4ResDwCOXY06oLIo3jimFPuhRJyytZmhNwHVLJKqUlFpmbmaeH1KIcDCDTnk0vvCy0qcjDrIx-GYFkFdGWCcG0_-1_050igcvSg20wjLKOwyle3-AL13nmLo/s320/TT+Kenny.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705410178325322002" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">THE WOLFMAN'S 'KING KENNY' XT1200Z SUPER TÉNÉRÉ TAKES TO THE GRID!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The clinically clean and immaculately arranged workshop at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">AdventureMoto.com.au</span> is always a hive of activity and just lately head-honcho Steve 'The Wolfman' Smith and his crew have been busy twirling the T-bars piecing together his mount for the fast-approaching 2012 Ténéré Tragics Mountain to Mountain Run ... and we can safely say Wolfy's beast is really going to stand out from the crowd. In fact, it will be one of a kind.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He'll be riding his faithful XT1200Z Supere Ténéré that last year in the Flinders Ranges was box-stock blue, but for this year's Tragics Run has been decked out in a wicked yellow/black colour scheme that pays homage to one of Yamaha's most legendary of all Grand Prix racers, King Kenny Roberts.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As the final touches were put on the bike this past week, we dropped in at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">AdventureMoto.com.au</span> HQ to check out the yellow beast and snap a few photos, as well as get the word from Wolfy on just what work has been done to the machine -- so hang onto your cheque-book and check it out:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ Custom yellow/black paintwork by MotoPaint.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ Waspworks custom tank graphics, screen adjuster and rear suspension link.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ AltRider crash bars, rear luggage rack, bash plate, exhaust heat shield, rear brake master cylinder guard, universal joint guard, sidestand switch guard and sidestand foot.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ Yamaha high screen, wind deflectors and headlight protector.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ GYTR Slip-On muffler.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ Barkbusters VSBars handlebars and VPS Barkbusters handguards.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ Kaoko throttle cruise control.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ PivotPegz Mark 3 footpegs.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ The Little Trimmer (Castle Hill, NSW) custom carbon-look seat upholstery.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ The Suspension Shop (SA): YSS progressive fork springs and valving, lengthened HyperPro rear shock with remote reservoir.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ Kenda Big Block tyres.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ 3BR USB Power Connector outlet.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ Wolfman Genuine Side Racks and Dry Saddlebags (not shown in photo).</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">+ Rox Risers Vario bar riser kit (not shown in photo).</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ Double-Take mirrors (not shown in photo).</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">No doubt Wolfy's XT1200Z will have all our Super Ténéré riding Tragics drooling at the mouth, so get set to take a much closer look at it when we all arrive at Mount Panorama in a month's time to kick of the 2012 Ténéré Tragics ride – and don’t forget all the bolt-on goodies are available from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">AdventureMoto.com.au</span>, so check 'em out!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-66675834319819887502012-01-30T18:25:00.000-08:002012-01-30T18:32:15.163-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSuK3Doefiuw8nmL8S6atuqq7viRd7umErUpFaNVzykUztZBnxdD7RKcz5MYO8kCKbuBYI9G3N-PfG6okIlklarlz3Mlpy8R5uzkTfr3PjxaMCyfo_7a_HLs5JWtX7uRI0-EsQbddEX0/s1600/IMG_0197.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSuK3Doefiuw8nmL8S6atuqq7viRd7umErUpFaNVzykUztZBnxdD7RKcz5MYO8kCKbuBYI9G3N-PfG6okIlklarlz3Mlpy8R5uzkTfr3PjxaMCyfo_7a_HLs5JWtX7uRI0-EsQbddEX0/s320/IMG_0197.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703618210590741730" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC MARK HAS A QUESTION ABOUT TYRES</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hi Clubby: I was hoping you could help me out with my tyre selection for the upcoming Tenere Tragics Mountain to Mountain Ride. I'm riding my 2010 Super Tenere and my friend is riding his 2010 XT660Z from Lake Macquarie, NSW, and we're looking for a tyre that will allow good highwway speed as well as being capable of perfoming well on the ride you have set out for us. Your help would be much appreciated</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Mark, Tenere Tragic #45</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Okay, Mark, my tip is to go with knobbies for the ride. Sure, you won't get the same mileage out of knobby tyres as you will with a more 50/50 oriented dual-purpose tyre, but as I have said many times, that's a trade-off you have to pay to have better traction and a more confidence-inspiring ride in the dirt and on the gravel. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For the 660, I have run Dunlop 606s, Pirelli MT21s and Kenda Trackmasters on our TRAIL ZONE XT660Z Tenere Project Bike and honestly, I have found them much of the muchness. It's your call on what you can get re price and availability. Any of these tyres, I never get more than 5,000km out of a rear on the 660. And just make sure you run heavy-duty tubes to reduce the chance of punctures. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For the 1200, I have been running Mitas E10s on our XT1200Z Supere Tenere Project Bike and get just over 4,000km out of a rear -- and that's being 'respectful' on the throttle. Woop it up and you can chew through the rear heaps quicker! Other options are Metzeler Karoos or Kenda Big Blocks. If you really want a rear that will give you more road mileage, then maybe look at running a knobby up front (for better steering and grip in the dirt and on the gravel) and a Heidenau on the rear. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When you're shopping for tyres, I have to give our Tenere Tragics ride sponsor Steve Smith from AdventureMoto.com.au a plug, as he has heaps of experience with all these different tyres and can offer you heaps more feedback and help you make the choice. He is also offering FREE SHIPPING on any tyres purchased by Tenere Tragics, so give him a call on 1300 46 66 86 and tell him you are a Tenere Tragic and that I said for you to call. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After all that, be sure to carry a pump and don't be afraid to adjust your tyre pressures up and down on the ride: go higher on the tarmac (say 36 psi on the 1200) and go lower on the off-road sections (say 26psi on the 1200), especially if/when it gets wet! Tyre pressure can make a massive difference to your ride, especially in the fire-trail sections we will get on days 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Tenere Tragics ride. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hope that all helps -- yell out if you have any more questions. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Tenere Tragic #1</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-33926958883109756532012-01-26T01:44:00.000-08:002012-01-26T01:51:50.351-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnt0W1_gN51X1RyrHDLNCKq2fMy6BDlwl8NHNPiRgqOFygPm0lCnlrf_aWtU4IvnJJCC7c6KluxWguH4X3mbMY0GdCktQSHodOMKi9iqz7KSDsl-PC6NZ0R_CH_efhUIpt5iO3jRmkp1g/s1600/Wheeler.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnt0W1_gN51X1RyrHDLNCKq2fMy6BDlwl8NHNPiRgqOFygPm0lCnlrf_aWtU4IvnJJCC7c6KluxWguH4X3mbMY0GdCktQSHodOMKi9iqz7KSDsl-PC6NZ0R_CH_efhUIpt5iO3jRmkp1g/s320/Wheeler.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701875936916982098" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC JOHN GETS SET FOR THE LONG HAUL </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hi Clubby & Tania: I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">t's Australia Day and it's time to put the engine back in after the drama of dropping it on the floor! I'm a bit nervy about any more mishaps, as there is no time left for me to get more parts from Japan. Anyway, I am looking forward to another 15,000 kilometre ride on this old bike, because she is such pleasure to do big kay trips on!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Looking forward too seeing all the other Tragics again – and thanks to you guys for all your efforts in putting the while event together.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- John, Ténéré Tragic #36</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oh, John, we just love that photo of your workshop and your chassis hanging off the stand on one side, the motor up on the bench on the other, and a whole stack of work to be done in between! Burn the midnight oil, son, and get that ol' banger firing on all cylinders and then get set for your long, long haul all the way from the Northern Territory - that's the Ténéré spirit. Will be great to see you again at Mount Panorama in a few weeks time!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1 </span></span></div></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-74017688173469260242012-01-18T21:30:00.000-08:002012-01-18T21:43:18.018-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo0Hqny2e5eGRanwRWQh3g6QXly3Y2dQnwlnEvIo8d3uoymaWuZysyi1tJJIJNs5iQncwU1ghNwq-skJLNL0HtW1tNX5IimX40geD6GbsgxhBMnURqDtcVFCQmGW1Th4LnEQE48cKwf8/s1600/P1010369.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo0Hqny2e5eGRanwRWQh3g6QXly3Y2dQnwlnEvIo8d3uoymaWuZysyi1tJJIJNs5iQncwU1ghNwq-skJLNL0HtW1tNX5IimX40geD6GbsgxhBMnURqDtcVFCQmGW1Th4LnEQE48cKwf8/s320/P1010369.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699214274644583970" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC MIKE & THE DOWNSIDE OF ADVENTURE RIDING</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hi Clubby & Tania: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The title above says it all: I went down and out, as in unconscious for two days, following an accident on the Tenere on a trip to Camerons Corner and back from the Sunny Coast in Qld last September. The dirt road past Goodooga NSW had big patches of bull dust to contend with and I should have taken more care but the Tenere had new suspension, I was running a steering damper and it was not what I considered a bad dirt road. I cannot remember the crash (nor do I wish to) and have only my riding partner, Michael on a DRZ 400, and the Police Report, to fill in the gaps. What appears to have happened was the front wheel was lost in a bull dust hole followed by a highside, face plant and unconscious state. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Damage to my helmet indicated a heavy impact and this did not do my head and neck much good. I was jokingly told later that I would have to get a new licence as I was now 10mm shorter. So it was an ambulance ride to Lightning Ridge ($1,600) and then because of my unconscious condition, the Royal Flying Doctors (RFDS) flew me to Dubbo to be reassessed with the intention of flying me to Sydney if needed. Luckily the trip to Sydney was not required, as after further assessment my brain was located, although my wife still thinks it's missing. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Things the crash highlighted:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1). Do not travel alone in isolated areas. The dingoes would have had me before I became conscious again two days later. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2). Carry a first-aid kit and most importantly an understanding of how to use it. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3). Particular attention to the question of the removal of a helmet would be handy. (Refer to TRAIL ZONE issue #38 and the article entitled 'The Accidental Truth'.)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4). Have good communications with you. I am now looking to purchase my own satellite phone.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">5). If the sh*t really hits the fan there is a willing bunch of people to come to your rescue if needed. They include the Ambulance, RFDS and fellow riders (thanks Michael).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">6). All my riding gear was cut off me, so give some thought to insurance cover for this gear.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">7). Wear good safety gear. My Leatt neck brace got a special mention, as it was seen as a potential lifesaver. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I now tend to drool for no particular reason. But an unexpected result has been the impact on my golf handicap. I am a hacker with a handicap of 26, but it has now been reduced to 22 in the last four weeks as I no longer slice the ball, the most common hacker trait. Overall an excellent result but I would not recommend this golf improvement technique to anyone else.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The end result has been 10 weeks off bikes, but some of that was because the Ten was also in hospital. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I will be back for the March 2012 Tragics ride though. See you and my fellow Tragics there!!!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Mike, 85% Tenere Tragic #19</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">PS: The picture attached is my last memory from the ill-fated trip.</span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wow, Mike, that's a sobering reminder that along with all the good times we enjoy on our bikes, hard times can be laying in wait around the next corner or over the next crest or in the next patch of bull dust. We're real glad to know you came through okay and are rapt we'll be catching up again in March ... but just try not to dribble in anyone's meal at the Welcome dinner, okay?! Now get back on the fairways and knock another couple of points off that handicap.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Tenere Tragic #1 </span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-79948089691126007802012-01-13T20:44:00.000-08:002012-01-13T20:50:57.160-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieESJeFlZssplgO2N23iWGsofNAo1gB7ba2B8FS49lL6JddS4calljcff7zi0Ezq7eLXlYudDuFegcDJ07ahn5AdKtnWLMSIWtA9__VOA9-Vg4mIwTOizw08pLypeOVSQ2Yjo4SjCrid0/s1600/Spicer.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieESJeFlZssplgO2N23iWGsofNAo1gB7ba2B8FS49lL6JddS4calljcff7zi0Ezq7eLXlYudDuFegcDJ07ahn5AdKtnWLMSIWtA9__VOA9-Vg4mIwTOizw08pLypeOVSQ2Yjo4SjCrid0/s320/Spicer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697345274140807346" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">FOR-SALE: 1983 YAMAHA XT600ZL TÉNÉRÉ</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A TRAIL ZONE reader has just emailed us with details of a 1983 Yamaha XT600ZL Ténéré that he has for-sale. Looks like the mighty beast needs a bit of work, and she’s a long, long way away from most of us, but if you’re on the look-out for a ZL, here's your chance, so check out the details below.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For-Sale: Yamaha Ténéré: I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">t’s a 1983 model. The engine as you see it is not the original, but I do have another engine in parts that could be the original. Current engine works however it has a crack in the left crank housing which leaks oil. Have a spare housing. Comes with a box of bits and pieces including an original seat rack. Bike is unregistered. Have just run out of time and room to proceed with this project. Hope someone else can take it on. Have a spare rusted dented tank, manifold and mono shock and spring as well. I’m in Broome, WA, so freight could be an issue, however, I got it up from Melbourne about three years ago. Could tell you what’s wrong with it but its easier to say: 1983 Tenere with the 30 year anniversary coming up! For further details, please contact CRAIG SPICER on </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">mobile (0421) 111 565 or email <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">craig@spiceraccountingcom.au</span></span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-72729203908328290412012-01-10T19:05:00.001-08:002012-01-10T19:14:21.857-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0qR76xKu-e960NoD77kFOx8-XZapJkCl5_0IicD4poU1LF-RpNzQwciK8ZmlLrfa4fN93GjYC8f6-2eHe7XN8fs4myfAhfcnW-7Y20GyGUE56wFNE-hu664RujxDNH75IoWBQStD4fc/s1600/Kenny.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0qR76xKu-e960NoD77kFOx8-XZapJkCl5_0IicD4poU1LF-RpNzQwciK8ZmlLrfa4fN93GjYC8f6-2eHe7XN8fs4myfAhfcnW-7Y20GyGUE56wFNE-hu664RujxDNH75IoWBQStD4fc/s320/Kenny.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696206827014296642" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">SNEAK PEEK: KING KENNY TO RIDE TÉNÉRÉ TRAGICS???</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So there I was, supremely confident that my cherished XT1200Z Super Ténéré TRAIL ZONE Project Bike really stood out from the crowd of Ténéré Tragics with its one-of-a-kind Euro-spec white bodywork and spiffy red Waspworks.com graphics ... when this photo rolled into the Ténéré Tragics Inbox. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What the?! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It's a spy pic from outside the paint booth at the workshop of proud Ténéré Tragics ride sponsor AdventureMoto.com.au and by the looks of it, the Wolfman's team has been going hard at it on his 1200, painting it Kenny Roberts yellow and decorating it with a black Waspworks.com graphics kit.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lookin' good, Wolfy! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Can't wait to see it in the flesh at Mount Panorama for the start of the Tragics Run.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now, how many more of you Tragics have got something special planned for the ride? Send your photos to teneretragics@trailzone.com.au and we'll bang 'em up for all to see!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-64149981457361441422012-01-06T02:36:00.000-08:002012-01-06T02:45:06.062-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8H2PtrSOpdqGPHnJdZhG09g2VLkJLMblb_IJBBGpo21rS6ybo2MZHbzEVtXMIquYwwKbwkZUQmQTAIEaHZKuRCux1FiAbO1GMWdyvmkdaGyxNe00xyBjuqJSvOEiqCp8SD7A2vVjQsM/s1600/Charlie+Brown.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8H2PtrSOpdqGPHnJdZhG09g2VLkJLMblb_IJBBGpo21rS6ybo2MZHbzEVtXMIquYwwKbwkZUQmQTAIEaHZKuRCux1FiAbO1GMWdyvmkdaGyxNe00xyBjuqJSvOEiqCp8SD7A2vVjQsM/s320/Charlie+Brown.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694467890001285250" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC CHARLIE HAS A LITTLE WORK TO DO ... </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dear Clubby: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thank you for sending the latest 2012 Ténéré Tragics bulletin. My bike is dubbed the Drednought - it got its name from a friend who commented that,"It's as big as a bloody battleship!" So after that I named it The Drednought. Unfortunatly, latley it has been acting like it was at the battle of Juteland with the ship's telegraph stuck firmly on "make smoke". I pulled the head off to investigate and it turned out to be the valve stem seals on the zorst valves. So the head was sent away for a head job. The barrel still had the hone marks visible and still well within the limits, so that got a quick hone and new rings. The rest of it was just me looking and saying to myself, "Well ... while I've got this off ..." I have now locked myself out of the garage and will only go back in when all the parts etc get here (by the end of next week hopefully!). So I have a bit of work in front of me but plenty of time to do it.. I'm looking forward to the ride and the people. Are there any other </span></span><strong><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">REAL</span></span></em></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Super Teneres coming on the run? Anyhow see you at the gig.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Charlie Brown, Ténéré Tragic</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now that's what we like, Charlie, the sound of a confident Ténéré owner who has no worries about getting his mighty beast back together and making the start of the next Ténéré Tragics run! But judging by the photo, heck, you've got some work ahead of you, son. Now, XT750 Super Ténérés are surprisingly thin on the ground on the Tragics run, so you can expect to be in a rather exclusive clique when we all arrive at Mount Panorama in two months time. In the meantime, get back on the T-bars and get that bike together!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-45260500794744766562012-01-03T02:48:00.000-08:002012-01-03T02:56:21.997-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Dcv4wZOBlush6WBy7ZtIEaw8F5fFCurosgpjwHiC29FQRWpXp2DkXU47cDubE3P3UyNzZKd6p9Xjku9a1kqw8A-xTIAc-PcK3e-F6TR-jweNQIEOjsUCz_hOI149SW2XDqfuAOSPqqc/s1600/Erickson+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Dcv4wZOBlush6WBy7ZtIEaw8F5fFCurosgpjwHiC29FQRWpXp2DkXU47cDubE3P3UyNzZKd6p9Xjku9a1kqw8A-xTIAc-PcK3e-F6TR-jweNQIEOjsUCz_hOI149SW2XDqfuAOSPqqc/s320/Erickson+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693357615471206386" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC PETER SPOTS A CLASSIC TANK </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hello Clubby & fellow Tragics: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Looking forward to catching up with you all in March and it certainly looks like it will be a fun week. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was out for a ride this week and thought I had better take Clubby’s recent advice and stop near a house of worship and thank the gods of moto ... not so much to pray for not shredding tyres, but rather in my case to keep them inflated!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now with regards to the tank search for the 600s, I think I have located one on the way back from a trip around the Victorian high country last year (okay, it is a bit secondhand, see photo). It was located at the Seldom Seen road house on the Barry Way (was that Simon and Garfunkle on the iPod)).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Anyway, all the best for the new year and see you soon at The Mountain.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-- Peter, </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ténéré Tragic #51</span></span></span></div><div><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Well spotted, Pete, for sure, as that tank and frame is coated in a fair old layer of rust, so you've done well to even recognise the ruins of what was obviously once a very fine adventure riding weapon! You know what else you've done? All our first-model XT600ZL riding Tragics will be racing one another to Seldom Seen to start a bidding war on the wreck! Okay, I gotta keep going. See you at Mount Panorama.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; "></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-40659458729466694612012-01-03T02:26:00.000-08:002012-01-03T02:45:20.797-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6ykHUcwK_ArPjNt3Ek04SYk115YS1UYrKVerDEsRDZQalaA1EJ9uU-k7dyFIh9KF8cPPYx3CHwJuk1etgkwAJ-AF-rWeXYvsqYjZqo06wtD5RLrXhOa3hUg5z9T63_JewGUldL1pg4s/s1600/Bottomley+Gears.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6ykHUcwK_ArPjNt3Ek04SYk115YS1UYrKVerDEsRDZQalaA1EJ9uU-k7dyFIh9KF8cPPYx3CHwJuk1etgkwAJ-AF-rWeXYvsqYjZqo06wtD5RLrXhOa3hUg5z9T63_JewGUldL1pg4s/s320/Bottomley+Gears.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693354206501734930" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC DAVE MISSES A GEAR?</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hello Captain: Seasons greetings to all at TZ and hope you’ve found lots of quality touring accessories under the Christmas tree! I must have been really good this year because under my Christmas tree was a new gearbox cluster. The old one is pictured. Is this just what every ZL owner needs -- or what?! Some racing against the clock will be needed to get it sorted for Ténéré Tragics 2012 (although this seems to be a common thread amongst all us ZL guys!). </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">Now, Clubby, you’ve gone and got us all excited with the latest Tragics bulletin and those fantastic recce shots. Looks like a fabulous ride and I can’t wait, although I expect there could be a few gnarly bits along the way you may have omitted from your latest round of notes ... come on, ’fess up Clubby! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The route-sheet theory is a great idea, especially in flat tank-bag form, as you know there’s not much room on the flight deck of an early Tenny, so this will be appreciated by the pre ’88 riders I’m sure. Once again it seems your planning of the TT ride will be outstanding and no easy feat I’m sure, so a big thanks in advance to yourself and Tania. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here’s hoping everyone has a very safe and fun 2012 Tragics ride. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Dave B, Ténéré Tragic #8</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thanks for your great note, Dave, and yes, every other ’83 XT600ZL Ténéré owner is going to be mighty jealous of your shiny new gearbox cluster. Get her fitted and get her put to good use, mate! Now, as I said in the most recent official pre-ride Bulletin sent to our Tragics registered for the 2012 ride, the course is shaping up to be pretty good. It’s all just real sweet Ténéré riding country ... all 1,750km of it! Honestly, I can’t wait, just like the rest of you. The route-sheets are a lot of work right now, but they will work just fine -- the important thing, though, is everyone has to be sure to follow them precisely! I've learnt many a lesson from all these self-navigation events I've ridden in the USA and NZ over the years and the critical thing is to navigate yourself, understand the route-sheet instructions and don’t just follow the bike in front of you -- if he's lost, you will soon be, too! Now, as for ‘gnarly’, mate, I need to be careful what I say ... last year I said the rocky bit out the back of Arkaroola went for just three kilometres -- and we all know how far off the mark I was with that one ... oops! Look forward to catching you in Bathurst in a few weeks time!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-88755603323965778452011-12-20T13:57:00.000-08:002011-12-20T14:19:58.673-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtsNptPgNYj0mPS5dsnqB7QMC2zJmEefRMQSk5kirdOmfAXOJt9hwdc6lqCY-0gke823uRGUz_tAqPYGCQDEiLp0CxBwldwBmcaMBLtkYdSl0_hZJVRaekaOcuYAwhjJgzRX24epbio4/s1600/image003.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtsNptPgNYj0mPS5dsnqB7QMC2zJmEefRMQSk5kirdOmfAXOJt9hwdc6lqCY-0gke823uRGUz_tAqPYGCQDEiLp0CxBwldwBmcaMBLtkYdSl0_hZJVRaekaOcuYAwhjJgzRX24epbio4/s320/image003.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688338611265444498" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC COLIN SAYS TANKS A LOT! </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">G’day Clubby: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Progress is being made in converting the Bushpig from championship winning reliability trial weapon back to supreme vintage adventure tourer. The old girl is currently up on the bench getting a full service plus a few repairs and modifications. I have been able to find a ‘new' secondhand airbox to replace the original which has been more duct tape than plastic for the best part of this year's reliability trial season. New handlebars and Barkbusters are also to be fitted to replace the existing bent and battered ones. I have almost finished making up a set of frames to mount some hard panniers -- so no burning saddlebags this time! -- and there are still a lot of other mods and repairs to get done before March.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Russ’s recent mention of his fuel tank dramas seems to be a common story with Ténérés. However, I have managed to find the Holy Grail, a NNOS (Nearly New Old Stock) fuel tank, through knowing the right people and being in the right place at the right time. I was talking with Fred, a long time acquaintance and fellow reliability trial competitor, prior to the start of the Clare MCC Beryl Pearce trial in September, when the topic turned to the beat-up condition of the fuel tank on the Bushpig. Fred mentioned that he had a tank for a Ténéré sitting in his shed and asked if I was interested? Considering the battered condition of my tank, the answer was always going to be a resounding "Yes!" </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A few weeks later we meet up again while we were both officiating at the Australian Moto Trials Championships at Eden Valley. Not being one to let an opportunity pass, I followed Fred home after the event to have a look at the tank.</span></span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; "></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The tank had sat in its box in Fred’s shed since he bought it from Pitmans Yamaha in late 1985 to fit onto a TT600 he was preparing for the 1986 Wynns (Australian) Safari. It seems that the tank came off of a Pitmans sponsored Ténéré that had been ridden in the original 1985 Safari and was removed before the bike was sold. Fred found it was too much work to try and fit to the TT600, so it was consigned back to its box and had sat gathering dust in his shed for the last 30 years.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now, it's not perfect; having some stone chips on the front edges and a small dent, but it is rust-free and came with a new fuel tap and fuel cap. Even in its current condition it is far too good to put onto the Bushpig, so it will be kept in its box on the shelf in MY shed alongside the box containing a full set of new mudguards, side covers, headlight cowl etc to wait until I am finished abusing the old girl and get the time to restore her to original condition.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Colin, Ténéré Tragic #6.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">That's a great yarn, Colin. We just love the way all these parts and pieces for old Ténérés keep popping up out of the woodwork. Take good care of that tank and we looking forward to seeing you at Mount Panorama in a couple of months.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></p><p></p></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-43966205974877733822011-12-20T02:54:00.000-08:002011-12-20T03:13:34.077-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdL82bNpciBB1y7ySVQJuipbREUwtwfrpSUOWJIMknAAiQxQOOCuhOWESO2aGh7GZBfHoiQq9FblIrpysSd4-HXEMd5DrZHIkxFb1Bb0lqeS6YVeLkb892MvY0rJPFHDwwQByZvMUnwE0/s1600/Ashford.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdL82bNpciBB1y7ySVQJuipbREUwtwfrpSUOWJIMknAAiQxQOOCuhOWESO2aGh7GZBfHoiQq9FblIrpysSd4-HXEMd5DrZHIkxFb1Bb0lqeS6YVeLkb892MvY0rJPFHDwwQByZvMUnwE0/s320/Ashford.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688164849609764482" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC MARC SEEKS SOME ADVICE</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hi Clubby & Tania: I have attached a picture of my Ténéré and was wondering about a few things: I have been riding bikes most of my life and this will be my very first adventure run and it's on dirt so I'm very excited about it. But </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I am not sure what is required to take along on the Run and can you please recommend what you would take as in bike gear? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I will be purchasing a front tyre and bike pants from Steve at AdventureMoto but I'm not sure what else I would need?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Marc, Ténéré Tragic</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">G'day Marc and welcome aboard the Ténéré Tragics express! For your first big adventure ride you'll be leaping in at the deep end but the good thing is you'll be amongst a pack of riders on the same bike as you and all brought together by a common bond: the Yamaha Ténéré. Now, to give you a few words of advice, let's get into it: Choose dirt-oriented tyres because the majority of the Tragics Run next year will be on dirt and you'll have a much better ride with tyres that offer as much grip as possible when you need it most -- Steve at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Adventure Moto.com.au</span> will be able to steer you right with tyre choice. Then make sure you fit heavy-duty tubes to reduce the chance of copping a puncture, but if you do get a flat, you need to be able fix it, either by replacing the tube with a spare you carry, or repairing the tube with a puncture repair kit. And to do that, you need to be able to get the wheels out of the bike (the XT660Z doesn't come with tools to help you remove the wheels! So check out <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Profastproducts.com.au</span> as they offer a nifty front axle removal tool), as well as carrying tyre levers and a pump or CO2 bottles, so make sure you get all this sorted before the ride. You should also carry a spare oiled foam air filter element for your bike, so you can make a swap mid-ride, as chances are it's going to be dusty. It's a good idea to carry spare front brake, clutch and gear levers, just in case they get busted in a fall. Carry a small can of chain lube so you can lube the chain each day. As for you, wear a Camelbak-type hydration pack so you can keep up your fluids while you ride, as chances are it will be hot. Proper adventure riding gear including a jacket with armour in the shoulders and elbows is a must, as are proper boots. Try to pack as light as possible, because experience always tells us all we take way more gear than we need: do a first sort of the gear you think you will need, then halve it! After all that, well, just bring a spirit of adventure ... and in the meantime, get out and rack up as many kilometres as you can to get bike-fit and hone your riding skills. We'll see you soon!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-80027433309135800982011-12-20T02:48:00.000-08:002011-12-20T02:52:45.526-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaNPAXHWLsbhODkudFoxWGDbq0xtFEKxmyMKHEQC9JC-9XmNAZQwjVh6lZneN-luxKyUnQiWobU6wHt55z4U-wR_Y4dHQqy47WT3jcpvbwSg0jJZzxx5dT80ArzU8Bxs5n385ADjTscc/s1600/Neil+Jnr+Ten.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaNPAXHWLsbhODkudFoxWGDbq0xtFEKxmyMKHEQC9JC-9XmNAZQwjVh6lZneN-luxKyUnQiWobU6wHt55z4U-wR_Y4dHQqy47WT3jcpvbwSg0jJZzxx5dT80ArzU8Bxs5n385ADjTscc/s320/Neil+Jnr+Ten.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688161530449547858" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC NEIL’S JUNIOR TENERE??? </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hi Clubby, I've just been doing some work on the old Ténéré, in readiness for next year's Tragics run. I recently found what I consider might be a very rare GT80 Tenere, in an old hay shed ... out the back of Giligulgul. Thought I'd send this photo in and see what you thought of it? Do you think I might be able to run it in next year's Tragics ride?</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; font-size:small;">-- Neil, Ténéré Tragic #37</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; font-size:small;">Now Neil, mate, if you don’t ride it in next year’s Mountain to Mountain Run, I sure will!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-28451853117022088142011-12-20T02:37:00.000-08:002011-12-20T02:46:20.971-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66RHyntTh7YuNJLpsOPiwuKZZnctT6lgGM-mKHFHDbjBO18Lkq-CZpYkkpc0iapElEQ6i24mwzSW8VA59nhSN-qUO3zmSbYxVozRUTP9bDMmx6q-XYaIZw0cDYfxqw-LkZs6-TBVRbe0/s1600/4C71.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66RHyntTh7YuNJLpsOPiwuKZZnctT6lgGM-mKHFHDbjBO18Lkq-CZpYkkpc0iapElEQ6i24mwzSW8VA59nhSN-qUO3zmSbYxVozRUTP9bDMmx6q-XYaIZw0cDYfxqw-LkZs6-TBVRbe0/s320/4C71.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688160029597143554" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRAIL MAIL: TRAGIC DAVE HITS THE SAND DUNES </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hi Tania, Clubby and all the Tragics: I've been getting a fair bit of riding in on the old 3AJ Ténéré in preparation for next year's ride so the Super Ten 1200 has been feeling left out. I've recently had the suspension all rebuilt by Teknik which has made a huge difference, mainly because even though I have owned the bike since new in '88 I have never touched the suspension, not even an oil change for the front forks! So getting it sorted after 23 years has made it feel much better and an easier bike to ride. Other than that it's just regular oil and filter changes as well as wheel bearings, steering head bearings and brake pads. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Most of my rides lately have been with a group I like to call "Club KTM": they're a bunch of mates from the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">OffRoadExplorer.com</span> forum. We've done a few rides through Yengo NP, up to the Watagans and an overnighter to Coolah Tops, as well as a bunch of day rides in the Blue Mountains closer to home. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">One notable day out was up to Stockton Beach near Newcastle with my mate Chad on his F800GS and myself on the 600. We trailered the bikes up early one weekday morning knowing that we'd be too tired to bother riding the freeway home. Didn't really know what to expect up there, only ever doing it in the 4WD. We towed the bikes over the dunes to the beach and unloaded them but seeing the tyres sink into the soft sand was heart-wrenching and that was before I had my 118kg on the bike! We set off and I just gunned it, clicking up the gears, into third, on the pegs and it was like a boat coming onto the plane and in about half an hour we were getting used to it and only had a few low-speed falls for the day. I was surprised how much fun we had but also how much hard work it was. After a few hours we were stuffed, exhausted and muscles aching so we called it a day. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We'll be back there again soon.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Dave, Ténéré Tragic</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Nice one, Dave. Always good to hear about the ol' bangers getting freshened up and then put to good use. Riding Stockton on a pure dirt bike can be tough enough, let-alone doing it on a big-tanked adventure bike, so well done to you and Chad for having a play in the sand dunes on your adventure machines. We look forward to catching up again at Mount Panorama in March!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4589976721995015706.post-87623890104311144752011-12-18T19:14:00.000-08:002011-12-18T19:19:04.894-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNVuoqTHWEEKZTSFvEzsZb_vfNNlBVgo2aW3pP5R912XuW1dyr339ST0u7GdKLNsld07tY3GsSn5EYzjZdly-E5-eHLNIzCY4EUyx0SBUpkgXtUC6tVkU4DmDhwWejluAzSovZF7JBJU/s1600/Clubby_0069.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNVuoqTHWEEKZTSFvEzsZb_vfNNlBVgo2aW3pP5R912XuW1dyr339ST0u7GdKLNsld07tY3GsSn5EYzjZdly-E5-eHLNIzCY4EUyx0SBUpkgXtUC6tVkU4DmDhwWejluAzSovZF7JBJU/s320/Clubby_0069.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687673507522264674" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">BLOG: RECCE RIDE OF 2012 TÉNÉRÉ TRAGICS COURSE IN THE CAN </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">’ve just returned from a massive week in the saddle recce riding the course for our next TENERE TRAGICS Mountain to Mountain Run in the first week of March – and if I do say so myself, it’s shaping up to be pretty darn good! </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I was super-lucky with the weather and managed to stay clear of the rains that have lashed much of NSW for the past couple of weeks – except for day one when some gn</span></span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">arly thunderstorms smashed the Blue Mountains as I made my way into Oberon after a long day’s loop from Bathurst – so I can certainly recommend the waterproofing on Klim’s Goretex gear! </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As has been the case in recent months, the overwhelming memory from riding nearly the entire course is just how green large parts of NSW are at the moment – some of the views along the way of the rolling green countryside are just beautiful. I really hope it stays that way – although deep down I know summer has to kick in sooner or later and the temperatures will warm up and some of the green colour will start to dry off. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">While I’ve been away a couple more riders have signed on for the 2012 Tenere Tragics ride, bringing the tally of participants to just over 60, meaning we've still got ten spaces left to fill. Those spots look set to be filled over coming weeks, so come March 4 we should have have a full pack of 75 thundering Teneres and Super Teneres as we descend on Mount Panorama at Bathurst for a mighty week of Tenere action!</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you want to get in on the action, email us at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">teneretragics@trailzone.com.au</span> and request a Registration pack and then sign up and get into it.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-- Clubby, Ténéré Tragic #1</span></span></span></span></div>Trailzonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856860620440780802noreply@blogger.com0