Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Home now and working on updating the blog.

There are many folks to thank, especially my riding partner, Ian Johnson and the folks who made this happen: Steve Bailey of Vespa Motorsport, Allen Drysdale of Corazzo Gear and Murray Walters of Scooter Central.  My thanks and love to you all.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Another quick update (which is about all there's time for these days):

Good news - We're safely in Canberra and staying with friends of Ian.

Bad news -  The scooter gods are still messing with Ian's Gilera.  This time it was (and kind of still is) the water pump.  Repairs were made in Moe and we're hoping it holds until Sydney.  But the bearing noise is worse today.  There's been talk about sacrificing a goat.  Hope it doesn't come to that.  Will keep you posted.

The current plan it to head to Sydney on Thursday.  Will post again from there.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

It's Saturday, 15 September and time for another quick update.

Ian and I have been the guests of Gary and his family who live just outside Melbourne.  They are gracious, generous and all-around awesome hosts.  It's not just the home-cooked meals and comfortable beds.  They've really made us feel welcome.

The plan is to head toward Canberra and then on to Sydney.  If all goes well, the "Lap around Australia" should complete by Thursday or Friday.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

another quick update  -  Today is Sunday, 09 September 2012.

We arrived safely in Ceduna and expect to be in Adelaide by Tuesday.  The good news is the weather is much improved from the rain, hail and gale-force wind of a few days ago.  The bad news is the scooter gods are still picking on Ian.  A large piece of hail bounced onto his right rear-view mirror and broke it.  (He bought a replacement in Bunbury.)  His scooter tipped over in the sand/gravel at the campground, denting his exhaust and scratching up the same mirror housing.  One saddlebag, as well as the contents (small blanket, travel umbrella and silk glove liners) were melted beyond salvation by the hot exhaust pipe.  (We're feeling lucky that this did not start a fire!)  And then, just to add insult to injury, the replacement mirror fell off and broke.

As for me and the X7, we're getting along just fine (knock on wood!).

Internet connections have been spotty but I will post updates and photos.  (I know, I know.  I've said it before.  But I really will.  Eventually.)

Monday, September 3, 2012

Well, another day and no blog updates to speak of.  Sorry.

Just a quick note about today:
Both bikes were serviced today at the awesome Piaggio / Vespa dealer in Perth, Ace Scooters.  Steve, Rukhsana and Bill are all rock stars!!  BIG thanks to them all for getting us in for service, feeding us Timtams and coffee and tea, making us laugh and making us feel right at home.

Weather took a turn last night and it's been stormy pretty much all day.  We're going put in a few miles today, but taking it easy due to wet roads and my new rear tire.

I will post updates later.  Really.  (No, really!)