The weather was excellent this weekend, except very cold.
Met up with Katie and Ben on Saturday afternoon at the wallaroo quay and went for a sail in Bens parents yacht. It was a bit lumpy out which was better than the morning sail where a couple of Bens friends got somewhat green in the gills it being very rough. Great sailing and we had a number of dolphins for company along the way.
Saturday night was barbeque night and fine wine and conversation at the dining table. Ended with freshly baked muffins and ice cream so thanks Katie.
Sunday dawned bright and cold and we were joined by Mark Grope and Paul on his XR400. Therefore only 5 of us for the ride which basically followed the railway line from Wallaroo to Bute and then some excellent 2 wheel lane tracks to Port Broughton.
Following the refuel and lunch we took the coast way home across the salt flats and on the beach etc. Very enjoyable riding. Had a brief blast on Bens 520 on the beach and was suitably impressed. Nice spread of power with no mid range hit very seamless delivery, Really good brakes and softer suspension than I would have expected, nice and compliant but with some nose dive under brakes . Great riding position and luved the electric leg. Not bad at all except for the damn seat which is harder than a 4*4 plank and according to Ben this was the soft option. I would hate to feel the hard one. There is no way you could trail ride with that seat for hours on end, so that will need fixing. The side stand is bloody useless as well. All in all not a bad bit of gear and yes I could see myself on one of them no worries. But dream on for a while yet until the budget is in a better state. Decisions decisions tho a 520 or the new 450 Yam or what will Honda do. Will Suzuki do better Who Knows. However I can see an electric leg being a priority . Must be my age.
No one came off the whole ride, no flat tyres, no one got lost. Too easy by far.
All in all a good weekend and even Ben got his spare paddock ploughed for free by Dazz on his CR practising his berm shots so he says.
By Ian Stone