So I was peeking at the WSBK 2012 provisional schedule (http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/documents/2012_fim_superbike_championship_provisional_calendar.pdf) and that 26 Feb date started burning itself into my eyes...and then I remembered that it was 2006 when I last visited Oz. That's far too long, and I realize that I haven't kept my end of the AUS-SF cultural exchange up to spec. And the wife's got a birthday coming up so I officially have no excuse. If I can work it out with the office schedule, I'd like to work it so I'm there long enough to get down to Melbourne and see the race.
Any advice for a Phillip Island newbie? We'd be spending most of our time Sydneyside, but what should a noob know about going to the race?
Any advice on buying tickets?
Are there really fights between Ford guys and Chevy guys?
Your advice is greatly appreciated...especially blokes like goldfish and Big [thumbsup]
Thanks!
Quote from: desmoquattro on October 02, 2011, 09:15:30 PM
Any advice for a Phillip Island newbie? We'd be spending most of our time Sydneyside, but what should a noob know about going to the race?
Any advice on buying tickets?
Are there really fights between Ford guys and Chevy guys?
i prefer supers over motogp as less idiots there , less crowds , you can get a seat anywhere you like and can ride your bike anywhere around the outside of the circuit
unless you are wanting a grandstand seat then just buy tickets at the gate for general admission
no chevy , ford and holden ;)
Quote from: J5 on October 02, 2011, 09:21:31 PM
i prefer supers over motogp as less idiots there , less crowds , you can get a seat anywhere you like and can ride your bikie anywhere around the outside of the circuit
Thanks! It's the same story here...except WSBK is 10 hours drive and GP is 2 hours drive.
Quote from: J5 on October 02, 2011, 09:21:31 PM
unless you are wanting a grandstand seat then just buy tickets at the gate for general admission
no chevy , ford and holden ;)
Thanks!
[/quote]
Good choice Supers over GP, personally I prefer the Supers they just seem to be more fun.
Dont forget accomadation, usually we get a group of mates and rent a house for four or five days in Cowes
Or if you are really adventurous you can camp at the track, but dont expect to get much sleep.
Hope to see you then.
Mmick
As Mmick said first thing would be to find accomm in the area.
We did a group house a few years back which was great, Goldfish might still have the details.
Buy a Bar SBK ticket it will give you access to 3-4 of the best vantage points around the track for about $220 for three days.
Give yourself a week to ride/stay for the races, usually 3 days down taking in the best of the roads in the NSW/VIC high country, then 2 days to dart back, unless you just burn up the freeway to come back to Sydney in which it can be done in a single long day.
So how long are you guys coming on the cultural exchange?
Be good to see you down here.
Cheers
Matty...
Hey Joe,
The supers at PI are awesome. If you're making the trip, then we should organise to do it again! Why don't you fly into Syd, and then ride down with us!!!
If you want to stay where the action is, stay at Cowes on the island... We stayed at our own little shack about 10 mins away from the track and made our own fun...
You really need a bike to visit wsk at PI.. Like matty said, barsbk tix gets you into the primo vantage stops, other than that, you are free to ride around the track perimeter- don't like curent vantage, get on your bike and ride to another!
Hmmmmm
A 2012 WSBK trip, last one I did was on the 620. A run down on the S4Rs [thumbsup]
I rode down last year from sydney. I will most likely be going again.
I loved it, it is an awesomw week or so.
Quote from: mattyvas on October 03, 2011, 02:32:10 AM
A run down on the S4Rs [thumbsup]
Surely there's something that may be more comfortable for a long highway journey in your stable... with panniers and all that guff.
Quote from: Wells on October 03, 2011, 04:43:14 AM
Surely there's something that may be more comfortable for a long highway journey in your stable... with panniers and all that guff.
But not as much fun over Granya!
Thanks guys. I'm a little hesitant to ride down, as I may only have a week or 10 days in Aus...we don't get nearly as much leave as you do. Besides: if I ride, I might run into a bunch of hooligans on the way down:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3385897008_07ac0656de_t.jpg)
Quote from: Wells on October 03, 2011, 04:43:14 AM
Surely there's something that may be more comfortable for a long highway journey in your stable... with panniers and all that guff.
Whatever are you talking'bout, no such thing(s) have made their way into my garage (cause I don't have one)
But if it did it would have knobbies and an eye on the dirt more than the tar. ;D
Hey Joe,
It's better then going to the GP IMHO. Weather is much better for riding through the hills and riding your bike into the area around the circuit is great too.
Normally it's a 2 or 3 day trip down to enjoy the twisites, a couple of days down there and then a day to ride back. Not sure how much time you would have, but 5 days(Thurs to Mon) is easily doable.
As for hooligans in the vicinity......what can I say... there's a shitload of them round here [thumbsup]
Quote from: mostro900 on October 05, 2011, 02:17:03 AM
Hey Joe,
It's better then going to the GP IMHO. Weather is much better for riding through the hills and riding your bike into the area around the circuit is great too.
Normally it's a 2 or 3 day trip down to enjoy the twisites, a couple of days down there and then a day to ride back. Not sure how much time you would have, but 5 days(Thurs to Mon) is easily doable.
As for hooligans in the vicinity......what can I say... there's a shitload of them round here [thumbsup]
Thanks mate. We'll likely be there in late Feb (October is a non-starter), and we won't have time for a leisurely ride down to PI so I may have to fly to Melbourne for a day or two to enjoy WSBK.
Quote from: desmoquattro on October 05, 2011, 07:32:07 AM
Thanks mate. We'll likely be there in late Feb (October is a non-starter), and we won't have time for a leisurely ride down to PI so I may have to fly to Melbourne for a day or two to enjoy WSBK.
Yeah, fair enough, it is a time consuming ride. Maybe one of our Melbourne brethren can help with sorting out a bike for those couple of days. Some of us from Sydney could even ride down and meet up with you too...
Quote from: mostro900 on October 05, 2011, 06:37:03 PM
Yeah, fair enough, it is a time consuming ride. Maybe one of our Melbourne brethren can help with sorting out a bike for those couple of days. Some of us from Sydney could even ride down and meet up with you too...
We'll figure it out [thumbsup]
My biggest obstacle right now is the fact that the WSBK 2012 schedule is still "provisional"...I wonder when they firm the dates up? Would hate to book it only to have the race move.
Quote from: desmoquattro on October 05, 2011, 07:32:07 AM
Thanks mate. We'll likely be there in late Feb (October is a non-starter), and we won't have time for a leisurely ride down to PI so I may have to fly to Melbourne for a day or two to enjoy WSBK.
BOLLOCKS!!
Two days tops, and thats the scenic route, probably have a bike for you to ride down and back too!
Last time you where down here you never had an opportunity to ride on some of our roads, so are you going to miss out again?
After all its about the ride not the destination.
Mmick
BOLLOCKS! Last time I was down, not only did I get to ride both Bells Line and the Nasho (the latter with you), I got to putter Big's Spada arund town in me off hours. Funny...I thought it was Goldfish who lost his memory that day...the short pillion ride on the VFR too painful to recall mate? ;D
Really appreciate the offer of the bike mate! And I've got one for you to ride should you ever make it stateside!
That said, the wife will be with, so I'm toying with the idea of letting her fly down while I ride! But 2 days is tops. So save the white goods jokes when the Mrs is around ;D
BTW, no sooner do I whinge about the provisional schedule than my Google News alert pops this up:
http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewsArchives/2011/October/SBK_Tickets.htm (http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewsArchives/2011/October/SBK_Tickets.htm)
If they're selling tix already it can't be very provisional anymore can it?
Pffft.....
You only scratched the surface, we can manage 600 kays a day easily, take you up through the Snowy Mountains and again on the way back, it will be fun, c'mon we all have a larff ;D [evil]
Mmick
Quote from: monstermick58 on October 05, 2011, 09:38:26 PM
Pffft.....
You only scratched the surface, we can manage 600 kays a day easily, take you up through the Snowy Mountains and again on the way back, it will be fun, c'mon we all have a larff ;D [evil]
Definitely keeping it in mind!
You know you want to Joe......
Shit, just did an 800km day this week, 600 no problem!
Quote from: goldFiSh on October 07, 2011, 02:42:28 PM
You know you want to Joe......
Shit, just did an 800km day this week, 600 no problem!
It's not the distance...it's the time. We'll likely get 12-13 total days in Aus. The wife's not going to sit pillion for 4 of those days, or tolerate being alone in a foreign land for that time ;D
Yeah. I know, just looking for a way for you to sample some of the best roads we have.
Quote from: goldFiSh on October 07, 2011, 05:07:09 PM
Yeah. I know, just looking for a way for you to sample some of the best roads we have.
Wow Goldy...do we...?
Where are they then mate...........? ;D
Quote from: Brian W on October 07, 2011, 07:47:15 PM
Wow Goldy...do we...?
Where are they then mate...........? ;D
Don't mind him, he forgets lots of things, dontcha Teff??
Mmick
Well, this crazy idea just turned into a reality: flight to SYD is Booked! The Mrs and I arrive 19 Feb! We'll be making a more detailed plan soon! Really looking forward to seeing you guys again!
Cool be great to meet you guys
I suppose I better organise some time off work then [thumbsup]
Mmick
Quote from: monstermick58 on October 10, 2011, 02:57:50 AM
I suppose I better organise some time off work then [thumbsup]
The Mrs and I will be figuring out how we get to Phillip Island at the end of the week (I'm in DC for work), but the overall dates are booked!
Hey Joe and Anne, so looking forward to you guys coming down here in Oz.
Feels like so long ago that I was in SF for our holiday and visit with the MOB.
I'm sure there'll be time for a ride while you're here, and this one might just get completed!
You might actually get to see Mac Pass this time round. [thumbsup]
Quote from: desmoquattro on October 10, 2011, 05:16:26 AM
The Mrs and I will be figuring out how we get to Phillip Island at the end of the week (I'm in DC for work), but the overall dates are booked!
Like I said you can use my ST4 for the duration of your stay. When you are ready PM me your email addy and I'll flick you a couple of pics of 'Bumblebee'.
Mmick
Quote from: monstermick58 on October 10, 2011, 04:10:15 PM
Like I said you can use my ST4 for the duration of your stay. When you are ready PM me your email addy and I'll flick you a couple of pics of 'Bumblebee'.
Mmick
Thanks Mate!
You named it Bumblebee? That's awesome ;D
PM Sent!
Cool Joe and Anne will have Bumblebee.
There will be rides planed, as many as can be fitted into the duration of the stay.
[Dolph] [thumbsup]
Quote from: desmoquattro on October 10, 2011, 04:19:59 PM
Thanks Mate!
You named it Bumblebee? That's awesome ;D
PM Sent!
If I remember rightly, I think GoldFish named it, but I might be wrong, but then again I might be right.
Mmick
Black st4 with yellow panniers, first sighted on a trip to Philip island. It might have been inspired by yours Joe!
Btw Mmick, I recall you with your better half on the back, riding the bloody wheels of the thing, as per usual!
Yep Goldie, the missus hated the back seat on the Monster, although I must admit she wasnt too impressed when I decided to do the run back home from Melbourne in one go with only stops for fuel on the ST4.
Mmick
WSBK tix purchased! We'll be hitting the races Sunday only, likely flying down.
So lets see if I got this right.
You are coming to Sydney for a few days, flying down to do the races on sunday, flying back to Sydney and then flying home???
Mmick
Quote from: monstermick58 on October 18, 2011, 02:44:31 AM
So lets see if I got this right.
You are coming to Sydney for a few days, flying down to do the races on sunday, flying back to Sydney and then flying home???
Mmick
Almost...
Flying down for a week, hitting PI for two nights, flying back for almost a week, then flying home. A day and a half in Melbourne.
Excellent, looking forward to seeing you here in Oz in 2012
There will be riding!
Ok sounds good, the bike is still good to go for you, when the day gets closer we can work out a schedule.
Mmick
Quote from: mattyvas on October 18, 2011, 04:21:49 PM
Excellent, looking forward to seeing you here in Oz in 2012
There will be riding!
Indeed!
Quote from: monstermick58 on October 19, 2011, 03:49:27 AM
Ok sounds good, the bike is still good to go for you, when the day gets closer we can work out a schedule.
Many thanks mate!
Quote from: mattyvas on October 18, 2011, 04:21:49 PM
Excellent, looking forward to seeing you here in Oz in 2012
There will be riding!
Thanks! Anne and I are incredibly excited about seeing everyone!
So who wants to ride down there next year? We should start planning soon.
... and for those that re interested the NDCR (National Ducati Clubs Rally) is being held the following weekend - March 2nd to 4th in Jindabyne (hosted by the Canberra mob).
So ... an international guest, WSBK & the NDCR - perhaps it could all be linked together with the innaugural OMADA ... for a couple of weeks of fun and frivolity.
Just an idea.
Nice idea, but no way I'm getting a couple of weeks to play on bikes without family commitments.....
Quote from: goldFiSh on November 14, 2011, 04:54:29 AM
Nice idea, but no way I'm getting a couple of weeks to play on bikes without family commitments.....
Phew, that was lucky. Getting the time off work was going to be problematic.
Quote from: Betty on November 14, 2011, 09:58:50 AM
Phew, that was lucky. Getting the time off work was going to be problematic.
that too!!!!
T-Minus three weeks...the Mrs. and I are super excited to see everyone!
Looking forward to seeing you guys down here. [thumbsup]
Ok, BumbleBee is having an oil/filter change, and if I get time put another set of front brake rotors on (front started vibrating badly under brakes on my trip south) a wash (from said trip) and then a full tank of fuel and bike will be delivered.
Mmick
Quote from: monstermick58 on January 30, 2012, 12:58:24 AM
Ok, BumbleBee is having an oil/filter change, and if I get time put another set of front brake rotors on (front started vibrating badly under brakes on my trip south) a wash (from said trip) and then a full tank of fuel and bike will be delivered.
Mmick
Thanks mate! Need/like anything from the states that will fit in my checked luggage?
BTW - At some point on this trip we *will* be doing this:
http://www.easterncreekkarts.com.au/arrive-and-drive.php (http://www.easterncreekkarts.com.au/arrive-and-drive.php)
Anyone up for an arvo of karting?
Yep certainly. ;D
So is there an itinerary?
So can we have a hands up for who is definitiely going to PI for WSBK weekend, especially Sunday?
I'm a def for the Sunday, there's a whole gang of us going down from Mornington, although I'm the only one with a decent bike because the rest are riding bikes of Asian decent [roll]
Once we know who and how many, maybe we can organise a meeting spot/corner for the Duc's to mingle and clatter. I usually park on Doohan (1st corner) until I get tired of neck whip then I go to Corner 10 or 11 just past Lukey Heights, its also a little less crowded there.
unfortunately I wont be making it this year, but speaking of good vantage points, I always liked to hang @ MG - it amazes me watching them come over the hill, hard on the brakes into MG, roll it on, short shift up the box to get the power down through the final turns onto the straight....
Damn, I'm missing the WSBK already!
Sorry, I too will be missing at the Island :'(
Mmick
Quote from: Sundog on February 14, 2012, 07:58:30 PM
So can we have a hands up for who is definitiely going to PI for WSBK weekend, especially Sunday?
I'm a def for the Sunday, there's a whole gang of us going down from Mornington, although I'm the only one with a decent bike because the rest are riding bikes of Asian decent [roll]
Once we know who and how many, maybe we can organise a meeting spot/corner for the Duc's to mingle and clatter. I usually park on Doohan (1st corner) until I get tired of neck whip then I go to Corner 10 or 11 just past Lukey Heights, its also a little less crowded there.
IN! The wife and I fly into MEL on Saturday, then rent a car and make our way to the Island. We're staying just outside of Cowes, hitting the races Sunday, then staying in MEL Sunday night. We'd definitely be up for a beer.
Have a great time everyone.
I'll be working over the weekend, but if you are in town on Monday I'm up for a beer.
Couple of vids from the Nasho:
Bald Hill to Royal National Park - Ducati ST4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suXX3xaiATo&list=UU3Ub6ViTukXoKNeCOT1wSEA&index=1&feature=plcp#)
Ducati ST4 - Royal National Park to Bald Hill (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO-di2Xw1es&feature=related#)
In Cowes now. Who's here? Mobile is 0401 193 558
How's the weather down there Joe?
Mmick (Surely someone will pipe up)
Hot! 37 at 19:28 in Cowes
Wow, 37! There you have it, weather is insanely variable at the island. That an an awesome flowing and fast track make for awesome racing... Hope checa gets up!
RIP to the young QLD rider Oscar McIntyre who died there today in a support race.
Quote from: Twizted on February 25, 2012, 02:55:15 AM
RIP to the young QLD rider Oscar McIntyre who died there today in a support race.
Yes, condolences to all Family and friends!! :(
Sad to hear of another death in motorcycle racing, especially at such a young age. :'(
Nice video Desmo, I assume you are using a GoPro using one of those sticky mounts on the ST4 fairing. I've given up using those mounts as they vibrate and make the noise you can hear in your video. OK if you just want the video but the sound is always an important part of riding a Ducati.
Quote from: techno on February 25, 2012, 04:30:27 PM
Sad to hear of another death in motorcycle racing, especially at such a young age. :'(
Nice video Desmo, I assume you are using a GoPro using one of those sticky mounts on the ST4 fairing. I've given up using those mounts as they vibrate and make the noise you can hear in your video. OK if you just want the video but the sound is always an important part of riding a Ducati.
It's a ReplayXD, and you can fiddle with the gain and stabilization to deal with the noise.
Quote from: desmoquattro on February 25, 2012, 10:04:55 PM
It's a ReplayXD, and you can fiddle with the gain and stabilization to deal with the noise.
Ahh. My bad, sorry.
Had to google what a Replay XD was.
Quote from: goldFiSh on February 25, 2012, 02:38:59 AM
Wow, 37! There you have it, weather is insanely variable at the island. That an an awesome flowing and fast track make for awesome racing... Hope checa gets up!
Well, I was there and Checa did indeed get up, and up and up and over and over, then straight into the kitty litter. Luckily not hurt badly but it was a spectacular prang. If you've ever seen Mad Max 2, in the final chase seen where the stunt guy was hurt in the bike accident where he flies A over T like a cartwheel except, well that was Checa on Sunday. Amazing that he just jumped up and walked off and made the 2nd race.
As for the rest of the WSBK, I cut my weekend short, there was no way I was camping out and sitting in a paddock with 37C on my back. So I went down on the Sunday at 0830 to avoid the heat and get a good spot. PI is only about an hours ride from my place so not a problem time-wise, just a boring ride really. The cops weren't too bad on the way down, we got painted by a laser after pausing at some lights then got the passing "hard-stare" because we were doing 85 or something like that not worth pulling us over in an 80 zone. Further on there was a candy car that had pulled over a very dismayed looking P-plater, he had such a sad panda face I really felt for him as I kicked up a gear and went back to breaking the speed limit like everyone else. Later there was a HD rider, a "lawyers on hogs" special with all the bling and the rider in his pristine white HD T-Shirt remonstrating with the copper and watching us all go by waving at him, just to be friendly of course [clap] Got to the track around 0945 after a fuel stop to find the tickets were $90 per person, $90!! And they've roped off a lot of areas from bike parking now, so you had to walk more if you were around Gardner or Turn 1 and 2. It's quite telling that they are driving the $ harder, there were more advertising hoarding in bad spots for spectator viewing, the bike parking spots are getting pushed further out or to the other side of the track and the admittance which I think is $20 more than last year, for no added value that I could see.
By midday it was 35C and the sun had some real bite, so I Factor 50'd up and I must have drunk 3-4 litres of water but never had to visit the loo once. I met Joe and his wife after some calls, we walked around the track a bit and went to the sheds to see the vendors, strangely enough no Duc stand, bit of a shame really because even Moto Guzzi had one. The Bimota Tesi 3D with its front SA setup was there http://www.fxpowersports.com.au/products.php?id=92#.T0q1VXn4I6g (http://www.fxpowersports.com.au/products.php?id=92#.T0q1VXn4I6g), a strange looking beast yet quite horny in a high-tech way, wonder if it'll catch on. Benelli with their extremely blinged-up gold "Cafe Racer" http://www.benelli.co.uk/_bikes/tnt_cafe_racer/tnt_cafe_racer.php (http://www.benelli.co.uk/_bikes/tnt_cafe_racer/tnt_cafe_racer.php) which someone in their marketing department didn't research the meaning of I think. I managed to score a Pit pass so said Bye to my two new American friends and went to see the sheds, getting back just in time for the first race of the championship. Until Checa came off, he and Biaggi were having a real duel, it was great. But Carlos decided to inspect the gravel close up and after that Max just showed what a competitor he was, pulling away for almost the distance from Turn 11 right around to the start of the pit building on the straight. He was so much more aggresive than the others, he was constantly getting a little wheelie coming thru 10 and 11 he was belting it so much, the others just looked sedate, well as much as you can 200kmh+ :)
I couldn't stand the heat any more and couldn't stay for the 2nd race which I later found out was a doozy with Biaggi going wide on Turn 1 then fighting back through the pack to get back to 2nd, so rode home about 3pm. We'd been noticing a growing police presence since 1pm, with marked bikes, patrols and vans cruising around the track and sure enough, outside the track were more cops, highway patrol cars, divi vans then I'd seen since Clint Eastwood in the shooting scene "The Gauntlet", it was crazy. They were setting up for god nows what, maybe spot checks, booze, dunno but I was glad I was out of there before it started. So keeping the revs as low and gear as high as possible so the Termi's didn't bark I left PI into a forceful north wind that was pushing me all over the place and the temp was still 35C. Home an hour or so later, leathers felt like lead, helmet was sopping wet (I'll need to scrub all the sunscreen off the inner lining now) and straight into a cool shower. It was an interesting Sunday but I doubt I'll do it again at those temps and at $90 I'd have to think a bit more if it's worth it, given the obvious starts of a movement away from a "bike-friendly" atmosphere.
Quote from: Sundog on February 26, 2012, 02:45:38 PM
By midday it was 35C and the sun had some real bite, so I Factor 50'd up and I must have drunk 3-4 litres of water but never had to visit the loo once. I met Joe and his wife after some calls, we walked around the track a bit and went to the sheds to see the vendors, strangely enough no Duc stand, bit of a shame really because even Moto Guzzi had one. The Bimota Tesi 3D with its front SA setup was there http://www.fxpowersports.com.au/products.php?id=92#.T0q1VXn4I6g (http://www.fxpowersports.com.au/products.php?id=92#.T0q1VXn4I6g), a strange looking beast yet quite horny in a high-tech way, wonder if it'll catch on. Benelli with their extremely blinged-up gold "Cafe Racer" http://www.benelli.co.uk/_bikes/tnt_cafe_racer/tnt_cafe_racer.php (http://www.benelli.co.uk/_bikes/tnt_cafe_racer/tnt_cafe_racer.php) which someone in their marketing department didn't research the meaning of I think. I managed to score a Pit pass so said Bye to my two new American friends and went to see the sheds, getting back just in time for the first race of the championship. Until Checa came off, he and Biaggi were having a real duel, it was great. But Carlos decided to inspect the gravel close up and after that Max just showed what a competitor he was, pulling away for almost the distance from Turn 11 right around to the start of the pit building on the straight. He was so much more aggresive than the others, he was constantly getting a little wheelie coming thru 10 and 11 he was belting it so much, the others just looked sedate, well as much as you can 200kmh+ :)
Good to meet ya! Definitely a hot one, as well. We bailed out before the second race too: I had too much sun and we wanted to get the jump on the drive to Melbourne.
BTW - monstermick58 would've loved this piece of machinery on display at the island:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_(helicopter) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_(helicopter))
(http://www.wildlandfire.com/pics/heli7/elvis733.jpg)
Quote from: desmoquattro on February 26, 2012, 04:33:05 PM
BTW - monstermick58 would've loved this piece of machinery on display at the island:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_(helicopter) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_(helicopter))
(http://www.wildlandfire.com/pics/heli7/elvis733.jpg)
Ohh! Yesssssss! [drool] [drool] [drool] [drool] [drool] [drool] [drool] [drool] [drool]
Mmick