Another update so soon? How DOES he do it. Shouldn't he be riding instead of writing? :=) Picked up the bike, packed and repacked it several times and hit the road. Movin North looking for WARM weather!I made my way to Castlemaine about 75 miles Northeast of Melbourne via a very nice and fast train. Norbert, from the motorcycle rental company met me at the station. I swear I saw him try to sneak away unnoticed when he saw the two big “Dry Bags” and the even bigger suitcase that I had, but I didn’t let him get away. While I did the paperwork, Norbert installed the Corbin seat I brought along (my bony butt will NOT accept those regular dirt bike seats) and then installed the two wiring harnesses (one for the GPS and one for the heated clothing/compressor). Now it was my turn at trying to pack all my stuff. Finally got it all tied down and went to a very nice B & B that was included in the rental.

The name of the place seemed quite appropriate. The bike doesn’t really look overloaded does it?

Got up in the morning to a steady rain. Went back to bed! :=) A couple of hours later after several cups of coffee and breakfast it had stopped, so “The Ride” officially began. Getting used to riding on the “other” side of the road took a bit of doing BUT a HUGE road train grill coming straight at you is a reminder NOT soon forgotten! :=)

Decided to head north and bypass Sydney looking for some warmer weather. I can visit there when I come back in the summer (sounds like a long time huh?). So far I have traveled some very nice roads (with a "few" curves)

and some interesting signs that we rarely see in the states! :=)

Lots of nice little towns with VERY unusual names. Riding down the road enjoying the scenery when I saw this.

Had to go have a look. Found Parks Observatory. Interesting.

Sign in parking lot in capital letters said to turn off motor quickly and ALL electronic equipment. Off went the engine, the GPS, and the locator beacon. I did a little tour and when I came back to the bike both the GPS and the locator beacon were ON. I KNOW they were TALKING to the Dish!!!!:=)

A couple of more days should put me in Byron Bay (the Eastern most point in Australia) and Brisbane. Right now I am holed up in a very nice motel with free wi fi, and breakfast in the town of Coonabarabran waiting out a heavy rain, which normally wouldn’t pose a problem except the temperature is 45 DEGREES and since I am in NO hurry! :=)
More pictures here if interested. http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4659871_pddif/1/364726301_wtRJd
Rick