the fat hippy

Cadbury Creme Eggs

2011-02-17T15:32:00.000+11:00

Don't get me wrong, I like all sorts of Easter eggs. I'll even tolerate chocolate rabbits or bilbies, despite their distinct lack of egg shape. I love my Darrel Lea nougat eggs even though they're too flat on one side, as though the egg has been dropped. These eggs also make an appearance as Christmas puddings (surely not recycled with a layer of icing over an Easter egg), and are never, ever, refused by me.

But the Cadbury Creme Egg is top of the heap as far as I'm concerned. I won't admit to how many I ate in my recent holidays - suffice to say I definitely didn't lose weight. Perhaps they should be called obesity bombs, instead. But I don't care. Put one in front of me, and I'll eat it. I look forward to Easter all year, simply because I know Creme eggs will be on sale again.

To me, eating a Creme is an art, possibly a ritual, or, to be honest, an erotic experience. I remember describing enjoying a Creme egg to a friend once - her comment was "you make it sound erotic". She certainly had me pegged. There's the added benefit of being able to enjoy the experience in public, in private, with friends, or alone.

First, pick the one that hasn't leaked (and how disappointing is it to get you egg home to discover it's leaked, the wrapper is stuck to the chocolate, and the cremey goodness, just isn't "right"?), and carefully peel the wrapper, inhaling the escaping aromas as you do. Then, use your teeth to nibble off a thin layer of chocolate (from the skinny end) and start licking the chocolate until it melts in your mouth. Hold the egg by the base and spin the softened end between your lips and tongue - your lips, mouth and tongue will quickly become coated in sticky, sweet, perfection.

Eventually, and with a bit of teasing and encouraging nibbling, the chocolate will melt enough that the creme is released. Now the real fun begins. My tongue, already in ecstasy from the chocolate overdose, is further aroused, darting in and out of the creme, returning to the egg's rim for a bit of a lick. Not too fast, not too slow, but smooth and sweet. As I slowly devour the egg, the base gets softer, my fingers stickier and messier. Seeking that final release, my tongue delves deeper into the creme, lapping, lapping, teasing at the eggshell, until it's done, the creme absorbed, the shell melted in my mouth. Now I can just run my tongue around my mouth and reminisce. Bliss.

Oh my.

For some reason, as I lick my fingers, I feel like a smoke.

They're back!

2010-10-24T17:47:00.000+11:00

and they can hurt you from here...

At last, after too long in the wilderness, HG and Roy were back doing what they do best, calling the football. Since leaving Triple J for Triple M (boo), the airwaves have been free of the best commentary team ever. Some sort of contractual problems related to who has the rights to footie, or something.

Anyway, they're back (still at Triple M), and as brilliant as ever. Whoever controls football broadcasting in this country needs to ensure that HG and Roy are always able to call the big games (all codes). The game just isn't as good without their parochial, one eyed (yet fickle), referee abusing, telling it like it is call.

Watmough is a clown! "bloke can't help it, I s'pose"

"You know there's something wrong with the Kangaroos when Gallen is the playmaker"

"Cheating Kangaroos"

"Let's go Kumuls"

helicopters

2010-10-11T13:37:00.001+11:00

Helicopters fly way too low through the Blue Mountains. Every weekend we are treated to the joys of a steady stream of choppers flying low overhead. It's not search and rescue, it's all of them. I suspect it's because they can't navigate without being able to read our letterbox numbers.

Tossers.

Anyway, one flew a bit too low yesterday. Fortunately they weren't over houses at the time. Fortunately for them the passengers and pilot walked away. Maybe they fly so low that when they crash there's not much of a bang?

They still managed to crash on the Oaks fire trail, so I guess it was lucky that the weather has been sucky, or there'd have been more mtb riders enjoying a pleasant morning ride through the bush all along the trail.

Rather than flying low over my house next time, how about you fly a bit further south (or north), and stay the hell away from our backyards? You'll still be able to keep suburbia in sight, and you'll be able to fly low enough that crashes won't hurt. We all win.

Tossers.

Who am I?

2010-10-11T13:30:00.000+11:00

I think I might have to set up a new blog, in a new assumed name. Not that there's anything wrong with this assumed name, it's just that quite a few people know me, so I can't vent or perhaps be as honest as I'd like.

There are things I'd like to say, views I'd like to express that might just single me out for attack. Probably not physical, but I still need to go to work, and lots of people there know me as thefathippy as well.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not about to get all Fox News right wing loony, but there are things I'd like to say that I can't. If I'm identifiable, people I write about may also be identifiable or deduceable, and my writings may inadvertently (or advertently) embarrass or humiliate them. I don't want to do that. I'm not the bloke that does that.

But I need to let out some of the crap. It's bottled up inside at the moment, and there, it isn't doing me or anyone else any good. At least an unidentifiable rant does me some good, if only by reducing the pressure between my ears. I might even be nicer to be around.

Tony F
ps: my 10000 steps is going OK, some weight lost, some minor belt tightening required, no need for fatter pants. Too bad it's been so wet since the start of daylight savings time, I fear my efforts will once again be undone by rain, sloth and overeating.

10,000 Steps

2010-08-30T09:34:00.002+10:00

Once again work is participating in a 10,000 steps challenge. We're walking (or doing equivalent other activities) our way from Werrington to Wee Waa. The aim is to complete the challenge by averaging 10,000 steps per day, per team member. My team is hovering on the edges of the top ten after a good weekend, but I expect we'll fall back slowly through the week. Weekends are when we do well - hopping on our bikes, going shopping, cleaning house, and chasing after kids.

The key isn't to win. Sure, winning would be nice, but the important objective is to get ourselves moving, so that we regularly do 10,000 steps per day. If you're doing ~10,000 steps a day, you're considered to have an active lifestyle - 5,000 is considered sedentary. 12,500 is considered highly active. I can't speak for the other participants, but I have found that if I don't go for a lunchtime walk (3,500 - 4,500 steps), my steps don't get above sedentary. In fact, they barely move off "pushing up daisies". Even with my lunchtime walk I have do other activities to get above the 10,000 target. No wonder my pants have been getting tight again!

A (my) typical office lifestyle is hopeless for fitness - the longest walk I take is to go to the loo - all of of 168 steps as a round trip. So I get fatter, get depressed, do less and eat more because I'm unhappy, get fatter [repeat until new pants required].

The challenge helps me get motivated, and gives me a goal to achieve, and team mates who I don't want to disappoint. As a big plus, I lose a little weight, get happier, eat a little less, exercise more, lose weight [repeat until I think I can relax, get fatter, get depressed, buy new pants].

Hopefully this time I won't stop at the "well, I've lost a little weight" stage!

The scales shock I received on the weekend might help - I thought it was safe to get on the scales again because I could see that I'd lost a little weight. Instead, I was horrified! I really don't want to know what I was weighing a month ago. You'll be able to tell if I succeed, because I'll update. If I fail... we'll never talk about this again.

Elections 2010

2010-08-12T11:04:00.000+10:00

National Broadband Network - we need one

...and I don't mean something with a minimum of 12 mbps, "but probably more, as long as it's a low use time of day". I mean something modern, something that will work, something that promises speeds of 100 mbps to all users, regardless of the time of day. OK, speeds will probably be slightly less, but you can bet they will still be much better than the cheap solution, for far more people.

For all the faults that the Labor goverment has displayed, this is one thing they've done that's good. Really, really good. Sure it's not cheap, but it provides a solid communications framework *nationwide*. I believe the Liberal Party's promise to can the NBN is short sighted in the extreme, and it's very disappointing that they see stopping the project as a priority. I can't vote for anybody that would do that.

Then again, I can't vote for anybody that promises to introduce a mandatory censorship program under the cry of "won't somebody think of the children" (as long as it's not parents taking responsibility). Censorship of this nature is the start of a long, slippery slope, and could easily lead to restrictions on the free flow of information similar to those in the most abhorrent regimes. Sure, this government's intentions may be good, and the intentions of the next governement may be good, but future governments? Who knows? Not to mention that the proposed filter won't even achieve it's stated aim of preventing chilld pornography, and its proponents know this. The Liberals have promised to scrap the filter and reintroduce locally installed software such as Net Nanny - pushing some responsibility back to parents - and I agree with this policy.

If I vote for the Greens, I'll get a party that is against the filter and for the NBN, but they will never win my marginal seat, although they could hold the balance of power in the Senate - in my opinion, an improvement over the god-botherers in that position at the moment.

In the end, it appears that it's how I preference my vote that will count most towards the makeup of our next government, so you can be sure I'll vote below the line. I recommend that you do as well. That way, my preferences will go exactly where I send them, not as dictated by any party deals.

https://www.belowtheline.org.au/ shows how your vote will be preferenced if you vote above the line. You might be surprised where your preferences will go if you do. Check it out.

I'll now return you to your regular program...

falling to pieces

2010-04-19T23:15:00.000+10:00

Sprained my ankle on the weekend. Too painful to walk. Could barely manage the stairs at home.

Yeah, yeah, blah, blah, been there, done that, many times, usually falling over, or falling off my bike.

Apparently I have floppy joints. Not only does this delight mean that I AM technically limp wristed, it also means I'm quite flexible - just not in ways I should be. Most of the time it's no biggie. I can do some tricks with my thumbs, although the one that had a serious scaphoid break is no longer as flexible as the one with a minor scaphoid break. I can easily bend my toes to vertical. Paradoxically, my shoulders don't have a full range of movement.

But back to my ankle. like I said, normally I'll fall over, rolling or twisting my ankle on an uneven surface (because my joints allow excess movement). On Sunday, I was walking. OK, it was an uneven surface, but I didn't twist or roll my ankle at all. It felt wrong as soon as I put my foot down - it seemed like I was compressing my foot more than normal - no twisting - but it all worked. Until I put it down for the next step. WTF? Where did that pain come from?

Somehow, using my bike as a crutch, I managed to hobble up the rest of the hill and ride home. Riding hurt, but it wasn't as bad as walking.

Ice, rest, a tight ankle guard, and a day off, and it seems to be sort of OK. It still hurts, but I can walk, gingerly. There's no bruising or swelling, as I'd expect for a sprain. Just hurt.

I think this must be another of those cons of getting older.

Bugger.

Cons and pros of getting older

2010-04-02T10:27:00.000+11:00

I've been struggling a bit with getting older. My dad's brush with cancer has probably made me more aware of his, and therefore my, mortality, and it's not a pleasant thought. To me death is an end, not the start of eternal life, not 72 virgins waiting to minister to my every need, just an end. For me, THE end.

But it's not only that. It's the little things that mount up - my old man feet, which shuffle around in the morning until they warm up, and hurt much of the rest of the time. My hair falling out, and what's left going grey. Ever deepening wrinkles signalling that I'm no longer one of the young ones (who, Neil?). Various creaks and regular twinges. Nana naps, loss of strength, weight gain, eye worries, depression... sigh... it just goes on and on.

Still, it ain't all bad. The only alternative I know of is that unpalatable end I mentioned earlier, and I'm not ready to go there yet. I've travelled more since my kids have flown the coop. I'm financially stable, and own my house - termite ridden though it is. I own the best motorbike I've ever had, but I have lost some of my ability to ride it as it deserves.

Best of all? Attractive women. I'm not playing up or anything, but few straight men can honestly admit they don't admire the looks and form of an attractive woman. And here's the thing. When I was 18, I found girls of 16 to... maybe 22... attractive. Any younger was gaol bait, any older was too old. When I was 18, 40 year olds were as old as my parents - ancient, and not at all interesting.

Now I reckon anyone younger than mid 20s is just a little girl. Yes, pretty or even beautiful to look at, but attractive to me? Not any more. Nowadays, to be genuinely attractive to me (as opposed to worth a perv) women need to be in their 40s (possibly late 30s), but they could be as old as 60.

That's a 20 year span covering women I could genuinely be attracted to, with a range of another 15 years covering younger eye candy. 35 years! When I was 18, it was a mere six years. There are lot more women in the age ranges I find attractive now than there ever were when I was 18. What's more, straight beauty is no longer the key factor - sure it's there, but its importance has diminished. Yes, the best thing about growing old is that there are more attractive women to admire.

Of course, there's a key element we haven't touched upon - my attractiveness to this vast field of women. And we won't touch upon it, because I'll only get depressed again. Sigh.

Deja not you, too

2010-03-22T22:00:00.004+11:00

It's happened again. Well, not alien bugs. Not exactly.

This time it's a lizard man. I'll bet he has a death ray, too. But at least he seemed friendly. At first.

There I was, sitting on a sunny rockshelf off the Oaks firetrail when a lizard appeared. No surprise, I'd been sitting quietly long enough that he'd think I was no threat. Obviously no threat, as he started marching straight towards me. I suppose that if I had a death ray in my pocket, I'd march straight up to something several hundred times bigger than me and give him the finger, too.

Wait a minute, he's not giving me the finger, he's waving.

Hello if I'm lucky. Goodbye if he pulls out that death ray.

ATTACK!

Suddenly he was on me. A cold blooded killer. He leapt onto my leg and prepared to feast.

My life flashed before me. Actually, it wasn't a full life flash, just an incremental update since my last full flash. A bit boring really, once I was past the whole insect overlords thing. And wasn't that a fizzer? Just like Y2K and swine flu, loads of media attention, then [sounds of crickets]. Didn't even have a death ray.

But back to my imminent demise. Perhaps my leg needed plucking before eating, because lizard man jumped off, ran across to my other leg, and jumped onto my shoe. Where he sat, master of all he surveyed. Largely, me. Unlike the alien bug, he didn't appear to be trying to communicate. I could tell he wasn't a lizard of many words.

But he did grin. Altogether too much grinning for my tastes. I was getting the feeling that a after a bit more sun, I'd be warmed to perfection, and little lizard was going to call his mother. I might be big, but so was Gulliver, and he was brought down to earth by hordes of Lilliputians and their tiny death rays (I think that's how it went).

Finally he moved, only to climb onto my pack. Fascinated by the blinking LED on my camera, and possibly thinking it was a death ray, he decided on a probably suicidal course of attack, launching himself...

...some time later, I picked myself up. I had blanked out everything that had happened during that final attack. But I was still alive.

The lizard? Nowhere in sight. Just in case, I, for one, welcomed our new reptilian overlords.

Once again, it really happened, and this time, I have actual video footage of some of it. My death ray^W^W camera was still in one piece. Unfortunately, the suicide attack somehow turned off the camera, so there is no record, or memory of the aftermath.

This is probably for the best.

I'm fr-ea-ea-ea-kin' out!

2010-03-15T22:41:00.006+11:00

Ok, not any more, but I was.

So, there I was coming out of the pit. The pit's a sort of basement, which you get into from outside. I store old junk in it. Anyway, like I say, I was coming out of the pit, something I've done thousands of times, but this time, as I walked back, I stopped. A bug of some sort, something like a dragonfly, but not, had shot in front of me as I walked. And it stayed there. Hovering. Right in front of me.

Odd.

I stepped sideways so I wouldn't bump into it - hey, it might have had a sting, for all I knew. Anyway, I stepped sideways, and the bug moved sideways. Huh? I went the other way. The bug matched me. What? This is getting odder. I stepped back, the bug moved forward. I moved from side to side again, but the bug wasn't letting me past.

WTF?

Now it was close, and I swear it was gazing into my eyes. I'm getting seriously weirded out. Was it communicating with me? Why? I can't speak bug! Maybe it's got a death ray.

OK, I admit it, I cracked. I spoke to it. I didn't quite get to "...and I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords", but I was getting close. The bug didn't answer, which was fortunate, I think I would have collapsed in shock or run screaming into the bush, or possibly run screaming into shock.

Hang on. Oh no.

Maybe it was communicating telepathically and I've failed. I've failed, and humanity is doomed. What have I done? WHAT HAVE I DONE?

The bug just hovered in front of me. Testing me. I could tell.

Do I make a run for it? It *might* have a sting. Or a death ray. I didn't think so, but what do I know about alien insect invaders? Death rays. Killer death rays.

It hovered. Then it attacked. Straight into my chest. So rapidly I didn't see it. I didn't have time to squeal like a little girl.

Aaiiee! Aaiiee!

Maybe I squealed a bit. Killer death rays, remember. The bug hit so hard, it just bounced right off. No sting. I was still alive. So was the bug. It came in again, still fast, but slower this time. Had it learned from it's earlier mistake? Was it aiming the death ray?

Aaaarrrggghhh!

It's on me! I could finally move, and scrabbled it off me, waving my arms frantically until, finally, it disappeared.

But what did it mean? Why had I been chosen? It was real.

I'm fr-ea-ea-ea-ea-kin' out!

My theory? Something to do with the bright red, yellow and white AMCN logo on my black t-shirt. That's what it hit. I hope it was the logo. Otherwise...

...and I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords.

Ducati update

2010-02-24T23:30:00.002+11:00

Here's a bonus Wednesday post - enjoy it - they won't happen that often. I mean Wednesday's will keep happening, but not posts. Well, they will, but not necessarily on a Wednesday, and probably not twice in one day - I'm too old for that.

Now that that confusing wibble is out of the way, what about that Ducati?

More than 12000 km have now passed under its wheels, and there have been very few I haven't enjoyed, from commuting to enjoying some bumpy back roads.

Since my last update, I've had no problems. none that could be attributed to the bike, anyway. Unfortunately, I'm now sporting radiator and oil cooler guards. I say unfortunately because I fitted them after I replaced the radiator at great expense. Oh well.

The OEM tyres have gone and I've been very happy with the less sporty Metzeler Z6 Roadtec Interact (where do they get these names?) tyres I have now. Plenty of grip, and more confidence inspiring when conditions are cooler.

A couple of country day trips showed that the suspension is pretty well sorted, the tyres worked, and the bike is one sweet ride. My wrists didn't break, although they did whinge a bit, and I got sore thighs about the 400 km mark - it felt more like chafing than anything else. My weight is on my thighs on this bike, not my bum, as it would be on a more upright bike. My shoulders and neck were sore the first day, but OK the next - I think it was just a matter of getting used to it after spending a lot of time on the upright GPX.

Did I mention my son bought a CBR600R and I scored his old learner bike? It's a bit of a dunger these days, but great for commuting, small, easy to ride, and good on fuel (25 km/l). Helps keep the Ducati's mileage down as well, and to be frank, it's a better commuter (surprise, surprise), even if it's not as much fun.

The 848 just sticks to the road, goes and stops beautifully, and I don't have any regrets about not getting the 1098 or Monster 1100.

Best bike I've ever owned? Ooh, that's a toughie - I did love my LeMans MkII, but the Ducati is better in every respect - as it should be, being nearly 30 years younger. The Falco was good, but the Ducati is better, and it's the best Ducati I've ever owned - maybe not as much character as a bevel, but much more reliable. It's even better looking than than that intermittent 750SS.

Yep, I think it is. Check back with me in another year.

Don't you hate that?

2010-02-24T22:31:00.007+11:00

There I was, when I had a brilliant idea for my blog. Words were building themselves into poetry in my head, exciting passions, provoking deep thoughts, and just waiting to pour down the intertubes to your computer. Well, you know how if you walk with an over full cuppa you usually spill some? I must have slipped over as well, because the words have spilled out.

I can see some of the words laying on the floor, and occasionally I can make them into tantalising fragments of what might have been. It's depressing, very depressing. I'm sure it was a brilliant idea, and you'd have loved reading it.

Oh well, maybe another day.

Bah humbug

2009-12-24T12:52:00.005+11:00

Yup, it's that time of year again. So why am I humbugging?

The commercial crassness of it.

I'm not going to lie, I enjoy spending my money as much as the next bloke. Not much use having it if you don't spend it - as they say, you can't take it with you. But Christmas seems to be more about spending than anything else these days, and spending LOTS!

Various religions arguing about it.

Christians celebrate Christmas, and other religions celebrate with a gathering of friends and gift giving, but at different times. Then each mob argues that the other mob's interpretation is wrong. Who cares?

Endless atheists vs religion articles in the media.

Haven't they done these to death already?

Being called a hypocrite if you take the break and enjoy the celebrations and you aren't a god botherer.

OK, a bit of disclosure. I'm not a god botherer, but I do celebrate Christmas. I celebrate the opportunity to see family and friends that you haven't caught up with for some time, and enjoy a few beers (or twenty) and a good meal (or twenty). I think this is a good thing. I think humans need these periods of mass relaxation to remind us who we are - that we're not not just worker bee consumers.

The true meaning of Christmas

Which true meaning do you subscribe to? There are quite a few to choose from. Christian, Pagan, etc.

Double demerits

I don't believe they work. And I think that the frustration caused by someone travelling well under the limits "just in case" ends up causing more accidents than double points prevented.

Peace and goodwill. For some.

Unless we're bombing/invading/being rude to them because they have a different religion to the local one. Sigh.

Who am I kidding?

But really, I love Christmas. People are generally friendlier, despite crowded roads and shopping centres. I love the looks on the faces of children when they receive their gifts, and I love the way that real littlies can get more fun out of the box or wrapper. I love Christmas when it's so hot the tar melts, and you can poke holes in the bubbles with a stick to release the water trapped inside. I love it when it's so hot you can barely move. Sadly, this year looks like it will be wet. Oh well, maybe next year. ;^)

So to anyone who happens to pass by, I hope you have a really good Christmas and a great New Year. Eat too much, drink too much, fall over, whatever, but have fun. If you don't celebrate Christmas or the season, be sure to have fun anyway - whatever floats your boat.

See you next year.

Ho ho ho - Merry Christmas!

council clean up day

2009-08-24T12:34:00.003+10:00

Hard rubbish day, junk day, too big for the bin day, call it what you will, but it's the ultimate in reccycling.

All weekend I've been slowly carting old junk out the front. It really has been old junk - a broken bicycle frame - repair cost more than the frame. old hose that I've had sitting around unused, for years, cupboards and drawers, also unused, a broken motorcycle pannier that was cheap when new, and didn't include the frame. Various bits of metal, a suitcase, a heater, a cheap print in a cheap frame that I scored when it was being thrown out from the office way back in the 80s - or was it the 70s? I liked it, but it was falling apart, and hadn't been hung on wall for over 5 years.

I reckon I'll chuck out some more before the collection occurs, but the pile will be quite small when they do the pickup. How so?

Well, all weekend the roads have been busy, cars, utes, trailers, trucks, driving around and, well, we used to call it scabbing, but call it what you will, they're picking stuff up. Some of these people are locals, some are clearly professionals - few locals would pick up a trailer load of CRT TVs, unless they were in the business of repairing, restoring and selling.

At first I was a bit miffed. I put this stuff out to be collected, and these thieving b&^#$^$s are stealing it! Hah. Not really - most of what I put out, I hope will be re-used by someone who has the time or inclination to make something useful out of my junk. And if a professional junk collector picks it up, then melts it down, or sells it for a profit, I couldn't care less. Good luck to them.

To me it was rubbish taking up much needed space, to the collectors, it may bring some cheer around the house, or put some more dollars in their pocket. Either way, it has been recycled, someone will get some benefit from it, and it's much better than becoming landfill.

Wins all round, I reckon.

Living with the 848

2009-04-06T11:52:00.012+10:00

Still not run in, but by crikey I'm enjoying it so far! I'm in the second phase of run in now - phase 1 is keep it under 6000 rpm for 10000 km, and phase 2 is keeping it under 7000 until I've done 2500 km. Trust me when I say there's plenty of performance available even with that restriction.

From Ducati 848

I had the rear ride height adjuster fitted at the initial service, and it's improved comfort even more - I'd now say the riding position is very similar to my old Falco. No tourer, that's for sure, but not unbearable.

Unfortunately, there was a problem. I'd also asked Fraser's to back off the pre-load at the rear - it was feeling a bit rigid, and I was getting bugger all sag when I hopped on. Well, they did that OK, but came to report to me that the shock was shocked. When they wound of rebound damping - OK, when they wound off compression damping, the little adjuster just turned and turned. Nothing else happens, the adjuster just turns. It's borked, and that means a new shock, which will be fitted under warranty when it arrives in a couple of weeks.

Rather ironic that the first problem I've had on my Italian motorcycle has been with a Japanese component (Showa shock). ;^)

BUT... despite the problem, the shock feels far better - although I can't help but think a lighter spring might be worth it. It's still quite harsh, but I'll reserve judgement until the shock is replaced and compression can be adjusted.

This bike is serious fun to ride quickly, yet commutes reasonably happily. With run in restrictions, I'm getting 19-20 km per litre - vs a best of 16 km/l for the Aprilia - that's an amazing 25% improvement! A smaller front sprocket will reduce the gearing so that I can use 6th gear when I'm not on the freeway, and will improve acceleration elsewhere./ Might reduce fuel economy as well, but we'll see. I'll get that fitted when the shock is sorted out.

From Ducati 848

it's been a long time

2009-03-14T17:45:00.005+11:00

since I last posted anything. No matter, I haven't had anything to say.

But now I have.

I made up my mind and bought a new bike. Then I was sleeepless, worrying about my choice, but it was too late - deposits paid, and delivery arranged. I've been nervous all week. Then it was Saturday. Today. And off we went to Frasers Wollongong.

There it was, sitting just outside the service bay, waiting. Waiting for me. Oh yeah. In we go to speak to Dean, the salesman, and also my chaperone on numerous test rides up and down the Wollongong escarpments. He's ready and waiting and leads us into the office, where we finalise payments and paperwork. Before long, we're gathered around the beast and going through the controls, run in process, start procedure, etc.

My nerves have gone, and I feel excited. seeing the bike again makes me sure I've made the right choice, even though I've flip flopped completely on what I said I wanted. This is one sexy motorbike.

We wander back into the shop to book in for my first service, and start looking at some of the knick knacks for sale. I look again at the leather jacket on special, which I had earlier decried for being too flashy, too lairy. But now I've bought the lairy bike, it seems much more suitable. Jann likes it, and tells me to buy. I do.

Back at the bike, I transfer stuff I brought down and been given by Frasers into my old pack from my new Fraser's pack. It's a clear day, and I won't need the wet weathers, or jacket liner, they can go back in the car.

I fire the bike up, smiling as the digital dash tells me what model it is. Yep, a Ducati 848. I just couldn't get into the new Monster, and the 1098, while brilliant, was much more than I can use, leaving me worried that it would bite when I let my guard down. To quote Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry - "A man's got to know his limitations". The 848, on the other hand, just screams "use me, USE ME!" It's sweet, and a surprisingly comfy ride - much to my surprise, moreso than the Monster 1100. Run in is going to be hard, it just wants to go. ;^)

A nice ride home through Picton, Camden, The Oaks, Silverdale, Wallacia and Penrith, until the heavens open 5 minutes from home. I arrive home soaking wet, but happy.

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/thefathippy/Ducati848#

Tony F

Still no new bike

2008-11-18T22:27:00.005+11:00

Well, here we are some months later (and nearly 18 months since I started test rides), and I'm still undecided about a new moto. I still like the Monster S2R1000, but it's about to be superseded by the Monster 1100 and 1100S. Much more modern looking, and by all accounts a better bike, but I dunno. Are they me?

And Ducati's releasing some more new models - a Streetfighter, some 1198s, and then there's the new BMW F800GS/F650GS and the upcoming F800R - and what about....

I'll never decide!

Oh well, the annual bike show is this weekend, maybe I'll get closer to a decision after that.

ha!

Tony F

Bugger

2008-06-22T22:31:00.004+10:00

I'll have to do this one later, it's nearly bed time, and I've realised I didn't blog about the other bikes I rode recently - a Moto Guzzi Griso 1200 8V, and Ducati Monster S4R, and Ducati Monster S2R1000.

In brief, the Guzzi was a bit disappointing, and surged a lot at low throttle. I preferred the 4V 1100 version, I think. The S4R was a revelation - went like a bat out of hell with the Testatretta (sp?) engine, and stopped very, very well. But it surged at low throtle as well (not as badly as the Guzzi), and it was so hard to resist being a hoon - just like the Tuono. Plus, I reckon the radiator and plumbing all looks, well, a bit naff. The S2R1000 was nice. Better clutch than the 800S2R demo, plenty of get up and go, could hoon, but didn't feel so much like I had to hoon... Braked well. I really liked it, and am considering it seriously. The small fuel tank (14l!!!) is a worry.

More bikes

2008-06-22T21:49:00.003+10:00

Today's turn was the Triumph Thruxton.

I'd been a little worried about the weight, power and torque compared to the other bikes on my shopping list - the Thruxton was lowest on all counts of the bikes I've been considering. I was also worried about teh single disc front end - it didn't seem like enough.

I booked into Hornsby's Procycles for a 10:30 ride, and left home around 8:00 to be sure I made it. I was going to try a new route today, one I'd never been before - ending up eading through Galston Gorge. Although I printed out a map and directions, they weren't much help sitting in my pocket, and I did manage to get slightly misplaced. But only ever briefly, and I only came up to one no through road.

Anyway, it was an interesting trip, but it was hard to see where the road was going in the early morning sun in my eyes. The Gorge itself was disappointing, lots of cars, poor surface and 5 kmh hairpins! I've never seen a recommended corner speed of 5 kmh before!

I made it with about 30 mins to spare, so I poked around the shop, and had an interesting chat with the BMW salesman. I'm afraid I still like the looks of that F800S, and the new F650GS looked better in the flesh than in the pics I've seen. Felt alright on an in-store sit, as well.

But the Thruxton, get to the Thruxton!

Oh yes, where was I?

First stop was registration, then we were warned about poor road conditions, as we struggled into our fluoro orange safety vests. The conditions included that slippery goop they use to fill cracks in the road - OK in the dry, but deadly in the wet, and debris that had washed down as a result of recent rain. In fact, the goop was everywhere, but no debris was to be seen - certainly no worse than anywhere else.

Firing up the Thruxton meant I had to find the ignition. Not in the "dash" like most bikes, not down by the seat, cruiser style. I was about to call for help when I noticed the other Thruxton had something dangling from the side of the light. AHA! It immediately started and settled into a nice slow idle, with a very British thump.

Off we went, and I was impressed, bags of go down low, but then we were only dawdling along the highway, so it wasn't being asked to perform. On thr freeway, and a bit more throttle, and speeds built steadily, but there was no rush, no frenetic change of speed. Hmmm.... On the other hand, once I was in top, I didn't need to change nearly as much as I would on the Falco. It seemed to go from 60 to freeway speeds with little change of effort, just a steady climb in speed. At around the 100 kmh mark it was just surging along, and overtaking was a relaxed breeze. It didn't seem to make a difference whether I went down a gear or not.

I only gave the brakes one test, and they seemed OK, with more power from the single disc than I expected - but nothing like the S4R Monster with its Monobloc radial setup.

Back on the Old Road as a fleet of Ferraris went the other way - a lot of money tied up there. In fact, it was an expensively populated road - Ferraris, Rollers, hundreds of bikes of all descriptions, and various vintage vehicles. Beautiful countryside with water surrounded by sandstone cliffs and bush, so no wonder. Here I found the lack of power to be an issue - while I could motor along, I couldn't get past the faster bikes that were slowing me in the corners, and I wasn't confident enough on the bike to push my past through the corners.

Which brings me to the handling. The front fork was disappointing, and the shocks seemed only adequate. I didn't get into any bother, or have any moments, but I just didn't feel confident. It also felt a bit top heavy, I think, but maybe that was the skinny tyres giving a completely different feel to what I was used to.

The ergos weren't too bad, but my old war injury suffered, and I found myself resting my wrist on the bars quite a bit. Of course, the effort of muscling the big Aprilia through the Gorge and surounding back roads probably contributed.

Would I buy one? I don't think so. It did stir the soul, but not at all like the Ducatis I've ridden, or even the Guzzis. No doubt it would hot up quite well, but I couldn't be bothered with all that malarkey.

Back on the Falco for the return trip, and immediately the difference in power and acceleration was obvious. I even managed to accidentally get the front off the ground as I downshifted and roared past slow traffic - I doubt that would be a problem on the Thruxton.

And speaking of the return trip, good thing that copper went past as I was slowing for some hairpins, and not a few moments before. I might have been walking home, otherwise... =8^O

China

2008-03-07T15:52:00.003+11:00

aaah, China. What can I say?

China is a land of ancient history, a land with an enormous population and labour market, a land of rapid growth, and rapidly increasing pollution.

We loved it, and look forward to the day that we can return.

We arrived during the coldest winter in 50 years, just in time for Chinese New Year (Spring Festival). Some areas had enormous problems from snow storms, with one city losing power for two weeks. Luckily for us, the worst snow was more to the south than we were travelling, and no snow fell while we were there. By crikey it was cold though - I was colder in Beijing than I've ever been in my life. Clothes that kept me warm during a Tasmanian snowfall just weren't enough!

Maybe the photos say it better.

More bikes

2007-12-03T12:46:00.001+11:00

I'm still testing, and rode Moto Guzzi's Griso 1100, Breva 850 and Sport 1200, as well as Aprilia's Tuono, Pegaso, and SXV550 (motard) recently.

What a great way to spend a Sunday morning.

I arrived at Paull's Motorcycles (Richmond) a bit early, so spent some time yarning and reminiscing with other blokes that had also fronted early. Strangely, it appeared that almost everyone had owned a Ducati bevel SS AND a Guzzi Le Mans at some time in their past. Hmmm... At least I know *I* was telling something close to the truth (my "SS" was actually a GTS modified to SS specs, including SS motor, SS front end, SS bars, SS fairing, etc). But memories are best left as memories, I think. I sat on an old SS that Paull's are selling, and was horrified by the ergos and heavy cable operated clutch. It wasn't like that, was it, surely? 20+ years seems to have done something to my once fit body...

Anyway, I was booked in for three rides (Griso 1100, Griso 850, Aprilia Shiver) - but only one was available, so I chose some others instead. There was a Shiver on display, but it wasn't prepped for riding, being too new. Most of the bikes were modified to some extent - aftermarket exhausts or performance chips.

First up was the Griso, Guzzi's answer to Ducati's Monster. It's a big, brassy beast, looking mean and raunchy, and sounding beautiful thanks to the Lavazzi (?) muffler. I was worried about the weight (227 kg dry), but didn't notice this at all when I was riding. The bars are a bit too laid back and wide for my tastes, but that's an easy fix. I loved it. It went plenty fast enough for me, despite being easily outpaced by the Tuono, had bags of grunt down low, and was still easy to ride, fast or slow. Good brakes and shaft drive. Excellent.

Then came the Sport 1200. A bit disappointing. I didn't like the ergos nearly as much as on the Griso, and the bar position was quite poor. I'm not sure if it was a consequence of gearing or the pipes, but it didn't seem to have the same grunt or top gear flexibility as the Griso. It felt bigger than the Griso as well, despite weighing less. Brakes were excellent. Aftermarket pipes meant it sounded good.

Oh dear. after the big Guzzis, I went out on the SXV Aprilia. A brilliant hoon bike, but I needed a stepladder to reach the so called seat (I think it was some drainpipe covered in vinyl). At ~120 kmh, it developed a most disconcerting weave - backing off or speeding up was the only solution. Brakes were great, and it could be stuffed up the inside (or round the outside) of almost anything in the corners. I found it uncomfortable, hard to keep the front wheel down, and it idled way too high (3k!!). The aftermarket exhaust sounded crappy. That said, if I wanted a suburban hoon bike, this bike, or similar, would be the way to go.

Next was the Guzzi Breva 850. This bike was bog standard, and frankly, plug ugly, but it felt great to ride. I wanted the Griso more, but if I'm honest, the Breva fitted me perfectly, and had more than enough go. It didn't have the grunt of the Griso, but revved out better. If it was better looking, I'd definitely be interested.

The Aprilia Pegaso was a bit disappointing. It felt so ...soft... is probably the best description, but I didn't realise it was only a 650 single, so there was no way it would have the get up and go of the others. I absolutely hated the mini fairing screen, which set up a horrible vibration in my helmet. If I was taller or shorter it would have been fine. Other than the fairing, and softness, there was nothing wrong with the bike at all, it did everything it was asked to do, but blandly.

Aah, the Tuono. A slightly tuned version of the motor in my Falco, and this is the bike I would lose my licence on quickest, no doubt about it. I won't say how fast I went, but it was *very* fast, even before I ducked down into the airpocket created by the screen (it's not a fairing). Brakes, handling and ergos were all brilliant (despite feeling very uncomfortable the times I've sat on them in the shops). The Tuono was a very nice bike to ride, and if I could trust myself to ride it sensibly, I'd buy one tomorrow. I can't.

Back on the Griso for one last loop, and while it felt a little flat after the Tuono, it was still more than enough for me. Add this to my list for serious consideration.

Interestingly, despite mainly being "naked" bikes, I didn't feel like a windsock on any of them. I think I'll reconsider some other nakeds that have attracted me in the past.

It's all good.

Tony F

I've gone to the dark side

2007-10-04T21:36:00.000+10:00

...and bought a road bike... Oh the shame of it all.

In all seriousness, commuting on the roadie is much better than on the mtb, but flatting every ride or so is a real PITA. Brakes on the roadie aren't much chop after a diet of discs for years. Rim brakes? Caliper rim brakes? Yikes!

More at http://www.users.on.net/~fathers/roadie.htm

Sick and tired (and three bikes)

2007-08-19T23:12:00.000+10:00

Bugger me, I've been crook lately. And I'm sick of it. Sick and tired.

I'm fairly sure most of my brains have dribbled out through my nose in the last two weeks - it has to run out soon, but at least I'm getting over the coughing and hoiking.

In good news, I saw an ad in the paper advertising Ducati's Hypermotard Oz launch and ride day. I was a day too late to get a ride, but thought I'd ring anyway - and I scored rides on the Sports Classic Sports 1000S, the Sports Classic (monoposto with raised clipons) and Mosnetr S2R800.

The rides were too short, and too suburban to get a real feel, I think we might have hit top gear once. But... I liked them. I liked them all. Surprisingly, the Monster with the higher flat bars, was the least comfy, my old war wound (buggered wrist) started playing up immediately. The two bikes with clipons were more comfy. I think I'll start describing the Sports Classic as the retro Monster from now on. It felt just as raunchy, more upright, just as chuckable, but had a better clutch (dry). The wet Monster clutch juddered and grabbed - it was shocking getting off the line, yet the wet clutch in the 1000S was fine.

Three different bikes, two with the same motor, and one with a smaller variation, yet quite different in personality, mainly from handlebar position. I think all three have overruled the sensible part of me that says get a BMW F800S - my ride on that, while fun, just didn't have the same grin factor, nor desire to start getting friendly with salesmen. Even ones that really didn't know their product that well - no tubes, indeed...

I'm still not sure I could cope with the lower bars of the 1000S, and although the retroMonster was comfy, I think I'd like a fairing - and that 1000S just looks so DAMNED good in red. ;^)

I'll be back for a longer ride in the not too distant future.

Tony F

Snff, sniff

Le Tour de Farce?

2007-07-26T11:31:00.000+10:00

I love my cycling, and even though I'm an offroad kind of rider, I thrill at the abilities of the TdF competitors, the efforts, the pain, the speeds. Why, I wouldn't mind buying a roadbike myself (and would have picked up an ebay bargain today if SWMBO had given the OK). But the TdF?

Dear me. Still no winner from 2006.

Now to 2007, and what happens? Rasmussen, the current leader, kicked out. Vinokourov and his team Astana kicked out. Both had been performing brilliantly, Vinokourov providing fans with a stunning form reversal after a bad ride (just like last year's "winner" (subject to court decisions), Landis). Other riders testing positive. Who else is to go? Will the winner be the winner this year, or will more accusations and litigation follow? It makes me wonder about previous winners as well - did they just use methods of cheating undetectable at the time?

I guess it's good news for the squeaky voiced Aussie, Cadel Evans, who 's now jumped back to second place. But... because of all the other cheats, his achievements will always have us wondering. Has he just got a better pharmacist? I hope not.

[edit] And could 80% of the competitors really suffer from asthma, requiring them to use asthma preventing... steroids... and other drugs which open their airways? Amazing how many elite sportspeople suffer from asthma. When I was a kid, the asthma suferers were the weedy ones who couldn't play much sport because they had breathing difficulties. Now they're able to compete at an elite level, and make up the majority? Hmmm... I'm not slagging off the people who genuinely have asthma -their use of mediation allows them to live much more complete lives than they could have otherwise, and being unable to breathe well was truly debilitating.

Cycling, especially road cycling seems to be rotten to the core. But should we point the finger? We've loved the performances. We demand higher speeds. We expect super human efforts day after day. We treat winners like gods. And it's not just cycling. Swimming, track, field, weightlifting, etc, etc, etc, all have shady pasts (and probably presents). What about footy (any variety)?

Elite sport is business. Big business. Just like in regular business, winners can be set up for life. If they "bend the rules" a bit - aka cheating - or lose their memory (eh Mr Bond), they can make even more money. Politicians lie and cheat for their own benefit and to retain power. Any wonder sportspeople also cheat?

I think it's human nature, and that's a sad thing.

Bugger it, I'm going for a ride.

Tony F

postscript to getting older

2007-07-16T22:23:00.001+10:00

two posts in one day!

Caught up with a bunch of old school mates the other day. We're gradually turning 50. well, the old ones are... ;^)

Funny to see them all again, after all these years. The tall skinny bloke is now tall and umm... well, he's not skinny anymore. But his son was even taller than he was. Another tall bloke looks like he's shrunk - and I know I haven't got any taller. Most of the longhairs are rapidly balding. Those with hair look like they've all seen a ghost. Belts were generally tighter, and I swear I could hear the popping of joints.

But underneath the external changes, we're still much the same. The same jokes, the same attitudes, the same silliness. Maybe we haven't really aged at all.

Meh. Just the right amount of beer was drunk, lies were told, and reminiscences were reminisced. Beauty.

Tony F

Water restrictions

2007-07-16T22:11:00.000+10:00

People are mad, aren't they?

Here we are, living on the driest continent on earth, having suffered through one of the most serious droughts in history. All sorts of plans to ease the crisis were floated . Dam levels were at record lows, and water restrictions have become a way of life in many areas of Australia, including cities. Some of us scoff, having grown up with water restrictions, but that's another story. Now we've had a bit of rain (yes, enough to cause floods in some spots...), and it looks like the drought might finally have broken.

Why, Warragamba's back to just over 50% full! That's about seven months worth of Sydney's water needs.

So what happens. We're demanding the end to water restrictions. A few weeks of rain, and we don't need to worry anymore. Seven months? That'll last for years! Dammit, we pay our taxes, we should be allowed to water our drives and pamper our exotic gardens, no matter how unsuited to the climate they may be. Don't you tell me to mulch or plant natives!

Sigh. Driest continent, people.

Yup, we're a queer bunch.

Tony F

Torchwood

2007-07-03T13:49:00.000+10:00

It's not Dr Who, and my son reckons it's a bit lame, but I'm finding myself hooked. I just wish that the hero didn't look like a taller version of Tom Cruise! And I never realised how sensual learning to shoot a gun could be until that scene between Captain Jack and Gwen. For now, I'm giving it 4 stars - what about you, Margaret?

And is it just me, or are those Welsh accents sexy? ;^)

Oh yes, and gappy teeth!

Oh, alright, it's Gwen!

Tony F
ps: don't tell my wife, I'm still in trouble about Rose Piper from Dr Who. Oh well, at least Gwen is brunette.

getting older

2007-07-02T13:11:00.000+10:00

It was my son's birthday last week, and suddenly I felt considerably older. My son is now two years older than I was when I got married, and we waited a few years before he came along. When I was that age, I used to think my Dad was getting on, and now I'm older than he was! And to make it worse, my youngest son is about to reach the age I was when I married! sigh...

Mornings see creaky joints and shuffly feet, opening jars can be an almost insurmountable problem, my hair is rapidly disappearing (even if it has lasted longer than Dad's), muscles are turning into flab, and arthritis is a fact of life. I'm even getting friendlier with my doctor, who tells me I have to give up this, cut down that, lose weight, etc, etc, before referring me off for more tests and specialist appointments.

Even worse, I remember the show that included Controversy Corner (the title of my last post)!

But I can't complain. I can still do most things I could do when I was younger, it's just that they're harder to do, and are usually accompanied by more grunting, and my muscles abuse me mightily the day after strenuous exercise. Actually, I can complain. It's just that it doesn't do me any good. ;^)

Besides, I reckon the only available alternative to growing older doesn't appeal to me at all. =8^O

Tony F

Controversy Corner

2007-06-29T10:25:00.000+10:00

ooh, lookie, I'm going to be a bit controversial today, and discuss global warming.

Although pretty well everyone agrees that the world's climate is changing, that we're heating up, and that things will indeed be very different for our descendants within a few generations, there is still argument about whether we're responsible, or if it's part of the natural cycle.

The doomsayers point to the effects of industrialisation on our atmosphere and environment generally, the naysayers suggest that we're impertinent to think that a mere human action could change the world to this degree. The doomsayers want action to reduce emissions - to generally get our act together. The naysayers say it's going to happen anyway, so there's no need - sure, we can make changes, but the environment will still get hotter.

Who's right? Don't ask me, I'm not a scientist. ;^)

But I'll still say something. I firmly believe that humans have been polluting our environment since the year dot, and that since industrial revolution, and rapid increases in population, we've been polluting far more of it. We're a pretty grotty, lazy bunch when it comes to cleaning up.

So, it seems to me that if so called "scaremongering" reduces the amount we pollute, bring on the scaremongering! Even if global warming and climate change continues, by reducing our mess, we and our descendants can still live in a better world than we'd live in if we continued on our present course.

So, let's spend money on clean, renewable energy for a start. And memo Mr Howard... any energy source that leaves behind deadly waste for thousands or millions of years, well, it's NOT clean OR green! Especially when safe storage techniques are still under development and unproven.

And it may well be true that Australia is small fry in the world of polluters - who cares? Every reduction counts. If we can prove that renewable energy is workable, we can be world leaders. Now, wouldn't *that* be something to be proud of?

Tony F

frustrations with pictures

2007-06-28T15:13:00.000+10:00

This pic was sent around via email, and the princes were funking away - butt the version I saved doesn't work. Oh well.

This time I'm trying a different layout for images. just to see what happens.

this text is just filling up space

this text is just filling up space this text is just filling up spacethis text is just filling up spacethis text is just filling up spacethis text is just filling up spacethis text is just filling up spacethis text is just filling up spacethis text is just filling up spacethis text is just filling up spacethis text is just filling up spacethis text is just filling up spacethis text is just filling up spacethis text is just filling up spacethis text is just filling up space - really!

OK, well, now I know - I chose no layout, moved my cursor to the middle of the junk text, and the picture ended up at the start of the blog. Not what I expected at all. Here's another image - where will it appear...

Well, there you go, it appeared at the start of the message - this one tried centre layout. Looks like drag and drop is the only way to get them where you want them. To get it down here I dragged and dropped, but am stuck with it being centred - unless I edit the code, but that's not exactly obvious to newbies. I recommend using the no layout version - then you can drag and drop to wherever you want.

This is my pushbike speedo after riding to work one day, showing my max speed. I have been faster (84 km/h), but this was a record for that particular hill.

Sadly, I've come to the conclusion that uploading images to Blogger is *very* clunky.

Tony F

a different problem

2007-06-27T14:48:00.001+10:00

Today I've had a different problem - I've discovered it's very easy to get engrossed in other people's blogs and not doing what you're supposed to be doing. Oops!

Shhhhh -don't tell anyone!

Anyway, one thing I was wondering was if it was possible to add video to a blogger blog (to make a vlog). At a glance, it doesn't seem easy, although I suspect some code editing would provide a solution.

I can easily link to video hosted elsewhere, but I can't embed the video directly into this page.

Oh well. Tips are welcome!

edit: Aha! There's a blooger news group that has the answer - the feature's coming, and is available in a draft mode now.

edit2: bwhahahaha! It's on the main dashboard page, you goose!

Tony F

blogging

2007-06-26T15:07:00.000+10:00

Today I've been preparing for the next U3A class. I'm covering blogs this session, hence this newly created blog - I've started blogging before, but found I was only updating occasionally, until I became a lapsed blogger...

But I've since discovered Picasaweb, and can see some great benefits of linking photos with blogs for keeping in touch - especially across long distances. I'll keep playing, and I should end up with some useful info for the U3A crowd.

This picturecomes from my recent trip to the Northern Territory, and was taken on a Yellow waters cruise in Kakadu NP.

More photos can be seen at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/thefathippy/TheNorthernTerritory?authkey=mzDR0I1AKYo

It seems I can't use direct links to the photos within Picasa. Not even from the public albums. Hmmm... and as you can see, I can't get the layout like I'd like when I link to a pic on my website. I expected the pic of Ross to end up down here, but there it was up the top of the page.

Aha! drag and drop! Still, not very obvious.

Still, I've arrived at knock-off time, with most of my hair intact. I'll probably be back tomorrow to tear a bit more out.

Tony F