PRESS RELEASE:

KTM'S STREET FLEET DEMO RIDES

Looking for a chance to test-ride a snarling KTM 990 Adventure V-twin, then check out this news from KTM Australia:

Bike enthusiasts of Australia will be able to experience KTM Australia’s street fleet summer series demo rides which are set to tour the nation with a full range of on-road KTM motorcycles in Summer 2011.

Commencing in January 2011 the KTM Street Fleet Summer Series will visit selected KTM dealerships. The full range will be available for demo including KTM naked bikes, supermoto bikes, sports-tourers, adventure bikes and all-new superbike models. With special pricing on most 2009 and 2010 model KTM on-road models, it's the perfect time to try before you buy.

Each KTM Street Fleet day will be attended by KTM staff who are fully trained in all areas of KTM motorcycle technology, from set-up to sales of parts and accessories.

The demo ride loops and circuits around Australia have been specifically chosen to allow riders to put each KTM motorcycle through its paces.

Basic requirements for participation include a valid Australian open class motorcycle licence, plus full safety gear including helmet, jacket, pants, gloves and enclosed shoes or boots.

All riders must register their participation on-line prior to the ride days.

Visit www.ktm.com.au for a KTM Street Fleet demo ride day in your area.

TRAIL MAIL:

THANKS FOR CATCHING UP AT THE EXPO

G'day Clubby, Tania, Russ and Dr Phil: I just wanted to say it was great meeting you all at the Melbourne Expo last weekend. Thanks Clubby for signing the 5th Anniversary Mag and for the bonus hat -- it meant a lot to me. We came home from the Expo totally knackered as my leg was sore from walking around, so after the drive home we put on the new IN THE ZONE EPISODE 4 DVD -- it was a great way to spend the rest of the day with a can in the hand (LOL!). Anyway, Mick and I wish you and your famlies a merry and safe Xmas for 2010. Cheers!

-- Sue & Mick, www.endurobiketalk.com/forum

Thanks for the follow-up message, Sue. We're always rapt to catch up with readers who love the mag as much as we do. Here's hoping your knee gets better soon and you're back in the bush blasting the trails with the best of them before too long.

-- Clubby, www.trailzone.com.au

PRESS RELEASE:

ZERO'S STREET-LEGAL ELECTRIC BIKES IN OZ

Zero Motorcycles has announced the arrival of its popular Zero S and DS electric motorcycles in Australia. This makes Zero the first company to offer a street-legal electric motorcycle for sale in Australia. As a result, motorcyclists across the country who have been waiting to receive or purchase a street-legal electric motorcycle can now buy a Zero. The addition of the Zero S and DS to its Australian product offerings means that Zero’s entire electric motorcycle line is now available in Australia.

"The arrival of our Zero S and DS in Australia allows motorcyclists to experience and purchase a street legal electric motorcycle for the first time" said John Lloyd, VP of Worldwide Sales for Zero Motorcycles.

"Off-road enthusiasts have been enjoying the Zero X and MX over the last year. We’re excited to be growing our product offerings in Australia and look forward to continuing to expand our presence throughout the region."

"Australians have been thinking that electric motorcycles are years away from being seen on the roads. We are extremely pleased to announce that today, and for the first time ever, street-legal electric motorcycles are available in the Australian market" said Phil Wilkinson, Director of Zero Motorcycles Australia. "From the response we’re getting, Australians can expect to see many Zeros on the road in the months to come."

Built from the ground up using Zero Motorcycles' proprietary Z-Force power pack and aircraft grade alloy frame, Zero achieves an industry leading power-to-weight ratio that increases range and maneuverability. The Zero S and DS have a range of up to 50 miles (80 km) and are highway legal. Each model combines state-of-the-art Z-Force™ technology with an ultra-light frame design to make them agile and fast where it counts. Characterized by instant acceleration and lightweight design Zero’s product line allows riders to take on anything from city streets to off-road trails.

ABOUT ZERO MOTORCYCLES: Zero Motorcycles is the next step in motorcycle evolution and represents the ultimate electric motorcycle technology. Unencumbered by conventional thinking about how they design, manufacture, and sell high performance electric motorcycles, they are on a mission to turn heads and revolutionize their industry by combining the best aspects of a traditional motorcycle with today’s most advanced technology.

For further information about Zero Motorcycles in Australia:

Call: (03) 9874 2504 or visit www.zeromotorcycles.com.au

TRAIL BOSS BLOG:

2010 AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE EXPO MELBOURNE

Big crowds always make for good times and last weekend's Australian Motorcycle Expo in Melbourne was a successful one for TRAIL ZONE, with hundreds of subscribers signing up for the mag and taking their shot in our mighty Choose Your Ride promotion where one lucky subscriber will win his/her choice of seven brand new dirt bikes.

We ramped it up at the Expo this year, taking out our biggest stand ever so that we could feature not only our seven prize bikes -- which includes BMW's G 450 X, Husaberg's TE300, Husqvarna's TE310, Kawasaki KLX450R, KTM's 200 EXC, Suzuki's DR650SE and Yamaha's WR450F -- but also our latest Yamaha XT660Z Tenere and Suzuki DR650SE Project Bikes.

The crowds through the Expo hall were solid all weekend, however on Sunday things went gangbusters and we were literally run off our feet packing more showbags on the fly and signing up subscribers.

It was great to catch up with so many fans of the mag, so thanks to everyone who dropped in and said g'day ... and best of luck to everyone who subscribed when the Choose Your Ride draw goes off on February 25, 2011!

-- Clubby, www.trailzone.com.au

TRAIL BOSS BLOG:

TRAIL ZONE ISSUE #33 COMING SOON!

Double woo hoo! Our next issue of TRAIL ZONE (#33) is rolling off the presses as we type ... which is just in the nick of time as we're loading up the TRAIL ZONE transporter right now and will soon be hitting the highway south to Melbourne for this weekend's Australian Motorcycle Expo.

We've got a bigger than ever TRAIL ZONE display at the Expo this year, so if you're coming to the show, make sure you drop by and say g'day to all the TZ team at the TZ stand (#189).

You can also score the new issue of the mag when you sign up for a subscription and go in the draw to Choose Your Ride ... because one lucky subscriber will be drawn at random in the new year to win his/her choice of a new BMW G 450 X or Husaberg TE300 or Husqvarna TE310 or Kawasaki KLX450R or KTM 200 EXC or Suzuki DR650SE or Yamaha WR450F.

We'll also have the full range of TRAIL ZONE merchandise up for sale, as well as all our back issues of the mag, so if you need any of our goodies, the Expo is the place to get 'em.

We'll also have our current Suzuki DR650SE and Yamaha XT660Z Tenere Project Bikes on display, plus we'll have details of our fast approaching Tenere Tragics Run to the Rocks ride -- so if you want in on that, come and see us for more info. We've already filled 40 of the 50 places available on the Tragics ride, which tells you just how many Tenere Tragics (like me!) are out there ...

In the meantime, this van isn't going to load itself, so we're outta here -- see you at the Expo!

PS: And then when we get back, the subscriber copies of the new issue of TZ go in the mail next week, and then the mag hits the newsagents the week after that -- enjoy!

-- Clubby, www.trailzone.com.au

TRAIL BOSS BLOG:

IN THE ZONE: EPISODE 4 DVD COMING SOON!

Woo hoo, the courier just turned up and unloaded a whopping big box at TRAIL ZONE HQ -- and it's the advance copies of our latest IN THE ZONE: EPISODE 4 DVD that comes bundled up with our January/February 2011 issue of TRAIL ZONE that is at the printers right now.

Our new IN THE ZONE DVD is another cracker, that's seen Russ in the editing suite for the last 29 days straight -- and he only came out for toasted focaccias and visits to the 'little suite' at ORE HQ for number ones and number twos.

Now that it's all said and done, Russ has done another ripper job and has polished the rough diamonds that are mine, Popgun and his heads into veritable cinematic jewels to deliver and an 80-minute package that literally is TRAIL ZONE on TV.

If you've liked our previous three annual IN THE ZONE DVDs, then you're going to be on the edge of your seat for this one.

IN THE ZONE: EPISODE 4 is sponsored by AdventureMoto.com.au and features coverage of our recent Hattah desert ride, epic adventure ride to Birdsville, Club Y trail rides in the NSW Blue Mountains and the Queensland Sunshine coast and a trip down memory lane at Suzuki Classic Dirt 7 at Conondale. In amongst all that, Dr Phil dishes up a stack of solid tech tips in the ORE Garage as well.

TRAIL ZONE issue #33 will be packaged with our IN THE ZONE: EPISODE 4 DVD and it will be going out to subscribers next week, and will then be on-sale in newsagents the week after that.

But if you want to get the holeshot and get our next mag and DVD ASAP, then drop in at the Australian Motorcycle Expo in Melbourne this Friday/Saturday or Sunday, as we'll have advance copies there (see www.motorcycleshow.com.au for event info).

Just sign up for a TRAIL ZONE subscription and you'll get the new issue and DVD right there and then, plus you'll go in the draw to Choose Your Ride and have a chance at winning a brand new BMW G 450 X or Husaberg TE300 or Husqvarna TE310 or Kawasaki KLX450R or KTM 200EXC or Suzuki DR650SE or Yamaha WR450F!

So drop in at the TRAIL ZONE stand and we'll see you there!

-- Clubby, www.trailzone.com.au

TRAIL MAIL:

'PLUGGING' A BUSTED BRAKE LEVER

Hi guys: Thought you might like this story and photo. My mate busted his front brake lever (and wasn't carrying a spare) in the middle of the Gheerulla trailbike area near Mapleton in Queensland. Out come my MacGyver skills and my trusty DR650 spark plug spanner to the rescue ... For the record we rode another 250-plus kilometres with his 'new lever'. It seems there really is nothing you can't do with a DR650! I reckon you should have a new section in the mag just for this sort of stuff.
-- Chris, via www.trailzone.com.au

Great salvage job there, Chris. And you're right, we love these kinds of trailside tricks that help get you and your mates home again when bikes get busted. Back in TRAIL ZONE issue #23 we ran a chunky story called '101 Trail Tips' that was filled with tricks and tips just like this -- it might be time for us to have a look at some more cheap tricks in coming issues? Thanks for the thought.

-- Clubby, www.trailzone.com.au

PRESS RELEASE:

IVAN CERVANTES SPRINGS GAS GAS SURPRISE!

Gas Gas has scored a real coup in the build-up to next year's FIM World Enduro Championship, by snaring the signature of longtime Team KTM racer Ivan Cervantes to race for the Spanish brand.

Here's the news:

Ivan Cervantes, five times world indoor enduro champion, has signed to ride in the Spanish and World Enduro Championships during the next three seasons and also assist in development of new products related to his specialty, enduro.

Both Ivan and the CEO of Gas Gas Motos, Ramon Puente (pictured), were especially pleased and excited about the new challenge presented to them.

Mr Puente said: "After overcoming some difficult years, the arrival of a rider of this kind has been a big boost to Gas Gas, and also Gas Gas fans. Ivan will contest the E2 class aboard an EC250 and also work with the R&D department with the development of new products for the future. Ivan's appearance at the recent Mlian Motorcycle show was a great way to release the 2011 range of Gas Gas bikes and show that Gas Gas is serious about its commitment to racing and future products."

Ivan Cervantes said: “After winning five world championships I'm very excited to now have the opportunity to win many more titles but this time with Gas Gas. The truth is that the treatment and commitment Gas Gas has given me is incredible and Gas Gas only see the vision and desire to win and build the world’s best off-road motorcycles. I am convinced we can do great things together, but I know we have to work hard and we can only do our best."

PRESS RELEASE:

HOLLIS BACK IN OZ IN 2011 WITH BALLARD'S YAMAHA TEAM

Former Yamaha Australian Off-Road Champion, Chris Hollis (pictured), will be back on home soil next season campaigning for outright victory as part of the Ballard’s Wellard Yamaha Off-Road Team.

Another bright, young addition to the squad will be Tasmanian Matthew Phillips, who will contest the 2011 AORC and Mackay Australian 4-Day Enduro (A4DE) in the Championship E3 Class, aboard the big-bore YZ450F (YZ475).

Five-time world champion, Stefan Merriman, returns to the outfit for 2011, with fresh hopes for victory aboard a Yamaha 250F in Championship E1.

Team manager, Geoff Ballard, said the full line-up would again include himself (five-time AORC Masters Champ) as well as reigning AORC and A4DE Women’s victor, Jessica Gardiner, a ‘mystery’ Swedish rider with the surname: Granquist, and son, Josh.

“Honestly, I believe we can win all the championship classes [E1, E2, E3, master’s and women’s] with the team we’ve got for next year,’ Ballard said. “We’ve got some great talent and with the new additions, we’ll be firing on all cylinders, that’s for sure.

“Chris feels he can match the speed of (current AORC and A4DE champ) Toby Price and is looking good on the bike. He’s been testing at our facility the last two days on the WR450F and YZ450F and you couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. He’s a fun guy to be around and we’re really happy to welcome him back to the team. Chris became the first rider in history to win the AORC and A4DE in the same year: in 2008, as a member of the Ballard’s Wellard Yamaha team, aboard a WR450F, however injury plagued his efforts in Europe this year, but he has recovered and is fit, healthy and back on form.”

Hollis, 26, from Port Macquarie (NSW), said he was “over the moon” to be back on Yamaha and would be giving it his all to take home another ‘dirty double’ (AORC and A4DE outright wins) next season.

Ballard said the team was also “very excited” to welcome rising star, Matt Phillips (from Wynyard on Tasmania’s north-west coast). At just 17-years-of-age, Phillips will be one of the youngest in the championship ranks.

“He’ll also be one of the fastest and a force to be reckoned with on the YZ475,” Ballard said. “Matt burst onto the enduro scene at the Four Day this year, where he was top-three Outright in a few special tests and ended up finishing a commendable eighth Outright. For such a young rider, Matt has shown incredible character and sportsmanship and above all, speed and ability.”

Phillips will have one experienced team-mate in particular to look up to, with Australian number two (for off-road and enduro), Stefan Merriman, back in blue for 2011. The 37-year-old from Nelson Bay (NSW) said he was looking forward to the change of machine and would be aiming to better his number two ranking.

The team will also have an exotic twist with the addition of Sweden motocross rider, Stefan Granquist -- son of racing legend Pelle Granquist -- who will be trying his hand at enduro on a WR450F in the Expert E2/3 Class.

Also vying for championship class crowns will be Yamaha Motor Australia riders Kirk Hutton (from Brisbane) and Tom McCormack (Byron Bay). Hutton and McCormack both plan to ride YZ250Fs in national meetings and YZ450Fs in state events. Hutton, 37, will be looking to add to his four Australian and 10 Queensland Enduro titles and said he was “thrilled” to continue his decade-long partnership with Yamaha.

A calendar for the 2011 AORC has yet to be finalised, however the 2011 A4DE is being held near Mackay (Queensland) from April 20th to 23rd (www.a4de.com).

For more information on Ballard’s Off-Road, please visit www.ballards.cc For more information on Yamaha, please visit www.yamaha-motor.com.au

TRAIL BOSS BLOG:

JT RACING USA ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL?

Everything old is new again -- or so the saying goes.

Well all you moto fans from the early 1980s need to check this out: the word is the legendary JT Racing USA brand is set to make a comeback.

Back in the day JT Racing was THE BRAND of dirt bike gear to wear.

Fast, sharp and classy, JT Racing gear adorned the bodies of legendary American motocross racers such as David Bailey, Broc Glover, Rick Johnson and Ron Lechien in the golden era of American motocross when factory team bikes truly were 'factory'.

But like everything, the polish just rubbed off for JT Racing, and the brand left the moto world to concentrate on making apparel of paint-ball players -- go figure.

Now JT Racing is back, with company founders John and Rita Gregory about to be inducted into the American Motorcyclist Association's Hall of Fame in recognition of their contribution to motorcycle sport ... and the rumour mill running like wildfire that JT Racing gear will soon be hanging on the racks of your local motorcycle dealer before long.

A new web site www.thejtracing.com has been posted and features a countdown to the new gear's release date, while the boys at www.transworldmx.com magazine in the USA just snapped this photo of French MX legend Sebastian Tortelli decked out in protoype 'new' JT Racing gear at this weekend's Bercy Supercross in paris, France. Sure does have that retro look, huh?!

Anyway, if memories of the ALS2 helmet and Dogger print gear bring a tear to your eye, look out for the return of JT Racing in the weeks ahead!

Oh, and one final point about the rebirth of JT Racing: are the rumours true that Aussie SX hero Chad Reed will be running the new JT Racing gear when he lines up at the Anaheim Supercross in January? Now, that would be cool ... let's wait and see!

-- Clubby, www.trailzone.com.au

TRAIL BOSS BLOG:

NEW HUSQVARNA THUMPERS AT THE EXPO IN MELBOURNE

The crew from the Paul Feeney Group have announced they will reveal the new Husqvarna all-new TE 449, TE 511 and TC 449 thumpers at the Australian Motorcycle Expo in Melbourne next week.

This will be the first public appearance of the new models in Australia.

In addition the new models TE 310, TE 630, SM 630 and the Minicross model CR 50 will be on display as well.

You will find Husqvarna Motorcycles at stand # 137.

For more information go to www.husqvarnamotorcycles.com.au

But the even better news is that we get to ride the new 449 and 511 TEs at the bikes' national media launch a week later near Canberra ... and we're hanging to throw a leg over them!

-- Clubby, www.trailzone.com.au

TRAIL BOSS BLOG:

SEE YOU AT THE AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE EXPO!

The 2010 Australian Motorcycle Expo is coming up fast -- it fires into life in a week's time (November 26/27/28) at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre -- and like always, TRAIL ZONE will be there with bells on.

In fact, this time we've booked a bigger display space than ever, because our CHOOSE YOUR RIDE subscription promotion knows no bounds and just keeps growing!

This year the lucky winner of CHOOSE YOUR RIDE will get to take his/her choice of a whopping seven bike prize line-up that includes BMW's G 450 X, Husaberg's TE300, Husqvarna's TE310, Kawasaki's KLX450R, KTM's 200 EXC, Suzuki's DR650SE and Yamaha's WR450F.

That's right, if you subscribe to TRAIL ZONE and enter CHOOSE YOUR RIDE and you're the lucky winner drawn from the barrel on February 25, you get to choose the bike you want!

Along with the CHOOSE YOUR RIDE prize bike line-up, we'll also be displaying our latest Suzuki DR650SE and Yamaha XT660Z Tenere Project Bikes.

We'll also be doing special deals on our full range of TRAIL ZONE back issues, T-shirts, caps, beanies and stickers, or if you've got a tech question for Dr Phil, or want to swap toasted foccacia recipes with Russ, then make sure you drop by the TRAIL ZONE stand at the Expo next week and say g'day.

We'll see you there!

+ For more info on the Expo go to the www.motorcycleshow.com.au web site.

+ If you can't make it to the Expo but want to subscribe and enter our CHOOSE YOUR RIDE promotion, then go to the www.trailzone.com.au/subscribe.html web page.

-- Clubby, www.trailzone.com.au

TRAIL MAIL:

PETE LION'S INJURY UPDATE

Hi Clubby: Just a note after all this time to let you and Lance know that after the mallee root 'incident' on the Hattah ride with Klaus earlier in the yar, I had to have pins put in my foot. It was my first 'major' injury in 35 years of riding. But the good news, I'll soon be ready for the next ride! Regards to all the crew at TRAIL ZONE.

-- Peter Lion 'Trail' via www.trailzone.com.au

Thanks for the update, Pete. I remember the mallee root in question all too well, as it smacked my front wheel as we came back in from the Border Track, but I was lucky my foot missed it. Anyway, we're glad to hear you've made a full recovery -- look out for the next issue of TRAIL ZONE in the first week of December, as it comes bundled up with our IN THE ZONE 4 DVD, which includes a great segment on Klaus Mueller's Australian Trail Bike Tours ride out there in Sunset country ... and yes, there are a coupe of shots of you and the mighty DR strutting your stuff BEFORE that rotten mallee root put a plaster cast on your foot!

-- Clubby, www.trailzone.com.au

PRESS RELEASE:

AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE EXPO SHAPES UP!

A World Superbike star, a renowned two-wheel adventurer and author and a figurehead from the design department of a prestigious marque are just some of the names on the guest list at the Australian Motorcycle Expo Melbourne which begins next week.

Returning to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from Friday November 26-Sunday November 28, the event aims to cater for all interests, and organisers and exhibiting manufacturers have gone to great lengths to secure a host of renowned racers and identities.

Kawasaki World Superbike rider and Aussie, Chris Vermeulen, is back home for the upcoming team test at Phillip Island and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit the event and catch up with fans on opening day.

Visiting the same stand on Sunday is a face four-wheel fans will know well. Former Bathurst V8 Supercar champ and Kawasaki-sponsored driver Todd Kelly will also stop by to meet with visitors.

While on the subject of Superbikes, not only will Aprilia showcase the actual winning RSV4 of World Superbike champion Max Biaggi, there is also a chance that one, or even both of their riders will visit the event for an autograph session before their Phillip Island test.

BMW Motorrad Vice President of Design, David Robb will visit the event to both uncover the revolutionary new K 1600 GTL six-cylinder tourer as well as hosting regular presentations from the BMW Stand to discuss the design theory that is applied to each and every BMW bike built.

Steve Crombie, motorcycle adventurer and author who has appeared on the Discovery Channel and written for Lonely planet, will be on hand at the Yamaha exhibit and QBE Stage to speak about his new book, ‘Lost on Earth’.

The WR250R that Crombie rode throughout his epic journey will also be on show.

Another author, and a respected campaigner for the interests of motorcycle riders, Greg Hirst will visit to launch Part 2 of his no-holds-barred book, My Motorcycling Life.

Racers from some of Australia’s champion motorcycle teams will be on hand throughout the event.

Newly-crowned Supersport champion Troy Herfoss will join 2009 Superbike champion Josh Waters on Suzuki’s stand, which aptly features a display celebrating the 25th anniversary of its groundbreaking GSX-R range.

2010 saw KTM own the off-road racing scene and it will have a number of its stars visit the event to celebrate the success.

Winner of the Australian Off Road Championship, A4DE, Finke and Hattah races Toby Price headlines the list which also includes Jarrod Bewley, Ben Grabham, Brad Williscroft, Todd Smith and Victorian Matt Smith.

Event Manager Mark Petersen was delighted with the diverse guest lineup and hoped that visitors of all ages and interests would be too.

“In the past we’ve welcomed some big names to the Australian Motorcycle Expo Melbourne and 2010 is no exception, with manufacturers going to great lengths to bring along some of the familiar faces that race their bikes, and others from behind the scenes that work hard to build, design and develop the machines,” said Petersen.

“Throughout the weekend our special guests will both meet with visitors and present on the QBE Stage, and we’re certain that visitors will find the topics fascinating.”

The event showcases new models from all of the major manufacturers while exhibiting hundreds of exciting products and services from the motorcycle industry.

Adults: $18

Concession: $13

Children (5-15 years): $13. Under 5 FREE.

Family (2 adults, 2 children): $46

Visit www.motorcycleshow.com.au to pre-purchase tickets online and for further event information and news.

NEW PRODUCT NEWS:

PUT YOUR BEER GOGGLES ON!

Ahh yes, we can all say we've worn our beer goggles at times ... usually after a few too many cold ones post-ride!

But check this out, now you really can put your beer goggles on!

Thanks to our mate Dave from the www.motohelp.com store in Los Angeles, news of Beer Optics' new motocross goggles has crossed our desk.

Seriously, Beer Optics is a brand of goggles and you can check out the entire range of Beer goggles on the www.beeroptics.com web site.

There's no word yet on whether or not an Aussie importer will be picking up the brand, but one thing we do know is the headline for their first Aussie advertising campaign:

"The world looks better when seen through a set of Beer goggles!"

-- Clubby, www.trailzone.com.au

TRAIL MAIL:

PISTOL PETE MAKES IT HOME!

Hi there guys: Firstly I would like thank the Wolfman, Russ and, of course, Clubby for the fantasic Snowy Adventure ride last weekend. I would also like to give very big thanks to all those great bikers in the group who helped me get the mighty Tenere back on the track after her little off-course adventure through the the first creek (river) crossing. As the bike went for a swim, with myself not far behind, my thoughts were that Russ had told us to wear knobby tyres ... but he didn't mention anything about wetsuits, flippers and snorkels! It was then reality hit, as I thought, how in hell is this bike going to get me back home to Hervey Bay in Queensland?! Then without any hesitation, the team pulled together (with the ever useful trackside advice from Clubby) and in short order the mighty Tenere was alive again. Great job, guys, and yes, I did get back home. Once again, thanks for a great ride with a great bunch of blokes -- it was simply awesome.

-- Peter McWilliams, via www.trailzone.com.au

Thanks for the update, Pete, and we sure are glad you made it home intact. From the moment I turned around at the Shoalhaven River crossing on Friday morning and saw you pushing your drowned Tenere out of the river, I thought, 'Hmm, this might not be good ...' And when you and the boys up-ended your bike and all that water flowed out of your mufflers, not to mention the buckets of water that came out of the air box, I had to wonder if we had the first casualty of the day and first bike on the trailer? But no, the mighty Tenner fired right back up and even though the engine oil might have been a little milky, it did get you all the way to Jindabyne, where an oil change would have helped no end. Judging by your photo, you and Dave obviously got up to Charlotte’s Pass on Saturday, and then we're rapt to hear you made it home safe and sound to Hervey Bay in the following days. Well done, mate, and thanks for making the long haul to join us on the Snowy Ride South. See you next year?

-- Clubby, www.trailzone.com.au