Month: Jan 2017

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Leaving Hornsby to head on the hour and a half journey to the Blue Mountains i was so nervous.  It was my first ride on the road.  I stalled it before I took off. We were coming out of a motorbike shop driveway and had a few onlookers. I was embarrassed. Rob u-turned around and began to tell me off for not following his directions of keeping it in neutral and rolling it down the road until I was on the flat. Between the helmet and my nerves I misunderstood thinking it was just until the end of the driveway. I was quick to say ‘Im learning, I misunderstood!’  He then began new instructions. I knew what to do on the bike but it’s the initial first driveway, first road, first corner, first gear change, first set of lights, first hill start, first lane change, first hwy, first truck pass. Its harder than learning how to drive a car in my opinion as you have to be so consciously aware all the time of all the traffice, one wrong move could be your life.

I was relieved when we arrived and exhausted! Riding is so much more tiring than sitting on the back as anyone would imagine yet it surprised me just how much. 

As we laid in our tent on the edge of Springwood I sent off a message to Robs favourite author Steve Crombie with my deepest thanks for taking the time to meet Rob. He wrote back inviting us to his apartment in North Bondi for Australia day celebrations the next day and to stay the night. As I read the message to Rob his face lit up like a child at Christmas. Even with all the excitement, his first thought was me. What a gem. Do you want to go? Do you feel confident riding back to the city, to North Bondi? How could I say no to that face, of course I can ride through the city to North Bondi with a day of riding up my sleeve, ekk I was so nervous but I also wanted to go and meet new people. 

I do think the date of Australia Day needs to be changed so we are inclusive of a date thats important and positive to Aboriginals. A date we can all celebrate.A bit of a slap in the face isnt it? Invasion day. Anyways..

We wake and quickly pack everything up, have a cold shower in the public toilet which has a shower head randomly on the wall, head into a small town on the way called Springwood for breakfast and we are off. We take mostly the hwys which was great and easy for me, North Bondi is really hilly though so a lot of hill starts, which I’m still getting used too.

We ride up to the apartment and are greeted by multiple waves from happy faces on the balcony. Steve came down to greet us, looked at the bikes and invited us up. We had a fantastic day, met lots of amazing people and, played games and danced, all whilst looking over the amazing views of North Bondi beach and the ocean.

The next day we were a little worse for wear but with a good breaky and a big dose of water we were off to our previous camp site for an early night.

After getting my bike licence i was keen yet nervous to practice.

I kitted myself up in bike gear and went down to the hot underground car park with Rob to practice my turns and stopping.
Within the first 3 minutes i had fallen off and dropped my bike on its side. I was turning  around a corner on flat cement and there was a large pile of water where i was turning, so i put my foot down for extra balance and it slid straight out from underneath me. Thankfully the bike was ok but for some reason i started to cry. I think it was a build up of emotions and nerves that came rolling down my face. Rob was quick to say ‘well im glad we got that over with, because it will happen again at some point as it does to everyone, so the sooner the better.’
Not sympathetic but what i needed, so up i got again and off i rode. Practicing my figure 8s and stopping. The basics but apparently the hard things to master. It was hot.

We then headed up to a few beaches, palm beach, whale beach. Had lunch in lovely Avalon surf club overlooking the ocean, close to where Robs parents use to live. We went for a swim and within 5 minutes Rob got stung by a blue bottle. He iced it and then ran it under hot water for 15minutes and iced again, as advised by the lifesavers. .i mean lifeguards. Mmm lifesavers lollies…
I have been stung by a jellyfish before all up my forearm and it blistered straight away. I couldnt do my next flight as it was still so visable. Robs hand was a little swollen and red . Thinking about it now i would have shown the same sympathy as Rob did when i fell off my bike. “You’ll be fine, its all part of the adventure” He was fine.

The day before we left Victoria i thought i would try and contact Robs favourite novelist Steve Crombie. His book inspired Rob to ride through North and South America. I did a bit of searching and found him on facebook and asked if he would be interested in a catch up. I told him how Rob had travelled after his books inspiration and about our current journey. He was so nice and keen as mustard. We met up with him last night and they both got along so well trading adventures like long lost friends. He has travelled most of the world by motorbike. What an amazing life.

Today was my first day riding on the roads. What a way to learn, through busy Sydney suburbs and packed hwys. I stalled it twice, may have almost wet myself a little but  managed. Realised after half an hour in i was stiff as a board haha nervous.
We are now in the blue mountains just past Springbrook. It was sad to leave Linda and her amazing hospitality but I’m excited to see what the next few days have instore.

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When the teacher first started talking i thought ohhh geeze im not going to pass this.

She was a bitch. She had already managed to tell us off for not being fully kitted in motorbike gear at 11.50am, 10minutes before the course started whilst we waited outside in 38 degree heat. We all had our clothes ready to wear we just didnt arrive in them and that didnt please her.

Throughout the next hour however i realised she was just super crazy like my English friend Jodie. A bitch, but a funny bitch.
I was cracking up through out the course, brought to tears multiple times and i felt like i was the only one laughing. My favourite statement she said was to a 40-50 year old man in the group getting his scooter licence. “I dont care if you have a vagina and your riding a scooter but bring in your prostitute legs, they cant be flapping around”
Haha Awesome!!

I passed the practical and did my written today, i passed with 100%!! Woop woop i can breath again. Yayyy im a learner!!!!

We did 8 hours of riding over 2 days.
I feel okay about riding around some quite streets however i’m going to have to practice a bit over the weekend so im more confident before we head off.

Rob called the mechanic yesturday about when his bike would be ready. They called their head office in Perth questioning when the part will arrive and they said the 5th of Feb!!
He told a white lie and said we were staying in a tent at the moment and let them know we are waiting on the bike to continue our Australian journey. The mechanic gave Rob head offices number and a name and told him to call them. He did, the guy got back to him 2 hours later and said they are sorry but they have had the part all along!! Something to do with the way it was batched incorrectly in there new system. Its getting sent by airmail and should have arrived today.
The company also offered free ktm parts for Robs next service. Woop woop!!

We caught up with my old Dubai room mate Fi and her husband Chris. They are gorgeous and literally look like Barbie and Ken.
They are so funny and down to earth.
Fi has jokingly named there unborn child Jnr Abbott for its large forhead on the scans.
Whilst Chris struts down to the beach side pool from there apartment for a swim every morning in a robe,hotel slippers and sunglasses for his own laughs at peoples reactions.
Classic!
A great night with great people!

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Who knew bikes could be so fun!!!
To clean up the bike and transform it into a beautiful riding machine we went to autobahn  and picked up a whole range of products i never even knew existed. We took it to the manual car wash and gave it a good scrub.
We ordered the seat and windscreen from Di in Tassie on ebay.
We bought a bmw badge as it was missing one on the left and a holder for my phone to use as a gps. Also a cage for the motor in case i drop it. 🙂

Using the products from autobahn was so fun and satisfying. Who knew!!
My favourite is the cut and polish.  I wish i knew about this stuff when i bought my first car. Ladies and gents who are not familiar with this stuff, its amazing. As there was so much dirt embedded into the bike from never being cleaned and staying out in the sun for 7 years i had to rub and rub until the painted panels were as smooth as a babies bottom. I knew i could be ocd but cut and polishing a bike took me to a new level.
Im sure it would be possible to use that stuff on stained and scratched kitchen appliances. No more carrot juice stains head to autobarn!! Not sure how safe that would be, ill test it one day and let you know.

Next favourite was the creamy stuff that cleaned the exhaust……autosol.
Rob cleaned it up so well. Its so shiney. Again another product that could be used to clean a stainless steel kitchen! Amazing!!

We also used a vinyl and plastic conditioner which made the old, dry, faded plastic black again.

We rubbed metholated spirits where the badge was going to clean to surface and stuck the new badge on.
 
So far we have invested about 8 hours of work on the bike and there is still more to go. We need to put clear nail polish on a spot that the paint is coming off from, and give the whole thing a good wax and polish. We need to attach all items when they arrive and get a licence to ride!! Yayyy!

On another note we went out for dinner for Heathers birthday at a yatch club which was great fun. I met and talked to a guy named Blake for most of the night. Isn’t it amazing how you can meet so many people when your travelling but then there is one who you just connect to as though you have known them a lifetime. You talk about your families, your adventures and your goals. Its not until you have this connection you look at all your prior interactions.
When i told Rob he was there with his boyfriend i think it was a sigh of relief but he said i guessed as you wouldn’t usually talk to a guy for so long so in depth unless he was an old friend or gay.

It made me think a little. Do i hold back from talking to other men i have met incase it makes Rob feel uncomfortable. I do. I love him so much i dont want to loose him but by doing this what am i loosing. Potential moments with strangers that i can grow and learn from. Beautiful moments like i shared with Blake.
I have the man of my dreams and have no desire to find anyone else but i will make more of an effort to connect with men and woman on our journey as its these encounters we remember. 

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We went and test rode a BMW 650 2010 model a few days ago. Well Rob test rode it whilst i watched. I test straddled it to check the height and weight.
It has done just under 6,500kms
Has been serviced 3 times and had a minor accident at 30km resulting in replaced handle bars. Rob spoke to both companies that have dealt with the bike and they said it was good to go mechanically the last they checked. The guy selling it knows nothing about bikes and comes across as an entitled 30 year old city kid who just wanted to ride a bike occasionally. Nice guy but the bike cosmetically needs a good clean. Its never been parked in a garage or been covered so the seat is worn and the front wind screen needs to be replaced.

So Rob went googling as he does best and price quoted seat, windscreen, rego, a service and made him an offer. He was asking $6,000 and Rob let him know all that we would need to do and prices and offered him $4,700. He said $4,900 and you can pick it up today. Yayyyy!!!

So in normal circumstances you would never buy someone a bike who doesnt have a bike licence yet but we dont have time to waist. Im booked in to get it next week and we are waiting for a call to say his bike part for the KTM is here at any minute. In the meantime we need to do rego papers, servicing and replace seat and windscreen.
Thankfully there was a lady in Tassie selling those exact parts for the same year model bike as well. It was meant to be.

How amazing is my boyfriend. Im sure in his own way he will now enjoy the journey a lot more without me on the back but he knows ill enjoy the journey a lot more too on my own bike. What ever the reason no one has ever bought me something like this before. Feeling special!!

​Today i went and changed my licence to NSW so i could book in to go for my bike licence whilst here waiting for the parts of the KTM. Im booked in for the 17th and 18th of jan and im excited!
The last time i rode a bike was when i rode Robs dirt bike. I got it up to 4th gear and it went so fast i nearly pooped my pants and missed the turn. I then had to turn the bike around  but it was so heavy that i fell over haha. It was fun though.

The thought of riding my own bike for the rest of the journey is very exciting.

Today we had another amazing dinner at Lindas with the largest Oysters i ever seen. Pacific Oysters. Larger than the size of my palm. Delicious! My favourites!
We moved the dining room table outside for dinner which resulted in a late night shopping spree for stools as the furniture arrangement will now stay that way.

Tomorrow we are off to the beach!! 

​Today has been a hangover for the record books. The mixing of drinks! How did i forget that rule? 
We met up with my gorgeous friend Juliet and her her boyfriend Josh. A friend who used to live in the same Emirates accomidation as me in Dubai. Always such a laugh and so fun to be around. 

We started the night out for dinner at the Fish Shop. Great fresh local ingredients and yummy food.We then head to a place not far called Sugarmill where they have a cute rooftop bar, and we chatted away. As for the last place I’m not sure what that was called but we danced until our hearts content and ate half a kebab on the way home, as you do.

Woke this morning feeling crappy to say the least with my make up smeared across my face. Class.What is it about Tobys apartment? 2 big nights here and 2 big hangovers. I dont think the apartment is the issue i think i should stop being such a boose head when catching up with old friends i havnt seen for years.

On another note Rob and i have been  discussing the possibly of getting my bike licence and buying another bike for the remainder of the journey. 4 Wheels. Not to sure of the legalities of being able to get it in NSW but will research and see. That would be fun,  if i don’t crash.. 

Today was relaxing, we gymed it, had a sauna and headed to the city for some mexican and a harbour walk.

I may have left one crucial detail out of our current part of the journey with all the excitment over Sydney. The reason why we are spending so much additional time around beautiful Sydney is

 1. It would be too busy to go to any campsite around Sydney during school holidays

2. We have amazing friends and family here

3.  The bikes broken.. the issue is…rob said, a bent selector shaft in the gear box preventing gear changes when the bike is hot. Eg city riding.

We are currently waiting for a part which could be another week or so. It was a bit scary in the traffic without being able to shift gears, we are luckily in a place where there are KTM dealers. 

In the meantime we will explore the city and catch up with our crazy friends. We are currently chilling at Tobys apartment in Potts Point whilst he is down the coast on holidays. Woop woop 

​I love shopping as much as Rob loves racing cars and thats a lot. I also love having money in the bank so i dont do it until i need a whole range of things and i get them in 1 junkie hit! 

New York is my favourite place to shop!! Great brands amazing quality and fantastic sales. I treat it like a day of sport keeping in mind the prices and trying them on. I have lunch and think about potential purchases and go back to claim my discounted prizes.
Winner winner!!

When Rob said he had no idea about fashion and asked if id go shopping with him whilst we are in Sydney it was like the dirty dancing soundtrack started playing in my ears. …I had the time of my life…..
I got excited! We shopped! He only wanted a shirt and shorts but we searched high and low for the right ones. Only walked away with a shirt. Round 2 tomorrow 🙂
He tried on so many items the gorgeous thing. I find him attractive now but dressing him in clothes i like puts him up another 100pts on the husband to be tally. Hes winning!

On another positive note our house owner gave  us an amazingly positive review on our house sitting profile. Woot woo watch out aussie house owners, Candice and Rob have arrived!! 

So this morning we head off to the mall. Rob managed to smash the lense on his phone on new years on a small rock and wanted to get it repaired. I also wanted to make a small album of the dogs for there owners when they get back.
Everything was great, we got all in great timing even though the mall was full.
We then got on the bus and missed our stop.

Rob commented, ‘well we were doing alright with the buses until we fucked that one up.’
I dont know why but i felt offended by his comment. I found it unessissary. Who cares we missed a stop, the next stop for that bus was 3 more stops away. Maybe thats why i got huffy. We talked about it and was fine within 5 minutes. He’ll try not to swear as much and ill attempt to not take things so personally.

Today was our last day with our beloved Brock and Rosie. Our companions for the last 2 weeks.
Lewis our house owner was lovely, he bought us a delicious bottle of red for looking after his home and pups.
He broke up with his girlfriend whilst away as his father passed 3 weeks ago and needs time to himself. What a way to start a new year.
I suppose now he gets a fresh start to the new year.

We arrived at Lindas, once again amazing. She had gone food shopping for us and had also folded 2 towels, facewashes, mouthwash, toothpaste and a loofas at the end of the bed for us. How gorgeous is she!
Tomorrow morning she is off to the Whitsundays for 2 days, they have hired a catamaran but she wanted us to enjoy her apartment anyways. I love this woman she is amazing!