Latest Project Updates.

Latest Updates, up to 12/03/16,  by Will

Bike Upgrades; during our last couple of tours there was one issue with our bikes that caused us great annoyance, especially when fully loaded. 

When we put our bikes on their Hebie Bipod Stands the back wheel settles onto the ground, front wheel raises into the air & then comes swinging around (sometimes quickly) back towards the bike. 

Hebie bicycle steering dampener kit for each bike. Bike24 charged 19€ each

Disconnect Dyno Hub Wire & Front Brakes, Deflate Tyre, Use 6mm Allen Key to release Front Wheel from Forks. Remove Wheel Skewer & Wheel is then Free. Easy !

When we were in Ceduna South Oz, we met Rob & he had a spring mounted to his bike that stopped this issue. Using the modern day miracle of the Internet I located a rubber steering dampener at Bike24 in Germany. It's another Hebie product, I fitted it and seems to work a treat

Fitting the Dampener was quite simple. Black Betty is ready to go.

And so is Yellow Dawg.

First test run, only 15kms but steering seemed normal

Kombi, not much progress unfortunately, busy on other projects at the moment.

We did have Hugo from Argentina stay with us as a Warm Showers guest. He spent a night at our place before continuing south. Nice bloke, traveling the world (& not always on a bicycle) with interesting stories.

I dropped Hugo at the start of Estuary Drive, he messaged me later & said it was a great ride to Bunbury (85kms) following our route.

South Yunderup House; nearly ready to be placed on the market, some small jobs to do. We did remove the old carpets, new ones arrive in a week. 

I have repaired all the sunken paving, done some gardening. We also had a Real Estate Agent give us an appraisal but their commission is over $20000.

More house repairs, rip up all the sunken paving.

Add sand, compact & level.

Relayed pavers, sweep sand into the gaps to lock them in. Job Done !

Except I had to much sand, so used the excess to top dress the lawn.

Going to aim for the end of March & try to sell it ourselves first up, failing that we'll give a Real Estate Agent a go.

Jenny gets stuck into removing the carpet at the SY House.

Including the under lay.

Onto the next room.

Jenny & I also took the Motorbikes for a spin up to Guildford for a family gathering, in honour of her Auntie Susan's 70th. Some of Jenny's Kiwi, Aunties & Uncle were also there, so we told them of our plans to cycle in New Zealand come November or December this year. They are all keen for us to come over.

Family Gathering at the Rose & Crown in Guildford on the 6th of March.

We ride our BIG Bikes up there & stay the night. (Yes the Bikes have names as well).

Lunch for Susanne's 70th. Great chance to catch up with the "Kiwi Crew".

Then a few after dinner drinks.

During the ride home on the following day we stopped in at Alan & Julie's (cycling friends) they invited us to join them on there short Munda Biddi ride next week, I'll be away but Jen is contemplating doing an overnighter with them.

Mandurah Reno House; We have our first set of plans, old garage has been removed, new 8m x 8m garage has been purchased. Back yard clearing has begun.

So still lots to do but at least some progress is being made. The Mandurah City Council red tape will probably cause us some head aches.

Mandurah House yard clearing has begun. Single Garage has gone.

It's a big job so we call in the big guns, Mick & Kane from Estuary Bobcat

Time to leave them to it. I have to get to the Airport soon & fly to Tasmania.

Bill (my Dad) 70th birthday. It's not until mid May. Jenny & my gift to him is one final road trip. He has never been to Tasmania & has always wanted to go. So I've planned and organised a self drive 10 day Tassie Tour with him. 

His mobility is fairly restricted, but I think I can give him a memorable trip. We flew out of Perth for Hobart on Saturday the 12th.

Flying over Bass Straight, nearly at Tassie.

I'm going to share some of our Tassie Tour exploits with you. Hopefully I don't get too lost, since my "Chief Navigator" is staying home to keep the wheels turning on our projects. Thanks Jenny :-)