Off Road Explorer Enews #6
January 09 Edition
 Welcome to the Off Road Explorer Enews #6. We've just put issue #22 of Trail Zone to bed which features our Rainbow Beach Adventure Ride, our first GPS article and our final installment on our Transalp Project Bike.
Clubby also has a feature on Ben Grabham's KTM Safari Beast. This KTM 530 EXC-R Safari prototype has to be the trickest Safari Bike to date and you can have one if you've got a spare 50 grand laying around.
We also announce the offroadexplorer.com Web Forum Awards for services beyond something or another. Not sure what actually. Nevertheless we reward four forum members for their online efforts.
Transalp Project Bike
 As we've already mentioned the Transalp Project Bike is now completed. I don't know what it is about all our project bikes but after six months of riding I always develop a soft spot for these big bore beasts. No matter what your preference is in adventure bikes theres always something to like about each one and the Honda XLV700 Transalp is no expection. It's definitely at the cruiser end of the scale and loves the milder road conditions. Having said that though, it had no problem making the journey to the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. If the Transalp strikes your fancy it will be up FOR SALE early February '09. If the Transalp is your style of adventure bike call 02 9544 4669 for more details.
Ride Right Round The World Update
 Ride Right Round riders Simon Buckley and Todd Barry are in their final preparations for their ride right round the world to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer.
Mr Swagman is the latest sponsor to come on board supplying their genuine aussie canvas biker swags. You can hear an interview with Simon and Todd on ABC Radio on January 29 at 11am.
New Product
 Spot Messenger
SPOT is a satellite messenging device that allows you to check in, allow others to track your progress or call for help. It utilizes 100% satellite technology so SPOT works around the world even where mobile phones don't. SPOT features four key functions that enable users to send messages to friends, family or emergency responders, based upon varying levels of need. You can read details about SPOT Messenger in issue 22 of Trail Zone due out next month. We actually hope to test the unit on our next ORE Adventure.
Retail Price: $299
Contact: GPS OZ
Phone: 02 9999 2313
Wolfman New Enduro Bags
 Offroadexplorer.com has got the scoop on some new Wolfman luggage due in the country in the next month.
It's the new Wolfman Enduro Duffel and Saddle Bag kit designed specifically for performance enduro bikes and small bore dual sports bikes. The price will be $66.20 for the Enduro Duffel and $215.15 for the Enduro Saddle Bags. Both prices include GST. The good news is that the Saddle Bags can be combined with other larger Wolfman Duffel Bags. We expect it to be available in the country sometime in February '09. For more information contact AdventureMoto.com.au or call 1300 135 286
Dual Sport Group on Facebook
 When you're a dual sports rider you probably not a regular Facebook browser. You're either on the advrider.com or the offroadexplorer,com Forum.
But if you're looking for somewhere new in cyber space to hang out check out the new Facebook page for new dual sports riders. I reckon it might be pretty handy if you want to hang out with like minded adventure riders overseas.
 Pre GS Safari Rider Training
Werribee March 28/29
Just a reminder about the GS Safari Course held in March 2009, The course will be conducted at the Werribee 4x4 Training and Proving Ground, a venue that provides an amazing range of surfaces and terrain making it ideal for Adventure Bike training.
The course wraps on Sunday afternoon at which time participants will ride to Port Melbourne and ride straight onto the Spirit of Tasmania to join the rest of the (non training) GS Safari Participants to embark on an amazing weeks riding.
GS Safari participants will have priority as positions are limited. To receive more information on this course please contact office@stayupright.com.au
2009 Dakar Rally
 Marc Coma did the almost impossible by leading the rally from start to finish. While everybody else was suffering tyre problems, Coma stole 41’ to Despres, 1h01’ to a David Casteu in tears. Only Frétigné managed to limit the damage by "only" conceding 28’ to Coma.
Unable to catch up on the leader, Cyril Despres still won 4 special stages - against 3 for Coma -, which brings his stage victory total to 20. Third of the Dakar, David Frétigné, riding his WRF Yamaha, had his best performance ever winning the 450cc category at the same time. The first Australian home was David Schwarz who finished 36 in a field of 113.
Go to www.dakar.com for more details.
|
