It may be a long way from the Sunshine State, but the Snowy Mountains have some great routes.  Last year we did a trip in Snowy Mountains in the Spring, when the flowers were out, the air was clean, the temperature was cool and crisp, and the views were great.
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I believe we can all help to improve our local road conditions by listing the improvements that we would like to see then passing the list onto the Main Roads Department.

1. Car Driver awareness campaign. “Use side mirrors when changing lanes”.
2. Make lane markings “Non Skid”.
3. Fix pot holes on dangerous country roads.
4. Oil on roads. Make Roadworthy certificates for cars & bikes compulsory.
5. Road signs for black spot corners etc
6. Remove loose gravel from roads.
7. Fix very bad cambers on some roads with loose gravel at the edge.

Would be great to hear everyone’s thoughts on the above and perhaps add to the suggestions.

Again we have some sad news regarding another motorcycle fatality in our local region. While this is always a painful thing to discuss in the media, it does bring to the fore one of the main reasons for the formation of MATES - to assist with the promotion of greater rider safety on our roads through the actions and advice of our peers.

Regardless to say however that another needless death has occurred, and a reminder that road conditions play a definite part in how we use the roads. And my condolences go out to the family of Mr Palmer.

You can see the article here (this opens in a new window to the GC Bulletin article) and the respective debate regarding cause.  Be sure to read the comments by readers after the story, and of course we would be interested to hear of your experiences with Road Conditions or advice on what other major bike routes have dangers we need to be aware of.

There’s rain and then there is rain.

Over the last few weeks we have been getting constant rain.

This can lead to areas of the roadway in the Gold Coast Hinterland developing moss and slime on the roadway. The trick is to keep to the well worn tyre tracks. Slow down when approaching wet areas because if you need to take evasive action, the last place you want to venture is into the wet areas for some safe traction. It aint gonna happen.