Dave Ward and Bron Manifold write from Tassie

Believe it or not, three months has passed since Bron and I moved to Tassie. Here is a brief update on what's been happening and our current thoughts about living here.

We are both still at our current jobs but are seeking other options as they arise. Bron is getting plenty of work at Aussie Post and is earning more money than me for a change! She is quite flexible at the mail centre so they get her to pick up mail in the van from the airport. She spends the rest of the time on the bike delivering mail. She has had to learn new ways of riding as her run is on very steep driveways and having to do U turns on hills has resulted in dropping her bike a couple of times.

The weather, which was a major concern before coming here, has not been a problem. It is only a little chilly first thing in the morning and then fine for the rest of the day. We have been watching the weather report on Channel Ten news and it sounds like Melbourne has been getting the bad stuff compared to us. (Not to mention your traffic issues!)

I'm still at the bakery but am going for my semi licence in two weeks to improve the chance of getting more work. There seems to be a shortage for drivers and this will give me more options.

The bakery is going well but the work is slightly different to what I have done in the past. Back on the tools, as they say!  We are getting a pay rise very soon along with new conditions as we go on a federal award. Currently we are on our own Tassie award and the rate is very poor. As I start early in the morning, I will get a better hourly rate, which is always welcome.

Living in our house in Bellerive across the road from Bellerive Oval is going well. The dogs love it here, nearly more than us I think. Every day they have walks down the beach and are sleeping on our bed most nights.

It gets chilly at night so the heater stays on all the time which, we have been told, will reduce the power bills as no sudden spikes in the energy needed. We will see. Power is very expensive here and bills for a family can be as high as $1000 per quarter. Not many houses use gas, so electricity for everything other than a wood fire heater. Most houses are equipped with heat pumps which are split air con/heater, which is ok, if you haven't been used to central heating all your life!

Work is only 10 minutes away for both of us and Hobart central 10 minutes also. We have everything we need at Eastlands shopping centre which is a mini Chadstone and is walking distance for us.

Our neighbours are wonderful people. Bron has taken up knitting. Rosie has shown her how to get started and Bron is working on a bright Ducati red man scarf for me. Dennis is the chief steward at the greyhound racing club and has plenty of stories to tell when we have them over for a cuppa.

The bike scene is taking a little time to get used to after being involved with MSR for so many years. But I’m getting to know it now. I went round to the bike shops to get info on local clubs, etc and have been out on a few rides on the V-Strom which has been pleasant. They only have one ride per month so you could be riding with a different club each week if you wanted to. I have seen the same guys riding and am getting to know them, or them getting to know me?

The bike has been trouble free and has clocked over 3,000 kms. It certainly is a great bike for both Bron and I. But I miss my Blade and will miss it more once the track days come around starting next month. Plenty of track days are catered. If you have a licence, the day costs $50 and is only 20 mins away. (I could come home for lunch!)

I have been looking for a couple of one year-old sportsbikes and will maybe make an offer in a couple of months if one is still for sale. 

The main clubs here are the ROT (Riders of Tasmania), the TMR (Tasmanian Motorcycle Riders) and the Italian Motorcycle Club which caters for all bikes. Most riders are experienced as corners are everywhere but they do not do many kays for the day. Most kick off times are at 11am and back by 3.30/4pm with about 250-300 kms travelled. One thing is clear, there are no leaders or rear riders on club rides due to (public liability ...Ed) insurance. Everyone has to make their own way to the destination and have a bite to eat there. It works OK but only if you know where you are going! 

Everyone in the bike clubs has given us a warm welcome with plenty of emails and texts  on where and when the ride is and giving us ideas on where to go and general things to know about Tassie. I'm getting in touch with some riders that do Adventure riding and will take the bike off road for a change and see a different view away from the tar!

The weather has stopped us seeing more on the bike (too cold for Bron!) but this will change in a couple of months. We have been out in the ute staying overnight at places such as Bicheno (and walking Wine Glass Bay) and Strahan, relaxing in front of the water.

A work mate, who is mainly into dirt bikes, has been taking me out a few times which has been great. We are in the process of doing an Enduro as a pair, as our fitness is not what it used to be. Dirt riding is big here with plenty of tracks and clubs. Once the weather gets better, Bron is going to join a few push bike clubs, both road and MTB. (Mountain bike ? ...Ed.)

No regrets at this stage about making the move. As I always say, life is short, so make the most of it. Depending on work, we may go elsewhere such as Launceston as our house in Melbourne will be rented for another year so we can't come back! We have decided that we won't stay in our current house as we have no garage and would prefer a bigger back yard for the dogs. I guess we will make a decision around Jan/Feb 2011.

If there is anything we miss, it is our friends and family, but really they are only a phone call away. And we have had a couple of visitors already which has been great. I do miss the MSR and the riding each weekend and so may come back for the Melbourne Cup trip. It will be great to catch up with everyone. I might need to work on distance fitness though!

Take care, everyone. If anyone wishes to visit, you are more than welcome to stay, providing the dogs sleep on your bed, that is...

Dave Ward and Bron Manifold