tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88013563154882874452024-03-06T18:17:58.177+13:00Backwardsit, the Hillbilly BloggerA motorcycle nut who came late to the world of motorcycles and is now hopelessly addicted to riding and blogging about motorcycles. I will also blog about technology that interests me and sometimes interesting and bizarre things.
Crazy is an acceptable state of mind.Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-21233227971516114382018-09-29T10:13:00.000+12:002019-05-04T12:32:54.814+12:00Back on an iPadI last had an iPad in 2016, an iPad Air 2. When it broke, I never replaced it, I just used the MacBook Air and my iPhone.
This year for Father’s Day, my kids bought me an <a href="https://amzn.to/2QlS8rp" target="_blank">IPad Pro 10.5”</a> and the <a title="Smart Keyboard on Amazon" href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Smart-Keyboard-English-Layout/dp/B072MHN91T" target="_blank">Smart Keyboard</a>.
I had forgotten how much of a utility device the iPad was. I got the iPad 2, then replaced that with the iPad Air 2 and used to carry these with me everywhere. I made do with the iPhone 6S Plus but now, being back with an iPad, I realise that this is the portable device to have and how much I have missed using it. Watching video’s is so much better, using the office suite to do work is so much better, replying to emails is so much easier. Updating my blog will be so much ........ but wait ........ what is this .... my favourite blogging app Blogsy is no more. Say it ain’t so 😕
Blogsy was such a great app for blogging on the iPad and now I am having to write my blogs using the Blogger website. It seems that Blogsy went away about the same time I stopped using an iPad. Coincidence ....... I think not!
The experience of using Blogger is just not the same. No more offline writing of posts, no more simple embedding of links, no more ..... well no more really user friendly experience.
I have searched the inter webs and have not found a Blogsy replacement.
If anyone reads this, what do you use on the iPad for blogging?
Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-74852431739503868412018-08-30T10:13:00.000+12:002018-08-30T10:13:53.848+12:00Back to Blogging<p>I have just noticed that it has been almost two years since I last posted to my blog.</p><p>Best I stop being so slack and get on to it!</p>Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-36352071048319880042016-12-29T11:56:00.001+13:002016-12-29T11:56:57.712+13:00Having a lump on my arm removedFor those that love a bit of blood and gore, here is a video I took of me having a lump removed from my arm.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MOr_-Y9VK6M" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-13649309184284286692016-12-06T20:34:00.001+13:002016-12-06T20:34:19.894+13:00Motorcycle Trip through back country New ZealandMy wife and I went for a sunny Saturday ride through back country New Zealand. I love the back country roads. No traffic, good twisties and some straight bits too.No traffic so you can just ride and enjoy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VwmmW6iJSRY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VwmmW6iJSRY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-43380425906312422712015-09-05T09:57:00.000+12:002015-09-05T10:41:26.054+12:00Bose SoundTrue In-Ear HeadphonesMy old faithful Apple earpods finally bit the dust. Time to get some new in-ear headphones for use with my iPhone and iPad.<br />
<br />
My requirements were that they had to give good sound, be comfortable, have a mic to use with phone, skype etc and be under NZ$100.<br />
<br />
I spent about 3 days researching (I am a bit OCD like that) and found that the Bose SoundTrue seemed to fit the bill, except for price. They had really good feedback on comfort and mic quality, mixed reviews on sound (mainly from people who listened to rap music who complained about the lack of bass) but failed on the price, RRP for these is NZ$219.<br />
<br />
I decided to go back to my old faithful and get a new pair of Apple earpods. I then set about seeing if I could get them cheaper than on the Apple NZ shop where the price was NZ$45. I went to dick smiths online and saw that they had these $5 cheaper. Right underneath them was the Bose SoundTrue which Dick Smith had for NZ$159, a good NZ$60 cheaper than the Bose RRP. Hello, I thought to myself, maybe I can get them cheaper if I look really hard. After about 30 minutes of searching, I found a shop in Cromwell, a small town in the South Island of NZ, that were selling them for NZ$109.<br />
<br />
I immediately moved my price requirement to $110 and "voila" the Bose SoundTrue in ear headphones now fitted my requirements perfectly. I don't listen to rap music so the lack of a really deep bass didn't bother me. I went online to Gary Anderson's in Cromwell and purchased the Bose SoundTrue in-ear headphones for IOS.<br />
<br />
I was very surprised to get an email 45 minutes later saying my order had shipped. Sent them back a complimentary email thanking them for thier excellent service and recieved a return email thanking me. The staff apparently get a coffee and chocolate if they get positive customer feedback.<br />
<br />
The headphones arrived via courier overnight and are just as good as I hoped they would be. If you are in market for a good set of in-ear headphones with mic, I can highly recommend these <a href="http://www.garyanderson.co.nz/bose-soundtrue-ie-ios-headphones?filter_name=soundtrue" target="_blank">BOSE Soundtrue</a> in-ear headphones. I also suggest that if you are in New Zealand, you jump online to <a href="http://www.garyanderson.co.nz/" target="_blank">Gary Anderson's</a> in Cromwell and buy them from them. If you are not in New Zealand, feel free to jump on my <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/backwardsit-20" target="_blank">Amazon Store</a> and buy them there.<br />
<br />Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-14226708240597732142015-08-20T17:55:00.000+12:002015-08-20T18:07:50.570+12:00Redirecting your custom domain name to Blogger<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
My Blogger URL was backwardsit.blogspot.com. I had my custom domain name www.backwardsit.com, and when I entered this url, I wanted my blog to display. Looked at the <span style="background-color: white;">Blogger</span> settings and there were instructions as to exactly what I had to do to make this happen.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I believed I had followed the instructions correctly but "it no go Mr Fawlty" (Manuel from Fawlty Towers in case you are wondering). The verification step in Blogger kept failing with a domain verification error 5.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I sent the instructions to my domain service provider. They checked and informed me that I had indeed set everything up correctly according to Google's instructions, but "Still no go Mr Fawlty".</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I emailed <span style="background-color: white;">Google</span>, no reply ....... not really a surprise, what do they care.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
After much searching, 99.9% of what I found confirmed that I had set it up correctly. There was one document however that proved to be the HOLY GRAIL.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are two name entries that needed to be set up. One for WWW and one for XCVxxxxxx. This document explained that these were actually shortcuts for WWW.backwardsit.com and XCVxxxxx.backwardsit.com. Thought to myself, let me put the full name in and see if that makes a difference. I started with the WWW entry, that made no difference. I then went to the XCVxxxxxx entry, put in the full name ...... et voila ..... when I went back to Blogger settings and tried to verify, it now worked.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I then typed in <a href="http://www.backwardsit.com/">www.backwardsit.com</a> and my blog showed up. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Problem solved.</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-3520908185931810302015-08-04T21:34:00.001+12:002015-08-04T21:44:05.258+12:00I'm BackIt has been 12 months since my last <strike>confession</strike> ..... oops I mean blog. I have gotten over my lethargy and am back riding with a vengeance.<br />
I am now the proud owner of a Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport and I ride it like I stole it.<br />
Check back for more in the next day or so.Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-27414324945523491452014-08-08T09:30:00.001+12:002014-08-08T10:53:22.774+12:00What Motorbike should I get?I am going to get a new motorcycle. The question is, what should I get?<br />
I want to do long rides, and I do mean long ..... around New Zealand, around Australia type long.<br />
When looking at various motorcycles, I am taking into account the following "must haves"<br />
<ul>
<li>Must be an upright riding position</li>
<li>Must have a comfortable seat</li>
<li>must be capable of carrying lots of luggage</li>
<li>Must have nationwide coverage for service and support, or at least be a common brand that it is likely there will be people around who know how everything works.</li>
<li>Must have good fuel economy and a large (20l+) tank. </li>
</ul>
My 1st choice at the moment is a <a href="http://www.suzuki.co.nz/Motorcycle/Street/V-Strom+650+ABS/" target="_self" title="">Suzuki DL650 Wee-Strom</a>. Seems to fit my requirements nicely and isn't too expensive.<br />
Keen to hear what anyone else thinks. So drop me a comment below with what you would buy to do the kind of trips I am planning.Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-88474514189969496292014-07-31T14:15:00.002+12:002014-08-06T23:15:15.998+12:00R.I.P Little Mouse<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It is with a heavy heart that I must advise the demise of little Squeaky the mouse.<br />
<br />
He was a great friend to me, always willing to listen, never running away, never getting into trouble (we will forget the smoking incident). Never a more loyal mouse did ever exist.<br />
<br />
I will always remember you Squeaky. May the cheese in mouse heaven be specialty Gruyere.<br />
<br />
I am just so happy that my last memory of Squeaky will be the car ride we took together.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimccxoCsYRjSBkl4AFVIbnHJQK-rz9MT1rDJVF2fv8cRg6h51ZOYytjDyYvkjcUx2ekvkj6BGq25ecMRmNnWZUqy0psSukNi0je1sDzxZ3-sBQeEWnqWT7p_GgzY81nUdmKijQa5wbD_EA/s1600/20140726_154757_Android.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Car Ride Mouse" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimccxoCsYRjSBkl4AFVIbnHJQK-rz9MT1rDJVF2fv8cRg6h51ZOYytjDyYvkjcUx2ekvkj6BGq25ecMRmNnWZUqy0psSukNi0je1sDzxZ3-sBQeEWnqWT7p_GgzY81nUdmKijQa5wbD_EA/s1600/20140726_154757_Android.jpg" height="640" title="" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I do not want the haters to hate just because squeaky wasn't wearing a seat belt. He was just way too small.</div>
Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-67290820691842104932014-07-30T19:42:00.001+12:002014-08-06T23:16:08.256+12:00How good is a mouses eyesight<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am wondering how well a mouse can see.<br />
<br />
I heard the TV in the lounge go on early this morning. I went to investigate thinking that someone was in the house.<br />
<br />
Imagine my surprise when I found this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbFnOTWmXfFaXjT6OLQfQt82mFxtWNfjcFF3S3rwUYUNGMmbD4vFBY8fhUbP4UlzOETr6TbWARkEz8wlIUzBJMwrhdpnVFYXDczi7xrlVEoXa7vgnxFy6js81dMpJCto_mvgD-FtUfLBY/s1600/20140726_154849_Android.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mouse eyesight" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbFnOTWmXfFaXjT6OLQfQt82mFxtWNfjcFF3S3rwUYUNGMmbD4vFBY8fhUbP4UlzOETr6TbWARkEz8wlIUzBJMwrhdpnVFYXDczi7xrlVEoXa7vgnxFy6js81dMpJCto_mvgD-FtUfLBY/s1600/20140726_154849_Android.jpg" height="640" title="" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
You can imagine my surprise when I saw Squeaky chillaxing out watching TV. I told him off though for sitting too close. The fact that he had to sit so close makes me wonder how good his eyesight is.<br />
<br />
I think I might take him to spec savers and get his eyes checked.I think little Squeaky will look cool with glasses.<br />
<br /></div>
Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-54512803696966023322014-07-29T19:31:00.004+12:002014-08-06T23:16:29.931+12:00Bad Breath Mouse<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had started to notice that my pet mouse Squeaky has bad breath.<br />
<br />
I know with dogs and cats, the you can have their teeth brushed and also get them special"cleaning" biscuits.<br />
<br />
I had asked my daughter to go and clean her teeth and when she got in to the bathroom this is what she found.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcDugvFFHLJZCKjmdpFHadoaI7HizMephgkYTvVQrOPnZ67y7w-oYEhZhLhWY-N2yi6VyefHeHIx8_toaXbjL8qVTKJrIqG-O1KxF5ZKhssto0wgTiLvCjiqwaLp2saoH0DfOz8PFwXug/s1600/20140726_154934_Android.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mouse brushing teeth" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcDugvFFHLJZCKjmdpFHadoaI7HizMephgkYTvVQrOPnZ67y7w-oYEhZhLhWY-N2yi6VyefHeHIx8_toaXbjL8qVTKJrIqG-O1KxF5ZKhssto0wgTiLvCjiqwaLp2saoH0DfOz8PFwXug/s1600/20140726_154934_Android.jpg" height="640" title="" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Who knew that a mouse could teach itself to brush its teeth by watching humans.<br />
<br />
I think I will have to set up a live stream and watch what this mouse gets up to when I am not around. I have purchased a black magic recorder which will enable me to livestream from my GoPro. My project for tomorrow.<br />
<br />
All of these products can be purchased from <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/backwardsit-20" target="_blank">my Amazon Store.</a></div>
Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-75557741333613885812014-07-28T17:42:00.001+12:002014-08-06T23:16:44.337+12:00Toilet training your pets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have been told that it is impossible to toilet train pets. You can get them to go outside, but it is not possible to actually get them to go to the toilet.<br />
<br />
You can imagine my surprise when I went to the bathroom today and saw this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5274XPfFwt00JMBwB5zPeD8NgN4EIjGWWytu0RgUw3Amx5QQK8HTvaAr-DyG7NJ0TcHC58OPilFb7ofbuWfuOeKDS6qpilD-k_RbaP0BYgiRte32adWDtdIaSOO7Ltlw0HQtnjJyf66_/s1600/2014-07-26+15.58.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="toilet trained mouse" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5274XPfFwt00JMBwB5zPeD8NgN4EIjGWWytu0RgUw3Amx5QQK8HTvaAr-DyG7NJ0TcHC58OPilFb7ofbuWfuOeKDS6qpilD-k_RbaP0BYgiRte32adWDtdIaSOO7Ltlw0HQtnjJyf66_/s1600/2014-07-26+15.58.07.jpg" height="640" title="" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
My widdle mouse, Squeaky, is a very smart widdle mouse. He toilet trained himself!<br />
<br />
I have noticed that he has bad breath. I must see if I can get him to brush his teeth.</div>
Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-60195563860363937352014-07-27T17:09:00.001+12:002014-08-06T23:17:02.594+12:00Kids and Pets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My daughter has always been a cat person. She has two cats, identical twins. I was rapt when she took a liking to my new pet mouse, Squeaky.<br />
<br />
Here is a picture of her bonding with Squeaky.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-q-1xQwwhzX7B9nlZbxIoEmaZ6dX-GxfLqHTlEY7jIunTGAWnSoYUa_Q9nAb_UlvCR_DSoms3CdxWx92w-1Dxp2Pu4s01-n6MVMVpOgwE0vaaa2Yde92tqKAGTA7WA7qMSd-MajDckIvK/s1600/2014-07-26+15.51.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="rat bonding" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-q-1xQwwhzX7B9nlZbxIoEmaZ6dX-GxfLqHTlEY7jIunTGAWnSoYUa_Q9nAb_UlvCR_DSoms3CdxWx92w-1Dxp2Pu4s01-n6MVMVpOgwE0vaaa2Yde92tqKAGTA7WA7qMSd-MajDckIvK/s1600/2014-07-26+15.51.37.jpg" height="225" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I just hope she isn't conning me and planning to feed Squeaky to her cats.</div>
Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-81024899782174375122014-07-26T16:16:00.001+12:002014-08-06T23:17:21.522+12:00A smoking mouse<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am so disappointed with my new pet mouse. He went missing and when I found him he was .... well I think the picture says it all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA-75WR7ctFGLIHOG_9svrUFoDTKj7ufE68s2_Uu-ckY_U-5JmOdJSGKr3Akp_PgrGUkIZ1F5RjrQY9BbRXSikieITjfjUX3teFK36uYfdSi8IGl_sLQLxf84kICSsURPSPZTkH0e46Zy/s1600/2014-07-26+16.07.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mouse smoking" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA-75WR7ctFGLIHOG_9svrUFoDTKj7ufE68s2_Uu-ckY_U-5JmOdJSGKr3Akp_PgrGUkIZ1F5RjrQY9BbRXSikieITjfjUX3teFK36uYfdSi8IGl_sLQLxf84kICSsURPSPZTkH0e46Zy/s1600/2014-07-26+16.07.35.jpg" height="640" title="" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Does anyone know if you can get stop smoking patches in mouse size?</div>
Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-71287149737977995792014-07-26T14:17:00.001+12:002014-07-30T19:46:26.984+12:00My new Pet MouseI went outside this morning and found a little mouse sunbathing on the back porch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IbBF4RQbHsf06UzD5xszCQokGhviXn6Rvid6WpXvqM6FGChCay7kxyMnM4HkizJIoO6SpjYUNB7W3D8xlFEixgJjAqW8_DftaaWJpx2hN4EYhUyKslBFzBeT7D6IbYLo03U8QJQL87I5/s1600/20140726_084549_Android.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IbBF4RQbHsf06UzD5xszCQokGhviXn6Rvid6WpXvqM6FGChCay7kxyMnM4HkizJIoO6SpjYUNB7W3D8xlFEixgJjAqW8_DftaaWJpx2hN4EYhUyKslBFzBeT7D6IbYLo03U8QJQL87I5/s1600/20140726_084549_Android.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I am going to keep him and call him squeaky.<br />
<br />
He doesn't move around much, but thats good, as I don't have a cage for him yet.<br />
<br />
I wuv my new widdle mouse friend.Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-21909142571223498552014-07-25T19:53:00.005+12:002014-07-25T19:55:28.955+12:00Back from the deadAfter not posting anything for four months, I think it is time to start posting again.<br />
<br />
I have set myself a goal of posting something everyday, so be ready for an eclectic series of posts.<br />
<br />
I have a few things I am planning so I will use this forum as somewhat of a diary with an update on progress.<br />
<br />
The first thing is a big ride I am planning. I am going to ride around New Zealand, sticking as close to the coast as I can, bearing in mind I will be riding a sport tourer motorbike. When that ride is complete, I am going to ship the bike to Australia and then do a clockwise ride around Australia. Once again, I will be sticking as close to the coast as a road bike will allow.<br />
<br />
Due to health issues, I have had to stop working. This has lead me to look at Kickstarter as a means to fund this ride. Details of the Kickstarter campaign are as follows: <a href="http://kck.st/1rMzCXv" target="_blank">http://kck.st/1rMzCXv</a>.<br />
<br />
I appreciate any donations towards assisting me to undertake my project.<br />
<br />
<br />Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-89399159527875513862014-02-14T12:26:00.002+13:002014-08-07T23:11:38.397+12:00YouTube Channel TrailerI have had a trailer video for my youtube channel created. Thought I would try and attract more people to my YouTube channel so I could have a wider audience for my words of wisdom.<br />
<br />
What do you think?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pdMna6oFqRY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Feel free to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/backwardsit?sub_confirmation=1" target="_blank">subscribe to my youtube channel here.</a><br />
<br />
I haven't posted anything new for a while but that is all about to change. Stay tuned for a lot more uploads.Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-9898067580138358592014-02-02T20:31:00.000+13:002014-02-02T20:31:37.297+13:00Random words while ridingWent for a ride today with "She who must be obeyed" on the back.<br />
<br />
It was a fantastic day for a ride so I took one of my favourite routes out through the Pohangina Valley to Apiti, coffee at Kimbolton and home via Colyton.<br />
<br />
Came back feeling hyper as usual and then spent an hour editing all my go pro video to make another extravaganza. I am going to learn how to use iMovie properly and work on my editing to make a more professional looking video blog. I also need to find a mic that can block out the wind as the wind noise is quite intrusive.<br />
<br />
I do quite enjoy having a conversation with myself while riding along. I do notice that I stop talking when I need to concentrate and start straight back up where I left off when I am through the tricky bit. I don't consciously know I am doing it. The brain is a wonderful thing.<br />
<br />
The extravaganza can be found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz9Uww8DABg" target="_blank">here on youtube</a>.Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-91352990681006463002014-01-25T18:12:00.000+13:002014-01-25T18:13:21.884+13:00Padded Bra TestI went for a ride today and tested out some bra padding.<br />
<br />
No, I wasn't wearing a bra to contain my man boobs, although I probably need to. I was testing out using bra padding as a wind filter for the microphone I use when I am moto-vlogging. This was suggested by <a href="https://plus.google.com/108731428701597929651">++AccidentalBroadcast</a> so I thought I would see how it worked.<br />
<br />
Take a look at my latest video and let me know what you think of the sound. Is the wind noise reduced? Is it acceptable to watch/listen to?<br />
<br />
Video can be found here on the you tubes,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8jmDzmEGTKo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-68919336758756015962014-01-10T17:30:00.000+13:002014-01-10T17:30:42.765+13:00Riding without TeethOh No, Quelle Horreur, only 3 days of my holiday left ......<br />
<br />
Where on earth did those three weeks go!<br />
<br />
Back to work on Monday so I thought I would take the opportunity this morning to go for a little ride. I fancied some twisty bits, so took the following route:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Palmerston North to Balance Valley Road via Pahiatua Track</li>
<li>Balance Valley Road to Ashhurst via the Manawatu Gorge</li>
<li>Ashhurst to Bunnythorpe</li>
<li>Home to Palmy</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Had a great ride, and as always, I came back feeling full of energy.<br />
<br />
Here is some footage of the ride with some commentary from me. Forgive the wind noise as I am still trying to find the ideal position for the mic inside my helmet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KTG7DxesGCw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Backwardsithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02336003090557967553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-43771853106961922492014-01-04T17:53:00.000+13:002014-01-04T17:53:31.144+13:00VloggingI am now a Vlogger.<br />
<br />
Now before you jump to conclusions about me embracing medieval masochism of some kind, a Vlogger is a Video Blogger.<br />
<br />
I have now just lost â…” of my audience, who had tuned in expecting something completely different. Oh well, c'est la vie. It's just my sister and some person from the Ukraine who doesn't speak English left now.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I digress, back to the topic.<br />
<br />
I bought a microphone for my GoPro. I followed the youtube instructions which showed me how to drill a hole in the side of the GoPro case (<a href="http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&ved=0CEEQtwIwAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DArq_4nKg7z4&ei=EYnHUsusO-WviQfh64HgDA&usg=AFQjCNE5urh60bgOzdkxPSk_qeflW4iEMQ&sig2=SmtjJLBsF1pWlPmVyckTxw&bvm=bv.58187178,d.aGc" target="_blank">here is a link</a>). I actually managed to do this without destroying the case, so yeehaa (I have my teeth in and the hillbilly still comes out in me), $65 saved. I have a helmet mount for my GoPro and run the microphone cable down into my helmet, under the cheek pads inside the helmet, clip the cheek pads back into place, and Voila .... I am ready to Vlog.<br />
<br />
Went out today and recorded my first video with voice. It is not as easy as it seems and the odd swear word did get into the video, I will have to find out how to edit swear words out, but for now, block your ears kiddies.<br />
<br />
After some basic editing, the result can be found <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD44jOGQFRk" target="_blank">here on my YouTube channel.</a><br />
<br />
Happy Watching.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-79261842560110706262014-01-02T20:23:00.002+13:002014-01-02T20:23:48.313+13:00Improving my cornering techniqueI have always used the "vanishing point" technique for cornering on my motorbike.<br />
<br />
Basically this is where you look as far around the corner as you can, keeping your eyes always on the furtherest point you can see. If that point starts coming back towards you, you are going to fast and need to slow down. If that point starts going away from you you can start accelerating as the corner is opening up.<br />
<br />
Earlier this week I was watching a "Vlog" by the Baron (BaronVonGrumble on YouTube), and he was talking about a technique he used, the A B C technique. Basically you divide your side of the road into thirds. A is the third closest to the kerb, B is the middle third, and C is the third closest to the centre line.<br />
<br />
You normally ride in the B sector. When a right hand corner comes up, you position the bike in the A sector (closest to the kerb) so you can see as far around the corner as possible and take the corner starting in the A sector. When a left hand corner comes up, you position the bike in the C sector, once again so you can see as far around the corner as possible.<br />
<br />
I combined this technique with the vanishing point technique and found it really smoothed out my cornering. I will be keeping at this technique until it becomes automatic as it really does seem to work for me and my style of riding.<br />
<br />
I took myself off for a pootle over the Pahiatua Track to try it out. The video can be found <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4C9bmDX2SU" target="_blank">here on my YouTube channel.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-62887188971799318132013-12-31T20:22:00.001+13:002013-12-31T20:23:20.817+13:00Taking my Daughter for her first long rideMy youngest daughter is 12 and has decided that motorbikes are pretty cool. This came about when I dropped her off at a friends on the bike, and her friends all thought she was just too cool for school.<br />
<br />
I thought I would take her on one of my favourite rides. No 2 line from Wanganui to Hunterville. The ride to Wanganui along SH3 would be a test to see how she handled herself.<br />
<br />
Well, what a great pillion. I ran through some hand signals, some shoulder taps for things like "Slow Down" (like I would really follow that one), "I need to stop" and "I need to pee". I ran through the cornering technique; always look over my shoulder on the same side as the corner.The usual don't get off and on until I tell you its okay and don't wriggle when we are stopped. Well enough blah blah blah, and then we were off.<br />
<br />
What a fantastic pillion she is. I didn't even know she was there. Stopped at Sanson for gas and asked her how she was getting on ... although the ear to ear smile should have told me. From there it was all systems go.<br />
<br />
A video of the ride can be found <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB58S-7gNh0" target="_blank">here on my youtube channel.</a><br />
<br />
We have an all day expedition planned for Thursday which should be fun.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-16539007067827430772013-11-21T13:48:00.003+13:002013-11-21T13:48:52.585+13:00Its been a long gap between postsWell it has been a long time between posts.<br />
<br />
I have now got my full motorcycle licence. Straight after getting it I went out and bought the bike I have always wanted, a Triumph. After much consideration I went for the <a href="http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/triumph/2012-triumph-tiger-1050-se-ar123485.html" target="_blank">Tiger 1050.</a> It was my birthday, so I consider it my birthday present to myself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C-gvbNrcC8XKtYk8ZBJVqEAYJjKHYJi5eSI2YkOk7ZMuq7hzvoHpgmy5LUoanFI7sEM84A563xuIyLzsBq0qg4fucz7sNj0Af93ifSCmklxImnkyIp1z1pEltfuXHyOFipdjBj387Fc/s1600/18754-triumph_tiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C-gvbNrcC8XKtYk8ZBJVqEAYJjKHYJi5eSI2YkOk7ZMuq7hzvoHpgmy5LUoanFI7sEM84A563xuIyLzsBq0qg4fucz7sNj0Af93ifSCmklxImnkyIp1z1pEltfuXHyOFipdjBj387Fc/s320/18754-triumph_tiger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What a fantastic bike to ride. That 1050cc triple is just soooooo smooth. Plenty of power but not scary, skittery power, nice smooth torquey power all the way through the rev range. Very sure footed in both wet and dry and the seating position is just perfect for me ... no sore backs! Is there a nicer sounding engine than the triumph triple? I don't think so.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I bought it at the end of August and have managed to put 7,000km on it during the NZ winter. The first long summer ride is happening this coming weekend. Six of us on a four day jaunt around the North Island of New Zealand. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have two other big rides planned. The <a href="http://www.tt2000.org/" target="_blank">TT2000</a>, 2000km in two days in February covering both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, and a South Island Trip with<a href="http://www.e-riders.co.nz/" target="_blank"> E-Riders</a> for 8 days in March.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Summer is here and I am going riding!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801356315488287445.post-67814742715648441802013-02-23T16:27:00.002+13:002013-02-23T16:30:44.608+13:00Upcoming South Island RideOnly 3 weeks to go until I embark on an 8 day ride around the South Island with 9 others from the <a href="http://www.e-riders.co.nz/" target="_blank">E-Riders</a>. Route is planned, accommodation booked, ferry tickets booked and I can't wait.<br />
<br />
This is our route.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8s8Lg1wR2KAe1utquMBnkAolniuk2OhcBFgI5lTkSnKsip8ix_9ZQOnGEe-CxG5D6uTMlyiZZIYApnCEAk8KZSNJ8skvdGAHhVRunnGQFQKY6VGkj_j5fF1pEbqSG238E80Wm_b_HHI/s1600/SI+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8s8Lg1wR2KAe1utquMBnkAolniuk2OhcBFgI5lTkSnKsip8ix_9ZQOnGEe-CxG5D6uTMlyiZZIYApnCEAk8KZSNJ8skvdGAHhVRunnGQFQKY6VGkj_j5fF1pEbqSG238E80Wm_b_HHI/s400/SI+2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0