Grey Nomads - grumpy pains in the ***

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

And it comes with a job attached to it.

Might be a bit difficult to fit the couch in there with all the tools and shelving though

[Sprintey]

The vanlyfe definitely has its challenging days - or caravanlyfe in our families case, like the article says. It can be really hot, you can be in middle of nowhere. We had a front with almost instant 120km/h winds hit us in Wynyard, van being smashed side to side. Trying to homeschool was pretty funny (kids returned straight to top of the class, asked "why do I have to spend the other 4 hours in school?")

Best bit for me is not really regarded as a tourist spot - the Nullarbor coast and Roe Plain in WA, Madura to Eucla. I had to survey all the radio towers and repeaters, so we camped off road outside the compounds. Not a human in sight, 4x4 10km of sand track down to the bight, fish everywhere, caves, wildlife, that was pretty epic. People just gun the Nullarbor to Norseman (sign was missing the 'r' when we went through ) when really there are some amazing things to see there.

Internet opens up a heap of work opportunity that just didn't exist, and I liked reading how the grey nomads are helping, volunteering and earning as they travel and sharing their expertise too. I'll be posting to you all from sunny Byron Bay after updating my insta on how to groom a cappuccino with the best patterns in the frothy milk to match the designer mug which you can buy at my sponsor's web site...

[Citroënbender]

It's like having a white Falcon wagon on gas, drive slow enough in the city someone will jump in and ask for the airport.

Get yourself an ex-Snappy's van and try grey nomadding; bet you don't get 200km before you get asked about (a.) a warranty item or (b.) a hub nut socket or (c.) a ball joint tool...

[Sprintey]

will throw this in here, slightly related to working online & travel:

https://www.vanityfair.com/style/201...am-influencers

caused much gnashing of teeth, lots of jelly

[Franco Cozzo]

[Ben73]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

https://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2019-...00?pfmredir=sm

Rather interesting article about grey nomads giving the locals the ****s with entitled behavior, it doesn't surprise me given their lack of courtesy to other drivers on the roads.

Have you had run ins with grey nomads before?

They don't even have to be grey. Last one I came across driving inconsiderately was a guy in his late 30's towing a caravan the size of my first house. Slow AF in the bends but 100+ on the very few straights on that road.

Luckily for me in the V6 Jeep I flew past in no time on the straight. My mate in his 4 cylinder ute had to stay behind for a few dozen more Kms because he didn't have the power to overtake safely.

Originally Posted by Sprintey

I'll never forget being a surveyor back in 2003 in Tassie sitting around campfire with grey nomads of the time, probably before the term existed. They were really impressed that I was paid well to work around Oz with a Cruiser and caravan, but it blew me away the entitlement when they informed me I was going to be paying for their retirement, double dipping, medical etc. I thought "there isn't enough of me to pay for all of you". Some of the attitudes like SKINS - "Spend Kids Inheritance Now" is reprehensible.

You know how people leave two squares of toilet paper on the roll so they don't have to change it. It's that attitude, but with the whole economy.

[Franco Cozzo]

Half the dramas come from the Thailand special 4x4 utes, they struggle with a driver in them unloaded let alone the worlds biggest caravan thats been loaded up incorrectly with spare wheels hanging off the back of the thing

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

Franco incredible numbers for the price asked.
Yes, 17% (lets say 20%) on 50K was a very eye opening amount in 1980s dollars. That's 10,000. 5% on 834 is over 40,000 per year, each and every year. There's plenty of folks here who don't make 50K before tax.

How many years did the 17% go for before it fell? 2?
The 5% on the 834K goes on each year ad infinitum...

Back to cars, I see heaps of early 30's longboarder surfers with a relatively new, expensive Merc van. Say 50K or more, way more flash than my beat up surf wagon. But then I realise, it's their house

You have to factor that the average pay in 1980 might have been somewhere between 15-20k so 9-10k on a mortgage was a big bit of the paypacket

[Rallye Sport]

I haven't been this fired up since our last cyclist bashing thread.
I'll be sure to give the next grey nomad I pass a mouthful of abuse.

[Sprintey]

yeah totally Tassie f100, it was substantial, saw Dad and Mum go through those times

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Rallye Sport

I haven't been this fired up since our last cyclist bashing thread.
I'll be sure to give the next grey nomad I pass a mouthful of abuse.

Lets sort those bastards out in this thread too! When the grey nomads and the cyclists are gone then we can sort out the rest of us

There is probably a grey nomad cyclist somewhere we can beat on.

[Citroënbender]

Like the old bushies, trundling a bike - not riding it - with all they had slung over the bike and on their shoulders.

[theBlake]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I'd rather pay 17% on like $50,000 than 5% on bloody $834,000 but I digress

$50,000 got you only a dogbox unit if you are lucky when the rates hit 17% - was around 1989

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by theBlake

$50,000 got you only a dogbox unit if you are lucky when the rates hit 17% - was around 1989

Parents landed 3 bedroom house and land package in Sunbury in mid 1980s for $64K

[Rallye Sport]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

There is probably a grey nomad cyclist somewhere we can beat on.

I've got a pack of thumb tacks in the centre console if ever I should meet one

[Sprintey]

A bit younger: MAMILs
Middle Aged Men In Lycra

[hayseed]

I reckon these Ground lice are a bigger PITA that Grey Nomads..

Sorry Rockwiz,.......I shouldn't Tar you all with the Same Brush.....

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by hayseed

I reckon these Ground lice are a bigger PITA that Grey Nomads..

Sorry Rockwiz,.......I shouldn't Tar you all with the Same Brush.....

image

https://lens.monash.edu/@technology/...on-of-cyclists

Alexa Delbosc is a senior lecturer in the Institute of Transport Studies (Faculty of Civil Engineering) at Monash University, and the lead author of the study “Dehumanisation of cyclists predicts self-reported aggressive behaviour towards them”.

She says it’s the first study to explore attitudes towards a minority road-user group within the context of dehumanisation.

The examination of dehumanisation normally employs the “ascent of man” image, in which people are asked to rate where members of a particular group, normally racial or ethnic minorities, fall between an ape and modern human.

For Dr Delbosc’s study, which involved 442 Australians, an adaptation of this image was used, one that showed the stages of evolution from a cockroach to modern human.

Dr Delbosc said the evolution image was adapted for the study because of the slurs that compared cyclists to cockroaches and mosquitos.

[whynot]

I have heard some interesting first hand accounts of Grey Nomads with complex medical histories wandering into an outback medical centres, demanding on the spot prescriptions. Then cracking a major hissy fit because A) the local doctors are busy dealing with higher priority cases and you will have to wait a few hours, and B) the next nearest doctor is 200km away, and C) only a specialist can prescribe those drugs (and, no, you shouldn’t mix Sildenafil with that medication), and D) because the Grey Nomad wants certain script X, you will have to wait a day or two for it to come in from the nearest regional centre.

From what I can gather, the residents in most outback towns consider Grey Nomads – as distinct from the general tourists - more trouble than they are worth. Sure, minimizing expenses while on the road is one thing. But the Grey Nomad hardly spend a cent in the regional areas, and then expect capital city services from the locals with McDonald’s drive through speed, price, and efficiency.

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by whynot

I have heard some interesting first hand accounts of Grey Nomads with complex medical histories wandering into an outback medical centres, demanding on the spot prescriptions. Then cracking a major hissy fit because A) the local doctors are busy dealing with higher priority cases and you will have to wait a few hours, and B) the next nearest doctor is 200km away, and C) only a specialist can prescribe those drugs (and, no, you shouldn’t mix Sildenafil with that medication), and D) because the Grey Nomad wants certain script X, you will have to wait a day or two for it to come in from the nearest regional centre.

From what I can gather, the residents in most outback towns consider Grey Nomads – as distinct from the general tourists - more trouble than they are worth. Sure, minimizing expenses while on the road is one thing. But the Grey Nomad hardly spend a cent in the regional areas, and then expect capital city services from the locals with McDonald’s drive through speed, price, and efficiency.

Your second paragraph is absolute undiluted crap

[Dave1966]

Originally Posted by hayseed

I reckon these Ground lice are a bigger PITA that Grey Nomads..

Sorry Rockwiz,.......I shouldn't Tar you all with the Same Brush.....

image

Ain’t it amazing. A line up of Harley’s riding like that is considered an outlaw gang! Throw on the Lycra and start peddling and it’s your god given right and you are a noble member of society. Now there’s an equal playing field ! It’s a two way street in my book and the respect runs both ways. And yes, there are good and bad everywhere, cyclists included. Sadly the good guys get tarred with the same brush, same as the good bike clubs.
For the Monash report I can only say I treat others with respect and expect the same. A cyclist experienced a first hand lesson of Newton’s second law the other day. I was crossing at a set of lights in the city under a green walk signal , obviously the traffic lights were red. Enter a cyclist /road user who instantly re categorised himself as a pedestrian and sailed straight through and into me. At 6’3” and 100kg it didn’t work out extremely well for him (thanks Mr Newton) as he rode in front of me, his shoulder clashed with mine..I got abused by the muppet. I found it very hard to feel any sympathy, neither did the other law abiding pedestrians. Now all cyclist are certainly not like this, but many are and they stand out, sure there’s worse to focus on in life but this is becoming a major issue and like I say, respect runs both ways, with or without Lycra

[Cav]

Originally Posted by whynot

I have heard some interesting first hand accounts of Grey Nomads with complex medical histories wandering into an outback medical centres, demanding on the spot prescriptions. Then cracking a major hissy fit because A) the local doctors are busy dealing with higher priority cases and you will have to wait a few hours, and B) the next nearest doctor is 200km away, and C) only a specialist can prescribe those drugs (and, no, you shouldn’t mix Sildenafil with that medication), and D) because the Grey Nomad wants certain script X, you will have to wait a day or two for it to come in from the nearest regional centre.

From what I can gather, the residents in most outback towns consider Grey Nomads – as distinct from the general tourists - more trouble than they are worth. Sure, minimizing expenses while on the road is one thing. But the Grey Nomad hardly spend a cent in the regional areas, and then expect capital city services from the locals with McDonald’s drive through speed, price, and efficiency.

As you approach many regional towns there will be a sign saying RVs welcome. There will also be signs directing you to dump points - this is where your post should be deposited.

Is your town RV friendly?

Check it out here ...

https://www.motorhomerepublic.com/bl...amme-australia

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Cav

As you approach many regional towns there will be a sign saying RVs welcome. There will also be signs directing you to dump points - this is where your post should be deposited.

Is your town RV friendly?

Check it out here ...

https://www.motorhomerepublic.com/bl...amme-australia

Good thing I created this thread on the crapper

[Sabantien]

Originally Posted by whynot

I have heard some interesting first hand accounts of Grey Nomads with complex medical histories wandering into an outback medical centres, demanding on the spot prescriptions. Then cracking a major hissy fit because A) the local doctors are busy dealing with higher priority cases and you will have to wait a few hours, and B) the next nearest doctor is 200km away, and C) only a specialist can prescribe those drugs (and, no, you shouldn’t mix Sildenafil with that medication), and D) because the Grey Nomad wants certain script X, you will have to wait a day or two for it to come in from the nearest regional centre.

From what I can gather, the residents in most outback towns consider Grey Nomads – as distinct from the general tourists - more trouble than they are worth. Sure, minimizing expenses while on the road is one thing. But the Grey Nomad hardly spend a cent in the regional areas, and then expect capital city services from the locals with McDonald’s drive through speed, price, and efficiency.

I have heard complaints about their use of the very limited medical resources. I know with some things, like flu vaccines, first question they ask on the phone is "are you a local?" They only get so much of it and it's for the locals.

I have no doubt the local chemist would get some complaints, because anything not on hand, it's about a week's wait.

I would disagree that most nomads don't spend money. Some don't. Some have put everything they've got into getting a 4wd and a caravan and they are living on the pension.
Before I moved to the outback I visited a few forums, including grey nomad forums, and there were people proudly discussing how they free camped and didn't spend a cent in the town.

But honestly, try going to the pub when the nomads are coming through. The place is packed to the rafters.

I work at a tourist destination and there are plenty of nomads spending plenty of money. Some grey nomads are driving a tired old ute pulling a caravan built in the 80s, but there's plenty of nomads driving imported utes worth 6 figures dragging huge caravans behind them worth just as much. Not every retiree is struggling for cash.


But, I do have a funny story re expecting capital city services.

I was working at a site 110km from the nearest town (where I live). Remote enough we stay onsite for 10 days at a time when working there.

Used to be you could only get water there, assuming there was any in the rain tanks, but we put in a cafe. You can get ice creams, pies, drinks, and, coffee out of a machine. We resupply it ourselves once a week when a staff changeover happens.

This guy rocks up one morning, asks if we make coffees. I said the machine makes coffee. He was incredulous. A machine? Not a barista?

He screamed, that's not good enough! Literally stomped his feet, then stormed out.

Didn't actually buy a ticket for the attraction or anything, just rocked up to an isolated building in the middle of nowhere and expected a barista.

[dunga]

Originally Posted by whynot

I have heard some interesting first hand accounts of Grey Nomads with complex medical histories wandering into an outback medical centres, demanding on the spot prescriptions. Then cracking a major hissy fit because A) the local doctors are busy dealing with higher priority cases and you will have to wait a few hours, and B) the next nearest doctor is 200km away, and C) only a specialist can prescribe those drugs (and, no, you shouldn’t mix Sildenafil with that medication), and D) because the Grey Nomad wants certain script X, you will have to wait a day or two for it to come in from the nearest regional centre.

From what I can gather, the residents in most outback towns consider Grey Nomads – as distinct from the general tourists - more trouble than they are worth. Sure, minimizing expenses while on the road is one thing. But the Grey Nomad hardly spend a cent in the regional areas, and then expect capital city services from the locals with McDonald’s drive through speed, price, and efficiency.

All backed up by facts obtained from the ABC website no doubt.

[guzzis3]

Originally Posted by jgmdat

"It's easy to have a go at the baby boomers. They have had it easy all their lives, Vietnam notwithstanding, and have taken everything they could."


Are you serious or bitter? I'm not a baby boomer either.

This thread has been entertaining reading. Always love a laugh.

BB were born from 1946 to 1963 (and that is not up for negotiation BTW despite the insistence of some cretins in the media). I was born in 65 so gen X.

I'm not bitter. BB are responsible for some good things, but it is easy to make the case above. They entered the workforce during a protracted period of not only full employment but tremendous labour shortages. ANYONE could get a job. They enjoyed a heavily protected and controlled economy, stable low interest rates and housing at 3.4 x the average wage. In the 70's the laws and society changed so women could work after they got married and had children. BB got in a second income to "get ahead". By the end of the 70's 2 incomes were the norm so everyone had to work just to keep up. In the 80's with signifigant equity in their homes they set about buying investment properties to "get ahead". A friend bought his first house in gilford in sydeny in 86 for $35k. 2 years later we were looking through the real estate, identical houses were asking $135k! and it's been f'd ever since.

Previous generations were thrifty and determined to pass assets on to their children. Most bb are burning through theirs...

Regarding the 17% comments, you have to remember the average wage in 1990 was high 20's. A friend bought her first house in 1989 just before the 17%. She paid 70k for a fibro dump on a major road into geelong, one of the cheapest houses around. Even renting out rooms it nearly broke her. Even buying a newspaper was out of the question. $5/wk for fuel.

It's been hard for a long time.

The good news is this will all pass. TV commentators are idiots. If you are lucky they have studied our markets back to ww2, none have looked at the world nor long term australia. The pre war and bb generations created an anomaly in australia's real estate market. When they die it will correct.

Cyclists: On the road they fight with cars, on the footpath pedestrians, on cycle only paths they fight with each other. But it's not them, it's everyone else!

Remember to laugh.

[Cav]

OK I get it BB had it all.

OK let this little black duck set youse dumb ugly opinionated cretins straight.

I grew up ina house hold with three brothers.

I can recall when we had an ice chest to keep stuff cold.

We had no air conditioning.

We had an open fire place.

We had no car, indeed my parents never owned a car in their lives.

We walked everywhere.

My clothes were handmedowns from my brothers.

I got my first bike when I was 16.

And everytime I tell this story we got even poorer.

You cannot compare generations.

Oh, except to criticise one and other.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Cav

OK I get it BB had it all.

OK let this little black duck set youse dumb ugly opinionated cretins straight.

I grew up ina house hold with three brothers.

I can recall when we had an ice chest to keep stuff cold.

We had no air conditioning.

We had an open fire place.

We had no car, indeed my parents never owned a car in their lives.

We walked everywhere.

My clothes were handmedowns from my brothers.

I got my first bike when I was 16.

And everytime I tell this story we got even poorer.

You cannot compare generations.

Oh, except to criticise one and other.

That's why I don't get camping, pay heaps to live like a homeless person

You can free camp in Melbourne CBD next to the Yarra River under the bridge with the rest of the homeless people for free!

[nuthin' fancy]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

So not only are they a pain in the *** on the roads, they don't contribute to the local economies of the regions they swarm to wanting free stuff.



Geez if the local cafe is too expensive go buy a steak from a restaurant in Melbourne



A pint is $15 at the local pub around the corner from work and it's in the scumbag reffo suburbs

Inner-Melbourne sumbag reffo suburbs.

Sent from my SM-N920I using Tapatalk

[hayseed]

Originally Posted by Dave1966

Ain’t it amazing. A line up of Harley’s riding like that is considered an outlaw gang! Throw on the Lycra and start peddling and it’s your god given right and you are a noble member of society. Now there’s an equal playing field ! It’s a two way street in my book and the respect runs both ways. And yes, there are good and bad everywhere, cyclists included. Sadly the good guys get tarred with the same brush, same as the good bike clubs.

& Yet the Harleys are keeping up with the Flow of Traffic, Not restricting It ....