Committee
President - Geoff Hodge
Ph: 0413 180 101
president@bmwmcq.org.au
R1200RS; R75/5, R51/3
Vice President - Cindy Bennett Ph: 0401 610 671 vpres@bmwmcq.org.au R1200C; R1250GS
Secretary- Chris Bramwell
Ph: 0427 480 811 secretary@bmwmcq.org.au
K1200GT
Treasurer - Tony Gray Ph: 0438 083 996 treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au R80GS; K100RS4V; K1300R
Events - Ben Nazzari
Ph: 0448 594 833
events@bmwmcq.org.au
R1200 RT, R1200GS
Editor - Liezel Samuel Ph: 0481 004 738 editor@bmwmcq.org.au Pillion on R1200GS
Records- Chris Bramwell Ph: 0427 480 811 records@bmwmcq.org.au
K1200GT
Tools/Service - Bill Luyton
Ph: tools@bmwmcq.org.au
Regalia - Duncan Bennett Ph: 0458 293 569 regalia@bmwmcq.org.au R1250GS, Tiger 900 Rally Pro
Dealer Liaison - Don Grimes
Ph: 0411 601 372
R1200GS; K1300R
Sub-Committee Roles
Clubs Australia - Paul Hughes
Training Representative - Julian Davis
Club Details
This Issue - May 2025
Advertisers
On The Cover
Liezel Samuel Editor’s Report
There is something wrong around here. It did not take me long to figure it out though. --> Life is seriously boring without a motorbike.
Many thanks to all who provided contributions this month.
Michael and Ann Ahlberg provided two articles. The first about tracking some memorable sites in Europe for Anzac day, and the second, a succinct version of their 4-month USA/Canada trip in 2015, specially for those members heading off motorcycling in the USA/Canada later this year.
Tony Gray made good on his December promise and gives us a well documented account of restoring his 1997 R1100GS. Read all about it starting on page 38.
Cindy Bennett and Tony Malone give their respective versions of the April club ride.
New member Al Gray lives in McKay, rides a R 1250 GS and is keen to meet other club members. Please contact Al via facebook if you are planning rides up his way.
Next month will be my last journal before we head off to the USA. I have been overwhelmed with responses to the advert (page 12) for a volunteer to edit the July and August journals... NOT! Maybe we will just go without a journal for these two months?
Cheers, Liezel.
Submissions for the next Journal close 25th-ish May
Photo of Al Gray's bike while out on a ride
Geoff Hodge President’s Report
Hi all,
Well, it’s been a different month. I attended the start of the monthly ride on the 75/5. Thanks to Richard for being ride leader.
We changed the club $50 training reimbursement from once in three years, to once in two years. This is to encourage and promote rider training, accident assistance, or first aid courses. The club will reimburse you with $50 when you provide proof of course attendance.
We are also including a new members ride on the monthly calendar. This will involve a Lunch BBQ sausage sizzle and soft drink. Gold coin donations from these events will go to the RFDS.
Well, that’s it for this month, so see you all on the road. Keep the wheels down. Geoff.
Ben Nazzari Events Officer’s Report
Well,
we are truly into 2025, and we have had some great rides and events since the last Journal. Richard De Groot led the ride to Woolooga Hotel. Unfortunately I couldn’t attend but I was informed it was a great day out.
The coffee meet-up was at the carport cafe Wynnum but unfortunately the weather was not on our side and only 5 members turned up. I was one of them. We had a good chat and banter before the ride home.
Then we come to the mid-week ride which Gary Bennett organized and led from BP Stapleton to Chillingham Hotel via Hinze dam cafe. The bar had been raised from the last mid-week ride and it was an absolute sensational ride day. From start to finish I loved every second of it. At the start Andy found he had a slow releasing puncture on his 1250 GS rear Tyre. Upon hearing the word puncture, old mate Daryl Masterson jumped into action just like he did down in Denmark WA when I had a puncture in my rear Tyre [ED: see repair action photos on page 7]. He had Andy’s bike up and running in no time and off we all went on one of the best mid-week rides I have been on. Thanks Gary for a scorcher of a day.
As for the next Months' worth of events, keep an eye out on facebook and this journal for upcoming outings.
Richard De Groot is also leading the led ride for May which looks like a great ride.
I ask that if you have any ideas or want to lead a ride, PLEASE contact me via the club, in person or message as I do need help and cannot take on all the rides and destinations by myself. Any help would be appreciated.
So until next time please be safe and stay upright.
Ben.
Thur 1
May
BMWMCQ 2025 Tours & ouTings
BMWMCQ Club Events for
7:30pm General Meeting
MAY 2025
Geebung RSL Club, 323 Newman Road, Geebung QLD. Meals from 6pm
Sun 4 May 9:30am Monthly Club Led Ride Drift bar Caloundra. Meet @ Cj’s Bakery Woodford 8:45am
Sat 10 May 9:00am Club Service Day 61-63 St Jude Circuit Glenlogan
Sat 17 May 9:00am Coffee Meet Up Pitstop Cafe Mt Mee
Wed 21 May 8:30am Mid Week Ride
Sun 25 May 9:30am Sausage Sizzle lunch Ride Mc Gavin View, Lake Samsonvale. Meet @ Ampol Samford 9am. Ben Nazzari Gold coin donation
Fri 30 May 6:00pm Northside German Dinner German Biergarten Wooloowin
JUNE 2025
Thur 5
June 7:30pm General Meeting
Sun 8 June 9:00am Monthly Club Led Ride
Geebung RSL Club, 323 Newman Road, Geebung QLD. Meals from 6pm
Sat 14 June 9:00am Coffee Meet Up Elvy’s Cafe Shorncliffe
Wed 18 June 8:30am Mid Week Ride
Fri 27 June 6:00pm Southside German Dinner House of Schnitzel Capalaba
Sun 29 June 9:30am Club lunch ride
UPCOMING EVENTS TO PUT IN YOUR CALENDAR
RIDE TO RAAF AMBERLEY HERITAGE CENTRE
Sunday 15th June
Assembly Point - Main Gate RAAF Base Amberley at 8:30am.
Would all members and any of their friends who wish to attend please advise Records Officer no later than 17th May 2025. This is necessary for Security reasons and all members will need to complete an online pass application which is very easy to do as it outlines the do’s and don’ts on being on the Base.
Upon obtaining your Visitors Pass, it must be worn at all times while on the base. The group will be escorted to the Heritage Centre by RAAF personal.
Parking has been arranged for the bikes and cars if anyone is driving. Refreshments are available at the Centre.
Upon arrival you will receive a safety briefing regarding the Centre. Photos may be taken inside the Heritage Centre.
At NO stage can you leave unless you are escorted back to the main gate. Please do not forget to send your details before the 17th May 2025.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Cindy Bennett Vice President’s Report
Hello from the VP chair!
Well that rain just continues doesn’t it, surely we are due some dry and mild autumn weather? Luckily the April monthly ride remained dry and a great day out was had to Woolooga – read all about it in this edition.
The BMW community is a small one I found this month when a listing popped up in the “East Coast Female Riders Buy/Swap/Sell” Facebook site.
What did I see? A 2016 F 700GS in blue with low suspension and seat – and the partly blocked out rego plate seemed to indicate it was my old one and being sold by a lady called Trish in Emerald. I sent Trish a message saying I believed her bike was my much cherished 700GS that I rode down Africa. She confirmed this by sending a pic with the full rego plate. She was blown away when I sent her a photo of the bike at Fish River Canyon in Namibia.
I guess it is always good to get some history on a bike, and she said she was sad to sell the 700. Let’s hope it goes to a good home. I noted the Arabic writing on the exhaust pipe scrawled by Alexandria port workers in Egypt had been removed – not surprisingly!
If you are in the market, she is asking $4.5k��. Until next month, ride safe. Cindy.
Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Chris Bramwell
BMWMCQ General Meeting
Minutes - 3 April 2025
Venue: Geebung RSL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Meeting opened: 7:30pm
Secretary’s Report
Errata:
The date of the AGM was 13 March, not April as published in the April Journal
Apologies Mario Grossi, Charlie Brown, John Eastcott.
Minutes of previous General Meeting Minutes accepted
Number of attendees: Not recorded
New members: Bob Howard, riding a 2004 K1200GT and 90RS.
Visitors: Nil
Returning members: Nil
Treasurer report:
Editor report:
Tools report:
Amendments were sent to Auditor with Franks assistance.
Club still holds money from the State Government. Balance of funds may need to be returned to the Government.
The committee is looking into changing to an accounting system. Xero has been recommended.
As the Editor’s R 1200 GS is on its way to the US and cannot attend any rides. Please send stories and photos for the journal.
Service day is set for 10th May 2025 at Rob Wynn’s place at Glenlogan Jimboomba.
Bill mentioned looking into a new lift for the club and a decision will be made at the next committee meeting to have the lift at the next service day.
The GS 911 diagnostic tool is up to date and available at service day. If you need it any other time, just call the Tools officer.
Regalia report: Sale of old stock currently available.
Records report: Greg is still helping until a system has been acquired to manage memberships.
Events report: As per upcoming events in the Journal.
Secretary gave more information regarding RAAF Amberley ride on 15th June 2025 to Heritage Centre. More details will follow via an email to all Members. At this stage awaiting formal approval as an F/A 18 Super Hornet will when approved be at the centre so all members can get close to the Aircraft.
Secretary report: Still have L plates on and nothing yet to report.
Dealer Liaison report:
The new 1000RR is now sold out with more stock coming, $41,500 ride away.
GS1300 having few problems but still most popular. The S 1000 RR M-Sport 2025 produces 210 bhp.
Training Officer report: Rider training refunds are ever 2 years. New members are eligible for a refund after 1 year of membership.
Vice President report: An update from Julian is that Smartrider training dates are available for April, please check the Smartrider website.
Clubs Australia report: Nil
President report: Steve Bryant received his 100,000km mileage award for his R1200RT.
Other Events/Buy/Sell/Swap: Nil
General Business: The Cane Toad rally was cancelled. Information is being sought from Members arranging the event why it was cancelled. Darryl Gowlett is endeavouring to arrange something else for that weekend.
Closed: 8.30pm
Steve Bryant receiving his 100,000km mileage award for his R1200RT
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Tony Gray Treasurer’s Report
Hiall,
The Committee is considering the adoption of a proprietary software system to manage the Club accounts. This will transition away from the current excel spreadsheet system that is in operation. The Xero Ignite system is operating on a 30 day free trial basis.
The annual return to the Office of Fair Trading has been lodged as have changes to the constitution. There has been one club member reimbursed $50 for rider training. I again promote this scheme to all members especially now while the Ride to Zero State Government subsidised program remains in operation.
There has been a 50% payment made by way of a deposit for new regalia that bears the club logo as well as an order placed for 150 Club Longevity/Mileage award badges. Deposit for the Longevity/Mileage award badges was not required for this $1320 order so does not appear in our accounts at present.
On the homefront the R1100GS restoration has been completed (story inside journal) and I hope to have ‘Big Red’ registered and brought along to the next Service Day.
Business Account:
Start Period 25 Mar : $25,475.79
Debits for Period: $733.28
Credits for Period: $1,005.20
Balance at 22 April : $25,747.71
Investment Account: $42,821.64
Paypal Account: $0
Total Funds: $68,569.35
State Grant Funds Held: $8,925
Effective Funds Available: $59,644.35
Debits for period comprised of general admin costs including Office of Fair Trading lodgment of Annual Return and Constitution changes. $50 for rider training. Website operating costs $133.38. Regalia purchases required 50% deposit of $290.
Credits for period comprised membership fees and regalia purchases of $72.80.
Tony
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Bill Luyten Tools Officer’s Report
Phone: 0438 123 747
Email: spares@bmwmcq.org.au
or: wluyten@bigpond .net .au
Service Day
The Club will hold a Service Day on Saturday 10th May at Rob Wynne’s place starting at 9:30am.
Location: 61-63 Saint Jude Circuit, Jimboomba, (Just off Mt Lindesay Highway)
Note: some GPSs require the suburb to be “Glenlogan”.
Two Hydraulic Bike Lifts will be available to make working on your bikes a bit easier. Also, a comprehensive tool kit will be available.
We will be providing a Sausage Sizzle and Drinks at very reasonable prices (proceeds to the RFDS). Hopefully Chris Lancaster will cook up some more of those yummy biscuits (No pressure)
The GS-911 diagnostic tool will be available to connect to your bike to check for any fault codes, reset a service reminder or change an operational setting if required.
Please let me know if you require specialty tools brought along to the next service day.
New purchases
The club recently purchased 3 new Torque Wrenches; the torque range goes from 3 to 210 Newton Meters.
M12-thread-repair-kit-131-piece (Helicoil)
Tools for loan
There are special tools available including the GS-911WiFi and 3 pin diagnostic tools.
Special Tools
• 34mm socket for rotating crankshaft
• Twinmax electronic carburetor balancer (Twin BMW engines)
• Vacuumate (electronic synchronization of throttle valves up to 4 cylinders)
• Clutch alignment shafts (3 sizes)
• Compression gauge (cylinder pressure)
• Steering head bearing puller and seating tool
• Gearbox output flange puller
• GS-911 Wi-Fi Diagnostic tool (WiFi and USB Version)
• GS-911 3 pin Diagnostic tool (for older bikes)
• Tyre Pressure Monitor Sensor (TPMS) tool
• Enduralast hall sensor tester
• Compression tester
• M12-thread-repair-kit-131-piece (Helicoil)
• Torque wrenches, the torque range goes from 3 to 210 Newton Meters
Club Tool Loan:
Tools can be picked up or brought along to the next meeting or Club ride. Please contact me by email or mobile.
Bill
Chris Bramwell Records Officer’s
all,
Report HI
Work in progress until we get the new system up and running.
CLUB SERVICE DAY 10th May
Have you been to a Service Day yet? If the answer is no, then come along on the 10th May to the fabulous set-up of Rob Wynne’s shed.
There is a bike hoist, the GS-911 diagnostic tool and a brains trust of knowledge from the members present! The fun starts from 9:00am at 61-61 St Jude Circuit Glenlogan (Jimboomba).
If that hasn’t got you keen, then the sausage sizzle and cold drinks are an added bonus! All for a donation to our charity of choice, the very worthy RFDS.
Here is a photo from last November's Service Days to get you in the mood.
Duncan Bennett Regalia Report
We got off to a good start with plenty of stuff sold at the GM and at subsequent events.
As promised, new stubby holders with old logo BMWMCQ colours are on the way and should hopefully be available at the GM. These were a very popular item last year and Mario sold them out in about 6 months. Besides the obvious use for chilled beverages, they are incredibly handy for putting hard and sharp objects into to stop them rolling around in the top-box and puncturing your “special water” bottle – thinking multitools, disc locks, knuckle dusters, and 9mm pocket pistols.
Cheers,
Duncan.
REGALIA STOP PRESS...
Do you also travel on 4 wheels when the 2 wheel machine/s are not available or appropriate?
Then you need the limited edition bumper sticker, designed for your 4 wheel ride to let everyone know that YES you would rather be on 2 wheels. A limited number will be at the next General Meeting or can be posted out for the reasonable cost of $5.
The production cost was $3 and the additional $2 will be an RFDS donation.
Regalia Collection Set of 6 ....1 x Large Patch, 1 x Small Patch, 1 x Key Ring, 1 x Small Round Sticker, 1 x Long Helmet Sticker and 1 x
Lady Shirts
Shirts
Neutral Hats & Bags
2025 REGALIA
Regalia Ordering Methods
Regalia is ordered through: regalia@bmwmcq.org.au
Method 1: Bling Your Own Wardrobe
You can get a BMWMCQ logo embroidered on your own shirt (or underwear, no-one needs to know). Purchase the item, call/email Regalia, and drop it off at a General Meeting or contact Regalia for the best way of getting the item transferred.
Method 2: Use the Inta Net
Click on the links on the previous page, or if you want something different, go to linked website (link below), and note supplier, item number and size and colour and send details to Regalia via email or contact number.
Note: Shirts, vests, and other items have the 2021 (current) logo:
Hats and other items with limited vertical space still have the old logo style:
Method 3: Bang on a Badge
Buy a big or small badge from the Regalia Officer, and iron or glue or sew it on your jacket or shirt:
Please contact your Regalia Officer for more help with options of ordering methods via email regalia@bmwmcq.org.au.
Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
Sunday 18th May
Start and end venue are advised closer to the date…..
It’s nearly time again for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Classic and vintage style motorcycles, dressing dapper and riding to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health and cancer research.
As at 26 April, out of the 40 rides across Australia, the Brisbane ride has 308 riders registered and has raised $29,871. This is second only to Sydney!
The BMWMCQ have had a small but enthusiastic presence of “Gentlefolk” in past DGR rides, and it would be great to get some more involved. The cause is a great one, raising funds for men’s health and aligns with the Movember Foundation.
A classic bike, scooter, modern classic or sidecar outfit is needed and it is a great opportunity to get those ol’ girls out for a spin with a few hundred others.
This year the Brisbane ride has a new organising committee and are promising great things.
To register click on the website link and select the Brisbane Ride. It is a $25 minimum donation to enter. An event will be set up where Club members can ride together to the start and then the always fun activity of admiring the impressive bikes that are certain to turn up!
The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride
Margreth and her R9T at the 2024 DGR
Cindy and the 1200C ready to roll
By Michael Ahlberg, Member #4331
With Anzac Day just the other day, I’ll add a page or two about tracking some memorable sites for our diggers in Europe. We’ve visited the D-Day beaches twice before and this third time the 6th June 2024 on the 80 year anniversary of “Overlord”. I told you in the September 2024 issue about the chaos on the 6th June, when President Macron, Biden and Scholz attended with their hundreds of security and entourage staff, closing the only arterial main highway out of Normandy.
We had a good look at all the D-Day beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. Not many know there was a 6th Beach in Overlord, called Band. It was never used, because the area inland had been intentionally flooded by the Germans to prevent landing by enemy gliders. Overlord was the largest amphibious invasion in history. However, also not known by all; the largest single naval assault landing carried out by the Allies during the war was on Sicily, when over 180,000 soldiers went ashore 9th July - 17th August 1943, compared with the 156,000 troops who landed in Normandy on 6 June 1944.
In Normandy, what blew us away this time were the number of military historical vehicles attending on this anniversary. We noted this especially as we have a 1942 Willys Army Jeep. There would have been over 2,000 such Willys Jeeps alone scattered over all of Normandy, arriving from clubs and other private owners all over Europe. There was nothing like that in 2017 or 2012, when we saw only a token few of them.
Following the five D-Day beaches (wisely covered all on the 4th and 5th June), we rode to the Armistice clearing, the historical site 97 km north of Paris, where the signatures were made that ended WWI. It’s a place with a special atmosphere and a nice museum.
The iconic Villers-Bretonneux was next on our list. It’s just 20 km east of Amiens and 140 km north of Paris and dominated by the presence of countless Australian war graves, including that of a relative to Tony Gray.
s T eps of W arriors
The 109th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings also marked the 106 anniversary of the Australian victory at the battle of Villers-Bretonneux, which halted the 1918 German offensive on the Somme and helped turn the course of the war.
In 2015, the then Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott unveiled a $100 million educational centre to be built on the site of the Australian Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux in northern France. He was much involved in this upgrade and just by sheer coincidence, he appeared on the same day and hour of our visit. I’m far from blowing any of Tony’s trumpets, far from it. The only thing I thought cool for the time he was PM, was that we had a PM that surfed!
Whilst he (as other politicians) would have his own agenda, the resulting memorial at Villers-Bretonneux was excellent. Each flower decoration on each of many hundreds of graves were perfect and they were, like our soldiers, all unique, rather than just the same flowers.
We spent many days on our trip, all the way to the Arctic, before we got to Anzac Cove. These included a MC Rally in the Swedish Arctic, the
Midnight Sun Rally and touring Norway, centre Europe and BMW Motorrad Museum in Munich and much else, which I’ll cover in another article.
In a previous Journal, I also mentioned the trials getting through these east European borders with an Australian registered motorcycle. Traffic wise, in the past I’ve put Los Angeles at hectic peak hour and Paris as my most annoying and unsafe motorcycle travels, and we’ve done Paris 3 times. Places like Athens, Rome or Casablanca offer a bit more sedate rhythm or, for Rome, skilled alert traffic movement. However, the top spot for dangerous and hectic traffic now goes to Istanbul. There’s also a flow of stray dogs around. I noticed other travel accounts having come to the same conclusion.
Our hotel at first did not impress. Like, regarding facade, neighbourhood and parking it was very disappointing. However, inside it was very nice and well presented, brass, chrome and marble everywhere.
Best of all, and the reason for our choice, it was within walking distance from the main attractions like the Blue Mosque. cafes and shops, very friendly and good prices. All in all, a great experience.
Gallipoli was our main target in Turkey. It’s quite remote and one wonders as to the strategic benefits of this remote coastline. On a hot day, we finally got to this sacred Anzac place.
I photographed every name on those memorial plagues, the prominent memorial building and the iconic Lone Pine.
In the same area, there were also memorials and monuments for the Turks as well as some very scenic lookouts. About six months ago I wrote in the journal about my fall in one of the replica war trenches of this war. To us, Anzac has now become even more familiar and relatable as an epic Australian event to commemorate.
Lest We Forget. Michael and Ann
Lone Pine Cemetery is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery dating from World War I in the former Anzac sector of the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey and the location of the Lone Pine Memorial, one of five memorials on the peninsula which commemorate servicemen of the former British Empire killed in the campaign but who have no known grave
By Cindy Bennett, Member #4170
My day started early to join the Club Led Ride on Sunday 6 April, which was meeting at the very pleasant Nest Cafe at Witta (near Maleny) as I wanted to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before the 09:30am departure.
I left the bayside just shy of 6am and with very minimal traffic it was a pleasant and fresh wander to Dayboro and over Mt Mee to Woodford. Then the right turn toward Maleny with a quite long stop at the roadwork lights on the Stanley River Road.
An arrival at the Nest just after 8am and a delicious breakfast with a view of the green rolling hills was enjoyed, then the other riders started to roll up. Ride leader Richard De Groot and Iain Nye were the first arrivals and were soon followed by a steady stream of the rest of the starting line-up of 8 on 7 bikes. Prez Geoff came up for a coffee to see us off on his blue 1973 75/5, which made a good pic between the two 1300 GS’s of Iain and Mark Mustchin both in the striking Aurelius Green with gold wheels variant.
My mission of the day was being Tail End Charlie (TEC) and always enjoy this role as I find it relaxing (except when losing riders…..). The ride to morning tea at The Hub, Carters Ridge was through the wonderful backroads of Conondale, including a particular section on the Eastern Mary River Road I had never ridden. There was a pleasing stretch of gravel road which was spotted before we turned (another visit is needed out this way)!
We gained Jim Campey on his R1150R at morning tea. I quizzed Jim on the security of his panniers as on the last ride I was TEC one of Jim’s panniers came loose and skidded across the road resulting in a lot of tooting by me to alert Jim of this - but that was a story in itself about how he got that pannier back!
The morning tea crew
A few spots of moisture were felt but soon disappeared as we were making our way towards the lunch destination of Woolooga.
Through interesting little destinations such as Widgie and Long Flat and it was into the lunch stop, but first a pic of the now 10 bikes with the arrival of Treasurer Tony & Jane to join us for lunch.
The Woolooga Pub has had a recent refurbishment and it shows, the refurb is in country classic style and an amusing decoration of 2 banjos adorns one of the walls. Needless to say no riders were keen to stray off the main drag…..
The lunch lineup
Two presentations were made at lunch, the first to Jim Campey for his inspiring photography work for the 100th Anniversary of Motorrad display. Jim received his t-shirt from Tony Gray – better late than never! Mark Mustchin also received his 10 year membership medallion, as he was not able to be at the AGM due to enjoying his South American trip.
"and the award goes to…”
After the meal we dispersed homeward which for me meant following Richard through Widgie and then peeling off to the Mary Valley Way before joining the highway at Traveston as my 1250GS was thirsty.
Thanks to Richard for a well organised ride through some great roads in ideal riding weather. We didn’t even get wet!
By Jane Gray, Member #4300
Easter Morning
JEGApril2025
Easter is a time to celebrate New Life forged from that terrible fate Traditions may vary and often the date But come Easter morning kids can’t wait
When you think about it, it’s just funny The modern tradition has an Easter Bunny Delivering eggs that are chocolate not runny Confectioners making lots of money
A bunny bringing eggs, now you tell me What’s the connection? Can you see? Apparently the legend comes from Germany An egg-laying hare, now that can’t be
Easter egg hunts & baskets galore Silvery wrappings all over the floor They can’t stop at one & eat more and more Till their eyes glaze over with tummies so sore
Vowing next year to take a slower pace Wiping chocolate smears across their face But no amount of chocolate eggs can erase The meaning of Easter - love, forgiveness & Grace
an e agle aroun D USA
By Michael Ahlberg, Member #4331
With some of our members heading for the US, others maybe planning too, I’ll share some experiences, like things worth visiting. We didn’t ride the BMW in 2015, but travellers might find some use of our suggestions. Like buying a national pass to the national parks results in a good saving.
We didn’t want to miss anything, so it was to be 4 months, May-Aug 2015 as 41,000km trip (length of once around the planet at the equator). Mainly by including Alaska mean we needed the full 4 months, thus a trip to Sydney and third-degree USA Visa interview, rather than just an online ESTA.
As always, we planned for attractions and great bike roads with just some tourist attractions but more non-commercial ones, where possible, google these if you’re interested. We averaged about 350km (4 hours including stops) per ride-day. The balance time was rest, shopping, socialising and checking things out and we had several non ride days with friends etc. We stayed at motels more than 90% and the rest with friends and a bit camping, you can even find free camp grounds.
The US anti-slip ridges in the concrete road surfaces, rumble strips and galvanised grate section on bridges, were first a worry, but we got used to them. Incidentally, google MC traffic road rules, it’s per state! Of ALL the states, lane filtering was only allowed in CA and WA, with no shoulder filtering. Crossing the Golden Gate, I was pulled over by a BMW Highway Patrol who
informed me about no shoulder filtering. No fine though.
I would call LA bad traffic style (aggressive and short distances), one of the world’s worst . As for LA, Broadway was OK and Venice Beach with Santa Monica where route 66 starts/ends was excellent. It’s funky, with the widest beach ever, classic roller skate girls, etc. The “Danish town” of Solvang, 53 km from Santa Barbara had yummy Danish restaurants, etc. The MC Museum was great; small but with very unique and in perfect condition motorbikes. See this and other US Museums at: http://www.ozemate. com/museums/index.htm
The Hertz castle, before Frisco, is a must do and words cannot describe it. It’s one of the most impressive things in opulence, not old as Versailles, but early 1900. Time budget for at least ½ day. San Francisco; loved it. E.g. Classic streets and architecture, famous Lombard Street and Alcatraz (CA). If you want visit The Rock on a specific day rather than wait for days, book as far as possible in advance, like a couple of months ahead.
Don’t expect bikini girls in SF. Cold Arctic winds sweep in over the Golden Gate. We took the coast road north, but it got chilly, so after Redwood, we turned into Oregon and some Western/ Indian like bike roads up the mountain ridges. Crater Lake was very impressive, which we recommend, then we came back out to the coast highway 1, at Haystack rock.
Seattle is Microsoft city. You can find the big Troll under the highway (google), as an example
of a nice non-commercial attraction. Take a boat trip in Vancouver. We had the fortune of getting a ride with a new-found biker friend (from a couple of days earlier) in his motor yacht with twin 350 hp V8’s.
The inside Alaskan passage vehicular ferry from Bellingham (Seattle) to Skagway AK, was the only other thing, like Alcatraz, we booked in advance on the whole trip. It was expensive and simple but very memorable taking us up to Skagway in 2.5 days, showing off jaw dropping glaciers,
sunsets and wildlife on the way. Skagway was like Deadwood, a real western town.
We headed straight up into Dawson City in Klondike, a real Canadian western gold town. It had wooden footpaths (sidewalks) and only gravel surfaces through the whole town. I guess it’s snow most of the year. We stayed at a real wild west hotel and next day crossed the Yukon River by small flat ferry to start “Top of the World Highway” with 100km dirt road, dry and very dusty. There was a town called Chicken where we stopped for a meal. No, not chicken but fish, Halibut and real tasty. We crossed back into USA at Poker Creek, getting a nice passport stamp, and then back to the Alaskan highway at Tok (AK).
You’re not allowed to use a camera in Fairbanks (Defence Base city) and everything is expensive. A rear tyre, standard Dunlop was US$420 and it took all day! Businesses are spoiled by customer demand for everything during the short season, mainly by US tourists. Expect high prices.
The Arctic Circle was a low-key event. Luckily, we came on a Tuesday, when some park official gave us a certificate, but there were NO facilities of any kind. We had ridden over 300km dirt road from Fairbanks to get there, then 300km back to the hotel. There are attractions in Fairbanks, like Santa Town, that we skipped it.
We rode the Alaskan highway with several VERY rough gravel roadworks (no bitumen or even any road base anywhere). Some rocks were fist size.
One such roadwork was over 160km past Whitehorse, first gear all the way. Next day I
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thought we’d come across a bunch of cyclists with huge backpacks. NO, as we approached, I saw it was half a dozen wild Buffalos (not like the placid ones in Yellowstone). I rode for a minute next to the lead Bull with a 2m gap, as he stared me in the eye. Imagine that, on the Alaskan highway, or check out at https://youtu. be/fcDCnximnm4.
Somewhere along this route, we came across an attraction of vehicle registration plates on boards as decorations, on trees, on special pedestals, there could be a thousand and yes, we spied Queensland plates. 0% of the Alaskan Highway runs through 3 Canadian provinces and ends with a big sign in the south. (photo op.) Later we checked “Going-to-the-Sun Road” aka Glacier Route 1 Road, Banff, Lake Louise and such places on the way. Very Scenic. Through our trip, we dropped in on many movie locations, like “The Shining”, “Groundhog day”, “ Bridges of Madison Country”, “town of Madrid in Wild Hogs”, “Easy Rider”, ”Forest Gump”, “Dead Poets” and many others.
From Fairbanks (AK) to Missoula (MT) Montana (the first stop just inside US border) was over 4,000km. So, you must watch the fuel and top it up whenever you can. We cruised 2-up with trailer, with a 16L tank. In Butte (MT) I arranged a full service and we checked out attractions and Evel Knievel’s gravestone.
Schedule the Yellowstone visit outside school holidays, as it gets bumper to bumper busy in places. It gave us some very special memories though. When trying the scenic roads in Wyoming, like Beartooth highway, you may try the Chief Joseph Highway as well.
Yes, we went to Sturgis and checked out all preparations and mingled with early birds and organisers a week before the event, but we avoid crowds, so we kept going. Visits to Black Hills, Deadwood, Crazy Horse Memorial and Mt Rushmore was in our trip as well of course.
Then started the bad 60–80-year-old EastWest interstate Eisenhower highways. I’d avoid them, all the way to Chicago if I could. They
were definitely the worst highways I’ve been on. Concrete roads repaired with bitumen on top, make for flaked-off pot holes. Speed limit was still 70mph, trucks as well, bits flying off crossing such concrete potholes. It saw one of my shockie mounts break, Alaskan roads probably contributed there. This was our only repair on the bike on the trip.
Chicago was very nice. Right by the Ocean (i.e. lake), it’s a nice city and the city’s Lincoln Zoo for instance has free entrance. There’s an awesome botanic garden and a world best live Bonsai collection, donated by Japan. A guided canal and canal/lake boat ride is a must to appreciate Chicago. The architecture, being skyscrapers but old, will impress. In one of the suburbs, we checked out the leaning tower of Pisa exact replica (1/3 size). I guess raised once by some rich homesick Italian. Yes, we had a pizza across the street. The Route 66 starts/ends in Chicago (there is a sign in the middle of the city).
We went north and around Lake Michigan and over Mackinac bridge, which I passed under
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several times as a kid with dad the Sea Captain. We did a couple of commercial attractions like Harley in Milwaukee, Niagara Falls and Ben and Jerry world exporting Ice-cream factory in Vermont, a great outing. Check their flavour cemetery! In New Hampshire, you must do Mt Washington, where once, the highest wind speed on the planet was recorded, quite a steep road it was.
I thought New York, was a bit of a dump, especially the bits we travelled. Manhattan’s back streets, like next to Wall St and neighbourhood streets were totally compost. Central Park was OK. The Old elevated local trains between buildings are long since gone and replaced by green (plants) walkways above traffic, THAT was nice, and it was the same approach in Chicago.
Do Long Island and try the local crab sandwich! Coney Island is a great area and you could watch a Baseball game in the arena next door. Uber gets you around easily if you’ve parked elsewhere for the day. Bronx Zoo was a great visit too.
The Holland Tunnel from Manhattan is same size as our Clem Jones, but older and with a US$20 toll one way for a motorbike! Traffic coming back from Long Island heading to New Jersey on Sunday arvo, was unbelievable stand still, and set the planned time for Washington DC visit next day.
We took a hotel in Baltimore, just an hour from Washington DC and left at 3.30AM next day, to take in and visit all the iconic places in Washington DC without traffic. We had it all for
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ourselves. I took a long chat with a cab driver about politics at the time (a year before Trump).
Fast forwarding down the East coast to Nags Head (NC) and you’ll find a slither of land called the Outer Banks. There’s ocean beach 360 degrees with empty horizon on a bitumen road, with occasional, blown sand and picturesque beach houses, some two stories like out of a story book. A ferry will take you across to next slither of land, very cheap. Heading south, just be aware of ferry times for that last bit, it’s like an hour or two to cross and only so many crossings.
The maintenance service for the bike in Charlotte was the best we had, we’re onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. In many ways, these were the best roads of the trip, like riding Mt Mee, but higher on the Appalachian Mountain ridge down the rest of the coast if you want. There’s no commercial traffic actually hardly any traffic, great curves and bitumen road surface. We detoured down the ridge for our accommodation, fuel or a feed, then up again.
Detours included a ride on the Tail of the Dragon NC/TN, which we did on the Harley 2-up, towing our trailer, no drama. In a country like US, they don’t have that many curved roads, I guess. We are a bit spoiled here in Oz with roads like Kuranda Range, Lions, Oxley, MaMa Creek etc. So maybe the Dragon was a bit over rated, but fun.
In Mary Valley NC you’ll find “Wheels through time” with mainly patina, but all running, USA made motorbikes through time. I’d say the world’s most unique bike was “The 1916 Traube motorcycle” (google it), also nearby we enjoyed the “Lost Sea adventure”. It’s a guided tour of the historic Craighead Caverns with a boat ride on America’s largest underground lake, blind fish and all.
We ran out of fuel on the freeway at Chattanooga and discovered that the reserve was already turned on! We had just 2/3 of a pint ULP for the camping cooker but it got us off the freeway to a servo, by the drop.
Jack Daniel's Distillery (TN) is also good value,
you’ll smile at the local dialect, GA/TN. We also had a music bar stop and lunch at Nashville, with a live band. At Birmingham (AL) you’ll find the Barber Museum the biggest MC museum and several storeys high. Atlanta (GA) has the Stone Mountain. It’s like a small granite monolith version of Uluru and Georgia’s #1 tourist site, with the largest bas-relief in the world. You take a Skyride to the top. There’s some periodical Woke protests to remove this historic huge Confederate relief.
Key West and the pan handle could cover many pages. I’ll just say that standing at the extreme end of USA just 90 miles from Cuba, was quite special. Get up really early for a photo of the geographic buoy, cause it’s totally covered by tourists all day. At 6.30am, we only had a sizeable curious Iguana at the southernmost fence of USA mainland, giving us a stare.
Heading north, the Everglades come with nice nature walks and the bridge at St Petersburg is special. Following the Mexican Gulf coast road north and west, you soon get to a 38 km bridge, which passes over Lake Pontchartrain. The bridge just goes into an empty horizon,
it’s that long. Keep riding and you’ll have the best entry into New Orleans! This city is a favourite and one we’ll return to one day to for a whole week (at least). There’s a Rhythm and atmosphere to it, just like some very special cities have. When Louisiana was bought from the French it stretched from the Mexican Gulf up to Canada! The French needed money to fund the war against England. America did not have the money, so they borrowed the funds for purchase from the English, yes, quite hilarious.
In west Louisiana, you have the chance to experience Atchafalaya Wetlands, a huge swamp area currently spanning a million acres. If Mississippi were to change its route today, this would be the new route. There’s a great park information centre. We wish we had gone on an airboat (An airboat is also known as a fan boat, plane boat, swamp boat, bayou boat, etc.). The timing just wasn’t right.
Our next major stop was Huston. The space centre is like a jaw dropping Disneyland for grown-ups with impressive past, current and future space technology. Allocate half a day and don’t miss it. We went to Kennedy Space Centre
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(FL) as well but didn’t check it inside, as we were a bit late.
San Antonio, was a surprise with its cosy canal boat ride and old Texas/Mexican architecture. The Alamo is not somewhere out in the desert but walking distance from city centre.
There’s a very small town called Marathon, at the bottom of Texas, near Bend National Park, not far from the Mexican border. It has a servo and a 7-11. We found Swedish Ginger snap biscuits and Jacobs Creek Oz Wine of all things!
We hired a nice Mexican style cabin for the night and rode down to Rio Grande at the Mexican Border. Don’t enter Mexico on these small crossings,as told by many, you’ll end up getting mugged. They’re waiting for each tourist to cross.
This far south in Texas, Roadrunners crossed the road all the time, small, thin and fast.
In El Paso I had the front tyre replaced at Baxter Harley who sold most Harley in USA (then). They disappointed by pinching my tube which gave me a flat on the front and a ruined new tyre 2 hours later in Alamogordo (just what I wanted to avoid with an early front tyre replacement). It was fixed again, at same dealership group 180 km north of the first at El Paso, at Las Cruces. There, one of the sales guys saw we were from Brisbane, “so maybe you know Neil Bolam” he asked, “Yes he’s a very good friend and practically our neighbour”, said I. Hmm. Small world. You should visit White Sands National Park right
near Alamogordo, next to the missile base, where they test fire missiles several times a week, closing the highway for 90 minutes. That white sand is gypsum based and blinding white.
Just before we crossed into Colorado from New Mexico, a brown bear mum and cub crossed the freeway right in front of us.
Colorado had some great Biker roads, chilly on top and a must-visit top location, namely Pikes Peak! It’s at 14,100 feet (4,300m) that’s close to the height of Mt Everest Base Camp.
The Harley climbed up on standard carb jets, no worries, sounding about right! but we were quite short of breath. Ann was a bit worried for my balance riding back down. It’s a life experience and you imagine you can see the ozone layer! Mt Washington had its scare, but Pikes Peak was much higher and different.
Utah and Nevada have an abundant collection of canyons and scenic parks with Grand Canyon on top of our list. Via Flagstaff we did both the north and the south rim and they were fabulous. However, you shouldn’t miss Arches or our favourite, Canyonlands.
There’s also Bryce Canyon, Antelope and Zion as well as awesome petrified wood parks. Maybe closest to our heart was Monument Valley (UT), as in Easy Rider and where Forrest Gump
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stopped running. There is even a sign and a flag marking his stopping spot.
Large parts of these states have Indian reservations that are dry, as in NO alcohol, not even a beer. Instead, they have Casino licenses, we didn’t try so I don’t know what they drink there. They also have special Indian service stations. At Tuba City, one enterprising young Indian named Aaron, set up his own business. By donations, he took us around to see Dinosaur Raptor footprints in the rocks and he even gave us what was to be petrified Dino poo.
When in Arizona, don’t miss the Barringer Meteor Impact Crater 60 km east of Flagstaff northern Arizona, diameter 1.186km. The Meteor (calculated original size) as several thousand pounds with enough iron-nickel to produce 42,000 motorcars.
Las Vegas was the only place where we saw acres of solar panels out there in the desert. You’d cross the city in 20 minutes, but it is packed with attractions and it has a very special feeling. The steak at Hard Rock Café was really nice.
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On a trip like this, you will see much wildlife and there are vast areas of wilderness. We saw many Moose, Bears (brown Grizzly and black bears), Coyote, Buffalos (free roaming), Alligator at a boat ramp by a rest area in Louisiana, Vultures, Road Runners, Rams, Turtles, Ground hogs, Squirrels, Rattle snakes, to mention some.
We covered 39 states (incl. 3 Canadian provinces). For instance, we didn’t do the mid: Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, West Virginia. These states appear to be mainly rural farm areas, with little to offer on interesting Bike roads and attractions in general. The 20% of Route 66 we skipped don’t make up for that. If you’re lucky though, you might get a Hurricane/Twister.
We found many more attractions not mentioned here and finished off through Death Valley, which is another must see. Cities we enjoyed in general were San Francisco, Vancouver, Chicago, Boston, Aliens in Rothwell, San Antonio, Key West, New Orleans and Williams (Route 66 true rock and roll place).
If you like you can check out Ann’s video re-enactment of Easy Rider, (7 min) at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBclXpp4jZc
Happy Trails, Michael and Ann
By Tony Gray, Member #3905
Ihave written previously about the R1100GS I have been working to bring back to life. The story, Phoenix Rising, was printed in the Dec 2024 journal and chronicled my view on bikes I consider worthy of restoration. In relation to the R1100GS I wrote:
“Next up was Big Red a sadly neglected R1100GS that belonged to a Police Officer friend of my daughter after her husband had passed away. It had been to the tip of Cape York and she sold it to me on the condition that I take her for one last ride when restored. These 4 valve oilheads in 1100 or 1150 form have a devoted following but they do not attract the same value as the earlier airheads - maybe one day. It is very easy to overcapitalize on a bike like this but add in a dose of sentimental value and it all starts to make sense. I will do a write up on the restoration of Big Red after I get around to getting him registered and on the road. Again he offers a different riding experience than my R60/6 and R1200GS.”
I finished Big Red several months ago but we were entering a period of time with limited riding opportunities so I kept him in the shed on a battery tender while the other bikes got a run. I also reasoned that waiting until 2025 to roll over before getting him registered meant only a 2 year wait on full rego before his 30th birthday in 2027 and cheaper Special Interest Vehicle Registration.
OK what did I start with, what have I finished with, was the exercise worth it?
Big Red is a 1997 R1100GS fitted with a steel fuel tank (there was a plastic alternative) and with a tad under 130,000 on his life clock. He came fitted with BMW pannier cases and a Ventura rack & bag ready for a big trip. He also has factory optioned engine protection bars as well as the very well designed alloy engine protection plate. This offers a much higher degree of protection than the flat plates fitted to the later R1200GS bikes. There is a penalty in time to remove for maintenance, but if going off-road then worth the extra effort. His original and very comprehensive toolkit was intact in
BIG RED RIDES AGAING
its box under the pillion seat. My R60/6 has a similarly detailed toolkit but with the advent of the R1200 series the standard had dropped and continued to decline - do they offer anything these days or just a phone number for BMW roadside assist? I liken this decline to the 4 wheel brigade where spare tyres are now a thing of the past. Another reason I drive old cars.
Toolkit
The Adventure Model in the oilhead GS range was not introduced until the R1150GSA so the R1100GS model came with a 24L fuel tank, spoked wheels, tubeless tyres and switchable ABS as standard. As much as I know, he came from NSW and had 2 previous owners. He had sat in the workshop at M&W for well over a year with an unresolved ‘ABS Brake Failure’ hanging
BIG RED RIDES AGAING
over his head (in fact he had no brakes). He was otherwise complete and unmolested. The first mission was recovering him from M&W who had replaced the disc rotors and pads, front & rear, but he still had no brakes. As ownership had passed from her deceased husband to Maree, I was able to negotiate an amicable release from M&W at the cost price of the rotors & pads they had installed. A good outcome and credit to M&W for their understanding. Getting him into and out of the trailer required the clutch for braking, otherwise no problems. This is not a light bike at a listed dry weight of 225kg. Options for his future were canvassed and a prospective buyer came and went as he was again shuffled around. He must have felt unloved. Eventually, I bit the bullet, purchased him from Maree and found a space in the shed and in the projects queue.
I had done a fair bit of work on an R1100RT for a friend and fellow club member so was not totally unfamiliar with the oilhead BMW range (oilheads are the 1100 & 1150 series of bikes that replaced the airheads from 1994 and were then replaced by the R1200 Hexhead range from 2004). There are many club members with far more experience on these bikes than me and I thank Michael Wood, Richard Maher & Andy McLeod for their advice & tips. I was also lucky in being in the right place at the right time when I spied a very lightly used pair of Ohlins Shockies in Graham Eyre’s beautiful shed. They had come off an R1100GS and were surplus to Graham’s needs so a deal was done - the yellow springs go very nicely with Big Red’s duco.
The internet is full of beautiful examples of R1100s that have been fully blinged and upgraded. Locally we have the ex-Charlie Brown R1100GS that was rebuilt to a very high standard by Guy Harding and went on to win 3rd prize in the M&W concourse for BMW’s Centenary in 2023 - Richard Maher had ridden the bike to M&W as Guy was unavailable and I understand a fair dob of vaseline was required to prise it away from him after the show. As much as I admire these bikes that was not to be Big Red’s future. I wanted to get him cleaned up, running nicely and roadworthy for a life mainly in the dirt. This is how it went:
This was always going to be the major issue and the reason Red had sat idle for so long. The original rubber hoses were cracked and porous so were replaced with braided lines from HEL brakes at Sandgate (since relocated to Caboolture). The master cylinder and brake calipers were rebuilt then attention turned to the ABS unit. The 1100 models were fitted with the first iteration of BMWs ABS. The following 1150 models carried the more complex servo assisted ABS units which carried over to the early 1200 models. As Big Red was showing an ABS fail I removed the ABS module and put it on the kitchen scales. It weighs just under 5kg so tempting to remove in total which has been done to many. If it was the later series 2 servo assist unit then it would have been binned as that series is guaranteed to fail. After an initial once over I headed down to Les Fitzpatrick where we pulled it apart and bench tested the unit. The carbon brushes had minimal wear,
Ohlins Shocks
Big Red on the operating table BRAKES
the bevel drive gear activating the pistons were well greased and working perfectly. It is quite a simple system and the mechanics were all operating as designed. All reassembled and reinstalled. The ABS wheel sensors were reshimmed to specified clearance.
BIG RED RIDES AGAING
ELECTRICS
The outer insulation on the 1100 wiring loom is a known weakness and invariably breaks down and disintegrates. Big Red was no different. There is little option but to pare it away from the loom after first releasing all of the zip ties tying it to the frame. Again Les Fitzpatrick came up with a tip to wrap the loom in ‘HelaTape’ (Polyester Fabric Tape). It isn’t cheap at about $30 a roll but works beautifully. All major connectors were released, blown out with compressed air and given a spray of CRC contact cleaner. A new Motobatt battery was installed.
BODYWORK
The frame has quite a few paint damaged spots but in line with the design ethos it has been left untouched. The alternative to drop the motor and get the stripped frame repainted could not be justified. The RHS plastic headlight/ front beak support had cracked and had to be patched before repainting. Other parts required a bit of work with the rattle can.
Weigh-in
ABS Open Up
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DRIVETRAIN
No problems here so just a service.
WHEELS & TYRES
Spoke wheels were true but new tubeless tyres were required to replace the dated Metzlers. I opted for Pirelli Scorpion STRs for the proposed dirt diet that Big Red will be getting fed.
FUEL SYSTEM
Fuel pump was operating perfectly so just installed a new in-tank fuel filter. The factory tank liner had lifted in one section and some was removed. I have not stripped the rest of the liner and will just monitor its condition with regular use. Tank protector pads are to be installed to protect the paintwork which is in good condition. Tank decals were fitted to this model but Big Red did not show any evidence of having had the decals. None were available so he stayed clean & simple.
IMPROVEMENTS
I fitted fuel injectors from an R1200 as they have multiple jets giving better spray atomisation over the single jet standard unit. This required custom mounting brackets for the smaller 1200 injectors. A performance chip was also installed in the ECU which on report should give a better
spread of power. He had a top to tail service with all oils, filters & alternator belt so we have a service benchmark to start.
New Rubber
R1200 injectors and new mount
Performance Chip installed
Full service kit
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There he is - not a lot spent with the Ohlins suspenders being the largest expenditure item (they are beautiful) and the new tyres. From an initial cost perspective + money spent as against current value it is pretty lineball. Hours expended by me not included as jobs like this are a labour of love as well as a learning experience.
Would I do it again - yes and no! Yes if presented with another similar project but No until I have cleared the decks of three other projects on the current list.
Finished
His other side
CONGA WITH RICHARD
By Anthony Malone, Member #67
6April 2025 was the first Sunday after our monthly General Meeting. In the excitement of readying for the supplemented Annual General Meeting, organising the monthly led ride seemed to have been overlooked. And so, as in Act 3, Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s play Henry V, Richard de Groot cried “once more unto the breach dear friends, once more” and created a run commencing from Witta at 9:15am for 9:30am, ending with lunch at the recently refurbished (and flooded in 2021) Woolooga Hotel.
As I live in Ipswich and have a few tasks to perform in the early morning (including my breakfast), I decided to take the speediest route to Witta, realising that it would take around 2½ hours to get there (including a refuel and comfort stop). That route was along the Gateway Motorway, turning into Steve Irwin Way and up to Peachester from Beerwah then through Maleny to Witta. This worked fine, and I arrived at around 09:10am to find the gathered participants (around 9 in number, with our recently ordained fearless leader bringing his R75/5 – or maybe /6 – along).
As a matter of interest, Howard Wilson who lives near Ugly Gully (not 15 minutes from where I started from) arrived at around 9:30am. Howard had taken the route I would have preferred around the Somerset Dam area and Kilcoy and up the range, who having tolerated roadwork delays, proved that the 'fastest' way is not necessarily that.
Back to the ride (after Richard giving his briefing – summarising the detail which follows – and after allowing Howard time to have his morning coffee). Further, and in recognition of the fewer number of participants, we would not corner mark. Rather at every turn each rider would make sure that the ride behind them had seen which way they went and follow; a conga!
We turned right down to Green Valley, and after Conondale turned right onto the Eastern Mary River Road. I had experienced this road on a recent ride, and Richard’s caution that while sealed, it is narrow with some blind corners
and entrances to narrow creek crossings, with an ever-present risk of large farming machinery coming the other way. Nevertheless, it is a nice detour, and while not adding much distance or time, and just before that road becomes unsealed has a road turning to the left to cross the Mary River and rejoin the MalenyKenilworth Road at Cambroon. Interestingly the Mary River flows North (i.e. against gravity), with its mouth at River Heads, to the North-East of Maryborough.
We continued along to Kenilworth. I remember this piece of road from many years ago. It is nice and tight and twisty, and once had a speed limit greater than the 60kph that it now enjoys. Entering Kenilworth, one passes the number of Grey Nomads who use the camping facilities to allow them to enjoy the wealth of coffee shops and other attractions (including a pool) which the location offers.
Taking the right bend had us on the EumundiKenilworth Road, with a left a bit later onto Skyring Creek Road. This took us to Carters Ridge, and the morning tea break at Hub@ The Ridge. El Presidente had left us at Witta, and the dwindled number of 8 was added to by Jim Campey, making us 9 again. We sat around a longer table, enjoying the scene of a Harley-Davidson being loaded into a trailer (respect of fellow motorcyclists meaning that no photographs were taken), and the sound of a (probably unmuffled) 2-stroke motorcrosser being given its head and another couple of riders on enduro bikes giving background noise to challenge the bell-birds. The arrival of a large Japanese Ute with a tray-load of more youngsters proved that this was the place for the locals to be. (I must be getting old).
After rejoining the Skyring Road, we travelled along through Widgee country along the Glastonbury Road, joining the Wide Bay Highway, from which we turned right into Woolooga, and the Hotel where we were to lunch. Having 2 Option 719 R1300G/S in the group, the plan was to have a group shot with those machines bracketing the rest. The Hotel seemed to be a draw for a couple of other custom cars, and we found our way in. Tony and Jane Gray had taken
their own path there, warmly welcomed.
The tucker was up to scratch, and discussions flowed. I commented on how Richard seemed to know this north coast hinterland well; only to be told that his wife Wendy came from Widgee (a fact that I did not check). Cindy Bennett had served as our tail for the run and had done a very good job. With lunch over it was time to part, and we each chose our own way home. I neglected to take a map (which I will do in the future) and hearing that something made the Wide Bay Highway impassable took the easy option and returned to the old Bruce Highway through Gympie for an uneventful ride home.
Taking part in Richard’s run was a great day (and thanks to him for filling the breach), but of course my trip home cannot conga when I amAlone
Brian Floyd at Kukenarup --->
Paul Hughes Lake Hawea NZ
CONGA WITH RICHARD
THE PREMIER OVERLAND ADVENTURE TRAVEL EVENT FOR MOTORCYCLISTS & TRAVELLERS ON 2, 3 OR 4 WHEELS!
Help us celebrate 25 years of Horizons Unlimited Travellers Meetings!
Friday 2nd May to Sunday 3rd May 2025 (noting Mon 6th May is a Public Holiday in QLD) Kokoda Park, Thornton, Queensland
It’s All About Overland Adventure
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran with wisdom to share or a complete novice hungry for ideas and guidance, it doesn’t matter if you ride a motorcycle, a bicycle, or drive an expedition vehicle... Horizons Unlimited meetings are for everyone who dreams of adventure along the road less travelled.
Inspiring, Informing & Connecting
Some people value Horizons Unlimited events for what they learn from the unique line-up of presenters. Some people value the chance to discover new products and services at the trade stands. Some people value just kicking back with a beer among old friends and new.
Most people enjoy a little bit of everything, and everyone goes home fired-up for adventure with a smile on their face.
This year, the theme is “We’re putting the band back together” with many old favourites coming back after a hiatus as well as some very exciting new friends and presenters.
We look forward to seeing you there.
https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/queensland-2025
https://www.facebook.com/events/1127426669061983/
Club Mileage Awards
Have you clocked up 100,000km, 200,000km or more on one bike?
To celebrate the epic achievements of these milestones, the Club will be issuing Mileage Award Medallions and Certificates to those who qualify. It can be for any make and model of bike that has reached these impressive kilometres in your ownership, and must still be in your ownership.
To nominate your bike, email our Secretary: secretary@bmwmcq.org.au with:
• Photo of the bike or you with bike - this photo will feature on your certificate so a good quality photo will enhance the certificate
• Where and when purchased and mileage at time of purchase
• Photo of the odometer to show the kilometres.
Presentations at the monthly meetings for those that live locally – so get your details in!
Smart Rider Academy have the below courses scheduled for just $50, including the Level 2 course. Remember you can claim the $50 back with the Training Subsidy program (see below).
BMWMCQ TRAINING COURSE SUBSIDY
Your club encourages all members to continue to improve as a rider and offers a financial incentive to foster greater uptake in rider training. A broad interpretation of training has been adopted to include First Aid Training and Traffic Accident site safety management. The intention of the subsidy scheme is to not only improve the road craft of individual members but also to enhance the safety and enjoyment of club runs and events for all participating members.
These are the simple rules to qualify for a subsidy:
1. Every financial member is eligible.
2. Subsidy is limited to one in two years for each member eg subsidy June 2024 re-eligible June 2026.
3. Subsidy provided in the form of a $50 reimbursement after course has been completed and invoice presented to the Treasurer.
4. The applicant must present details and receive approval for the intended training course from the Club Secretary prior to the course being undertaken.
There you have it, an incentive to help to make you a better and safer rider. If you undertake a course please let us know your thoughts on the success of the course, positive or negative.
Brisbane BMW Motorcycle Specialists
Need your BMW motorcycle serviced? We can also help ensure your pride and joy stays in top nick. Northside Motorcycle Tyres and Service has the latest software for BMWs enabling us to re- set service reminders, and assist with diagnostic testing and component testing making it more efficient to solve any problems with your bike. Log book servicing which won’t void your warranty. Book in for a BMW motorcycle service today with our expert team and you can be confident that Your pride and joy is in good hands.
BMW Motorcycle Tyres & Accessories
Planning on hitting the road soon? Stop by our showroom to check out our great range of tyres, luggage bags and riding gear to suit Adventure or Sport Touring.
FREE BMW Motorcycle Safety Inspection Report
But perhaps more importantly, be prepared before you head off! Book in for your FREE safety inspection report. This simple check can mean the difference between a hassle-free ride versus getting stuck on the side of the road with no phone coverage a long way from the nearest town.
SHOP ONLINE FOR ALL YOUR MOTORCYCLE TYRES & ACCESSORIES WITH THE ADDED BENEFIT OF AFTERPAY “BUY NOW, PAY LATER” HTTPS://NSMCTYRES.COM 1/14 Paisley Drive Lawnton Qld 4503, Phone 07 3205 6505 Email info@nsmctyres.com
From business card to full page, all sizes are available. The BMWMCQ electronic journal is distributed to members and interested parties throughout Queensland and basically anywhere that has the internet. In addition, the journal is issued to other BMW affiliated Clubs. Get your message out to people who own, ride and restore BMW motorcycles Phone your requests toDon Grimes - Ph: 0411 601 372
BMWMCQ BOOK EXCHANGE
NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE!
Race to Dakar
Extreme Frontiers
(Racing Across Canada)
What If I Had Never Tried It
Charley Boorman
Charley Boorman
Valentino Rossi (The Autobiography)
The Road to Mali
Craig Carey-Clinch
No Room for Watermelons Ron & Lynne Fellowes
A Motorcycle Courier in the Great War
Australia Motorcycle Atlas
Captain W.H.L. Watson
With 200 Top Rides (6th Ed) Hema Maps
Overland Magazines - issue #’s 11; 19; 21; 22; 25; 26; 27; 28 and 29.
Adventure Bike Rider - issue #’s 44; 46; 51 and 53
The Touring Motorcycle Jeff Ware & Kris Hodgson
BMW Twins
Mick Walker
BMW Boxer Twins Ian Falloon
Richard de Groot spotted this the graphics on an R 1300 GSA in the Peachester Cafe car park
BMW Motorcycles Bruce Preston
A Century of BMW
Manfred Grunet & Florian Triebel
The BMW Story - Production & Racing Motorcycles Ian Falloon
Bahnstormer - The Story of BMW Motorcycles LJK Setright
BMW Company History
1972
BMW Munich
Berry on Bikes - The Hot 100 - Steve Berry
2UP and OVERLOADED
2 x On Tour with Compass Expeditions DVDs
The initiative is being overseen by Jane Gray and you can communicate with Jane via email at:
library@bmwmcq org au
Arrangement can be made with the librarian to pick up & drop off at the monthly General Meeting or other arrangements can be made
