BMWMCQ Journal February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022

www.bmwmcq.org.au

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC. Established 1958

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC.

This Issue - FEBRUARY 2022

The Committee President- Tony Gray

Contents:-

Ph: 0409 493 605 president@bmwmcq.org.au R1200GS (The Grey Ghost) R60/6

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PRESIDENT’s report. . . . . . . . . .

BMWMCQ EVENTS CALENDAR . . . . committee reports . . . . . . . . .

REGALIA CATALOGUE . . . . . . . . . . from the pen of jane gray . . . .

AGM FORMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TRIP AROUND AUS PART 4. . . . . . .

PHOTO COMPETITION . . . . . . . . . .

INTRODUCING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

POETS CORNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vice President - Paul Hughes Ph: 0409 814 633 vpres@bmwmcq.org.au

R1200GS; F700 GS BMW Clubs Australia Delegate

Secretary- Steven Johnson Ph: 0402 435 089 secretary@bmwmcq.org.au R1200GS

Treasurer - Darryl Gowlett Ph: 0438 083 996 treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au R80GS; K100RS4V; K1300R

Advertisers

TeamMoto - INSIDE COVER Caloundra Motorcycles - P.54 Northside Motorcycles - P.55 Munich Motorcycles - P.56 Good Wool Store - P.56

Events - Mark Mustchin Ph: 0416 061 638 events@bmwmcq.org.au R1200GS

Editors - Cindy & Duncan Bennett Ph: 0401 610 671 editor@bmwmcq.org.au R1200C; Triumph Tiger XCa Records- Greg Gaffney Ph: 0411424 219 records@bmwmcq.org.au R1200RT

4 5 6 8 16 19 20 24 28 29 31 32

HO HO HOBART. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CANE TOAD RALLY 2022 . . . . . . . .

DAKAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MAINTENANCE CORNER . . . . . . . . .

QUICK FIX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GEAR REVIEW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A GLANCE BACK. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RFDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BMW MOTORRAD RALLY. . . . . . . .

CLUB TRAINING SUBSIDY . . . . . . . .

FOR THE AIRHEADS . . . . . . . . . . .

THE LAST WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BMWMCQ BOOK EXCHANGE. . . . . .

36 40 43 44 46 47 48 49 50 52 53 58 59

TeamMoto - P.57 TeamMoto M&W- BACK COVER

On The Cover

Cindy’s hired 2013 R1200GS at Lake Pedder on a perfect day for riding in our most southerly state.

Tools/Spares - Bill Luyten Ph: 0438 123 747 tools@bmwmcq.org.au R1150 Rockster; R1200GS LC

Regalia - Rosi Johnson Ph: 0424 961 597 regalia@bmwmcq.org.au R1200R

Dealer Liaison - Don Grimes Ph: 0411 601 372 R1200GS; K1300R

Club Details

BMW Motorcycle Club of Queensland Inc. ABN 30 351 243 651

Address all correspondence to: The Secretary PO Box 3669 South Brisbane QLD 4101 Monthly meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at the:

Geebung RSL Club

323 Newman Road Geebung A Club Ride is usually held on the first Sunday after the monthly meeting.

BMWMCQ AIMS The objectives of the BMWMCQ are to increase the enjoyment of motorcycling by: 1. Improving the opinion of the public towards motorcycling in general and associated members particularly, by careful, courteous, considerate riding, especially when riding with the Club, and rendering assistance to all road users in difficulty.

2. Improving the service and availability of spare parts for BMWs in Queensland using the advantage of a united effort.

3. Decreasing maintenance and running costs by mutual assistance on mechanical problems.

4. Organising day trips, tours and outings.

5. Encourage and support Regional Ride Groups 6. Affiliation with other clubs/associations where such affiliation would be of mutual benefit.

DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this Journal are those of each contributor and are not necessarily shared by the Editor, management, and / or membership of the BMWMCQ. The Editor reserves the right to refuse any advertising or delete any material which could be considered or interpreted as questionable, libellous or offensive, without consultation.

WEB SITE Visit: www.bmwmcq.org.au

4

Editorial

FEBRUARY 2022

Cindy & Duncan Bennett

A

Editors’ Report

bit of riding over the Christmas break, a major highlight was a big three day blast around south-east Tasmania on a brace of hired R1200GSeses. We can never get enough of Tassie trundling, the road network both bitumen and dirt is outstanding, the scenery rivals Europe and the Americas, and don’t get us started on the wines, craft beers and bespoke gins. We can admit to a bit of slurring of our bespeech at the Taste of Tasmania on New Year’s Eve, and can hardly remember what we were betalking about. We have some big plans for 2022 both on club events and independently; our huge one is a Ride to the Rock after the Cane Toad Rally.

No-one has ever achieved a ride like that, we will literally be the first. Since 2019 anyway, when Cindy organised it and then we only made it as far as Longreach with some legends of the BMWMCQ continuing on to plant a red wine stained flag at the Lost Camel Bar in Yulara. Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, Roald Amundsen, or Vasco De Gama never achieved that.

Submissions for the Next Journal close 25th February VENUE FOR BMWMCQ GENERAL MEETINGS GEEBUNG RSL CLUB 323 NEWMAN ROAD GEEBUNG MEALS OPEN AT 6.00 PM MEETING STARTS 7.30 PM

NEXT MEETING: Thursday 3 February 2022 via ZOOM

Committee Reports Tony Gray

FEBRUARY 2022

5

President’s Report

I

, like many, had hoped that the new-year 2022 would have seen the demise of the Rona Virus, Covid 19, China Flu or Pandemic from our lexicon. Sadly that is not the case. It looks like our planned events may still be disrupted. My advice to you is that everything that is on the calendar is on until it’s not on. That does sound a bit obtuse but I wish to convey that we will continue to plan and run events. If circumstances change and it is deemed unsafe to do so – your health and well-being will always be a prime consideration – then a late change may be required. Keep an eye on the calendar for any late changes and check with the event organiser if in doubt.

There is a lot of hope that 2022 will kick-start the travel industry with many motorcycle tour companies offering tour packages to exotic locations this year. Dave Milligan of Get Routed who has shipped the ‘Grey Ghost’ to Europe previously for me, is again offering an Isle of Man package.

It will be great to see racing back at the IOM as it will be to see the MotoGP circus return to Phillip Island in October. Alan Cox & Bridget Hallam who spoke at our GM in December are headed back to Europe this year for an extended stay. Look forward to seeing a supplement to their European Tour Guides. It is ironic that it will be easier to get to Marrakesh than it will be to get to Mandurah in fortress WA this year. If you are one of the lucky ones able to get out for the big ride then make sure you record your experiences and share with fellow members through our wonderful journal.

One event that is still very much on schedule and one that I am very much looking forward to is the Awards night at the Geebung RSL on Thursday 17 February. This event is designed to recognise the loyalty shown by club members who have obtained a minimum of 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 years of Club membership. We hope to have a good turnout with an opportunity for many to catch up with colleagues they may not have seen for some years. There are bound to be many stories retold – maybe having grown in size & colour over the years. All club members are invited regardless of whether you are eligible for an award. We just ask that you advise of your attendance on the events page or let one of the committee know. The RSL is seeking an estimate of numbers 2 weeks prior to the event so they can roster their staff accordingly.

Thanks for your consideration in that request.

Just around the corner will be the Club’s AGM on 3 March. All committee positions will be vacated and subject to election. Please consider if you think you have something to offer in the running of this great club – now 64 years young. A nomination form is printed in this journal. Simply copy, complete and return to Steve Johnson the Club Secretary.

Tony The Club banner being decorated at the end of year picnic by Santas’ Helpers!

BMWMCQ 2022 Events Calendar BMWMCQ Club Events for FEBRUARY 2022

6

FEBRUARY 2022

Datee Thurs 3 Feb

Start 7:30pm

Sat 5 Feb

9:30am

Sun 6 Feb 8:30am Wed 9 Feb Sat 12 Feb

8:45am for 9:00 9:00am

Thurs 17 7:30pm Feb Sat 19 Feb Sun 27 Feb Tues 29 Mar

6:30pm

Event Club Monthly Meeting

Details Zoom Meeting - keep an eye on your email inbox for link!

Monthly Led Ride Midweek Ride to Wyralong Dam Coffee Meet Up

Ride to Tyalgum Pub, meet at BP Vice President Paul Yatala for an 8:45am departure Meet at Ampol Servo, 2 Mount Events Coordinator Mark Glorious Rd Samford Village.

BYO Lunch Lighthouse Restaurant Events Coordinator Mark Cleveland Point

61-63 St Jude Circuit Jimboomba (note: some GPS’s require suburb as Glenlogan)

Tools Officer Bill Luyton

President Tony

Sunny Coast Dinner Ride

Geebung RSL Club, 323 Newman Road, Geebung QLD. Dinner before presentations Caloundra Powerboat Club, 2 Lamerough Pde, Golden Beach

German Club Dinner

Brisbane German Club 416 Vulture St, East Brisbane

Events Coordinator Mark

Club Service Day

Club Awards Night

12:30pm Club Lunch Ride 6:00pm

Contact President Tony

Harrigan’s Calypso Bay Irish Pub, Jacobs Well

Steve Maney - SC Riders Events Coordinator Mark

EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS CALENDAR Date 12 - 14 Feb 2022 11 - 12 March 2022

Event Karuah River Rally BMW 5/ tribute event

Location Chichester State Forest via Dungog Blayney NSW

See ad for the 2022 Cane Toad Rally on page 41!

Contact www.bmwtcnsw.org.au Henning Jorgensen hpj333@gmail.com

FEBRUARY 2022 BMWMCQ 2022 Events Calendar BMWMCQ Club Events for MARCH 2022

Datee Thurs 3 Mar

Start 7:30pm

Contact President Tony

9:00am

Event Details Club Monthly Geebung RSL Club, 323 Meeting & AGM Newman Road, Geebung QLD. Meals from 6pm Poker Run Ride Further details TBA

Sun 6 Mar Sat 12 Mar Wed 16 Mar Sat 19 Mar Sun 27 Mar Tues 29 Mar

9:00am

Coffee Meet Up

Boardwalk Cafe, 22 Lakefield Dve North Lakes

Events Coordinator Mark

The Barn, Flaxton

Steve Maney - SC Riders

Brisbane German Club 416 Vulture St, East Brisbane

Events Coordinator Mark

9:00am

Mid Week Ride

10:30am Sunny Coast Brunch Ride 12:30pm Monthly Lunch Ride 6:00pm German Club Dinner

Ride Meeting Spots:

President Tony

The Spit, Somerset Dam. Meet at Events Coordinator Mark Dayboro opp Bakery 8:45am Pioneer Arms, Goombungee

Events Coordinator Mark

7

8

FEBRUARY 2022

S

Paul Hughes

Committee Reports Vice President’s Report

o the year has got off to more of the same from 2021. The committee is well aware of the various scenarios facing all of us and will continue to make decisions based on the best outcomes for the membership.

The month has been a combination of wet weather, long periods at home and some bike cleaning. Have managed some local rides and I am constantly amazed at what I see people do on our roads. Leaving aside the stupid acts on bikes on the close-by mountains, I witnessed a rather soul uplifting experience the other day.

Merging traffic on a motorway. Bike in front and merging with indicator on. Four wheel drive without indication , screams across 3 lanes of traffic to push in front of the bike. Some obvious distress from the bike rider who is now behind the offending four-bee. Then behold the 4x4 driver gives the bird to the rider on the black BMW RS. Just at that moment the party lights on the bike come on and the 4x4 is pulled over by the officer on the unmarked bike. Officer looks purposeful when I pass him (lol). There is a god, is all I can think of at the time. Maybe there is a purpose for unmarked authority bikes after all.

February will mark our first membership longevity awards presentation and I would urge everyone to get involved and turn up. The facility needs numbers for catering purposes, so if you intend to come along please indicate so two weeks prior.

There have been several updates released on the BMW National Motorrad Rally in June. Info is in the this journal, Facebook and the web forum. Sounds like a fun time.

The committee continues to provide great opportunities for riding, social and learning experiences. Get amongst it and get the best value from your membership.

Ride safe and watch those black BMW RS’s.

Cheers Paul

Committee Reports Darryl Gowlett

G

FEBRUARY 2022

9

Treasurer’s Report

’day everyone,

Well looky here. Christmas has been and went, and we’re already one month down on a Covid infested year. Life couldn’t be more interesting. The end of year barbecue, it wasn’t a Christmas party ‘cos I didn’t get any presents, made a couple of bucks which we forwarded on to our charity of choice. The biggie was getting some advertising dollars in.

This is the penultimate report for this year, with the audit due out for the AGM in March. I might say more then, but perhaps not.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. This story’s getting mushy, but riding your BMW out west, where it’s really arid, makes you want for nothing. Except maybe a beer..

Ciao, Darryl

10

Committee Reports

FEBRUARY 2022

T

Steven Johnson

Secretary’s Report

o borrow a phrase, I wish to thank everyone who has continued to support the Club throughout this difficult and testing time. With respect to our monthly gatherings at the Geebung RSL, Zoom meetings are a poor substitute to attending in person and mixing and talking to people about our passions!

Big news for me is that I have again wrenched myself out of retirement (god I love money), hopefully for a short time (again). Other news, non-motorcycle related, but a similar adrenaline rush, is that I have resumed my flying lessons out at Caboolture aerodrome in an airplane called a Sling LSA - Google it and see. Currently studying for my solo exam so wish me luck!

Our skeptical Vice President still can’t believe that someone lets me at the controls of an airplane. Go figure. Steven BMWMCQ Meeting Minutes – 2 December 2021 Venue: Geebung RSL Club Meeting Opened: Apologies: Minutes of Previous General Meeting:

7:30 pm Maggie Rafanowicz, Mark Mustchin, Cindy & Duncan Bennett, Ross & Jenny Layther, Merv Bone , Gary Bennett Accepted: Rosi Johnson

Tools Report:

Seconded: Paul Hughes 32 None recorded for this month Throw your leg over representatives – Alan & Bridget None Nothing new to report – refer Journal for full details.

Editors not in attendance at this meeting. Of note is that another great Journal has been put together for December 2021.

Next Service Day is confirmed for 5 February 2022.

Regalia Report:

Members are encouraged to forward any new purchases (tools & the like) to Bill Luyten to raise at any upcoming Committee Meeting for endorsement.

Cloth badges should be available in early 2022.

Number of Attendees: New Members (Name & MC): Visitors: Returning Members: Treasurer Report: Editor Report:

Records Report: Events Report:

A reminder to members that Goldstar Embroidery will accept any clothing bought to their business. You do not have to purchase their merchandise (T-shirts, bags etc.)

261 financial members, with 3 x new members signed up in November 2021.

Members encouraged keeping checking the Events tab in Facebook to see latest updates on all upcoming rides/events. In Mark’s absence, Paul Hughes provided the Events update. Club Christmas party this weekend – ensure that if you are intending to participate that you RSVP tonight as shopping will be happening tomorrow (Friday).

In a nutshell, remaining December events as follows: •

Saturday 11 December – Coffee meet up at Preece’s on the Park.

•

Saturday 18 December – Sunny Coast Brunch Ride – Café Mooloolah

•

Sunday 19 December – December Club Lunch Ride to Maryvale Crown Hotel

Committee Reports - GM Minutes con’d Secretary Report:

Dealer Liaison Report:

Clubs Australia Report: Vice Presidents Report:

President Report:

FEBRUARY 2022

11

Correspondence in: •

Email forwarded to me by Greg Gaffney which included a flyer for next year’s Karuah River Rally.

•

Post box only contained copies of NSW Touring Club Journals for September through November 2021.

•

Of note was a three (3) page listing of all their members across the State willing to offer the likes of: i.

Emergency accommodation

ii.

Technical/mechanical assistance

iii.

Retrieval of bikes (subject to distances) &

iv.

Social contact – give them a call if passing through for a social catch-up.

I understand that this idea was once present in our own Club Journal – will be raised at the next Committee Meeting for further discussion.

Don reports that his GS is back – alternator issue is now fixed. Morgan & Wacker report long backlog for booking in for servicing etc. Stock – discounts are available on some bikes (not GS’s). The new R1300GS likely to make an appearance by next August.

BMW (Germany) to hold its latest Teams meeting at 8:00pm on 17 December 2021. Paul Hughes to insert in the Events calendar.

Club volunteers for all manner of events were thanked for their efforts – in particular the Cane Toad & Frigid Digit Rally’s. Thank you all.

It was incorrectly reported that the next Committee Meeting would be an open affair to be held at Preece’s Café. This is not the case. The next Committee Meeting is scheduled for Monday 13 December 2021. The Committee Meeting proposed where members will be welcome to attend will occur in 2022 on a date yet to be confirmed.

For the Christmas Party attendees are encouraged to bring along a chair, hat & sunscreen. BYO tea & coffee (Club will be providing soft drinks & water).

Tony has purchased a new book – “Sky’s the Limit” by the author Hugh Yorston (former BMWMCQ member).Book will be available for loan via the usual channel – see Lady Jane Gray.

In recognising club membership longevity, a series of year badges have been struck which will be presented at a special event prior to the 2022 AGM. Date/details etc. to be confirmed.

Talk by Alan & Bridget from “Throw your Leg Over”

Bridget & Alan spoke to the members about their recent travels, hints and tips for the motorcycle traveller.

The presentation was very well received by the members and a big thank you goes out to them for donating a couple of prizes for the club raffle.

Charlie Brown won the USB stick containing details of their Europe trip (phase one). We understand that Bridget & Alan are returning to Europe in 2022 (COVID restrictions allowing) with a view to creating a new series of rides. We wish them well. Thanks for coming along.

General Business Closed:

Nothing carried forward.

8:35 pm, next meeting 13 January 2022.

12

FEBRUARY 2022

Committee Reports - GM Minutes Jan ‘22

BMWMCQ Meeting Minutes – 13 January 2022 Venue: Zoom Meeting Meeting Opened: 7:30 pm Apologies: None noted Minutes of Previous General Meeting: Accepted: To be postponed to February Meeting Number of Attendees: New Members (Name & MC):

Seconded: N/A Circa. 18 (members logged on/off during the meeting) Eduard Julyan – recently moved up from Victoria. Rides a 2020 GSA 1250 Chris Evans – 2014 rides a R800GS.

Visitors: Returning Members: Treasurer Report: Editor Report:

Welcome to the group.

None None Darryl not in attendance for this Zoom Meeting No Journal for January.

As always, seeking photos, and personal experiences from recent rides and the like.

Photo Competition – must be a photo taken in the current month Surprise us all!

Tools Report:

Prize – BMW regalia voucher to the value of $30.00 Next Service Day is confirmed for 5 February 2022, starting 9:00am through to 3:00PM.

Regalia Report:

Bill provided, for the benefit of new members, a rundown of the day, including what tools/equipment is available, plus the fund raising from the sale of food and drinks.

Rosi to touch base with Gold Star Embroidery regarding the patches.

Currently 269 financial members, with 6 x new members signed up since the last meeting.

Records Report:

Events Report:

A reminder to all members that, if you believe that you are not receiving renewal notifications, please contact Greg directly.

Members encouraged keeping checking the Events tab in Facebook to see latest updates on all upcoming rides/events.

A snapshot of upcoming events for the rest of January are as follows: •

Jolly’s Lookout Breakfast Ride from 7:30am

•

Coffee Meet Up at Little Italy Red Hill on Saturday 22 January at 9:00am

•

The next instalment of the BCCM Webcast is on Friday 28 January at 7:00pm

•

January Club Lunch Ride to Mapleton Tavern on Sunday 30 January 2022.

Committee Reports - GM Minutes Jan ‘22 Secretary Report:

FEBRUARY 2022

13

Correspondence in: •

Thank you letter from RFDS for the fundraising effort via Cindy’s shaker tin - $51.55 received with thanks.

•

RFDS Summer edition magazine and Wall Planner. If anyone would like the wall planner, please let me know.

BMW Touring Club of NSW December 2021 Journal – available if members wish to read. (If the February Meeting is held at the Geebung RSL, I will bring them along) Don reports that he has recently visited the BMW Dealers in SE Qld who report as previous months – still limited stock new and used.

•

Dealer Liaison Report:

There are however specials to be had – check the various relevant websites for details of current specials.

Don also reported that he (or was it Kate?) has purchased a GS1250.

The “old” bike will be up for sale soon (apparently)

Clubs Australia Report:

Registration opens in late January 2022 for the May 2022 Tasmanian GS Safari.

BMW (Germany) to hold its latest Teams meeting at 7:00pm on 28 January 2022 (as noted previously in the Events).

Paul Hughes to insert in the Events calendar.

Vice Presidents Report:

President Report:

If you have any queries that you would like discussed on the webcast, please send them through to Paul Hughes soonest.

A reminder to all members of the upcoming Karuah River Rally being held on the weekend of the 12 – 14 February 2022.

Register (and pay) to receive your patch.

Tony noted that some members (without naming them) are unwell – the Club wishes them a speedy recovery.

A reminder to all members that for the AGM on 3rd March 2022, all committee positions will be declared vacant.

Anyone interested in running for any position is encourage to apply or, if they wish, contact and chat with President Tony Gray.

General Business Closed:

Another reminder to members to confirm via the Events tab that they are attending a posted Event. This is particularly important for the venues in order to cater appropriately for the numbers of members turning up.

Nothing carried forward.

8:20 pm, next meeting 13 January 2022.

14

FEBRUARY 2022

B records@ bmwmcq.org.au

Greg Gaffney

Committee Reports Records Officer Report

eing laid low doing a project for a client and avoiding Omicron. This has meant missing out, once again, on a number of rides and events! Project finished and I was getting back on my bike ready for some events. Went to the service station at Nundah to check my tyre pressures and the machine went into error when inflating my rear tyre and resulted in DEFLATING the tyre to about 25 psi. Had to ride a few kilometres to the next service station at Virginia on a very deflated rear tyre. It was good however to see my dash gave me an appropriate low pressure alarm.

Cheers, Greg.

Welcome to New Members: Graeme Norfolk, MANSFIELD, R1200GS Adventure Bob Koning, BULIMBA Graham Golding, MORAYFIELD Eduard & Linda Julyan, MINDEN, R1250GSA Scott Wilmot, MAPLETON, R1250GSA Till Weinhold, ALGESTER, S100XR Matthew Miles, BUSHLAND BEACH, R60/2, R100T, R100RS Clayton & Belynda Thorley, KENMORE, R1200GSA Bernard Cross, HARRISVILLE, F800GS

Committee Reports Bill Luyten

Tool’s Report

Service Day

Special Tools

The Club will hold a Service Day on Saturday 5th February at Rob Wynne’s place starting at 0930.

Location: 61-63 Saint Jude Circuit Jimboomba (Just off Mt Lindesay Highway) Note: some GPSs require the suburb to be “Glenlogan” Come along and service or repair something on your bike. You may just want to ask advice about an issue with your bike. You may be able to offer advice to a club member who is not sure about the job at hand. Anyway it’s a chance to get together and do bike stuff.

The Hydraulic Bike Lift will be available along with the Comprehensive Tool kit and GS911 scan tool.

We will be providing a Sausage Sizzle with chicken kebabs, steaks and maybe even some sausages.

Drinks at very reasonable prices (proceeds to the RFDS).

Repair Manuals

15

FEBRUARY 2022

• 34mm socket for rotating crankshaft • Twinmax electronic carburettor balancer (Twin BMW engines) • Vacuumate (electronic synchronisation 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 (Wi-Fi and USB Version) • GS-911 3 pin Diagnostic tool (for older bikes) • Tyre Pressure Monitor Sensor (TPMS) tool • Enduralast hall sensor tester • Brake bleeding tool (suction bleeding via the brake caliper) • Compression tester

Club Tool Loan: The Club has various Repair Manuals available to borrow, $50 deposit (refundable) for GS911. Tools and mainly for older bikes. spares can be picked up at my place in Springfield or brought along to a monthly meeting or Club Tools for loan ride.

There are special tools available including the GS-911WiFi Contact Tools Officer and 3 pin diagnostic tools.

Bill Luyten 0438 123 747 email: spares@bmwmcq.org.au

Rosi Johnson

Regalia Report

Nothing to report this month, but how about a cap with BMWMCQ logo?

Happy riding!

Cheers, Rosi regalia@bmwmcq.org.au Duncan’s new BMWMCQ hat with gold trim. Only special people can wear hats with gold trim.

16

2022 REGALIA

FEBRUARY 2022

Lady Shirts

2LPS - $26 65% polyester 35% cotton

Bloke Shirts

210 - $26 65% polyester 35% cotton

2LCP - $27.50 65% polyester 35% cotton

2CP - $27.50 65% polyester 35% cotton

Gender Neutral Hats & Bags

AH695 - $17 Bucket Hat Sandwich Design (with trim)

AH715 - $16 Bucket Hat. Not all that gender neutral.

7LPI - $29.50 100% polyester “Well behaved women rarely wear a BMWMCQ shirt” - Eleanor Roosevelt

7PIP - $29.50 100% polyester “I have a Beemer shirt” - Martin Luther King speech, first draft

AH230 - $15 Cotton Cap, not as warm as a beanie.

ICE Tee - $24.50 Cotton As worn by Vestal Virgins!

Maybe some of them!

ICE Tee - $24.50 Cotton Wicks the rivers of February moisture away!

AH742 - $17 100% Wool Beanie

Metro - black/charcoal or black/royal - Swiss charcoal- $37.50 $21 Note: a bag order small surcharge may apply - talk to Daniel!

Ladies Vests $48.00

AH770 - $17 100% Cotton Beanie

Non-Ladies Vests $48.00

2022 REGALIA

FEBRUARY 2022

Club order form for shirts, bags and hats Send this form to daniel@goldstarembroidery.com.au or call Daniel on 0403 150 857 Name: ___________________________Email address:_________________________ If delivery is required an additional fee is charged. Delivery required Yes or No:______ Delivery address: ______________________________________________________________________ A minimum 50% deposit is required before the order is started. Payment in full is required if Gold Star Embroidery is to organise delivery. An invoice will be emailed after the order form is received.

Shirts/Vests order: Shirt product code number

Quantity

Size

Colour

Bags order: Bag product name

Quantity

Colour

Metro Swiss Headwear order: Product code number

Quantity

Size

Colour

Cap AH230 - $15 each Bucket Hat Sandwich AH695 - $17 each Bucket Hat AH715 - $16 each Wool Beanie AH742 - $17 each Cotton Beanie AH770 - $17 each

There are also heaps more colours, styles and fabrics available through Gold Star Embroidery check out the website at goldstarembroidery and call Daniel - he knows all about BMW regalia!

17

18

FEBRUARY 2022

Mark Mustchin

A

Committee Reports Events Report

s you will have seen on the Events Calendar a full couple of months worth of events coming up. And stay tuned for an announcement of the first Back to the Bush of 2022.

Safe riding.

Mark.

And here is Secretary Steve’s events overview: I have attended a couple of the events so far this year - one being the Jolly’s Lookout breakfast ride, and the other being the coffee morning at Red Hill.

Unfortunately I attended solo (not flying related) as Rosi was on Oma duties up on the Sunny Coast with our granddaughter.

I looked forward to the Jolly’s breakfast event as it always seems to coincide with the Vintage Car Club event up on the Mount. A couple of very old and beautiful Porsches to ogle over - well, they are my favorite!

Great to see David Whale back on his feet from a bout of COVID. I am sure Judy is thrilled that you kindly passed on your “grippe” (apologies for this German reference - Dave will undoubtedly understand).

Saturday’s January coffee meet-up was a success. Nice venue, great coffee and great catching up with everyone!

Looking forward to the club ride to Mapleton as returning to work limits opportunities to ride during the week - my choice I know!

Ride safe, stay safe and distanced everyone.

Steven Johnson

FROM THE PEN OF JANE GRAY

FEBRUARY 2022

SPREADING OUR WINGS JEGJan2022

For 2 long years we’ve been living this way Restrictions & lockdowns day to day While cut off from the world we had a good run But when borders were opened Omicron won Highly contagious & out of control In all walks of life it’s taken its toll Shoppers frustrated with what they can grab Thankfully most of us have had the Jab While once it was rare to know someone infected Now coughs & fevers are highly suspected Life carries on although with a mask May it soon be over is all we can ask Throughout the turmoil when patience was tried Nothing could beat just going for a ride So long restricted to our Sunny State Now the borders are open, do we hesitate?

So many variants & so many unknowns Check-in apps on all of our phones Like a fledgling starting to spread its wings Excitedly nervous with what the future brings

19

20

FEBRUARY 2022

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notice of Annual General Meeting of the BMW Motorcycle Club Queensland Inc. The Annual General Meeting of the Club will be held at Geebung RSL, 323 Newman Rd, Geebung Qld 4034, at 7:30PM on March 3rd 2022.

The Agenda of the meeting is as follows: 1.

Acceptance of the 2021 AGM minutes

3.

Presentation of the Financial accounts

2.

4.

Management Committee Report

Election of Committee members

Special Resolutions 1. Any Special resolutions presented under the rules of the Constitution (30 days notice) The General Meeting for March 2022 will follow the AGM. Steven Johnson Secretary BMWMCQ

2021 Annual General Meeting Minutes

FEBRUARY 2022

BMWMCQ Annual General Meeting Minutes March 2021 Meeting Date: Chairman: Apologies: Minutes of Previous AGM: Outgoing Presidents Report:

Outgoing Committee Member Reports:

4 March 2021. Time: 7:30pm Attendance: 40 Paul Hughes/Tony Gray Cindy & Duncan Bennett, Bill Luyten, Maggie Rafanowicz, Matthew Leitch, Chris Bishop, Geoff & Ellen Hodge, Mal Cremer, John Allan, Ian & Allison Sayce.

Accepted: Darryl Gowlett Seconded: Mark Mustchin An exceptional year where the club performed exceptionally in a covid pandemic year. Special thanks to the committee members as well as the membership in general. Club spirit is very strong given the diversity of the membership. Trying to offer something for everyone. It is a social club so it should be about having fun.

Committee members presented their review of the year. GG mentioned there are currently 256 members of the Association with 58 new members in the past financial year. The highest membership for some years.

President Paul Hughes, VP Mark Gilbert, Secretary Tony Gray have announced that they will not be re-nominating for the role this year.

Outgoing Treasurer Report:

Cindy & Duncan Bennett submitted a written report which was read

by Tony Gray. Bill Luyten submitted a written report which was read by Paul Hughes. Special thanks to Rob Wynne from Bill Luyten for the use of his facilities at Jimboomba and his wonderful hospitality.

The past Financial Year has seen a bit of a change in bookkeeping following the change from Reckon Online to Reckon One. The fee for Online became exorbitant so the simpler, but unfortunately less ‘user friendly’ version has been adopted at a significantly cheaper rate. But you get what you pay for! The migration of data which we paid for has also created some issues with incorrect entries making reports inaccurate, but some burning of midnight oil has almost fixed that.

Question from the floor re the costs accredited to the Cane Toad Rally: Incorrectly showing as a debit caused by a system error in data transfer to the new system. The audited accounts cannot be changed but going forward the correction will be made.

Motion to accept the tabled documents moved by John Eacott: Seconded by: Rosi Johnson.

Accepted by the members present.

Moved PH that same auditor as this year be used for next year.

Seconded Mark Mustchin. Accepted by the members present.

21

22

FEBRUARY 2022

2021 Committee Nominations:

2021 Annual General Meeting Minutes

These nominations were received prior to the meeting by the Secretary. A call was made to the floor for any other nomination before the nominees were named. No other nominations were received. An election was required to determine the Treasurer role while all other nominees were elected uncontested.

President: Tony Gray Vice President: Paul Hughes Secretary: Steven Johnson Treasurer Nominees: John Eacott, Darrell Gowlett Following a secret ballot administered by Greg Gaffney as Records Officer and Life Member Gary Bennett, Darryl Gowlett was elected as the successful candidate for Treasurer.

Treasurer: Darrell Gowlett Records: Greg Gaffney Tools: Bill Luyten Regalia: Roswitha Johnson Events: Mark Mustchin Editor: Cindy & Duncan Bennett Dealer Liaison & Advertising: Don Grimes Special Resolution:

Nil

Closed:

8.30 pm

Certified as a fair and accurate record:

Paul Hughes

Tony Gray

Outgoing President Outgoing Secretary

2022 AGM Forms

23

FEBRUARY 2022

BMW Motorcycle Club of Queensland Inc. Proxy Form I,

Member No:

(member name) of _______________________________________________________ being a current financial member of the BMW Motorcycle Club of Queensland Inc. (‘the Club’) hereby appoint _____________________________

of

(name of proxy)

or failing him/her, __________________________

of

(name of alternate proxy)

as my proxy to vote for me on my behalf at the Annual General Meeting of the Club to be held on 3 March 2022 and at any adjournment thereof.

Signature:______________________________

Date:________________________________

 BMWMCQ Inc.

NOMINATION FORM Election of Committee Members I,

(must be a financial member) nominate for the position of:

President

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Editor

Events

Records

Regalia

Tools

Dealer Liaison

Signature of Candidate:

Membership Number:

The nominations and voting procedures will be followed at the AGM as per the Club Constitution, which is available on the BMWMCQ website.

24

FEBRUARY 2022

TRIP AROUND AUS 2021 Pt4

Part 4. By Liezel Samuel, Member #4412 Mural and Gnomesville – both located within 40 Gnomes and Arum Lilies

W

e were really spoilt during the four days we stayed with my friend in Perth. My friend arranged for her husband to fly down from Exmouth, where he is building houses, to make dinner for us – South African style (Braaivleis [Barbeque], salads and veggies). It was a treat indeed, as our dinner decision process on this trip was as follows:

kms of the Black Diamond Lake we went past on the way to Dunsborough. No big deal.

1. Is there a Hungry Jacks in this place? If yes (very seldom), dinner sorted. If no, go to question 2.

Huw walking off his roadworks frustration on 2. Is there a Coles/supermarket in this place? the Busselton Jetty If yes, visit Coles/supermarket and buy 2x We added these two attractions on the agenda Caesar salads. Dinner sorted. If no, go to 3. after visiting the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Sugarloaf Rock. I did not mind doing some 3. Let’s find food within walking distance… extra mileage on the GS in these beautiful Our visit to Perth was rounded off with surroundings. Arum lilies grow wild everywhere a cooked breakfast on our last morning. Did and form beautiful displays under trees where I mention my friend’s husband knows his way they often grow en masse. around the kitchen? There was no need to have Ed: Let’s briefly recap here Liezel - Hungry a lunch stop on our way to Dunsborough.

Jacks? WTFF (what the fast food)?

Our travelling speed from Perth to Dunsborough was relatively slow due to traffic in the built-up areas. We made a 120km detour to Black Diamond Lake near Collie, and by the time we approached Busselton, the slow speed made me drowsy, and it was time to rest my eyelids for a while. I got off the GS at Busselton fully refreshed and ready to walk the 1.8 km long Jetty. I was perplexed by Huw’s less enthusiastic mood. He later told me the 17km stretch before Busselton was a GS-rider’s (open eyes) nightmare due to roadworks that forced travelling speed to a snail’s pace on the narrow road lined with bright orange cones on both sides.

We googled Gnomesville. Thought we’d opened a group photo of senior members of the BMWMCQ.....

Sugarloaf Rock and Ice-Cream

I first heard about the Horizontal Falls located in the Buccaneer Archipelago, 255km north of Broome, during a conversation with a lady in the pool at Lake Argyle. For various reasons, we did not go there. Mario and Fiona did visit the Horizontal Falls, and when we caught up with them in Broome earlier on the trip, Fiona described the falls to me. When I saw the water rushing to-and-fro in the Canal Rocks south-west of Yallingup, I suggested to Huw we The stimulating company, tasty food and were witnessing a smaller version of the famous good wine on our last night in Perth interfered horizontal falls. with our planning for the ride to Dunsborough After the Canal Rocks, we went for a where we based ourselves for the four nights lovely ride through the Boranup Forest where to explore the Margaret River Region. When we we felt dwarfed by the massive trees that line started to work on our Margaret river itinerary, the road. Next were the Jewel Caves and the we realised we missed the Wellington Dam

TRIP AROUND AUS 2021 Pt4

FEBRUARY 2022

25

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse occasion was when a lady approached us just as on mainland Australia built in 1895. we were about to get on the GS after exploring the Kevill Road Waterfalls near Margaret River.

She offered to take this photo of us -

Empty car park at the Canal Rocks south-west of Yallingup

Sugarloaf Rock, Cape Naturaliste

“…because my husband also rides a GS”.

I was glad my friend in Perth recommended Simmos Ice Creamery (in Dunsborough) – who makes the most delicious ice cream in 60 different flavours! It made for a delightful afternoon pause before visiting the picturesque Shelley Cove near Bunker Bay with its photogenic granitic rocky shoreline and weathered trees. Huw was brave enough to strip off his gear but stopped short of going into the chilly water. His tongue may still have been too cold from the two scoops of Simmos ice cream he devoured earlier…

No doubt, due to the (slightly) wet winter weather, the roads, wine-farms and all A Skywalk or Two the beautiful sites we visited were quiet with Albany was our next base for four nights. minimal people around. Empty carparks became En route to Albany, Nannup was in the midst the norm and allowed Huw to easily spec out of their Flower Festival and the town was in slopes for parking the GS. full bloom with reportedly over 10,000 tulips A visit to the Margaret River region will be on display. We were not aware of the festival incomplete without a stop at Cowaramup, a.k.a until we entered the town and it resulted in a Cow Town, where there are 42 life-sized fibreglass pleasant, unplanned, stop.

Friesian cows and calves displayed around the streets, parks and shops. The town smashed the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as cows in 2014 - 1,352 people dressed in Cow onesies! It provided an excellent stop for coffee and replenishing energy rations from the Temper Temper Fine Chocolate store that makes an amazing range of speciality chocolates.

Sometimes, I think riding a GS is a bit Next was the Valley of the Giants Tree Top like walking your beautiful Golden Retriever.

Strangers stop and talk to you and want to Walk in the Walpole National Park. The highest share their own Retriever/GS stories. One such point of this walk is 40 metres above ground, with

26

FEBRUARY 2022

the trees growing up to 70 metres. Back on the ground, it was interesting to see how the Tingle trees continue to grow for more than 400 years despite their hollow trunks that are so big you can walk through them (Huw demonstrated).

TRIP AROUND AUS 2021 Pt4

At the Torndirrup National Park near Albany, we went to a viewing platform 40 metres directly above the surging seas of The Gap. The steel mesh grid floor of the viewing platform was similar to the one at Kalbarri and proved too much for one lady who was too scared to walk on it after she caught sight of the roaring water below her feet. Close by was the Natural Bridge, a granite formation that looks just like Liezel on the way up a giant rock bridge. It was captivating to watch the waves crashing into the granite cliffside and rushing under the bridge.

Huw was determined to keep me (reasonably) fit, so next on the agenda was the 4.7km (return) Castle Rock Trail in Porongurup Park to the Castle Rock Granite Skywalk. It starts with a 2km stretch of solid uphill hiking (269m vertical climb) along a forest path. Stone steps on the upper part eased the climb a bit. Near the top, grateful for a break, we took some photos of the Balancing Rock, a large granite boulder that appears to be defying gravity by just sitting on a rounded piece of granite. I was too tired to consider the consequences of the rock deciding to capitulate to the forces of physics and roll down the hill while we were there.

To get to the start of the ladder for the 7m ascent to the viewing platform, we had to clamber over and between large granite boulders. Mercifully, a series of stainless-steel grab handles bolted into the rocks made it possible to negotiate our way through. I was thankful for my riding gear that protected my knees when I bumped into the boulders and the cage-like structure around the ladder when the wind tried to steal my hat while I desperately needed both hands for climbing. The views from the top were amazing and worth the effort.

Skywalk viewing platform Getting Drenched The next day the weather forecast predicted some rain for the afternoon. We started off with a visit to Greens Pool on the edge of William Bay National Park near Denmark.

This green/turquoise cove is almost completely sheltered from the waves of the Great Southern Ocean by rounded rock boulders. We witnessed a handful of (not so sane) individuals silly (or brave) enough to swim in the 12°C water. Air temperature, per the GS, was 14.5°C.

We walked along a short trail, and with my confidence in rock-climbing skills refreshed from hiking up Castle Rock, I followed Huw up a large boulder to view the Elephant Rocks. These huge granite boulders resemble a herd of elephants sunning themselves before heading off for a Famished after the climb, we indulged in swim in the beautiful turquoise water. pies and shared an apple slice at the Mt Barker When the rain held off, we made our way Country Bakery, another recommendation from via beautiful green cattle farms to Little Beach my friend in Perth. in the Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, east of

TRIP AROUND AUS 2021 Pt4

FEBRUARY 2022

27

Albany. When we reached Little Beach however, I only managed to take two quick photos (still wearing my helmet), when the rain started. With no visible shelter nearby, we got back on the GS, and within minutes got drenched in one almighty windy rainstorm. I had visions of tipping water out of my boots, just like Cindy and Duncan did when they were caught in the storm on the way to Gympie one Saturday afternoon....

Oh well, the rest of the afternoon provided opportunity for exciting activities like laundry, drying our gear and applying for South Australia border passes. I was pleased we had time the following day to re-visit picturesque Little Beach and its next-door neighbour Waterfall Beach.

Greens Pool near Denmark

the (no longer) Pink Lake before returning to Esperance. The beauty of the beaches on the loop only slightly prepared us for the arresting beauty of the beaches in Cape Le Grand National Park. Unfortunately, the full-sized Esperance replica of Stonehenge was closed, presumably due to COVID.

Esperance The 480km ride from Albany to Esperance was charming but cold and a coffee stop at Jerramungup helped us to warm up a bit. The maximum temperature for the day (and the next) was 14°C. Esperance has a reported population of less than 15,000 and the Shire claims to have one of the lowest population densities to be found anywhere (whatever that may mean).

We experienced it as a place of contrast. For example, the first photo following was taken from the esplanade facing the Esperance Bay. The second photo was taken from almost the same spot after turning 180°.

Coastline from Observatory Point Lookout on the Esperance Great Ocean Drive End of Part 4.

Where will Liezel and Huw get to in Part 5?

Most of the beauty of Esperance lies in the 40km Great Ocean Drive circular loop that took us along the Southern Coastline to view stunning Somewhere with “quality dinner” options? beaches, rocky headlands, small bays, steep cliffs and hidden ocean pools. The loop includes Find out in March!!

28

FEBRUARY 2022

NEW FOR ‘22 PHOTO COMP!

We loved receiving your pics last year for the photo comp, and I’m sure you will agree that some wonderful cover shots were gained over the months that it ran.

For 2022 the Committee have decided to continue with a Photo Comp but with a few changes: • It will be called “Pic of the Month”, and will run from March to December 2022.

• Each month members are invited to submit a photo that they have taken during that month - there will be no theme, so anything bike/riding/Club event/ bike travel related.

• Prize will be a voucher ($30 value) with our regalia supplier Gold Star Embroidery. This can get you a t-shirt or a couple of caps or put towards one of the bags (see p 16 for inspo)!

• Entries can be submitted by emailing to the Editors at editor@bmwmcq.org.au with a description of the photo.

• We look forward to seeing your shots!

Example at right taken by Ian Kite (via FaceBook) “Perfect day for a blast down the Mitta Mitta Road and back via Falls Creek.”

INTRODUCING - MICHAEL & CHERYL FEBRUARY 2022

29

Welcome to the 3rd in our New Member “Spotlight” series where we are highlighting recently joined members and shining a spotlight on them (and their Beemer of course)!

This month we are posing questions to Michael and Cheryl Wood – new members who you may have met at the German Club.

“We own a number of motorcycles with the most recent 1200GS to replace 19 years of 1100GS ownership. The 1100 has travelled the world so difficult to part with a faithful companion. I also like the relative simplicity and weight of the single cam 1200’s.

Cheryl has been a very good pillion for as long as I can remember.

Riding background is limited but started with obtaining a full licence at age 15 on a Suzuki T90 Wolf and progressive ownership of a DKW 125, Suzuki T500, Suzuki TS185, Honda XR250, Kawasaki GPz1100, Yamaha SR500 before BMW’s.

We rode the GPz around the country in the early 90’s but prior to that had the opportunity to use a client’s R80GS (with Gaston’s signature) to ride from Perth to Alice Springs via the Gunbarrel H/Way 2 up returning via Dalhouise Springs & the Oodnadatta Track. 7000kms in 2 weeks at times challenging conditions cemented the relationship...the bike that is.

30

FEBRUARY 2022

INTRODUCING - MICHAEL & CHERYL

In 2005 we shipped the 1100GS into Vancouver BC and rode North America for 3 months from Prudhoe Bay Alaska in the north to New Mexico in the south. We normally spend a month a year riding in the US, anything west of Denver and over 100,000km on the other side of the road. We now keep a couple of bikes in the US based in a hangar at Boeing in Seattle.

Locally I ride as a GS trio with two other Michael’s so a 6 cylinder M3 of sorts.

About the only advice I could offer is travel light and in my experience due to longevity BMW’s can offer surprisingly good value.

My favorite machine... 1984 R80GS (& Gaston’s signature) with brakes, power that sort of thing... a very organic ride.”

Cheryl & Michael Wood

POET’S CORNER

FEBRUARY 2022

31

We were recently sent this rhyme by a poet who wishes to remain incognito…

The Frustrated Poet Tumbling hopelessly into a literary void created by self-inflicted schadenfreude.

Knowing that any poetic skill is way beyond my feeble will.

I try to assemble the printed word on a page with a structure that’s not absurd.

Whirring and clunking my mismatched data like a motorcycle with a dud starter.

Frustrated and sad I’m forced to accept as a functioning poet I’m truly inept.

Comfort is provided via fermented hops and barley or offering my services as “tail end Charlie” Reluctantly I await journal publishing day to read an exemplar from Mrs Jane Gray.

Anonymous

32

FEBRUARY 2022

EVENTS

By the time the February Journal comes around, we’ve had lots of events since the last including the Christmas party, coffee mornings, Sunny Coast brunches, ride to lunches, and even the first event of the year - Jollys Lookout. Here is a selection of ‘socially’ from the ‘distanced’ past.....

For Christmas Don got a new cup. And a 2020 R1250GS Rallye. He obviously loves that cup.

December saw another excellent Sunny Coast brunch ride organised by Steve and Mandy to Mooloolah, which some geographical ignoramus (no names, but let’s call him Doesn’t Own a BMW) didn’t even know existed. This is not Mooloola Bar, so it therefore must be more like Mooloola - Bistro.

EVENTS - END OF 2021

M e r r y

33

The line up at Bullocky’s Rest for the Christmas End -of-Year party.

C h r i s t m a s 2 0 2 1

FEBRUARY 2022

The McLeod has evolved to blend in perfectly with the BMWMCQ environment. As long as no-one brings a red bike.

Mark Mark Murray Jenny. I stopped saying that because it turns out to be the mating call of the ibis.

34

FEBRUARY 2022

EVENTS - END OF 2021

A message from the President. Whose house is coincidentally White.

T

he Year 2021 will go down in History as a memorable one but not for any good reason. Covid 19 continued unabated with ongoing havoc and disruption across the Globe. Here cocooned in our safe Queensland bubble we were not immune to the far reaching effects of the dreaded ‘Rona Virus’.

The Club traditionally stages a very popular end of year Christmas Party where members get to ‘frock up’ and celebrate the year that was with like-minded friends. Alas the venue we had chosen and booked for December 2021 was south of the State Border where bad things happened to those who dared venture into virus country. With the safety of members paramount in our considerations, the event was canned and the thinking caps donned for an alternative.

Our guiding lights tell us that the dreaded Rona Virus does not like bright open sunny spaces (a modern day Dracula?) so we opted for a gathering in just such a situation. Our events man, Mark Mustchin, came up with the suggestion of Bullocky Rest recreation reserve on the shore of Lake Samsonvale and this location was unanimously chosen over other candidates. This was not intended to be a Claytons Christmas Party but an alternative way to see out the Club’s 2021 social calendar. As this was a daytime event close to Brisbane it also opened up access for those members who find it difficult to get away for an overnight stay at that time of year.

Lake Samsonvale is managed by SEQ Water and their Events person Ben (a fellow motorcyclist) was most helpful in assisting the Club to secure a prime piece of picnic ground for the function, surrounded on three sides by water. Water was a potential problem as Brisbane had been very wet leading up to the day as the effects of the La Nina weather pattern took hold. Fortunately the wet abated and we were blessed with a picture perfect day – not too hot and with a pleasant breeze off the water to enhance the shaded surrounds.

The day was a wonderful success with 50 members in attendance and very strong club spirit to the fore in helping the setup and running of the lunch. Thanks to all who put in the hard yards, no names here in case I miss someone but we all know who you are.

Nothing in life isn’t improved by an R100GS The Pres’ wardrobe still immaculate after all that setting up and BBQing

DICK’S PICNIC PIC’S!

FEBRUARY 2022

35

Thanks to Richard Maher for taking these well styled pics at the End of Year Picnic! Makes Duncan’s iPhone snaps look a tad average...

Dick bedazzled by the R1200C chrome!

36

FEBRUARY 2022

By Duncan Bennett, Member #4171

N

HO HO HOBART

TMTR is located out past the Hobart airport, convenient for Santa so he doesn’t have to ride all the way from the North Pole, and ideally located for people whose Tassie-based daughter has both a driver’s licence and a car, i.e. in Tasmania.

Phil and Christine are both motored cyclists, so understand what is important and pretty much all the crucial add-ons such as GPS and luggage are included. Within a few minutes of the paperwork completion we were on the road, which revealed a minor failing - we hadn’t thought about where we were going to go. OK, to Dodges Ferry for a coffee to figure it out.

othing says Christmas like the R1200GS, the official transport of Santa Claus. Popular myth maintains he has a reindeer powered sleigh, but even someone completely unfamiliar with physics or any of Newton’s laws can see some big red flags with that mode of delivery transport.

Try riding a Harley Road Glide Ultra (hired, with excess reduction of course) off a bridge and land neatly on the icy roof of a Honda Jazz parked sideways on a 45° slope and you’ll get a feel for the reindeer powered sleigh concept weaknesses.

The chauffeur coffee’d and dismissed, we’d Santa needs his GS and Enduro mode to do that. decided that as we were half way to the Tasman Our normal philosophy is that any time Peninsula we might as well keep going. The run away from home is best spent on a motorcycle through Carlton River was classic Tassie; no - owned, loaned, or hired not that important. A traffic, great roads, and glimpses away from the mere week for Christmas in Tasmania ruled out relentlessly upcoming corners revealed beautiful riding down ourselves, and the chance of finding scenery. Over the canal at Dunalley and onto the friends willing and able to supply 2 of required highway, the traffic heading to Port Arthur bulked items or at least a copy of the key to their garage up but nothing major before the must-see 200m wide bottleneck of Eaglehawk Neck. was not great, so hire was the only reality.

Motorcycles for hire in Tassie had me worried; not so long ago there were none or the options were severely limited, and on our first trip in 2015 we’d hired in Melbourne and ridden across Bass Strait. Cindy and google to the rescue - Tasmanian Motorcycle Tours and Rentals (TMTR) popped up, Phil and Christine were contacted, and it was game on. Conveyances? How about a 2018 R1200GS for me and a low suspension 2013 R1200GS for the organiser? Good plan.

Cindy calming Cuddles, the escaped convict sentry on the dog line

Intimidating a Honda CB350 pensioner

Dog exercise rules seem a little ironic at Eaglehawk Neck

HO HO HOBART

It is hard to avoid convict history on the Tasman Peninsular, which is good because we were trying to find it. Some of the information in the dog line Officer’s Quarters Museum was on the Coal Mines Historic Site, and no-one could resist the sweet combination of mining and convict history at the same site. So off we went up to the less travelled north of the peninsular, lobbing in to Saltwater River at lunch time. Shame that the desire for lunch cannot be requited in Saltwater River, but we accepted this shortcoming and hit the Site.

FEBRUARY 2022

37

speak its name” was getting totally out of control, hence toward the end more solitary cells were built. Their gay-dar may have been way off, but with so many men working and bumping in the dark underground the paranoia was apparently a major reason why the place was closed.

Down to Nubeena for a late lunch, and it was back to Hobart for a scheduled dinner via Port Arthur and Copping. Copping got a few laughs over the intercom - everything sounded like the residents and visitors were getting unwanted treatment, such as Copping Community Care and Copping Colonial and Convict Exhibitions.

Better than some pubs we’ve stayed in Coal mining in the 1840’s wasn’t fun anywhere, and it was typically either convicts with mining or trades skills or real trouble-makers, but either way they were part of the repeat offender Port Arthur system. So conditions were awful.

The quality of the coal produced from Tasmania’s first mine wasn’t that great, but the place stayed open for over 40 years and coal was sold to the public as well as used by the government. The information at the site told of growing concern by the authorities that “the love that dare not

No Point having a Wrest while in Tassie The second day plan was to hand everything over (except our right to randomly whinge proclaimed under Article 19 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights) to great friends and Hobart locals Tim and Karen Smith, true motorcycling champions we met on the Alaska tour. Karen has lived her entire life in

38

FEBRUARY 2022

HO HO HOBART

After the incredibly scenic lunch - covered Tasmania, but had never been to Strathgordon.

Neither had we, so Tim was tasked with getting under the UN Declaration of Expectations Article 3 - we headed up to the Gordon Dam for a look. It us there at exactly lunchtime (Article 25). is an obvious place to put a dam, but that doesn’t The weather was exactly perfect, and discount the incredible engineering that went the ride out was spectacular. A stop for a very into such a difficult build and our only regret was pleasant walk out to Russell Falls at the Mt Field squibbing pushing one of the BMWs out onto the National Park was accompanied by refreshments viewing platform to get the ultimate photo. at the cafe (Article 5). We were on the Gordon River Road here, surely purpose built by a sports bike rider working for Hydro Tasmania to access the controversial Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon construction camps.

Strathgordon R1200GS Incognito Lunch was at the Pedder Wilderness Lodge overlooking the lake. No random whinging was necessary here, we were all familiar enough with Tasmanian weather to recognise that we had hit the mother lode - gentle breezes, cool, and narry Gordon Dam a scary cloud in the sky.

The trip back wasn’t any worse, very hard to get sick of that road. We demanded one more refreshment at Westerway, the temperature had all the zips open so only an iced coffee would do.

Then back to Tim and Karen’s place in Hobart for a dinner that won’t quickly be forgotten. Their Mexican daughter-in-law and visiting friend did fair dinkum guacamole for starters, 4 avocado equivalents later we were struggling to fit more than 3 gourmet sausages in.

Someone had to lunch there

Next day we were picked up by chauffeur Tim at our Sandy Bay accommodation, we’d had to Uber home due to the Tasmanian “don’t guacamole and drive” laws, we were way over 0.05 avocados. This was a mystery tour - Tim had

HO HO HOBART

been given carte blanche on the planning for this one. When he outlined the plan I confess to bringing up the rental agreement; some indicate that if the bike is ridden off the Moto GP quality bitumen then all bets on the insurance claim are off. No worries though with the TMTR situation - doing Dakar wasn’t a great idea (unless you achieved a podium finish, who would care about minor scuff marks then?) but formed roads gravel or bitumen - were good.

No-one dared ask if we were lost The Grasstree Hill road was the first spanker on the agenda, no traffic, lots of twisties, just perfect for the 1200GSeses. Then into no-man’s and no-woman’s land at Marion Bay, also nocoffeeshop’s land. Tim had suggested Wielangta Road to Orford, previously only suitable for

FEBRUARY 2022

39

people with no nerve endings, but recently upgraded due to an unplanned closure of the Tasman Highway. Reasonable quality gravel with a hint of skatey-ness had Enduro mode in its element; the drifties with traction control cutting in had the insurance excess flashing before the eyes, but great riding.

Coffee was re-discovered at Me & Mum’s in Little Swanport, Tim came in hot into the gravel carpark and only his great skills saved a huge crash, with Karen on the back less impressed than I was. Next was the Lake Leake Road to Campbell Town. When in doubt, ride this road. The 120kmh sweepers were just fantastic although we swear we stuck to the limit of 100kmh, your honour.

Into Oatlands (which is usually bypassed) for a great lunch at The Pancake and Crepe Shop, and the awesome riding continued down through Colebrook and Campania. A farewell to Tim and Karen who had provided spectacular riding at Richmond, and back to drop the bikes off to Phil and Christine at Forcett. Christine very kindly gave us a lift back to Sandy Bay, and her stories of getting into riding in Sydney made the trip way too short. A fantastic few days all up bikes perfect, weather perfect, roads perfect, and Tasmanian scenery perfect.

Shot and skun wallabies - Merry Christmas Tassie dogs

40

FEBRUARY 2022

CANE TOAD RALLY

Cane Toad Rally 22-23 April 2022

T

his years Cane Toad Rally (CTR) is only 2½ months away and after the success of last year’s event, largely due to its re-location and excellent feedback we are expecting the attendance to be approximately 250. As organisers, our focus for the survival of the CTR into the future was to ensure that organising it each year was to be as simple as possible and we are close to achieving that. Our next challenge is managing the expected numbers at the rally.

Last year we had 185 people attend and with the help of some very generous volunteers we coped with the numbers. This year we will need help from a few more volunteers. If anyone would like to donate an hour of their time to help out at the gate doing registrations, help with running of the Gymkhana, helping with the Screen Printing of Shirts or maybe leading one of the three led rides on Saturday morning, please let us know before the event by email or message me on facebook.

One of our “long time” members attends most rallies on the east coast each year and I asked him why he keeps going back to them year after year. His response was because of the “friendships he built with other motorcyclists” over the years. I’m a late starter attending rallies, in fact the first one I attended was our own CTR in 2018. Since then I have been to six other rallies and I have caught up with people that I met at our rallies and I too look forward to seeing them again. So when you attend the CTR, get around and kick some tyres and chew the fat with others. We’re all motorcyclists and our rally doesn’t attract “one percenters”.

If you intend going to the CTR this year, could you please pre-register on the CTR website via the link below. This is not a commitment that you will be attending and no money needs to be paid until you arrive at the rally site, it helps us with approximate numbers for catering and gives you a “fast track” when you arrive as we will have your registration form there waiting for you already filled out, you just sign the form and pay the entry fee.

It’s the BMWMCQ’s rally (since 1978) and together we can make our rally one of the great Queensland rallies like it was for many years.

Gary Bennett #509 www.canetoadrally.com.au canetoadrally@gmail.com

CANE TOAD RALLY

FEBRUARY 2022

41

42

FEBRUARY 2022

MORE EVENT PICS...

Thanks to Jon Reid for the pics from the Jolly’s Lookout January breakfast ride!

DAKAR

FEBRUARY 2022

43

January is Dakar month, and I know a lot of members were glued to various media platforms to watch the dare-devils of bikes, cars, quads and trucks compete through the gruelling Saudi sand. Here are some pics from www.parisdakar.it that celebrate when BMW was a force in the bikes category winning in 1981, 1983, 1984 and 1985.

44

FEBRUARY 2022

MAINTENANCE CORNER

By Duncan Bennett, Member #4171

T

his is a bit of a “left field” maintenance topic, but if your non-negotiable goal or at least prayer is to maintain the overall look of your bike and prevent male bolts and screws welding themselves into their respective female counterparts like a [awesome analogy too risque to print here] you need to think metallurgy. Galvanic corrosion to be precise.

What is galvanic corrosion, and what does it mean when you pull up in Surfers Paradise alongside a group of fit looking young men/ladies (strike out whichever not applicable to your situation) in the middle of a small underwear shoot? It means that the polished stainless steel fuel tank you just installed to impress young men/ladies (go again with the striking out) is sucking electrons from that small busted-arse high carbon steel bolt you fixed it on with like a Dyson in a ‘roid rage. Losing electrons means rusting if you are iron, and corroding if you are any other metal, but either way you are disappearing. So one day your small busted-arse high carbon steel bolt will literally do that, your fuel tank will come adrift while on the M1, and unfortunately smack your fit young man/lady (you know what to do) pillion in the face. You won’t see either again.

So how do we stop galvanic corrosion, or at least slow it down? It isn’t always easy with a new bike because the manufacturer will have a parts list, but not what the parts are made from, so over time we just have to accept that rust will start to appear....

Mirror stems are a traditional rust hotspot on BMWs from the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. These are made from low quality steel and chromed, so the electrons are sucked out until the rust gets started and the chrome starts to flake off, no coincidence that it starts at the bottom near the couple between the low quality and higher quality metals.

This is a classic cause of galvanic corrosion - a small low quality metal part is coupled to a large high quality metal part - most of the bike including the engine block.

So that is rule No.1 - small parts that you need to undo should always be of higher quality than the large parts, think 316 stainless steel for fasteners. The large mass of lower quality metal has more than enough electrons to keep the small high quality fasteners happy for a very long time.

Often we have no choice on small parts, think Bunnings who rarely seem to have the right fastener in the right quality and you end up with zinc

MAINTENANCE CORNER

FEBRUARY 2022

45

plated stuff. In this case you can use rule No.2; insulate. Think of those things you see up power poles and electrical wires in general - there is non-conducting insulation that keeps the wires separate from the metal bits of your bike that your sweaty regions are electrically attached to.

You can simulate this insulation if you can use a piece of plastic tube on a through-bolt, use a fibre washer, or just coat it with anti-sieze, the electrical connection between dissimilar metals is not there or is very poor - think what happens on mild steel bolts and nuts over a long period of time if anti-sieze isn’t there - the rate of corrosion is slowed right down.

Rule No.3 - offer up a sacrificial lamb, although literally attaching a small sheep to your bike doesn’t work terribly well and shouldn’t be attempted especially if you volunteer out at the RSPCA. It is actually a sacrificial anode, in other words the deliberate attachment of a piece of more easily oxidised metal to the bike. My first bike was a Honda XR250, last of the rear drum brake models. The drum brake housing was made of a magnesium alloy - very light. On one particular adventure near Norseman in WA, I decided to take a short cut across Lake Cowan, one of the huge salt lakes in that area. I almost made it, about 10m short of land the bike went through the crust. Impossible to pull out on my own, so I walked home. The bike sat in hypersaline ooze all night. The next day a friend and I managed to get it out, and I rode it home. I noticed the back brakes weren’t working, and assumed it was just the mud. After the longest and most thorough bike cleaning of my life, I was surprised to discover the bike was in tip-top condition, except for the rear drum brake housing. Which had almost ceased to exist. It had made the ultimate sacrifice and given up its electrons so that the rest of the bike could live, luckily we got the bike out when we did otherwise the next thing in the sacrifice queue might have been less easily replaced.

46

FEBRUARY 2022

By Tony Gray, Member #3905

QUICK FIX

Titbits - Something for the Workshop

A

well-equipped home workshop will likely contain an air compressor. These relatively cheap and simple items of equipment come in very handy for a large range of workshop uses from powering air tools, inflating tyres, air drying parts and clearing debris before disassembling components. This last use is extremely important but what if you do not have an air compressor?

There is a very cheap alternative that is surprisingly effective – a hand bellows blower. This little two dollar tool does a surprisingly good job of blowing dust and debris from difficult to access areas – it is more effective and far less hazardous than the old ‘close your eyes and blow’ method.

Pick one up next time you are in your favourite auto store – you may be surprised at how much use it gets.

A high capacity blower. Really only better than the hand bellows blower for when you are wanting real blowing power, a mysteriously trampled motorcycle insurance claim, or socially controversial piano keys*. * Comes with a bonus mysteriously trampled piano key maker insurance policy

LAND OF KLIM AND HONEY

FEBRUARY 2022

47

By Duncan Bennett, Member #4171

Y

es that’s right. I actually thought that Klim was started by ex-dairy farmers who wanted to keep their past in the brand name; just spell Milk backwards in memory of Buttercup. Genius!

We are often asked about our Klim riding suits by members, and I am also asked by random people who care little for fashion, so I thought it time to do a review.

The history through riding suits was Dririder (still have my original one from 1995), more Dririder, Dririder Adventure and BMW GS Dry. Of course I wanted Klim because I was way past enjoying making guesses whether to stop and put linings in, but that meant $$. Very big $$. The top suit is the Badlands Pro, and you won’t be getting much change out of $4,000. Minimum for something decent is in the $2,000 range, which causes some hesitation - surely it can’t be that good.

The turning point came in New Zealand in 2018. Last day of our trip, riding from Kaikoura south to Christchurch, around 180km. It was raining when we started, and rained the whole way, with a temperature that peaked around 7°C. The GS Dry suit had been quite good until that day, but when you want waterproof you want all of it waterproof - you don’t buy a boat with only half the hull watertight. Still to this day the most miserable ride of our many, and only the kinder climes of SE QLD saved the GS Dry. What finally killed it was that the pants pockets weren’t waterproof, it was always great fun sitting a bloated saturated leather wallet on the heater in the room. Lots of googling started - the European brands, American brands, and anything with Gore-Tex were thoroughly checked. The learning was that no matter what, Gore-Tex rhymes with Powerball.

Thank heavens for Covid. We couldn’t spend money on overseas trips, but we could spend it on Klim. Loads of reviewing what was on offer, didn’t want to go too heavy or extreme. Cindy went with the Artemis suit - especially designed for women, even with ventilation under the Lady Lumps. After agonising over the Badlands and Kodiak suits, I went for the Carlsbad because the bloke at AdventureMoto had one and he could show me how it worked. Gulp, hand over $1,200 for jacket and $800 for pants. First weekend ride was the July 2020 Frigid Digit. Anyone who sat through the therapy sessions afterward will tell you - it just never stopped bloody raining. The Carlsbad? Not a drop inside.

But what about the dreaded SE QLD summer, with sweat wicking into your shirt then pooling in your belly button when the shirt is overwhelmed? The Carlsbad ventilation is amazing - sleeves open up, collars pin back, and with vents open on the jacket and pants the air flow is much greater than you’d think. The Gore-Tex is really quite thin, one of the early traps was to not put enough on underneath on cool rides, there is little insulation.

What about my old bugbear, pockets? Millions of them inside the jacket, and a little pocket on the chest for the Garmin InReach emergency GPS thingo, plus a huge pocket on the chest that could fit a small laptop. All fully waterproof. Pants pockets are huge although my only complaint about the entire outfit is that I can’t stand around with my hands in them easily.

So if you have a child or grandchild underperforming at school, sell them and use the cash to get yourself a Klim suit.

Unlike little ne’er-do-well Jaxsyn who’ll almost certainly end Cindy & Deb Klim Artemis Twinsies up in prison, the Klim won’t let you down.

48

L

FEBRUARY 2022

A GLANCE BACK

ooking back at the February 2012 Journal we found a road test of the K1600 GTL and comprehensive review by Richard de Groot, and the accompanying cover shot below. Do yourself a favour and head to the Journal Archive on our website to read the review, it is a top article.

Also in the Feb 2012 Journal is Dave Pidcock’s Asian Adventure ride (Part 1) which is also a great read about the Malaysia and Thailand legs of his trip.

It is always easy to fall into the “rabbit hole” when gathering material for The Glance Back section. Household chores - forget about them!

RFDS

FEBRUARY 2022

49

At most Club events you will see the RFDS tin being passed around, and while we are in a fairly cashless society now a lot of you have dug deep and donated. The RFDS is the BMWMCQ’s chosen charity and besides the donation tin, contributions are also made from our Service Days and the annual Cane Toad Rally.

The below stats are a great reminder of the scale of the services that RFDS provide over a year for rural and remote communities in QLD. So load up your pockets with some coins or notes before you come on the next Club event so you can help contribute to the great work of the RFDS.

50

FEBRUARY 2022

NATIONAL MOTORRAD RALLY

NATIONAL MOTORRAD RALLY KOORALBYN 10 - 13 June 2022 To be held at the iconic Kooralbyn Resort set in the middle of some of best Southeast QueenslandNorthern NSW motorbike riding country. Southeast Queensland in winter would be a welcome journey for many southern bikers, average temperature in June is minimum 7 and maximum 21 degrees and only a chance of slight rain for 4 days in the month. The roads in this area offer magnificent winding routes and off road for the more adventurous.

With travel between States now that much easier and likely to be even easier in the months to come, it is more important than normal to lock in accommodation as people roam this great land.

We recommend that you secure your accommodation now as space will be limited and many will miss out. For those still in serious lockdown, you are yet to experience how busy non lockdown destinations have become.

We have been able to secure a special accommodation deal at the spacious Kooralbyn Resort based on a 3-night stay. $378 gets you 3 nights’ accommodation in a Double/Twin room or $398 for a King Room.

There are no camping options in the area, but each room can sleep 2, so based on a double or twin room and 2 sharing, that works out at $63 per person per night and you get to use the great facilities and have a comfy bed.

NATIONAL MOTORRAD RALLY

FEBRUARY 2022

51

To be part of the Rally, you must do two things 1. Visit https://bmwclubsaustralia.org.au/event-4427426 to register Registration includes: · · · ·

Welcome pack Friday night Welcome Dinner Saturday night Gala Buffet Dinner Registration cost is $97 per person

2. Contact Kooralbyn Resort directly to get the special deal TO BOOK ACCOMMODATION: You must PHONE Kooralbyn Resort reservations directly on (07) 5544 6688 and quote Booking Code 91169 A DEPOSIT is required equivalent to one night’s accommodation at approximately $120 per room.

NOTE.... ONLINE BOOKINGS WILL NOT RECEIVE THE SPECIAL RATES OR BE REGISTERED AGAINST THE RALLY GUEST LISTING HELD BY THE RESORT. We will also be providing more detail on some of the planned events, guided and non-guided rides and optional activities should you wish to bring non-riders along or make this part of a bigger trip.

Get in and Register, and book your accommodation so you don’t miss out!

52

FEBRUARY 2022

CLUB TRAINING SUBSIDY

BMWMCQ TRAINING COURSE SUBSIDY

Y

our 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 three years for each member eg subsidy February 2022 re-eligible February 2025.

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.

Tony Gray - President BMWMCQ

FOR THE AIRHEADS

FEBRUARY 2022

https://www.mmmsbmwboxerworks.com.au/ Below is a link for the Wedgetail Ignition Systems Australia FB site. https://www.facebook.com/wedgetailaustralia

A recent visit to Morgan & Wacker revealed this pimped-up beauty of an R18 in the showroom, c’mon who is game....

53

54

FEBRUARY 2022

ADVERTISING & BMW SUPPORTS

Confirmation has been received that BMWMCQ Members are eligible for a 10% discount on accessories at Morgan & Wacker. Customers are required to show proof of membership at the time of purchase!

ADVERTISING & BMW SUPPORTS

FEBRUARY 2022

55

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

56

FEBRUARY 2022

Very Useful Services & Cool Stuff

Call now for our frEE parts CataloguE

Genuine & Aftermarket parts (from 1955 onwards) • Accessories • Australian Agent for Hepco & Becker Luggage Systems and Crash Bars Electronic Ignition Systems Unit 5&6 / 9 Hayden Crt Myaree, Perth, 6154 Western Australia

www.munichmotorcycles.com.au TrAde enqUiries WelCoMe (open till 7pm est.)

Phone: 08 9317 3317 Fax: 08 9317 3359 email: munich@iinet.net.au

ADVERTISING SPACE AVAILABLE

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.

The Good Wool Store has recently moved to: Unit 5, 2 Brown St Kiama, NSW check out the website..... www.goodwool.com.au or Phone (02) 4232 4312

Get your message out to people who own, ride and restore BMW motorcycles.

Phone your requests to Don Grimes - Ph: 0411 601 372

58

FEBRUARY 2022

Hire Ground Cindy Bennett, Member #4170

M

y recent hire in Tassie of an R1200GS low suspension confirmed for me the benefits of a few solid days riding around on a bike to see if it is the one for you.

THE LAST WORD When we went on our first overseas riding trip to Chile and Argentina in 2015 the hire bikes were F700GS’s and I was so impressed that I came home and immediately traded in my G650GS to a low suspension 700GS (Blue Betty that I ended up riding down Africa).

I had test ridden a low 1200GS a couple of years back when I was in the market for my second 700GS. With the pressure of a supervised ride going a short distance through heavy traffic I dismissed the 1200 as a bike that was just too big and complex for little old me!

Fast forward to December 2021 when having a little more confidence in my riding ability and being quite comfortable on a higher bike and now a heavier one (with my 1200 cruiser) I was ready to take the plunge into hiring a 2013 R1200GS for the 3 days we rode around doing A windscreen would have been nice! day trips from Hobart.

The flexibility of hiring bikes is something that started in 2014 when I flew to Sydney and rather than hire a car to travel the couple of hours south to visit son Tim in Nowra – I hired a Yamaha 650 V-Star cruiser from Bike Round Oz. The trip down to Nowra was fun on this cruiser and it gave me a chance to ride this style of bike that was new and exciting to me at the time.

A hire Triumph Bonneville in New Zealand seemed like a fine idea until it started getting scary cold and the lack of heated grips and a windscreen saw some suffering which entailed buying ski gloves to wear over the bike gloves!

The F700GS in Chile, a love affair begins....

THE LAST WORD

FEBRUARY 2022

59

In 2019 we had Duncan’s school reunion to attend near Mansfield in Victoria, and made the decision to hire a newly released 1250GS and 750GS for the weekend.

We had a ball and were able to assess the capability of these bikes by taking them on dirt roads and even up Mt Buller in the snow! Much better than a measly short test ride around the block.

My other local hire experiences have been a fun Triumph Street Triple 660 from Eagle Riders in Springwood and a Harley 800 Iron and an Indian Scout from Rent This Bike - also in Springwood.

So I am now a committed bike renter and love the variety of riding different styles of bike.

And the big question – did I fall in love with the low suspension 1200GS – yes I did! Seriously now considering one for our big ride around South America in 2024.

Keeping the hire R1200GS Covid safe!

BMWMCQ BOOK EXCHANGE NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE!

Race to Dakar Charley Boorman Extreme Frontiers Charley Boorman (Racing Across Canada) What If I Had Never Tried It 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 Captain W.H.L. Watson Australia Motorcycle Atlas 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

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 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.