BMWMCQ Journal October 2021

OCTOBER 2021 Established 1958 OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC.

www.bmwmcq.org.au

Winner of this month’s Photo Competition - Michael Ahlberg

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC.

This Issue - OCTOBER 2021

The Committee President- Tony Gray

Contents:-

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

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

Ph: 0416 061 638 events@bmwmcq.org.au R1200GS

Records- Greg Gaffney Ph: 0411424 219 records@bmwmcq.org.au R1200RT

ALL IN A DAYS WORK. . . . . . . . . . . 44 CITY RIDING - JANE GRAY . . . . . . . . 49 MAINTENANCE CORNER . . . . . . . . . 50 CLUB TOOLBOX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 MY FIRST BIKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 CHRISTMAS PARTY. . . . . . . . . . . . 54 A GLANCE BACK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 RFDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 CLUB TRAINING SUBSIDY . . . . . . . . 58 FOR THE AIRHEADS . . . . . . . . . . . 59 THE LAST WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 BMWMCQ BOOK EXCHANGE. . . . . . 65

Advertisers

TeamMoto - P.63 TeamMoto M&W- BACK COVER

TeamMoto - INSIDE COVER Caloundra Motorcycles - P.60 Northside Motorcycles - P.61 Munich Motorcycles - P.62 Good Wool Store - P.62

Events - Mark Mustchin

Editors - Cindy & Duncan Bennett Ph: 0401 610 671 editor@bmwmcq.org.au Triumph Tigers

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 PRESIDENT’s report. . . . . . . . . . 5 BMWMCQ EVENTS CALENDAR . . . . 6 committee reports . . . . . . . . . 8 REGALIA CATALOGUE . . . . . . . . . . 14 from the pen of jane gray . . . . 19 SUNNY COAST BRUNCH. . . . . . . . . 18 BACK TO THE BUSH 18 . . . . . . . . . 19 TRIP AROUND AUS PART 1. . . . . . . 20 PHOTO COMPETITION . . . . . . . . . . 24 BISCUIT RIDE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 IN CAPE ABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

On The Cover

The Beemers In The City winner is Michael Ahlberg.

Congratulations to Michael, whose amazing Pisa pic wins $200 to spend at a sponsor of his (or Anne’s) choice.

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

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Editorial

OCTOBER 2021

C

Cindy & Duncan Bennett

Editors’ Report

hallenging yourself to get out and achieve something, does it count if you are basically just following along? Absolutely it does. As one of the great followers, always blundering through challenges Cindy decides we must do, I suggest that without my sullen attitude and pessimistic outlook no challenge would be so challenging. The full audio of the July 1969 moon landing is a case in point - you hear Buzz Aldrin saying that he thinks he’s pulled a hammy getting his space suit on, and asking Neil Armstrong why he didn’t land closer to that big flat rock so he could use the solar radiation to dry his socks just as Neil steps out. Without Buzz’s commitment it wouldn’t have been such a challenge, and no-one would have thought it much of an achievement.

Following Cindy up to the Cape was certainly one of the more challenging challenges we’ve done in recent years. There was some scary stuff on our March trip to Tassie this year and yes we were completely on our own then, but some of the things we sort-ofunwillingly followed world-class riders into on the Cape won’t quickly be forgotten.

But the beauty of challenges, even if just turning up a road you’ve never been on before, is that just around the next corner might be something incredible. Like a 5-star resort.

Cindy & Duncan PS: Anyone who wants any MX gear, slightly used, or has been invited to join a famous children’s entertainment group as the Red Wiggle, give us a call.

Submissions for the Next Journal close 25th October 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 4 November 2021

Committee Reports Tony Gray

OCTOBER 2021

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President’s Report

W

ell time is certainly flying as we head towards the last quarter of what has been a very busy and challenging year for many around our beautiful State and Country.

Riding weather this past month has been brilliant. That may not be so apparent for those in NSW and Victoria frozen into what must seem to be never-ending lockdowns.

I have a lot of riding friends down south and their frustration with a bike gathering dust in the shed is palpable. Expect to see a lot of bikes on the road when they finally are able to break free.

On that front I heard a recent news report on the frightening road toll in Queensland, especially as it relates to the over representation of motorcyclists. One reason advanced by the Police spokesperson was that some people who are cash rich due to an inability to travel overseas are spending their hard-earned on motorcycles. This alternate means of getting a thrill into their lives is turning them into statistics if they exceed their riding ability. No statistics were provided but you know what they say about statistics – ‘There are three types of lies – lies, damn lies and statistics’. I cannot comment as to the validity of the statement as I have not seen any of the underlying facts. I (along with several other club members) have been involved with a road safety initiative orchestrated by the State Department of Transport and involving senior Police representatives. The Police involved were very committed to road safety and there were some excellent ideas kicked around. I hope that some of those ideas get transformed into reality before many more lives are lost and Police are forced to take the blunt instrument approach to curbing the road toll. We can all play our part by riding responsibly.

The club has had another very busy month with some excellent events that have been well attended.

We have had new members being warmly welcomed by the longer established members with plenty of good advice given to those seeking assistance. This is especially on display at the recent service day at Rob Wynne’s home where assistance is freely given and knowledge passed on to those eager to listen.

Excellent stuff and great for building club spirit.

One event that is always well attended and a highlight on the calendar is the Christmas Party. As mentioned in a post on Facebook and on the club website we have taken the very hard decision to cancel the function that was booked at the Evans Head RSL. Covid border closures may have lifted by December but that would be a high risk gamble that your committee was not willing to take. An alternate function closer to home is being planned for Saturday 4 December so please keep that date free in your calendar. Details will be advised once arrangements have been put in place.

Delving into club history, I was recently acquainted with an interesting book into the life and times of Club founder, Hugh Yorston. Hugh was President for the first 5 years of our club’s existence from 1958.

He led a very active and colourful life taking him from his native Orkney Islands off the coast of Scotland to Brisbane via stints as a fighter pilot in the RAF in WW2 and a commercial pilot for TAA post war. Club Life Members Gary Bennett and Tony Malone both drew my attention to the book’s existence. A copy is currently being obtained to be added to the club library where it will join ‘The Golden Ride’, the official record of the BMWMCQ from 1958 to 2008 edited by club member Chris Robertson.

Speaking of Club History, I came across this picture of a ‘gaggle’ of Club Presidents taken at the Club’s 60th Diamond Jubilee Dinner in 2018 all dressed up in their finery.

Stay safe and enjoy the ride.

Tony

BMWMCQ 2021 Events Calendar BMWMCQ Club Events for OCTOBER 2021

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OCTOBER 2021

Datee Sat 2 to Mon 4 October

Start 9:00am

Thurs 7 October

7:30 pm

Wed 13 October

9:00am

Sat 16 October Sun 24 October Tues 26 October

9:00am

Event Back to the Bush #18

Club Monthly Meeting

Mid Week Ride

Coffee Meet Up

12:30pm Club Lunch Ride 6:00pm

German Club Dinner

Details Miles and Gayndah

Contact Events Coordinator Mark

See Ad on page 19

Geebung RSL Club, 323 President Tony Newman Road, Geebung QLD. Meals from 6pm Springbrook Purling Brook Falls Events Coordinator Mark BYO Lunch Collies & Co Samford

Events Coordinator Mark Events Coordinator Mark

Maleny Hotel

Brisbane German Club Vulture Street, East Brisbane

Events Coordinator Mark

EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS CALENDAR Date 30 Oct 2021

Event The Zombie Apocalypse

Location McCoys Cafe, Cooyar

Contact bookings@gmccooyar.com or 07 4692 6107

“Now is the winter of our Cane Toad absence, made glorious spring by time inexorably force marching us to the next CTR.” - Richard (Dick) III, regular attendee.

OCTOBER 2021 BMWMCQ 2021 Events Calendar BMWMCQ Club Events for NOVEMBER 2021

Datee Thurs 4 Nov.

Start 7:30 pm

Sun 7 Nov.

10:30am Famous George Girraween National Park & Maggie See Ad on page 29 Biscuit Ride 9:00am Coffee Meet Up Cafe 63, 72 Pickering St Enoggera

Peter Todd/Maggie R.

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

Destination TBA

Steve Maney

Brisbane German Club Vulture Street, East Brisbane

Events Coordinator Mark

Sat 13 Nov. Wed 17 Nov. Sat 20 Nov. Sun 28 Nov Tues 28 Nov.

9:30am

Event Club Monthly Meeting

Mid Week Ride

Details Geebung RSL Club, 323 Newman Road, Geebung QLD. Meals from 6pm

Destination TBA

Meringandan Hotel, 30 Main Street Meringandan

Contact President Tony

Events Coordinator Mark

Events Coordinator Mark

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OCTOBER 2021

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Paul Hughes

Committee Reports Vice President’s Report

seem to have been out riding quite a lot since my last report. The weather has been too good not to take advantage of spring and riding time.

The mid-week rides have been pretty popular and we have been on some really great routes. I have also taken advantage of some solo time and just revisited some favourites in a rambling sort of way. It has been superb.

I am looking forward to Back to the Bush in the first weekend in October. We will have the opportunity to ride varying terrain and scenery as well as temperature grades. Some have planned some dirt.

The weekend before that is busy with a Sunny Coast Brunch ride on the Saturday to Eudlo and then backing it up on the Sunday for lunch to the Irish pub at Tamborine.

I must comment on the Sunrise to Sunset ride which was a cracker. Can’t wait for next year’s event. The Service Day was once again a great success with lots of thanks to Rob Wynne for his fabulous premises and perfect steaks.

Early November brings the re-run of this year’s Biscuit Ride to Girraween National Park. A lot of attendees have indicated they will be in Stanthorpe the night before so we will have a group dinner at the Irish pub in the main street. More details to follow.

You know there are just so many people in this club who keep volunteering to do things to help members. Very evident at the Service Day. I want to thank all of them, not matter what you did or do, it is so greatly appreciated. The whole idea of the club IMHO. This fantastic run of riding weather can’t last forever, so don’t waste it and get out there and enjoy your bikes and the camaraderie of other club members.

Ride safe, ride often Paul

The places a 700GS gets to......

Committee Reports Darryl Gowlett

G

OCTOBER 2021

9

Treasurer’s Report

’day Everyone,

I would like to apologise for not producing a report for last month’s Journal. Primarily because I was neglectful in my duties of reporting the financial whims and fancies of the Committee in dealing with Club funds, but more disturbingly on providing some spare space in the Journal for the editors to drone on about my personal choice of taxation minimisation. My Swiss lawyers have been addressed.

Over the last two months our coffers have abated by another $400 despite Greg’s best efforts to remind people of their duty to renew. The dreaded annual insurance took close to $1K, and we had to pay back the frontrunners to the Christmas party with another $660. Our biggest ongoing expense is still maintenance of the website, and we spent $110 on consumables for the tools day.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Some say riding dirt roads and surviving unscathed is an achievement, even if you didn’t plan to. Some of Australia’s best roads and destinations are on the other side of a bit of dirt.

Ciao, Darryl

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OCTOBER 2021

H

Steven Johnson

Committee Reports Secretary’s Report

i all,

Very little to report this month in the way of correspondence in or out. Again a big thank you to Paul and Tony for checking the mail box.

I have sort of finally finished my stint in Darwin (bit of an each way bet) but am returning on 30 September for a week, and returning just in time for the October General Meeting. Duncan will be excused on this occasion from taking minutes (& again for the Committee Meeting). Last month I mentioned that I caught up with Mario & Fiona in Darwin and did again last swing to check out their set-up with caravan & vehicle. Very nice. We plan to catch up again for a dinner when I am back up there next week. Cheers to that. Looking forward to riding a bit more now that work has taken a back seat so hope to see you all out and about on a ride soon.

Steven BMWMCQ General Meeting Minutes – 2 September 2021 Venue: Geebung RSL Meeting Opened:

7:30 pm

Apologies:

Maggie Rafanowicz, Bill Luyten, Cindy & Duncan Bennett, Don Grimes, Graham Healy, Geoff Hodge, Howard Wilson

Minutes of Previous General Meeting:

Accepted: Paul Hughes Seconded: Darryl Gowlett

Number of Attendees:

22

New Members (Name & MC):

None recorded for this month

Visitors:

Daniel Cooke – rides a Kawasaki sports bike.

Returning Members:

None recorded for this month

Treasurer Report:

No report in this month’s Journal. Awaiting existing members to re-join to top up the bank balance. $60.00 earned in interest

Editor Report:

Co-editors not in attendance at this meeting – riding up at Cape York & reports are they arrived safely. Great news. Send in photos for this month’s theme – “City Life”. Last month’s winner – Meredith Herpich. Congratulations Meredith!!

Tools Report:

Bill not in attendance at this meeting. Next Service Day is 18 September 2021.

Reversal of previous report that Rob Wynne may be away for this event. As Rob cannot get to WA, Rob will be at home & fillet steak will most likely be on the menu. Garry Bennett & Paul Hughes asked to assist in the set-up for the day & cooking the BBQ.

Regalia Report:

Not a lot to report again this month. July’s winner of club shirt – Ross Layther.

Rosi provided the attending members a look at the new rondel on one of the club shirts.

Records Report:

249 financial members, down a few from last month’s report due to members not renewing memberships promptly. Seven (7) new members signed up in August.

Dealer Liaison Report:

Big mention of current Father’s Day Sale at Morgan & Wacker – be sure to mention that when purchasing anything, that you are a BMWMCQ Member (may even get you a discount)

Vice Presidents Report:

A reminder to all members attending/thinking of attending an event – be sure to notify your intentions. i.e. – if you have confirmed that you are attending a club event and if subsequently conditions change such that you cannot attend, please notify the organiser.

Committee Reports - GM Minutes con’d Events Report:

OCTOBER 2021

11

Last month’s Club Ride to Pomona hailed a great success. Paul reckons that the Pomona Pub has one of the best menu’s going. Hopefully anyone that missed the Club Ride can revisit in the near future to check it out for ourselves.

The last mid-week ride to Heifer Creek was well attended with 10 members.

Thank goodness for retirement! Christmas in July (or was it August) at Kingaroy attended by 24 members. Reports confirm that a good time was had by all.

Sunrise to Sunset Ride for 4 September on track – meeting at Mount Coot-tha for sunrise before riding to Anstead for breakfast. From breakfast the route takes the riders to the Bunya Mountains for lunch, then Blackbutt for afternoon tea (pie at the bakery recommended) then onto Mount Nebo for the sunset viewing at Westridge. Sunshine Coast Riders Group has a brunch event planned for 25 September to Café Eudlo (again, best to check Facebook & website for details). September lunch ride with Cindy as the ride leader is to Clancy’s Irish Bar & Restaurant at Tamborine North on 26 September.

Back to the Bush # 18 (next month – 2nd to 4th October). This 2 day event ride still has rooms available so get in quick. This is a make your own way or organise groups to ride together. Ride leaves from Esk with first night destination being Miles with Gayndah being the second night of this eagerly anticipated event. Looking forward to attending.

Secretary Report:

Paul reports only one (1) correspondence received – from the Bank. No doubt passed onto Darryl. From a personal point of view, I had the great pleasure & opportunity to catch up with Mario and Fiona last week at the Darwin Ski Club. We thoroughly enjoyed the drinks and the meal but especially the sunset over the Arafura Sea. Just spectacular. I can report that they (Mario & Fiona) are thoroughly enjoying their adventure and after spending the next couple of weeks or so in and around Darwin, they are heading south, eventually towards Melbourne (if COVID permits) for an appointment with a ferry to Tasmania in January, if memory serves. I can confirm that I prosecuted them on all facets of their travels to date hoping to possibly replicate their travels ourselves in the near future. Thank you both for the insights.

Clubs Australia Report:

Paul confirmed that the COVID lockdown is having an impact to Clubs Australia Activities.

President Report:

Tony has sent out two (2) letters to Gerald Kelder confirming special interest vehicle status for two (2) bikes – 1980 R100 RT, and 1981 R65.Many of the club members have or show interest in older bikes and are encouraged to circulate details etc. for the Journal. Members are reminded that, for the photo competition and any other sponsored event, to please spend the money/voucher at our sponsor’s establishments & to acknowledge their generosity in providing sponsorship by way of Journal advertising. Noted that Tony did bring along a copy of Old Bike Australasia for any member to read. This will be added to the library for future reference. Christmas Party planned for Evan Head – Committee Meeting on Monday 6 September will discuss alternatives to Evans Head as the problem of border closures remains front and centre. Committee will report on those alternatives at the next General Meeting in October. Finally, Club tools are available to all financial members for use – just ask.

General Business

Charlie Brown mentioned to the audience of a vintage bike show to be held at Ipswich on Sunday 5 September. Venue is located next to the Library and new Mall from mid-morning. All welcome to attend. Query raised regarding tools available to members. These are set out in the Journal and are listed on the Website. Confirmed that a new catalogue of available tools to be updated. For any member(s) wanting to borrow, or understand what tools are available, it would be wise to attend the service days in the first instance.

Members who know of Tex and Bundy (the dog), and their charity efforts in support of depression; it is sad to report that Bundy has ridden his last ride and has passed away. Bundy was apparently the only dog in Australia allowed to ride on the tank of a motorbike by an Act of Parliament.

Buy / Swap / Sell

Richard Maher offered free of charge 2 x endure magnetic tank bags from a R100 RS. Taken up by members very promptly. Thanks Richard for the very generous gift.

Closed:

8:25 pm, next meeting 7th October 2021

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OCTOBER 2021

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Greg Gaffney

Committee Reports Records Officer Report

enjoyed another great club service day in September. Several bikes were being serviced on the day including my own with the bike lift really proving its worth.

records@ bmwmcq.org.au

I encourage everybody to come to the service days. You will always learn something, and it’s a great way to catch up with friends. Thanks, as always to Rob Wynne for such a great venue.

Welcome to New Members:

Paul Robinson, ELIMBAH, R1200GS Adventure Michael & Cheryl Wood, NOOSA HEADS, R100GS Daniel Cooke, CAMP HILL, Kawasaki R600 Stefan Oberholzer, EVERTON HILLS, F800GS

A service day milestone for VP Paul’s Barry & Sharon Johnston, LOGAN VILLAGE, K1600GS, Honda 1200GS! ST1300, Suzuki GSX1300R Mick Sellars, WEST WOOMBYE, R1250GS

Simon Allen, MOOROOKA, K1600GT Tony Gates, WOODEND, R80GS Photos from the March service day as everyone was too busy working at this one to take photos they tell me....

Committee Reports Bill Luyten

Tool’s Report

Service Day

and 3 pin diagnostic tools.

he following words were put together by Tony Gray as I was unable to attend the Service Day:

Special Tools

T

Another successful service day was staged at Rob Wynne’s place on 18 September. There were a lot of service jobs undertaken ranging from general oil and filter changes to brake flush to a final drive spline service. The recently acquired lift table was in high demand all day and has already proven its worth in saving tired backs.

A roller stool was also trialled and proved to be another success so the club will be looking to add one to the equipment list. As is common practice at these days there was a lot of ideas exchanged and socialising among old and new members alike.

Thanks to Gary Bennett who always comes early to help the set-up, to Les Fitzpatrick who must have the best outfitted truck in the club for the use of his tools and the sharing of his vast knowledge, to Paul Hughes for running the BBQ and especially to Rob Wynne who not only opens up his great facilities to the club but also donates the steaks for the BBQ.

Repair Manuals I have various Repair Manuals available to borrow mainly for older bikes.

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OCTOBER 2021

• 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: $50 deposit (refundable) for GS911. Tools and spares can be picked up at my place in Springfield or brought along to a monthly meeting or Club ride.

Contact Tools Officer

Tools for loan

Bill Luyten 0438 123 747

There are special tools available including the GS-911WiFi

email: spares@bmwmcq.org.au

Rosi Johnson

H

Regalia Report

i all,

Regalia is finally sorted with the new logo. With the warmer weather approaching maybe a new shirt or hat is in order?

Happy riding!

Cheers, Rosi regalia@bmwmcq.org.au

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2021 REGALIA

OCTOBER 2021

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

7LPI - $29.50 100% polyester “My BMW shirt brings all the GTL riders to the yard” - Kelis side B

7PIP - $29.50 100% polyester “Everything about this shirt is Awesome” Emmet Brickowski

WIN

ICE Tee - $24.50 Cotton “Figure Huggin’ Good” Colonel “I luv creepin out the Ladies” Sanders

ICE Tee - $24.50 Cotton “I wore a BMWMCQ ICE Tee in Pulp Fiction” - Bruce Willis

TER

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

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

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

!!!

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!

LD O C !!!

S R S LE NTE A I W

AH770 - $17 100% Cotton Beanie

AW ESO WIN ME F TER OR !!!

Ladies Vests $48.00

Non-Ladies Vests $48.00

2021 REGALIA

OCTOBER 2021

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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!

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OCTOBER 2021

Mark Mustchin

A

Committee Reports Events Report

nother month of top events, here is a sample of some photos showing the fun - come and join in!

Mark Mustchin

September lunch ride to Clancy’s Irish Pub at Mt Tamborine!

Mid Week ride picnic lunch at Bellbird Grove

Mid Week ride - coffee at the Pitstop Cafe.

FROM THE PEN OF JANE GRAY

OCTOBER 2021

GOODBYE “VALE” JEGSept2021

The time has come to say goodbye To Valentino Rossi So many have tried to hunt him down An unrelenting posse At 42 he’s run his race Over 400, that’s a fact With 235 podium finishes He’s such a classy act His given number is 46 But he answers to “The Doctor” Through 26 seasons he’s shown his skill Very often as the victor 9 World Championships he has won 7 in Premier Class MotoGP won’t be the same Without “Vale” flying past

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OCTOBER 2021

SUNNY COAST BRUNCH

n 1513 on Saturday 25 September, Vasco Núñez de Balboa crossed the Isthmus of Panama and reached what would be called the Pacific Ocean. In 2021 on Saturday 25 September, the Sunny Coast Brunch crowd crossed Anzac Road in Eudlo to reach what was already called Sweethearts Cafe. Coincidence? Only Steve and Mandy could know for sure. We didn’t dwell on that - instead we dwelled on brunch and excellent company, including the long-awaited return of Huw and Liezel who left for their circumnavigation of the continent in what seems like 1513. It was great to meet with them on the last day of their 23,500km saga, highlights including riding twice through Camooweal, even Balboa couldn’t cope with that.

Andrew & Louise’s gorgeous R90/6 stole the Sunny Coast Eudlo show.

Tony M’s new luggage was in the mix though.

BACK TO THE BUSH #18

OCTOBER 2021

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October long weekend 2nd to 4th October 2021 Destination: Miles and Gayndah Day 1 To Miles, accommodation options: • Windsor Hotel (07) 4627 1159 • Golden West Motor Inn (07) 4627 1688 • Miles Outback Motel (07) 4627 2100 Saturday night dinner will be at Windsor Hotel Day 2 Miles to Gayndah, accommodation options: • Country Roads Motel (07) 4140 8230 • Colonial Motel (07) 4161 1999 Sunday night dinner will be either at Country Roads Motel or Grand Hotel Stay tuned for ride options, or make your own way there, either way it will be a fun weekend!!

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OCTOBER 2021

TRIP AROUND AUS 2021

Editors:

We left home at 4pm and arrived at the Oasis in Kingaroy at 6.30pm. We successfully Before we introduce the first instalment of escaped the 6pm Brisbane lock-down bell.

Liezel’s and Huw’s epic circumnavigation of Australia, the first without getting anywhere The Lead Up near NSW or Victoria in recorded history, we

Huw dived into planning for this trip must apologise to Liezel for our email dramas in January when he started raiding the local which means we didn’t get it, or the second. library and bookstores for books on Australia.

If you send something, especially a trip report, The plan was to have the route plotted without and you don’t get a response, then please text/ committing to pre-booked accommodation that email/pigeon a message to us, we so appreciate would bind us to a fixed schedule. these that you are more at risk of being

We normally travel light. After all, there smothered with affection rather than ignored. is only so much two people can fit into panniers Anyway, to the epic, Part 1..... on a 1200 GS. Huw has an unwritten rule: What does not fit inside [the panniers], does not go. In

By Liezel Samuel, Member #4412 other words, nothing gets strapped onto the GS. This rule got challenged when we tapped into the A Speedy Start knowledge and experiences of our fellow club ur long-awaited trip around Australia was members. COVID-19 has filled regional Australia due to start on Saturday, 3 July – in Kingaroy with touring Aussies filling up motels. Without with the Club’s Christmas in July party. booking accommodation weeks in advance we

On Thursday evening 24 June, Huw were at risk of being stranded without a bed to casually asked: “Hypothetically, but quite sleep in some nights. So, if we wanted to stay possibly, if they announce a lock-down this flexible in our travels, we needed a Plan B. weekend, will you skip work next week so we can get away before the lock-down bell rings?”

When I responded “Yes”, I did not really expect it to happen.

O

This short exchange luckily kicked me into gear and I fully packed and made sure all I needed fitted in my allocated space in the Top Box. As a rule, I normally pack for a trip the night before we leave. I have that luxury, as Huw is the one that puts in the hard slog to ensure the bike and all else are ready. As the pillion, my responsibility stretches as far as getting on the bike at the required time of departure 😊.

So, when the lock-down was announced midday Tuesday 29 June, the decision was easy.

All I had to do was get home from the city ASAP and find a way to squeeze the laptop in the Top Box so I could work the rest of the week from Kingaroy. Subconsciously, I was happy with the idea, as taking the laptop would enable me to write up our travel notes and finally provide Cindy and Duncan with contributions for the Club Journal. (Eds - guilt easing now it’s in)

By Easter we had acquired a new lightweight tent, air mattresses, sleeping bags including thermal liners and air pillows. Huw designed custom-made pannier bags and on Easter Saturday we had bought the faux leather, Velcro, straps, and buckles. I thought I could have it sewn up by Easter Monday. Well, the design changed about six times, okay, maybe it was only five times, and what (I thought) was a one-day sewing job, turned into many sewing

TRIP AROUND AUS 2021 days over the following five or so weekends. The bags were measured, fitted, and adjusted more times than any bride with the making of her wedding dress. I must admit, the result looks nifty.

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A couple of U-turns later (Mr. Google said left where Mr Garmin said right), we realised there was no way were we going to make it to Monto. We instead headed for Mundubbera and back through Gayndah. We had to leave Monto for a future trip…

A Quiet Dinner

As we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Midnight at the Oasis, we pondered on all the people who joined Tony on Facebook in wishing us well on the journey. We may not have started this trip in the company of our fellow club members as planned, but we were going with their warm wishes.

Why Did the Echidna Cross the Road?

Did Someone Say Monto?

Our trust in the Garmin was restored today. Within 3 kms of leaving the motel, we knew we were on the right road as it was the Bunya Highway and not a dirt road. However, 10 kms later, a police car pulled in front of us at an intersection and directed to turn left, away from the Bunya. The Garmin confidently took over this dire situation and within 200 metres had us on a dirt road. Two dirt roads later we were back on the Bunya.

Arriving in Kingaroy ahead of schedule meant we could use Saturday for a round trip to Monto. The weather forecast however predicted an increasing chance of rain every day up to 90% on Saturday. The best day, weather-wise, would be Wednesday. After re-scheduling my work obligations and a re-fuel, we left Kingaroy shortly On the recommendation of one of the after 10am. Our friend Mr. Garmin reckoned we Kingaroy locals, we travelled via the scenic Niagra could make it back before dark. road to view the spectacular wind turbines of

Despite selecting the avoid dirt roads Coopers Gap, one of Australia’s largest wind options Mr. Garmin indicated about 60 kms out farms. Coopers Gap generates 453 MW, enough of Kingaroy that the route would be mainly on to power 264,000 average Aussie homes. dirt roads. It must have thought Duncan was Chinchilla’s big Watermelon and a doing the trip 😊 (Ed - he wishes...). After the first stretch of dirt, we decided it was time to sculpture exhibition just outside Roma saved the day’s Facebook update. consult Mr Google.

And the Echidna you may ask? He crossed the road to warn us of the Raptor feeding on a huge Kangaroo carcass in the middle of the road. Thanks, little fella!

Thank Goodness for Peanuts

Before our departure from Brisbane, Carnarvon Wilderness Lodge informed us their restaurant is no longer operational. Breakfast and Lunch could still be enjoyed at their Wilderness Café. No problem: A late en-route

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TRIP AROUND AUS 2021

lunch in Roma on Sunday afternoon and a lunch I felt better after lunch but still managed to at the Wilderness Café on Monday would make give Huw free shoulder and neck strengthening up for the two lost dinners. therapy while my eyes were closed most of the way to Barcaldine.

One problem: The email never mentioned the Café is closed on Mondays. Thank goodness we bought those peanuts in Kingaroy! We had enough peanut fuel (+beef jerky, almonds, dried mango and a juicy apple each) in our bellies for walking the 10 kms to see the Moss Garden and Mickey’s Creek.

The cabin (modified tent) was impressive.

Twice the size of the biggest motel room we have ever stayed in. We snuggled into a comfy bed, grateful that we decided not to spend these two nights in our lightweight tent... until a polar bear woke me up in the middle of the night and told me I had cold ears. I reached for my beanie, but the polar bear suggested I switch the heater on instead. The commotion woke Huw, who checked the temperature on his watch; 7.9°C inside. My phone said it was 4°C outside. No wonder I was cold. By 7am, after running the heater for the remainder of the night, the cabin was a reasonable 11°C.

We stopped briefly at Alpha to take pictures of a wire-sculptured bull, and a cow & calf sculptured out of scrap metal. The artist is Scrapmetalsheila – one talented lady!

How Did We Get to Barcaldine?

When I woke up not feeling quite all right, I went and said hello to the big white telephone in the Cabin’s little private room. Then, a short while later, under the influence of some strong painkillers to nurse my migraine, I managed to shatter the little room’s basin. No, Paul, there was no American Honey consumed on Monday night. Ask no questions and I will tell you no lies…

Who Let the Caravans Out?

After a quick walk to the Barcaldine Lagoon to say hello to a friendly Kookaburra, Pelican and Heron, we headed for Winton. Huw reckoned I had enough sleep in the last 24 hours, so suggested I keep score of the number of motorhomes and caravans/campervans, while he counts all other vehicles, including trucks and road trains. When we entered Longreach, we stopped counting. The score was Caravans 85; Other 44. We were amazed at the sheer number of Caravans parked at the Qantas Museum and were relieved we visited the Museum in 2019 when it was quiet and almost devoid of tourists.

We re-started the count after Longreach, and by the time we turned off for the Age of

Huw interrupted my sleep when he Dinosaurs, the new count was: Caravans 138 – stopped at the Fairbairn Dam outside Emerald.

Other 66.

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The entrance to Winton presented a good photo-opportunity before we visited Arno’s Wall.

Some kids were having a ball at the Musical Fence, and a lady standing near the GS asked if were also “escaping” the noise the kids were making. We laughed, as were did not even realise the racket, as were both still wearing our ear plugs. Clever move it turned out 😊.

To be continued.....

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PHOTO COMPETITION The photo competition runs from April 2021 for 12 months, send your pics in to us by 25th November for the eighth round!

This follows on from the highly successful competition that was run last year during peak COVID. OK, rules are: • There is a theme each month for the competition - theme for the eighth round is “Into the Rough” show us your best rough and tumble and a little bit scary shots!

• The following month’s theme will be published in the Journal at the start of the month and publicised on Facebook.

• The monthly prize will be $200 to spend at one of our sponsors! In addition you will have the honour of your photo being the Journal cover shot*.

• Each member (or dual membership) is only eligible for one prize over the 12 months of the competition.

• Photos submitted do not have to be current photos however they must be the property of the member and are entered on the clear understanding that the photos may be used by the Club for promotional purposes.

• To enter: email the Editor at editor@bmwmcq.org.au with your name, the photo, and photo details by the 25th of each month to have your photo included in that month’s competition - no correspondence will be entered into.

• Entries will be judged by the Editors of this Journal who will of course be ineligible to enter (and will resist all but the most tempting bribes...)

So there it is, a great incentive to get out there and start snapping or go through your photo archives. *We do struggle with landscape oriented photographs, but we’ll use our best efforts.

PHOTO COMPETITION

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The Winner of the sixth month “City Life” Photo Competition is Michael Ahlberg, featured on the front cover. Great photo Michael, and hoping for the day we can again visit these places!

John Eacott, Member #4385 “06:00 end to the Icicle Ride 2012”

Jane Gray, Member #4300 “Our visit to Ace Cafe in London during our 2012 UK/ Europe Trip”

Steve Herpich, Member #4294 “R100RT Andermatt, Switzerland. 2015.”

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PHOTO COMPETITION

Michael Ahlberg, Member #4331 “When in Rome...”

Paul Hughes, Member #3126 nice day for it!

Steve Herpich, Member #4294 “BMW Club of Spain in Lugo Spain.”

PHOTO COMPETITION

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Margreth van Aartsen, Member #4496 “2020, exploring BrisVegas.”

Eds: a great photo Margreth, love the R9T! Michael Ahlberg, Member #4331 “Stockholm, Sweden.”

Tony Gray, Member #3905 “The Nimbus is a rare Danish built in-line 4 cylinder shaft driven bike not unlike BMW ‘flying bricks’. The cylinders are vertical not horizontal like the K bikes.

They were last made in the 1950’s so this example was near 60 years old when photographed in Copenhagen in 2012. The young owner used it for everyday transport as it is a very simple and robust design.”

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PHOTO COMPETITION Tony Gray, Member #3905 1. Negotiating the cobblestones in Prague “Never trust a GPS – trying to get out of Prague in 2012 we were led back through the old city of cobblestones and tramlines – fun when fully laden and 2 up on the Grey Ghost.”

2. “Brighton England on our first riding day after collecting the Grey Ghost from the shippers. Beautiful bright sunny days like this are not commonplace in England.”

3. “Lake Como is beautiful but behind the esplanades is a different life of tight roads, traffic congestion and a scooter army with no concern for life or limb.”

THE 12th FAMOUS BISCUIT RIDE

OCTOBER 2021

GEORGE & MAGGIE’S 12TH ANNUAL BISCUIT RIDE

WHERE: GIRRAWEEN NATIONAL PARK DAY VISITORS AREA ( 38 KMS NORTH OF TENTERFIELD) AT 10.30 AM ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 7 2021.

THE EVENT IS BEING ORGANISED BY PETER TODD. YOU NEED TO BRING A CUP, HOT WATER AND A SPOON. MANY ATTENDING ARE STAYING IN STANTHORPE THE NIGHT BEFORE. SOME MAY CAMP ON SITE AT THE NATIONAL PARK. SOME PEOPLE WILL RIDE DOWN SUNDAY MORNING FROM BRISBANE PLEASE ENSURE YOU INDICATE ON FACEBOOK IF YOU ARE ATTENDING PUT TOGETHER YOR FRIENDS GROUP AND SEE YOU THERE.

MAGGIE STANDING JUST NEAR WHERE THE EVENT WILL BE HELD IN THE BEAUTIFUL NATIONAL PARK

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By Duncan Bennett, Member #4171

W

e’d long talked about doing the ride to the top of Cape York before we were too old. Unfortunately we missed that window, but fortunately didn’t realise it.

So how do these things come to pass?

The Women’s Adventure Riders Australia (WARA) group must be held fully accountable, Cindy has ridden with them and follows their social media enabling exploits enthusiastically. As we’d ridden as far south as one can on the mainland and stood in the Australia’s most southerly car parking space at Cockle Creek in Tasmania in March 2021, the theme naturally continued, and Cindy started talking about doing a Cairns to the Cape tour as I said “hmmm” while totally distracted by a very funny post on Snapchat.

IN C AP E A B L E National Park in May demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that reasonable doubt existed about our abilities; it was noted by our Dirt Dayz trainer Warren Dennis, ex enduro guru of Cairns, that the dry and rocky conditions of the D’Aguilar were as similar to the Cape and its rivers as Milan Fashion Week is to a western suburbs op-shop bargains rack. No worries though, until Cindy suggested a final training run two weeks before the trip. Our Golden Rule since before the Cairo to Cape Town has been to eschew any risky activities in the eight weeks before a big riding commitment; enough time for minor injuries to heal. Two weeks isn’t enough time unfortunately, and the X-Ray confirmed the need to call Ellyse, the Ell of Ellwood.

Bribie Island sand training run. Damage to the photographer after a minor off inset.

The 1350km Cape Crusade

Next thing I knew we were booked on a Cairns to Cape York Tour for the end of July with Ellwood Motorcycle Adventures. It was April.

Possibly still time to get ready. First thing on Cindy’s agenda was to buy an appropriate training bike, a Yamaha XT250, while I tried the latest middle-old bloke trend of getting fit by consuming servo dimsims and German Club beers for a month before deciding that running and stretching were more likely to succeed.

The prep program was proceeding smoothly (some were likening my abs to a mahogany washboard hidden under a mattress) through May and June. A Dirt Dayz session up in the D’Aguilar

Initially it looked as though the earliest possible alternative tour was several lockeddown lifetimes away in August 2022, a finding that brought on explosive Temporary Tourette’s Syndrome. Damn you, riding incompetence. But enter Covid to the rescue for us, non-Queenslanders were held at bay and we were able to reschedule to a month later. The end of August. Very mild exercise was resumed after 3 weeks without risk of compromising the thickness of the mattress. Age shall weary them, and the beers condemn.

A side note on trail bike riding versus adventure riding here. Ellwood had sent through a packing list which was great, but our wellused adventure riding stuff is better designed for storing lip balm and keeping out rain than looking Motocross cool. We needed to adjust wardrobe.

Perhaps not strangely, MX stuff is designed for MX; short and sharp bursts around a track with riders five feet in front throwing rocks and clods of mud

IN C AP E A B L E – don’t need lip balm, iPhone or to worry about rain during that. So pockets? Nil. Where on earth do they keep their pills, tucked up their sleeve wrapped in a hankie? Some have suggested cool MX people don’t carry a hankie or even pills but we refused to believe that. So we bought Klim MX pants which have pockets, luckily we had a voucher.

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1.

Ellyse, Ellwood co-owner and photographer.

2.

Woody, Ellwood co-owner and ride leader.

3.

Matthew a.k.a Squid, Ellwood ride guide.

4.

Brendan a.k.a Cuzzo, Ellwood support vehicle driver.

And the punters:

Carting stuff at the last minute to get fit

Lobbing into Cairns carting helmets, backpacks, and bags stuffed with the packing list items like we were Cuban mules, we staggered into the hotel. A trip over to Hemingway’s Brewery where concerned staff offer caution about drinking 6% alcohol beers while dishing up bottles of heavy Shiraz, dinner, and back completed the pre-riding period. Nerves were now building which weighed very heavily on the sleep quality.

Up pre-sunrise, we breakfasted and then adorned ourselves with the MX gear. Being mistaken for the Red Wiggle in the lift by a small child confirmed just how subtle MX colours are, but at least the main bags were now significantly lighter. Swings and roundabouts though; the backpacks were significantly heavier with 3 litres of water added to the Camelbaks. Out to Ellwood, Ellyse was there to meet us and guide us down to meet the leaders:

5.

Cindy, a.k.a. Mindy (to avoid confusion with Cindy), gym business owner.

6.

Billy, a.k.a. Billy Redacted in case his employees read this, crash repair shop business owner.

7.

Michael, a.k.a. “Come On!”, mobility equipment business, we suspected we might need his product at some stage.

8.

Hannah, a.k.a. Han, whose motorcycle shop is tragically just over the border in NSW. Thankfully the bubble has returned.

9.

Shelby, a.k.a. Shelb, Mackay coal miner, brought own Husqvarna 250 along.

10.

Cindy, a.k.a. Legal Spouse.

11.

Duncan, a.k.a. Getting Too Old for This S#!t.

Apart from Shelby, we were all on Suzuki DRZ 400’s, especially fitted out for the conditions with long-range fuel tanks, Barkbusters, and carburettors easy to get river water out of. Each bike bore our name which appeared to be just a nice touch, but one yellow peril looks almost exactly the same as the next so was a good idea unless we wanted to descend into confusion about whose bike was whose before we’d even left. Woody presented a spares price list which was a bit of a wake-up; smashing up the bikes was gunna cost us – fair enough, although admittedly one normally

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doesn’t deliberately cartwheel a conveyance down a rocky road.

Soon we were off – it had all happened very quickly. Onto the bitumen to climb up out of Cairns, a brief stop at a lookout to adjust things, and into the Kuranda tracks. A notable thing was that Ellwood never asked about our riding experience, unlike Olympic Games rhythmic gymnastics judges they aren’t into subtlety and are mainly just watching to see if you can stay on your apparatus. Into muddy single tracks with ruts and humps, more mature persons were being passed by younger and fitter types, before we saw some corner markers and hooned around. Massive grab of brakes caused by a bottomless mud bog right in front.

IN C AP E A B L E

We drifted down into Mossman via the nowfamous Bump Track (famous now because we’ve ridden it) with some reasonable air achieved over some of the bumps and completed the morning at Wonga Beach with a ham and cheese toasted sandwich. After re-fuel and lunch, the brave/insane went through the Daintree via the infamous Creb Track, but we’d seen the footage from the week before and decided dying or suffering terminal embarrassment on the first day was not ideal; Cape Tribulation and the Bloomfield Track for us led by Squid. Exactly zero regrets from this decision, the scenery and the riding were first class and the traffic was almost non-existent.

Cindy forgets all about technique at the first creek crossing The Assessment Bog

Going directly through the Assessment Bog was not an option for a group without a trailing laundry service, and a side rut up through the bush presented itself as far less likely to result in death, or worse, embarrassment. Woody offered up the ultimate challenge of a 2-foot-wide flat section along the side of the Bog with a steep step up after a 90° turn onto a better track, but no-one was falling for or into that. So with a bit of wild revving and grunting and pushing, up the rut we all went.

The Assessment Bog finished, the track improved before hitting the top of the range behind Kuranda.

The brumby colt from Some Regrets breaks away

Eventually to the Bloomfield River, a stop at a lookout had us getting out the binoculars to make guesses about the size of the crocodile on the opposite bank, between 3 and 4 metres was the consensus estimate. Then onto Rossville and an effort was made to locate the road to a tin mine I was involved with some 15 years previously, Squid became the follower while I charged up a steep and rocky and narrowing track before deciding that I was on the wrong road. This area is famous for agriculture, but not the sort that you see on those television ads with happy farmers and their kids towing a trailer load of organic produce behind their old Massey Ferguson. The road we were on was, we later found out, known as The Green Mile.

A fairly new white SUV parked by the side of the track with a bit of foliage stacked around it and no number plates and Squid had seen enough.

I’m not sure there is a Ride Leader’s code that requires them to stand between their followers and imminent danger, but if there is Squid either wasn’t aware of it or decided that I’d taken over as Leader so was on my own. We didn’t see Squid again until back at the bitumen, he can ride very, very fast. Into the Lion’s Den and Brendon was there with our bags laid out, the keys to our room,

IN C AP E A B L E

and a cold beer offering from the fully iced-up esky.

Survivor: The Green Mile

The Lion’s Den Hotel is chosen as the first night for various reasons, a normal bed, and the opportunity for people who’ve only just met to get to know one another over a few drinks and a nice dinner – harder to do in a camping situation.

There was a rash of birthdays on our tour, but the focus was on Ellyse whose actual birthday was that day. She and Woody and the other Ellwood leaders don’t drink on tour. Except for this night; by the time we were heading to bed lots of shots had been shot and the crowd was winding down from raucous.

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Day 2 started slowly, high performance individuals like Ellyse (who has been the fastest woman in the Finke Desert Race) are usually less practiced at getting up with an overhang than we middle-to-upper-aged casual riders. A lot of pride that we can actually be way better at something there. First stop was at the amazing Black Mountain, geologists collapse with excitement at the lookout due to the absolute clarity of genesis – a volcanic intrusion has been exposed and has weathered to an amazing pile of huge boulders, turned black with algae and lichens. Then a demonstration of why it is good to travel with people who know stuff – Trevethan Falls and Archer Point south of Cooktown were great scenic stop-offs, and then Grassy Hill in Cooktown itself to stand where Captain Cook did in 1770. He was interested in trying to find a passage through the reefs for when his ship was repaired so was looking north-east, whereas we were more interested in the rugged terrain to the north-west.

The “Something About Mary” hairstyle in full splendour at Archer Point

Shelby’s crocodile regretted the shots. Hannah’s didn’t have any so was alert and ready to go.

Back tracks to Hope Vale where some unnamed individual may have gone the wrong way around a round-about, and onto Battle Camp Road which heads due west toward Laura. This track gets its name from an 1870’s massed attack

by Aboriginals on miners and police heading to the Palmer River goldfields, and it crosses over the Isabella Creek which provided a very pleasant lunch stop venue.

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Billy dropping the kids off at Old Laura Homestead

Pushing on we crossed the Normanby River before heading off the road up to Horseshoe Lagoon. This is a pleasant spot but the scenery didn’t appear to be the most important thing – this was our Assessment Sand. After the Bribie Island incident in July, I was very much more switched on to riding sand and had come up with a new sand riding motto; You Can Always Recover! This had started in Namibia in 2017, where even with the bike nearly horizontal and seemingly out of control a bit of throttle burst and weight adjustment would cause any observing religious types to claim a miracle – the bike will usually just straighten up and fly right. But seeing Ellyse set up with a camera on the deepest bit resulted in passing the first amendment to the sand riding motto; Unless You Have Performance Anxiety! With all sand riding fundamentals cleared from memory, the throttle burst came too late and into the trees I went, the weight adjustment just saving a timber collision but the loss of speed meant once back on the track the bike bogged down and I stepped off, about 1 metre away from the still rolling GoPro. Crash No.1, I was on the board. That embarrassing event over, we moved onto the Old Laura Station which was complete with historical description boards and bats up in the second floor rooms.

The last part of the day was a quick burst up to Kalpowar crossing on the Normanby River.

This was our first camping night, so lots of new words were used during putting up of tents, inflation of mattresses, and hanging up all moist but still miraculously clean riding clothes in the laundry tree. The beers were dispensed under an honour system, just marked on a sheet of paper for final accounting at the end, and it was a real trip pleasure to always have very cold ones available immediately on arrival.

IN C AP E A B L E

Hannah and Shelby showing off their Cape tracks facials

Camping on the banks of the Normanby River naturally started some discussion about crocodiles, so we wandered down to the crossing and loitered about, always ensuring there was someone a bit distracted by their iPhone between us and the water. A large crocodile was spotted swimming over the other side, but by the time Ellyse had launched the drone and I had the binoculars in play it had disappeared. Dinner was wonderful, rissoles and salad making up a top burger, and once it was dark we went down to the river again expecting to see millions of reflecting crocodile eyes, but surprisingly nothing.

The Cape made beer drinkers of us all

IN C AP E A B L E

Day 3 was Princess Charlotte Bay day, and the first go at developing the packing up of the camp routine. The alarm would go off at 6am, somehow we would get off the mattress and get out the tent door with enough clothing on to avoid offending, and start the day with tea and breakfast around the fire. By 7am the deconstruction was well in play with fly off, stuff out of tents, mad searches for the tent, poles, and pegs bags – I swear I put them under the laundry tree – no I didn’t, that wasted 10 minutes and now I have a headache – personal gear back in bag and zipped up, unzipped because I forgot to clean my teeth, where on earth is my toiletries bag – oh I left it over there because I knew I’d want to clean my teeth – wanting to snap at people now except no-one nearby. Last thing is into the riding gear as this gets hot very quickly, then over to the support vehicle to draw snack rations and get at least 2.5 litres of water into the Camelbak. Then clean the dust off the visor and attend the briefing before the 8am start.

Kamp Kalpowar with laundry tree

Day 3 was probably my favourite, but it was interesting that certain tracks and days over the journey just became a confused jumble. We started off heading up on open savannah land single tracks at a fair speed to the Hann River crossing where we rejoined the main Lakefield Road. This was a fast road with 100kmh cruising, at least until we got stuck behind a road train through road works.

A turn onto the Violet Vale Station Road and a big advantage of being with Ellwood became clear – these areas are owned and need permission to cross.

We pushed on up the good road to Princess Charlotte Bay. Extra special permission had been gained by Woody to allow us to go through to the

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beach, I thought I heard Squid say it was maybe 2km total riding.

Corner marking a spot near Hann River crossing with magnetic termite mound

The track was quite good until just before the beach, and as we’d maybe done 1.8km I thought the section of bottomless sand getting onto the beach would just see us through to a nice shady spot under a foreshore tree for a quiet relax. Wrong, we were heading down the beach through long patches of bottomless sand and rare sections of grassy and still sandy but more rideable stuff. Ellyse was inevitably stopped with GoPro at the worst section, seemingly willing us to crash spectacularly enough to break Ellwood view records. Wasn’t falling for that again but regardless was stuck in first gear so couldn’t get going fast enough to crash. Then the learning – forget first gear, start in second and give it the berries. Much more pleasant riding but still no sign of an end, the desire to stop in the rising heat and empty the Camelbak into the desert-dry mouth was intense. Eventually after 5km Woody had stopped – we were on the edge of a National Park so could go no further. No fully sealed tracks appeared unfortunately, we were going to have to ride all the way back again. Camelbak level down a long way after sight-seeing along the beach, we were back on and giving it the berries, making it past Ellyse without giving her any excitement. She should have set up at the gate near the end, the rider is forced to steer the bike through a small gap so the probability of some interesting happenings is a lot higher.

A learning from riding motorcycles for a few years now is that many crashes occur when the mind is not fully on the job. Having ridden 10km through deep sand without coming off, I saw the

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end 10m ahead, mentally relaxed, and came off.

Very deep sand though so a very soft landing, no damage except to pride. After getting back on, I pushed on hard in the hope that no-one would remember. We re-grouped at a new track option to Port Stewart, I was surprised that Cindy was behind me, not realising that she’d been filming Ellyse-like at the end of the beach, watching the gate.

Coming off the beach at speed

Release the 400cc fury up on the Cape

A snack and then Woody suggested a shortcut through to Port Stewart; he’d never done it before so it could be like Gollum leading Frodo

IN C AP E A B L E

Baggins and Samwise Gamgee into Mordor, or it could be like Moses leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. I was hoping it was the Gollum tour, I wasn’t keen on it taking 40 years. The track proved a beauty; nothing terrifying and we soon arrived into Port Stewart at the Lama Lama community centre. We met up with the local leader Karen, who took us through the museum. We were blown away – the photographs of the Lama Lama people from the 1920’s including Karen’s relatives were extraordinary in showing the detail behind Aboriginal life at the time. A visit to Port Stewart is highly recommended. The riding after that was up to Coen on a fast yet at times slippery granite sand road to the “sExchange” Hotel, fair dinkum, and then to Archer River, a major settlement on the Development Road. The Archer River roadhouse was womaned by a class A battle-axe – while filling up with petrol it was suggested that rooms might be available, then not, then they were, but all customers spending money certainly needed to be yelled at. We didn’t care and booked one.

Also didn’t care about comments from our fellow riders about being soft at yet another magnificent Ellwood dinner with a few reds from the roadhouse bar.

Day 4 started with mystery – why had the angry Archer River roadhouse woman allowed someone to sleep on the grass outside our room?

Or maybe she’d charged him $150 too for the pleasure? Who cares, the socks were dry and ready to go again. The group split again, some going via a recently cut track and Cindy and I going directly to Wolverton Station, turned out the only technical challenge we had was cattle plugging the road. Some discussion with the kids about how schooling works out there, and we were off up through Wolverton to the Wenlock River. Today was river day – the Wenlock was deep and sandy.

Queued up for a Wenlock River crossing

I was last in the queue, this is usually not good because everyone else chews up the crossing

IN C AP E A B L E

and it only works if the person in front shows the easy way through. Around the bend into the river, then wait, which rarely improves the outcome.

Wait some more for stuff happening out of sight.

Then Woody gives the signal; “Go, go!”, then “Wait, wait!”, mixed signals also rarely improve the outcome, but I went into a deep bit regardless and the bike was flooded. Woody immediately into action – push the bike out of the river, pull the carby plug out to get rid of the water in the fuel, put it in 5th and rock backward to force the water out of the cylinder via the exhaust valve, and then get the bike standing up to run the water out of the exhaust. Back on and going in moments.

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Straight down a very steep embankment, we had to stop as this thing was nowhere near rideable.

Deep river crossing process began – firstly find straight branches of around 3” diameter and 5’ length to push under the forks and the swingarm – then assemble 4 volunteers, 2 up the front, 2 holding the back end up, and later on we realised we needed a Safety lifting the back wheel for when any of the other 4 fell over.

Cindy-Mindy, Woody, Shelby, and “Come On!” Mick showing how it is done

Roosted with black sticky mud

Then a navigational challenge, Ellyse led us across country through a plain of black soil, no roads or tracks so a need to stay very close together. In the low patches the black soil became black mud, luckily not wet enough to cause major dramas. Loved this section as it was classic adventure riding – slow and technical with balance and clutch/throttle control the key. The Yellow Perils hated it – at slow speed they overheat and cut out, usually with the front tyre a foot from a 12” log needing a bit of a throttle blip or with the front wheel just over the top of a steep creek bank.

Finally figured out about keeping the revs high and constant and just use the clutch. Lunch by the side of Portland Road, then a second lunch at the turnoff to Frenchman’s Track.

Frenchman’s Track was not easy. Lots of bottomless ruts and rocky stuff, Billy went down in a boulder-strewn creek but besides a weird gel balloon growing on the side of his leg that he encouraged everyone to poke at and comment on, he was OK. Then we got to the Pascoe River.

Carting eight bikes over a river with big boulders and lots of slips is a real work-out. As an early onset senior citizen I could have used at least a week in a 5-star resort to recover, and I wasn’t at my peak for the next bit of the ride and I’d forgotten to turn my music on. Hooking along there was one of those moments – stay to the left of deep ruts or go to the right – I went right and instantly knew right was wrong. There was a thin level-ish side of the road and a steep uneven slope down into the rut. Front wheel happily up on the level-ish side of the road and giving it the berries to keep the back wheel spinning along the side of the rut. Worked well until the back wheel got traction, which caused me to launch off the road into the trees, miraculously missing everything but crashing hard.

Woody pulled up and couldn’t believe I wasn’t somewhere between seriously hurt and dead, but we were soon back on and going again. Probably should have stopped for a bit to recover, but we pushed on, still without music. My riding got worse, everything became a struggle, and I went down in soft sand, hard. Woody made the decision to lead me out – at least I wouldn’t have to try to pick a line and could just follow. Made all the difference following an amazing rider, and we soon caught up with the rest at the Wenlock River second crossing.

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Straight through and over, no dramas.

IN C AP E A B L E

Day 5 started with a blast up to Bramwell Roadhouse for a sausage roll and very hot coffee.

Bramwell Roadhouse is the start of the true Telegraph Track, but we decided to go straight up to Fruit Bat Falls. Lots of 4WD’s take the Telegraph Track because this is the section that includes the famous Gunshot Creek, so the road up to Fruit Bat was very quiet and fast.

Second Wenlock River crossing, Shelby demonstrating the Toby Price “legs akimbo” technique

After a nice rest, Joy De Vivre and music returned to help me and I was fully back in the game for the final 20km section, just loving picking the lines and riding hard, it is amazing the difference being mentally switched on and listening to AC-DC makes. We poked out onto the main road and were soon up to Moreton Station, yet again on the Wenlock River. Cindy, Squid, and Brendan were already there with camp set-up, a swim was suggested, and after it was confirmed that no-one had been eaten by a crocodile that day, accepted.

Unfortunately there was no bathing jetty, a gross failure by the local council I’m sure, so the hardest crash of the day occurred on the muddy bank. A hypertension relax while keeping a close eye on anything resembling a crocodile, i.e. any of 1,000 nearby logs, and it was time to set up camp and enjoy a hard-earned and magnificent camp-oven dinner. Marli and Lee from the Cape York Croc Tent – the most northerly permanent residents of the continent, joined us at Moreton for the remainder of the trip and were welcomed into the fold.

When we got to the fork in the road, we took it

We pulled into Fruit Bat and had plenty of time to wander about, admire the beauty of the falls, and relax before the rest of the group appeared. Some had slid on their bums down the Gunshot, a story to tell people back home especially if the part about sliding on their bums was omitted. Plenty of swimming by the whole group – a major advantage of MX gear is that it backs up as swimming costumes even though the boots don’t work too well as flippers.

The Red Wiggle appears at Fruit Bat Falls Hang on, did that log just move?

Mounted up again, we pushed further down the river to Elliot Falls, another magnificent place but with less places to get in to swim and

IN C AP E A B L E

therefore fewer people. We hung around long enough to watch Squid do a backflip over the falls, then continued up the Telegraph Track.

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Day 6. The big one. Woody and the other leaders had stressed in their speeches the whole way up about the disappointment and regret felt by those who hurt themselves, don’t get to the top, and have to watch everyone else achieve it. So nerves and tension were still there, the job wasn’t finished. Off we went at 8am as usual, down a reasonably challenging track and through a nasty creek crossing which brought a few undone, and onto the main road to meet up with Lee and Marli at the Croc Tent.

Olympic divers should wear MX boots to make it more interesting

There was some poor riding technique up this part, I got stuck in a pothole in a river, dropped the bike at the top of a rise, and was in a general funk. Cindy was riding well and inspired me with a subtle “Poor dear, do you want to turn around and go back to the main road?”, after that it was raw aggressive riding, smashing through and over everything until we reached Mistake Creek and the road out toward the Jardine River crossing.

The crossing is one of the rare “no alternatives” to the Cape, everyone must use the ferry because the alternatives are certain failure and a buffet for crocodiles. Timing is important as they keep very strict work hours, one minute past close and you’ve missed it, and there are no facilities. Due to Covid the place was empty when we arrived, except for a Toyota Landcruiser Sahara which I accidentally glanced into. I wanted to get in to experience the dust-free climate control, real bad. A final wander the short distance up to Bamaga for fuel and then out to Loyalty Beach for our final camping spot for two nights. Yet another fabulous camp dinner, our last as the next one would be up at the Loyalty Beach Pub, assuming we could coax performance from aching bodies for one more day.

Jardine River Ferry. All aboard.

The fun never stopped for Cindy & Squid

The Croc tent is unfortunately a souvenir place selling all sorts of stuff including “I rode all the way to the Top” magnets, stickers, stubby holders, dish cloths, and T-shirts. The ultimate way to put the mozz on me I thought as I watched Cindy load up, I wondered how many had come off badly in the last 17.8km while pre-emptively sporting an un-deserved “I Rode to the Top” singlet. As always, things you think might happen rarely do, and after a very pleasant ride through the thick forests, we popped out onto the beach.

All present, and correct

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IN C AP E A B L E

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Some walking was then required, I thought someone said 4km so had started weeping at the thought of that in MX boots, but it turned out to be only 700m and well within tolerances for personal non-motorised travel. Again Covid came to the rescue, there was only a small group at the sign so there was plenty of opportunity for congratulation and photos. The feeling was a bit like standing at Cape L’Agulhas at the southern tip of Africa in 2017 – we’d faced moments of terror and lots more of comradeship and fun on the journey – and had made it.

Ginger Dicks Tin Mine and Telegraph cables termination

Cindy at the less popular most northern termite mound in Australia

Various options for sight-seeing or more hard-core “off the chain” riding were offered up

by Ellwood, unsurprisingly we accepted the option which included the Australian mainland’s most northerly mine. Firstly a look around the tragic Bob Ansett Cape York Resort, now looking like the original Jurassic Park and slowly being overgrown.

Then back to the Croc Tent to turn off north to the Punsand Bay resort. Lee was now leading, as a local she had been out to the most northerly mine and thought she could figure out the route. Charging off the road, a very vague track wandered through the dry scrub and suddenly mullock piles alerted us to the fact that we’d arrived at the Holland Reef (Ginger Dicks) Tin Mine. Future Ellwood tours will probably make it mandatory to visit the mine, reaching the Cape is done by thousands but very few know where to see Ginger Dicks. A final treat was Cable Beach to see the termination concrete block with the telegraph cables embedded.

Off to Punsand Bay to the resort for a very well-deserved lunch, and then the ride back to Loyalty Beach Pub which wasn’t without incident, Cindy managed to get through her nemesis creek crossing but then dropped the bike while celebrating, perhaps a fitting way to finish. Back at camp, bikes were washed and loaded, riding gear was hung in the laundry tree, and dressing for dinner completed. Off to the pub, excellent fish and chips and many wines were had, and the trip was over, with only a ride to the airport in the Loyalty Beach courtesy bus left to do the next day.

End of the riding

So, to summarise. Ellwood first. The most telling statistic for the trip was the number of complaints from the customers. Zero. Not one.

The team are all extremely competent riders and champions in their own right. Advice and tips through the tough bits were excellent in keeping

IN C AP E A B L E

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people going, but the best was that regardless of our ability they worked really hard to get us to the top and have got people in their late 60’s up OK. Squid’s support for Cindy and I was great and he made the whole thing exceptional fun. They also work very hard to get access through the stations and Aboriginal land, and watching Woody talk with the locals to build relationships showed how it should be done; respectfully.

Next our experience. Would recommend it strongly to anyone with basic experience riding trail bikes. Were we too old to do it? No, apart from a few bruises for me and something that almost became a blister for Cindy, injuries extremely minor considering what we rode through. Yes, you can ride the whole way up the development road on big adventure bikes, get covered in dust and suffer RSI from the corrugations in places, but get there regardless and have a lot of fun. But would you see as much? Not really, apart from the southern end the best riding and scenery and wildlife and lack of traffic was on the side-tracks. We saw a big adventure bike on the Telegraph Track, but even though he was an excellent rider he was lucky that he bumped into our group. Woody’s attitude is to help anyone and everyone on the Cape - you are a long way from the RACQ out there.

Yet again we held our luck with tour companions, all great people with no hesitation in offering help and getting stuck in, and some hilarious nights were had around the campfire. As always this story is dedicated to them, with extra special dedication to the four who helped me carry my bike over the Pascoe River and those who pulled me out of the sand a few times.

The whole & happy crowd at the Top

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YET MORE PHOTO COMP ENTRIES

Paul Hughes, Member #3126 trespassing?....

Steve Herpich, Member #4294 “Beautiful R90S in Bormio, Italy July 2013.”

Michael Johnson, Member #4594 “Seen while in Warsaw chained to a post in the ghetto”

Steve Herpich, Member #4294 “BMW Club Spain taken in Salamanca 2017. Meredith used to have an identical blue R1200RT.” Paul Hughes, Member #3126 our nations capital

BUT WAIT.. PHOTO COMP ENTRIES

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Michael Ahlberg, Member #4331 “Out and about in Paris.”

Editors: Some absolute classics there Michael & Anne

Steve Herpich, Member #4294 “Meredith’s bike being admired by fellow bikers in Cortina, Italy June 2013.”

Jane Gray, Member #4300 “Tony found a ‘city-size’ BMW in Paris during our 2010 UK/Europe trip”

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By Tony Gray, Member #3905

A

pparently we have Hipparchus of Nicaea, the Greek Astronomer from antiquity, to thank for the 24 hour clock. Through his observations of the movement of the moon, sun and stars he divided the day into 24 equinoctial hours, based on the 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness observed on equinox days. In modern times we roughly divide the day into 8 hours for sleep, 8 hours for work and 8 hours for play. However in motorcycling terms the 8 hours reserved for play is never enough so we ‘steal’ a bit from those other areas. So was born the concept for the Sunrise to Sunset ride successfully staged on 4 September.

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK a timed navigation trial. Riders were sent off in pairs every 30 seconds and the field was limited to 120 bikes. The event was complex to plan and run and included a catered lunch along the way.

Ron recalls the ladies auxiliaries at Kalbar and Kenilworth Showgrounds being used during the years he managed the event. The planning took up about 9 months of the year and many work hours for the organisers. Despite the logistical imposts the event spanned 3 decades. Remember too that there were no GPS devices in play – I wonder how many of today’s GPS dependent riders would make it to lunch if similar self-navigation rides were to be staged today – don’t worry, I have no intention of putting that little muse to the test.

Leading up to the ride day, Club historian and life member Gary Bennett, reliably informed me that the club had once actively participated in the Ducati Owners Club 6 to 6 ride (a similar concept), such that the BMWMCQ eventually took over the running of the event from the DOCQ. As an owner of an old Ducati Bevel Drive L twin I cannot understand why the DOCQ would have contemplated running an event that required riding in the dark – electrics were never a strong suit for the bikes from Bologna in the 1970s. I consulted another oracle of club history who just so happens to live on a mountain top, Ron Durkin.

Fortunately modern electronic devices gave us the means of communication precluding the need for me to ascend the mountain to consult this oracle.

There had been a question mark raised by Gary as to whether the 6 to 6 ride was linked to another classic ride of the 70/80’s, the midnight to dawn ride. Peter Ferguson made mention of that event on a recent club FB post but Ron assured me that the two rides were very much separate events even though they were run concurrently for a number of years. Maybe our editors can ‘lean on’ Peter or Darryl Gowlett (also heavily involved) for a story on that particular event – I am sure it must have had many colourful episodes to relate.

Let’s get back to Ron’s background to the previous 6 to 6 ride: It was originally staged and planned by a collective of three clubs – the Historical MC Club of Qld, British Singles MC Club and Classic MC Club of Qld. Ron still holds the perpetual trophy bearing the names of those 3 inaugural clubs. The event was picked up and run by the Ducati OCQ and then about 1981 was taken over and run by the BMWMCQ. This was

The 6 to 6 Perpetual Trophy

Roll on to the year of 2020 which is best remembered as the year that Covid 19 broke out of China and severely affected the life and livelihood of most Homo sapiens living on this planet. It is also remembered for the severe rain event that washed out our first attempt at a sunrise to sunset ride in July. The Ravensbourne Range claimed another victim. Planning for the 2021 edition, we excluded the Ravensbourne Range from the route (no superstitions here!) and moved it later in the year to early spring. That time of year had the sun duration spanning approx. 12 hours from 5.30 am to 5.30pm. Normally when route planning, we like

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK to test ride the intended route to ensure that all of the roads are still in the same place that Google Maps and/or Garmin Basecamp tells you they are.

In the case of the S to S ride which covered over 500km this was not possible in the weeks leading up to the event. We therefore relied on some wellknown paths sprinkled with a bit of blind faith and a wet finger pointed towards the breeze.

Our Beautiful Brisbane

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The most important part of the plan was to fix the start and end points and then play around with the middle bit. Mount Coot-tha is a lay down misere as a start point with the best view across an awakening city. Last year we had planned on finishing at the Mt Gravatt Lookout but that required some suburban riding. The chosen alternative this year was a little gem on Mt Glorious called the Westridge Outlook. As the name implies the views from this vantage point are to the west of Brisbane over the D’Aguilar ranges so an ideal spot to see the last rays of the sun give way to the night sky.

The weather forecast was for mild conditions with the possibility of early showers so nothing to deter us hardy motorcyclists. Jane and I are only a short distance from Mt Coot-tha and arrived not long after first light to find eight eager souls already in attendance. The roads were a bit damp from some early morning showers but that was it for the day. Perfect riding conditions unfolded.

Getting ready to Rock ‘n Roll

The sunrise was impressive with a little cloud and some light mist adding texture to the panoramic view before we mounted up for a short ride through the western suburbs to a popular café at Anstead for breakfast. ‘The Reserve’ has been used by the club several times now and the food and service never disappoint. ‘The Reserve’ reserves the side veranda for us which is a bit cramped but allows a clear view over our steeds gathered in the carpark. The first changing of the guard happened at breakfast with Michael departing, Steve catching up just for a feed and Andrew & Ezra joining us for the rest of the day.

Ezra had been on the club mid-week ride in August so this was his second ride with the club on his Africa Twin. A new membership awaits for Ezra.

Richard M deciding whose bike to ride today

Filling the Carpark at The Reserve

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ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

The German Bake & Wurst House is a hidden Gem and I mean hidden. It is well screened in the trees and it is easy to miss their small sign – Jane and I have been past several times previously and didn’t know it was there. It was worth the effort though as it is in a nice open homely environment and serves what the name implies – German baked pastries and wurst. Our members tried both and neither disappointed.

The Reserve

We had a rough handle on the timing of the different stages for the day to keep us on track with some time to spare to keep our 5.35pm appointment with the sun. Some people do like a chat however so the breakfast banter extended a bit longer than planned but everyone was in a happy place so no problem lingering a little longer.

Stage 2 to morning tea stop still had a few whiskers on it as our chosen venue at the beautiful ‘Spring Bluff’ Café had closed requiring an 11th hour rethink. The German Bake & Wurst House at Helidon Spa looked to fill the bill as an alternative. It is in the same geographical area but it would prove to be more of a route challenge than first appeared.

The Toowoomba By-Pass Toll road has cut a swath across that part of the Lockyer Valley and confused the various mapping systems. Google Maps shows an underpass into Helidon then a back road to Helidon Spa. Garmin’s Basecamp said there is no underpass and the only access into Helidon Spa is via the new A2 toll road and a loop back to join Postman’s Ridge Road. In reality they were both right and wrong. Yes there is an underpass into Helidon but no, it does not lead to Helidon Spa. A scenic loop around downtown Helidon on a Saturday morning did not present any traffic snarls, then it was back onto the A2 and loop around to find our morning tea stop.

In among the trees at the German Bakehouse

Wurst or Strudel

The sniff of wurst was too much for editor Duncan to resist as he and Cindy joined us fresh from their bike trip to the tip of Cape York.

Bruised, blistered and sleep deprived this was truly a herculean effort to sample a wurst. With Cindy & Duncan relating tales from the wild north the ‘linger a little longer’ held sway once again as we were late away on Stage 3 to the Bunya Mountains for lunch. We did a little detour into Spring Bluff for a peek at the colourful gardens for those on their first visit. We were greeted with an overflowing carpark and temporary pavilion full of the ‘beautiful people’ no doubt enjoying a function associated with the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

Flower display at Spring Bluff

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Not for the first time that day we did a quick U turn and headed back out to Murphy’s Creek Road. These U turns are pre-planned into every BMWMCQ run as a skills enhancement exercise.

We had planned to fuel up at Highfields and were presented with fuel prices pushing $1.80/L for ULP and ‘gulp’ for PULP. This was another example of price gouging during the very busy Carnival of Flowers by the Petro Giants. Our route cross country picked up Steve M. at Goombungee where he had ridden from the Sunny Coast, before a nice spirited ride up the Bunya Mountains on the tar from near Kaimkillenbun.

Fawlty Towers on the Bunyas

High on a Bunya Hill

Mark G. also joined us from the Sunny Coast for lunch at ‘Poppies on the Hill’ where ensued a lunch of Pythonesque proportions. It was so funny you could not get upset as the harried staff tried to accommodate a lunchtime crowd that was beyond their expectations – we had booked but that was largely irrelevant. The son/grandson of the owners – let’s call him Manuel – delivered toasted sangers to Steve and then whisked them away just as quickly under instruction from Mum before Steve could deliver a lethal bite. A piece of carrot cake couldn’t be given away so was just left in front of me before Manuel was given a metaphorical clip behind the ear from Mum and relocated it to another table.

The iced teas arrived after having been turned down by 4 other tables and so it went on much to the amusement of all. Needless to say, when we had all been fed and watered the timetable had gone out the window. A collective decision was made under burgeoning waste lines to jettison the planned afternoon pie stop at the Blackbutt Bakery and push on to the finish post.

Two horsepower at Bunya

The run down the north side of the Bunyas’ to Kumbia was fun where we turned down past Tarong Power Station to Yarraman. Then it was onto Blackbutt and a 2nd refuelling spot at the United Servo outside of Moore. This was the farewell stop for a few of our riders with Mark & Donna, Steve, Mark G & Craig all leaving the group to head off to their north-side destinations. That left Paul H, Paul J, Andy, Ezra, David, Richard, Jane and me to carry the baton to the finish line. As we prepared to pull out of the servo I checked the ‘time to destination’ on my GPS which showed 5.35pm – sunset hour. I was once again reminded of the classic line from the Blues Brothers Movie – “There’s 106 miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark out, and we’re wearing sunglasses”.

The ride to Westridge Outlook was ‘spirited’ with the sun dropping like a stone in the west and the ‘time to destination’ on the Garmin getting shaved minute by minute. Notwithstanding the

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ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

best efforts of some Bozo in a pimped up Hyundai Speedbump on the climb up the Northbrook Parkway we still managed to arrive at 5.30pm with a full five minutes to spare. There to meet and greet us were Charlie, Geoff & Ellen and new acquisition Benji the dog. The sunset was truly worth the effort to get there in time and all the smiles were an indication of the enjoyment of those who had achieved the goal.

Extra credit to the six who were there at the start and finish – Paul H, Paul J, David, Richard, Jane and yours truly. It was a very enjoyable ride day and one that I hope we can repeat next year – maybe the start of another club tradition.

CITY RIDING - BY JANE GRAY

OCTOBER 2021

CITY RIDING JEGSept2021

The hustle & bustle and hidden cams Can be very unforgiving Traffic lights & traffic jams All part of City living But pick a time when traffic is light You might just be rewarded Riding through the streets at night Sights admired & applauded Early morn when all is still With sunrise on the river Especially when there’s still a chill Its beauty makes you shiver

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MAINTENANCE CORNER

By Tony Gray, Member #3905

I

n the September Journal we ran a story on final drive maintenance. There is a little tip that missed the story but came to light at the club service day on the 18 September. Filling the final drive with the required 180ml of oil can be difficult to achieve without spilling some oil because you are filling into a hole in a vertical casing where the casing wall is quite thick. Laying your bike on its side will work but that is a bit of an extreme measure. Fortunately there is an easier option.

I use a beaut little squeeze bottle (kindly contributed by Greg Gaffney – no, don’t ask as he doesn’t have any more) but you may have a funnel or something similar as an alternative. Cut a short piece of clear plastic hose (6mm ID in my case) to fit snugly over the bottle or funnel tip then feed that down into the Final Drive casing – presto, no spills.

What can happen if you don’t use a squeeze bottle to put the 180ml of oil in the final drive.*

*Probably the worst-case scenario is shown here.

IN THE CLUB TOOLBOX

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By Tony Gray, Member #3905

Steering Head Bearing Puller & Installer

T

he following picture does not display items of medieval torture leftover from the Spanish Inquisition. It does show an essential suite of tools that makes the job of replacing the steering head bearings in a conventional front end set up motorcycle very easy.

This tool set has been out on loan twice in the past month and used on an older airhead and K bike with equal efficiency. The steel ring in the picture sits on top of the steering head and provides a ‘platform’ for the serrated jaws of the puller to rest. I dare say it has been used many times over the past decades by club members and the protective ring had cracked. The club owes thanks to Les Fitzpatrick who has professionally welded and repaired the damaged section so it is ready for many more years of service.

Exhaust Collar Spanner

T

he second tool on display here is a spanner for removal of the threaded collars on the exhaust pipe on airhead engines. It is good preventative maintenance practice to annually remove these collars to prevent the collar from ‘seizing’ onto the threaded stub of the cylinder head. A smear of ‘never seize’ on the threads when reinstalling is also recommended. This tool was also pressed into service on two bikes at the recent club service day. I wouldn’t recommend trying to remove the collars without this spanner. If you were lucky you might only snap off a tab or two from the collar but you also risk damaging the threaded stub which is part of the cylinder head – ouch!

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ALL IN A DAY’S WORK - PICTURES

MY FIRST BIKE...

OCTOBER 2021

10 years ago this classic story of classic bikes by Merle Meinicke featured in the Journal. A Schwinn-Wizzer? A time before Marketing Advisors were invented obviously.

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CHRISTMAS PARTY 2021

BMWMCQ Christmas Party 2021

EVANS HEAD EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO COVID UNCERTAINTY ABOUT BORDER CLOSURES...

Tear open here to see the new details!*

*Only works if

you’ve got a 1971 Kenbak-1 personal computer with the full 256 bytes of memory available. If you don’t, then you’ll have to wait to find out

but keep Saturday 4th December lunchtime free!

A GLANCE BACK - 20 years

By Gary Bennett, Member #509

Mount Warning Weekender - October 2001 Following is a ride report on what was my first attempt at organising a weekender back in 2001, almost 20 years ago.

For our new members, if you want to organise a weekend ride it’s not much harder than organising a “Day Ride”.

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the fantastic fast bends and straights that led us to Natural Arch. It is a great stretch of road and Charlie’s Zebra looked a bit like a red-back most of the way as Al Hore’s red 1100GS was right up his klacker (handles pretty good for a chooky). We stopped for about half an hour to check out Natural Arch, which basically is a stream that empties into a cave through a large hole in its roof. At night, glowworms can be seen in the cave.

After departing Natural Arch we rode through the Border Gates and down into the Tweed Valley of NSW and stopped for lunch at Chillingham general store. Bob, - First find an interesting destination with some the owner of the business laid out the welcome mat for accommodation or campground or both and us. He has a liquor licence, good food and a great front somewhere to eat that night or BYO if camping. veranda overlooking the main road through town. After - Check with the venue if the weekend that you want to a hearty lunch we bid farewell to those who were making stage the event is good for them. a day trip out of the ride as the rest of us proceeded on to Mt. Warning via Tyalgum. The adventure riders took - Find an interesting route to get there. a dirt road around the southern side of Mt. Warning, - Let the “Event Coordinator” know what weekend you while the road bikes stayed on the bitumen on a road around the north side of the mountain. We all arrived at plan to stage the event so it can be entered into the Club Calendar. That’s about it. around early to mid afternoon giving us plenty of time to relax before the sun went down.

It’s not hard to organise and will leave you with a big Relaxing was not what some members had in mind as sense of achievement after the event. There are many members in the club (including myself) that would offer they elected to miss Natural Arch and continue on to Mt. Warning arriving early enough to enable them to assistance or advice to anyone wanting to organise climb up the mountain in the afternoon before the sun their first ride for the club. went down. Some of us took advantage of the electric On the weekend of the 20th and 21st of October 2001, the BBQ’s for dinner, while others used their own cooking weekender to Mt. Warning was held. Seventeen bikes facilities or the campfire, but we all got together after gathered at the BP Stapylton Service Centre eagerly dinner around the campfire. awaiting our departure.

2.15am, my alarm goes off. It’s time to climb the It was a cloudy day with a mild breeze, which was good mountain. We all met, with torches in the carpark at the because it kept the temperature to a comfortable level. base of the track leading up the mountain and for the We made our way through Tamborine Village and record the participants were:- me (with a back-pack of Canungra to the old Tram Tunnel, where we had our first Champagne and plastic flutes) and my son, Matthew, stop. The tunnel was built almost 100 years ago to allow Tad and Kim Kaszycki, Graham and Liz Healey and Greg a tram track (used for carrying timber) to pass through a Dunne. I managed to get an ingrown toe nail in the week large hill. During the years of WW2 it was used to store leading up to the weekend, but it didn’t stop me or slow ammunition. After a walk through the tunnel and then me down and we made it up the mountain in two hours, a short chat in the carpark, we continued on our way about 20 minutes before sunrise. We didn’t actually see via the always popular twisty road through Beechmont the sunrise because the clouds moved in just before to the Hinze Dam. While passing through Beechmont dawn, but we popped the top off the champagne we witnessed what appeared to be an attempt to break anyway and enjoyed what view we did have before the some world record for how many hang gliders could be descent back down the mountain. parked on the side of the road, they were packed in like sardines, it was a spectacular sight with just as many Upon arrival back at the campground we lit up the BBQ again and had breakfast before departing for flying overhead. home. Now, my intentions were to travel home via We stopped for a short bum break at the kiosk at Hinze Murwillumbah, Tomewin and the Currumbin Valley, but Dam, which was where I noticed that Charlie Brown’s I had such a great ride on the way down, I changed my tyres were very sticky and actually had rubber balling mind and went back the same way past the Hinze Dam. up on the outsides of the front tyre. Now, remembering back to my speedway days, I know that tyres that are Thirty people did the two-day event (excluding the day that soft don’t last very long and I was surprised to trippers) and I am sure they look back with enjoyment learn that he actually got 15,000 K’s out of a set. After on this weekend as I do. being entertained by Charlie doing about a dozen laps around a small round-a-bout we departed south along

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OCTOBER 2021

A GLANCE BACK

A glance back 10 years to October 2011 and the below cover shot of Mark Loring’s K1200GT at Mulgowie is a top one. I am sure you will agree it deserves to grace the pages of the Journal again!

RFDS

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Thank you to everyone who donated some spare cash into the RFDS collection tin over the past 3 months. This was counted by the RFDS and the amount of $251.85 was in the collection tin - great effort! We have another empty tin which we will fill up over the next few months, so bring some spare cash to the next ride to donate!

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OCTOBER 2021

CLUB TRAINING SUBSIDY

BMWMCQ TRAINING COURSE SUBSIDY

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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 June 2021 re-eligible June 2024.

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

OCTOBER 2021

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

This month’s video: Q: Why sand blast without stripping?

A: So motorcycle repair people can spend hours and hours playing and practising swearing. https://www.facebook.com/Boxerworks/ videos/1243748812763356/

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OCTOBER 2021

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

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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

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OCTOBER 2021

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

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OCTOBER 2021

Having a Vent!

Cindy Bennett, Member #4170

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otorcycle jackets, from Fonzie cool retro leather to high tech vented, Goretex and even ones with an airbag – there is a bewildering array of choices out there. Baffling and copyrighted terms such as Cordura, Matryx and Air-tech also serve to confuse matters.

THE LAST WORD

Our recent ride to Cape York brought about a wardrobe shopping spree to get “MX ready”!

Zip up long sleeve body armour and a jersey looked after the top half nicely. This outfit also did extra duty as a swimsuit, jumping into rare croc-free water holes had the dual advantage of cooling me down nicely and giving the outfit a bit of a wash! Although a learning was to buy darker colours as my fashionable “Fly” light blue jersey became red dust tinted to the extent that Napisan could not shift it upon return from the trip!

What type of riding you do and what type of bike you own definitely plays a major part in So, my conclusion about jackets is that one selecting the ideal jacket. And meeting the size definitely does not fit all and throughout Australian safety standards is of course a given. our riding years needs (and sizes…) evolve Unless you snag a bargain on Gumtree (or our considerably. I strongly believe that you do get BMWMCQ For Sale FaceBook Page) a jacket is a what you pay for, my current Klim jacket being major investment, so the risk of getting it wrong the proof in the pudding. can be very costly indeed.

But not sure I will be riding with one of the I do like to read reviews of jackets, but to try Flannelette hoody versions anytime soon! them on and try out the zips and pockets is necessary for me. I haven’t brought a jacket MX prepared in the vented online, but I know others have and it has worked armour vest (and cold well for them. bevvie) Since I got back into riding nearly 10 years ago, I have had 5 jackets. Two are still in use. My Klim Altitude jacket was a significant investment 2 years ago, but so worthwhile. What I like about it is that it is completely waterproof, doesn’t need a liner and the vents open well to provide enough air flow for all but the hottest days. Because they are made for females they fit well around the hip and bust region as well.

I previously had a BMW GS Dry jacket but being The Klim jacket is a “unisex” one and the fit was boxy and it didn’t even suitable for turn out to be so dry after being caught in Tassie! several downpours!

My summer riding jacket is a BMW summer venting style which I really like as it feels like riding in just a t-shirt. The faded denim look is also quite stylish I think!

I have also had a Dririder Vortex adventure style jacket which I wore on our Africa trip and aside from needing a liner to be waterproof it was a comfortable unit and had a practical length which made it a pleasure to wear. It did fade to a dark grey colour from the relentless sun.

For the love of all things sacred - say NO to the flannie!

2 SIDES OF AMALFI COAST

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These 2 photos taken on the Amalfi Coast show 2

sides to the story. Jane in the shade of the palm tree on a bright sunny day with a brilliant blue sea as a backdrop. The reality was unbelievable traffic congestion on an extremely hot and humid day with seemingly no escape. Jane, me and the overheating Grey Ghost were very happy when we finally got out of there. - Tony Gray

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.