BMWMCQ Journal September 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

www.bmwmcq.org.au

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

Congratulations to the winner of the BMWMCQ photo competition 2020 - Geoff Hamon’s Up Tamborine Mountain

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC.

The Committee President- Paul Hughes Ph: 0409 814 633 President@bmwmcq.org.au 1200 GS / 700 GS

Vice President - Mark Gilbert Ph: 0400 151 750 vpres@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200GS / F800GS

Secretary - Tony Gray Ph: 0409 493 605 secretary@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 GS (The Grey Ghost) R 60/6 Treasurer - John Eacott

Ph: 0428 383 826 treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au 2017 K1600GT

Events - Mark Mustchin Ph: 0416 061 638 events@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200GS

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

Ph: 0411424 219 records@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 RT

This Issue - SEPTEMBER 2020 Contents:Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Committee Reports . . . . . . . . . . 5 REGALIA CATALOGUE . . . . . . . . . . 12 BMWMCQ EVENTS CALENDAR . . . . 14 NATIONAL MOTORRAD RALLY . . . . . 16 from the pen of jane gray . . . . 17 MAINTENANCE CORNER . . . . . . . . . 18 RIDE TO GLIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 BACK TO BUSH #16 . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 BACK TOGETHER AGAIN . . . . . . . . 26 A HANDY RIDE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

FRIGID DIGIT PT 2. . . . . . . . . . . . 42 REMEMBERING DAVE . . . . . . . . . . 43 B2B #17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 CANE TOAD PICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 THUNDER RALLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 A QUICK GLANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 CHRISTMAS PARTY. . . . . . . . . . . . 49 FOR THE AIRHEADS . . . . . . . . . . . 50 ADVERTISING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 THE LAST WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 BMWMCQ BOOK EXCHANGE. . . . . . 57

Advertisers

TeamMoto Springwood & GC- 55 TeamMoto M&W- BACK COVER

TeamMoto - INSIDE COVER Caloundra Motorcycles - P.52 Northside Motorcycles - P.53 Munich Motorcycles - P.54 Good Wool Store - P.55

On The Cover The overall Photo Comp winning pic by Geoff Harmon, read more about it on page 4.

Tools/Spares - Bill Luyten Ph: 0438 123 747 tools@bmwmcq.org.au R1150 Rockstar - R1200 GS LC

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

Dealer Liaison - Don Grimes

Ph: 0411 601 372 R1200GS; K1300

Club Details BMW Motorcycle Club of Queensland Inc.

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

Address all correspondence to: The Secretary PO Box 3669 South Brisbane QLD 4101

4. Organising day trips, tours and outings.

ABN 30 351 243 651

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.

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

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

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

WEB SITE Visit: www.bmwmcq.org.au

4

Editorial

SEPTEMBER 2020

Cindy & Duncan Bennett

bragging rights.

Editors’ Report

W

ell the photo competition is over, filling up the pages with fantastic photos has been an absolute pleasure over the past few months and very inspirational. The entire purpose of Facebook and social media platforms is to post stuff that makes everyone else feel inadequate, and some of the photos have certainly achieved that. So we’ll be getting out even more and trying to get that elusive “money shot” to bring home the

Will definitely see you on the road, Cindy & Duncan EMAIL TO THE EDITORS

Geoff Harmon on his winning photo competition picture: The picture was taken up at Tamborine Mountain on one of my normal circuits I do from time to time. It’s a comfortable 2 hours up and back from our place at Redland Bay. Also often get some avocados on my way.

The RS was a one owner I picked up in 2005. 26K original klm on the clock. This guy turned up at a club meeting when we were having them at The German Club. Said he had this Pearl White RS for sale. I stood up and said I’ll give you 3G’s for that sight unseen.

Which I did. Had to get it trailered home, it was a bit sad and very neglected. He had bought it new to AUS specs while he lived in London and imported it himself. I have all the papers etc and docs.

Took it right back to frame, had to remove the gearbox and clutch. The clutch was stuck together, tyres were flat, steering head bearings shot. Had the wheels powder coated, put in new bearings. YSS rear shocks etc, etc. This is my fourth R100RS I have restored and it’s a keeper. Currently done 95K. I have all receipts for everything I have spent on it .

Submissions for the Next Journal close 28-ish September 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 3rd September!

Committee Reports Paul Hughes

SEPTEMBER 2020

5

President’s Report

W

ell August turned out to be a very busy month of club activities. We had a return to live meetings at Geebung RSL with a great turn out considering lingering restrictions and another fabulous service day at Rob Wynn’s great facilities.

The Poker run was a big turn out on a great route. A lot of fun was had by all with some interesting new roads and a scattering of dirt for those so inclined. The day before we also got a great turn out for the Pickering street Coffee Meetup, where we had a much bigger turn out than expected.

The following weekend was just a great weekend back in the Bush at Mundubbera and Dalby with a equally surprising big turn out and some great riding and socialising. Saw some people we hadn’t seen in a while and hope to see more of them.

Last weekend was off to Toobeah for the 25th Cane Toad Rally which was a huge success with 57 Queenslanders attending.

The club is certainly active again and thanks must go to the following for the efforts they put into organising the events through out August. Bill Luyten and Rob Wynne, Jane and Tony Gray, Mark Mustchin, David Whale, Gary Bennett, Darryl Gowlett, Richard Maher and Graham Healey. The efforts all these people go to is what makes this club so worthwhile. They are all from different backgrounds and length of membership and they all do a great job for the whole club. Thanks folks. Of course, the committee has also been working hard to with lots of new things in the pipeline.

Queensland is relatively restriction free (for the moment anyway) but you must feel for our fellow clubbies in VIC and NSW. Let’s hope we don’t end up at that point. All club activities planned and published are still on track at this stage.

We have had to become more precise with our numbers for venue bookings. You no longer can just rock up without notifying organisers. We have had some examples that caused embarrassment to some members, so please ensure you do your utmost to help our necessity to have accurate numbers and comply with restrictions on numbers. If you just rock up you will not be included.

September has lots of activities coming up. General Meeting, Monthly Club ride, Coffee Meet-up, Club Lunch Ride and of course the German Club Social dinner. Plenty for everyone and something for everyone.

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible this month out riding and enjoying to company of other club members.

Ride Safe.

Cheers, Paul

Pucker up Prez..... (CTR shenanigans!)

6

SEPTEMBER 2020

H

Mark Gilbert

Committee Reports Vice President’s Report

i All,

What a great riding month it has been with the catch up of events postponed earlier in the year. The Back to the Bush #16 and the Cane Toad rally three day events (for me) one week apart which I followed up with being tested in the Mt Mee (D’aguilar) state forest on some very rough tracks (not on the 1200). Great company and it is a pity government is not run around a fire as solutions to the world’s problems were discussed and found around the campfire and pot belly stove at Toobeah. The GPS enabled some U turns on the way back from the Cane Toad Rally even though it wasn’t a led ride however it was great riding out on the back roads. I look forward to the Back to the Bush #17 at Maryborough and Goomeri in October.

I hope you are all keeping safe and well and I look forward to seeing you at the next event.

Regards, Mark Mark Mustchin

J

Event’s Report

ust want to remind everyone about the “Ride to Glide” in October, only a couple of places left and the opportunity to spend big air time with literally some of Australia’s best gliding pilots doesn’t come along terribly often (Editor starting to talk in geological time here). The events are coming thick and fast, thinking B2B17, Frigid Digit - dry director’s cut, weekend rides aplenty. Get into it.

Committee Reports

F

7

SEPTEMBER 2020

John Eacott

Treasurer’s Report

inances are fairly stable.

I have re-issued advertising invoices after our supporters were given 6 months ‘free’ advertising to help through the COVID19 financial times, and given refunds to those who have requested after paying for the postponed BMW CA Motorrad Rally.

BMW Motorcycle Club of Queensland 2:27 PM Inc

BMW Motorcycle Club of Queensland Inc

February 1 through August 21, 2020

As of August 21, 2020

Profit & Loss Prev Year Comparison 21/08/20

Balance Sheet

Cash Basis

Feb 1 - Aug 21, 20 Ordinary Income/Expense Income Advertising Income Interest Received Membership Fees Total Income Expense Affiliation Fees Auditors Fees Australia Post / Post Box Rent Bank Charges Club competition Computer costs Internet Services Software Expense

Feb 1 - Aug 21, 19

1,725.00 358.88 6,842.95

4,400.00 245.00 6,607.84

8,926.83

11,252.84

0.00 660.00 201.00 10.00 450.00

238.00 0.00 195.00 0.00 0.00

184.67 63.59

Total Computer costs

248.26

222.85

Government Charges Insurance Brokers fee Insurance GST Policy fee Premium Stamp Duty Insurance - Other

141.00

55.35 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 75.89

Total Insurance

916.00

75.89

43.95 31.46 130.62 137.00

215.31 0.00 108.25 200.00

150.00

0.00

150.00

0.00

173.80 20.00 214.31 90.78 0.00 2,310.00

14.30 20.00 50.12 56.36 91.74 2,310.00

Total Expense

5,928.18

3,853.17

Net Ordinary Income

2,998.65

7,399.67

Printing and Stationery Telephone Tools Expense Website Domain Expenses Website Hosting Expenses Website Maintenance

Other Income/Expense Other Income Donations Income Event income 2020 BMW CA Rally income Event income - Other

58.00 813.00 0.00 813.00

2,000.00

0.00 0.00

25.00 10.00

Total Other Income

871.00

2,096.00

Other Expense 2020 BMW CA Rally

144.96

0.00

Total Other Expense

144.96

0.00

726.04

2,096.00

3,724.69

9,495.67

Net Other Income Net Income

10,127.73 20,000.00

32,205.55

30,127.73

0.00

1,395.00

Total Accounts Receivable

0.00

1,395.00

32,205.55

31,522.73

Fixed Assets Club Banners Property, Plant and Equipment

0.00 0.00

150.40 439.32

Total Fixed Assets

0.00

589.72

32,205.55

32,112.45

0.00

90.32

LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Accounts Payable *Accounts Payable Total Accounts Payable

0.00

90.32

Other Current Liabilities Club Event Payments

1,320.00

1,800.00

Total Other Current Liabilities

1,320.00

1,800.00

1,320.00

1,890.32

1,320.00

1,890.32

Total Current Liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS

30,885.55

30,222.13

EQUITY Retained Surpluses Net Income

27,160.86 3,724.69

20,726.46 9,495.67

TOTAL EQUITY

30,885.55

30,222.13

61.00

Regalia Sales Tools & parts sales

11,853.12 20,352.43

Total Chequing/Savings

0.00 2,000.00

Total Event income

Aug 21, 19

Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable

TOTAL ASSETS

Miscellaneous Office Supplies PayPal commission Postage Prepaid Expense 2020 Christmas Party Total Prepaid Expense

ASSETS Current Assets Chequing/Savings BMWMCQ Cheque Account BOQ Premier Investment Acct

Total Current Assets

152.90 69.95

176.15 78.26 50.00 556.50 55.09 0.00

Aug 21, 20

Page 1

8

SEPTEMBER 2020

Tony Gray

Committee Reports Secretary’s Report

C

ovid 19 has continued to dominate the NEWS and has been the main topic of general conversation but it has been very pleasing to have the Club starting to return to what may be the ‘new normal’ for the foreseeable future. Attendances at our first ‘live’ General Meeting at Geebung RSL may have been a little below pre Covid days but it was still a very pleasing turnout. We were separated from the main body of the RSL for our dinner but that was a minor inconvenience to help the Club comply with their Covid Plan. We all have to be aware of the importance of the Covid Plans in any establishments we visit on our Club rides – put your name down for the ride or risk the embarrassment of being refused entry to a lunch venue.

The winter riding conditions in SEQ must be the envy of other riders around the World – it cannot get much better than a crisp start warming to a daytime temp in the low to mid 20’s°C under a cloudless blue sky. There can be no excuse for leaving your bike in the shed on the battery charger gathering dust.

Jane and I had a lot of fun planning for and organising the August Poker Run in the beautiful Fassifern Valley. We added some new backroads that were unfamiliar to most and also added the option of dirt or tar which bought a smile to everyone’s face. If you know of a good bike road that is ‘off the beaten track’ whether it is dirt or tar then let Mark Mustchin know and he may be able to integrate into a club ride.

I have had two more letters out this month for members seeking ‘Concessional Registration’ on their pre-1989 motorcycle. Membership of a club is one of the conditions to obtain this form of registration.

Remember that the motorcycle does not have to be a BMW motorcycle to make application to the Dept of Transport using your BMWMCQ membership.

Committee Reports

SEPTEMBER 2020

9

BMWMCQ Meeting Minutes 06 August 2020 Venue: Geebung RSL Meeting Opened: Apologies: Minutes of Previous General Meeting:

7.30 pm Maggie & George Rafanowicz, Cindy & Duncan Bennett, Michael John, Bill Luyten, Graham Healey, David Whale, John Allan, Chris Lancaster, Steve & Meredith Herpich.

Accepted: Geoff Hodge Seconded: Mark Gilbert

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

Editor Report: Tools Report: Regalia Report: Records Report: Events Report:

Secretary Report:

Dealer Liaison Report: Vice President Report: President Report: Other Events/Buy/Sell/Swap:

Past rides: General Business Closed:

27 Martin & Jodie Maher (K1600) + XS650 Yamaha Nil Bob Coleman (new R1200RS) Listed in the Journal. Bank Balance included with P&L each month. Six months free advertising to our established sponsors. Three have already paid their renewal within a week of these being sent out. Three people have had their fees refunded for the postponed Motorrad Rally. Investment account renews this month.

Apologies. C&D welcome any feedback and articles for the journal.

Apology. Very successful service day last Saturday at Rob Wynne’s place. All credit to Rob for the use of his shed and donation of the steaks for the lunch BBQ. Links on the website for clothing etc in club logo.

235 Financial members. 7 new members in July.

German Club is back on but has been moved to Thursday as not open Tuesdays at present. Christmas Party is limited by numbers so only confirmed when you pay. Similar story with Mundubbera run which has a max capacity due to Covid restrictions AND HAS NOW BEEN FILLED. Poker Run this Sunday with Dirt & Tar route options. Weather predicted looks perfect. Come along for a chance to win $50 Bunnings Gift Voucher.

Very little correspondence other than electronic journals for other Clubs.

Correspondence out to all club secretaries notifying of the cancellation of the Motorrad Rally set for Stanthorpe Oct 2020 due to Covid 19 Shutdowns.

The lucky member draw and photo competitions have now been finalized.

Both proved popular with members judging by feedback I received as well as the number of entries for the photo comp. Thanks to all who contributed.

Bike sales going really well but they are down on stock. M&W doing free oil with service. No new models only minor changes to existing.

Thanks to Cindy & Duncan for the planned ride to Kingaroy with many crossings of the Brisbane River. Very enjoyable ride.

Christmas in July was a huge success. Big thanks to Cindy for organising.

The redrafted Cane Toad Rally is on in 2 weeks time. No NSW or Vic visitors due to Covid closures. New site found just north of Mt Perry for next year.

Will alternate between the 2 venues. Just show up and pay on the day. Dave Hepburn’s 2015 R1200RT is up for sale. Anita has a tank bag off a 650GS $50. Don Grimes has a friend selling a R100CS black with 50K. Mid-week ride surveying the routes for the Poker Run. Fit in as many as can for these mid-week rides that are proving very popular.

NZ Trip in 2021 with Get Routed. Details in journal. Special Registrations section of the FB events site is now up and operating.

8.40 pm

10

SEPTEMBER 2020

Greg Gaffney

W

Committee Reports Records Officers Report

ith the unfortunate washout of the Frigid Digit in July Gary Bennett followed up with an excellent and well attended Cane Toad Rally. This was held at Toobeah about 47 Kms west of Goondiwindi. Although this was close to the border it unfortunately excluded some eager NSW registrants.

Greg Gaffney records@ bmwmcq.org.au

Good to see there will be a Frigid Digit Part 2 (camping) in September and the Back to the Bush #17 to Maryborough should be a hoot.

New Members : Douglas & Elizabeth Townley, Woombye Joshua Finzel, Pomona, R65 Martin & Jodie Maher, Birkdale, K1600 Grand America Peter & Anne Senden, Molendinar

Committee Reports

11

SEPTEMBER 2020

Bill Luyten

Tool’s Report

Service Day 1st August The Club Service Day was recently held at Rob Wynne’s place. Around 15 members met up at Rob’s to enjoy a bit of hands on maintenance on their BMW’s in his shed, and what a great shed!

The GS-911 scan tool had a bit of a workout for a check and clear of the odd random fault code as well as resetting the service reminder. A few bikes had oil changed as well as one having a front disk brake replacement.

Thanks again to Rob for providing the great workshop, BBQ (the new weber) and the fillet steak!

The usual Sausage/ Steak Sizzle and drinks were provided for lunch ($25 was raised and will go to the RFDS).

• Vacuumate (electronic synchronization of throttle valves up to 4 cylinders) • Clutch alignment shafts (3 sizes) • Compression gauge (cylinder pressure) • Steering head bearing puller and seating tool • Gearbox output flange puller • GS-911 Wi-Fi Diagnostic tool (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)

Club Tool Loan:

$50 deposit (refundable) for GS911: Tools and spares can be picked up at my place in Springfield.

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

Bill Luyten 0438 123 747 Special Tools wluyten@bigpond .net .au or • Twinmax electronic carburetor balancer (Twin Club email: spares@bmwmcq.org.au

Tools for loan

BMW engines)

Rosi Johnson

Regalia Report

N

othing really to report here. Merchandise available online or by visiting the shop out at Gold Star Embroidery .

Happy Riding! regalia@bmwmcq.org.au

Steve might have won the thong toss if his wife was there to strongly advise him!

12

THIS SEASON’S REGALIA

SEPTEMBER 2020

Lady Shirts

2LPS - $26 65% polyester 35% cotton

Bloke Shirts

210 - $26 65% polyester 35% cotton

2LCP - $27.50 65% polyester 35% cotton

2CP - $27.50 65% polyester 35% cotton

Gender Neutral Hats & Bags

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

AH715 - $16 Bucket Hat

7LPI - $29.50 100% polyester

7PIP - $29.50 100% polyester

AH230 - $15 Cotton Cap

Metro - black/charcoal or black/royal $20.50

ICE Tee - $24.50 Cotton

ICE Tee - $24.50 Cotton “Best riding shirt ever, did Africa and still going” - Dr D. Livingston

AH742 - $17 100% Wool Beanie

AH770 - $17 100% Cotton Beanie

Swiss charcoal- $35.50

THIS SEASON’S REGALIA

SEPTEMBER 2020

13

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: Shirt product code number

Quantity

Size

Colour

Bags: Bag product name

Quantity

Colour

Metro Swiss Headwear: 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 more colours, shirt styles and fabrics available through Gold Star Embroidery - check out the website at goldstarembroidery and call Daniel - he knows all about BMW regalia!

BMWMCQ 2020 Events Calendar BMWMCQ Club Events for SEPTEMBER 2020

14

SEPTEMBER 2020

Datee Thurs 3 Sept.

Start 7:30pm

12:00pm Frigid Digit 2.0

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

Contact President Paul

Sat 5 Sept.

Event Club General Meeting

See page further on for details.

Gary Bennett

Sun 6 Sept.

10:00am Monthly Club Ride

Destination is Royal Hotel, Leyburn. Meet at Angie’s Cafe Esk 10:00am

President Paul

Wed 16 Sept.

Sat 19 Sept.

Sun 20 Sept.

10:00am Mid week Ride to Kenilworth 9:00am

Mark Mustchin - Events

Coffee Morning Coffee Club - Wynnum

Mark Mustchin - Events

German Club Dinner

Mark Mustchin - Events

12:30pm Club Lunch Ride

Thurs 24 6:00pm Sept.

Meet at Dayboro Bakery at 10:00am 70 Bay Tce, Wynnum Pioneer Arms Hotel, Goombungee

Brisbane German Club

Mark Mustchin - Events

416 Vulture Street East Brisbane

“Our Rally” Yet another triumph!

EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS CALENDAR Date 18-20 September

Event 13th Far Cairn Rally

Location Tottenham NSW

Contact BMW Touring Club NSW

SEPTEMBER 2020 BMWMCQ 2020 Events Calendar BMWMCQ Club Events for OCTOBER 2020

Datee Thurs 1 Oct.

Start 7:30pm

Event Club General Meeting

Sat 3 Oct to Mon 5 Oct.

8:30am

Back to Bush #17

Sat 10 Oct.

9:00am

Coffee Meet Up

Mon 19 Oct. Sun 25 Oct.

9:00am

Ride to Glide

12:30pm Club Lunch Ride

Thurs 29 6:00pm Oct.

German Club Dinner

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

15

Contact President Paul

Maryborough and Goomeri

Don Grimes & Kate Farrar

Sea Salt & Vine Cafe, Reef Point Esplanade, Scarborough

Mark Mustchin - Events

See page further on for details.

Kingaroy

Mark Mustchin - Events

Destination is Toogoolawah Hotel, Toogoolawah

President Paul

See page further on for details.

Brisbane German Club 416 Vulture Street East Brisbane

Mark Mustchin - Events

16

C

SEPTEMBER 2020

BMW MOTORAD RALLY

ountdown to the BMW Clubs Australia Motorrad Rally has stopped!

The planning work continues to make this a memorable event for the Club on the long weekend of 2nd to 5th October at Stanthorpe.

Registration cost is $64.39 per person and includes Rally entry, dinner on the Saturday Night and breakfast on Sunday morning along with a welcome pack including Rally Badge and Sticker along with goodies from our generous sponsors.

Registration bookings are now open directly from the BMWMCQ website (no login required), or just click here and do it right now: www.motorradrally2020.com.au

Accommodation options include camping at the Showgrounds, or your preferred style of lodging in or around Stanthorpe. A list of suggestions is provided on the registration page.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, some are doing it tough, in fact Compass Expeditions has folded - very unfortunate but we will pursue other options.

FROM THE PEN OF JANE GRAY

SEPTEMBER 2020

AUSSIE COUNTRY PUB Every town has got one, some have many more One on every corner used to be the score Mostly iron & timber sometimes brick or stone The standard of the service always set the tone Up north the wide verandas catch the cooling breeze Down south the open fireplace ensures one doesn’t freeze Outback & in the Wild West the competition’s rife Who’s got the best collection of curios of life So much paraphernalia from thongs & hats & bras Foreign paper money, memorabilia of rock stars The centre of the townships or alone out in the scrub You have to have a beer at an Aussie Country Pub

17

18

SEPTEMBER 2020

The Chain.....

By Duncan Bennett, Member #4171

W

hat on earth is that? I hear all the >800 BMW crowd and most of the >=1200 of other marques (except KTM) asking. Well, back in your dim dark past when your parent or correctional centre warden decided you needed to become independent and get yourself off to a parole meeting, kindergarten or Sunday School, they taught you to ride a bike. Last time I watched the Tour de France, none of the competitors had a final drive hidden nicely inside some smooth looking swingarm, they had a chain. So if you ever had a bike, and it’s a rare kid that didn’t, you were exposed to a chain.

A chain has many advantages; it is highly visible, able to shred the bottom of your school trousers, covered in a filthy mix of grease and what appears to be night soil, and will throw itself off at the most inconvenient moment such as when you are being chased by tough kids on dragsters. Same with motorcycle chains, although getting your school trousers stuck in one is a lot more difficult because you either threw them out or burned them 40 years ago.

This article was inspired by a recent experience on the B2B16 , see that in a few pages on from here, when my chain was discovered to be very loose and starting to rub on the centre stand guard - a big risk of a major drama. This was not a totally novel experience, so “chain awareness” is important especially if you like doing long trips.

Firstly, how long do you get out of a chain and sprockets? Looking at the original chains on our new bikes - Cindy’s 2015 BMW 700GS, 35,000km. On my Triumph Tigers, about 48,000km and 36,000km. On Cindy’s current Tiger 46,500km and still going OK.

MAINTENANCE CORNER Wildly different for chains doing similar duties on similar capacity bikes, but the range is usually somewhere between 30,000km and 48,000km. If you are over 30,000km, at least ask your service provider to give it a thorough check if you don’t like covering yourself in the grease/night soil mix. Don’t ask me how grease even gets on chains, we only use oil.

All motorcycle manuals will describe how to tension the chain. The normal method is a bit motorcycle brand specific - some can be checked on the side stand, some on the centre stand, and some inconveniently have to be held upright off the stand while you try to check the tension and not drop the bike onto yourself or your partner’s Lamborghini.

The usual allowed slack is between 25mm and about 40mm half way between the sprockets make sure you measure in the same place. Too far forward and the chain will push up into the swing arm, too far back and the rear sprocket will limit movement.

25mm - this more than precise enough

MAINTENANCE CORNER Yes you can spend money on precise chain tension calipers but at risk of having the regular writer of this series or Mark Morrissey coming down hard on me, it is an allowable range so therefore not a thing requiring precision. If out in the scrub, a guesstimate is far better than not checking at all. Which brings me to the chain modes of failure and when to start worrying....

Chains are a sandwiched series of plates, seals, rollers, bushes, and rods. Each link is either an “outie” or an “innie”, just like belly buttons, and it seems just as prone to collecting lint and bits of pizza. The contact between the sprockets and chain is the roller which sits over the bush. The bush surrounds the pin, which fits into holes in the figure 8 plates and “fixes” the pitch or length between links. Fundamentally there is no real mechanical difference between the chain on a bulldozer and the chain on your motorcycle, it is just the size. Be careful using a “D” number if asking for a new chain though - a D9 chain needs a big sprocket set, but shouldn’t wear out at least as your pizzly 1000cc won’t even move it.

The tensile strength of your average motorcycle chain is enormous. It can hold up to 5 tonnes when new. This allows you to do a full speed ABS rear braking without stretching, and an “I’m taking you Harley Davidson loser and Ferrari poser!!” drop-clutch burn-out and mono off the lights at the school pick up zone. And stringing up your world record Blue Marlin in Cairns. But, the large number of

SEPTEMBER 2020

19

contact surfaces between the pins, bushes, and rollers means that over time the whole shebang wears and next thing - stretch.

Mostly a chain will stretch fairly evenly, for example Cindy’s chain in Africa where we’d nearly run out of swing-arm by the end but it was still ride-able. Same with mine - we had spares but should really have replaced them before we left Australia. Cindy’s current chain is starting the “I need a regular small adjustment thank you” phase. But my recent experience was that sometimes they don’t stretch evenly, and the chain tension will vary between “yellowing grandpa y-fronts waist” and “look at these guns, touch them if you want”. An unevenly stretched chain is frankly a nightmare - as the loose bits come around slack in the chain catches up to the drive sprocket and there is no power to the back wheel, then as it tightens again the power comes on. The variable tension on the front sprocket and seals is a probably a recipe for oil leaks at minimum - get a new chain.

So onto some useful tips - use a lubricant spray every 300-500 km. Get a proper chain cleaner with bristles on three sides. If you haven’t got a centre stand it is frankly hard work, I had a technique with the older GS’ of pulling them over onto the side stand and lubing the chain, much harder now that they’ve moved the chain to the other side with the 750’s and 850’s.

Another handy tip; mark where your axle is on the swingarm. If you ever have to take the back wheel off or adjust the chain tension, the thickness of the permanent marker is an easy way to either put the wheel back where it started or do easy adjustments. Happy chaining!

20

SEPTEMBER 2020

And the slow race winner was Rob McNeill!

CANE TOAD PICS

RIDE TO GLIDE

SEPTEMBER 2020

21

O

n 3 days in October (19, 20 & 21) there will be four flights per day so that is a total of 12 flights available. Flights will last for about 1 1/2 hours and cost $180.00. How you get to Kingaroy will be up to you and it will be your choice to overnight in Kingaroy or ride up and back for the day only. If you decide to overnight in Kingaroy accommodation can be provided in the gliding Club’s bunk house for Monday and Tuesday night for an extra $10 per night per person.

It’s basic but cheap. Just take your own towel & linen. Alternatively motel accommodation is available at the Motel Oasis, the venue where Christmas in July was held.

Contact details for the Motel Oasis are: Phone: 07 4162 2399 Email: moteloasis@bigpond.com

Eight club members have already expressed an interest in taking up this offer so there are four places still available.

To put your name down, email Mark at events@bmwmcq.org.au Anonymous testimonials from the very short Christmas in July flights: “We went up, and glided back down. I didn’t have to use the parachute! Except once!”

“Gliding through the crisp air with spectacular views of the peanut paddocks, the peanut silos and the peanut van made me want to buy some peanuts!”

22

SEPTEMBER 2020

BACK2BUSH 16

By: Duncan Bennett, Member #4171

husband Nic from the adventure riders’ pack to cut the cable tie from the pants, but only after we’d hen you’re on a good thing, stick with it. The located a priest to over-see the ceremony. origin of that saying was actually from the Mortein advertising team in the 1940’s and they were talking about DDT but it could equally apply to the GS Lite route taken for the Christmas in July event to Kingaroy. The B2B numero 16 was in the northwest at Mundubbera, so why on earth wouldn’t we take the western branch of the Brisbane River once again?

Same old, same old. Meet at CJ’s in Woodford, spruik the ride to completely random people whilst sporting a mouth full of party pie, and hit the road. Father O’Reilly laying on a hand while reciting the To its credit, Woodford did produce a crisis of the pants cable tie removal Psalm 107:16 type which brings forth the true adventure riders A cheap chastity lock was fitted to the pants, – Margreth’s riding pants clasp failed. Cable ties, and with only occasional panicky outbursts that the tape, staples, glue - indeed nothing that could rejoin key was irretrievably lost, we headed north to Ban things that needed to come apart again in the future Ban Springs and around the corner to Gayndah. A were not thrown up as options. Lack of imagination discreet inappropriate touching of Gay Dan at the had a cable tie in place before we decided that giant orange and I led on to Mundubbera via the we’d better get to Mundubbera before dark. The Burnett River road, only to discover that half the D’Aguilar highway was swarming with Ekka weekend following party decided to take the highway, only traffic, although not quite as bad as the carpark a.k.a Nic followed. The feminines would later learn that M1 heading up from North Lakes, so Neurum Rd it they’d missed one of Queensland’s road gems – the was. High 5-ing as we passed through the finally Mundubbera Gayndah Road has sweeping bends, completed Kilcoy roadworks, we soldiered on to river views, and major scenery from the high points. the turn-off to Linville for the 4th time this year. Don’t miss it if you get the chance.

Deciding that an early lunch is the worst motivator for adventure riders, we committed to Goo-mary where surely we’d deserve a pie if we managed to smash through the suicidal swarms of cattle.

W

Starting to think about steak for some reason

As always the steak and kidney units were just sold out when we arrived in Goomeri after the sheer joy of riding the smooth farm roads, but never mind a “left field” corned beef and white sauce pie was still available. Tools were handed to Margreth’s

Team Sunnie at the Billabong

Into Mundubbera and some wild gesturing from Nic caused a stop. Apparently there was a squealing noise coming from the bike. The piglet I’d brought along in case the Billabong Motor Inn ran out of bacon was quiet and just enjoying the ride, so the source was traced to the chain which was very loose. We still beat the other half of the party into

BACK2BUSH 16

the motel comfortably though. Chain adjusted, the rising heat had us out of the riding gear, showered, and into the restaurant for the traditional raucous evening, with everyone but me wildly exaggerating their stories. It was great to catch up with COVID refugees Mario and Fiona, whose stories of crawling through mud under miles of razor wire, living on dried grass in the front boot space of a burned out VW Beetle, and surviving on browning lettuce leaves in the huge refugee camp near Texas were later confirmed by someone who owes Mario a lot of money.

The Herpich’s plotting how to see more bears and ride more blue bikes than anyone else

Saturday dawned. Unlike previous B2B events, the riding wasn’t over and most of us had to back up and make an appearance in Dalby, so the enthusiasm levels were high as we had another opportunity to make up for the litany of failures on day 1. Team GS Lite was slightly diminished; only me, Margreth and Cindy turned up to attempt the Boondooma Road, which is a glorious piece of graded dirt and very pleasant in the reduced temperatures. Poor Nic had work commitments so we tried to have even more fun on his behalf.

The weather expanded from very nice to verging on a Sunnie Coast Riders event as we headed in Kingaroy to meet the rest of the crowd for lunch. A nasty black cloud and a brief drenching rain inspired purchase of a boiled potato stuffed with chili beef, surely we were in Kingaroy for the long term. But no, the front moved away quickly and the major delay turned out to be finishing the baked spud. Heading through Kumbia, naturally assumed to be pronounced Kum-buy-yah in a deep melodic tone, the fork in the road was reached so

SEPTEMBER 2020

23

in the words of Yogi Berra we took it - once more unto the Bunya Mountains dear friends, once more.

In four attempts since 2015 to actually see anything from the lookout, we still haven’t actually seen anything. One day the weather will be perfect, likely just not when we are up there.

“If it’s flooded, forget it” not heeded on Bunya Mt

Rolling down the other side into Kaimkillenbun, we were mainly dried off by the time we rolled into the Gallery Motor Inn for part 2 of the B2B. A stroll to the “what do you call a man with no arms or legs in the bush? – Russell” Tavern and the crowd re-gathered for another excellent evening with friends.

Rolling BMW thunder down Bunya

Many thanks to Dave Whale for organising such a spectacularly successful event – great riding, venues, and an excellent stepping stone for Cindy’s and my Go West adventure to be reported in next months’ journal. May the B2B’s continue.....

24

SEPTEMBER 2020

MORE CANE TOAD PICS

AND MORE CANE TOAD PICS

And the thong toss winner was - Carl!

SEPTEMBER 2020

25

26

SEPTEMBER 2020

By Charlie Brown, member # 410 Part 1: Charlie and Wheezy Bob...

So sensation seekers here is another instalment of the Wheezy Bob story.

Thursday 29 Aug 19. Brisbane to Denver

W

oke early as usual. Breakfast and lock the house. The car service arrived on time and had a good run to the airport. I had the usual bun fight getting through security due to having two steel knees. Every other place I have been, Europe, UK, USA I have never had any problems. I tell them that I have two knee replacements and I am sent down a line, x-rayed and sent on my way. Here they don’t seem to know what to do. This time the man (Mr Hard Face) wanted to take me to a room and do a pat down and wand test. The next guy (who had a big smile) came along said that there was no need for that and ran the wand over my knees.

Now Mr Hard Face made me go back through and take my shoes off. Then Mr Big Smile came back and had me stand to the side while they argued.

Meanwhile my wallet passport etc. was sitting there in the tray at the end of the conveyor. At this point the silicon chip inside my head got switched to overload (to quote the song) and I started to get LOUD. I know that some out there will be shocked as it so out of character for me.

Finally I was allowed to go to the next hurdle of getting on the aircraft. The US immigration service needed to see my passport so I showed it to the lady, then the US immigration service needed to see my passport so I showed it to the man, then US immigration service needed to see my passport so I showed it to the lady, then the silicon chip inside my head…. Finally on the aircraft and in the Virgin Economy X seat. Into LAX and as usual there was construction going on. I have been going in and out of LAX for the last 30 years and there is always construction going on. Got on the small aircraft to Denver. Right at the back, no window and a woman with a Chihuahua in her purse. In Denver and Calvin was there. Back to Johnstown (Used

BACK TOGETHER AGAIN to be called Jonestown but for some reason the name was changed)! Talk with Cal and Amy and ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Friday 30 Aug. Denver Calvin had loaned me one of his 12 cars, a 2007 Honda Civic. I asked how his wife Amy would allow him to have 12 cars. “Well Charlie, she has 12 horses”. Fair enough I suppose, Amy is a veterinarian. Spent the day at Walmart and camping stores getting ready to head to Canada.

I got on the compudda and booked rooms for the next few days.

Saturday 31 Aug. Denver to Basin Got away at about 8am. I took the back road Hwy 287 (as Calvin called it) through Laramie and up to Medicine Bow. The local fire brigade had the road blocked and were after donations for Muscular Dystrophy Association and I threw a few dollars in the gumboot. Continued along 287 to Casper. I stopped at a servo to grab a feed and had lunch with Steve (on a BMW K1300 RS) from Walla Walla Washington. Had a good yarn and he passed on some info that was useful when I was in the Rockies on Wheezy. Back on the road and this one was right up there with the Hay plains. At Shoshoni I turned north onto a great road through a canyon.

Three tunnels numerous cuttings and I was at Thermopolis. “The World’s Largest Hot Springs” so they claim. I got to the first nights stop about 4pm. The motel looked run down and I was a bit reluctant about staying. The lady gave me the key and said that if the room wasn’t ok then that would be fine. I had a look and it was palatial, this proved true of all the places I stayed. Had a feed and got on the compudda and checked the emails.

I learned with great regret and sadness that Dave Hepburn had passed away.

Sun 1 Sep. Basin to Bozeman Had a good sleep. Got up and drove to the servo and stocked up on drinks and hit the road. I drove

BACK TOGETHER AGAIN over to Cody then up to Red Lodge where the drive turned bad. There were so many fifth wheelers that it was almost at a standstill. Most of these people have no awareness of what is around them. I was forced to pull over numerous occasions when one was taking up all the road. I filled up and headed for Bear Tooth Pass. The traffic was stopped waiting for a fifth wheeler who was stuck on the road at the hairpins. The highway patrolman told me that the driver was up for some heavy fines for exceeding the max length of his rig. Anyhow over to the Yellowstone entrance and I bought a yearly park pass. More traffic through the park past Mammoth Hot Springs to Gardiner where I had lunch. The burger and fries were surprisingly good. There were lots of bikes there mainly cruisers, but I had a good time yarning with the riders. Left Gardiner and headed to Bozeman for a hostel that I had booked. Finally found the place and it was basic but ok. I had dinner at a pizza place and it was pretty good. There was a hand written sign on the notice board of the hostel that read: “Travel is the only thing you can spend a fortune on, and come away richer”. So true.

Mon 2 Sep Bozeman to Kalispell.

Got away early and had breakfast at McDonald’s.

I got the usual “What’s an Aussie doing in Three Forks” when I stopped to get fuel at Three Forks.

They were fascinated by Aussie money, being plastic and so colourful. I headed north following the Missouri River to Helena, the Montana state capital. I was feeling decidedly below average with a cold so I stopped at Walmart. The head chemist recommended some stuff and was over the moon when I gave him a little Koala. From Helena I drove west on Hwy 12 to Avon. North on 141 to 200 and west again to Clearwater and north to Seeley Lake.

I had lunch at a place recommended and it was the usual burger and fries and it sort of ok. Off on the road north and the trees got a lot thicker. Very nice drive.

At Swan Lake I stopped and picked up a turtle sitting in the middle of the road and put it in the forest and kept going toward Kalispell. I got

SEPTEMBER 2020

27

Glacier National Park to the motel and had a lie down for a while. Still feeling a bit off. I had a subway thing for dinner and had an early night.

Tue 3 Sep Kalispell to Fort McLeod Got up early and packed the car and got away at about 730. I had some breakfast at a hash joint and it was not bad. Filled the car and put some ice in the cooler. Had a good drive up to the Glacier National Park entrance. I bought Dave Ward his beanie and drove into the park. I had bought a National Park Annual pass at Yellowstone for $80 (great value if you are going to more than two parks) so I showed it to the lady and I was in. I have wanted to travel over the “Going to the Sun” for many years and now I was on it. Would have been better on a bike, but. The traffic was pretty heavy but it was getting along ok. I wanted to stop at the top but the car park was full and overflowing so I just drove on.

At the eastern entrance I tried to get a photo of the park sign but there were dozens of Japanese tourists getting in the way. Headed north through Babb to the Canadian border at Caraway. No problems getting across. Drove across the prairies toward Fort McLeod and tried to find something on the radio that wasn’t both kinds of music. A song came on the radio and it was sooooo bad that I couldn’t turn it off. Like a car crash, you shouldn’t look but can’t turn away. It was a trucking song about a father and son and trucks. If you want to hear it go to youtube and look for a song called “Giddy up go daddy”, and keep a bucket handy. I got into Ft McLeod at about 1pm. Still feeling a bit

28

SEPTEMBER 2020

off so I had a lie down for a while.

Wed 4 Sep Ft McLeod to Deadmans Flat Still feeling pretty ordinary. Got on the lap top and booked a room at Deadmans Flat. I waited until about 9am before leaving. I arranged with the owner to get a room on my way back. Back onto the prairie and the long and non-winding road.

Further up the road was a big billboard for “Bomber command of Canada” I stopped at Nanton, and had a pleasant hour or so there. Back on the road and finally I got some scenery. An interesting event as I was driving up Hwy 40 through Height of the Rockies Provincial Park. In the gloom in front of me I could see the shape of 5 hearts in the road.

These turned out to be the backsides of some Bighorn Sheep. They turned around and stood in the middle of the road about 5 meters from the front of the car. All I could think of was how I would explain this to Calvin if they charged. The rest of the drive to Deadmans Flat was uneventful apart for the stunning scenery. Book in to the motel and went in search of food. I found a steak place in the main street of Canmore and was greeted by an Aussie accent when I went in. I asked where he was from and he said he came from a small town about 250 km west of Brisbane. I guessed Dalby, but he said think of a cross road and a servo. Ah yes Moonie. He had lived his first 18 years there.

I asked what he was doing here in Canada and he said “I come from Moonie, ever been there?” I have, and I understand.

BACK TOGETHER AGAIN

Icefield Parkway Away early again. I was going to have a look at Lake Louise but when I got to the turn off I discovered that you can’t drive there. The only access was by Bus from a HUGE car park and there was an hour wait because of the crowds. A quick rethink and I was heading for the Icefield Parkway and Jasper.

Had a great drive up the parkway with the over the top scenery getting burned into my mind. I stopped at the Columbia Icefield Skywalk and had a drink and looked at the glacier. I was thinking of doing the tour and walking on it but it cost was a bit high so I drove on. Further up the road I stopped at Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge for an expensive lunch of fish and 9 (nine) chips! I went to the counter and asked for more chips and they graciously gave me two more chips. No point in complaining as they have a captive audience as the nearest place is about 60 Km away. Anyhow I drove up to Athabasca Falls and spent about an hour there. Very nice. The rest of the trip to Jasper was pretty good and it had me captivated. I had booked into the Athabasca Hotel for the night.

Basic room, shower and toilet down the hall, all for the bargain price of $155! It was the cheapest place I could get!

Friday 6 Sep Jasper to Ft McLeod

Morning, Deadman’s Flat Thurs 5 September Deadmans Flat to Jasper

Up early and had an expensive breakfast at the place over the road. I noticed that in the car park there were power outlets where the cars could be plugged in during winter to stop the oil and coolant from freezing! WTF! That is too cold for me by a good 500 country miles!!! The trip back down the parkway was just as stunning the opposite way. I love getting on the road early, as no one

BACK TOGETHER AGAIN

Athabasca Falls has got to the day and made a mess of it. Lots to gawk at on the way back. Had a good run all the way down apart from coming around a corner to find a tourist bus on my side of the road trying to overtake some cars. I drove down through Banff, Canmore, Deadmans Flat and out onto the prairie.

The change from the mountains to the flatland is quite dramatic. I stayed on the motorway to Calgary where I immediately got lost. I knew that I had to go south so I just did that. Eventually I found Hwy 2 and headed to Ft MacLeod. On a straight piece of the Hwy which you could see for miles some twit in a Windybagoe turned straight across in front of me. Just pulled up in time, must have been my day for buses! Into the motel and the owner gave me a curry that his wife had made. Nice. Bed. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Sat 7 Sep. Ft. McLeod to Billings Off early again heading to Sweet Grass and the good old USA. On the way I had breakfast at Lethbridge. If I remember it was pretty good, if I don’t remember then it was pretty bad. No scenery so to speak of. At the border I was asked if I had any veggies etc. I had a couple of tomatoes so they sent me round the front desk. The thing with the tomatoes is that Canada imports most of its veggies from Mexico therefore not welcome in the US. After that it was back on the road with the radio on the classic station. Nothing to look at all the way to Great Falls. From Great Falls I was on Hwy 87 heading East and the scenery got a bit better. At Grass Range the road turned south and the weather closed in and the clouds were close to the ground. It looked pretty spectacular with the

SEPTEMBER 2020

29

US Border at Sweetgrass sun breaking through in places. By the time I got to Billings it had cleared and I went in search of the Vegas Motel. I got a Pizza from the Pizza Hut next door and it was pretty good surprisingly. The owner had run a Pizza Hut in Adelaide!

Sun Sep 8 Billings to Johnstown I got a bit lost getting fuel for the car and self in the early morning. Jumped on the I90 and headed east. 60 miles later I was at the Little Bighorn National Memorial. I had been there a few years ago but decided to have another look. Very moving. The rest of the morning was spent on the long black boring road to Casper. I stopped at a Denny’s for some lunch and a bit of a walk. Filled the car and got back on the road to wherever. I stopped at the Southwest Wyoming Welcome Centre for a pit stop. The place was very good with displays and loads of free maps, I love maps especially if they are free! Back on the road and I was back in Colorado and at Johnstown. I unloaded the car then drove down to the local car wash. Blasted all the Canadian bugs from the grill and gave it a good tub.

Last Stand Hill - Little Bighorn

30

SEPTEMBER 2020

Mon 9 Sep 19 Johnstown.

Pulled Wheezy Bob out of the garage and rode over to Calvin’s shed. I spent the day working on Wheezy (KLR650) getting him in trim for the trip. There was something a bit funny with the way he acted when I gave the front brake a big handful. I checked the tyre and it only had 12psi. We also drained the fork oil, which came out like black sludge. All that done I ran a spanner over the rest and tightened up the steering head bearings. I sold Wheezy to a friend of Cal’s with the understanding that I could borrow it if I came back. No problem said Martin, just insure it. I rang Progressive and they still had my account from 5 years ago when I insured Wheezy. A quick talk and $88 and Wheezy was insured. We went for lunch at a Mexican place which was good then back to the workshop. I spent a few hours tinkering with Wheezy getting ready for Wednesday.

Tuesday. 10 Sep Johnstown.

More fine tuning of Wheezy Bob. An oil and filter change and he was ready for the off. Spent the rest of the day running around Loveland to the camping shop and Walmart getting last provisions. Back at the house Wheezy was packed ready to go. I got on the compudda and booked accommodation for the next 5 days. Checked the Bank of Charlie and my tax cheque had come back.

Wednesday. 11 Sep 19 328miles.

BACK TOGETHER AGAIN

you can call it food. I got a taste for the American style lemonade and asked for a medium drink.

The girl came over and put a cup the size of a waste paper bin on the counter. I quickly changed that to the small size. I waited out the rain and jumped back onto the freeway. Wheezy went onto reserve just before New Castle so I came off and filled up. This was the same station I used 5 years ago and it hadn’t changed. I took the back roads as I did last time but this time it bucketed down. I pulled into a rest stop at Rifle and sat it out. Back on the freeway down to the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway. Great twisty road through a valley and up to Grand Mesa. What a great road lots of corners and mind blowing scenery. I had a great time going up to the top and down the other side. I filled up at Delta and got talking to a Colorado Highway Patrol officer.

Usual thing, what’s Australia like etc. etc. He told me where the motel I had booked into was so I rode down there and booked in. Shower and off to have a feed at the steak place down the road.

Great day (apart for the rain)!

Johnstown to Delta.

Woke early eager to get moving. Packed the bike and got underway about 08.30am. Filled up at the Jug and Loaf and got onto the freeway heading south on I 25. I got caught in a traffic jam for a bit then headed west on I70 and got into the mountains. Wheezy got a bit hot on the way up the mountains and I remembered that I was going to change the engine coolant the day before, but forgot. Anyhow going down the other side he cooled down quickly. About 5 miles before Vail I stopped and put another layer of clothes under the jacket. The Freeway sign said steep decent next 5 miles and it was very steep. I got rain just before Eagle so I pulled in to Burger King and had a feed, if

Grand Mesa Thursday 12 Sep 19. Delta to Ouray 148miles I rode back to the place I had dinner and had a big breakfast. Packed the bike and rode off at about 9am. I tried to find a camping store as my camelback bladder tasted funny. None in Delta so off I went. I rode east to Hotchkiss on Rt 92 toward the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Nice twisty road and good scenery. I stopped at a lookout and a couple from Switzerland pulled up on Harleys. Turns out that they knew Reggie and

BACK TOGETHER AGAIN

Manfred and live not far from Seuzach. Back on the road and more twisties. The ride down the mountain was great and again no guardrails. On the other side of the canyon I debated whether to go to the South Rim Visitors Centre and decided to go. I am so glad that I did. Very spectacular at the lookouts. On the way down the road I passed

Above the tree line the Swiss coming the other way. From there I rode down through Montrose, Ridgway to Ouray.

I checked in and found that the room was on the first floor. I think that Led Zeppelin stayed there and the stairway gave them the idea for a song! I had so much fun getting all my stuff up the North face or the Eiger (well it seemed like that). I walked down the main road of Ouray and found a place to eat. The guy who served me was from Scone in the Hunter. Back to the hotel and with the help of a team of Sherpa’s I got to my room.

SEPTEMBER 2020

31

them eventually takes them away into the valley below, and when it goes it takes some of the road as well. Anyhow a quick gas station hot dog and I was back on the road looking for country Road 825 at Browns Gulch (famous at last). I had been told that this was an easy road but very scenic. Lots of hairpins and narrow tight corners but it was a hoot. The road took me up above the tree line and the views were tremendous.

Going down the other side I passed the guys I had breakfast with earlier. I took my time getting back to Ouray. There were lots of bikes on the road and EVERYBODY waves, even the guys on Oily-Dogfish. Further down the road I passed an Ural with a side car and a huge dog in it. The dog had Doggles on and its tail going a million miles an hour, loved it! Back at Ouray I had a bit of a walk around town looking for somewhere to have dinner. I went to a roof top bar and had a “burger and fries”. Had a good yarn with a couple and their daughter from Twin Falls, Idaho. He showed me some pictures of the ramp he built for Evil Knievel to jump over the Snake River in 1974. Had a great yarn about bikes, Evil, Australia and Drop Bears. On the way back to Everest base camp I noticed a flyer in the window of a shop.

It was for an air show at Montrose the next two days. “That sounds like my thing” I thought. A B17 in flight is better than a dirt track. I got to the summit of the fire trap Western Hotel and made arrangements to go to the Air show.

Friday 13 Sep 19. Ouray – Silverton – Ouray. Saturday 14 Sept 19 Ouray to Montrose. 36 Miles (via Imogene Pass, add 13114 Ft) 55Miles Altitude 7,791 to about 10,500ft At breakfast I got talking to some guys on 1200gs’s.

They gave me some very good tips for a ride on the dirt tracks. Had a very pleasant time just talking to like minded people. Back to Wheezy Bob and we set off on the Million Dollar Highway so named because when it was built in the 30’s it cost a million a mile to construct. What a road! Wheezy took a beating over to Silverton. I was taken aback by the lack of guard rails on the road. When I got back to Calvin’s he told me why there are no guard rails. During winter the snow builds up on

It was a short ride today. In the morning I got everything packed and avalanched down the stairs and into the storeroom. At breakfast I talked to the guys I that were there yesterday. I had booked a trip to Imogene pass on the back of a huge 4x4 from the adventure place next door to the Hotel. I had looked a hiring a 2 seat UTV Quad thing, but reading the conditions I found this: We do not provide nor offer any insurance of any type. You are responsible for 100 % of all liability, damage or loss by you including damage caused by weather, acts of God or terrain conditions.

32

SEPTEMBER 2020

BACK TOGETHER AGAIN Instead I booked a flight in a 1936 Lockheed A12 in the co-pilots seat.

The one thing I love more than riding is flying. I had to wait until mid-afternoon to get the flight but had a great time talking to the aviators. One of the crew of an Army Blackhawk heard my accent and complained that one of the Aussie exchange crew of the Navy 737 had gotten him drunk the night before. I went over and he was someone I had ridden with once at RAAF Williamtown a few years ago. Had a good yarn

Send oxygen Sunday 15 Sep 19. Montrose Air Show.

GREAT DAY! Breakfast at the motel was not too bad. Watched some TV for a bit and then rode up to the Dollar store and bought some sunscreen. When I came out there was an African American couple having an argument right next to the bike. As I got closer she turned to me and said “Does my butt look big in these pants”. I said “Sorry I’m from Australia I don’t speak English” and got on the bike and beat it. I went over to the airport and parked the bike and went into the terminal. The show was much bigger than I expected. I was looking for the B17 but it was down the other end of the field. At the Commemorative Air Force stand there was a price list for flights in the B17 “Sentimental Journey”. To sit in the bomb-aimers seat in the nose was $900 (US). I had my card ready and thought very hard about it. “Once in a lifetime CB” my brain was saying to me, “once in a lifetime”! Bugger it! I went up and said I wanted a flight in the nose. “Sorry” the lady said “no flights today”.

and watched with amusement as the US Navy people tried to keep up. I had a good time talking to people while waiting for the flight.

The time came and I strapped myself into the copilots seat. Once in the air the young pilot asked about my airborne history. Once I told him of my gliding days he said “You have control”. Massive thrill for me to return with “I have control”. The other people in the aircraft were a father and his three children. They had never flown before and they were totally spellbound by the flight. Back on the ground and I had a last look around and headed back to the motel and dinner. What a great day!

Monday 16 Sep 19 Montrose to Grand Junction 192 Miles.

It was raining when I got up. Had breakfast and went back to bed for a bit. The weather radar showed it to be clearing over to the West. I waited until about 10 am before starting off. As I was walking up to give the keys back I heard

BACK TOGETHER AGAIN wonderful howl of the huge radial aero engines.

The B-17 was doing a low pass over the town as it left for its home. The ride was pretty dull until Ridgway where I turned onto Hwy 62 and headed over the range to Placerville and on to Hwy 145.

Good road and very scenic and twisty. I was getting a bit peckish so pulled up at Norwood for some lunch. The usual cardboard burger and fries. Oh how I wished for a good Aussie hamburger with beetroot! The ride to Naturita was on straight roads over farmland though the views of the La Sal mountains were good. At Naturita I turned on to Hwy 141. Another road that was fantastic and I kept wishing I had my 1200GS. I stopped at Gateway for a drink and a nibble and got a lady to take a couple of photo’s. She was over the moon when I gave her a little Koala. (don’t leave home without them). Another good ride toward Grand Junction apart from Wheezy going on reserve and me worrying if we would make the next “gas” station. I used the mexican overdrive for a couple of miles down a long hill. I finally made it to a station and filled Wheezy up then went to find the motel I had booked for the next three nights. Got all my stuff in the room, showered and went looking for dinner. I had a feed at the same Dennys I went to last time. It had gone a bit off since the last I was there (2014). Bed and ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

SEPTEMBER 2020

33

the load into the washing machine. Back to the room and watched an episode of “Skippy, the bush Kangaroo” of all things. Washing done I set off for Walmart to get a new mini sd card. There was a 32 gig card there for $15.99 ...or.. next to it was a packet of TWO 32 gig cards for $17.99 Hmmmm. Decisions decisions! Back to the motel then went for a ride up to the Colorado National Monument. I had been there before on my last trip. Just as stunning as last time. Back to the bunker and search for some where to eat.

I went to the local chinese place that had been recommended by the motel staff. Only way to describe the meal. GRUEL! Back to the room to see episodes of the old ABC show ‘Rush”.

Colorado National Monument Wednesday 18 Sep 19. Grand Junction – MoabGrand Junction. 218Mi

GREAT DAY!!!!

Breakfast . Rode down into town to buy a Micky Mouse watch but they had sold out. I headed south looking for somewhere to check the tyre pressure. Found a place but it needed three quarters to make it work. Into the top box and I found 2 quarters.

Inside and asked for some change and the guy couldn’t speak English and babbled something that sounded like Russian at me. I explained that I would use it in their machine but still “Nyet”.

Work? This is why A customer there gave me a quarter and I went and put the coins in the machine. NothingTuesday 17 Sep 19 Grand Junction. ski! Back inside and got the usual “is problem” when I complained. One of the customers told Had a good sleep. Showered and went to Dennys me to go down the road a bit to the mechanic for breakfast then found the laundry at the motel. to get the tyres checked. When I got there the I beat my dirty clothes into submission and got mechanic did the tyres while saying “Damn

34

SEPTEMBER 2020

commie’s should go back to ….” I gave him a little Koala and rode off. The road to Gateway was just as good going the other way. While filling the bike a guy on a Husky asked if I had any tools as he was having clutch problems. While I was helping him a local man came in on a 800 GS and offered the use of his workshop behind the servo. I rode off to find the road to Moab. The road was pretty good at first, then over the top it had been graded and was very slippery. Great views of the La Sal mountains.

I rode into Moab just after 12 and grabbed a bit of lunch. I had some chicken nuggets from Burger King thinking that you couldn’t stuff up chicken Nuggets but I was wrong. Off over the Colorado River and up the road to Island In The Sky section of Canyonlands Nat Park. I used my park pass to pay the entry fee and rode up to the Mesa Arch car park. It was a bit of a walk to the arch but the end result was good. Back to the park visitors centre and I bought some badges (I am a fool for badges) and rode down the mountain to get some fuel. Fuelled up, a brain Viagra and water for the camelback and I was on the way back to Grand Junction along Hwy128 on the Colorado River.

Good ride along the river and back on to Interstate 70 heading for GJ. I had a tail wind and Wheezy was siting on 85mph just eating the miles up. Back to the motel at about 18.20 and got a feed from the supermarket.

Looking through Mesa Arch with La Sal Mountains on the horizon Thursday 19 Sep 19 Grand Junction to Steamboat Springs. 242Mi Breakfast at Dennys. Pretty ordinary. Back to the room and started packing the bike ready for the

BACK TOGETHER AGAIN off. I started talking to a gent in the parking space beside me. George was up from Delta for a visit. Had a great yarn with him for the next hour or so. He was a US Marine and Vietnam Vet. He gave me a USMC badge and invited me to come and stay next time I was in the US. I got away at about 10.00. I filled the bike up at the Commie’s place and headed to Delta along straight roads. I rode over to Hwy 133 at Hotchkiss and scenery got better and the road had corners. At the top of McClure Pass I stopped for a stretch and an ablute, then headed down to the valley and along the Crystal River to Carbondale for lunch. Lots of bikes in the car park of the subway restaurant. Had a good yarn with some BM riders.

The road to Glenwood Springs was all roadworks and took forever to do the 23 miles. I filled the bike and had a brain Viagra and got moving. Did a quick blast up I-70 to Dotsero and turned on to the Colorado River Road. Another cracker of a road that followed strangely enough, the Colorado river, The road runs beside the railway as well and part sealed and the rest dirt to Hwy 131 at McCoy. I had another wind straight up the clacker and got to Steamboat Springs in good time. Got into the room and had a shower then went for a feed. As usual as soon as I said something I got “Where you from honey?” Sat there for a bit talking about the Crocodile Man, Mick Dundee and Drop Bears.

Friday 20 Sep 19 Steamboat Springs to Johnstown 179Mi Not a long day so I took my time getting ready. Rode down and got some breakfast from Macca’s and watched some TV. Had another great yarn with a couple of guys from New Mexico. Got away about 10 and rode up over Donkey Ear pass and along to Rabbit Ears pass on Hwy 40. The scenery was fantastic and the road in fantastic condition and I had a fat time on it. I must go back and do all these roads on a big road bike. On the other side of the pass I turned on to Hwy 14. The scenery got a bit thin being grassy rolling hills with the Rockies in the distance, to the East. Again I had a strong tail wind and I made good time to Walden, a grubby little town where I filled the bike up. From Walden I got back onto 14 and headed East to Fort Collins.

Unfortunately I was now heading into the wind over

BACK TOGETHER AGAIN more undulating grass land. It wouldn’t have been too bad if I was head on but the wind was coming from about 45 deg on my right and was tossing wheezy around something bad. When I got to the town of Gold (1 store and lots of cars on blocks) the trees started and the wind wasn’t so bad. The trees were just starting to turn yellow and it was a great sight riding along the river. The road went twisting up over Cameron Pass (10,276ft) and down into the Poudre Canyon. The river was crystal clear with lots of people fly fishing. I rode along the Poudre Canyon Road ( they were up all night thinking that through) through towns like Spencer Heights, Rustic, Kinikinik, Stove Prarie Landing and finally to Fort Collins where I immediately got lost. On the way down the canyon I saw a UPS truck with the driver standing next to it with a huge pistol on his hip. Tough neighbourhood! I stopped at a field of hemp and took a few photo’s. I got back to Cal’s at about 14.00.

Sat 21 Sept 19 Lost in Denver Cal and Amy were away for a camping weekend so they left me the Honda Civic to use. I got away early and drove the 60 or so miles to Denver and immediately got lost. I ended going the long way to the bike shop that I wanted to see. Finally got there.

They didn’t have the tyres I wanted but I did get the last copy of a big book on Malcolm Smith. Back on to the freeway and found the Wings Over the Rockies Museum. I have seen a lot of air museums with aeroplanes on sticks out front, but this is the only one with a B52 on a stick in front of the place!

Spent a couple of hours inside. Very good. Into the car and back out and lost on the Denver streets.

Finally got back to the house. Had a bit of a snooze and went to the Kawasaki shop and bought some oil and tyres for Wheezy Bob. Had a good feed at

SEPTEMBER 2020

35

the steak place down the road and got the usual “what’s a Aussie....”. They were taken by our colourful plastic money. Back to the house and spent the evening talking to Cal and Amy. Sun 22 Sep Johnstown Did bugger all for the day. Had a walk through the Benson Sculpture gardens in Loveland. Very pleasant.

Mon 23 Sep Johnstown – Rocky Mountain National Park – Johnstown Cal and I rode over to Loveland and meet up with his friend Jim. We were going to go up to the top of the Rocky Mountain National Park. The last time I was here I missed riding the wonderfully named Devils Gulch Road and wanted to do it this time. We rode up Big Thompson Canyon road for a bit then turned off up one of the canyons and stopped at a store run by Basil Fawlty (not really but you can guess where I am going) at Glenhaven. I asked if he knew where Devils Gulch road was but he just shrugged and walked away.

Up the road and I saw a sign with Devils Gulch Rd on it. Seems we had been on it since leaving Basil Fawlty’s shop. Up to the park enterance and I used my card again (so good value). The ride to the top was very good but the traffic was a bit thick. We went over the top at 12,183 and descended to the Alpine Visitors Center at 11,796 Ft. I was feeling a bit off but after a feed I came good. Back out to the car park and stood in line for the toilets. We had a good run down to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center where I bought another badge (did I mention that I liked badges?). Back through Estes Park and onto Devils Gulch Road. When I lived in Papua New Guinea, an Ice Age or two ago, I used to devour the cheap 50-100 page western novels as there was no TV. With titles like “Dead-mans Gulch “ and “Rustlers on the Prarie”, I just had to get a photo of me and wheezy under the sign. It was back down Big Thompson Canyon to Loveland and dinner. By the way, Big Thompson is a river and not to be mistaken for Little Thompson which isn’t a big river! As we rounded a corner there was a traffic hold up while people were

36

SEPTEMBER 2020

BACK TOGETHER AGAIN

Found it looking at some Bighorn Sheep. Good day with good friends.

Tue 24 Sep 19. Maintenance day

Wed 25 Sep 19 Up up and away

We went over to Calvins workshop and I gave Wheezy an oil-change and put the new tyres on him. Jim turned up with breakfast Burito’s. Had a pleasant time just working on the bike and telling lies.. er tales. We had lunch at a local Mexican place and was very good. That evening we had a dinner with some friends from the last time I was here. Very pleasant evening.

In the early morning I drove over and tried to get some photo’s of the Rocky Mountains in dawns early light. I grabbed a bit of breakfast and want to Wall mart to get some munchies for the flight home. Calvin drove me to the airport and I got the flight to LAX. Had a window seat this time and the view was good. Had the usual bun fight at LAX and had 5 hours to wait for the flight.

Security was a breeze this time. The flight was ok but as usual I didn’t sleep. Into Brisbane at about 04.30 and through customs and out the door to the waiting car.

Be it ever so humble .. but I can’t wait to get back to Colorado and the Rockies.. Too many roads still to ride! Here endeth the lasson.

AND MORE CANE TOAD PICS

SEPTEMBER 2020

37

38

SEPTEMBER 2020

A HANDY RIDE

By Tony Gray, Member #3905

W

e all know that riding and drinking do not mix – but what about another vice: Gambling?

Last year we introduced the club to the concept of the Poker Run. It proved very popular so why not make it a calendar fixture? The second iteration of this novel concept was adopted for the August Club Ride but with some very important changes to the rules of the game.

The game of poker has several variants but the most common and popular allocates five cards to each player and the winning hand is determined by the highest hand on a hierarchy of card combinations.

As applied to motorcycling the participants proceed along a set course stopping at several waypoints to collect their next card and thus complete their hand of five cards. This leaves open the opportunity for players to swap cards and improve their hand along the way. In order to give every player an equal chance the rules adopted for this year’s game were designed to prevent such card swapping. A ‘secret’ hand was chosen at random at the start of the day and sealed in an envelope for the day. The prize winner was the person having a hand closest to but ABOVE the secret hand. In the event that the secret hand was the highest then the prize winner was the person having a hand closest to but BELOW the secret hand. The prize was a $50 Bunnings Gift Voucher so high stakes indeed. We were lucky that the Covid 19 lockdown kept notorious Poker King Shane Warne in Victoria.

Another variation this year was to have Tar and Dirt options for the ride but with each group passing the same waypoints to collect their cards. The different courses were trialled by a group of willing volunteers as was the chosen lunch venue at the Royal Hotel Kalbar. All received an emphatic tick of approval so we knew we were on a winner if Mother Nature played ball on the weather front.

A healthy group (talking numbers here not endurance athlete standards) of 20 assembled at the BP Blacksoil on a cool sunny winters morning for which the Sunshine State is famous. Apart from a bit of breeze it was perfect riding weather. The start time was 8.30am for 9am departure so Jane and I as ride organisers ensured we were there early but clearly not early enough. There was already a solid group there when we arrived at 8.20am. We

Wow! Is that really the legendary Gray Ghost? can only assume that others had wet their bed in excitement at what the day was to bring – a bit like kids on 25 December. The assembled bikes covered a good spread of BMW models from the K1600 to a R100GSPD, the regular two Triumph attendees of our esteemed journal editors and a Triumph Street Triple – are they breeding?

Everyone at the briefing was trying to work out how they’d cheat - none succeeded

The first leg took the group through Walloon, Rosewood and onto Merryvale where the group split with the Tar riders turning to Warrill View and the Dirty riders continuing on through Rosevale with about 6km of smooth dirt on the way to Aratula. The Tar group covered a short section of the Cunningham Hwy before heading into farm country on the single track Kents Lagoon and Muller Roads.

We all arrived within a few minutes of each other to meet Steve Maney who had ridden down from the Sunny Coast and John Eacott who was ‘just’ out for a ride on his K1600 from the Gold Coast. What

A HANDY RIDE do ‘normal’ people do on a sunny Sunday morning?

The surprise at Aratula came from Phil Harding on his first club ride on his brand new R1250R who inadvertently followed the dirty group instead of the tar – I just assumed that was normal for a club ride to cover some dirt was his comment. I must introduce Phil to Merv Bone to set him straight. Phil had enjoyed the dirt even though the R now needed a wash but he swapped allegiance at that point to join the latte sippers.

Not called the Scenic Rim for nothing

Stage 2 was a short leg on Charlwood Rd to Haig Park at Moogerah Dam for the tar team while the dirt team took the longer route to the Dam via the unsealed Lake Moogerah Road. The picnic area is a very popular spot and on that day there were quite a few bikes to take our attention as well as some smart Italian Fiats and Alfas on a club run.

We didn’t wait for the dirt team but completed our third and longest leg via Croftby and Coochin into Mt Alford as our third way point. The dirt team were meant to back track from the Moogerah Dam waypoint to the Lake Moogerah Rd then proceed down the unsealed Croftby Rd before completing the same loop via Croftby and Coochin into Mt Alford. The Croftby Rd is a delightful dirt road with only a couple of cattle grids requiring care due to restricted view lines. The tar team were surprised to be met at the Mt Alford waypoint by the dirty team who had covered a greater distance in a shorter time? Suspicions were aroused and it would appear that a GPS ‘glitch’ had turned off the section down to Haig Park – either that or the lunchtime ‘worms’ had started to nibble.

The final leg took us from Mt Alford past the crowded Dugandan Hotel and the equally crowded Flavours Café (Boonah is fast becoming another

SEPTEMBER 2020

39

Canungra or Kenilworth) over the Hoya Road through Teviotville and onto lunch at the Royal Hotel, Kalbar.

The Hotel staff had kindly accommodated the whole group on the terrace for lunch even though we had an additional 5 attendees. In fairness to the lunch venues we really need to be precise with our group bookings as the cafes/hotels are all operating on a reduced capacity and need to have all seats full to run at a profit in these tough Covid times.

The final act of the organised day apart from eating a very good lunch was to determine the winning hand. The secret hand had been drawn by the 5 ladies in attendance – Cheryl, Kate, Anita, Cindy & Jane. They were very good at their task as the three 6’s they picked could not be bettered. Plan B was then enacted and the closest hand BELOW the secret hand was a pair of Aces held by Jack Abbott who scooped the $50 prize pool.

A John Deere GS joined us for the dirt

There were a few things to be learned from the day. There are many great roads in the Fassifern Valley waiting to be ‘discovered’. There are a lot of club members who want to ride some dirt – there were about 25km of dirt on this route and would be classed in the very easy category. These roads are ideal for someone wanting to learn or improve their dirt riding skills. Stuart on the very street focussed Triumph Street Triple did the dirt without problem.

Members are looking for the club to provide variety in the monthly rides – this was not a led ride as such but the two groups had no problems keeping together. If you have any suggestions for something ‘different’ or have a favourite road that is not well known then please let our Events Co-ordinator, Mark Mustchin, know.

We are already looking forward to next years’ Poker Run after the success of this day. Thanks to all for your enthusiastic attendance.

40

SEPTEMBER 2020

POKER PICS

POKER PICS

SEPTEMBER 2020

41

42

DIGIT PART #2

SEPTEMBER 2020

SOMERSET PARK - 2020

BMWMCQ PRESENTS

The Clubs 3rd longest running weekender...

This Year: We had Part 1, the ride on the traditional last weekend in July, however

unseasonal wet weather spoiled our plans and the camping part had to be cancelled.

The 5th September is the date for the Camping part at Somerset Park Campground.

There is lots of camping space available. Evening meals and supplies are available across the road at the Dam Shed or prepare your own meal at the campsite. The evening gathering around the campfire is the location for lots of laughs and tall stories.

It won't be as cold as the original date.

Camp Details: Camping costs $15 pp. Our own corner of a well-grassed and level camping area. Excellent amenities with hot showers, flushing toilets and a fireplace with firewood supplied. BBQ's are on site and shelters with park benches. It's a great campground, quiet location in close proximity to Brisbane.

Contact: Gary Bennett at gbennett777@gmail.com

Won’t be like this!

REMEMBERING DAVE

SEPTEMBER 2020

43

It has been a year now since our good mate and former legend of an Editor Dave Hepburn passed away. We miss you Dave and our thoughts are with Tracy.

44

BACK TO THE BUSH #17

SEPTEMBER 2020

Back to the Bush No 17 hosted by Don & Kate 3rd to 5th October 2020 - Maryborough & Goomeri Join us for a long weekend adventure visiting 2 of QLD’s oldest towns!

Suggested trip ideas and routes will be provided prior to the event for you to enjoy a “get yourself there ride” around the lovely Queensland countryside.

Maryborough Saturday 3 October 2020 Dinner places are held at the White Lion Hotel so please confirm your attendance as soon as you can so we can confirm numbers with the hotel. **PLEASE ADVISE HOSTS IF YOU ARE ATTENDING OR YOU WILL MISS OUT** Goomeri Sunday 4 October 2020 Dinner is booked at Joes Grand Hotel. Joes Grand also has rooms set aside for us so don’t delay in advising you are staying. **PLEASE ADVISE HOSTS IF YOU ARE ATTENDING OR YOU WILL MISS OUT** Some accommodation selections are listed below. Please book your accommodation directly. Ensure to mention you are attending the BMWMCQ event to access any discounted rates.

Maryborough: Kimba Lodge, Caitlyn, Holly (07) 4123 3999 177 John St next door to White Lion (dinner)

Maryborough City Motel. Tracy (07) 4121 2508 138 Ferry St single $80/night

$135, $110 per room for club members

couple $90/night

Goomeri:

Joes Grand Hotel (dinner and Accom) (07) 4168 4131 $80.00 per night - Double (extra person $20.00 per person per night)

$75.00 per night - Twin share

$50.00 per night - Single.

Goomeri Motel (07) 4168 4141 some rooms available, be quick!

Free camp at Goomeri showgrounds (07) 41684203. Shower and toilet facilities. please make your own enquiries at the BP servo.

It is imperative that you advise the hosts prior to both evening functions to allow accurate numbers for venues during Covid 19 restrictions. If don’t advise you can’t attend the those dinners.

2020 FESTIVAL OF MOTORCYCLING Still highly COVID-19 dependent, but worth a “Steve McQueen” over the fence for the organised rides alone....

SEPTEMBER 2020

45

46

SEPTEMBER 2020

AND MORE CANE TOAD PICS Prez Paul working the Sportsbet app with Gary up for the thong toss.

Almost got them all in one shot. Oh well, next CTR for sure.

THUNDER RALLY

SEPTEMBER 2020

47

48

SEPTEMBER 2020

A QUICK GLANCE - 2010 Frigid Digit

CHRISTMAS PARTY

SEPTEMBER 2020

49

C

ome join our 2020 Christmas Party on beautiful BRIBIE ISLAND and join in the good food and great fun with friends old and new. There will be raffles and prize winners drawn on the night.

Enjoy a scenic ride of your choice around the Sunshine Coast hinterland before arrival.

Venue – Bribie Island RSL, 99 Toorbul

Street, Bongaree

3 course meal @ $55 per head, cash bar.

We have exclusive use of the covered Terrace area which is weather proof. This well-organised establishment also offers a breakfast cafĂŠ on site the following morning for those who would like to attend.

Accommodation selections are below. Please book your selected accommodation directly. Ensure you mention you are attending the BMWMCQ Christmas Party to access any discounted rates.

Payment for the Dinner Function is by simple bank transfer - Please pay $55.00 per head to the BMWMCQ Bank account: BSB 124-001 AC 10243020 Please ensure to add in remarks your name, and the number of guests you are paying for.

Once you have deposited the correct amount, please EMAIL treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au stating details of your deposit. This is an essential component of your booking.

Please book early as numbers will need to be limited to 60 people to suit the room size, and accommodation may be difficult to obtain at late notice at least within walking distance of the Party.

Where To Stay Phone Bongaree Caravan Park Cabins (approx 700m 3408 1054 walk to RSL) E: bongareecaravanpark@moretonbay.qld.gov.au Bribie Waterways Motel (Ningi - 1km away) 3408 3000 www.bribiewaterways.com.au W: www.bribiewaterways.com.au E: reception@bribiewaterways.com.au

Bribie Island Caravan Park - Woorim About 10 minutes drive W: www.bribieislandcaravanpark.com.au E: info@bribieislandcaravanpark.com.au

Offering $111 queen bed cabin

Terms Mininum 2 nights

$154 Queen or twin mo- Per night tel room, +$20 per extra body $169 for studio with 2 beds and kitchenette, +$20 per extra body 3408 1134 Cabins: $105 double, or Min 2 $110 with extra bunks Nights

50

SEPTEMBER 2020

FOR THE AIRHEADS - A BIG SPREAD

https://www.mmmsbmwboxerworks.com.au/

FOR THE AIRHEADS - A BIG SPREAD

SEPTEMBER 2020

https://www.mmmsbmwboxerworks.com.au/

51

52

SEPTEMBER 2020

ADVERTISING & BMW SUPPORTS

ADVERTISING & BMW SUPPORTS

SEPTEMBER 2020

53

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.

“NEW WEBSITE” 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

54

SEPTEMBER 2020

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.)

??? SMOOTH OUT YOUR RIDE ???

We’ve got you covered.

GENUINE AUSTRALIAN

SHEEPSKIN SEAT COVERS

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.

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

Good Wool Store Pty Ltd 49 Queen St BERRY 2535 P 02 4464 2081. F 02 4464 3344

www.goodwool.com.au

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

56

SEPTEMBER 2020

A Ruff Ride Cindy Bennett, Member #4170 As recently reborn dog owners - although she is only a foster family member at this time - my thoughts have turned to how I can incorporate our newest family member into our riding plans.

THE LAST WORD So will I take the leap and encourage our new family member onto the bike, well a bit risky perhaps as I have not actually pillioned a person before let alone a 11.5kg wriggly excitable French Bulldog!

But if she indeed becomes a permanent fixture in our household I am a bit keen to see if she would like to have some fun on 2 wheels.

I had the pleasure of meeting charity fundraisers Tex and his faithful riding dog Bundy a few years back and the look of joy on Bundy’s face when on the bike was a sight to behold. Tex and Bundy racked up an amazing 1 million kilometres while riding around the nation raising funds for mental health and mens health charities.

The law in QLD in relation to dogs on bikes (or cats I guess if you want to be brave...) state that “you can carry an animal in a box, cage or bag attached to the rear or side of your motorcycle as long as it does not affect the operation of the motorcycle” Hmmm.

There are many online articles and instagram posts on this topic like @the_bike_dog on Insta, following the journey of Sox & Michael on their adventures. The many and varied canine carrying options for the bike are also covered very comprehensively, and from the DIY adapted top-box to a state of the art carrier that will set you back many hundreds of dollars it is obvious that many dogs love sharing the ride with their masters and mistresses!

And I know you were wondering what breed of dog most enjoys riding? Well, according to my online research the 7 dog breeds that will most suited to being on your bike are: Bichon (most suited to Harley riders, naturally) Shih Tzu (maybe Ducati owners...)

Pug (now thats getting closer to our Frenchie) Cavalier (feel the wind in those floppy ears) Havanese (national dog of Cuba apparently) Maltese (really?)

Yorkie (if you like yapping in your ear).

BLOOD BIKES

SEPTEMBER 2020

57

Blood Bikes Australia is a group of volunteer motorcyclists transporting urgent blood and other products like COVID tests and clinical trials to where it is required.

Based on the UK model, Blood Bikes Australia started in Sydney and is now in Brisbane providing vital services to the Mater.

John Eacott who is a Coordinator on the Gold Coast provided information to Club members on this very valuable service and now several have been inducted and are on the roster!

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 Great Motorcycle Tours of Europe Colette Coleman A Motorcycle Courier in the Great War Captain W.H.L. Watson Australia Motorcycle Atlas Hema Maps With 200 Top Rides (6th Ed) 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 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 Members meeting.....Editor