March 2014 - BMW Motorcycle Club of Victoria

March
2014
Magazine of the BMW Motorcycle Club of Victoria
Print Post #100001111
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LOG BOOK
SERVICING
PARTS AND
ACCESSORIES
From the Front
JOHN EACOTT, PRESIDENT BMWMCCVIC
1
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BeeEm
The President’s message
T
Magazine of the BMW Motorcycle Club of Victoria
Committee
President
John Eacott
Vice President
Don Miller
Treasurer
Steve Roberts
T: 0428 383 826
email: president@
bmwmccvic.org.au
T: 0418 317 101
email: vicepresident@
bmwmccvic.org.au
T: 0414 991 231
email: treasurer@
bmwmccvic.org.au
Secretary,
Public Officer
Lynne
Rosenthal
Captain
David McAuliffe
T: 03 9801 6906
email: secretary@
bmwmccvic.org.au
T: 0424 121 074
email: captain@bmwmccvic.
org.au
Vice Captain
T: 0429 804 944
Mark Chin
email: vicecaptain@
bmwmccvic.org.au
Social
T: 0417 035 359
Secretary
email: socialsecretary@
bmwmccvic.org.au
he crystal ball is working overtime here as I write this in between
two heat wave periods in Victoria: yesterday I saw 47C while riding
and thought it a credit to the cooling system on the bike that it coped.
Not so much the rider, of course!
Looking back to February’s rides and events, it is obvious that we
have a thriving club with plenty of activities covering a range of choices,
with more in the calendar for March. A couple of multi-day events plus
two Rides to Breakfast, a Ride Around the Bay and the ‘normal’ coffee
mornings, rides and events. I’m sure that elsewhere in this edition there
will be a plea from the captain for volunteers to lead a ride or two and I’ll
echo that; we need members to step forward and show the rest of us the
roads that they enjoy.
We have settled in nicely to our monthly meeting venue at the
Camberwell Petanque Club; anyone who hasn’t been to a meeting for a
while should make the effort to come along. We have decided to have the
Annual Trophies and Awards at the Petanque Club this year (on Sunday
27th July) as a Sunday lunch instead of a Saturday night dinner dance.
We have had problems getting sufficient numbers to come out on a midwinter Saturday night in recent years and the club has heavily subsidised
the dinner dance. We believe that the opportunity for a family-oriented
Sunday lunch will hopefully be more in keeping with the club’s social
roots and more attractive to our members.
I’d like to remind you that our Biennial Rally is on next month at
Cape Bridgewater; if you haven’t booked yet then get in soon and join us
for a long weekend of riding and socialising. Details and booking forms
are online and in this magazine.
As always, ride safe and enjoy the ride.
Noela Miller
Club mission statement
To enhance the enjoyment of BMW motorcycling, provide
opportunities to interact socially with fellow members and
encourage safe riding practices.
postscript
General meeting: Normally fourth Monday, 7:30pm at The Camberwell
Petanque Club 64A Through Road Camberwell. Check calendar as
timing can vary. Visitors welcome.
Articles for BeeEm Magazine should be emailed to the editor on or
before the Wednesday following the monthly club meeting (editor@
bmwmccvic.org.au). Photography, together with detailed captions,
should be supplied as high-resolution JPEG files.
Committee meeting: second Thursday, contact John Eacott, President
Midweek rides: second Wednesday, contact Karl Haering, Midweek ride
coordinator
Service days: 3 per year; Location, Radum Pty Ltd, Elata Drive
Tullamarine.
The opinions published in this magazine and of its correspondents are not necessarily
those of the editorial team or of the BMW Motorcycle Club of Victoria Inc. Articles
submitted for publication may be edited for content, style, grammar and length, etc.
Technical articles and information contained within the magazine are for use at the
discretion of the individual after warranty and are not intended to detract from genuine
BMW spares or accessories.
Our cover: Jim Kelly leading ride group departing Walhalla , Photo Ian McKenna
BMWMCCVic Inc
po Box 2298
richmond South
Vic 3121
IRN. A00 005 62B
Full, family and associate
memberships available.
www.bmwmccvic.org.au
John Eacott, President bmwmccvic
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from The Front
CONTENTS, SUPPORT AND ADVERTISERS
Contents
Support team
Advertisers’ index................................... 2
E: distribution@bmwmccvic.org.au
Biennial Rally Details............................ 14
Bang ’n’ Stuff Angela Barber • T: 03 9357 2126
Angela Barber
T: 0428 383 826 E:clubdelegate@bmwmccvic.org.au
Biennial Rally Form............................... 15
Club photographer Ian McKenna • T: 03 9547 6864
Note: Unless otherwise acknowledged, all photographs published
BMW News............................................. 6
Calendar............................................... 38
Captain’s Report..................................... 5
in BeeEm were taken by Ian (except BMW News).
Commercial Advertising Brian Macdonald T: 03 9435 9196
brian macdonald
E: editor@bmwmccvic.org.au
Layout & Design Trevor Coad • T: 03 5622 3790 / M: 0418 594 389
Coffee get-togethers............................ 16
Ian Mckenna
E: design@bmwmccvic.org.au
Librarian Neville Borgelt • T: 03 9438 1615
E: librarian@bmwmccvic.org.au
Feature Story........................................ 25
Membership Detlef Lamp • T: 03 9367 1271
Meeting reports.................................... 34
Melbourne ride departure points.......... 39
E: advertising@bmwmccvic.org.au
Editors Shirley & Brian Rix • T: 0419 545 127
Classifieds............................................ 40
Committee.............................................. 1
Club delegate to BMW Clubs Australia John Eacott
E: membership@bmwmccvic.org.au
Shirley & brian rix
Members’ Classifieds Brian Macdonald T: 03 9435 9196
E: classifieds@bmwmccvic.org.au
Members’ ramblings............................... 9
Merchandise Davida Neill • T: 0403 156 700
President’s message.............................. 1
E: merchandise@bmwmccvic.org.au
Rides, rallies and events...................... 16
trevor coad
E: midweekrides@bmwmccvic.org.au
Red plate registrar Warrick Tovey • T: 0418 994 647
Service Day.......................................... 33
E: redplates@bmwmccvic.org.au
Support team......................................... 2
Up and Coming.................................... 13
Midweek ride coordinator Karl Haering • T: 03 9357 2126
Service day coordinator Ross Wright • T: 0422 157 244
Detlef Lamp
VicRoads’ reporting numbers................. 2
E: servicedaycoordinator@bmwmccvic.org.au
Webmanager Neil Davey • T: 0447 582 870
E: webmanager@bmwmccvic.org.au
Western ride coordinator TBA
Welcome................................................ 4
E: westernrides@bmwmccvic.org.au
Neville Borgelt
Advertisers Index
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4
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Welcome
EDITORS
From the Editors’ desk
Welcome
H
N
opefully you’ve been able to keep your cool and throw the leg
over the saddle a few times during our lazy, hazy and hot days
of summer to date. Once again, your club has provided a plethora
of events for you to choose from. Also, there have been significant
events on the motorcycle scene with the promise of more to follow
in the coming months.
In this edition we commit blasphemy by including a report on
four wheeled cages. Yes that’s right, the dreaded necessity, the car.
Not any ‘normal’ car but the MINI (powered and now produced by
BMW). MINIs dominated the 2014 Dakar event in South America
with Nani Roma and Stephane Peterhansel and other MINI
mounted drivers taking most of the honours. It’s interesting to note
that both Roma and Peterhansel are previous motorcycle riders of
note who have won the motorcycle section of the Dakar. Maybe the
so called ‘experts’ in road safety should look at the enhanced skills
and awareness ALL riders possess over non-riders. This year Aussies
competed in the Dakar – mostly self- funded in the motorcycle
section. A boy from the bush, Allan Roberts, started 170th and
finished 39th. Aussie guts and determination on display. Check out
his Facebook page or look out for his book later this year.
2015 marks the 40th anniversary of our club. We are asking
all you older, long-standing members out there to put down
your reminiscences about the club and submit them to editor@
bmwmccvic.org.au . You have ten months to gather material,
including photos. Hopefully we can put together a good read that
in another 40 years our club members can look back and laugh at.
Let’s face it, you won’t be around to tell them in person.
Of all the events in our calendar, there’s one that you should
mark down as a must to support - the Black Dog ride. Our president
and club captain are strong advocates, as I know are many members.
Depression is a shocking disease that we can do something about by
banding together via the Black Dog rides that will be on around the
country on Sunday 23rd March.
Our Biennial Rally is on from the 4th to 6th April at the
picturesque Cape Bridgewater resort near Portland. There will be a
show ‘n’ shine for you clean freaks out there. For the mud pluggers,
there will be an award for the dirtiest GS-style bike and rider (I
might have a chance at that one) plus a lot of fun to be had. Please
make the effort and support our pocket dynamo, social secretary
Noela Miller, who has put a lot of effort into making this event
possible.
Take a moment to read the feature articles this month and
remember the devastating effects of Black Saturday. Five years ago
on 7th February 173 people died including one of our own, Marcel
Smits, in country we often traverse on our rides. There’s a personal
story of survival and loss by member Trevor Vienet. Five years on,
our wonderful bushland has re-generated and the wild life has
returned but we should never forget the impact raging bushfires
can have.
I hope you enjoy your magazine
Brian Rix
Editor
ew members are the life blood of any organisation and the
strength of our club is evident month after month as BMW
riders from all corners of Victoria join. I encourage you all to read
BeeEm to give you an insight into what your club has to offer. Rides,
events, socialising and reports on matters we think are of interest
to you are all here. The website is also a fantastic resource to keep
abreast of with the latest news, or to solve a problem in the forums
where resident gurus regularly lurk. Sift through their humour and
you’ll discover many have an in-depth knowledge of the black arts
that keep your motorcycle ticking.
Whether you live just around the corner or in the furthest
corner of our state, we are here to support and assist you and also to
enhance your enjoyment in riding your BMW.
Your magazine is sprinkled with ads from companies that
support our club. We encourage you to support them. Some are
small businesses, others big corporations, but each and every one
has committed to us financially. They deserve our business. The
wrap around with your magazine is a monthly ready reckoner of
rides and events so when the urge to go for a ride bites, check the
calendar and come along. Club rides are well-run, safe and always a
lot of fun. Conversation and banter at rest stops, coffee breaks and
lunch will always bring a chuckle or two. The added advantage is
you’ll travel on some roads you didn’t know were there without the
feeling of trepidation that you are lost. The corner marking system,
lead rider and tail end Charlie system ensure no one is left behind
or lost. If a problem occurs, there is always someone there to help
out. Riding with your club is a great way to get to know others so
what are you waiting for?
You will receive a credit card-style membership card soon if you
have not already been sent it. Europcar has sponsored production
of it and offers a 10 per cent discount to members. Feedback from
members who have utilised the offer has been very positive.
This is your club and your feedback on what we do and how
we do it is always appreciated. If you have any ideas please contact
the committee or any of the support team. We are here to help and
make sure the club heads in the direction members want.
This month we welcome;
Det Lier
Rejoined as an associate member
Gary Pratt
F 800GS & R 100RS
Jeff (Woogy) Woods
R 1100RT & R 1100S
Steve O’Brien
R 100RS
John Lomax
F 650GS
Roger Brailsford
K 1300GT
Jason Cooper
K 100RT
Neil Jamieson
R 75/6
Stephane Charbonnier
R 75/6
Captain’s Report
DAVID MCAULIFFE
Captain’s Report
A
n incident on a recent ride highlighted the need to be aware of
what to do in the event of an accident during a ride.
If you see a fellow rider go down, it is only natural to want to
stop immediately and render assistance. All very good, but, in fact,
the first thing to be done is to ensure your own safety. You are no
help to the downed rider if you also become part of the accident. So
stop, but make sure you do so safely and park your bike where it is
protected from being hit by traffic.
Once stopped safely, you can check on the rider and render
whatever first aid might be necessary. If the rider has serious injuries,
the priority should be to call for an ambulance. Unfortunately many
of the areas we ride in have poor phone reception and, if this is the
case, someone will need to ride for help. Remember that it may not
be necessary to go as far as the next town. There may be reception
at the next clear area or high ground and if the town is a long way off
it may be worth stopping to check. Also a farmhouse along the way
is likely to have a landline. Once contact with emergency services
has been made it is important to return to the accident scene to let
people there know that help is on its way.
Back at the accident scene, one of the high priorities is traffic
management. If there are sufficient people available, position people
up the road in both directions to slow down and, if necessary, stop
traffic. Do not underestimate how far up the road this needs to
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occur, especially if the accident has occurred on a blind corner.
Once the emergency services arrive, it is probably best to stay
out of the way and leave it to the trained professionals. However,
something to be aware of is that, in the event of a serious crash, if
you park within the crash zone you may not be able to move your
vehicle until the scene is cleared by the crash investigators and you
could be there for hours.
Finally, after such an incident, it may be useful to have a
debriefing to work out what was done well and what may need to
be done differently in the event of a further incident in the future.
Clearly there is more to accident scene management that can be
covered here. So ask yourself how well are you prepared to deal with
such a situation should it occur? There are courses available where
you can learn what needs to be done and how to do it. Might be
time to think about doing one.
Until next time
Ride Safe
David McAuliffe, Captain
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5 Heatherdale Road (next door to Hungry Jacks) Ringwood. Ph: (03) 9870 3807 Fax: (03) 9870 7368 Email: info@ringwoodmotorcycles.com.au
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BMW News
Information and photos courtesy of BMW Group Press Club, Bikedeadline Australia and Racedeadline Australia
THE DAKAR
While we don’t usually report on anything
to do with four wheels in our motorcycle club
magazine, winning the Dakar Rally and
being so dominant in the tin can category,
BMW and MINI deserve to be very proud
of their achievements. Of course the winner
‘Nani’ Roma and runner up, Stephane
Peterhansel are previous winners of the
Dakar as motorcyclists.
If you are not familiar with the Dakar Rally,
I highly recommend you tune into SBS TV
in January 2015.
J
oan “Nani” Roma wins the 2014
Dakar Rally // Three MINI ALL4
Racing cars on the podium.
He has done it! Joan “Nani” Roma
(ES) in the yellow MINI ALL4 Racing has
won the 2014 Dakar Rally. The Monster
Energy X-raid Team driver finished the
toughest rally challenge in the world just
5:32 minutes in front of his teammate
Stéphane Peterhansel (FR) in the black
MINI ALL4 Racing. Nasser Al-Attiyah
(QT) in the predominantly white MINI
ALL4 Racing finished 3rd. The podium
was firmly in the hands of the MINI cars,
which once again proved to be reliable and
fast throughout the whole event.
It was the first win for Nani Roma
in a car at the Dakar Rally. The Spaniard
had already won the event on a motorbike
when it was still held in North Africa in
2004. “I’m so relieved and happy,” Roma
said. “It was my big goal to win the Dakar,
not only on a motorbike, but also in a car.
A dream came true for me and I want to
thank everybody at X-raid and MINI for
their great work!”
Roma, who has been leading the
overall classification at this year’s event
for nine days, winning two stages in total,
continued: “The MINI ALL4 Racing is a
brilliant car and was extremely reliable and
quick throughout the whole rally. It was
fun to drive! Also a big thank you to my
co-driver Michel Périn, who was a great
navigator again! A great result for MINI;
Stephane Peterhansel
now it’s time to celebrate!”
The 2014 Dakar Rally was one of the
toughest of all time. The 9,374 km long
route led from Rosario (AR) across the
Andes and the challenging Atacama desert
to Valparaíso (CL) on the Pacific coast.
The drivers had to face a lot of different
weather conditions and soils. Gravel in the
Andes and a lot of extremely fine sand in
the hot Atacama desert. MINI mastered
all the challenges and won 11 of the 13
stages. It was the third win in a row since
MINI made its debut at the Dakar Rally
in 2011.
The great reliability of the MINI
ALL4 Racing, which is based on the
MINI John Cooper Works Countryman,
was underlined by the fact that all eleven
cars that had started into the event crossed
the finish line in Valparaíso. Seven of them
finished in the top ten, including the ones
of Monster Energy X-raid Team Orlando
Terranova/Paulo Fiúza (AR/PT), who
finished 5th overall, and Krzysztof
Holowczyc/Konstantin Zhiltsov (PL/
RU), who crossed the line 6th overall.
MINI at the 2014 Dakar Rally.
A total of eleven MINI ALL4 Racing
are competing in the 2014 Dakar. All are
based on the MINI John Cooper Works
Countryman, modified by the factorysupported X-raid Team to meet the high
demands of the Dakar Rally, which is
today’s pinnacle of off-road motorsports.
With a combination of power, reliability
BmW News
and efficiency, the MINI ALL4 Racing
proved its competiveness right from its first
Dakar start in 2011 while also winning the
hearts of the fans from the word go.
On only its second Dakar appearance,
the MINI ALL4 Racing made the big
breakthrough by winning the 2012 Dakar
Rally. In 2013 the MINI brand proved that
its Dakar success was no flash in the pan
by defending its title at the first attempt.
This year, the X-raid Team and the MINI
brand are aiming at clinching their third
consecutive Dakar title when the 2014
Dakar ends in Valparaiso, Chile, on 18th
January.
Editor’s notes
Dakar Rally Motorcycles While BMW does
not enter bikes in the Dakar, it’s well worth
watching the superhuman efforts of the riders
in this iconic event. Marc Coma and Cyril
Despres dominate the event but there are
some aggressive up and comers hot on their
heels who will push them to the limit in 2015.
KTM dominates but Yamaha and Honda
are making concerted efforts to break KTM’s
stranglehold. Aussies with an adventurous
spirit participate and in 2014 did us proud
finishing 37, 38 and 39.
One Aussie competitor typifies our fighting
spirit. Allan Roberts travelled across the
world a few years back, fulfilling one of his
dreams, but he always wanted to compete in
the Dakar. Allan scraped together the entry
fee of 14,500 Euros, prepared his 450 KTM
and got himself and his basic support team to
Brazil for the start. He was one of the last out
of 170 plus competitors but his objective was
to finish. Not only did he achieve his aim, but
he hauled himself up to 39th. His story will
be well worth the read, I’m sure. While Allan
hails from a property in the Mallee near
Ouyen, he now lives in Adelaide. Let’s hope
sponsors knock his door down to allow him to
do it again in 2015.
BMW Motorrad
takes GOOD
DESIGN awards
B
MW Motorrad has earned recognition
for its outstanding work, taking out
two prizes in the GOOD DESIGN Awards
2013. In the category “Transportation
2013”, the R 1200 GS was awarded the
top prize in the motorcycle arena with the
film award going to “The BMW Concept
Ninety Story” short film.
The BMW R 1200 GS convinced the
jury, thanks to its well-resolved fusion of a
distinctive design language and an athletic
off-road stature. Sporting the typical GSstyle BMW Motorrad design, this new
rendition of the world’s most popular
travel enduro is a case study in the stylistic
perfection of an iconic two-wheeler.
The BMW Concept Ninety Story is
the short film that traces the genesis of the
eponymous motorcycle, which was born of
a partnership between BMW Motorrad and
custom bike manufacturers “Roland Sands
Design” to mark the 90th anniversary of
BMW Motorrad. The body of this exclusive
evocation of the BMW R 90 S was handbuilt and reflects the harmony of man and
machine in purist, emotional guise.
General Manager BMW Motorrad
Australia, Tony Sesto was excited to hear of
the result.
“2013 was a record breaking year for
BMW Motorrad and the new water-cooled
R 1200 GS is at the heart of this continuing
success,’ he said.
“The Concept Ninety is a stunning
modern incarnation of the legendary R 90 S
and the precursor to the R nineT, which will
arrive in Australia in the coming months.”
“These prestigious awards are further
recognition of the amazing products
developed by BMW Motorrad and a great
way to kick off 2014” said Sesto.
The GOOD DESIGN Award is
the world’s oldest design prize and
ranks as one of the most distinguished
accolades in this field. Founded in
Chicago in 1950 by architects Eero
Saarinen, Ray and Charles Eames and
MoMa curator Edgar Kaufmann Jr., it is
presented by the Chicago Athenaeum:
Museum of Architecture and Design in
cooperation with the European Centre
for Architecture, Art Design and Urban
Studies.
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BeeEm
BMW Motorrad
celebrates the
New Year with
great ride away
opportunities.
Get in quick before the end of March when
this offer expires - Ed
B
MW Motorrad is helping to fulfil ‘I
will ride more this year’ resolutions
with fantastic ride away offers that provide
great savings on selected 2013-plated
models.
Whether you’re just getting your
licence, planning that big trip or wanting to
head out on the weekends, BMW Motorrad
will make it easy.
The ‘I Will Ride More’ offer includes
the supremely versatile and LAMS
approved G 650 GS at $9,990* plus the
F 700 GS and F 800 GS dual purpose
machines for $13,490* and $16,990* ride
away respectively. The stylish K 1300 S
sports tourer is $24,990* ride away and the
classic boxer-powered R 1200 R roadster is
offered at $19,990* ride-away.
LAMS approved maxi scooters, the
C 600 Sport and C 650 GT are also on
offer for $12,990* and $15,990* ride away
respectively.
BMW Motorrad is also offering an
Akrapovic titanium/carbon slip-on muffler
valued at $1,000 with every 2013-plated
S 1000 RR, the perfect complement for this
outstanding performance motorcycle.
Additionally, for a limited time,
customers who purchase an F 800 GT will
receive a bonus set of panniers valued at
$1,060*. All BMW panniers can be locked
to the motorcycle and can be keyed to suit
the ignition key for security and simplicity.
The F 800 GT panniers have a total
capacity of approximately 55 litres and each
side can hold up to 10 kg. There’s space for
one helmet (on the right hand pannier)
and both panniers have a wide base for easy
packing.
8
BmW News
mar14
BeeEm
According to General Manager BMW
Motorrad Australia, Tony Sesto, this is the
perfect opportunity to make 2014 your year
to ride.
“These 2013-plated models include many
factory options in the ride away price, giving
you even greater value; everyone should
jump behind the bars of a BMW and make
the perfect start.” said Sesto.
G 650 GS
• 650cc single cylinder
• LAMS Approved
Standard Features:
• ABS (switchable), heated grips,
• optional low suspension or centre stand
Options Included:
• Auxiliary power socket
Ride away: $9,990*
F 700 GS
• 800cc inline twin
Standard Features:
• ABS (switchable), heated grips,
• on board computer, pannier fastenings,
• centre stand, white LED indicators.
Options Included:
• Traction control, electronic
• suspension adjustment, tyre pressure
• monitor, comfort seat
Ride away: $13,490*
F 800 GS
• 800cc inline twin
Standard Features
• ABS (switchable), heated grips,
• on board computer, pannier
• fastenings, centre stand,
• white LED indicators
Options Included:
• Traction control, electronic
• suspension adjustment, comfort seat
Ride away: $16,990*
R 1200 R
• 1200cc 2 cylinder Boxer
Standard Features
• ABS, traction control, electronic
• suspension adjustment, tyre pressure
• monitor, heated grips, on board
• computer, sport windscreen,
• white LED indicators
Options Included
• Luggage grid
Ride away: $19,990*
K 1300 S
• 1300cc inline 4 cylinder
Standard Features
• ABS (switchable), heated grips,
• on board computer
Options Included:
• Traction control, quick shift,
• electronic suspension adjustment,
• tyre pressure monitor,
• luggage grid
Ride away: $24,990*
C 600 Sport
• 650cc inline 2 cylinder Maxi Scooter
• LAMS approved
Standard Features
• ABS, adjustable screen, flexcase storage
Options Included:
Business Printing
•quality printing at the right price
•fast and dedicated team
•corporate and commercial printing
T: 1300 110 110
F: 03 9696 3324
411 Francis Street
Brooklyn VIC 3012
print@printmode.com.au
Heated seats and grips, daytime riding
lights, tyre pressure monitor, white
LED indicators
Ride away: $12,990*
•
C 650 GT
• 650cc inline 2 cylinder Maxi Scooter
• LAMS approved
Standard Features
• ABS, electric adjustable screen, 60 litre
storage space, LED indicators
Options Included:
• Heated seat and grips, daytime riding
lights, tyre pressure monitor
Ride away: $15,990
*Recommended Promotional Ride
Away Price with no other optional extras
(apart from those included, if any). Offer
applies at participating BMW dealers, while
stocks last, to selected 2013 complianced
motorcycles ordered and delivered between
6 January 2014 and 31 March 2014 and
cannot be combined with any other offer.
Excludes any ‘special edition’ models.
Price may vary according to individual
circumstances and may vary between BMW
Motorrad dealers and states/territories.
Stock may vary between BMW Motorrad
dealers. Excludes fleet, government and
rental buyers. Consult your participating
BMW Motorrad dealer for further details.
BMW Group Australia reserves the right
to change or extend the offer. Bonus muffler
and panniers cannot be redeemed for cash.
•business cards
•letterheads
•envelopes
•stationery
•booklets
•manuals
•annual reports
•postcards
•posters (up to A0)
•laminating
•mounting
•and more
Members’ Ramblings
Random
Ramblings.
by Lloyd Griffiths
Who else! - Ed
“I don’t need you to remind me of my
age, I have a bladder to do that for me.” –
Stephen Fry.
Oh, the joys of getting old (perhaps
that should read - getting OLDER).
The negatives:
Aches and pains, the crook knuckles
and bent fingers. The hip that’s slowly
rotting away with arthritis. Those varicose
veins. The couple of hours it takes in the
morning before you start moving freely.
Those rifle cracks from the knees when
you stand up. Those lumps and bumps
the quack has to burn off with dry ice.
That rotten increasing waist line, which is
inversely proportional to your tolerance
levels. Those teeth and fillings that start
falling out. Losing that fight with gravity…
all the muscle mass migrates south. Not
getting back to sleep after the 3:00am visit
to the dunny.
“When they hang too low and swing
to and fro…” - Why is it that BMW Rally
pants are cut so short in the crutch? It’s
really embarrassing to be manually (and
publically) adjusting the little boys into
their happy place…bloody impossible
to do while riding. Picking up the bike
becomes increasingly difficult. You need
longer arms to read stuff. You sometimes
lose your train of ……???
However, to balance the negatives there’s
got be some positives:
You can ogle young women and not be
considered a threat. At worst, all you get
is a “P…. off, grandpa”. When expressing
an opinion, people think it’s based on
knowledge and experience – (more fool
them). We baby boomers outnumber
teenagers. We don’t have to spend nearly
every waking hour (and even some nonwaking hours) thinking about sex. You get
to know your GP, dentist, orthopod, etc.
on a first-name basis. People tolerate your
grumpiness. You get away with telling really
awful jokes and with not being politically
correct. At the recent Christmas Camp, I
was asked why I was limping. Replied that
it’s the latest in male contraceptives… you
put a stone in your boot and it makes you
limp. Now, that last comment opens up
a whole new topic, but I’d better not go
there. Which reminds me of the best club
quote of last year -“You never know who
might read this and be offended.”
More Ramblings
After reading Brian and Shirl’s latest
book, Circle to Circle (a good read by the
way) and, noting their problems with zips,
I thought there may be an opportunity for
a “Tips and Hints” section in the club rag
and/or on the club forum.
My tip/hint is for zipper care: for
jackets, tank bags, tents, etc, etc. – Carry a
4B pencil and run the pencil along the zips.
The graphite lubes the teeth and keeps the
zips working. Also a tiny pinch with your
Leatherman pliers on the sides of the slider
takes out any wear.
Their book also raised the question:
“How do people (at our age) tolerate the
corruption at border crossings?” As a young
bloke, you can go with the flow and get by.
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But as your age increases, your tolerance
thresholds decrease. Maybe I’m being too
grumpy, and judging the situation by my
own standards. Well done to Brian and
Shirl for coping with all that crap. I was
in Asia a while back and getting stressed
with all the corruption. A local expat said,
“Hang on a minute; you’re judging the
situation by your own standards, and not
by the local standards. Corruption and
bribery is how the system works over here.
Who are you to try to change their system
that’s been working for a thousand years?”
It shut my mouth.
Lazarus returns
to the scene of
the crime
Remember how kind-hearted members of
our club chipped in to help re-build a much
loved R65? - Ed
H
ere is a photo of Ballarat Ulysses
giving Barry Wells with his 1983 R65
(now named “Lazarus”) given a guard of
honour at Kevington on Australia Day
2014. It was 12 months after his accident
and, thanks to the BMW club, he lives to
ride another day.
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members’
rambling
rambles
The Drain Plug
Chronicles
by David Richardson
… in the good old days …
here was an old rhyme that the
scribe believes he may have read in
a motorcycle magazine; his memory at
present is not quite as razor sharp as it
once was, but to continue: in days of old
when bikers were bold, and choppers
had not been invented, we rode our hogs
through the mud and bogs and went our
way contented. Yes, dear reader, it may well
have been in that pre-eminent American
magazine bearing the same title as the
Fonda/Hopper cult classic film. Be that
as it may. The old fellah decided, as a new
year’s resolution of sorts, to do some tidying
up around the property. Yes, potentially a
most dangerous undertaking, and not for
the faint of heart. Firstly he rearranged the
languishing restoration project, to wit, his
outfit, so that the sidecar frame was now
closer to being placed in the back seat of the
Ford for a drive to an engineering shop of his
acquaintance for some “work”. He reasoned
that once this had been undertaken, said
frame could then be descaled, deburred,
derusted, and all kinds of other mean, nasty
things (to borrow from Arlo Guthrie’s
Alice’s Restaurant), and then painted, a..n..d,
finally, bolted back onto the motorcycle
half of the equation. Sadly the saga does not
end there, but that is for another Chronicle.
Hands up all those who do not object
to a shandy on a hot day? The scribe can
remember many, many moons ago when he,
in cahoots with several other likeminded
motorbicyclists, decided upon a wine
bottling as a fund-raiser and, from memory,
a good time was had by all and sundry.
Whether these simple pleasures are still
undertaken by clubs and organisations he
does not know, save to say, that perhaps the
esteemed committee of a certain marque
club might like to consider same. Although
whilst musing on this for a brief moment,
the scribe turned his attention to a small outdwelling that could double as a storage shed
or guest accommodation. Although the
resident opossum might take umbrage and
storm off in high dudgeon at this intrusion,
preferably into a tree. It has, after all, 10
or so acres of gums to choose from. The
T
dwelling in question was used at one time
as a home brewery, and to this end could
still be identified by the numerous, now
dusty, bottles of assorted brands and sizes,
not to mention the bottle capper bolted to
what once passed for a bench. Lurking in
the background was found a half-filled tin
of unused bottle caps. The scribe mused
that, as he had paid an exorbitant amount
for one or two bottles of the cheapest
beer on sale during the festive season, and
being flabbergasted at the price, perhaps he
should again take up the mantle of master
brewer in his own bailiwick. After all the
various fermenters were still to hand, albeit
a tad musty and dusty, but nonetheless
clean, a goodly number of bottles and caps,
and a capping tool. The scribe will not
bore the esteemed and patient reader with
the intricate details of home brewing, and
“yes”, it is something that you can try at
home, but at all times follow the directions
that accompany the “makings”. A pleasant
and genteel hobby for the gentleman, or
lady, motorbicyclist. If the reader wishes
to experiment with various “brews” that
are available, then it may be a good idea to
have bespoke labels at hand to attach to the
bottles now housing the ambrosial liquid.
Many years ago there was, and may still be,
a British motorcycling magazine that bore
the title Back Street Heroes. The erudite
reader will perhaps remember that the
scribe has referred to this publication in the
past. In any event there was a column that
was preceded by a cartoon of sorts. With
the application of a little “white out” the
drawing by one Stu Garland, from memory,
does in fact resemble a conventional beer
bottle label. Readers are left to their own
devices as to what to write on the label.
The scribe would add by way of a mea culpa
that he has probably infringed all sorts of
intellectual property regulations, not to
mention copyright. In mitigation of his
sins, he does contend that it isn’t a half-bad
drawing and totally suitable for affixing to a
beer bottle. For those who wish to maintain
a blameless persona, allow the scribe to
recommend a website that allows one to
design one’s own labels and print them out
for FREE, yes, for free! www.beerlabizer.
com is the place to go.
And with that the old fellah has some
bottling to be getting on with. If you’re
passing, please feel free to drop in.
Ah, hazy memories…… check out the label of
this beer I drank…. It has a kick like a mule!
– Ed
Monthly meeting
raffle prizes and
other things
make everyone a
winner
O
ur BMW Motorcycle Club monthly
meetings not only provide up to the
minute info on the goings-on in our club,
there is always a guest speaker to entertain
the masses. But there’s more. The president
provides plenty of comic relief with his
awful jokes, the supper is inhaled as soon
as it hits the table and Steve Roberts, our
treasurer, acts as bouncer. For $5.00 you
gain access to all the above and three raffle
tickets with two regular prizes on offer.
A half-price tyre from our loyal sponsors
at BM Motorcycles in Ringwood and a
helicopter flight over our fair city from
Point Helicopters. Now, I know our
president has been piloting Dragonflies
for years and has lived to tell the tales.
He has taken it to another level by taking
members’
rambling
rambles
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Neville and Rod about to take their senic flight
‘winners’ of our monthly raffle on joy
flights. Here Neville Borgelt and Rod
Payke are about to put their lives into the
hands of our president to get a bird’s eye
view of Melbourne. I’m not sure if they are
smiling or grimacing. From all accounts,
it’s a great prize. Get along to a meeting –
you never know, you may get lucky.
Laszlo Papp on
tour
H
ere’s a photo of club member Laszlo
Papp on tour at Cape Jervis. Perhaps
this will get the juices flowing and
encourage a few to explore further afield.
Go, Laszlo!
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members’
rambling
rambles
R series bikes
rule, OK?
Concepts BMW should consider
From Gary McGrath
We just can’t have those “K” series
machines hogging the large capacity multi
cylinder limelight now, can we?
Here are the “R” series machines to
help balance the ledger.
Above: BMW’s in line four - well before
Triumph produced one
Above: R 2000 GS
Below: BMW’s horizontal six
Above: R 3300 S (Front view)
Above: R 3300 S (Rear view)
Up and Coming
FUTURE EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED
Breakfast Rides
2014
Fancy a Sunday morning ride to breakfast?
Check out these dates and venues – Ed
Sunday March 2nd from 9 am
KELP 67 Point Lonsdale Road, Point
Lonsdale, Vic, 3225 Ph. 5258 4797
To quote from the website “It’s
about the little things being done well –
quality, consistency and the overall dining
experience…head back to flavour, head to
Kelp”.
Kelp restaurant is pure indulgence.
Located in the beautiful seaside village
of Point Lonsdale, Kelp offers breakfast,
lunch and dinner using fresh, seasonal local
produce.
“All happiness depends on a leisurely
breakfast.” (John Gunther – journalist /
author)
The menu is brief and interesting and the
pictures on the website inviting.
This venue has recently been featured in
the local paper, so its popularity will grow.
Let’s do brekkie!
Sunday March 30th
GDBH or the Gladysdale Bakehouse,
2568 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction
Look for the sign out front. This familyrun country bakery has indoor and outdoor
seating. Offering lots of cakes, pies and local
produce, as well as meals, there is sure to be
something to please. Off-street parking,
although if it has rained bring a sidestand
support. Gladysdale Bakery is located on
the main road to Warburton, but this bakery
is easy to miss, being on the right-hand
side of a sweeping corner, with some space
between the bakery and the road. So check
a map or you may motor past and soon be in
Warburton.
Nearby is the Waterlily Garden. This
local attraction has extensive ponds and
greenhouses featuring rare and exotic species
of waterlilies. With a Japanese water garden
theme, it is an interesting place to visit. A gift
shop and meals are available. So should you
fancy a bit of lunch after breakfast, about
three kms from Gladysdale Bakery there is
another coffee stop. Entry fee applies.
Sunday May 4th from 9 am
Red Beard Bakery, 38A High Street,
Trentham
Down the lane between the shops, past
the garden animals and into the courtyard
behind the handmade wall, you will find
the bakery. Or you could follow the wafting
aromas of freshly baked bread and rely on
your nose to lead you to the right spot. This
was a popular catch-up venue last year so is in
the calendar again.
Trentham has several cafes to fill tummies
but Red Beard Bakery is really the only
one with enough seating for lots of people.
Cross fingers and toes for some sunshine
to warm you as you weave among the trees
to Trentham. Weekly or monthly farmers’
markets around the area are places to buy
loaves of either the sourdough bread or other
products baked in the old wood fired oven.
Perfect for a picnic or as breakfast toast, a loaf
of fresh bread adds a little something to the
offerings on the meal table.
Black Dog Ride
2014
O
n Sunday 23 March 2014, big bad bikers
from all over Australia will be strapping
cute and cuddly soft toy dogs onto their
bikes and riding off on the Black Dog Ride.
The ride is a charity event aimed at raising
community awareness of depression, and
raising vital money for Lifeline in support of
its role in suicide prevention.
The Black Dog Ride is the brainchild of
West Australian, Steve Andrews. In 2008
Steve received the sad news that the wife of
an old friend had taken her life. He found
out later that she had suffered depression
for many years but had told very few people,
possibly because of the stigma of mental
illness and the taboo on discussing suicide.
Steve decided to do something about
this and, being a motorcycle rider, he decided
to do an around Australia ride to raise
community awareness about depression,
to help people realize it is an illness not a
weakness and that it is treatable. Steve set
out on his ride in 2009 with a toy dog named
Winston on his bike and the inaugural Black
Dog Ride was underway. The dog is named
after Winston Churchill, who also suffered
from depression and who likened it to a black
dog which followed him around.
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While the original ride was not primarily
about raising money, Steve was amazed at
how many people he met identified with the
cause and wanted to make donations. When
he returned he decided to keep the ride
concept going, organising both a local one
day ride for riders around Perth and the Ride
to the Red Centre, a ride to Alice Springs
open to riders from all over Australia. These
rides have continued each year and are so
popular that when one of our club members
tried to book into the Red Centre ride last
year he found it was booked out only a few
days after registrations opened.
In 2012, Steve realized his dream of
holding one day Black Dog Rides in every
state and territory in Australia. Last year
over 5,000 riders participated and this year
we have an even greater number of rides
happening, so no matter where you live there
should be one starting near you.
Not only is this a great cause and a good
ride, but the story also has a BMW club
connection. Not only does Steve Andrews
rides a K1200GT but the original Victorian
One Day Ride and the main Melbourne
rides (this year leaving from Pakenham) have
all been led by David McAuliffe with our
esteemed president John Eacott as TEC.
So why not come along and join us this
year in support of a worthy cause and a good
day out.
Details of the rides can be found at www.
blackdogride.com.au
Registration ($27.50 for riders and
$15.00 for pillions) is at https://1dayer2014.
eventbrite.com.au
For help with depression or suicide
prevention call Lifeline (open 24 hours) on
13 11 14
A ”C” of a Camp
weekend Fri 21 to
Sun 23 February
C
amper trailer Christening Caper in the
Barmah National Park at Carter’s Beach
via Strathmerton.
All welcome – two, three or four wheels.
Join Ann and Brian for their first trip with
their camper trailer. Contact Neville Borgelt
03 9438 1615 or Brian 03 9435 9196. More
information including directions is on the
club website’s Authorised Rides forum
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members’
rambling
rambles
BMW Motorcycle Club of Victoria
Biennial Rally 2014, Cape Bridgewater,
4th, 5th & 6th April, 2014
Rally information:
The Biennial Rally for BMW club members, partners and guests will be held at the Cape Bridgewater Coastal Camp,
commencing Friday April 4th ending Sunday 6th April. Cape Bridgewater, South Western Victoria is fifteen minutes from
Portland.
The rugged coast, part of which is included in the Shipwreck Park, provides a spectacular backdrop for the Rally. The
south west coast was one of the first areas settled in the early 1800’s by the Henty brothers to begin the colony of
Victoria. Featuring countless ancient volcanic hills, dramatic coastal scenery of cliffs, gorges and sea stacks, with the
Grampians to the north and Mt Gambier to the west, this area offers something for all motorcycle riders. The riding to
the camp through the forested Otway Ranges or along the Great Ocean Road will provide many riders with
opportunities to enjoy the green and blue views of the sea, sky and earth while experiencing the freedom of motorcycle
riding.
The region is known for the production of gourmet foods derived from the dairy industry, diverse cottage industries and
the annual visit of whales. Great South West Walking Track, Tower Hill Reserve are more local attractions. The sandy
beaches and white surf of Cape Bridgewater Bay are easily accessed from the Rally Camp Site.
Accommodation: The rally will be based at the Cape Bridgewater Coastal Camp, located at the southern edge of Cape
Bridgewater, overlooking the beaches. The club has booked the whole site, enough accommodation for 120 members
and guests. Accommodation is $20 per person per night for camping or $30 per person per night for cabin
accommodation.
Details of costs are listed in the registration form.
The camp has cabins with family rooms or bunk rooms. All cabins have shower and ensuite facilities - bottom sheet essential, sleeping bags or doona and pillow needed. There are six powered sites available. Camping sites and a campfire pit are available in the area behind the cabins.
Meals: Meals will be provided by the camp staff. There will be a hot meal on the Friday night, the Rally Dinner on
Saturday and breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday. Costs for the Friday night meal and breakfasts are $10 per person
for each meal. Rally Dinner vouchers can also be purchased for $20 for the Saturday evening dinner. This will be a twocourse meal, consisting of mains and dessert. The camp has a large function room where the evening meals and the
breakfasts will be served.
Trophies and prizes: These will be presented at the dinner on Saturday evening. Bikes will be judged at the ‘Show and
Shine’ on Saturday morning. Categories are
• Best K Series
• Best F Series
• Best R Series (pre 4 valve)
• Best R Series (4 valve)
• Youngest participant
• Oldest participant
• Longest distance female rally participant
• Longest distance pillion rally participant
• Longest distance male rally participant
• Oldest female bike/rider combination
• “Les Duffield Award”, oldest male bike/rider combination
AND for GS riders ‘The dirtiest / muddiest bike and rider’
th
Organised rides: There will be an organised ride departing from Melbourne on Friday 4 April and another one departing
from Melbourne on the Saturday morning. A GS ride and a road ride will be organised, leaving from the camp, that will
take in all the best roads and sights of the area. One road ride will tour the volcanoes and lava fields the area is famous
for. Additional information will be on the club website and in the BeeEm club magazine explain the rides to be made
available.
More details on the rides will be available soon on the web site.
members’
rambling
rambles
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BeeEm
BMWMotorcycleClubofVictoria
BiennialRally2014,CapeBridgewater,
4th,5th&6thApril,2014
Registration Form:
Registration fee
Per person, including rally badge.
Accommodation options
Camping per person per night. (All sites) (Toilet and shower block available)
Beds: per person per night in family room or bunkroom.
There are 6 main cabins each with different sized sleeping arrangements
Several family rooms and there are 6 rooms with double beds
Bunk rooms in the cabins with between 10 and 20 people per cabin.
The bunk rooms have between 3 and 6 double bunks per room.
Linen is NOT supplied - please take a bottom sheet and pillow for all beds.
All cabins have en suite and shower.
Meal options
Friday dinner
Saturday Rally Dinner voucher (two courses, mains and dessert)
Breakfast Saturday
Breakfast Sunday
Sandwich-making supplies for lunches available (no cost)
$ Cost
x
No. of
people
x
…$30…
x
……..
x
…$20…
…$30…
x
x
……..
……..
x
x
…$10…
…$20…
…$10…
…$10…
x
x
x
x
………
………
………
………
Date
4th, 5th
=
Total $
……..
=
……….
…….
…….
=
=
……….
=
=
=
=
……….
……….
……….
……….
Total
$__________
Names …………………………………………………………………………………
Payment can be made by cheque, credit card or direct deposit. Please include email address below for receipt.
Email address:………………………..………………………………………………….
Cheques made payable to BMWMCCVIC and posted to, BMWMCCVIC Treasurer, PO Box 2298, Richmond South, Vic 3121.
Credit card: Visa……… Mastercard………. Name on card………………………………………………………………………….
Card number: ………………./………………../…………………/……………….. Expiry date: …………./………..
Amount $............................
Signature …………………………..
Direct deposit can be made to BMWMCCVIC BSB 063 000 A/C 0080 4344
Description essential please, your membership number and “Rally”
Please forward this registration form by Friday, 28th March 2014
For more information, contact Noela Miller, on 0417 035 359 or email to socialsecretary@bmwmccvic.org.au
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BeeEm
Rides Rallies & Events
Coffee get togethers – Vic. and Tas.
Melbourne: Morning coffee get together each Saturday, 9.00am to 1.00pm, at Laurent Boulangerie Patisserie, 109
Dundas Place, Albert Park, 9690 4700 Melway ref map 2K C7 All welcome. Park safely & leave footpaths clear
Tasmania: First Saturday of the month, from 9.30 am at Oliver’s Bakery, 41 Reiby St, Ulverstone
Western Victoria: First Saturday of the month, from 9.00 am at Beechworth Bakery, Grenville St, Ballarat.
Central Victoria: Third Saturday of the month, from 9.00 am at Beechworth Bakery, Cnr High and Don St, Bendigo
Eastern Victoria: Fourth Saturday of the month, from 9.30 am at Emerald Bakery, Kilvington Drive, Emerald.
Note: Before you go on a ride, please check the latest BeeEm and the web site for late
changes to ride details. Changes do happen. www.bmwmccvic.org.au
MRA Toy Run
8 December 2013
by Luke de Jong
This story is a little late but the MRA toy run is such a great cause and
draws great publicity for all motorcyclists. Try to be part of it next year - Ed
G
iving gifts to needy children is a wonderful thing. For the second
year running I organised a BMW Club contingent to join the
MRA Toy Run. So it was that at 8:15 am on Sunday 8 December 2013
nine decorated bikes assembled on Princes Bridge, toys at the ready,
prepared for the convoy to Calder Park. Smiling pedestrians stopped,
some taking photos, to witness Santas seated on decorated motorbikes,
some with large soft toys strapped prominently to the rear seat or
luggage rack.
At 8:45am we set off from Princes Bridge towards Port Melbourne
where we joined up with many other riders, all neatly assembled with
polished machines proudly displayed, another attractive feature of the
Toy Run. I enjoyed the chance to chat with other riders about their
machines and their motorbike adventures. These are the times when
I feel that I have joined a community, just by being a bike rider. No
points for guessing that the place was dominated by Harleys, naturally,
and some extraordinary, eye-popping custom machines, the owners
of which stood a short distance away and took obvious pleasure in
the reactions of the observers. I was so taken with this display that I
am inclined to call it ‘bike porn’ since so many people were staring
at beautifully polished, naked bikes. The only thing missing was the
supermodels draped over them!
This year the coffee shop was closed which was a great
disappointment. Could it be that last year they were a bit overrun by
bikers? I am sure that would have done a great trade in coffee as many,
many more riders turned up. I was in need of caffeine and missing it
badly. Note to self: provide own coffee next time, maybe in a thermos
flask, or even take a wake-up swig of the Red Bull.
Heads turned at the arrival of each convoy from far and wide,
joining the line-up on their variously decorated machines. Then the
men in blue appeared in the flashy squad car, getting the attention of
our faithful president, John Eacott, as he enquired about the timing
of our imminent departure. Just a few more minutes left for taking
excellent photos of loads of shining chromed machines and then we
were all ready to roll.
The blue-and-reds began to flash and at 10:30 all the revving and
rumbling began. All riders politely (mostly) assembled in two lines
behind ‘blue leader’, cruising confidently through roundabouts and red
lights as we weaved our way to the City Link and onto the Bolte Bridge.
Thanks to the ‘Boys in Blue’ for instilling a bit of confidence in riders
who maybe are not used to gatherings of large numbers of bikes. They
stayed at the head of the line all the way to Calder Park, approximately
30 minutes of convoy driving.
I quite enjoyed the amused gazes from the cagers as they stared
at the unusual sight of decorated bikes and riders participating in the
Christmas spirit that is Melbourne in December. There were several
hundred machines and I was keen to run along the line with my
Contour camera capturing a little of the colour. This part of the day is
the bit that I like best, not just because everyone has a toy to donate to
the Salvos, but also because so many bikers enjoy participating in such a
huge convoy. As we turned off the freeway into Calder Park, we began
to fill up the huge car park with easily over 1000 bikes. I was as amazed
this year, as I was last time, to see most unusual and beautiful machines
lined up, polished up for the day, easily the stars of the show. Sure, there
were traders in the stalls and there were side shows planned, but after
handing in the obligatory toy, there was plenty of time to walk around
and gaze at the many machines.
Next time please join us in this once-a-year convoy and be a part of
the MRA Toy Run. Maybe you will enjoy the experience as I did.
Participants:
Luke de Jong
Hans Faehndrich
Peter Ligopoulos
Graeme ‘Grimy’ Workman
Neil Davey
Paul Drossinos
Laszlo Papp
Andrew Ligoulos
Colin Randall
Lee Workman
Sharon Davy
Barry MacDonald
rides, rallies
and events
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Original CRL 23 December
2013 - Neville leads a wet
ride to Eildon.
by Ross Wright
E
leven of us met up at Degani’s at Diamond Creek, in drizzle, for a
good coffee.
Then eight bikes with riders and one pillion, trussed up in our wet
weather gear, departed for St Andrews and on up to Kinglake. Rain
persisted and got heavier. Ahh, summer in Victoria!
From Kinglake it was down to the Melba Highway for a good run
to Yea. Rain now left behind, we went on to the Whanregarwen Road
(try saying that with a mouth full of anything), just out of Molesworth,
for the twisting back road to Alexander. A quick pit stop, then back
road to Skyline Road to follow the twisties in to Eildon where a ride to
and over the dam wall was followed by pies and coffee for lunch.
No further rain, just a clean and lightly trafficked run home for me
in the reverse direction though home through Whittlesea instead.
Participants:
(Ride Leader)1150GSA
Neville Borgelt R1150 RT
Jim Morrissey R1200 GSA
Reg Saunders R1200GS
Mal Wilson
K1100 LT
Ross Wright F650 GS
Lynne Rosenthal ( First outing) R1200GS
Bob Rosenthal K100 RS
Karl Haering and Alana Barber Peter Ness and Simon Long came for coffee only
Christmas Camp 2013
the first four days
by Brian Macdonald
T
his year’s Christmas Camp was held at the Alexandra Tourist
Park, a location with ready access to the Jamieson to Eildon Road
and many other bits of eye-pleasing scenery and good riding. Among
early arrivals at the park on Boxing Day were Ian McKenna, Neville
Borgelt, Noela and Don Miller with their son and his partner and
Ann and Brian Macdonald. John Terry and his wife were there with
one car, one caravan, one BMW motorbike and one CanAm Spyder.
They must have shuttled to and from Melbourne several times. Graeme
Workman was there with his family. John Eacott arrived soon to set
up a presidential encampment of campervan and custom bike trailer
containing the K16GT, pulling out from his camper an awning with
table, chairs and hospitality on tap. Lynne and Bob Rosenthal were
present although at some remove, in a cabin in another part of the
camp, having booked a bit late. Noel and Lea Gilliland were present
with their outfit. My apologies to others whom I may have omitted.
When we arrived, both marquees had just been erected so Neville
busied himself organising the kitchen equipment, food storage, power
Lloyd Griffiths ready to depart with his G650GS
and electric lights to the marquees, while Brian was careful not to
be seen allowing Ann to work unassisted at assembling their tent
village. Ian was, along with other unpowered campers, exiled by park
management to a far corner of the park, which was a great pity.
The cabins and powered site areas and the marquees were in a cosy
cluster and soon there was an urn bubbling, tables and chairs set out
and campers were relaxing and socialising around the tables, moving
the chairs around either to seek or to avoid the sun. A frequent visitor
to the camp was the park manager, Phil, drawn like a moth to the flame
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rides, rallies
and events
Above: Short Stop near Jamieson with Lisa & John Terry, Bob
Rosenthal, Ian McKenna, John Eacott, Mathew Gale, Don Miller,
Lynne Rosenthal, Laurie Miller, and Ann & Brian Macdonald.
Above: near Jamieson with Laurie and Don Miller and Ian McKenna,
photo by Lynne Rosenthal.
as he owns a very nice, restored, white R100RS, which was, sadly, at
his permanent home in Yarrawonga. To comfort him for its absence,
his Suzuki Hyabusa lurked in a nearby shed ready for action. As the
park was not overfull, he was able to find time for both riding and
socialising. Even so, he and his wife worked tirelessly and kept the park
facilities scrupulously clean and fresh.
The park’s facilities were a bit limited and Alexandra is a quiet
little town but the club had all the facilities it needed for comfort and
sustenance, thanks to the work of Noela in buying up a supermarket
and Neville Borgelt, who towed the big trailer. As time went on there
appeared to be an endless supply of nibblies, cake, beer and wine, thanks
to the generosity of many, who just kept contributing. A secondary
social hub established itself a few metres away outside the presidential
camper under the awning and members gravitated between the two
areas.
We soon took to exploring the facilities of the town, which was an
exact one kilometre walk up the highway to the T-junction with the
main street. Noela found a treasure trove in the local chemist’s shop
and proceeded to plunder like a Goth, later displaying, with delight,
her trophies. Others preferred the seductiveness of a local burger joint,
whose products were looked upon and seen to be good. Alexandra has
a hotel with a restaurant, a service station, a supermarket, a newsagent,
several excellent cafes and a bakery of good quality in a pretty little
main street. There is also a swimming pool. It deserves better than to
have become a bit of a backwater, a town to pass through on your way
to Eildon in summer or Mansfield and the snow in winter rather than a
place to linger. Club rides have often stopped there for morning coffee
or lunch.
As time went on, more members arrived and set up. Lloyd Griffiths
and Nic Watson came but chose to camp at the council park not far
away, being frequent visitors to the communal area and making use of
the breakfast facilities. Devlin Gardner pitched his tent for a couple of
days then was off to a more rugged environment. Barbara and Derek
Pickard came and joined the fun. Andrea Eacott appeared with the
X3. Gerald St John and Linda Edwards are perennial Christmas Camp
fun-seekers. This year their French restaurateur friend, Michel, who had
given the club a copy of his biographical cookbook, was not present.
Neville Borgelt gave frequent seminars on the art of turning a
respectable light truck into a unique camper with gadgets wondrous
and varied, ingenious in the extreme, for raising, lowering, controlling,
monitoring and otherwise making his life easier and more comfortable.
I’m not sure what they do for the life of the truck. Although both Nev
and Dev were there, no pressure cookers were harmed or even exercised.
Among Neville’s many pieces of equipment were two polytarps,
which were brought into play to fabricate a fly sheet for Ann
Macdonald’s tent, since Brian had once again fallen down on the job
and failed to ensure that this vital item was packed. Fortunately the first
night it was hot as this was a very Heath-Robinson arrangement. This
failure necessitated Brian putting the miles into his F7GS the following
morning to return home and come back with the correct outer skin
for the tent. The next morning it was 4º and this chilly morning
temperature was to reappear on subsequent days. Tent campers were
not amused and much lizard-like behaviour was needed to allow the
fortunately strong sun in clear skies to stir sluggish blood and warm
immobilised joints. Tea and coffee were much enjoyed in the chill of
the mornings.
There were rides, one which Ann and I enjoyed particularly, the
rides, rallies
and events
Noel Gilliland riding his R1100GS Sidecar
length of the Eildon to Jamieson road, with a welcome drinks break at
a sweltering Jamieson, then back round Lake Eildon via Mansfield with
the afternoon coffee stop at Yarck. Many vehicles with pretty flashing
two-coloured lights were sighted although no club members became
victims. Good, safe, law-abiding riding, no doubt!
As the days passed, members came and went, among them Angela
and Karl with Melissa and Alana, who took over the cabin vacated by
Don and Noela’s son. Barbro and Steve Roberts were present. There
was one constant in that tea and coffee were taken, the papers were
read and serious debate on topics of world importance was indulged
in around the focal point of the tables under the marquee, whose shade
was much appreciated in the hot sun. Other visitors, more welcome
than not, were a huge flock of sulphur-crested cockies which roosted
in nearby trees and a kookaburra which provided the five am alarm.
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As someone commented, “When you hear the kookas and the cockies,
you know you are in the country, not the city.”
For Ann and me, a major highlight of the camp was on the Sunday
evening. Andrea Eacott emerged from the Eacott camper waving a
whole ham, upon which she proceeded to commit major surgery.
Meanwhile, her presidential consort had set a pile of potatoes to
roast in a large dry cooker. Noela joined Andrea and soon there was
a group of club women cutting fruit, assembling salads, laying out a
most appealing spread of every kind of comestible imaginable. Bottles
of this and that were opened. Boxes of chocolates and platters of cake
circulated. Then there was one big party at the groaning trestle tables
with everyone present participating and enjoying a marvellously
convivial evening. Thanks go to the ladies for this spontaneous party
which will be fondly and long remembered.
Although we left well before the new year, anxious to immerse
ourselves in the Edinburgh Tattoo and Scottish Hogmanay nostalgia
(not to mention Scottish medicinal fluids) on “The One Night of The
Year” and have no knowledge of later events, rumours abound of a
“Great Water Fight of 2013” after some subversive members smuggled
water cannons into camp. One long-established club member, whose
name must never be told but who runs the midweek rides, tried hard to
soak El Prez not with a water gun but with a water bucket, but JE proved
too nimble and elusive. These high jinks followed a well-attended ride
to a lunch at Mount Buller. Wonder what was in that lunch?
It was the Monday morning, when we decamped, in a continuation
of the cold nights but warm, dry, sunny days which lasted the duration
of the camp. This always makes striking your tents more pleasant and an
easier task. We should give a big thank you to Noela and Don for their
efforts in finding a suitable location and all the rest of the organising
that happens but is not seen. Thanks also to the Eacotts for their big
contribution to the festivities. And finally a cheerio to everyone who
attended for their participation and company.
Club Christmas Camp.
26 December /1 January
by Ian McKenna
T
Club Christmas Camp with dinner on Tuesday
his year the Club Christmas Camp was the Alexandra Tourist Park
on the edge of town, which I reached via the Black Spur by midday
on Boxing Day.
Thursday 26 Dec.
We had 16 arrivals including Neville Borgelt and his camper truck, Lisa
and John Terry with a caravan, CanAm Trike and a K1200RS and John
Eacott with a giant campervan with his K1600GT in a trailer. Ann and
Brian Macdonald F700GS and Subaru Forester had tents; the fly from
Ann’s tent was missing so a makeshift cover was made until Brian went
home to fetch the fly.
Lee, Grimy and Ian shared a cabin as did Noela, Don and Laurie
Miller who rode his Honda CB600F, Lea and Noel Gilliland R1100GS
Sidecar had a powered tent site while Mathew Gale F800GS, Bill Ellul
F800GS and Ian McKenna R80 camped in the back paddock. Dinner
was at the Commercial Hotel in Alexandra.
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rides, rallies
and events
the wrong side of Lake Eildon. We soon returned to the Maroondah
Highway and stopped for afternoon coffee at the Giddy Goat Cafe in
Yarck.
At the Christmas Camp ten arrivals brought our attendance to
about 30, including Mark Chin F650GS, Karl Haering and Angela,
Alana and Melissa Barber, Liz Mago CB250, David McAuliffe
R1150RS, Gerald St John and Linda Edwards and Andrea Eacott.
Dinner was at the Shamrock Hotel in Alexandra. During dinner a wind
storm blew over the club kitchen tent and did some minor damage to
the tent frame.
Sunday 29th December.
Don Miller installed a bash plate on his F700GS and Lloyd Griffiths
left for home. Today’s ride was to the Tahbilk Winery and Cafe near
Nagambie with half the riders travelling direct by car while others took
Coffee at Mount Buller with John Eacott, Don Miller, Gerald St John
and Linda Edwards
Friday 27 December.
Our ride to Whitfield started about 10.00 and we had morning coffee
at the Witches Brew Cafe in Mansfield. We enjoyed lunch in Whitfield
at the Whitty Cafe before riding to Greta South and Tatong. We
stopped for fuel in Swanpool and returned to camp mid afternoon.
Six arrivals which brought our total up to 22 with Lloyd Griffiths
G650GS and Nic Watson G650 who stayed at the sporting oval down
the road, Devlin Gardner R1200GS, Barbara and Derek Pickard
and Temmille. Neville Borgelt presented Ann and Brian with a pot
of thistles (Scotland’s national flower) found in the campground. A
spaghetti dinner was enjoyed at the campground and Noela taught a
few of us how to play petanque in the evening.
Saturday 28th December
About a dozen of us rode from Eildon to Jamieson for lunch at the
Jamieson General Store including Ron Santiago R1200GS who arrived
before our departure. While here we met Elaine and Kevin Glenn
from Swan Hill. On the way back via Mansfield a few of us got lost on
Club Christmas Camp with dinner on Tuesday
Lloyd Griffiths departing for home riding his G650GS with Karl Haering
and John Terry
a longer route by bike via Ruffy. We also met six members including
Steve Baczak R1100RT, Steve Boyd R1100RT, Marja and Theo Cehun
and Barbro and Steve Roberts at the winery for a total of 18 guests for
lunch.
On our return to the camp, Mathew Gale, Liz Mago, David
McAuliffe and Lynne and Bob Rosenthal left for home, soon replaced
by several riders; Jonathon Ellis R1200GS, Julia Watts G650GS and Les
Watts R1200GS, Marc Crichten F800GS visited us for an attendance
of 33. Noela Miller and several helpers provided a salad dinner at the
camp.
Monday 30th December.
Five riders took off and enjoyed a coffee at the Powder Bar on Mount
Buller; we also stopped at Mirimbah. This was followed by lunch in
Mansfield on the way back, where several of us acquired some cheap
water squirters.
A few riders left for home including Mark Chin, Ann and Brian
rides, rallies
and events
Macdonald and Barbara and Derek Pickard. Visitors included Helen
and Barry Law K1200LT, Wendy and Pat Bajraszewski. Staying
overnight were Lynda and Detlef Lamp and Bob Lunenburg R1150RS
for a total of 33.
Dinner at the club camp site was chicken, vegies and rice. After
dinner Alana and Melissa Barber enjoyed ongoing water fights with the
water squirters from Mansfield.
Tuesday 31st December.
Linda and Gary Young K1100RS visited in the morning. Five of us
then rode to Ruffy for morning coffee at the Ruffy Produce Store.
After this we rode via Longwood to Avenel where we expected to find
a cafe in the railway station. No cafe, but local knowledge directed us to
Seymour Station Cafe which was closed when we got there, so we had
lunch at the Railway Club Hotel across the road.
At the camp, Marlene and Shane R1150GS from Rochester and
Jim Enjar R1200RS visited us in the afternoon. Another dinner was
enjoyed at the campsite with an attendance of about 18. Eight of us
stayed up to celebrate the New Year.
New Year’s Day 2014.
Getting up about 8.00 am, I was surprised to find the campsite almost
completely packed up. Ron Hedger from Alexandra paid us a visit and
John Eacott had time to test-ride John Terry’s CanAm trike. With a
threat of rain coming we were gone by about 10 o’clock. We headed
home after enjoying a great week of camping
January Mid Week Ride –
The Opposite Icicle Ride
by Alana Barber
F
or someone who’s on holidays and has been going to bed late, I think
it was a surprise for Dad when I decided to join him on the Opposite
Icicle Ride. This not only meant a 3.30 wake-up but also, a day on mum’s
bike. By the time we had got to Longwarry, I had to admit, it’s not as bad
as I originally thought and I was quite happy to just sit there half awake.
We weren’t the first to the departure point but it was a bit mysterious
when at 5.50 there were only four of us. Dad soon found the rest of our
group outside and I was shocked to see so many. Morning people must
really exist as we had a group of 24 on 20 bikes.
We left Longwarry and headed though Robin Hood and Drouin
West. As we came to a corner, I realised the ride was fairly stretched out
and we pulled up for a second or two waiting for the bike behind us.
Soon, a corner marker appeared and before moving on, Dad pointed out
where he had dropped his bike.
I found the section of the road that followed immensely enjoyable.
Mind you, the bright low sun was a little annoying. As we rode on, I
congratulated myself on still being awake and I gladly enjoyed the roads
through Lardner and Strezelecki.
I was surprised when we came into Korumburra at 7am. I didn’t
remember it being so close to the end but happily got off the bike as
mums seat wasn’t very soft and cushiony. I spent the stop walking around
a bit like a sleeping zombie but my second hot chocolate of the day was
helpful.
Helmut left us at Korumburra and, as we rode out of town, I
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Dawn breaks at the ride start (Photo - Jim Denyar)
wondered what one of the buildings was. I came to the conclusion that
it’s a milk place. (that would be a dairy for us old enough to remember –
Ed) It looked interesting. We then went on to Leongatha and Mirboo
North, me adding some jumbled, made up lyrics to the great road. (I
think dad’s glad we can’t talk to each other.)
In Moe, a lot of the bikes behind us went in for fuel and the corners
afterwards were perfectly timed, corner markers appearing as Dad
needed them. As we rode through Tanjil South and Willow Grove, I was
thankful for Mum’s high mirror, watching the road and, occasionally, the
bike behind us.
Dad was unsure of a corner so we dawdled along a road, also waiting
for the bike behind us. I used this time to stretch. When Dad spotted the
bike in his mirrors, though, I jumped back on and we turned down Old
Sale Road.
We weren’t far along OSR, and I was wondering when I would find
a letterbox, when Dad spotted a kangaroo up ahead on the road. Tooting
his horn, Dad proceeded cautiously and the kangaroo soon disappeared
into the bush. I watched it like a hawk till we went around a bend as I
don’t particularly like kangaroos, especially on the bike.
Dad pointed out where we stopped for soup on the night and then
it wasn’t long before we stopped in Neerim South for morning tea. Here
Morning tea at Neerim South - Don, Helen, Barry, Steve G, Winfried,
Kerrie, Brendan (Photo - Jim Denyar)
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rides, rallies
and events
Euan’s E-J Ride
19 January 2014
by Matthew Gale
T
Mark, Don, Barry and Helen with Karl in the background - (Photo
David Yee)
I had some breakfast and we all socialised, discussing the rules of parking
up on the footpath after a woman made a complaint. After relaxing
in the sun for a while, I got up reluctantly and we all donned our gear
once more. We then rode on to Nayook and I thought “If I ever had
a dog, Nayook would be a cool name for it”. Next we went through
Powelltown and, as Mark Chin had said, all different coloured flowers
lined the street. It was a lovely sight along with the now clear sky.
We then rode through Yarra Junction and Gembrook before going
into Pakenham. I happily corner marked the last corner whilst Dad rode
around the car park looking for La Porchetta. He eventually found it and
after waving to everyone as they came in, I walked over to where they
had all gathered. Barry pointed out that Tail End Charlie wasn’t there
though. Turns out, I had left the corner too soon. Woops!! (Dad sorted
it out and all was good in the end, thankfully.)
Rob Langer joined us for lunch and the group spread out over two
tables. As always at any club event, there was a variety of conversation.
Eventually though, after a great day’s ride - despite the early start – and
some great company, we all headed off home. For Dad and me it was
a long ride home and no points for guessing I feel asleep straight away.
Participants
Karl Haering & Alana Barber Mac Wilson Steve Griffiths Peter Walsh Peter Wilson Winfried Hessling Wojtek Janczewski 2 x Unknown Riders
Helen and Barry Law Helmut Imberger David Yee & Rhonda Hill Don Miller Mark Chin Tony Picinich John Beaumont Jim Denyar Brendon Webb Neville Hoare Rob Langer for lunch
K100RS
R1200GS
Honda 1000
R1200GSA
G650GS
1100GS
R1100RT
K1200LT
R1200GS
K75c
F700GS
F650Gs
R1200GS
R1200GS
R1200GS
F800GS
K1200GT
he promise of a ride full of twisties is always on the cards when Euan
is involved. This would explain the delightfully cool weather that I’m
sure Euan organised with the man upstairs after a scorcher of a week with
practically every day over 40C. The turnout at the Lilydale departure
point was crowded with a horde of 18 BMWs. Euan was one of the last to
arrive and soon handed it over to Karl for the safety briefing but I could
see everyone was itching to get out on the road.
At 9 o’clock Euan gave the ride briefing, promising all the favourites
and a long day in the saddle of 400 kms as Euan flies. The first port of
call would be Marysville via Reefton Spur. The Spur was aromatic with
coolness in the air and was a joy. After we turned left at the Woods Point
-Marysville junction we were then enveloped in thick fog. Who would
believe that in the middle of summer there would be thick fog over the
mountain, where at one point the temperature got down to 11 degrees
and visibility was patchy in places. Victoria is a weird place. Thank God
we had newly-painted lines on the road before us in a luminous orange
because trees were popping out of the fog on the shoulder passing
through Cambarville. The fog dissipated as we dropped in to sunny
Marysville for spot of morning tea at 10:00. I must recommend the
Beestings at Marysville Bakery. Unusually, we practically had the whole
town to ourselves with hardly a day tourist to be seen and the long queues
waiting to be served the norm. We landed on our feet again.
At about 11 o’clock we mounted up and headed out of town, turning
left and riding north through Buxton, following the Maroondah Hwy
until we arrived at Taggerty. The countryside in the past week had dried
out considerably and the smell of smoke still lingered in the air from
the bushfires that had plagued most of Central and Western Victoria.
It wasn’t long before we reached Thornton and finally Eildon. The
next destination was the Jamieson pub for lunch but between Eildon
and Jamieson things were to get interesting. If you know the Jamieson Eildon road, it is a challenging, scenic road. It has so many bends I haven’t
bothered counting them all but for a motorcyclist it’s like a red rag to a
bull. Fun, fun, fun!
I noticed that there was an incredibly thick carpet of dead gum leaves
on the edge of the road and tree litter a-plenty. Very slippery, indeed. This
is where things got a little interesting.
The ride came to a stop about 22 kms from Jamieson, close to
Fryer’s Creek. At this stage I was near the rear of the group, keeping
tail end charlie Karl company. Then, coming around the bend, we were
confronted by Nic, Peter, Paul and Tatiana waving us to slow down. We
had a rider down with Patrick going over the edge and eventually coming
to rest about 5 metres down a gully with the F800ST wedged against a
gumtree. Peter said at first he appeared OK with a possible broken collar
bone. But things went pear-shaped pretty quickly and Patrick started to
look poorly.
The group sprang into action with Nic in the lead and just got on
with things and made Patrick comfortable while Mark Chin shot off to
Jamieson to call 000 as we had no mobile coverage in the hills. Within
three hours we had ambulance, police, SES, air wing of the ambulance
service and finally the RACV tow truck. Patrick was soon off to the
Alfred Hospital in the helicopter, with the F800ST on the back of an
rides, rallies
and events
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RACV tray truck, looking little the worse for wear, like its owner, but
surprisingly undamaged, with the only visible damage a broken mirror.
We finally finished back at Alexandra for a bite and a cuppa around 4
o’clock .
Well done to the group for keeping a calm head and looking after
Patrick. Get well Pat and see you on the next ride when all is well.
I must note our Victorian emergency service men and women did a
sterling job on Sunday and we are so lucky to have them.
reminded us to think about technique while avoiding some potholes;
what’s new? Eventually, John led us back to Bacchus Marsh where we
enjoyed a hearty lunch at the Little Lucky Cafe. Brian Rix turned up
at the cafe for lunch with us, which was good. Once again, a great ride,
thanks John. Great to see Steve Roberts aboard his monster-mileage
650 again and it was good to catch up with everyone on the ride. The
Western CRL is on the Monday before the club general meeting so just
turn up if you live on that side of town. We had a great day together.
Participants:
Karl Haering Patrick Geoffroy Stuart Jackson
Brendon Webb Peter Wilson Euan Brown Jim Morrissey Paul & Tatiana Liistro Reg Saunders Matthew Gale Winfried Hessling Terry Burgi Neville Hoare Gary Powrie Steven Baszak Nic Watson Steven Mackay Mark Chin Participants:
Steve Boyd
Ron Joosten
John Eacott
Steve Roberts
Wilhelm Vandervelt
Brian Rix
John Lomax
Bob Rosenthal
Lynne Rosenthal
R1100R
F800ST
F800GS
G650GS
F800R
R1150RT
K1200RS
R1200GSA
F650GS Twin
1100GS
R100
K1200GT
R1200GS
F650GS Dakar
R1100GS
R100RS
F650GS Twin
Western CRL Ride
20 January 2014
by Lynne Rosenthal
A
s Bob and I battled the peak hour traffic to get across to Sunbury
on Monday morning, I tried to keep out of harm’s way. The transit
lane on the Eastern works pretty well, getting you a little further up the
queue before you hit the bottleneck. All good, we were out riding and
the weather was perfect.
A bunch of about seven members was tucking into breakfast when
we arrived at The Nook Cafe so that was a good turn up for this relatively
new regular ride instigated by our President.
Eventually we suited up and John led us on a very pleasant ride in
that western area towards Toolern Vale then to Bacchus Marsh. A little
out of Bacchus Marsh, John Lomax had trouble with the instruments
on his brand new G 650 GS, which wasn’t too good. It took a while for
everyone to catch up with this fact but Brian Rix, who had been Tail End
Charlie, accompanied John back home to make sure he wasn’t stranded
anywhere. Riding with a group is a real advantage when reliability issues
arise.
Once the plan was in place for Brian and John to limp home, the
rest of us continued with the ride, skirting around the Brisbane Ranges
National Park as we headed to Anakie, on to Steiglitz and Meredith. The
roads were varied and a few tight little bends on a steep, narrow incline
R 1100 RT
K 1200 GT/SE
K 1600 GT
F 650 GS
Honda ST1300
R 1200 GSA
G 650 GS
R 1200 GS
F 650 GS
21st International Island
Classic race meeting
24 to 26 January
by Brian Rix
M
otorcycle racing as a spectacle is an exciting event. We are blessed
to have Phillip Island in our back yard where the best racers in the
world simply love to come and race. Since the heroics of Wayne Gardner
in the 1980s Phillip Island has been the place to be to witness the best
motor sport on tarmac. That is, of course, after MotoGP returned to
where it belongs after its short foray into Sin City at Eastern Creek.
Now we are spoilt with the MotoGP in October, World Superbikes in
February and also another great addition in January, the Island Classic
for all those older machines that make really evocative noises from
yesteryear.
While it’s easy to just say ‘classic bikes’, racing bikes in similar guise
is essential to encourage participants in all classes and to create tight
racing where rider skill comes into play. For the uninitiated here are the
categories
Period 1 - Veteran - up to 31 December 1919.
Period 2 – Vintage- January 1920 to 31 December 1945. All bikes
must have at least one efficient braking system with wheel rims no
wider than 2.15 inches (remember those?). Treaded tyres must be used,
methanol fuel is allowed but no reed valves. Gearboxes no greater than
four speed and no hydraulic or telescopic steering dampers are allowed.
Period 3 – Classic - 1 January 1946 to 31 December 1962. Wheel
rim diameter of 18 inches and no wider than 2.15 inches. Brakes must be
as manufactured in the period (or replicas). Methanol fuel is permitted.
Treaded tyres only. Amal and Dellorto carburettors limited to 38mm,
Keihin round bore carbs up to 30mm. Diaphragm clutches, toothed belt
drive and electronic ignition are all permitted.
Period 4 – Post Classic - 1 January 1963 to 31 December 1972.
24
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rides, rallies
and events
Bob Rosenthal - (Photo supplied by Lynne Rosenthal)
Minimum wheel diameter of 18 inches, maximum width of 2.50 inches.
Prohibited items include rear disc brakes (unless factory fitment),
electronic fuel injection, air assisted forks, power jet carburettors,
monoshock rear ends and cast alloy wheels. Reed valves (two strokes)
are permitted if original fitment. Kawasaki Z1, Yamaha TZ and Yamaha
RD models and major components thereof are not permitted. Treaded
tyres only.
Period 5 – Forgotten Era - 1 January 1973 to 31 December 1982.
For machines up to 500cc. Minimum wheel diameter of 18 inches and
maximum width of 2.50 inches front and 4.00 rear. For over 500cc,
minimum diameter of 16 inch front and 17 rear, and maximum widths
of 3.50 and 5.00 respectively. Front forks must be of a type manufactured
in the era with maximum diameter of 41mm. No electronic fuel
injection, slick tyres or methanol fuel are permitted.
Period 6 – New era - 1 January 1983 to 31 December 1990.
Formula 750 and 1300 bikes must have been available to the
Australian public by the manufacturer and for normal road use. Engine
modifications must be in line with what was available in the period.
Engine castings and cylinder and cylinder head positions must remain
standard. Frames must be standard but bracing is permitted. USDF
forks only permitted if they are correct and original fitment. Maximum
rear rim size is 6.00 inches. Wheels must be from the period or of a
type visually identical. Bodywork shape must remain standard but with
allowances for catch trays and number plate requirements. Manifold
injection of original design only is permitted. No methanol fuel, carbon
discs or wheels allowed. Slick tyres are permitted.
Shirley Hardy-Rix at the Island Classic - (Photo - Brian Rix)
Add into this sidecars that must comply with the same regulations
and it all adds up to full grids and machines of all shapes, sizes and ages.
Along with the various capacity classes, this makes the classic racing one
of the best events for motorcycle racing enthusiasts.
To top it all off, national pride was on the line with a championship
event with points awarded between riders from Australia, United
Kingdom, New Zealand and the United States.
Among the Australian riders were Steve Martin, Shawn Giles, Cam
Donald and Beau Beaton. They were up against some stiff competition
from the likes of John McGuinness, Gary Johnson, Mike Edwards and
Jeremy McWilliams from the UK. New Zealand’s team was headed by
Roger Gunn, with Damien Kavney, Glenn Hindle and Alistair Maxwell
and the USA by Ottis Lance, Deano Swims, Rob Mesa and Dan Weir.
2014 was the 21st running of the classic and this year Isle of Man
legend John McGuinness competed and entertained the crowd both in
the paddock and on the track. By all accounts, McGuinness was a real
character at the team dinner on Saturday night.
Our own Bob Rosenthal was out there piloting a beautiful 1962
Manx Norton in the 500 classic category. Bob’s machine is owned by
Bob Minogue and it was a pleasure to see him out there having fun. Not
only that, Bob finished second overall in his class – a great effort in a
hotly contested field. I know our Bob really appreciates the opportunity
to ride such a beautiful bike as Bob Minogue’s Manx. Bob M is the type
of enthusiast who keeps motorcycling history and in particular racing
these beautiful machines viable and such a wonderful spectacle for all of
us. Thanks Bob M and Bob R.
In the teams event, Australia hung on to the trophy but just, from
the very strong UK team. The points standing being Australia 692, UK
617, NZ 367 and USA 341. Shawn Giles and UK’s Jeremy McWilliams
tied for the individual winner’s trophy with 155 points each. One of my
favourites, Cam Donald, was way out in front after race three with two
second places and a win before his bike expired in race four – bad luck,
Cam.
There was also a well-attended trade display behind the pits area that
most of the spectactors enjoyed.
The Island classic is the most relaxed and entertaining event on the
motorcycle racing calendar. It’s one not to be missed.
Feature Story
The Day I Lost My German
Friend
by Trevor Viénet / Photos by Greg Noakes
The hot north wind that started early on Saturday morning
was not enough to make my friend and me break our traditional
Saturday morning coffee and cake routine. I felt guilty as I ordered
our cappuccinos; firefighters should avoid caffeine on days like this.
We bumped into a mate from the Apex Club in the supermarket
following the caffeine fix. He is the person I pestered for several years
to sell me his 1984 BMW K100RS motorbike. I told him how well
she was going and that I was looking forward to placing her on club
permit plates next year.
Shortly afterwards, at 11.50am our pagers shrilled and the
Broadford CFA siren wailed. A smoke sighting from Mt. Hickey fire
tower alerted us to a fire at Kilmore East. It was time to head home to
Clonbinane via the fire station.
I have a love of the bush and the mountain environment. I have
been living on the top of the mountain at Clonbinane for 23 years.
I have stewardship of 170 acres of beautiful bush land that includes
hidden waterfalls, fern gullies and a magnificent array of flora and
fauna.
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That first week of February, I lived in trepidation as to
what might occur due to the weather forecast for the coming
week.
The CFA Region 12 fire weather report received on Friday night
confirmed my fears - alert Code Red TFB, temperature 43, RH 7%,
wind N 50 gusting 70km/h, wind change WSW 45 km/h between
1900 and 2300 hours. Fire danger index: Forest 131 & Grass 171.
“Now isn’t that meant to be out of 100?” I said to myself.
I arrived at the Clonbinane Fire Station well after the tankers
took off so decided to head back home up the mountain via a
lookout point. At the lookout, other concerned residents were doing
the same check. The fire had quickly entered the pine and blue gum
plantations and was heading southward towards Wandong. At home
at 1:25pm I started some preliminary actions. Test the fire pump, get
the ladder out, and check the house guttering for any leaves, remove
flammables from the front verandah. From my vantage point on the
roof, I could see pyro-cumulus clouds that reminded me of images
from nuclear tests. The intense heat penetrating the stratosphere is a
sure sign to most fire fighters that the fire will create its own weather
and a possibility of an un-defendable firestorm.
I was no longer content to wait; a 30-minute check of the home
front was all that I needed. I returned to the fire station as the First
Lieutenant pulled up in his Quick Attack Ute and invited me to
get in. It was hard to know where to start; the wind was howling
and so dry that the moisture was sucked from your mouth. I did
Flowerdale
26
Feature Story
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BeeEm
flammable from my zone. About 5pm, I got a phone call from the CFA
Communications Officer checking my availability to man the relief for
the crew changeover. I said I would be staying at home to defend the
home. Shortly after the phone and power was down (and remained so
for two weeks).
Kinglake West
not feel the heat at all despite its 45 degrees. Where was the fire now?
What could we do? We both had our sons on fire trucks out there
somewhere on the frontline. I always said to my son that when the poo
hits the fan it is no good chasing the flames if your home is left to burn.
We headed south towards Wandong and were alarmed to hear on the
CFA radio that the fire had jumped the freeway. The westerly factor
to a strong NNW wind pushed the fire towards the east. This meant
that numerous homes and people were under threat in the Clonbinane
Road and Wandong area and put our community at great risk when the
wind change occurred. We came around the corner on the Wandong
to Broadford road to see a mass of smoke as the fire headed across the
road and away from us. There was nowhere to go now but home and to
do all we could to warn others of the imminent danger that the wind
change would bring.
I was well set up to take on a fire. I had planned the strategy 20
years ago when I built the house and planned the site. A dam was built
next to the house to provide water for fire fighting and worst-case
scenario fire refuge. The house site was flat with driveways circling the
full 360 degrees. My sheds were all placed on the west side, creating
a windbreak. My water tanks sit next to the house on the west side
providing radiation protection from a fire. My homework and plans
were based on the previous fire history and the knowledge that the
most dangerous time is the wind change. A fast north wind charged
fire has a narrow fire front but when the wind change occurs, the east
flank becomes the fire front. My prediction and planning was based on
the fire coming from the southeast and I was correct. I thought I could
manage a fire of the intensity equal to that of Ash Wednesday. At the
time, it appeared that this was the exact scenario but now I know it
was much worse. There are bushfires; and on rare occasions, there are
firestorms.
There was quite a bit of traffic coming off the mountain from those
that decided to evacuate early. I did however stop for an impromptu
meeting with other local CFA members at the top of the Spur road.
We decided to break up and warn as many people as we could in the
anxious period before the wind change. Smoke had started to penetrate
the area. I had my driving lights on and my horn blasting as I pulled into
driveways. Many had already made the correct decision to leave early
and others were confused as to what to do. Wearing my CFA turnout
gear reinforced my authority and experience to give advice in such a
crucial time. “Leave now, survival chances are not good”, I advised.
At 3:00pm, it was 45.5 degrees and a relative humidity of only 6
per cent. The wind was a howling, steady 46 kmh and coming from the
NNW. The wind change that occurred at 6.50pm was from the South
West at a staggering 85kmh.
My last call was at my next-door neighbour. He said that he would
send the family on their way but he would remain to take on the fire
front. I gave him a good luck wish and a promise of a beer when it
was all over. They were very aware of the big pyro-cumulus fire cloud
surrounded by a serene blue sky. They were not aware that the fire that
was 30 kilometres away was going to come straight back towards us
with the predicted wind change.
From 4 pm onwards I focused on my own fire preparedness by
positioning hoses and running the home fire sprinkler system at
idle to soak the area around the house as well as removing anything
Marysville
Continued on page 28
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BeeEm
Choose the ride,
leave the gear to us.
Expedition
Panniers
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approved
gear is
tested
rigorously
Waterproof Boots
Adventure
The new Andy Strapz approved gear
logo indicates that Andy has put specially
selected gear through its paces for
quality and motorcycle friendliness.
VICROADS LICENSED VEHICLE TESTER
Phil Marshall, who owns and operates K & R, is a BMW
factory trained mechanic with many years experience in
BMW motorcycle repairs and service. Phil is an expert in
K series, R series and F series motorcycles.
No service or repair job on a K, R or F Series BMW is too
big or too small for K & R:
•
Scheduled services and tuning.
•
Repairs to engines, gearboxes, final drives, electrical
systems, fuel systems, instruments, wheels, brakes,
suspension and other cycle parts.
•
Roadworthiness certificates for VicRoads
registration and ownership transfers.
•
Crash repairs and rebuilds.
•
A reputation for providing value for money and fair
dealing with all our customers.
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Competitive labour charges.
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A fully equipped workshop.
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While you wait fitting for Dunlop, Michelin,
Metzler, and Pirelli tyres.
•
BMW spare parts sales.
You’re welcome to call in and check us out at 24 Mills
Street, CHELTENHAM, VIC. or phone Phil Marshall
on (03) 9583 1528. Fax (03)9583 1910 and E-mail
kandr@bigpond.net.au
“NO ONE KNOWS YOUR
P A S S I O N L I K E S H A N N O N S.”
Shannons insurance is for motoring enthusiasts just like you, with features like:
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 Flexible coverage for bikes that are laid up, being restored, or at club events
 Home Contents Insurance including $10,000 enthusiast cover for your
collectables & tools  Pay by the month premiums at no extra cost
Call Shannons on 13 46 46 for a quote on your special bike, special car, daily
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taken account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Contact us for a copy.
28
Feature Story
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BeeEm
Continued from page 26
fire front coming through, first from the front of the house towards
the northwest and then from the bedroom window in the direction
of the southeast.
Kinglake
The unbearable shrill of three smoke detectors going off cut
short the filming. I ripped the smoke detectors off the walls. I
checked the inside of the home, every room, top and bottom for
signs of fire. I picked up the camera to shoot photos but all the soot
sticking to the wet windows hampered my creativity. The sound of
the whirling sprinkler heads was comforting; the heavy rain sound
was reassuring as my outlook burned. My shed was well alight early.
I heard explosions and I realised my beautiful BMW bike was now
destroyed along with every tool and piece of sporting equipment
that I owned. The smoke in the house was uncomfortable so I
decided to lie on the floor to seek cleaner air and to calm my nerves.
A two-inch pipe feeds the sprinkler system under my eaves
from the petrol pump next to the dam and it has multiple outlets
surrounding all sides of the house. It was puttering away as I took
photos of a red fire sunset in the south at 6:45pm. It looked real
bad as the day turned to night. The sky was getting angrier, pyrolightning appeared; orange forks of anger. There was a tremendous
roar of an on-coming firestorm that seemed only moments away.
And there it was - flames coming over the ridgeline 600 metres to
the southwest! I only had seconds, fully clad in full fire fighting
PPE I rushed only metres to the fire pump and pushed her to full
throttle. The sky was as black as midnight, the air was hot, my
heart thudded and I was under attack. The sky was thick with stick
missiles arriving before the fire front, one centimetre thick and 20
centimetres long. These burning missiles stung as they slammed
into me whilst I fled to the sanctuary of the house. As I entered
the safe zone I was drenched by the efficiency of my home made
sprinkler protection system.
Trevor’s burnt K 100 RS
Just as I got inside there was a huge wind gust; it picked up
the dog kennel and sent it into outer space and other debris flew
everywhere. It was 7:30pm and I filmed a very short movie of the
Trevor’s house the morning after
The sound of pouring water from the sprinklers continued to
comfort me and reassured me of the safety of being home alone on
a Saturday night in front of the fire. Normally the plan is to wait till
the fire front moves past and then venture outside to put out the
spot fires. Looking out, there was not much to save. It was at least 30
minutes after the firestorm went through that I opened the sliding
door and stepped out onto the front verandah. A series of very loud
explosions had me scurrying back inside. My next-door neighbour
is a welder and he had a sizable collection of acetylene and oxy
cylinders. I did not deem it safe to be outside and so I retreated.
My fears were justified; daylight revealed half an acetylene cylinder
embedded in the far side of the dam bank. It travelled a horizontal
distance of 250 metres.
I cannot account for the following hour; maybe I went into
a bit of a time warp. I feared for the plight of my neighbour, the
unknown whereabouts of my son and extended community; I had
a global fear of the consequences of this massive firestorm that
was no longer just a local event. I had grave fears for the plight
of my next-door neighbour; I could not see how he or his home
could survive this firestorm. The 15-metre flame height across the
Feature Story
29
MAR14
BeeEm
Kinglake
upward-sloped bare paddock did not tell the full story. The flame
colour out of the wooded gully was blue. A welder knows the heat
of blue. I eventually ventured out again nearly an hour later. It was
quiet except for the fire pump choofing away on full throttle. It was
still and it was eerie, most of the smoke had cleared. I shouted for
a response from my neighbour but had no reply; I was sickened to
Marysville
think of his plight and dreaded the job of looking for his remains.
Maybe he made a late escape, I hoped.
I once again tried to get a response from my neighbour next door
and this time I was excited to get a reply. I ventured up the hill past
where his house and sheds used to be standing. I found him sitting
with his feet in the fishpond and as I approached his faithful dog
growled at me, obviously scared of the strange figure walking out
from the devastation. Unfortunately, neither of them came through
this ordeal unscathed, both had burns to the feet and Blackie had
suffered burns to the torso and her eyes. The windows of his home
had smashed and the flames engulfed the internal structure. He ran
for his life towards his dam and dived in, keeping his head under for
long as possible. He bopped up for air simultaneously with Blackie,
both glad to know that they were not alone.
I started to receive text messages on my phone from concerned
friends and family. I spoke briefly to my brother and texted my son
at 9pm with only one word - ALIVE (in uppercase). I made a 000
call to get medical help; they logged the call but expressed little hope
of getting my burns victim out in a hurry due to impassable roads.
16 hours later, he was in Kilmore Hospital. Several 000 calls were of
little help, in the end we arranged for a neighbour to transport him
to hospital in their 4WD.
30
Feature Story
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Sitting on the hill near his house site, we had a wonderful view
of gullies being lit up with the flames from smouldering stumps
and logs as well as the occasional standing tree. My plan was to get
him and Blackie into my home. Not an easy task for man and dog
with burnt feet. First move was for me to return with some boots.
We filled the boots with water before placing them on his feet.
Blackie needed carrying but was not so keen to be lifted by me. She
had exposed burns that must have been very painful as these two
survivors struggled together down the hill to my home.
Once inside it was time for a clean up. There was a full bath of
clean water in the bathroom. It had been that way for a full week
in preparation for such an event. The wounds were soaked. Whilst
sitting on the edge of the bath he yells out to me that there was
a motorbike outside the window. I thought he might have been
hallucinating as my BMW was well cooked in the shed. My son
had arrived on his trail bike. Should I have kicked him for being so
stupid as to ride through as burning trees fell across the road? We
hugged. He said he had to come because he felt both worried and
guilty. For years, I had lectured him about the big event. So now,
there were three men and a dog sitting out the night waiting for
the support that dawn might bring. We transferred the fire victim
to a comfortable chair with a footbath for soaking his burnt feet. I
decided to close down the fire pump and sprinkler system for the
night as we tried to get some well-needed sleep. At daylight my son
and I headed off for a reconnaissance mission to get help for my
neighbour. Fallen powerlines and trees lay strewed across blocked
roads. Dazed surviving neighbours hugged and cried as they
gathered a kilometre down the road. My closest ten neighbours had
their homes in ruins and at daylight there wasn’t even smouldering
coming from the wreckage, there was simply nothing left but steel
roofing sheets and some bricks.
My new mate from next door was at last driven to hospital and
his dog was taken to the vet’s with a later transfer to an emergency
care animal hospital in Melbourne. My neighbour was in hospital
for several days and his brave faithful dog was in acute care for over
a month.
The next couple of days were adrenalin charged due to a need to
return to fire fighting duties to black out burnt areas bordering the
unburnt areas towards Reedy Creek to the north. There were homes
that needed protecting and the fire danger was not over. There was
Trevor on his new R 1200 GS
Continued on page 32
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We want your
stories
2
015 will be a milestone year
for the BMWMCC (Vic).
Motorcycle clubs come and go
over the years but our club has
not only survived, but prospered
thanks to the many members who
made significant contributions. We
want to ensure that celebrating our
40th year is a special event – I don’t
think many of us will be around for
the centenary, so let’s make this one
BIG.
We want your stories and
musings about our club, its
characters, history, its highs and
lows. We need to record our
thoughts so that those who follow
us can look back in wonder at how
we piloted machines with drum
brakes, or how we started bikes
without electric start. Remember
how waterproof gear was like
finding the tooth fairy – nonexistent (sorry to shatter some
illusions, Lloyd)? Flying boots and
army greatcoats were de rigeur.
Remember how boots filled up
with water and the army coats got
heavier and heavier?
Please put pen to paper, quill
to papyrus or thumb nail dipped
in tar and send in your musings in
the lead-up to our 40th anniversary
to editor@bmwmccvic.org.au Let’s
build up the excitement to what’s
sure to be a special year for your
club.
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32
Feature Story
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BeeEm
Continued from page 30
one time back at home by myself that I had space and time to take in
the event and the shock. I was at my lowest, I was still emotional and
on the edge, very much overwhelmed by the size and complexity
of this disaster. As I was standing on the verandah looking across
the burnt slopes, I noticed a wood duck in front of me. I walked up
to him, observed his burnt feathers and closed eyes. No doubt, the
fire had blinded him. I managed to pat him gently and as I did so, I
cried. I told the duck that I should put him out of his misery but was
unable to do so because we were both survivors.
Our community suffered huge losses of homes, historical sites,
livestock, wildlife, sheds, fencing, vehicles, environment and human
life. A large percentage of buildings and homes in Clonbinane were
destroyed in the fire. Several members of the Clonbinane CFA lost
their homes or property whilst out fire-fighting to protect the wider
community. The majority of people will rebuild and stay on. They
have a “we will do it better this time” attitude. Others have sold
their land and moved away as a means to deal with their trauma.
To me the loss of the environment hurts me the most along
with the suffering of those that have lost their loved ones. To find
numerous ‘Pompeii koalas’ so close to my home and to know that
some of the wildlife, such as lyrebirds, are unlikely to return. There
are huge mountain ash trees that I take visitors to see higher up in
the Mt. Disappointment State Forest. These giants are hundreds
of years old, hundreds of feet tall, most of them are damaged, and
many will not survive.
My German friend, although we had a long, caring relationship,
she is replaceable. Next time she will be allowed in the house for
an event like this. The people we love and the environment that we
cherish are not replaceable.
YouTube link = http://www.youtube.com/
Watch?v=YCN7wrMGnjo
The 7th of February was the
5th anniversary of what is
now known as the ‘Black
Saturday bushfires’.
T
he BMW club lost one of our own, Marcel Smits, on that fateful
day, when 173 lost their lives with another 414 people suffering
various injuries. The fires burned over 4,500 square kilometres of
our state, most of it in our wonderful riding country.
Kinglake
Continued on page 34
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Service day
Saturday 22 Feb. 2014
Location: Radum Pty Ltd., 5 Elata Drive, Tullamarine,
Melway 15 D5
Doors open: 9.00 am, Doors close: 2.00pm
Bookings: If you know you are coming and performing a service/task on
your bike, please let me know. This will ensure that we have tools, tech
info and know-how at hand. Call me on 0422 157 244 or send me an
email (servicedaycoordinator@bmwmccvic.org.au). Of course, you are
more than welcome to drop in unannounced, just for a sticky-beak or to
work on your bike.
Technical: Our Service Day team has refined the assistance available
to all members. We have specific BMW tools for almost all technical
challenges. We have a well-stocked library of BMW service manuals. We
have experienced members ready to lend advice or a hand.
Catering: The club provides tea, coffee and lunch. All we ask for is a $7
donation to cover costs.
Social: Service Day is always abuzz with members and friends, looking
over bikes, tools, lending a hand to fix something and just socialise. This
T M OT O R
W
Swap meet: Bring your unwanted parts, accessories or bike gear and
offer it for sale on our Buy-Swap-Sell table.
Donations: We always welcome any rags, ice-cream containers and
BMW manuals or tools you haven’t a use for any longer. You may even
consider ‘donating’ your technical expertise on the day to a fellow
member repairing his/her bike.
Shopping Bonus: Radum Pty Ltd is a distributor of garage equipment,
tools, motorcycle stands and everything in between. Goods will be
available for sale on the day. What a treat!
Premises pack up: At the end of a great day we need to put the
premises back as we found them. With many hands this task does
not take long. Twenty minutes of your time would be appreciated. It is
essential that we look after this privilege.
For more information contact Ross Wright, 0422 157 244 or email
servicedaycoordinator@bmwmccvic.org.au
• Smooth out your ride •
We’ve got you covered
GENUINE AUSTRALIAN
CL E
DIS C
UN
CY
O
MOTORCYCLE
WRECKERS
event offers a great opportunity for new members to get a taste of the
club, meet fellow members and get the answers to the unanswered
myths and technical conundrums
Sheepskin
SEAT COVERS
SALES
SPARES & REPAIRS
ACCESSORIES
TYRES
35 Dawson Street
North Coburg Vic, 3058
BMW
JAPANESE
Car / Bike Accidents
Victims of Crime
Wills / Estates
Family Law
Police Matters
Free First Interview
Discount for BMWMCCVIC
Members
COD AUST WIDE
Ph: 03 9350 4417
Fax: 03 9355 1933
Serving your legal needs
including:
•
•
•
•
•
RECKERS
BMW SPECIALISTS
•
•
•
•
Cottier Stenning
Lawyers
Good Wool Store Pty Ltd
49 Queen St BERRY 2535
Ph: (02) 4464 2081 • Fax: (02) 4464 3344
www.goodwool.com.au
Ask about the BMWMCCVic. members’ discount
Ph: 03 8648 6562
Mob: 0407 305 407
Email: philipcottier@hotmail.com
34
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Continued from page 32
The fires raged out of control at
ferocious speeds reaching 130kmh fanned
by strong winds and its own vortex. Some
of us attended into the fire zones in the
immediate aftermath and will never forget
the scenes of mass devastation. Cars and
motorbikes reduced to melted blobs, houses
razed and incongruously some left standing.
There are many stories of heroics, rescues, of
people, leading people to safety and stories
of survival that were simply amazing.
Our beautiful State was burned to
a crisp. The Black Spur, Reefton Spur,
Kinglake and Marysville, to name a few,
were unrecognisable. The suffering of
animals caught in the path of the fires was
heartbreaking. Horses confined to paddocks
cut down in mid gallop and sheep huddled
together in a vain attempt to survive are
images I will never forget.
I travelled through those devastated
areas the day after, with trees smouldering,
Marysville
power lines and trees blocking the road
and the deceased lying in situ. It was as
if Armageddon had arrived. Driving up
the Kinglake road all I could see were
burnt sticks where trees once stood and I
wondered how long it would take, or if ever
the bush would regenerate.
Over the following days and months,
Australia rallied around and provided all
the help we could muster to build shattered
lives.
Five years on, the Kinglake road
bushland is almost back to the way it was.
Trees on the Black and Reefton Spurs have
new life, birds and animals have returned
and the roads we love to ride have their
magic restored. Marysville, in particular, a
township that was almost totally destroyed
with only three buildings left standing, has
been almost totally rebuilt and is once more
a thriving township and a mecca for visitors
on motorbikes and in cars and coaches alike.
It’s easy for the years to push events to
the back of your mind, but Black Saturday
should not be one of them. We live in one
of the most beautiful environments in the
world and it is up to us to ensure it remains
that way for future generations. Hopefully
our elected and appointed leaders have
learned from mistakes of the past but we all
have a role to play. Bushfires are a fact of life
in our country but we can do many things to
mitigate risks.
Next time you ride through one of the
areas affected by Black Saturday, think
about how lucky we are.
The photographs provided were taken
by my friend, professional photographer
Greg Noakes.
Brian Rix.
Meetings & Reports
35
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BeeEm
Committee and General Meeting
Committee Meeting
Minutes of Committee Meeting held on
9 January 2014 at 7.10pm at The Harp of
Erin hotel, Kew East.
Present Mark Chin, John Eacott, David
McAuliffe, Don Miller, Noela Miller, Steve
Roberts, Lynne Rosenthal.
Timing of membership renewals Given
recent difficulties experienced with
distribution of membership renewal letters,
discussion ensued about reasons for changing
members’ renewal dates from one common
annual date to different dates throughout the
year. Reasons, benefits and disadvantages of
both systems were revisited. Decision taken
to leave system as is as monthly renewal
process is now in place again. Steve will
obtain list of memberships not renewed from
membership secretary and these members
will be contacted by him or possibly other
committee members as a follow up. Steve to
report on this at next committee mtg.
Ride Leader raffle Mark provided names for
the raffle to Lynne who will prepare for raffle
to be held at January meeting and provide
Southbank $100 Voucher details to winner.
Calendar entry for January mtg should
advertise ride leader raffle and name of guest
speaker.
Icicle Ride 12 July 2014 Mark making
contact with operators of venues and will
contact local shire council. Registration cost
was discussed in view of expenses incurred
and desire to achieve reasonable donation to
RFDS or other charity. Mark will investigate
cost of badges. Ideas discussed for most cost
effective way to provide badges. Will finalise
registration cost at next mtg after further
investigation.
Monthly mtg raffle prizes Lynne to
contact Davida, any surplus merchandise
items available as raffle prizes? For future
discussion. Raffle ticket prices will remain as
they are for Jan mtg, 3 tickets for $5 (most
popular purchase) or 1 ticket for $2; however,
from February meeting onward, $5 will be
requested from all members to ensure supper
cost and hall hire cost is covered each month.
Storage of merchandise We have offered to
erect shelves in storage area at Camberwell
Petanque Club to benefit the Petanque Club
and ourselves and provide more storage
capacity for both users. Don M awaiting reply
from Petanque Club and he will follow up.
Christmas Camp John thanked Noela for
providing a very successful Christmas Camp
at Alexandra. Noela reported on the camp.
Some members felt it wasn’t far enough away
from Melbourne, others enjoyed seeing day
trippers who visited the camp to go on rides
for the day. Excellent area for good riding
options, everybody except two members paid
for breakfast via the honesty box, worked
well. Next year fee for sites required for club
marquee will be covered by minimal addition
to registration cost. Two suggestions for
2015 Christmas camp location have been
received from members; Camperdown at a
recommended site and Barham on the River
Murray. Noela and Don will investigate these
and report back next meeting so booking can
be made soon.
Rally 4, 5 and 6 April 2014 Noela provided
detailed information on accommodation
options and costs, as well as meal options
which have been included on registration
form. The venue can accommodate 120
people under cover. Bunk rooms are main
form of accommodation. Don and Lynne to
arrange purchase and engraving of trophies
for Show and Shine prizes. Lynne to have
Les Duffield perpetual trophy engraved.
Noela has contacted Portland police and
selected venue for Show and Shine. Lynne
to direct letter to relevant authority re this.
Rides to the Rally may be arranged from club
departure points on Friday and Saturday and
possible ride leaders approached. Noela to ask
local tourism office to post information pack
to those who have registered two weeks prior
to Rally. Registration date will be amended to
two weeks before event, Lynne to arrange this
in BeeEm and in online registration form.
Annual Presentation Lunch With positive
feedback received after Christmas Party
held at the Petanque Club, decision taken to
hold Annual Presentation Lunch (replacing
Annual Presentation Dinner) at the Petanque
Club on Sunday 27 July. Noela to secure
booking. Club to provide meat, members
to provide salad or dessert to share and own
liquor if desired. Minimal charge likely to
cover hire of venue.
Breakfasts Noela confirmed ride-to-breakfast
events. Feb 2 Riddells Creek, March 2 Point
Lonsdale, March 30 Gladysdale, May 4
Trentham, where Gerald St John has offered
to lead a ride after breakfast. Other venues at
Seymour, Winchelsea, Dromana, Balnarring
are being considered with Jindivick likely
for December. Noela to provide David with
details for calendar.
Membership cards Lynne to draft letters
(including info re Europcar discount) to
renewing and new members to accompany
new plastic membership cards being
distributed shortly. Assist membership
secretary with distribution.
Service Day 22 Feb Ross Wright and Lynne
will visit Radum prior to event to clarify
contents of crates and supplies needed.
Another regional Service Day could be
considered this year, possibly Llanelly again.
Clubs Australia AGM May Melbourne
Horst Kopp and Don Kotchoff are willing
to provide an old motorcycle for display at
AGM. Lynne to liaise with these members.
New club website update Neil Davey not
available to provide update on progress of
new website and bulk email system. A year
ago committee took decision not to proceed
with original intention to pay Webforce
5 to develop new club website. It was
acknowledged that Neil is devoting many
hours to work on this project. Steve R will
invite Neil to next committee meeting (13
Feb) to report on progress of website and
bulk email system. Steve will liaise with him
to determine if extra assistance is needed
to bring the project to fruition and to gain
an estimate of when new website will be
operational.
Communication Members of the Support
Team will be invited to attend the March
committee mtg to give a brief report on their
role.
Financials Steve confirmed that this month’s
income has been boosted by high number of
renewals received. He confirmed term deposit
investments arranged to maximise returns.
Don Miller will be added as extra signatory to
club accounts.
36
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BeeEm
meeting reports
committee and general
meeting
BeeEm Advertisers From Feb issue Europcar
advert will cease and request for payment
will be cancelled. Two advertisers are being
pursued for payment.
Club equipment Noela has asked Neville
Borgelt to research purchase of new chairs
to store in club trailer since plastic chairs
currently in use appear to be degrading with
age and exposure to the sun.
Post Lynne to monitor receipt of club mail
and, if delays experienced, contact Australia
Post re forwarding of mail in timely manner.
Guest Speakers Don advised names of guest
speakers arranged for coming club meetings.
He will advise these to David for advertising
in calendar.
RACV motorcycle policy John recently
met with Dave Jones, RACV Manager Roads
and Traffic re the RACV Motorcycle Policy
to discuss how we can work together for the
benefit all road users.
Meeting closed 9.30pm.
General Meeting
Minutes of meeting of BMW Motorcycle
Club of Vic held on Monday 27 January
2014.
President, John Eacott, opened the
meeting and thanked all for coming.
Apologies: Thormod Thorkildsen
Visitors: David Wallace.
Minutes of previous meeting: Bob
Rosenthal proposed, Ian McKenna seconded,
that minutes from the November and
December 2013 meetings be passed. They
were passed.
Guest Speaker: Don Miller introduced Mat
Rak. Mat and his father Roland joined the
club about a year ago and they are keen to get
involved in the club.
Mat began by displaying some video
footage taken in the streets of Delhi,
India, with his helmet camera. Mat and his
girlfriend went on a motorcycling trip in
February last year in India. They arranged
to hire a 500cc single cylinder Royal Enfield
prior to leaving Australia and, being students,
they toured on a low budget for about a
month. Mat has since discovered that it is
probably cheaper to hire the bike in India
on arrival. Members asked about reliability
of the bike and Mat noted that mechanics,
who know the bikes well, can be found on
almost every street corner. He advised not
to expect miracles from the bike but at least
help is easily available and cheap. A big block
of foam on the pillion seat helped Mat’s
girlfriend to endure long mileage days of
about 500 kms on roads which varied from
excellent to potholed and very rough. It was
impossible to tell what the condition of the
road might be just by looking at a map. They
began their trip in northern India and rode to
the south.
There are 142,000 road fatalities each
year in India and anything goes in the traffic.
You can expect to be cut off at any time
but there is no road rage because everyone
expects it to happen to them. Reasonable
accommodation can be found for $5 to $20
per night and he and his girlfriend found that
they could eat street food for a few dollars
or restaurant food for about $5. Helmets
appeared to be a plastic bucket with a strap
and Mat and his girlfriend took their own
motorcycle clothing and helmets as the
proper equipment in India is more expensive
than in Australia. They experienced one
breakdown with the bike, due to bad fuel
but towing was fairly cheap. Indian people
are very friendly, very curious and interested
in what you’re doing. He suggested that
visitors should be careful about scammers and
possibly some taxi drivers but not to let this
taint your holiday in India.
Mat answered questions from members
and, together with the footage from
the camera, provided plenty of helpful
information and interest about travelling in
India.
Don M thanked Mat very much for his
interesting presentation and advised that next
month’s speaker would be taking us from
Nice to Calais. Don invited members to see
him if they would like give a presentation
about their travels at a club meeting.
Secretary’s report: Lynne advised that
magazines from other clubs were available
to take, the rider training subsidy of $50 is
available to members who completed last
year’s HART course for only one more
month.
Treasurer’s report: Steve Roberts confirmed
membership renewals continue to come in.
He is phoning members whose membership
lapsed a while ago to follow up with them.
We have money on term deposit on 3
different maturity dates; it can be accessed
easily.
Steve especially asked members who
pay into the bank account to ensure that
they quote their membership number as the
first item in the description as it can often
not be visible if it appears at the end of the
description.
President’s communication: John referred
to the new membership cards displayed on
tables and asked members to collect their
card if available. Remaining cards will be
posted to members next week. He thanked
Europcar, and its CEO, Ron Santiago, who
is a club member, for sponsoring provision of
the new cards. He invited members to use the
discount available with Europcar.
Captain’s report: Midweek ride coordinator,
Karl Haering, reported on the very successful
Opposite Icicle Ride held recently. Despite
the very early departure time, many members
participated and enjoyed taking the icicle ride
route in the opposite direction. He thanked
Mark Chin for mapping the interesting route.
Next midweek ride will be led by David Yee.
He displayed photos of 5 fords he hopes to
cross on this ride encompassing some dirt
riding. In March Brian Rix will lead a ride to
the Strathbogie Ranges and April requires a
leader, please. Rob Langer will lead a ride in
May and leaders are needed for June onwards.
David McAuliffe, captain, itemised rides
listed in the calendar for February. These
rides provide plenty of choice. He reminded
members to check the website calendar and
forum for last minute rides which might
interest them. David reminded members of
the Service Day on 22 February from 8am
to 2pm at Radum Pty Ltd in Tullamarine,
reminding members that the company will
have merchandise on sale on the day at a
discount price for members.
Ride to breakfast on 2 March will be at
Point Lonsdale. 8-11 March, Jack’s Orbost
Odyssey ride still has a couple of vacancies.
Any additional luggage can be taken by Jack
as he’ll be taking his car. The President’s Ride
around the Bay will be held on 16 March
with an early departure and lunch at Sorrento
and the ferry across to Queenscliff. It will
conclude in Williamstown with afternoon
Meeting Reports
committee and general
meeting
tea at Customs Hotel and all are welcome
to join the ride group there. David will be
leading the Black Dog Ride on 23 March
and he encouraged as many as possible to
support this charity ride to raise awareness
about depression and to provide funding to
help services such as Lifeline which provides
counselling for approximately 90 people per
week who are suicidal. There are more deaths
by suicide than road deaths in Australia.
There are five Black Dog Rides in Victoria,
the Pakenham ride being the one for our
Melbourne members to attend.
David noted that despite his repeated
pleas for members to lead rides, the ride
calendar will grind to a halt soon if volunteers
do not come forward. Ride leaders are eligible
to go into the half-yearly raffle draw for a
$100 gift voucher from Southbank. The raffle
for those who led rides between June and
December 2013 was conducted and Peter
Ness, who regularly leads the monthly CRL
from Diamond Creek, was the winner.
Social Secretary’s report: Noela Miller said
she enjoyed meeting lots of members at the
Christmas Camp and thanked Brian and
Ann Macdonald for writing an article about
the camp for BeeEm. Camperdown has been
suggested as a suitable location for the 2014
Christmas Camp and, after a show of hands
regarding its suitability, Noela hopes to book
the venue shortly.
Biennial Rally 4, 5 and 6 April at Cape
Bridgewater. Noela asked members to use the
registration form in BeeEm and on the web
to book cabins and make payments as soon
as possible. Members will also be needed to
lead rides to the rally and to lead rides while
at Cape Bridgewater. Venue for the show and
shine has been arranged. Noela mentioned
various activities available to members at the
camp and suggested some may need to be
booked in advance.
Noela itemised the ride to breakfast
events and suggested that during winter, she
may consider ride to lunch events to avoid
the cold mornings. Members’ suggestions for
venues gratefully received.
The annual presentation event will
change from an evening function to a lunch
event this year to be held at the Petanque
Club on the last Sunday of July from 12noon.
A small charge will be made to cover cost
of meat provided by the club and members
will bring a salad or dessert in the same way
that the Christmas Party was held. The lunch
event would be more suitable than attending
an evening event in winter. John E hoped it
would be inclusive of families and friends and
encouraged members to support the event.
Camping weekend: Neville Borgelt
and Brian Macdonald are planning a
BYO-everything camping weekend
near Strathmerton on 22/23 February.
Information available on the website.
John Eacott advised there is an
opportunity for members to purchase a bike
turntable at a discount price. If interested,
contact him. Closing date for BeeEm articles
is this Wednesday.
John E reminded members that anyone is
welcome to attend a club committee meeting,
held on the second Thursday of the month
at The Harp of Erin hotel, Kew East. The
committee meets at 6pm for a meal then at
7pm for the meeting. Support Team members
will be invited to March committee meeting.
Usual reminder, please be quiet
with voices and bikes when leaving with
consideration for neighbours.
John advised that the vast majority of
members pay $5 each meeting to purchase
3 raffle tickets and very few pay $2 for a
single ticket. He advised that the committee
had taken the decision that all members be
required to pay $5 as this would cover hall
hire cost and supper supplies.
Brain Bucket Barbie, a bbq event initiated
by Lloyd Griffiths, is already fully subscribed.
Attendees must provide an old motorcycle
helmet to be used as a hanging basket in
Lloyd’s garden. Lloyd will be providing lunch
to the first 30 members who booked.
General Business: Frank Cachia advised
that he will be travelling to America in June
this year at the invitation of an American
motorcycling enthusiast from Pennsylvania
who coordinates a register for R 90 S owners.
Frank will be billeted with families during
his stay. Well known identities such as Reg
Pridmore will be attending the event which
will gather together R 90 S owners and
enthusiasts from around the world. Frank
requested photos from members depicting
any BMW motorcycle in an interesting or
exceptional situation as he will take copies
of these to the event. Please send photos to
Frank or to the committee.
Brian Rix called for stories from
37
MAR14
BeeEm
members, particularly those who had
been in the club for a long time, as he will
be compiling these for the club’s 40th
anniversary next year for publication in
BeeEm. Brian Mac will be writing a history
of BeeEm. Brian Rix also invited members to
consider attending the adventure film travel
festival in Bright on 14-16 February. He
attended the Phillip Island Classic meeting
on the weekend and congratulated Bob
Rosenthal on his second place in his class
riding the Manx Norton.
Nic Watson spoke about Patrick
Geoffroy’s recent crash and the need for
riders to take care when events such as this
occur. Bikes need to be stopped off the road
and a bike should be positioned prior to and
after the crash site to alert other road users
to the need for caution. Discussion ensued
about safety procedures and Karl felt that
all members had been very helpful in the
situation, assisting Patrick and emergency
workers as needed. Euan Brown suggested
that the club consider buying a satellite phone
for use on rides and John Eacott advised that
committee would discuss this idea and report
back to members. Brian Mac made the point
that 3 crashes involving club members have
occurred recently on the Eildon to Jamieson
road. Karl pointed out that it was fortunate
that the crash occurred on a club ride as
neither Patrick nor his bike could be seen
from the road since he came to rest down an
embankment.
Buy Swap Sell: Derek Pickard needs a five
position ignition switch for an R80ST or
R80GS. Can anyone help please?
Tom Coghlan has a Garmin GPS
Navigator 2 (without a mounting bracket)
for sale.
John Eacott has a Navigator 4 bracket
with remote button. Offers up to $100.
Luke de Jong is replacing his K1100LT
muffler system. Can anyone help him please?
Raffle: 1st prize, Lauchie Wright, who
chose the helicopter ride provided by Point
Helicopters and elected to do the washing up.
2nd prize, David Harrison won the half
price tyre from BM Motors Ringwood and
did the vacuuming.
Thank you to Noela and Davida for
supper.
Next meeting is 24 Feb., same place same
time.
38
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BeeEm
Calendar
david mcauliffe captain bmwmccvic
February 2014
Every Saturday morning, coffee
Join in for a friendly coffee every Saturday morning from 9.00am at Laurent
Boulangerie, 109 Dundas Place Albert Park. (Melway 2K C7). All welcome.
Please park safely and leave footpaths clear
21 - 23 February - Friday - Sunday - World Superbikes Phillip Island
Will there be an Aussie team competing in the WSBK this year? Phillip island
will again host the first race of the WSBK championship
22 February - Saturday - Eastern Coffee Club
This is a regular event on the 4th Saturday of the month. Meet up with other
local club members from 9:30 onwards for coffee and a chat at Emerald
Bakery, Kilvington Drive, Emerald.
22 February – Saturday – Service Day
Here is an opportunity to work on your bike, learn while watching others wok
on theirs or simply come along and socialise. From 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at
Radum Pty Ltd, 5 Elata Drive, Tullamarine. A light lunch will be available at a
modest charge. The good people at Radum will also be happy to show you
their products and are offering a 5% discount on purchases on the day
For information contact Ross Wright 0422 157244
24 February - Monthly Club Meeting
Join us at 7.30pm at the Camberwell Petanque Club, 64A Through Road
Camberwell (entrance driveway is signed as Wakefields Grove). All members
and guests welcome
March 2014
Every Saturday morning, coffee
Join in for a friendly coffee every Saturday morning from 9.00am at Laurent
Boulangerie, 109 Dundas Place Albert Park. (Melway 2K C7). All welcome.
Please park safely and leave footpaths clear
1 March – Saturday – Western Coffee Morning
Join our western Club members from 9:00 am onwards at their regular Monthly
Coffee Morning at the Beechworth Bakery, Grenville St. South Ballarat.
2 March – Sunday – Ride to Breakfast
Come along and join the self navigate to breakfast gang from 9:30 am
onwards at Kelp, 69 Point Lonsdale Road, Point Lonsdale.
3rd March - Monday - CRL
Meet at 9:00 am for a 10:00 am departure from Degani Diamond Creek (after
usual coffee of course). A pleasant ride to lunch through the North East. For
information contact Peter Ness 0410 651903’
4 to 9 March – Victorian High Country GS Ride
This ride goes pretty much all over the high plains. Members can see
more information in the Forums at http://forum.bmwmccvic.org.au/index.
php?topic=6282.0 For information, contact Lloyd Griffiths, 03 9584 8257,
0409 645 260
8 to 11 March – Jax Orbost Odyssey
Back by popular demand, this ride to Orbost and beyond books out quickly
so get in quickly. For information, contact Jack Scmidt 0414 460 295. For club
members, see also discussion in the forums at http://forum.bmwmccvic.org.
au/index.php?topic=5954.0
12 March – Wednesday – Northern Exposure
Meet at Northern Departure point , BP service centre, Cooper Street Epping.
Coffee from 9.00am for a 9.30 departure for a pleasant ride north towards
the Strathbogie ranges and return. Exact route TBD but guaranteed to be a
little different. For more information contact Brian Rix M: 0419 545 127
15 March - Saturday - Central Victorian Coffee Morning
Central Victorian coffee morning, 9.00am onwards, Beechworth Bakery, Cnr
High and Don St. Bendigo.
16 March – Sunday – President’s Ride around the Bay
Departure time is 8:30 am starting at Calder BP and stopping at various club
starting points to allow members to join in. Lunch at Sorrento, then take the
ferry across to Queenscliff, finishing at Customs Hotel, Williamstown. Note
an early start to get in plenty of kms.
17 March – Monday – Western CRL
Meet at 9:00am for a 10:00am departure from Degani Diamond Creek (after
usual coffee of course). A pleasant ride to lunch through the North East. For
information contact Peter Ness 0410 651903’
17 March - Monday – Bang ‘n’ Stuff
Bang ‘n’ Stuff at 7.15 pm prompt at Angela Barber’s home the third Monday
every month except December. This small and cheerful working party does
an hour’s work preparing 1,000 copies of BeeEm for posting. A modest
supper and chat then takes place. All interested members are welcome.
Contact Angela 03 9357 2126 or distribution@bmwmccvic.org.au
22 March – Saturday - Eastern Coffee Club
This is a regular event on the 4th Saturday of the month. Meet up with other
local Club members from 9:30 onwards for coffee and a chat at Emerald
Bakery, Kilvington Drive, Emerald.
23 March - Sunday – Black Dog Ride
On this day Black Dog Rides will be happening all over Australia to raise
awareness about mental illness and suicide prevention and to raise money
for Lifeline. Several rides will be happening in Victoria so see www.
blackdogride.com.au for the ride closest to you. The main Melbourne ride
will start at Pakenham and head into South Gippsland. While not exactly an
official club ride, it will be led by our captain with our President as TEC. So
come along and give them some much needed support while you help out
a good cause.
24 March - Monthly Club Meeting
Join us at 7.30pm at the Camberwell Petanque Club, 64A Through Road
Camberwell (entrance driveway is signed as Wakefields Grove). All members
and guests welcome.
30 March – Sunday – Ride to Breakfast
Our self navigate rides to breakfast are so popular we are holding two is
month. From 9:30 am at Gladysdale Bakehouse, 2568 Western Warburton
Highway, Gladysdale.
31st March - Monday - CRL
Meet at 9:00am for a 10:00am departure from Degani Diamond Creek (after
usual coffee of course). A pleasant ride to lunch through the North East. For
information contact Peter Ness 0410 651903’
Note: Before you go on a ride, please check the latest BeeEm and the web site for late changes to ride
details. Changes do happen. Website: www.bmwmccvic.org.au
Calendar
39
MAR14
BeeEm
April 2014
Every Saturday morning, coffee
Join in for a friendly coffee every Saturday morning from 9.00am at Laurent
Boulangerie, 109 Dundas Place Albert Park. (Melway 2K C7). All welcome.
Please park safely and leave footpas clear
April 4 to 6 – BMWMCCVIC Biennial Rally, Cape Bridgewater.
This year’s site at Bridgewater near Portland features e ocean views of e rugged
Shipwreck Coast as its scenic backdrop. Close proximity to wonderful riding
on the Great Ocean Road, the Otways, the Grampians and Mt Gambier. Get
in early to secure your accommodation. See e article in is magazine for more
detail. For bookings contact Noela Miller 0417 035 359.
5 April - Saturday - Western Coffee Morning
Join our western club members from 9:00 am onwards at their regular Monthly
Coffee Morning at the Beechworth Bakery, Grenville St. South Ballarat.
9 April - Wednesday - Go West then North
Our mid-week ride will leave the Calder BP at 9:30 after a ride and safety
briefing. Off to Trentham for coffee via the most circuitous route possible; about
110km of good sealed roads with plenty of twisties. Then on to Maldon for
lunch (fuel available), about 70km again on good sealed roads. A challenging
ride back via more motorbike roads (including Mt Alexander Regional Park) to
Seasons Bistro at Riddells Creek for a finish total of 311km
19 April - Saturday - Central Victorian Coffee Morning
Central Victorian coffee morning, 9.00am onwards, Beechworth Bakery, Cnr
High and Don St. Bendigo.
21st April – Monday – Western CRL
Meet at 9:00 am for a 10:00 am departure from Degani Diamond Creek (after
usual coffee of course). A pleasant ride to lunch through the North East. For
information contact Peter Ness 0410 651903’
Melbourne ride
departure points
21st April - Monday – Bang ‘n’ Stuff
Bang ‘n’ Stuff at 7.15 pm prompt at Angela Barber’s home the third Monday
every mon except December. is small and cheerful working party does an
hour’s work preparing 1,000 copies of BeeEm for posting. A modest supper
and chat en takes place. All interested members are welcome. Contact Angela
03 9357 2126 or distribution@bmwmccvic.org.au
26 April – Saturday - Eastern Coffee Club
This is a regular event on the 4th Saturday of the month. Meet up with other
local club members from 9:30 onwards for coffee and a chat at Emerald Bakery,
Kilvington Drive, Emerald.
28 April - Monday - Monly Club Meeting
Join us at 7.30pm at the Camberwell Petanque Club, 64A Through Road
Camberwell (entrance driveway is signed as Wakefields Grove). All members
and guests welcome
May 2014
Every Saturday morning, coffee
Join in for a friendly coffee every Saturday morning from 9.00am at Laurent
Boulangerie, 109 Dundas Place Albert Park. (Melway 2K C7). All welcome.
Please park safely and leave footpas clear
3rd May Saturday – Saturday - Western Coffee Morning
Join our western club members from 9:00 am onwards at their regular Monthly
Coffee Morning at e Beechworth Bakery, Grenville St. South Ballarat.
4 May – Sunday – Ride to Breakfast
We have been here before and it was good so we are coming back. Red Beard
Bakery, Trentham from 9:30 am
19 May – Monday – Western CRL
Meet at 9.00 am for coffee at Nook Café, Evans Street, Sunbury and ride to
lunch. For Information contact John Eacott 0428 383 826
CALDER PARK
BP Service Centre, Calder
Hwy (just past the Thunderdome outbound)
dp
Somerton
northern dep. point epping
dp
ROCKBANK.
BP Service Centre,
Cald
er
Fwy
Shell Service Station, Maroondah Hwy (1 km
east Lilydale), Lilydale. Melway ref map 38 H3
LITTLE RIVER DEP. POINT
LITTLE RIVER
dp
dp
BP Service Station, just before
the Avalon Airport
hF
wy
Port Phillip
Camberwell Petanque
Club, 64A Through Road, Pr
i nc
Camberwell
es
H
wy
BP Service Station, Princes Freeway (Geelong
bound) just before the Avalon Airport turnoff.
Melway ref key map p11 D12.*
Maroondah Hwy
i
s
na
Werribee
MCity L
Shell
service station
o
–M
nk
Port
Melbourne
LILLYDALE dp
Eastern Fwy
Melbourne
Lilydale dep. point
general meeting location
Western Ring Rd
Radum Pty Ltd, Elata
Drive Tullamarine
BP Service Station, Cnr Dandenong-Hastings
Rd and Thompsons Rd. Melway ref map 128 K8
M
Cooper St
City Link
Lyndhurst dep. point
Radum Pty Ltd, Elata
Drive Tullamarine
ride departure point location
service day location
SOMERTON
dp BP
service station
Rd
wy
Hume H
Tullamarine
BP Service Centre Cnr Scanlon Dr & Cooper St
Epping. Melway ref map 181 D11
dp
Craigieburn Bypass
ROCKBANK DEP. POINT
BP Service Centre, 1789 Western Freeway
(south side) between Hopkins Road and Troups
Road North. Melway ref map 355*
D’nong-Hastings Rd
Note:
Melway references not valid for older Melway editions
CALDER PARK DEP. POINT
BP Service Centre, Calder Highway (just past the
Thunderdome outbound) . Melway ref map 354 J3.*
Thompsons Rd
LYNDHURST
dp BP
service station
40
MAR14
BeeEm
Member Classifieds
For Sale
BMW R1150R Rockster 2003 This bike has done only 2,200 kms, (not a typo - it
really is two thousand two hundred). As new and better than new as it has been run
in properly. Always garaged, never ridden in rain, never dropped and brake and clutch
fluid serviced by BM Motorcycles in Ringwood five times. Oil changed twelve times.
Panniers, engine protectors, ducktail for pillion seat, tools, owner’s manuals, two sets
of keys. As good as it gets if you want a Rockster time capsule from 2003. $12,750
with Vic RWC and 12 months Vic reg’n or $12,000 unregistered.
Contact Don Kotchoff 0418 351 401 Balwyn Vic. donkotchoff@gmail.com
Don’s R 1150 R
BMW Vario Touring Screen, to suit BMW R1150RS. As new. $100.
Michelin Pilot Road 3 Motorcycle Tyre. 170/60-17. Brand new. $150
Assorted BMW R1150 service items – spark plugs (2), oil (12 litres), oil filters (3),
air filter (1) and Clymer service manual (1). Price $150. Or purchase screen, tyre and
parts for $300.00.
Contact Kim McSpadden 0448 500 622. Rowville, Victoria. kim.mcspadden@
bigpond.com.au
F650 Dakar, 2004, 39,600 kms. Engine bars, luggage rack, Pivot pegz, Scottoiler,
stainless steel brake cables. Many, many other extras. Only ridden by little old lady on
Sundays. Reg’d to Nov. 2014. $6,750. For full details and more photos,
Contact: Melanie 0418 504 477. melroger@netcon.net.au
Melanie’s F 650
Assorted R69S new genuine parts. Deceased estate. The R69S has now been
sold. However, there remains a huge plastic bin of genuine new spare parts. Total
replacement value of all the parts is well over $10,000. Individual prices are based on
approximately one third of the new cost. Too many parts to list.
Contact Lloyd Griffiths 03 9584 8257 grumpyoldbstrd@netspace.net.au
New BMW Navigator IV mount. Completely unused with wiring loom and Garmin
plate. Will also take Garmin Zumo 660 but the buttons do not interface with the 660.
New cost $199, yours for $100.
Contact: John Eacott 0428 383 826. Riddells Creek Vic
BMW F650 Dakar 2004 34,000 kms, 12 months registration. Excellent condition.
Renowned for their reliability, mine is no exception. Serviced regularly, new chain
and sprockets. Many extras include Fastway foot pegs, Eagle screen (plus original),
spotlight, Touratech tank bag and rear carry bag. BMW Panniers. Bash plate. Spares
include clutch cable, clutch and brake levers and seat. Very good Heidenau K 60
Scouts only 15% used. $6,500.
Contact Steve Dunn 0419 596 447 Leongatha Vic dunnsj@dcsi.net.au
John’s GPS mount
Two pairs of BMW Trailguard trousers in great condition. 1x mens size 54 (XL)
$250; 1x ladies size 42 (SML). $200.
Contact Steve Dunn 0419 596 447 Leongatha Vic dunnsj@dcsi.net.au
Wanted
K1200RS wanted (I think) Half-faired. I am looking for the above approx. 2004
model, in a half-faired version. Not sure if the one I was looking at was modified with
the fairing cut short or aftermarket or if it was available that way. Any expert advice or
guidance would be very greatly appreciated. I am a potential club member when I have
found my bike.
Contact Michael Connelley 0401 385 023 romans5_124@yahoo.com.au
Disclaimer
The BMW Motorcycle Club of Victoria is of the view that the purchase of used safety
helmets is not advisable and is at the discretion of the buyer.
Steve’s F 650
Due to space considerations this
month, not all photos could be
included, please see photos on
website at www.bmwmccvic.org.au
Valley Prestige BMW
Sales
Service
Parts & Accessories
Rider Equipment
Finance
EENY MEENY MINY MO.
Don’t just look out your window and imagine how much fun you could have. BMW Motorrad offer a full range of
class-leading touring motorcycles, with a host of features to make your ride safer, more comfortable and more fun.
Whether it’s the new F 800 GT, with its nimble chassis and torquey parallel twin cylinder engine, the R 1200 RT,
BMW’s classic boxer twin tourer or the silky smooth six-cylinder K 1600 series, there is a BMW for you.
All BMW motorcycles come standard with industry-leading ABS systems, for peace of mind in all conditions.
Other unique features include ASC (traction control), ESA (electronic suspension adjustment), RDC (tyre
pressure monitoring), while the K 1600 models offer GPS integration and the first ever adaptive headlight system.
To experience the best in motorcycle touring, contact Valley Prestige BMW to arrange a test ride today.
UNSTOPPABLE TOUR.
SINCE 1923.
Valley Prestige BMW
Cnr Princes Hwy & Coonoc Rd, Traralgon.
Contact: Brad Casey (03) 5173 5888 or 0458 733 894
Email: motorradsales@valleymotorgroup.com.au
LMCT 7325
The Ultimate
Riding Machine
Doncaster BMW
Bundoora
Doncaster
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