November - BMW Motorcycle Club of Victoria
Transcription
November - BMW Motorcycle Club of Victoria
November 2015 Magazine of the BMW Motorcycle Club of Victoria Print Post #100001111 Member of the BMW Clubs International Council stay warm with andy Strapz this winter Thermal Inner Gloves Rain Off Overgloves Reactor Thermal Sleeping Bag Liner Trek 3 Sleeping Bag Used Motorcycle Parts Online specialising in used BMW parts Merino Wool Thermalz – Topz and Pantz Extra Length Sokz Adventure Boots Headliners, Balaclava, Nekz Visit: www.usedmotorcyclepartsonline.com.au Click on: “Visit our ebay store” for 300+ listed parts. Parts available are updated frequently. BMW bikes wanted for dismantling. gear that works and lasts about bloody time Andy Strapz approved gear is specially selected and tested for quality and motorcycle friendliness. facebook.com/andy.strapz Contact: Phone: Email: Located: Frank Nieuwenhuis 0437 369 642 franknieuwenhuis@activ8.net.au North East Victoria From the Front 1 NOV15 BeeEm JOHN EACOTT, PRESIDENT BMWMCCVIC The President’s message A Magazine of the BMW Motorcycle Club of Victoria Committee President John Eacott Vice President Don Miller Treasurer Steve Roberts Secretary, Neil Beeson Captain David McAuliffe 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 T: 0414 737 636 email: secretary@ bmwmccvic.org.au T: 0424 121 074 email: captain@ bmwmccvic.org.au Vice Captain T: 0414 575 023 Euan Brown email: vicecaptain@ bmwmccvic.org.au Social T: 0417 035 359 Secretary email: socialsecretary@ bmwmccvic.org.au 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. s I pen this, the Victorian state government has just made the announcement that we will have new filtering regulations from the 2nd November. The work by the VMC and other groups to achieve this has been long and extensive, not helped by the emotive politicisation of a road safety initiative, and all involved are to be commended. There is a summary of the new rules and obligations in this copy of BeeEm. Summer riding is just about here and we seem to have a decent calendar for the next few months. With it comes the usual reminder to dress accordingly and watch for heat-related fatigue issues; but most of you could teach me a thing or two on those issues. Consider yourself duly reminded. Along with the summer day rides are some that are disappearing to places less travelled, and out of ‘normal’ mobile phone range. The club has a satellite phone just for these sorts of trips and it is available to all members to assist with their safety on such trips. We do have a priority where a club ride will take precedence over a private requirement, but it is there to be used. I have had quite a few members with queries about the recent introduction of European ECE 22.05 standard helmets. Something that should be simple, I agree, but the waters do remain muddied by the restrictions in some states and the current ACCC CPN9 prohibiting their sale within Australia. Until this is all resolved it remains that we can legally use an item of mandated safety equipment that is illegal to be sold within Australia. Sheer madness! The only current solution remains to purchase an ECE 22.05 helmet from overseas, but the essential ability to have the correct size is difficult without being able to visit a shop and try on various helmets. We can but hope that this is resolved sooner rather than later, but don’t hold your breath in the meantime. The Melbourne VMC Toy Run is fast approaching and there is both a new city start point and a new destination. Put Sunday 20th December in your diary and either join the nearest feeder point or come along to the Royal Exhibition Building for a police-escorted run to TABCORP Park, Melton, where we expect to create a new Guinness record for the most motorcycles on a Toy Run as well as donating gifts for the Salvation Army to brighten up Christmas for the less fortunate families in Victoria. As always, ride safe and enjoy the ride. 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: Greg Fowler and Kevin Cooper on Euan’s ride to Eildon - 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 2 NOV15 BeeEm from The Front CONTENTS, SUPPORT TEAM AND ADVERTISERS Contents Support team Advertisers’ index................................... 2 E: distribution@bmwmccvic.org.au Bang ’n’ Stuff Angela Barber • T: 03 9357 2126 Angela Barber Club delegate to BMW Clubs Australia John Eacott BMW News............................................. 6 T: 0428 383 826 E: clubdelegate@bmwmccvic.org.au Calendar.............................................. 34 Note: Unless otherwise acknowledged, all photographs published Captain’s Report..................................... 5 Club photographer Ian McKenna • T: 03 9547 6864 in BeeEm were taken by Ian (except BMW News). Ian Mckenna E: clubpermitcoordinator@bmwmccvic.org.au Christmas Camp form.......................... 30 Christmas Party................................... 31 Commercial Advertising Brian Macdonald T: 03 9435 9196 E: advertising@bmwmccvic.org.au Warrick Tovey Classifieds............................................ 36 Caruana • T: 03 9435 9196 Layout & Design Trevor Coad • T: 0418 594 389 E: design@bmwmccvic.org.au brian macdonald Librarian Neville Borgelt • T: 03 9438 1615 E: librarian@bmwmccvic.org.au Membership Detlef Lamp • T: 03 9367 1271 Feature stories...................................... 21 On The Horizon.................................... 27 Editorial Team Brian Macdonald, Marcos Anastassiou and Charles E: editor@bmwmccvic.org.au Coffee get-togethers............................ 12 Committee.............................................. 1 Club Permit Co-ordinator Warrick Tovey • T: 0418 994 647 E: membership@bmwmccvic.org.au Members’ Classifieds Brian Macdonald T: 03 9435 9196 trevor coad E: classifieds@bmwmccvic.org.au Meeting reports................................... 32 Merchandise Davida Neill • T: 0403 156 700 Melbourne ride departure points......... 35 Midweek ride coordinator Karl Haering • T: 03 9357 2126 E: merchandise@bmwmccvic.org.au Charles Caruana E: midweekrides@bmwmccvic.org.au Members’ ramblings............................. 10 Service day coordinator Ross Wright • T: 0422 157 244 Preferred Suppliers list.......................... 5 Webmanager Neil Davey • T: 0447 582 870 President’s message.............................. 1 E: servicedaycoordinator@bmwmccvic.org.au Marcos Anastassiou E: webmanager@bmwmccvic.org.au Welfare officer Peter Ness • T: 0410 651 903 E: welfare@bmwmccvic.org.au Rides, rallies and events...................... 14 Service day........................................... 31 Neville Borgelt Support team......................................... 2 t us d, Discount Motorcycle Wreckers������������ 24 davida Neill Karl Haering it’ s a w or fe t sa Advertisers Index tj is Ross Wright no Detlef Lamp y Welcome................................................ 4 Peter ness neil davey VicRoads’ reporting numbers................. 2 an attitude Gilles Tooling Australia������������������������� 24 K&R Motorcycle Service����������������������� 25 Shannons����������������������������������������������� 3 Suspensions R Us�������������������������������� 24 The Good Wool Store��������������������������� 25 The Hydroblast Shop��������������������������� 24 VicRoads’ reporting numbers Road conditions reporting line T: (03) 9854 2899 Traffic signal difficulties or faults T: 13 11 70 3 NOV15 BeeEm “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: Choice of repairer Agreed value Multi-Vehicle & Multi-Policy discounts Special low usage rates Riding gear cover Cover for modifications 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 drive, or your home, and speak with a genuine enthusiast. INSURANCE FOR MOTORING ENTHUSIASTS | CALL 13 46 46 FOR A QUOTE | SHANNONS.COM.AU Shannons Pty Limited ABN 91 099 692 636 is an authorised representative of AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807, the product issuer. Some benefits only apply to comprehensive vehicle cover. Shannons has not taken account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Contact us for a copy. Deadline Wanted: Articles for BeeEm Magazine should be emailed to the editor on or before the Wednesday following the monthly club meeting. Ride leaders All articles, digital and hard copy photographs (with meaningful captions and photographer’s name) are to be sent to the editor, Email to editor@bmwmccvic.org.au Ride leaders are needed for midweek and Saturday or Sunday rides to cater for eager participants who enjoy riding. All material emailed to the editor will be acknowledged by return email. If you have not heard from the editor within a day or so, please re-send or make contact to make sure that your contribution has been received. Image files should be high resolution ex-camera/scanner. File sizes greater than 6 MB should be sent on CD instead of email. Commercial advertising material, members’ trade ads should be sent to Brian Macdonald, advertising@bmwmccvic.org.au, Phone 9435 9196 Members’ classifieds are to be sent to Brian Macdonald, classifieds@bmwmccvic.org.au Phone, 9435 9196. The only qualification required is the desire to share your best ride with others. Contact: David McAuliffe, 0424 121 074 or Euan Brown, 0414 575 023 4 NOV15 BeeEm Welcome EDITORS Under the green eye-shade Welcome T E he music you can hear is the ‘editorial musical chairs’ game being played. Now it has stopped, that nasty squeaking is from the thirsty editorial training wheel axles as the re-seated team wobbles around, trying to develop a sense of balance. As our outgoing editor, Charles Caruana, told you last month, there are new and not-sonew faces in the chairs. Charlie, who gets a big vote of thanks for his seven-month stint while holding down a demanding day (and sometimes night, too) job, will be looking after BMW-related items and other outside-sourced news. Charlie is busy enjoying a bit more free time on his new K 1600 GT. Marcos Anastassiou will deal with ride and event articles and Brian Macdonald will sit in the hot seat and pull it all together. All submissions should still be sent to the editor@bmwmccvic. org.au address and not to the personal email addresses of these individuals. As always, we will be keen to receive your thoughts, stories, tips, event and ride reports and comments. So, as Dean Martin almost used to say “Keep the articles and stories coming in.” We’ll assist with any aspects that you need help with and be happy to advise. Spring is here – even in Melbourne where most of us live – so get on yer bike and then tell us about it afterwards. Remember, you get out of your club what you put into it and that goes equally for BeeEm. Any member who fancies trying a bit of amateur journalism is also invited to get in touch. We can always use fresh talent and enthusiasm. A lovely feature article this month from a special forces correspondent, Phil Irvine and a great story about the first-ever women’s team.to compete in the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy. Enjoy! For the team, Marcos, Charlie and me. Brian very month BeeEm extends a hearty “Welcome!” to our new members on behalf of the BMW Motorcycle Club of Victoria. You have joined the biggest and most active BMW club, car or motorcycle, in Australia. The calendar in the back pages of BeeEm contains the latest information about future club activities – rides, social events, meetings and information about approved events outside the club. On the reverse of your address sheet you will see the month’s calendar. A full, updated online calendar can be viewed by browsing the Event Calendar section of the club’s website. Your level of participation is up to you but you will always get more out of the club if you contribute, so we want to see you at club events. Don’t be shy. Pitch in, enjoy yourself and let us get to know you and you can get to know your club. The club is always in need of members willing to help out by taking on one of the many committee and support roles that are there to be filled. Just take a look at the Support Team page in BeeEm or browse the club website “About” section. So, a warm welcome to you. We are above all a social motorcycle club dedicated to the BMW marque and all our members look forward to showing you what our club has to offer, either on a ride or at an event. New members Jeff Mann Bruce Lyon Max Parfett Josh Teskey Murray Collings Min Cao Tim Hicks David Howell Wendy Freeman Associate member R 1200 GS R 1200 RT R 65 K 1600 GT R 1200 GSA R 1200 GSA R 1200 GS Family member Frank Cachia at the September Gereral meeting, presenting photos from the BMW MOA Rally in Montana. In the pictures he showed the Americans the condition in Australian Captain’s Report DAVID MCAULIFFE Captain’s Report A s we head toward summer, we are starting to see better weather, a bit more consistency and some glorious days for riding. In my opinion, spring and autumn are possibly the two best riding seasons, because, as Goldilocks says, they are not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Head out for a ride on any good weekend now and you will see a significant increase in the number of motorcycles out there. However, for those who don’t ride too much throughout winter, remember that you will be a little out of practice and your riding skills may not be quite as good as they were last summer. So take it easier for a little while, until you re-familiarise yourself with your bike. Those who ride through winter may be forgiven for thinking they don’t have to worry about that issue, but they need to be extra vigilant as well, because – let’s not forget – the rider coming towards us, around the next corner, may be a fair-weather rider, rusty from the winter lay off. As captain, one of my main responsibilities is ride safety and the club adopts a number of practices to try to ensure our rides are safe and accident-free. There is always a safety briefing before each ride and the corner marking system we use is designed to ensure that riders don’t have to ride faster to keep up than they are comfortable with but can ride at their own pace, secure in the knowledge that they won’t get lost and that there will be a tail rider looking out for them. 5 NOV15 BeeEm Newer members may not be aware that the club also provides a rebate of up to $50, available once every three years, to help defray the costs of any approved safety training which members do. The courses may be group courses, such as the Honda Advanced Rider Training course which the club has organized in November (sorry folks, this one is booked out now) or approved courses which members book individually, rather than through the club. The rebate would also apply to first-aid courses and accident-scene management training. So, if you have paid to attend a training course which you think qualifies for the safety rebate and have not claimed the rebate in the last three years, download a form from the club’s website and submit it for consideration. Finally, still on safety, a reminder for those going into remote areas. Don’t forget that members are able to borrow the club’s satellite phone to ensure that, in the event of an emergency, you are able to speak with emergency services. Contact the vice–president for details. Until next time, Ride safe David McAuliffe Captain BMW Motorcycle Club of Victoria preferred suppliers O ur club is fortunate to have the support of many suppliers, and the following is a list of those who support the club with a member’s discount. A financial membership card may be requested before the discount is applied, and don’t forget to ask before the deal is done. It is surprising how often we’re told of complaints from members who didn’t get a discount because they failed to ask beforehand! Europcar Southbank Motorcycles Doncaster BMW BM Motorcycles Ringwood Good Wool Store Discount Motorcycle Wreckers Andy Strapz Valley Prestige QBE Insurance The Hydroblast Shop The Jolly Miller Remus Australia Suspensions R Us Ginger Bakers Cafe, Bright Moto Bean Café, Malmsbury Bike Logistics Australia Laurent Patisserie Gilles Tooling Australia lub discount for rentals in Australia and New Zealand C Club discount on apparel, servicing and parts Club discount on apparel, servicing and parts Advertiser Club discount on sheepskin seat covers Advertiser Club discount on panniers, straps, boots and all good things Apparel, servicing and parts Club discount on bike insurance Club discount on wetblast restoration of metal parts Club discount at all shops. Club discount on all products Club discount on suspension upgrades and parts Club discount on coffee and cake Club discount on coffee Club discount on motorcycle transport Club discount - 10% discount for purchases of $10 or more See discount offer on page 24 of this edition 6 NOV15 BeeEm BMW News Information and photos courtesy of BMW Group Press Club, Bikedeadline Australia and Racedeadline Australia BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy Female Team selected F rom 13th to 15th September at the Country Trax Off-road Riding Academy in South Africa ten female GS riders from UK, France, Spain, Iceland, USA, Canada, Brazil, Thailand, Australia and South Africa have been battling it out for the ultimate prize – a place on the first ever female team to contest the 2016 International GS Trophy in Southeast Asia from 28th February to 5th March 2016. After an intense series of 13 separate challenges held over three competition days, France’s Stephanie Bouisson emerged as the overall winner, followed by Australia’s Amy Harburg in second place, with South Africa’s Morag Campbell close behind in third. All three ladies will go on to make BMW Motorrad history by forming the first ever female team to enter the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy – the fifth edition of which will take place in Thailand next spring. A worldwide search earlier this year for a trio of lady GS riders to form a team to contest the International GS Trophy finals produced a staggering 119 applications by girls from 29 different nations, all keen to show that they had exactly what’s needed to represent their country – and also their gender – in the most famous competitive off-road customer motorcycling event in the BMW world. From the initial applications, a jury decided on a shortlist of the ten most suitable females to go to South Africa for the qualifying event. The ten girls came from all continents (Europe, America, Africa, Asia and Australasia), with ages ranging from 26 to 46 years-old. The International GS Trophy female team qualifier officially got underway on Sunday 13th September at the Country Trax Off-road Riding Academy, using BMW R 1200 GS bikes equipped with original BMW Motorrad Accessories to protect against the rigours of offroad competition riding. After all, the tasks the girls would face would be every bit as tough as all other GS Trophy qualifying competitions, and in this case, virtually identical to the recent South Africa ‘national’ qualifying final held at this same venue. No sooner had the girls arrived than the challenges began – the first one being a race to pitch their tents for the night – against the clock. Further challenges on the first day included ‘Blindfold Cone’, ‘Fritz-garden’ (in homage to “Fritz”, the only person to complete this course with a 100 percent success record) and ‘Rope the Tree’. A welcome dinner followed but this wasn’t the end of the riding for the girls, who had one final challenge to complete – ‘The Maze’ – despite it being completely dark outside. Late in the evening the rankings were added up and the top three girls announced. Australia’s Amy Harburg had taken an early lead, while local lady Amy Harburg, Stephanie Bouisson, Morag Campbell Morag Campbell was in second, with Jennifer Huntley from the UK in third. Day two started early for the multinational squad of ladies, with a photo-shoot with their respective national flags, and interviews before the first of many challenges they would face throughout the day. These included ‘The Forest’; ‘The Rocks’; ‘The Mud’ and the imaginatively titled ‘Suffer-Ring’ later in the morning, all against the clock, of course. The afternoon saw the girls take on the ‘Up and Downs’ enduro skills course before the final challenge of the day, simply known as ‘The Oval’. The ten finalists BmW News 7 NOV15 BeeEm 6. Iciar Tatay (Spain) – 3280 pts. 7. Caroline Stevenson (Canada) – 3415 pts. 8. Kim Krause (USA) – 4146 pts. 9. Rosa Freitag (Brazil) – 5621 pts. 10. Dusita Nasuriyawong (Thailand) retired. With so many challenges completed and just about every kind of skill level tested, it was to be expected that the positions in the rankings would change dramatically. The surprise of the day was France’s Stephanie Bouisson, who not only came first overall on the day, but also leapt from fifth to first place in the overall standings. Second of the day was Australia’s Amy Harburg, who remained second overall, while in third for the day was the UK’s Jennifer Huntley, who slipped one place to fourth on the leader board, behind local lady Morag Campbell. On 15th September – the final morning of the competition – there remained only two challenges to complete, but with the stakes so high, and so much to lose (or gain), decisions had to be made on whether to take big chances or to play it safe. The first challenge – ‘Elephant Turn’ – required the girls to ride approximately 50 metres through deep sand, turn their bike around a cone and then return to their starting point. The second was simply entitled ‘Skills Challenge’ yet it was anything but simple. There were a number of tough trial style obstacles to overcome on a flowing circuit designed to expose any weaknesses in riding technique, including a 360-degree ‘coffeegrinder’ pipe, a see-saw, a log-jump, riding the pavement, deep ruts and parallel logs, to name just a few. When the challenge was completed by all ladies, the marshals and judges took their leave to collate the results, while the ten competitors all embraced and offered each other words of encouragement completely in keeping with the true Trophy spirit. Their final challenge was to strike their tents, pack their bags and await the results. The results were not long in coming, with all the competitors honoured for their amazing efforts during the course of the hard-fought, yet hugely entertaining qualifier. Commenting on this GS Trophy experience, head of BMW Motorrad Marketing, Dr. Ralf Rodepeter, praised all the ladies for their phenomenal efforts and commitment, stating that: “All these ladies are winners, just to have made it to South Africa to compete in the qualifier. There has been a true spirit and sense of camaraderie shown by all the competitors, who have been fighting until the end but have supported each other throughout all the challenges. For sure there have to be three lucky ones who get the chance to go to Thailand, but all ten should consider themselves winners for the way they have come together as a family and demonstrated the unique GS spirit. We truly hope that these amazing ambassadors will take this passion back to their respective countries and riding communities, and will encourage even more women to embrace the GS lifestyle.” Overall standings and points: 1. Stephanie Bouisson (France) – 1931 pts. 2. Amy Harburg (Australia) – 2098 pts. 3. Morag Campbell (South Africa) – 2153 pts. 4. Jennifer Huntley (UK) – 2824 pts. 5. Inga Birna Erlingsdottir (Iceland) – 3046 pts. First place: Stephanie Bouisson (France). “I did the GS Trophy France qualifier event last May, and, some time after this, my friends told me to try to apply for the chance of a place at this new, women’s qualifying event. I thought ‘why not’ because I wanted to experience South Africa. I was really surprised to get through and was really looking forward to a great new adventure, making new friends and riding over here. To have actually won the qualifying event is incredible for me and I’m very proud to be representing all the lady riders around the world at the International GS Trophy in Thailand next year.” Second place: Amy Harburg (Australia). “I was so excited about coming here for this qualifying event. I had high expectations for myself, but it was hard to gauge what the other girls would be like until we were all together. But my expectations were definitely exceeded by the time we’ve spent in South Africa and to actually make the team is amazing for me. I can’t wait to go to Thailand and show BMW enthusiasts worldwide how these GS bikes can be ridden and what we can all do together. My teammates are incredible so I can’t wait to be part of the first ever women’s team with them.” Third place: Morag Campbell (South Africa). “My expectations coming to this GS Trophy female qualifying event were to have fun and enjoy myself, but I didn’t realise just how much I would learn in the process. It’s been a whirlwind of people offering their help, sharing their knowledge and helping me experience a real sense of community that’s just been amazing. I think I’m still in shock really to have made it to the final three. There are five months ahead of us now before the main event so I’ll be learning new skills on the GS and keeping in touch with Stephanie and Amy. It’s going to be awesome!” For further information about the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy go to www. gstrophy.com or #gstrophy 8 BmW News NOV15 BeeEm BMW Captures Three of Motorcyclist Magazine’s 2015 MOTY Awards B MW is the only manufacturer to earn three coveted categories in USA’s Motorcyclist Magazine’s 2015 Motorcycle of the Year (MOTY) Awards. Editors of Motorcyclist proclaimed the BMW S 1000 RR “Best Sportbike,” and – for the second year in a row – named the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure “Best Adventure Bike” and the BMW R 1200 RT “Best Touring Bike.” Commenting on the 2015 BMW S 1000 RR, currently featured in the film Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation, Motorcyclist editors wrote, “Every time we ride BMW’s 999cc S 1000 RR we’re blown away. Not only is the double-R the most powerful bike in the category – slamming down a bona fide 184 hp in our latest test – but it’s also the most civil superbike available and without a doubt the best daily rider in the class…No one in their right mind will debate the double-R’s athleticism or value.” “It is a tremendous honor to receive a “Best Bike” award from Motorcyclist in any category; to be the only manufacturer to earn three in one year is just fantastic,” observed Kris Odwarka, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA. “It demonstrates that the motorcycling community wants and appreciates products that reflect a continued commitment to engineering development and prowess.” Of the two repeat winners, Motorcyclist editors dubbed the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure “A Motorcycle Masterpiece,” stating, “Many other manufacturers have tried to peel back the BMW GS’s headlock on this category…but no other manufacturer has quite managed the GS’s combination of off-road ability, commuting and sport riding manageability, and genuine cross-country comfort.” “Still great, yet to be challenged,” Motorcyclist editors observed about the BMW R 1200 RT. “We have an unreasonable man-crush on anything with BMW’s new liquid-cooled engine. We gush endlessly about the GS and now we’re giving the similarly powered R 1200 RT the nod a second year in a row…For now, it’s time for the RT to shine, combining rare sporting character in a bike built to leap state lines in serene, weather-protected comfort.” The Pure&Crafted Festival And now for something a little different!. Ed. T he Pure&Crafted Festival, presented by BMW Motorrad, celebrated a successful debut in a sold out “Postbahnhof ” in Berlin this August. On August 28th and 29th, the “Postbahnhof ” grounds in Berlin were turned over entirely to music, motorcycles and new heritage lifestyle. 7,000 visitors were catered for at a sold-out venue and celebrated with stirring music, fascinating custom bikes and colourful market-place atmosphere in perfect late summer temperatures. We couldn’t have said it any better! The Pure&Crafted Festival demonstrated that it is possible to combine these areas of interest in a contemporary style without drawing on the classic biker festival clichés. “From our point of view, the first Pure&Crafted Festival was a resounding success. Motorcycles, music and new heritage – the concept worked well and the various themes created a perfect blend. We congratulate Tim Meier and the entire Gemeinsame Sache team on a successful event,” said Ralf Rodepeter, Head of Marketing BMW Motorrad. The attendance figure of 7,000 visitors was proof of the experiment’s success. Everyone enjoyed inspiring music on the BmW News 9 NOV15 BeeEm BMW R 1200 R wins another big one T main stage by hard-core icons such as Refused, including impassioned performances by The Hives and rock’n’roll trio, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis. On the club stage, it was bands like Allah-Las, Friska Viljor and Talisco that put smiles on the faces of festival visitors. “With our band bookings we achieved a perfect balance between established and emerging artists, making the Pure&Crafted Festival a progressive, contemporary event, perfectly embedded in the overall concept and far removed from conventional clichés,” said Tim Meier, Director Agency Business Gemeinsame Sache. The setting was ideal: amid the expansive urban marketplace against the backdrop of Berlin’s red-brick Postbahnhof with its huge halls, situated in between the railway tracks and the River Spree, a very special atmosphere was created. The two days provided a perfect example of how motorcycle culture and music can harmonise in contemporary style. In front of the Postbahnhof, the Wheels Area gave visitors the opportunity to explore the art of customisation with 15 hand-picked exhibitors and customer workshops such as Berham Customs, Blitz Motorcycles and Nagel Motors. The crowning highlight of the Pure&Crafted Festival was the Motodrom - the oldest travelling motorcycle wall-ofdeath show in the world. Back in Berlin for the first time in 82 years, it thrilled young and old alike. Meanwhile the time-honoured Postbahnhof packaging hall with its striking steel structure was transformed into a general store. Over excellent gin and tonics and fine street cuisine, visitors became absorbed in conversation on fine craftsmanship, pinstriping and lifestyles - and there was beard styling, too: in other words, New Heritage was actively embraced just as the festival intended. The two days were rounded off with a prize draw for the Pure&Crafted Festival bike on Saturday evening. The main sponsor and initiator BMW Motorrad sent one happy festival visitor home on a brand-new BMW R nineT customized by Urban Motor. If you want to learn more about this unusual Berlin festival and the artists, go to: www.bmw-motorrad.com/pureandcrafted or www.pureandcrafted.com or check out pureandcrafted on facebook or twitter he BMW R 1200 R has been named one of the “Ten Best 2015 Motorcycles” by Ultimate MotorCycling editor Don Williams. In his annual Editor’s Choice article, Williams writes, “With the 2016’s showing up in full swing and the 2015 models disappearing from our fleet, it’s time to assess the ten best 2015 motorcycles. I ride a wide range of motorcycles and love every genre on two wheels. Some people specialise, but I have access to almost every motorcycle made, so why limit myself.” Commenting on BMW’s new roadster, Williams observes, “…BMW has gone back to basics while forging ahead. Taking the 125-horsepower liquid-cooled motor from the GS and RT and then putting it in a chassis with inverted forks. I greatly enjoyed the power and predictable handling of the R 1200 R, especially with the Dynamic ESA and Shift Assistant Pro. There are few motorcycles more comfortable for all-day rides, be they in the crowded city or open rural runs…” For more information on Ultimate MotorCycling’s “10 Best 2015 Motorcycles,” visit: https://goo.gl/pMmvmK 10 NOV15 BeeEm Members’ Ramblings A cobbler’s story By Axel Leonhardt P eter Allen’s song about the Tenterfield Saddler apparently is a tad authentic and connected to his own up-bringing. And if you haven’t heard it, I recommend you google/YouTube or iTune it. The following story is similar and definitely authentic as well, and it does have a connection to a saddler. Well, more than one! Leather is the first thing that comes to mind and ‘being a dying profession’ is another one. Finally, motorcycle gear is involved as well. So, read on! How many cobblers do you know compared to say twenty years ago? That is, counting out the Mister Minit and similar chains. The man in this story is Chris, the Cobbler. Sit back and let me tell you why his story might be of interest to you. Chris has been around leather all his life! He was born in a house above a cobbler’s shop. This was his father’s shop in Kew so Chris grew up among the smell of leather, rubber and glue. Almost by default, Chris’s exposure to this trade shaped, even ‘determined’ his own professional path: becoming a cobbler himself. Realising he was much better with his hands than with maths further confirmed his direction, together with helping his old man in the shop at any opportunity. When considering an apprenticeship, the trade of cobblers had been struck out of the register of technical colleges. The same fate as stonemasons and coopers. So, Chris’s next best option was to complete training on-the-job and all the while working in his father’s shop, honing his skills as a cobbler. Soon enough, he worked there fulltime and, after a time, decided to widen his horizons, seeking work away from his old man. Other cobblers had other special skills to pass on, so Chris joined a cobbler’s shop in Camberwell and worked there for some years, further mastering the skills of this trade. As one does when one is young, he had dreams. Dreams to travel, dreams to change the world, or dreams to create a nation-wide cobbler franchise. The latter applied to Chris and he started this to realise his dream. In Rosanna a cobbler’s shop was about to shut down. The old man had been working in it for all his life and no family member wanted to take over. That was Chris’s chance and he bought the shop. Since this day in April 1989 Chris has not looked back. Tucked away just off Rosanna Road, a bit past the railway crossing he quickly had old and new customers convinced he was there for good. Word-of-mouth got around and business started to pick up. His venture was flourishing. However, by this time Chris’s dreams had become more ‘local’ so he focussed on making the Rosanna shop a success. He had ‘a moment’ when Medal Boots in Fitzroy was to close. Old age had made it harder for Tony Carroll to sustain his well-reputed business, though, in the end, Tony decided to continue working on a much smaller scale out of the backroom of his Gertrude Street premises. I am not sure if Tony still works or if he has retired completely – must google. Chris talked to me about the changes he had witnessed in the industry. The days when Abbotsford and Collingwood were choc-a-bloc with small shoe manufacturers are long gone. Whilst he quickly recognises a superior-quality shoe with a quality sole, hand-stitched and a corresponding price-tag, many consumers these days treat shoes like a throw-away item. Fixing seems not worth it, better to buy a new cheap replacement. Interestingly enough, business picks up for Chris in tight economic times; consumers want to make their shoes last longer. Caterpillar boot with gear change pad We established another common leather-related source: Dick Leffler’s Leather Empire, formerly in South Melbourne. If you ever set foot in this shop you felt as if you were stepping into Aladdin’s treasure cave. Multi-storeys filled with large wooden tables loaded to the brim with leather and every conceivable leather accessory. I just went there for the Aladdin experience – priceless it was. These days, after Dick’s sons took over their dad’s business, they relocated it to a new shop in Kensington. Still worth a visit but no Aladdin feeling. Chris is now looking to expand his trade more into the making of orthopedic footwear. He sees this as a natural extension to his original business and diversifies into custom-made orthopedic footwear, its modification and repairs. After all, making a shoe for a person with six toes is a little out of the ordinary! His intent is to extend his shop to accommodate this new ‘branch’. To add a motorcycle aspect into this story Chris was a dirt-bike rider in his younger days. These days he doesn’t bounce as well so has given it away. Instead, he focuses on fixing, creating and problem-solving all things leather including motorcycle boots and gear.. I had became aware of Chris’s shop after my nearest one-man shoemaker’s shop in Greensborough changed hands and closed down soon after. So a visit to Chris’s shop was high on the agenda. My BMW boots had given up the ghost. More specifically, the latch that hooked onto a steel fastener had worn out, was broken. I had hung on to the boots, just in case. They’ve been too expensive to discard. I also had purchased a pair of Caterpillar work boots. Steel-capped, ankle protection, light and good-quality leather, they are on-the-money earmarked to be my coastto-coast riding boot. They offer good protection, are lightweight, easy to walk in and without the steel-cap becoming a chafing nuisance. But they lack that extra patch on the left boot to protect when changing gear. So, another reason to seek out a cobbler to affix an extra leather patch, despite the steel cap. I brought these two fixing challenges to Chris. A brief conversation to clarify exactly what I wanted was had and a fortnight later I picked up both pairs. Brilliant! The remedy Chris applied to fix the BMW boots members’ rambling rambles I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go and I try not to visit there too often. I’ve been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm. Sometimes I’m in Capable, and I go there more often as I’m getting older. One of my favourite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenaline flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get! And, sometimes I think I am in Vincible but life shows me I am not. People keep telling me I’m in Denial but I’m positive I’ve never been there before! So far, I haven’t been in Continent, but my travel agent says I’ll be going soon. Have a great day BMW City Boot reinforced has given me an additional lifetime for this boot. The patch on the Caterpillars was spoton! The price was fair and I walked away as a happy customer – ready to recommend Chris’s work. So, dear reader, if you have a boot to fix, a leather jacket to amend or a zip to replace, here is another option to the city-located Mars Leather shop: Chris the Cobbler in Rosanna, at 5 Bellevue Avenue. Key cutting, engraving, watch repairs and not forgetting the orthopedic footwear option are also covered. Tell Chris that you come from the BMW Motorcycle Club and he is sure to look after your needs first-class. I’ve been everywhere! This little gem sent in by Lynne Rosenthal I have been in many places, but I’ve never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can’t go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone. I’ve also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there. I have, however, been in Sane. They don’t have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work. I live close, so it’s a short drive. I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I’m not too much on physical activity anymore. Lloyd’s Great Big Quote Quiz Part Two The answers to part one are elsewhere in this issue. How did you go? Ed. 35 Missed it by that much! 36 I felt a great disturbance in the force 37 I ate his liver with fava beans and a nice Chianti 38 Greed is good 39 Wax on, wax off! 40 Ahhh, Pancho! 41 Heeere’s Johnny! 42 Surely you can’t be serious? I am serious... and don’t call me Shirley! 43 Open the pod bay doors, please, HAL 44 My precious! 45 We’re on a mission from God. 46 Shaken, not stirred. 47 What do you mean ‘we’, white man? 48 Hi Ho, Silver! 49 Hello, Wilbur 50 Why can’t a woman be more like a man? 51 Gentlemen, you can’t fight here; this is the War Room 52 Sorry about that, chief! 53 Just you wait, ‘enery ‘iggins. Just you wait! 54 Get away from her, you bitch! 55 Is that a gun in your pocket …? 56 The truth! You can’t handle the truth! 57 Feel the serenity 58 It was beauty killed the beast 59 You talkin’ to me? 11 NOV15 BeeEm 60 It’s alive! It’s alive! 61 Come up and see me, sometime 62 The Horror. The Horror... 63 You call that a knife? 64 Tell him he’s dreaming 65 I love the smell of napalm in the morning 66 That’ll go straight to the pool room 67 I want to be alone 68 There’s no place like home How about a ride to Navarre? T he president of the museum committee of Navarre, a town of about 240 folk, in the Wimmera, about 130 kms west of Ballarat, has dropped us a line. Near this little town, which dates back to 1861, when it became a town after miners on the way to dig for gold at Mount Alexander, discovered two inns where they could refresh themselves, are Stawell, St Arnaud and Ararat. The magnificent Grampians mountain range and the beautiful Pyrenees wine region are also not far off. The president writes “We are a small group at Navarre who have started a museum in our town. We are madly fund raising as all clubs do. We need money to make improvements.” He goes on to say they got an idea from seeing motorcyclists heading to the Charlton Motorcycle Rally recently. (The MRASA’s next Redback Rally will be in February 2016. Ed) “We had the brain-wave that, maybe, with notification to all your people out there, we could provide coffee and cake for your riders as you ride through our town and maybe a quick bite to eat on the trip home. Two bonuses we raise money and you have a break and stay alive.” This led to the thought that clubs such as ours might consider an organised ride to the Navarre area on a weekend. “We have great toilet and shower facilities; it’s a beautiful ride up to our area of the world and we are great cooks! We would love to discuss further with your club the possibility of the Charlton weekend and maybe a club ride up to Navarre on another weekend.” The contact for the Navarre Museum Society is Leonie Bibby (03) 5357 4190 leoniebibby@hotmail.com Anyone up for the challenge? 12 NOV15 BeeEm members’ rambling rambles The Best-made Plans - A European Odyssey By Marcos Anastassiou T hree years ago, whilst on another European holiday, I purchased a 2002 BMW R 1150 RT in the UK and spent three weeks touring Somerset, the Cotswolds, Devon, Sussex, Kent and Oxfordshire. Fast forward to late May 2015 and I was fortunate enough to again get a leave pass and head off to Europe for nine weeks. The plan was to tour, on the bike, the northern parts of the UK, Yorkshire, the Lake District and then on to Scotland’s west coast. I had organised, prior to leaving Oz, for a local bike mechanic to undertake a full service of the 1150 RT, or so I thought. Upon my arrival, the mechanic informed me all the servicing had been undertaken. However, the ABS unit was faulty and it was outside his expertise to repair and /or remove. To cut a long story short, the bike only had residual braking and was unsafe to ride, so I had to book into another mechanic to have the ABS unit excised as this was the cheapest fix on these notoriously unreliable earlier ABS units. (Perhaps someone can explain why there wasn’t a recall on these earlier BMW ABS units.) I should point out that my bike had only done 22,000 miles, hardly high mileage! I The renovated cottage did get a quote from Oxford BMW to replace the ABS unit: sixteen hundred pounds, the value of the bike. Some five weeks later, the bike was fixed and safe to ride, minus the ABS unit. In the meantime, I went off to France for four weeks, without a bike and got on with my travel plans that included catching up with family and friends and spent some two weeks renovating a stone cottage. In summary, I only managed seven days of touring on the bike, this trip. Being based around the Cotswolds, it was quite easy to ride into the Midlands, Wales or Somerset. I chose an excursion heading west into the Brecon Beacons in Wales, on a beautiful sunny morning, stopping at Abergavenny, where I met up with several hundred other fellow motorcyclists, all enjoying perfect riding weather. The other trip was a ride into Somerset via Bristol and Weston Super Mare on the south west coast. On my next bike trip to Europe I am planning on riding from the UK through to Turkey. Ah, the best made plans! Tip of the month – two for the price of one this month By Axel Leonhardt and Lloyd Griffiths Thanks, Axel. I always had that problem with my 1150GS. Ed H The R 1150 RT that didn’t want to stop ere is an idea if you – just like me – have some trouble when re-affixing the rear wheel of your beemer. Say you had it off to fix a puncture or something similar. I find it increasingly difficult to line up the wheel against the holes in the rear hub and thread-in the first wheel bolt. I have to slightly lift the wheel off the ground with one hand, peep into the hole trying to line it up with the wheel, all in an uncomfortable crouching position. There is lots of wobbling involved, my collar gets hot and I wish I had just one more hand ……. So here is a cheap and easy, but effective remedy – “ze tool”. members’ rambling rambles 13 NOV15 BeeEm Finally, use a screwdriver to remove ze tool and affix the final bolt. Ze tool won’t take much space in your tool bag/box and is a godsend when having to change a rear wheel on your own. It looks like this and you can make it yourself Well, first buy a looong bolt that fits into the rear wheel hub thread. Stainless would be ideal (I am a sucker for it) but others will do as well. But be careful here, as BMW has a specific thread, so best to take out a bolt and use it as a sample for your local nuts and bolts place. Second, cut off the head of this freshly acquired bolt. Third and last, cut a slot across its ‘head’, or where the actual bolt head once was. Bingo! - you’ve done your own “ze tool”! So, next time when you are ready to remount the rear wheel it will be a breeze. Just screw in this new tool in the 12 o’clock positioned hole in the rear hub. Now hang the wheel right onto it. Let it go and Bingo! – your wheel hangs there and you have both hands free. Now you can easily line up the remaining holes and insert the other bolts. Victoria Announces the Introduction of Motorcycle Lane Filtering T he Victorian Motorcycle Council (VMC) applauds today’s announcement by the Victorian Government confirming the introduction of motorcycle lane filtering and ending the legal ambiguity surrounding it. The VMC fully endorses motorcycles and scooters safely filtering through stationary and slow moving lines of traffic and welcomes the 2nd November implementation date. Victorian motorcyclists have long campaigned for the safety benefits of lane filtering. The 2011 Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety confirmed that motorcycle lane filtering fundamentally improves rider safety. It reduces the risk of a nose-totail collision; the leading cause of rider hospitalisation in metropolitan Melbourne. Furthermore, filtering can significantly reduce peak hour congestion. All road users (pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists alike) are called upon to share the roads responsibly and to take extra care during the implementation phase as filtering moves towards becoming an accepted and established practice. The VMC acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government and its agencies in engaging and working closely with riders and the riding community to introduce filtering on Victorian roads to the benefit of all road users.Road Safety is a shared responsibility between all road users. Here’s a shortie but a goodie from our ever-reliable contributor, the original and best GOB. Ed When fixing flat tyres on the side of the track, one of your best friends will be a little bit of detergent. Always carry at least 50cc of soapy stuff (that’s about the volume of an old film canister). It makes life so much easier when spooning on those tyre beads after you’ve patched the tube. If you’re young enough (and still carry it), KY jelly works just as well. Lloyd Griffiths Whatrestrictionsapply? Situation At what speed can a motorcyclist filter? At speed of up to 30km/h Can all riders filter? Licensed riders not learner permit holders Where no motorcycle lane filtering sign applies Where there is an identified road safety risk, the relevant road authority may erect a sign prohibiting lane filtering on that length of road. VicRoads is producing guidelines to ensure consistency. Inwhatsituationislanefilteringlegal? Situation Filtering Between lines of traffic in the same direction? Yes, if safe to do so Between vehicles travelling in the same direction in adjacent marked lanes? Yes, if safe to do so Between lines or lanes of traffic travelling in the opposite direction? No Between a vehicle and a: Yes, if safe to do so Car Tram Bicycle Bus Motorcycle Truck Between parked cars and traffic? Yes, if safe to do so In bicycle lanes or bicycle boxes? No –the new regulations do not change how motorcyclists interact with bicycle infrastructure In all speed zones? Yes, unless otherwise signed and if safe to do so. In special purpose lanes? These changes don’t affect how motorcyclists may currently use special purpose lanes In areas where there are schools or strip shopping? Yes, if safe to do so In the CBD? Yes, if safe to do so On roads with two or more lanes or lines of traffic in the same direction? Yes, if safe to do so What is a line of traffic? A line of traffic is one or more vehicles travelling along a road in a line (whether moving or not) irrespective of lane markings Between traffic and an adjacent kerb? No On all types of roads? (local, rural, freeways etc) Yes, if safe to do so Through an intersection? Yes, if safe to do so 14 NOV15 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 Emerald Saturday coffee ride 27th June 2015 By Frank Cachia’s alter ego, the R 26 H i Girls, it’s your favourite single again, with another Emerald report. Now this was definitely different. I was escorted there. Yep, another bike followed me to Emerald. Well she had to follow; I’m not taking a back seat to anyone. When Frank wheeled me out into bright sunlight, on quite a pleasant Saturday morning, there was a twin cylinder R51/3 in the driveway. Frank invited a mate, (yes he does have one or two mates) to come along and meet the BMW club members. I must confess, even though it is a mere twin, the R51/3 looked positively gleaming, and when the owner turned her over she fired and settled down to an even beat. Yes, I know it isn’t a single but I must give credit where it’s due. Two splendid old ladies Soon we departed, two old girls on a ‘convoy’ to Emerald. We didn’t get far, the R51/3 spluttered and died. Ahem, opening up the fuel tap does help the piston along – ya dummkopf. Believe it or not we got all the traffic lights and roundabouts in our favour; I loved it. The run between Monbulk and Emerald, as expected, was taken at a spirited pace. Frank loves this run and I must confess I too enjoy a spirited ride once in a while. Soon, Emerald came into view and once again I took sentry position at the pedestrian crossing footpath. Frank was shocked when Tom Corrigan told him that he had planned to park his F650GS in my spot. I was definitely not amused. This time the R51/3 took up position. Yes, it was an ideal time to give passersby a treat. And clearly they were impressed; many a camera was aimed at us. A pleasant surprise to those 14 or so members present was seeing the president. Wow, he must have taken a wrong turn somewhere, because he was miles away from home. He has absolutely no taste at all; he passed by me without even looking, let alone saying hello. Yep, not even an acknowledgement. Some president! rides, rallies and events 15 NOV15 BeeEm As it is normally the case close to lunchtime, the group disbanded. Frank turned over my piston and I settled into the usual reliable tickover with the R51/3 bursting into life a few kicks later. The bakery is perfectly situated, being just far enough away to give me a chance to reach running temperature before we tackle seven or so kilometres of twisting, winding road. And it was on! A 1956 single against a 1954 twin. It goes without saying that, as expected, I arrived at the Monbulk roundabout first. Not because I’m younger, but because I’m better. Although the R51/3 has an extra eleven horses over me, it lacked the sophisticated swingarm suspension. Clearly, in a set of perfectly-suited bends, the plunger suspension is no match against my superior set-up. The return trip to my garage was uneventful other than that the speed camera man drove a different car from his usual one. And so, once again, another spell-binding adventure came to an end. Till next time darlings – ta ta. Ride to Lunch at the Red Hill Hotel, Chewton Sunday 30th August. By Noela Miller G erald promised a bright, sunny day to greet all those people who headed to Chewton for lunch at the Red Hill Hotel. Dismal, grey skies and misty rain offered no incentive to stay in Melbourne on that Sunday morning. Don Miller and Jack Schmidt rode off to join John Eacott and Karl Haering for a jaunt through the Macedon Ranges before stopping in Chewton. Other club members rode solo from Greendale, Eltham. By twelve noon, twenty-one guests filled the dining room, ordered meals and were catching up with one another’s news. Peter Howell and Ray Beggs arriving at Chewton Gerald’s store, the mention of a motorbike for sale had ears pricked up. Jack inspected the shining 1998 R1100R, 75th Anniversary model and soon the deed was done. Now, Jack has a second choice for any riding, an excellent bike for a pillion passenger. After a pleasant meal, a ramble up and down the main street of Chewton and then a look in at Moe’s Antiques and Collectables, the promised sunshine and blue sky encouraged another gathering Lunch at a country pub needs an appetite as the meals fill the famished. Jack Schmidt wrapped himself around a lamb shank from a very big beast, sustaining himself, ready for the bargain of the day from Gerald’s collection of antiques and collectables. While furniture fills Arrival in Chewton with Don Miller and Karl Haering Steve Boyd departing from Chewton 16 NOV15 BeeEm rides, rallies and events The ride group having coffee in Malmsbury Say Goodbye to winter CRL Diamond Creek ride Monday 31st August By Peter Ness T he last day of winter, spring breaking through, cloudy, with a bit of sun and no rain and no wet roads. Nine bikes, ten people and a great day ahead. We were rewarded with a great ride, which, in itself was, fortunately, uneventful. If you call panoramic views, fern gullies, tall mountain ash, the smell of the bush after rain, twisty, tight roads, open highway, sweeping bends etc.etc. ‘uneventful’. All enhanced by a faultless corner marking operation. at Moto Bean Café in Malmsbury, a favourite stop for motorbike riders, with good coffee and eats for anyone still hungry. Malmsbury has a seven-arch railway bridge high above the river. It is a significant landmark and a photographic attraction, best viewed from the Botanical Gardens, which were resplendent with daffodils and blossoming trees at the end of winter. Riders formed groups to head home through the Macedon Ranges or west to Trentham via Greendale then back to the city, each warmed by the late afternoon sunshine; another Sunday spent enjoying the pleasure of motorcycle riding. Attending: Ray Beggs Matthew Gale Ron Joosten Barry and Helen Law Don and Noela Miller Laszlo Papp Jack Schmidt John and Andy Eacott Karl Haering Detlef and Lynda Lamp Bob Leggatt Chris O’Callaghan Ben Probin Gerald St John That was our day. It all began at Degani’s in Diamond Creek at 9 am for coffee. There were three newcomers to CRL rides, two of whom were there early, or on time depending upon what you read and where. Sorry guys, we will sort out our communication with the web page and try to work off the same page in future. It was however great to have Gary, Duncan and Luke along for their first CRL Monday run. After a few introductions, it was gleaned that Gary was from Lilydale area. This happened to be the general direction for the start of our ride. Not to let an opportunity pass by, the pressure was put on Gary to lead the ride to Emerald. Whilst it was his first Monday run, he is no newcomer to the club. He has been around since 1980 and stepped up quickly to the task. Over the next half an hour others turn up and settle in for a coffee. Duncan and Steve, having been there for a while, are keen to go, as is Brian. Brian just wants to ride, but Karl has just ordered his toasted sandwich for breakfast, so we all settle and chat a little longer. Eventually we are off with Gary in the lead and Karl as tail end. We make our way to Lilydale through Yarra Glen, and then we go through uncharted territory to Emerald where we stop for a wee. Steve departs from our company with things to do elsewhere. Gary is all fired up to keep us going, so he leads off again in a direction that takes us through some beautiful country and we end up at Launching Place, then turning off to Healesville. More beautiful country and more sweeping roads. A quick check from Gary just before Healesville that our destination is still Yea for lunch. Brian and Ann leave us at this point, as arranged. We then head off up Chum Creek Road, through Toolangi and out onto the Melba Highway. Almost a straight run to Yea except Gary likes a detour, so he takes us out on the Break O’Day road and then into Yea for lunch. There is a lot happening in Yea. The street is blocked off because the old pub burnt down yesterday, and we detour around a few blocks to get back to the Red Plate Café. Good plan, except that the Red Plate Café is gone also. Not burnt, just shut down. I’m sure Ron will get some answers as to why in the fullness of time. So it’s over the road to a café for some hot soup and a hot coffee. Inside, John bumps into some old friends. It’s a hard life being so well known. Karl Haering, Don Miller, Steve Boyd, John Eacott and Jack Schmidt at the Moto Bean Cafe in Malmsbury After lunch it’s everyone for himself to get home after a very rewarding 200-plus km ride. rides, rallies and events 17 NOV15 BeeEm Special thanks to Gary for leading us at such short notice. Participants: Steve Bastak Karl Haering Brian Macdonald Ann Macdonald Ron Matthews Duncan McGregor Luke Pescarini Peter Ness John De Vos Gary Young R1100RT K100RS F700GS Pillion R65LS R1200GSA R1200RT R100RT R1200GS K1100RS Breakfast at Carriage Café, Seville / Gladysdale Bakehouse, Yarra Junction Sunday 6th September By Noela Miller S ometimes the best laid plans just fall apart. The plan; breakfast at the Carriage Café, Seville. The Carriage Café is run from an old red rattler with seating inside the compartments and outside on a deck with the kitchen and amenities in a separate building. With late acceptances, our numbers reached eleven and only eight will fit in a compartment. Enquiry for extra seating found the café was fully booked till two pm. The solution; go down the road to The Gladysdale Bakehouse, no booking needed. The problem; Brendon Webb had ordered his meal and was settled Breakfast at Yarra Junction with Mark Chin, Noela Miller, Amando, Steve Mackay, Diane and Neville Hoare Short Stop at Cumberland Junction with Amando and his Ducati Scrambler on the deck (motorcyclists don’t feel the cold with all the thermals and gear). So, with Brendon to redirect any more arrivals the Millers gathered Ian and Steve to meet Neville, Dianne, Mark and Armando at the Gladysdale Bakehouse. With room inside for everyone, Brendon soon arrived, bringing Laszlo and Matthew with him. Father’s Day for the fathers had started the night before with family get-togethers followed by father’s indulgence of a motorbike ride in the sunshine, then more family get-togethers later for dinner. Now, so close to the Warburton Noela Miller, Brendon Webb, Don Miller and Steve Mackay preparing to depart for Yarra Junction 18 NOV15 BeeEm rides, rallies and events Ranges, riders set off into the hills. Neville led the way to Warburton and Laszlo had plans to make his way to Mt Baw Baw to see some snow. Attending: Mark Chin Steven McKay Armando Mercuri Laszlo Papp Brendon Webb Neville and Dianne Hoare Ian McKenna Don and Noela Miller Matthew Retchford Mid Week Ride to Mirboo North 9th September It looks like this and you can make it yourself by Neville Hoare L esson one - don’t believe the BOM radar! Radar shows all clear ... reality - Rain! Bloody useless BOM! Mark Chin however was as pleased as punch ‘coz it gave him another opportunity to wear his new bright yellow BM wobble U rain suit, a thank you relic from his Tasmanian efforts. Unfortunately for the illustrious ride leader, the rain stopped by the time we set off from Packenham; didn’t stop him from continuing to wear it, though! I guess he was still hoping for another shower. There was a rainbow in our midst however ... none other than the lovely Lynne Rosenthal ... a rose among seven thorns! After morning beverages in Loch, we were graced with another member of the fairer sex in the form of Melinda Hindson, who, having observed the inclement weather upon arising that morning, was beset by a guilty conscience for the next hour or two, until she decided not to be a wuss and to go for a ride in the rain! Melinda arrived to meet us in Leongatha just as we passed thru the joint. Talk about good timing – she could teach my wife a thing or two! Above: ‘N’Evil’ Hoare Below: Neville Hoare amuses Lynne Rosenthal and Mark Chin Melinda Hindson heading purposefully for coffee rides, rallies and events After lunch in Mirboo North, more great roads which are becoming increasingly bumpy and holey as the lack of maintenance prevails (another good reason to reduce speed limits?) to the finish at Longwarry. Thanks Mark. How about another? PS Karl noticed that Melinda had not completed the next of kin part of the sign on sheet so he wanted to know if she was “available”. I hope Angela reads this and gives him “u no what”. That will teach him to summarily appoint me to write the ride report! Participants: Mark Chin (Ride leader) Karl Haering Melinda Hindson Neville Hoare Stuart Jackson Rob Langer Bruce Lyon Lynne Rosenthal Chris O’Callaghan F650GS K100RS F650GS R1200GSA R1200R F700GS 1200GS F650GS Honda Civic Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteryies Costume Exhibition Saturday 12th September By Noela Miller S et in extensive gardens, the mansion of Ripponlea featured the costumes used for the Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries television series. Arranged over two floors, the costumes, some props and jewellery all had a special backdrop in the rooms of this period house. Beginning in the entrance hall garments were offered for a photographic opportunity. A “Who Dun It” sheet was provided for amateur sleuths to solve a crime. Moving through the rooms of various sizes, including the conservatory, glamorous gowns, suits, tennis outfits, beachwear and show biz costumes were supported by small video clips and explanation sheets. Upstairs displays featured design and costume construction exhibits. The bathrooms and dressing rooms provided interesting places to show costumes made from period fabrics including tablecloths. Quite fascinating to see the behind the scenes work involved in dressing the actors to be authentic characters in the program. 19 NOV15 BeeEm Peninsula Ride Sunday 13th September 2015 By Winfried Hessling I t’s a double whammy, first ride as leader and first report writing. I had planned this ride for months. A week before, on a Sunday, I did the last fine tuning. Rode from Lilydale to Noojee at about the same time as the planned ride was supposed to be. 12C when I started at Lilydale, dropping to 7C when I was riding through the valley. The heated grips on the F 800 came in handy. I warmed up with a nice cappuccino at the Red Parrot Cafe at Noojee. Just when I was leaving, a group of Harleys came around the corner; the boys were wearing sunglasses and open face helmets. Gee, I thought, these guys are tough. On my way home I was wondering what the weather would be like in a week’s time. During the week I kept a close eye on the weather report. The forecast was warm and sunny. I was wondering how many riders would turn up. I’d had a couple of emails from club members out of Geelong intending to join the ride. Sunday 13th September started as the forecast promised, clear sky and warm. Melinda Hindson met me at home just before 8 am on her F 650 GS and we made our way to the starting point at Lilydale together. My dear wife, Kerrie, joined me as pillion on the F 800 R, the first time for a longer trip on this bike. We arrived just after 9 am at the Shell service station in Lilydale and greeted the ten riders already waiting for us. By 9.30 am we were 15 bikes and three pillion passengers. After the paperwork and a quick briefing, Greg Fowler agreed to ride Tail End Charlie and we set off towards Yarra Junction. Only a few hundred metres down the road, Helmut Imberger pulled over in a rush and couldn’t get his helmet off quick enough, searching the inside of his helmet for a spider, which he saw crawling across the inside of his visor. Next, it was time for afternoon tea. The Stables Café was decorated to continue the period theme and offered meals named to fit the murder mystery genre. Tea and scones, cakes or slices refreshed us before a ramble in the extensive gardens. Attending: Bronwyn Beeson and her friend Felecia Lynda Lamp Noela Miller Barbara Pickard Dianna Quick Heather Wills Lea and Graeme Workman Morning Coffee in Noojee with a row of bikes in front of the Red Parrot Cafe By this stage the sun was out, warm, not too much traffic. It was a joyful ride through the valley towards Noojee. The morning coffee stop was at the Red Parrot Cafe in Noojee. Quite a few bikes were already parked outside the general store. Time to stretch the legs, have a drink 20 NOV15 BeeEm rides, rallies and events and a chat with the other riders. Everybody agreed, the ride could not have started in a nicer way. At 11 we left Noojee, riding through Neerim South to Drouin. Before we came to the township of Drouin we had to turn right a couple of times to make our way in the direction of Longwarry. I placed my corner markers and saw a few riders following me. By the time I came to Tooradin I had only one rider behind me and we stopped on the side of the road. Waiting and waiting. Nothing! My group was lost, and that on my first ride! After 15 minutes, I called a few mobile numbers and my guardian angel, Nic Watson, picked up. He already had the feeling there was something wrong and had backtracked the route. He told me the name of the last corner marker he saw and asked me to contact him. I rang Pedro Souza, and asked him to start riding towards Tooradin and to pick up every rider he saw on the way. A miracle happened and after one hour everybody arrived at Tooradin. What a relief! We carried on with our ride, a bit later than planned, but all together. About 30 minutes later we parked the bikes in the car park of the Tyabb Packing House Antique Centre. We lunched at the Hart of Tyabb Cafe. Everybody enjoyed their meals and just before we were heading off again, a few of the riders said goodbye. Our two friends from Geelong, Pedro and Manfred, topped up their bikes with fuel in Hastings and rode with us through Balnarring, Shoreham, Flinders and along the Cape Schanck coast road to Boneo. The view while riding was just fantastic. Here, we split up with the riders from Geelong and they made their way to Sorrento to catch the ferry; the rest of us rode up through the forest to Red Hill, down the other side to Dromana, then did a left turn and up the windy road to the top of Arthur’s Seat. Here we posed for Ian in front of the beautiful Port Phillip Bay back-drop so he could take some photos. I want to thank Ian for his relentless effort all day long to find the best positions for a good camera shot to document the spirit of the ride. After saying goodbye to Fiona, Paul and their daughter at Arthur’s Seat, we made our way down the mountain to find the Moorooduc highway. We stopped at Apple Espresso for a well earned coffee and scored a free Italian Hot Chocolate to boot. It was already 4.30 pm by this stage and we were sitting outside the café, under a market umbrella, reflecting on the day. Good weather, good ride and good company. What more can you ask for? Attendees: Craig Edmonds Greg Fowler (T.E.C) Neville Giles Neville’s Pillion Winfried Hessling (Ride Leader) Kerrie Hessling Melinda Hindson Helmut Imberger Fiona Liistro Paul Liistro Samantha Declan McDonald Ian McKenna Martin Mowlam Manfred Pohlens Pedro Souza Nic Watson Andrew Weller R 1200 RT R 1200 GS K 1200 LT F 800 R Pillion F 650 GS R 1200 C R 1100 RS R 1200 RS Paul’s pillion R 1100 RT K 75 C K 75 C K 1100 RS GS 650 Sertao R 1100 GS GSA 1200 GSA Short stop at Arthur’s Seat with Nic Watson, Paul, Fiona and Samantha Liistro, Kerrie and Winfried Hessling, Melinda Hindson, Helmut Imberger and Greg Fowler Feature Stories 21 NOV15 BeeEm Motorcycling in Europe By Lynne Rosenthal W hen our friends asked us if we’d like to join them on a trip to Italy and France, we couldn’t let them down. Jim Scaysbrook and his wife, Sue, were collecting a Ducati Multistrada from the factory in Bologna to use for three weeks; we figured a hired R 1200 GS should be able to keep up. What a fabulous trip! We flew to Italy on 27th July, arriving in Rome around lunchtime. We found our way to our friendly H P Motorrad dealer, wonderful man, whereupon we picked up the well-prepared GS, changed into our motorcycle gear, slotted our “inner” bags into the panniers, and began the ride to Bologna, about 400 kms north. Yes, it was an ambitious plan for day one of our holiday, but it worked a treat and we arrived at our Bologna hotel at 7 pm to be greeted by Jim and Sue. By 8 pm the four of us were enjoying dinner together, very excited about beginning our adventure. Climbing the Simplon Pass Leaving Bologna - photo by Sue Scaysbrook The next morning we began our first day on the road with the basic plan to head north-west towards the Alps, Switzerland, and then France. During the planning, the four of us had decided that we didn’t want to stay in a different place each night and keep up a relentless pace of riding every day, possibly missing things along the way. along narrow cobblestoned lanes and even some pedestrian pathways. The willingness of European drivers and pedestrians to extend courtesy to motorcyclists on the roads and in townships is extraordinary. On many occasions, the hotel manager was happy for us to park the bikes immediately in front of the hotel, despite it being a car-free zone. From Colmar, we gradually made our way to Aachen in Germany, as Sue had tickets to attend the European Equestrian Championships. While Sue attended this world class event for two days, Jim, Bob and I met up with one of Jim’s friends, Lothar Mildebrath, who took us on yet more The Alpine scenery and roads are breathtaking, especially with the burst of fresh air in your helmet and sounds of clanking cowbells in your ears. Nothing quite like it. We gleefully traversed the Simplon Pass (2005m) then the Furka Pass (2429m), making our way through stunning scenery. Bob wasn’t too happy with the notchy/horrible gear box and/or dragging clutch of the GS (water cooled model) since his own GS (air cooled OHC) at home has silky smooth gear changes. With understanding words like “Get over it” or “Get on with it” from the rest of us, he moved on. (No I didn’t; Bob). Within a few days we reached Colmar in France for our first four-night stay in the heart of the old town. Mrs Garmin proved to be a life-saver, most of the time, taking us to our various accommodation locations Colmar 22 Feature Stories NOV15 BeeEm blessings; home safely, no mishaps but the end of a great trip with our friends. For them it was back to Oz the following day. Bob and I had another week, so our next night was spent at an amazing place, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, near one of Italy’s wonderful national parks, the Gran Sasso. We stayed in a beautifully renovated stone cottage built in 1693; our hostess was absolutely wonderful and the following day we experienced stunning views as we rode further up the mountains to the plateau. It felt like we were in another world. We reluctantly left the pristine air of the mountains and began making our way to Rome. Mixed emotions - last day on the bike, that closeness rider and pillion share over many miles, keeping safe, hopefully, and enjoying the riding together, the end of the road trip, and thankful for it all. Gueux-Reims track scenic roads and into Belgium where we visited the Spa-Francorchamps motor-racing circuit, an item on Bob’s bucket list. Unfortunately we were there two weeks prior to the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix so security was tight at the circuit while teams were setting up for the event. Although we couldn’t go in, it was great to be at this legendary circuit. The original circuit, on public roads, was considered too fast and dangerous and was changed in 1979 to become a shorter track. Riding on part of the “old” track, we thought about those who’d gone before at incredible speeds. We continued on our way as Lothar took us to the highest plateau in Belgium where we enjoyed an easy walk on this vast plateau of native grasses and trees, much like some of our own national parks. French National Motor Museum Leaving Aachen, we now needed to begin heading back to Bologna as we were already halfway through the trip. Our route home took us through yet more immaculate villages and winding country lanes as well as on a few autostradas. We took the seven kilometre long San Bernardino tunnel through the Alps rather than the Gotthard tunnel to avoid traffic congestion and we had a very easy run. Arriving at Bologna meant mixed Reality hit with a thud as we entered into the fray of the traffic in Rome. Cars merge without indicating, but everyone expects it and it seems to work. The scooter riders were a menace, we found, very pushy and totally crazy. Finally, we arrived at our hotel, which, to our delight, was air-conditioned! We experienced very warm weather for most of our Gran Sasso plateau Another day in the mountains Feature Stories 23 NOV15 BeeEm MV Agusta Museum trip. The following morning we returned our bike, after three weeks on the road, and became pedestrians and Metro travellers for five days as we explored Rome before returning home. We visited many motor museums during the trip. In Mulhouse, we marvelled at the Schlumpf collection held at the French National Motor Museum. This is a truly amazing place. While based in Varese, we went to the Moto Guzzi Museum and the MV Agusta Museum. While we were in Reims for a few days, Jim took us to the roads once used to form the Reims-Gueux motor racing circuit, a 7.8 km “track” on public roads joining three villages, Thillois, Gueux and Muizon. Racing ceased in 1972 but a group of enthusiasts is working to restore the grandstand and pit buildings. This gathering of buildings is out in the country, so we stood on the road between these buildings where it’s easy to imagine the speed of the cars whizzing past and the thrill of spectators in packed stands but it’s quiet now and the silent grasses bend with the breeze in the paddocks beside the road. It’s OK to be nostalgic. How fortunate we are to travel. We experienced a most beautiful sound and light display projected on the Reims cathedral one evening, enjoyed Sheer enjoyment our tour of the Mumm champagne house in Reims, absorbed the view from the Eiffel tower, appreciated the talent of artisans who built the exquisite Aachen cathedral, experienced a very moving orchestral and choral concert in the Pantheon in Rome, saw the grandeur and unnecessary excess of the Vatican, marvelled at the construction of the Colosseum, experienced the quiet, narrow roads between villages as well as the superb autobahns and the excellence of driving behaviour, felt the wrath of a hailstorm and torrential rain, tasted the delights of Italian and French cuisine and wine, eagerly attempted to engage with locals in their native language and enjoyed the whole adventure with our friends. We travelled 5,170 kms in the three weeks we spent on the bike. Wireless communication with Bob is handy, sign language with Jim and Sue worked well. What fabulous riding buddies. We were on the same page with distance travelled, lunch stops, places to visit, wine and beer choices, all the important stuff. Average daily ride was about 300 kms, some days none, other days more. Longest day 750 kms. Fuel consumption five litres per 100 kms. By the way, Bob and I had a few hours on the Ducati Multistrada – very nice, we liked it a lot, smooth engine and comfy. French National Motor Museum We travelled with the standard BMW Vario side panniers and top box. We also took two yachting stuffer bags, infinitely adjustable in length and absolutely waterproof and we strapped those to the panniers when needed. We had fun! 24 NOV15 BeeEm Gilles Tooling Australia product clearance offer for members. Only while stocks last. Gilles Tooling adjustable footpegs, brand new, priced to clear at AU$220. incl. GST. RCT12 rearsets for BMW. To fit R1200GS, R1200GS Adventure, R1150GS, R850GS and several other models. Kit includes damper kit and slider kit. Free delivery within Australia. For overseas delivery, please enquire for price. T and Cs apply. Contact www.gillestooling.com.au or Facebook?GillesToolingAustralia or Simon at 03 8742 7000 The full range is shown on the club’s website technical forum. T M OT O R CL E DIS C UN CY O MOTORCYCLE WRECKERS W RECKERS BMW SPECIALISTS • • • • SALES SPARES & REPAIRS ACCESSORIES TYRES COD AUST WIDE 35 Dawson Street North Coburg Vic, 3058 Ph: 03 9350 4417 Fax: 03 9355 1933 BMW JAPANESE 25 NOV15 BeeEm Münchener Meistermacher Maschinen. BMW RS54 and family By Lothar Mildebrath (Eng. trans. Ian Falloon) One of Australia’s top motocross racers in the 1970s, Jim Scaysbrook also competed successfully in dirt track, reliability trials, desert racing and speedway. He was the first Australian to race in the AMA Motocross series in 1973. His subsequent career encompassed copywriting, road racing at international level and authorship. This review of Lothar Mildebrath’s book is published with his permission. S ixty years ago, BMW released the RS54 Rennsport – the overhead camshaft flat twin production racer that became an instant success, particularly in sidecar form, and is today one of the world’s most collectable motorcycles. Beginning with a foreword by Max Deubel, four times world sidecar champion on the BMW Rennsport, Lothar Mildebrath’s book takes us through the development and subsequent history of the RS54, with excellent black and white photos to illustrate the text. As well as the works solos and sidecars, the Munich flat twins carried numerous privateers – including Australians Tony McAlpine and Jack Forrest – to success. Those successes spanned a remarkable 21 years, with Klaus Enders winning his sixth (and BMW’s final) world sidecar title in 1974. The book is in German with equal sections in English, and all photographs have dual language captions. As well as the racing photos, there are numerous technical photos and illustrations that reveal the inner workings of one of BMW’s finest creations. The author has done an excellent job of researching the history of this most significant motorcycle and the price is a bargain. Münchener Meistermacher Maschinen. BMW RS54 and family Lothar Mildebrath. 144 pages hard cover ISBN; 978-3-00-042687-2 €20 + €11 shipping to Australasia. l.mildebrath@gmx.de • Smooth out your ride • We’ve got you covered GENUINE AUSTRALIAN Sheepskin SEAT COVERS 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 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. • Competitive labour charges. • A fully equipped workshop. • While you wait fitting for Dunlop, Michelin, Metzeler, 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 26 Feature Stories NOV15 BeeEm Five plus One (Five BMW R75’s, one Zündapp KS750) By Phil Irvine O ur mission was to travel through unknown territory and arrive at Cobargo around midday. Once there we were to rendezvous with an unknown person, code name ‘barmaid’. This person was to direct us towards some ‘counter attacks’ and assist with the sinking of some schooners. We left base camp, located outside of Numeralla in the Snowy Mountains, around 8 am. We travelled several kilometres on the main road before heading into hostile country that was patrolled by the infamous ‘Rangers’ of the NSW National Parks Service. It was not long before we had to engage low range gear and make full use of the driven sidecar wheel in order to travel the steep inclines that we were to encounter. Steep hills and creek crossings didn’t stop these old warhorses from the mission in hand. After travelling for some time in rugged and hostile territory, one of the Tail End Charlies took a hit in the magneto. Luckily there was a mechanomedic on hand who gave a quick transplant. Several times we became geographically embarrassed due to the lack of detail in the mapping and going only on information provided by local intelligence. We encountered one enemy convoy, travelling in 4WD’s; however, we managed to avoid any conflict. When all seemed well, another one of our party became injured. This time it was the Zündapp, and another magneto. (Owner’s comment - with slow and hard work, lack of steady air flow can cause the magnetos to overheat, causing ignition problems.) Once again, it was changed and we were on our way. With unexpected holdups, we managed to miss our midday rendezvous, arriving several hours late. We did catch up with barmaid, who informed us that it was too late to participate in counter attacks. However, we did manage to sink a schooner. Before we were able to attack another, a debriefing managed to raise an issue of time taken to get to the target location and the time it would take to return to base camp. We were all thrown into immediate action, as it was obvious that we would be travelling in the dark and all but two of the motorcycles had no lights. A mass evacuation towards the hills then took place. Intelligence informed us that the return trip would not take as long and that the roads were much more trafficable. We found this not to be necessarily the case. A long stretch of hill climb that required our machines to be in low/low and on full power for what seemed like twenty to thirty minutes caused a lot of overheating of the machines. (It says in the manual that these machines can climb at 45 degrees for a short period. I felt we were at about 45 degrees for a long period). The machine I was riding started to lose power and misfire due to overheating. I had no spare magneto and felt that it did not need one, so I changed the plugs and it fired up OK again. This was to happen several times over the next hour and each time I renewed the plugs. As the darkness well and truly started to set in, the Zündapp died again, just prior to a creek crossing and it appeared that this time it was out of action. All communications with base camp were severed as mobile coverage was not available. After discussing the options, it was decided to try and tow the KS750 through the creek and up the next long steep hill. Much to everyone’s surprise the R75 pulled it up with ease. And, after cooling down, the Zündapp fired up again. By now it was well and truly dark. And riding through a dense forest with only a small amount of moonlight to go by is certainly an interesting experience. You could just make out the two wheel tracks that the four-wheel-drives made but you could not make out pot-holes, rocks, kangaroos or any other obstacle that might suddenly be where you don’t want it to be. It really was a case of drive by feel. Luckily, the driven sidecar wheel was a great help, as you did not have to worry about the usual sidecar characteristics when manoeuvring. After some time and the bikes getting quite hot due to the hard work they were being put through, we were informed that we only had one more creek crossing, then it was smooth sailing. Well, this creek crossing turned out to be more like the Murray River than a creek. It is hard enough to guess the depth of water in the daylight, let alone in the dark. The first bike ploughed into the water and proceeded to get drowned. After discussing the fact that to return the way we came was out of the question, it was decided to push all the bikes through, one at a time. It was all hands on deck needed to get these heavy beasts through the crossing and up the now wet and slippery bank on the other side. The couple of bikes that had functioning 25 watt headlights managed to light the crossing while the rest of the bikes were pushed across, after which we drained carbies etc. and got them all going again. I did have some lights on my bike but the generator was not working so I opted to keep what I did have to use on the several kilometres of main road we had to travel on. Without a generator the six volt batteries die very quickly. After leaving the river crossing, it was observed that both of my header pipes had parted company with the heads. It is believed the extreme heat then the cold caused a difference of opinion between the two said parts and they parted. The rest of the trip back to base camp was lit up by flames. The convoy back to camp was led by a bike with lights and followed by a bike with lights. The rest travelled in the middle. Luckily, the cars we passed were not the enemy. We arrived back at camp twelve hours after we had left on the mission, surviving the day without food and communications. Once back in camp and amongst some light, it was noted that one of the R75’s had the left hand rocker covers missing. There was just a touch of oil left on the dip stick. The debriefing report shows that all members of the team for this desperate mission survived. Ed On the Horizon FUTURE EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED A quick snapshot of major or unusual events coming soon Self-navigate Rides to Breakfast and Lunch, November to December All members are invited to attend these informal meet-ups. To maintain a pleasant relationship with the cafes, it is good to have an idea of numbers attending as I usually book for 15 people. Please let me know if you plan to arrive so I can alter the reservation. The more the merrier; just let me know please. Sunday 8th November, 10am Brekkie/Brunch, Inline4 Café, Mirboo North Self-navigate or phone a friend to ride up into the green hills of Gippsland again. Great riding assured for tarmac or dirt bikes. Inline 4 is a motorcycle-themed café run by a couple of motorcycle enthusiasts. They have decorated the café with lots of suits, helmets and posters. 27 NOV15 BeeEm Food is prepared freshly each day from fresh local produce. Extra details and bookings, Noela Miller 0417035 359 Sunday 6th December 9am Brekkie, Tilly’s of Tyabb, 1552 Frankston-Flinders Road, Tyabb Self-navigate or phone a friend to escape for a meet-up before the silly season really gets going. Tyabb is south from the city near the wineries, racing stables and the local airport. Robyn Cross has moved across the road to bigger premises but is still serving the freshly-baked, home-style prepared meals we enjoyed last year. The cakes, biscuits and slices are just as fresh as they look. Extra details and bookings, Noela Miller 0417 035 359 13th January 2016 – Wednesday – Midweek Ride Opposite Icicle Ride Meeting at Little River departure point at 5.30 am for a 6 am departure, Breakfast at Anglesea. Morning tea at the Geelong Ring Road Services. Lunch and Finish at Lara. Contact Ride Leader Karl Haering on 0422 882 416 for info. Christmas Camp The club’s Christmas Camp at Yarram begins on Boxing Day, Saturday 26th December and ends on New Year’s Day, Friday 1st January when we pack up and return home. The caravan park provides accommodation options from cabins to powered and unpowered sites. Prices are set by the caravan park on the assumption that 2 people are occupying the cabin or site. The caravan park requires a $10 fee for an additional person, per day, if you have an extra person sharing your cabin or camp site. It is possible to accommodate two small tents on one camp site. The club marquee provides a gathering place during the camp with tables and chairs permanently available. The club also provides an urn, tea, coffee, milk, breakfast cereal, bread, butter, jam, Vegemite and a toaster for those who wish to have a simple breakfast at camp. Many campers prefer to bring their own supplies while others might walk into town for a good coffee and other scrumptious delights. You will notice a charge of $10 per person per day (club fee) on the registration form. Your committee has set this figure in an effort to cover the cost of sites used for the club equipment, breakfast provisions and the tea, coffee and milk available all day. On Tuesday 29th December, a lunchtime BBQ will be held at the holiday home of Erica and Tony Weare in Cape Paterson. For those at the Christmas Camp, this will provide a nice ride from Yarram and for members in Melbourne or living regionally, Cape Paterson will be yet another reason to go for a ride and meet up with other members. More details will follow so keep the date free. Plan for some relaxation at the Christmas Camp in December this year. “Work is not always required. There is such a thing as sacred idleness, the cultivation of which is fearfully neglected.” Lynne Rosenthal 0415 286 855 lynnerosenthal@gmail.com on the horizon 29 NOV15 BeeEm 2015 Ironman 70.3 Ballarat Volunteers wanted for Sunday 13th December 2015 Last year quite a number of members assisted the Ironman 70.3 at Ballarat, and we’ve been asked to help again this year. 30 riders are needed to carry volunteers such as photographers, marshals and first aiders wherever they are needed on the course. Last year the general report was that they all had a Good Time! We have had just over 20 of our club offer their services and another eight to nine will make up the required number. Two petrol vouchers, lunch, polo shirt and hat come as part of the package and a financial remuneration can be made to either the individual or to the club. Any donations to the club will be used for a charitable donation to the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross fund, which has had all government funding withdrawn and is now reliant upon public donations. If you are interested in spending a pleasant Sunday morning riding around Ballarat in the early summer, then please contact John Eacott president@bmwmccvic.org.au BMWMCC of Victoria Bike Ride Through South Africa in October 2016 We still require one rider with partner to travel on the bus. The basic tour is 17 days of fun. There are two optional four-day extensions, one to Victoria Falls and one of a stay in Cape Town. The club still has two spots left for two bus passengers and we can take two more riders. This special minibus will be driven by a professional tour operator in charge, as part of our official ride and will follow the ride daily. Along the way, the tour will show things of special interests to the ladies. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do an adventure of this type, riding on as new BMW bikes, with a very professional, family-owned motorbike tour group, officially approved by BMW and with many years’ experience. This trip is exclusively for our club, with thirteen bikes participating, some pillions and the minibus for non-riding partners. It is all on sealed roads, over about 3800 kms from Johannesburg, through the Kruger National Park, Swaziland and all down the east coast on amazing roads to Cape Town. Included are four rest days and some off -road GS riding, as an option, by arrangement on the afternoons of the free days. If you are interested or want more information, please phone Bruce Hensell. 0419 519 191 any time. Refer to Samatours website for more detailed information. www.samatours.co.za 30 on the horizon NOV15 BeeEm BMW 2015 Christmas Camp at Yarram Holiday Park Saturday 26th December 2015 to Friday 1st January 2016 (six nights) Yarram, in Gippsland, is about 220 kms from Melbourne and the the Yarram Holiday Park is well equipped with cabins, powered and unpowered sites. From the holiday park it is a short stroll into town for meals, shopping or discovering more of the township. Good motorcycling roads abound and this will be your chance to explore them. Come and enjoy relaxing days after the Christmas rush. Arrange your stay to suit your circumstances; come overnight, stay for three nights or come for the whole six nights, you will be welcome any time. A group ride/drive to Cape Paterson will take place on Tuesday 29th December for a BBQ lunch at Tony and Erica Weare’s home and all club members are invited, not just the Christmas Camp crew, so please factor that into your plans. Spontaneous rides will arise during the camp and if you just want to relax and read a book, as Lloyd often does, that’s easily done. I hope you can come and spend quality time with your fellow club members in a relaxed environment, at your own pace. Just plan to do it this year. Contact Lynne Rosenthal with queries, lynnerosenthal@gmail.com or 0415 286 855. 2015 Christmas Camp Registration Form Name(s) _________________________________________________ Phone _____________________ Member no.______________ Please circle the dates you require Cabins and sites are booked on the assumption that two people occupy the cabin or site. Budget Cabins A, B, C, double bed with ensuite, kitchenette, fridge, table/chairs, $85/night. Standard Cabin 43, queen bed, triple bunks, $100/night. Basic Family Cabin 44, double bed, triple bunks, ensuite, $95/night. Powered site $36/night. Unpowered site $29/night. Budget Cabin 26th 27th 28th 29th 30th 31st for ___ adults ___ children _____ Standard Cabin 26th 27th 28th 29th 30th 31st for ___ adults ___ children _____ Basic Family Cabin 26th 27th 28th 29th 30th 31st for ___ adults ___ children _____ Powered site 26th 27th 28th 29th 30th 31st for ___ adults ___ children _____ Unpowered site 26th 27th 28th 29th 30th 31st for ___ adults ___ children _____ Extra person, sharing a cabin or site, $10 per head, per night ...................................................... _____ Per person/day fee set by club to cover club costs, incl. b’fast, etc ($10 person, per night) _____ Total $ _____ Payment methods: cheque, credit card or direct deposit. Please post this registration form to BMWMCCVic, PO Box 2298, Richmond South 3121, with your cheque payable to BMWMCCVic or complete credit card number below. Please also post this registration form to confirm your booking if you pay by direct deposit. Payment by credit card: Name on card ____________________________________________________ Card no. ________ / ________ / ________ / ________ Exp date: ____ / ____ Amount $ _________ Signature ______________________________ Direct deposit can be made to BMWMCCVic BSB 063 000 A/c 0080 4344 Description essential please: your name or membership number then “C/Camp” on the horizon 31 NOV15 BeeEm Regional Service day Sunday 22nd November 2015 Location: Llanelly, Bridgewater - Dunolly Road intersects with the Wimmera Highway. (C274 - B240 intersection) Doors open: SUNDAY 8.30 am Special arrangements: We meet at the Bendigo Historic Motorcycle Club (BHMCC) clubhouse in Llanelly. This event is designed to attract our country members, however Melbourne-city- members are equally welcome to attend. Indeed we will be scheduling a ride-to-the-event on Saturday arriving at Llanelly mid afternoon. Upon arrival you will have two choices: Catering: Our host, the BHMCC, will provide tea/coffee, refreshments and countrystyle food at fair prices. If you decide to arrive on Saturday and stay overnight consider booking BHMCC’s famous evening roast $20, as well as the brekkie for $12. You won’t regret your decision! However, I really would appreciate you letting me know so we can get the catering right and nobody misses out. 1. have a coffee & chat and then trundle back home, or Social: Service Day is always a-buzz with members, family and friends, looking over bikes, tools, lending a hand to fix something and ‘just’ socialising. This 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. Browse through the club’s photo library or try on the latest club gear and check the merchandise – all there, ready for you to make use of it. 2. stay overnight! The BHMCC invites all overnighters. Pitch your tent, roll out your swag, sleep under the stars, or spread out your lilo in the clubhouse – all at no cost. Of course, you may travel up O.Y.O on Sunday morning and still take part in the SD. We want to attract many riders to the event, so feel free to bring a friend even if s/ he does not ride a beemer! After all, we all share a common passion for motorcycles 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 0411 125 275 or send me an email (axelhleo@gmail.com). 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 will travel to Llanelly the previous day and bring along all BMW-specific tools catering for almost all technical challenges. We also bring along our well-stocked library of BMW service manuals. As usual, club members are ready to lend a hand, provide advice and offer their experience. We have a limited range of parts and consumables available on the day. However we always suggest you bring your own spares or parts to make sure you can successfully complete your maintenance or repair task. Swap meet: Bring your unwanted parts, accessories or bike gear and offer it for sale on our Buy-Swap-Sell table. A sale is almost certain; moreover you may find that thingamajig you’ve tried to find for ages. 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. 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 Axel Leonhardt – 0411 125 275 or email axelhleo@ gmail.com Christmas Party Saturday12thDecember 6.30pmto10pm attheCamberwellPetanqueClubrooms WakefieldRoad,Camberwell Cost$12.00pp BYOdrinks,platetoshare,KrisKringlegift Contact-Noela0417035359 32 NOV15 BeeEm Meetings & Reports Committee and General Meeting Committee Meeting Minutes of committee meeting of BMW Motorcycle Club of Vic Inc. held on 10th September 2015 at 7 pm at the Harp of Erin Hotel, East Kew Present: John Eacott, Neil Beeson, Euan Brown, Don Miller, Noela Miller. Apologies: Steve Roberts, David McAuliffe John Eacott opened the meeting by welcoming Euan Brown onto the team and thanked him for volunteering his services. President’s items BeeEm: John outlined the new team and explained that Brian Macdonald will take the position of controlling editor. Charlie Caruana will remain a participant responsible for general BMW news articles and Marcos Anastassiou will collate member articles. Emails to the editor will be redirected to Brian and Marcos. Ballarat Ironman: 20 club members have volunteered their services. Total of 30 required. Mt Macedon Memorial Cross: State funding for upkeep of the cross has been removed. John believes that, if the club supports it in a financial capacity, it will lift the profile of the club. Moved by John Eacott that any proceeds from Ballarat Ironman day be donated to support maintenance of the cross. Seconded by Neil Beeson. Carried unanimously. Euan Brown to investigate feasibility of running one or two charity ride days during year for nominated causes. Vice-president’s items: Due to business commitments, Don has not been able to canvass all committee members as to what reports they require. He expects to have information this month and will then liaise with Neil Davey and report back. It is expected that moving to Wild Apricot will ease the pressure on Neil in his role as webmaster. Long service recognition badge letters have been prepared and signed by John Eacott and Don expects all badges to be mailed to recipients within the next two weeks. Guest speakers have been arranged for the next two meetings. Treasurer’s report: No report due to Steve only just arriving back from overseas. John reported that a cheque will be sent to HART this month. All other accounts paid as required. Secretary’s items: Lynne Rosenthal required direction regarding daily charge for Christmas camp. An additional fee of $10 per participant per day is collected to cover incidentals including breakfast, ice, toilets, fire pits etc. Neil to contact Lynne and update. Neil suggested that the anniversary ride being organised by Andrew Suter and Charlie Maguire be the final 40th Anniversary celebration event. Committee agreed and tasked Euan Brown to liaise with both as a contact. Neil tabled current membership list, which was supplied by Detlef Lamp and showed total membership of 781. Invoice from Neil for $54.40 for CAV financial form lodgement forwarded to treasurer. Neil will attend at Richmond South Post Office to update details and cancel redirection. Will also order two new post box keys. Social secretary’s items: Noela reported that Axedale Camp is no longer available and is attempting to find an alternative location. Door person needs to be found for next meeting as both Don and Noela are away. Don has volunteered to be ride leader for 4th October ride. Christmas party organisation is progressing and an advertisement is expected in next issue of BeeEm. General business: John has booked RACV club for 25 people on 29th November at $32.50 per head. New camp banners required. Neil will make inquires. Noela to deliver current pull-out banner to Neil’s wife at Ripponlea function. Meeting concluded at 8.45 pm. General Meeting Minutes of General Meeting of BMW Motorcycle Club Vic held Monday 28th September 2015 at 7.30pm at Camberwell Petanque Club. John Eacott, president, welcomed all to the meeting. Approximately 55 members were present. Apologies: Don and Noela Miller, Meg Phillips, Colin Randall, Peter Ness, David McAuliffe Visitors: Mike Abberfield travelled from Nagambie Minutes of last meeting accepted as published in BeeEm Matters arising from August meeting: Nil. Moved Bruce Hensell and seconded by Euan Brown to accept minutes. Carried unanimously. Guest Speaker: Frank Cachia gave a very entertaining talk on his recent trip to Montana USA for the BMWMOA national rally. Frank stayed with a friend who also very kindly paid his entrance fee and even lent him one of his bikes – an R 100 S. The rally attracted 2000 bikes and 5000 people over the three day event. He took lots of photos of some very interesting and varied bikes and punters and all held in a huge exhibition building where over 90 stallholders were selling anything a person could want. Frank then entertained the Yanks with some stories and photos of past (read long past) rallies around Australia. Apparently they couldn’t believe their eyes with some of the ‘roads’ used (try boggy goat tracks) masquerading as major highways and attendees camping out in the middle of nowhere. There was one photo of Frank’s R 90 S bogged up to the cylinders in mud and the next photo with two oars strapped to the bike. Now, that’s forward planning. A great yarn and thanks to Frank for sharing it with us. John Eacott then introduced Allen Sutton from The Hydroblast Shop, a Dandenong company with a new technique for cleaning and restoring engine components. Allen certainly had the attention of those members who are either involved in or contemplating a restoration. The technique involves up to nine Meeting Reports committee and general meeting processes and uses a slurry mixture of glass beads, water and additives. Allen states that it is not as harsh or abrasive as sandblasting and uses controlled pressure depending on the corrosion or tarnishing to be removed. He was informative and may have found a few customers. Club members also get a 10 per cent discount on presentation of their current membership card. Secretary’s Report: The club received a certificate of appreciation from Mercy College for the assistance given to Alana Barber on her trip to Cambodia. Letter was sent to BMWMCCSA thanking them for the plaque presented to the club, celebrating our 40th anniversary. Treasurer’s Report: The club has paid for Hart Advanced Rider Course and outstanding fees are being paid by attending members. Ride Reports: Karl reported on an enjoyable midweek ride in pretty good weather to Longwarry and outlined future rides, all of which are in the calendar. Karl again called for volunteers to lead rides and was supported by club vice-captain, Euan Brown. The meeting was also reminded about the joint western ride on 24th October which is the final event celebrating our 40th anniversary. Social Secretary’s Report: John reported on behalf of Noela for the self-navigate ride to Berringa on 4th October. Lynne Rosenthal also briefed the meeting on Christmas Camp in Yarram and provided registration forms for members. President’s Report: The club is looking for eight more riders to assist in marshalling duties for the Ironman of Ballarat event on 13th December. John also updated the meeting on the new helmet laws in relation to ECE 2205 and what it now allows. The 2015 VMC Toy Run will be departing from the Exhibition Buildings and all details are on the VMC website. General Business: Brian Macdonald requested to be notified of calendar Wanted Old hand-held wool-clipping shears wanted. Forget your fancy $200 plus chef knives. These old shears make great kitchen knives, have a good profile, and, because of the steel used, they hold a terrific edge. You provide a pair of shears, I get to make two knives - you get one in exchange. In your travels around Op Shops and the like (Nev, please take note), keep an eye out for ‘em, please. In fact, the next barbie at Chez Chateau Cardboard will not be called “Brain Bucket Barbie”. Instead, it’ll be called the “Wool Shears Sensational Sharpening Session”. Contact: Lloyd Griffiths 03 9584 8257 33 NOV15 BeeEm events to allow for the printed calendar to be as accurate as possible. The meeting was notified of the Wings and Wheels exhibition at Moorabbin Airport Museum on Saturday 14th November. Defibrillators may be available to clubs free as a result of a government initiative. John to make further inquiries. Bruce Hensell advised the club that there was one vacancy for the South African ride and one bus passenger. Buy Swap and Sell: Warrick Tovey has two pairs of motorcycle boots for sale. Size 10. Price negotiable. Bruce has a genuine lady’s BMW windproof jacket size L for sale at $100. Raffle: Half-price Metzeler tyre courtesy of BM Ringwood, was won by Clancy Smith; second prize of a knife-sharpening service was won by Tom Coghlan. The meeting closed at 9.45 pm. A big thank you to Kerrie Hessling and Davida Neill for preparing supper. Lloyd’s Great Big Quote Quiz Answers to Part One Bonus question:- Mission Impossible TV series, not the films. Jim Phelps was played by Peter Graves, brother of James Arness. 1 Captain in Cool Hand Luke; 2 Brody in Jaws; 3 John Rambo in First Blood; 4 Rhett Butler in Gone With The Wind; 5 The Terminator in T1; 6 Joan in Muriel’s Wedding; 7 The Elephant Man; 8 Motto of the Three Musketeers in book by Alexandre Dumas senior ; 9 Treasure of the Sierra Madre; 10 Dorothy in Wizard of Oz; 11 Blazing Saddles; 12 Harry Callahan in Dirty Harry; 13 Dr Szell in Marathon Man; 14 Benjamin in The Graduate; 15 Sherlock Holmes; 16 Rick in Casablanca; 17 T E Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia; 18 Oliver Hardy to Stanley Laurel; 19 Howard Beale in Network; 20 Jerry Maguire; 21 Ado Annie song in Oklahoma; 22 Anna in Notting Hill; 23 Sir Humphrey in Yes, Minister; 24 Maverick in Top Gun; 25 Refers to the title character in the film She with Ursula Andress as ‘She’; 26 Terry (the Marlon Brando character) in On The Waterfront; 27 The knight in the Monty Python sketch; 28 Blanche Dubois in Streetcar Named Desire; 29 Homer Simpson; 30 Monty Python song Always look on the Bright Side of Life; 31 Michael Palin in Dead Parrot sketch; 32 Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers; 33 The Marx Brothers in The Cocoanuts; 34 The Marx Brothers in A Night at The Opera Another bonus question: What TV series did James Arness star in? 34 NOV15 BeeEm Calendar david mcauliffe captain bmwmccvic October 2015 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 24th October – Saturday – 40th Anniversary Western Ride Two rides in one. This ride will have two start points, at Ballarat and at Camperdown. The rides will meet to finish at Lake Tooliorook near Derrinallum for a BYO picnic lunch. The Ballarat ride will commence at the Beechworth Bakery, 6 Grenville Street, Ballarat meeting at 9:30 am for a 10 am start. For further details contact Charlie Maguire 0458 377 497. The Camperdown ride will commence at the Camperdown Bakery, Manifold Street, Camperdown meeting at 10 am for a 10:30 start. For further details contact Andrew Suter 03 5594 5253 or 0434 433 219. 24th October – 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 26th October – Monday – 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. This month’s Guest Speaker will be Gary Spencer talking about oils. 28th October – Wednesday – Licola Ride Meeting at BP service station on the old Princes Highway (not the freeway), Packenham, next to McDonald’s at 9:00 am for a 9:30 start, this is a fairly demanding ride of about 420 km. Stopping for morning tea in Moe; lunch in Licola and finishing at Longwarry. 30th October to 3rd November – gwoan – Penola Prance (for information only) gwoan (the group without a name) is holding a ride to Penola, SA either DIY or you can join the organised ride over the Cup Day weekend. For information sheet contact Alan Wallace gwoan.riders@iinet.net.au 0429 950 058. Bookings for the Coonawarra Motor Lodge in Penola should be made direct and quoting gwoan or Alan Wallace. 31st October – Saturday U21 World Speedway Championships – Mildura (for information only) The FIM Team Speedway Under 21 World Championship will be held at Olympic Park Speedway, Mildura. This is the first time the championship will have been held outside Europe. For information see www.milduramotorcycleclub.org.au/two-world-championshipsfor-australia/ or contact 0411 231 198 November 2015 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 2nd November – Monday - CRL Ride Depart from Degani Restaurant, Diamond Creek (after usual coffee from 9 am, of course). A pleasant ride to lunch through the North East. For information contact Peter Ness 0410 651 903 4th November – Wednesday – Honda Advanced Rider Training – Broadford. Places are now filled, but we are establishing a waiting list in case someone who has booked cannot make it. To reserve a spot on the waiting list contact John Eacott at president@bmwmccvic.org.au 7th November – 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. 7th November – Saturday – gwoan Coffee Morning (for information only) gwoan (the group without a name) is based in North East Victoria and meets monthly for coffee, a meal or a ride and welcomes members of BMWMCCVic to join it. This month it is coffee at the Walwa General Store and Newsagency, 48 Main Street, Walwa, NSW.. All interested are welcome. For info contact Alan Wallace 0429 950 058. gwoan. riders@iinet.net.au 8th November – Sunday – Ride to Breakfast – Mirboo North Join our regulars in a self-navigate ride to breakfast. This month at the Inline Four Cafe, Mirboo North. Depending on the level of interest, a short ride often follows. Contact Noela Miller 0417 035 359 12th November - Thursday – Committee Meeting The committee meets monthly in the upstairs meeting room at the Harp of Erin Hotel, 636 High Street, East Kew at 7 pm and members are invited to observe. If you are coming, why not join the committee for a meal from 6 pm. 14th November – Saturday – Gippsland Coffee Morning – Maffra Join your fellow Gippsland club members for a coffee and get-together at the Maffra Bakery, Main Street, Maffra from 9.30 onwards. 15th November – Sunday – Ride to Whitfield Meeting at the Beechworth Bakery Healesville at 7:30 am for an 8 am start, this ride heads to Whitfield for lunch, taking in the fabulous EildonJamieson Road. This is a longer ride by club standards (about 500 km) and the roads are demanding, so not for the faint hearted but fantastic roads. The ride will finish at Healesville. For further information contact Euan Brown 0414 575 023. 16th November – 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 18th November – Wednesday - Midweek Whitfield Ride This is a re-run of the ride of 15th November for those who can only ride mid week. Details are the same as for 15th November above. 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 35 NOV15 BeeEm 21st November – Saturday – Central Victorian Coffee Morning Join our Central Victorian members for coffee at their regular coffee morning from 9 am onwards, Beechworth Bakery, Cnr High and Don Sts. Bendigo 22nd November - Sunday Service Day - Llanelly The service day will be held at the Bendigo Historic Motorcycle Club clubrooms at the Community Hall, Llanelly. Club members are invited to come along on the Saturday and camp overnight. For more information see the calendar entry on the club’s website or contact Axel Leonhardt 0411 125 275 23rd November – Monday – Monthly Club Meeting Join us at 7.30 pm at the Camberwell Petanque Club, 64A Through Road Camberwell (entrance driveway is signed as Wakefields Grove). All members and guests welcome. This month’s guest speaker will be Gary Gill talking about riding in Japan. 24th November, Tuesday – 25th November, Wednesday – Northern Overnight GS Ride Meet at Cooper Street BP, Epping at 9 am. Each day covers about 360km. Riddells Creek, Cobaw, Heathcote, Whroo, Murchison to forest camp for the night. Wangaratta, Eldorado, Beechworth (as an option), Whitfield, Mansfield, Yea, Kinglake Warrandyte. Overall category level 3. Riders should be self-sufficient for supplies, but there will be fuel and purchase stops. Contact : Reg Saunders 0438 087 158 28th November – Saturday – Eastern Coffee Club This is a regular event on the fourth 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 30th November – Monday - CRL Ride Depart from Degani Restaurant, Diamond Creek (after usual coffee from 9 am, of course). A pleasant ride to lunch through the North East. For information contact Peter Ness 0410 651 903 Melbourne ride departure points December 2015 Every Saturday morning, coffee Join in for a friendly coffee every Saturday morning from 9 am at Laurent Boulangerie, 109 Dundas Place Albert Park. (Melway 2K C7). All welcome. Please park safely and leave footpaths clear 5th December – Saturday – Western Coffee Morning Join our western club members from 9 am onwards at their regular Monthly Coffee Morning at the Beechworth Bakery, Grenville St. South Ballarat. 5th December – Saturday – gwoan Christmas Party (for information only) gwoan (the group without a name ) is holding its Christmas party at Ralph and Pamela’s, Wodonga-Yackandandah Road, Yackandandah from 6.30 pm. All interested are welcome. There will be a small cost per person. Please bring a salad, or a sweet. Booking is essential. Ring 02 6027 1016 after hours. For info contact Alan Wallace 0429 950 058. gwoan.riders@ iinet.net.au 6th December – Sunday – Ride to Breakfast, Tyabb Join our regulars in a self-navigate ride to breakfast. This month at Tilly’s of Tyabb, 152 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Tyabb. Depending on the level of interest, a short ride often follows. For information, contact Noela Miller 0417 035 359 9th December – Wednesday – Agnes to Wilhelmina (part two) Midweek Ride Meeting at Lyndhurst Departure Point.at 9 am for a 9:30 departure. We will visit Ship Rock Falls, Steavenson Falls and Olinda Falls via Reefton Spur and Black Spur. Morning tea at Warburton and lunch at Marysville, finishing at Olinda 3:30 pm, for a total ride distance of 220 km. For information, contact David Yee 0400 380 531. or Karl Haering on 0422 882 416 CALDER PARK BP Service Centre, Calder Hwy (just past the Thunderdome outbound) dp Somerton Tullamarine dp ROCKBANK. Lyndhurst dep. point Cald er Fwy 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 LITTLE RIVER DEP. POINT MCity L Shell service station o –M nk Port Melbourne LILLYDALE dp Eastern Fwy Melbourne Shell Service Station, Maroondah Hwy (1 km east Lilydale), Lilydale. Melway ref map 38 H3 general meeting location Western Ring Rd Radum Pty Ltd, Elata Drive Tullamarine Lilydale dep. point M Cooper St City Link BP Service Centre, BP Service Station, Cnr Dandenong-Hastings Rd and Thompsons Rd. Melway ref map 128 K8 Radum Pty Ltd, Elata Drive Tullamarine ride departure point location service day location SOMERTON dp BP service station Rd wy Hume H northern dep. point epping 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* CALDER PARK DEP. POINT D’nong-Hastings Rd Note: Melway references not valid for older Melway editions BP Service Centre, Calder Highway (just past the Thunderdome outbound) . Melway ref map 354 J3.* Thompsons Rd LYNDHURST dp BP service station 36 NOV15 BeeEm Member Classifieds For Sale Accessory Parts from R1150 RT Police model Radio box, base and mounting frame plus body panel inserts removed from R1150RT Police model. Includes lock. Very good condition. May fit other models. Could be adapted for a project bike. Full set of front and rear crash bars removed from R1150RT Police model. All pieces as original, no scrapes or dents. Very good condition. May fit other models. Could be adapted for a project bike. A $50 donation to the club will get you the lot. Parts available for pick up from North Warrandyte. Contact Ian 0450 674 521 ianbooth8@bigpond.com /6-/7 parts Two /6-/7 gearboxes in good condition. One has had kickstart fitted but will require re-shimming. $800 the pair. Rear drive 32/11. /6 with rear brake shaft hole.Threads on filler plug stripped. Usable. $30. Swing arm with drive shaft 1981-on. Good condition $100. $900 the lot. Contact David Richardson 03 53422307 or text message to 0427 573 542 Ian’s parts 1984 R65 motor and 1995 R100RT muffler 1984 R65 engine, 67000kms. From non-completed project. $1300 ONO 1995 R100RT muffler $120. Available at Ringwood, Vic. Contact Brendan 0408 554 542. eureka@alphalink.com.au Gerbing’s heated jacket liner, size L-XL-R, 77W, 6.4Amp Micro-wire heated areas include chest, back, collar and sleeves. Teflon coated and wind proof. This is the benchmark for heated clothing and is barely used. New cost around $400. Sell $220 Can post at buyer cost or collect from Ivanhoe Vic Contact Kendrick 0407 711 228 kpavey@me.com BMW F800S 2007 Sunset Yellow. Only 56000 km. Never dropped. 12 months reg’n. Remus exhaust, new front and rear tyres. Hepco & Becker Journey cases, top and side, included. Hepco & Becker crash bar with auxiliary lights. Original clear screen plus aftermarket tinted larger screen. Full maintenance history. Perfect for touring and just serviced. $5500. Contact Matthew 0437 396 954 Pascoe Vale South Vic. matthew.p.gale@bigpond.com Kendrick’s jacket BMW Streetguard 3 jacket only, size 50 (Large 99-102cm). This genuine BMW jacket, almost new, purchased at BMW Doncaster, provides unbeatable three-season protection using Kevlar, cotton and polyamide; reputed to outperform rival products by 20% in resistance to abrasion and friction. Features include: ‘coldblack’ cooling technology; highly breathable ‘c_change’ membrane. Removable NP protectors reduce transmissible impact well beyond CE requirements. Removable 3M Thinsulate thermal lining. This is a great jacket. I have too many bike jackets and this near new one is too large for me. $400. Contact Michael in Collingwood Vic 0412 793 138 mijopo59@gmail.com Genuine BMW Tankbag to suit 1200 GS/GSA.As new condition. $260.00. BMW Back protector Size 2/Medium. As new. Make me a reasonable offer. Draggin’ Jeans, Cargo Type 30, 34, 36.inch. Jean Type 34 inch. Make me a reasonable offer. Contact Gary Young Lilydale area. Can discuss delivery other areas. Ring and leave message. 0428 281 520 or 03 9728 1520. 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. Matthew’s F 800S Southbank Motorcycles Sales Finance Parts Service Rider Equipment The Ultimate Riding Machine ENJOY THE RIDE WITH THE TEAM AT SOUTHBANK MOTORCYCLES. Conveniently located just minutes from Melbourne’s Westgate Freeway, Southbank Motorcycles is Australia’s first exclusive BMW Motorcycle dealership. 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