BMWMCQ Journal October 2022

The Committee

President- Tony Gray Ph: 0409 493 605

president@bmwmcq.org.au

R1200GS (The Grey Ghost) R60/6

Vice President - Paul Hughes

Ph: 0409 814 633

vpres@bmwmcq.org.au

R1200GS; F700 GS

BMW Clubs Australia Delegate

Secretary- Geoff Hodge Ph: 0413 180 101

secretary@bmwmcq.org.au

R1200RS; R75/5, R51/3

Treasurer Darryl Gowlett

Ph: 0438 083 996

treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au

R80GS; K100RS4V; K1300R

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

R1200GS

Editors - Cindy & Duncan Bennett

Ph: 0401 610 671

editor@bmwmcq.org.au

R1200C; Triumph Tiger 900’s

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

R1200RT

Tools/Spares Geoff Hamon Ph: 0413 334 625 tools@bmwmcq.org.au

R100RS; K75S; K75C

Regalia - Donna Wiltshire Ph: 0491 026 695

regalia@bmwmcq.org.au

Dealer liaison - Don Grimes Ph: 0411 601 372

R1200GS; K1300R

This Issue - OCTOBER 2022

Contents:-

EDiToRiAl

PRESiDENT’S REPoRT

BMWMCQ EVENTS CAlENDAR

CoMMiTTEE REPoRTS

REGAliA CATAloGUE

CHRiSTMAS PARTY

100 YEARS oF BMW 18

PiC oF THE MoNTH 20 CooKToWN TRiP 24

CHRiSTMAS PARTY 25

FRoM THE PEN oF JANE 26

BACK To THE BUSH 27

MilEAGE AWARDS 28 CANE ToAD 29

Advertisers

TeamMoto - iNSiDE CoVER Caloundra Motorcycles -

Northside Motorcycles -

Munich Motorcycles -

On The Cover

AUSTRAliA ENCoMPASSED 30

ClUBS AUSTRAliA 31

TRAVEl? YES PlEASE 32

RiDE PiCS

oCR

PHoTo GAllERY

RolliNG HoME 44

GlANCE BACK 53

FARKlE ME 54

CRUiSiN 57

ClUB TRAiNiNG SUBSiDY 58

FoR THE

THE lAST

BMWMCQ

Good Wool

TeamMoto

Pic of the month from Michael Ahlberg taken

riding trip to Cooktown,

it in this

CoVER

a

Club

BMW Motorcycle Club of Queensland Inc.

ABN 30 351 243 651

Address all correspondence to: The Secretary PO Box 3669

South Brisbane QLD 4101

Monthly meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at the: Geebung RSL Club

323 Newman Road Geebung

A Club Ride is usually held on the first Sunday after the monthly meeting.

BMWMCQ AIMS

The objectives of the BMWMCQ are to increase the enjoyment of motorcycling by:

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

2.

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

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

4. Organising day trips, tours and outings.

5. Encourage and support Regional Ride Groups

6. Affiliation with other clubs/associations where such affiliation would be of mutual benefit.

DISCLAIMER

The views and opinions expressed in this Journal are those of each contributor and are not necessarily shared by the Editor, management, and / or membership of the BMWMCQ.

The Editor reserves the right to refuse any advertising or delete any material which could be considered or interpreted as questionable, libellous or offensive, without consultation.

WEB SITE Visit: www.bmwmcq.org.au

OFFICIAL

JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC.

Cindy & Duncan Bennett

Editors’ Report

Anew month. The very first that our BMWMCQ has not existed under the peaceful rule of Queen Elizabeth II, which gives some real perspective of the length of her tenure; the club has been around for a very substantial 64 years of the 99 since BMW first started producing motorcycles. Don’t think King Charles III rides a BMW unfortunately, so we are still unlikely to become the Royal BMW Motorcycle Club of Queensland.

Getting a Royal Warrant of Appointment remains our only hope - we’ve been throwing some ideas around - the BMWMCQ, by appointment to HM Charles III, supplier of holed and plugged motorcycle tyres seems most likely to succeed given the stories we’ve been hearing/reading/ first-hand-witnessing lately.

Duncan & Cindy

One half of the editorial team recently took to the trails of the Glasshouse Mountains for an E-Dirt Bike experience with sister Kim. This was terrific fun and a great chance to practice off road riding without clutch and gears!

The other half of the editorial team was quite jealous and is thinking about booking in too.....

Other half: You’ll pry my clutch lever from my cold hand....

First half: Turn your heated grips on, you idiot....

Training Adventure Co runs these fun 2 hour sessions.

VENUE FoR

RSl ClUB

oPEN AT 6 00 PM

RoAD

STARTS 7 30 PM

MEETiNG: Thursday 6th october

Cheers

rEports

Tony Gray President’s Report

October always means MotoGP to me and the Australian GP Round at Philip Island. 2022 promises to be a huge year after the 3 year hiatus caused by Covid and the only chance to see Aussie Jack Miller in Factory Ducati colours before he joins the Factory KTM team in 2023. The riders championship is wide open so guaranteed to be edge of the seat action. I am aware of several club members making the journey south so best wishes to you all for a safe journey and great time. Might catch you there for a beer or two.

Several other Club members did the long trip to Canberra for the Wall to Wall Ride and this just seems to get bigger and bigger by the year. This is a very rewarding way to remember those who have paid the ultimate price in their job protecting our community. Others on the road at present include Ian Kite & wife Sandy Coleman in WA keeping us all interested with their FB posts of their trip. You really get to understand how vast is the country in which we live by the time you reach the Indian Ocean. It is a great journey of discovery and very rewarding especially when mounted on a GS. Safe travels.

Closer to home there continues to be a packed program of Club rides and events to keep everyone happy including the October long weekend B2B #19 ride to Glen Innes and Ballina. Our thanks go to Don & Kate who have put a lot of time into organising what promises to be a cracker of a weekend. Unfortunately the deferred Ruptured Budgie Rally is now on the same weekend and that event always attracts a strong showing from our club. There will be plenty of miles added to bike odometers getting to these events. Will your bike be passing one of the 000,000 milestone barriers (in your hands!)? The first tranche of commemorative medallions are being struck as I write this report and will be awarded at forthcoming General Meetings. If you qualify then get your particulars into Secretary Geoff and get recognised for your riding history.

The calendar keeps turning over and it is now under one year until we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the release of the first BMW Motorcycle in September 1923. There are two major functions being planned by the club being a centenary dinner on Thursday 21 September 2023 and centenary of BMW Motorcycles display on Saturday 23 September. Two sub committees have been formed to organise these functions. I have previously announced the Motorcycle Display sub-committee of Peter Ferguson, Gary Bennett, Tony Gray and I can now announce that Tracy Hepburn has joined Cindy Bennett & Paul Hughes on the dinner sub-committee.

There is a Facebook site (linked to the Club FB site) and an ad in this Journal which contain details of how you can register your BMW Motorcycle to be a part of the display. Note that we are optimistic that we will be inundated with offers of motorcycle exhibits covering the full 100 years of BMW motorcycle production. It may be that we will have to turn away some bikes if we are over subscribed for particular models. Do not let that dissuade you though, please submit your bike’s particulars for evaluation. The successful nominees will be notified closer to the event when our roster has been filled.

Tony.

Here is the Bike Display SubCommittee hard at work at their first meeting!

EvEnts

BMWMCQ Club Events for oCToBER 2022

Datee Start Event Details

Sat 1 to Mon 3 october

Thurs 6 october

8:00am Back to the Bush #19

7:30pm Club Monthly Meeting

To Glen Innes and Ballina

Make your own way or ride in groups. Hosted by Kate Farrar & Don Grimes

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

Contact

Don Grimes - Ride leader

Want dirt? - Editors

President Tony

Sun 9 october

Sat 15 october

Wed 19 october

9:00am Club Led Ride

9:00am Coffee Meet-Up

The Shed Cafe Rathdowney

Little Tree Bake & Brew House, Samford

9:00am Mid Week Ride Destination - Gardener Falls Maleny. Meet Jinker Track, Albany Creek

Sat 22 october 12:30pm Sunny Coast Lunch Ride

Tues 25 october

6:30pm German Club Dinner

Mrs Browns Diner, 2 Browns Rd Belli Park

Brisbane German Club 416 Vulture St, East Brisbane

Sun 30 october 12:30pm Monthly Lunch Ride St Bernards Hotel, Mt Tamborine

Events Coordinator Mark

Events Coordinator Mark

Events Coordinator Mark

Events Coordinator Mark

Events Coordinator Mark

Events Coordinator Mark

2022

EvEnts CalEndar

BMWMCQ Club Events for NoVEMBER 2022

Datee Start Event Details

Thurs 3 Nov 7:30pm Club Monthly Meeting Geebung RSL Club, 323 Newman Road, Geebung QLD. Meals from 6pm

Sat 5 Nov 9:00am Club Service Day 61-63 St Jude Circuit, Jimboomba

Sun 6 Nov

9:00am Club Led Ride Richard Maher leading - stay tuned!

Sat 12 Nov 9:00am Coffee Meet-Up Lighthouse Cafe, The Point Cleveland

Wed 16 Nov 9:00am Mid Week Ride Mark Gilbert rider leader - stay tuned!

Sat 19 Nov 6:30pm Sunny Coast Dinner Ride Dicky Beach Surf Club, Caloundra

Contact

President Tony

Tools Man Geoff

Events Coordinator Mark

Events Coordinator Mark

Events Coordinator Mark

Steve Maney - SC Riders

Sun 27 Nov 12:30pm Monthly Lunch Ride Kalbar Hotel, Kalbar Events Coordinator Mark

Tues 29 Nov 6:30pm German Club Dinner Brisbane German Club 416 Vulture St, East Brisbane

Events Coordinator Mark

Paul Hughes

Vice President’s Report

Ihave had nine BMW motorcycles so far and I get immense joy from both riding them and performing routine maintenance to them. There is something very “settling” about sitting next to the bike in the garage and figuring out how an item works or fine tuning it according to the manufacturers specifications. The dark art of motorcycle maintenance is not that difficult to perform with what most would call “basic tools”. You know those days when you were planning on wandering around in the hills but when you wake up , it is abysmal weather.

Those are the days you can still gain immense satisfaction from your pride and joy in the garage. The upcoming service day in November is an excellent way of “introducing” yourself to basic servicing. Come along, learn a little, share a little and once again enjoy your motorcycle. Catch you at some of the many fantastic events in October.

Ride safe and often everyone.

The troops at Rob’s place in Jimboomba on a service day - a truly magnificent set-up. Steaks aren’t bad either.

Paul

Darryl Gowlett

G’day everyone,

Treasurer’s Report

This month I thought I’d regale you will pearls of wisdom, but after digging around in the bottom drawer at the back of the shed I couldn’t find any. And there’s 2/5 of 5/8 of SFA rattling around in this sconce, so make some up yourself. If they’re any good, send them in and we’ll all have a good giggle.

We’ve received another 8 entries for the Xmas party at Evans Head, which is a substantial improvement from last month. Up 50%! It must be something I said. We now have 24 bodies prepared to writhe around the dance floor at the Evans Head RSL. Just picture that . . . perhaps not.

Greg went to town this month, (he doesn’t get out much), and spent up big on stamps and membership cards and stuff, but half that figure was for the Zoom licence so we reprobates on the committee can lounge around our domiciles whilst quaffing red wine, discussing club matters. All with a clear head of course.

Until the meeting, or next month’s prattle, travel well. Ciao, Darryl

Geoff Hodge

CommittEE

Secretary’s Report

BMWMCQ General Meeting Minutes – 1 September 2022

Venue: Geebung RSL

Meeting Opened: 7:30 pm

Apologies: Cindy & Duncan Bennett, Donna Wiltshire, Richard Maher, Peter & Sue Ferguson, Paul Hughes, Peter Todd, Merv Bone, Tony Malone.

Minutes of Previous General Meeting: Accepted: Charlie Brown

Seconded: Gary Bennett

Number of Attendees: 31

New Members (Name & MC): Clive R9T Pure, 1986 R80, and a masochist with an ‘85 Land Rover

Visitors: Nil

Returning Members: Nil

Treasurer Report: Expenses for Bearing Puller to add to Tools + Web Site.

Editor Report: Editors away. Another great read Sept Journal.Photos & more general reports please.

Tools Report: Tools Service day 5 November at Rob Wynne’s place. Will again have demo on tyre plugging.

Regalia Report: Buy more Cloth Badges - 1 for $6.00 2 for $ 10.00.

Records Report: Currently 271 financial members. 9 new members past month.

Events Report: Mid week ride to Logan’s Inlet 14 Sept.

Lunch Ride to Cambooya Hotel 18 Sept.

Sunny Coast brunch ride 24 Sept to ‘The Shed’ at Palm woods

German Club Social 27 Sept.

1-3 October B2B Glen Innes & Ballina. Don will post routes for this trip that members may choose to follow.

9 October Club Ride to the Shed Cafe at Rathdowney

Make sure to book for the Christmas Party 10 December at Evans Head.

minutEs

Secretary Report: RFDS thankyou letter for our donations.

BOQ letter confirming re- investment of term deposit.

Dealer Liaison Report: Dealer stock very low. 3-4 month wait for most models. Deals on R18 & G310 models. R18 Demo available.

Clubs Australia Report: Apology

Vice Presidents Report: Apology

President Report:

General Business

Buy / Swap / Sell

Closed:

Hi all,

100 years of BMW Motorcycles to be celebrated in Sept 2023 with a Bike Display + dinner. Dates Thursday 21 Sept 2023 for dinner, Saturday 23 September 2023 for bike dis play. Get your eligible bike ready.

No raffle as Richard was unable to attend at short notice.

Darryl Gowlett just returned from the Off Centre Rally and gave a report. The ‘Pudding’ was purchased by Darryl at the event (all proceeds go to the RFDS) and was on display with several photos taken for a $5 donation to the RFDS.

Nil reported.

8:30 pm, next meeting 6 October 2022

There are still heaps of cloth badges for sale $6 each or two for $10, just message me. I’ll endeavour to carry some badges with me when I’m out with the Club. I recently got caught out when two members requested some during a mid week ride. Check out the Club’s catalogue, or check out goldstarembroidery for regalia ideas.

Kind regards, Donna

Cloth badges can be ironed or sewn on to your apparel of choice, such as the Moto Girl riding dungarees of one of the editorial team!

Other Ed: if you feel the need to ask which of the editorial team owns these dungarees, remember: Never ask a question on cross-examination to which you do not know the answer to.

Donna Wiltshire Regalia Reportregalia@bmwmcq.org.au

Geoff Hamon

Hi from the tool man’s workshop, been a fairly busy month. I decided to make a concerted effort to finish my project K75C. After several more trips over to The BM shop for odds & ends, bits & pieces she is about ready for Rego.

BTW if you would like a project of your own, I believe Chris is trying to get rid of a lot of his old bikes. Things are progressing along well for the last Service Day of the year on the 5th November at Rob Wynn’s place in Jimboomba. Address in the event section of this months Magazine. That’s all for now here are some pics of my over 2 year project.

Enjoy your Tooling around Ride Safe Geoff H.

Repair Manuals

The Club has various Repair Manuals available to borrow, mainly for older bikes.

Tools for loan

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

Special Tools

• 34mm socket for rotating crankshaft

• Twinmax electronic carburettor balancer (Twin BMW engines)

• Vacuumate (electronic synchronisation of throttle valves up to 4 cylinders)

• Clutch alignment shafts (3 sizes)

• Compression gauge (cylinder pressure)

• Steering head bearing puller and seating tool

• Gearbox output flange puller

• GS-911 Wi-Fi Diagnostic tool (Wi-Fi and USB Version)

• GS-911 3 pin Diagnostic tool (for older bikes)

• Tyre Pressure Monitor Sensor (TPMS) tool

• Enduralast hall sensor tester

• Brake bleeding tool (suction bleeding via the brake caliper)

• Compression tester

Tool’s Report

Club Tool Loan: $50 deposit (refundable) for GS911.

Contact Tools Officer Geoff Hamon 0413 334 625 email: spares@bmwmcq.org.au

records@ bmwmcq.org.au

Greg Gaffney

Records Officer Report

Ienjoyed the September Saturday brunch catch up at Palmwoods. The venue

“The Shed” looked nothing special on Google maps, just an old railway shed. It was however a very attractive bistro, and I thoroughly enjoyed my cappuccino and carrot cake. What was exceptional was the enormous antiques and collectables gift shop. This would normally be of little interest to me however I was very pleased to pick up an excellent present for my daughter’s birthday. Cheers Greg.

Welcome to New Members:

Glen Ford, WOODY POINT, R18

Rhett Duncan, GORDON PARK, R1250GS

James Sutherland, MURARRIE, R1250GS

Shed Cafe, Palmwoods. September’s Sunny Coast Brunch ride.

Club order form for shirts, bags and hats

Send this form to daniel@goldstarembroidery.com.au or call Daniel on 0403 150 857

Name: ___________________________Email address:_________________________

If delivery is required an additional fee is charged. Delivery required Yes or No:______

Delivery address: ______________________________________________________________________

A minimum 50% deposit is required before the order is started. Payment in full is required if Gold Star Embroidery is to organise delivery. An invoice will be emailed after the order form is received.

Shirts/Vests order:

Shirt product code number Quantity Size Colour

Bags order:

Bag product name Quantity Colour Metro Swiss

Headwear order:

Product code number Quantity Size Colour

Cap AH230 - $15 each

Bucket Hat Sandwich AH695 - $17 each

Bucket Hat AH715 - $16 each

Wool Beanie AH742 - $17 each

Cotton Beanie AH770 - $17 each

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

Mark Mustchin Events Report

Time to write another last minute Events report. The editors have politely reminded me that it’s that time of the month again. All the September events were well attended, the Sunny Coast brunch drawing the biggest crowd, standing room only, apparently. Thanks to Frank Hills for leading the led ride to the Woodford Village Hotel & Paul Hughes for running the mid week ride to Logan Inlet.

Back to the Bush 19 straight up in October, probably a good idea to pack your wet weather gear, or invest in some waterproof Klim gear so you don’t need to carry extra layers of wet weather gear.

Time for a bit of self promotion - I have promoted myself to ride leader for the Club Led Ride to The Shed Cafe at Rathdowney & the Mid week Ride to Gardener Falls at Maleny. The led ride will start from Springfield Central and ride through Peaks Crossing to Beaudesert for a coffee stop then on to the Shed Cafe via Darlington, Rathdowney & Barney View.

The mid week ride will start from the car park on the Jinker Track. Note that there are no facilities at this location so do what you need to do before you get there (although there a plenty of trees). The route will include Bunya Road, Clear Mountain Road, Cobble & Armstrong Creeks to Dayboro for a coffee stop, Mt Mee, Campbells Pocket Road, Wamuran, Elimbah, Mt Mellum & finally Gardner Falls. Tables are few & far between (about 3 & about 200 metres between) so may not be available when we get there. If you can carry a chair on the bike I suggest you bring one along, also a towel & swimmers if its warm, there is a huge swimming hole if you need to cool off.

December is fast approaching so that means the Christmas Party is also fast approaching, if you have not yet put your name down to attend this event it’s time to give it some serious consideration, decide to go & add your name to the list, then deposit the funds into the club account (this is important).

Happy & safe riding. Mark

We are going back to Evans Head for this years Christmas Party!

When: Saturday 10th December 2022

Where: Lower Level Balcony, Club Evans RSL - 11 McDonald Place, Evans Head NSW

How much: $45 per person for a 2 course meal and canapes prior

How to book: To confirm your booking you must deposit $45 per head into the BMWMCQ bank account. Include your name and the number of people you are paying for in the deposit description. BSB 124030

Acc # 10243020

and then email the club Treasurer with the details of your deposit and how many you have paid for. Then click “ going” in Facebook (no maybe’s please). Email of Treasurer Darryl is: treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au. This is a very important step.

Accommodation options:

The Bowl Cabins (02)6682 4343 (Party Central - mention you are part of the BMW group)

Pricing:

Hotel style room: $119 per night

1 Bedroom Cabins $149 per night

2 Bedroom cabins $189 per night

3 Bedroom cabins $249 per night

Reflections Caravan Park (cabins) (02) 6682 4212 (may require a 2 night stay)

Evans Head Pacific Motel (02) 6682 4318

Hotel Illawong (02) 6682 4222

**Note: Sat 10 December is the start of the QLD school holidays so booking early is advised!**

23rd September 2023

This event will be run by our club at the central location of Reddacliff Place in Brisbane. We are looking for suitable bikes from all years and all models to display at this special event to celebrate this enormous achievement of the BMW brand that we all love to ride.

Do you have a bike that is suitable? If it is an older BMW (60’s or earlier) and it is completely assembled, presentable, registered or not, we want to hear from you.

If your BMW bike is from the ‘70’s up to latest models and is in good visual condition, special or a rare model, we want to hear from you as well.

We have a target of one hundred bikes, to display an example of as many different models as possible. A selection process will be undertaken from the applications and consideration will given to bikes that fit the above criteria as well as bikes with high kilometres or extraordinary travel achievements.

To nominate your bike, send the following details to bmw100@bmwmcq.org.au:

• What Model it is.

• Year of Manufacture.

• Total Km’s Travelled.

• Longest Journey Travelled.

• A Photo.

YE ars o F B m

motor CYC l E s

BMW started production of the BMW R 32 in Munich in 1923. That is definitely worth celebrating!

As described by BMW Motorrad, the engine is the key element.

Breaking with all convention, the BMW motorcycle did not have the geometry of a bicycle. The engine was the centrepiece. Max Friz and his team designed the BMW R 32 completely around the engine.

The highlights: an opposed twin-cylinder engine with cylinders mounted across the frame, a manual gearbox bolted directly to the engine and a shaft-drive powertrain. All these are distinct features of BMW motorcycles with opposed-twin engines to this day.

OCTOBER

This months winner for the Pic of the Month is Michael Ahlberg. Congrats Michael, a regalia voucher is coming your way...

A reminder of the criteria for the Pic of the Month:

• “Pic of the Month”, will run from March to December 2022.

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

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

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

• We look forward to seeing your shots!

Ian Kite - Great Australian Bight

C s o F t HE mont H

John Eacott - Myrtle House, Wollombi

Ian Kite & Sandra Coleman, Westward Bound

pi C s o F t

mont

Sandra Coleman - Ian Kite at Norseman WA

John Eacott - Pie in the Sky, Cowan

C s o F t HE mont H

Tony Gray - No bikes, but the Club logo at least!

Michael Ahlberg - guess where???

By Michael Ahlberg, Member #4331

After several years without a decent road trip, we were invited to a 50th birthday party for Nik in Mackay. We left Thursday morning 28/7, Ann on her Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor and me on the R1200 GS. I chose the GS for fuel economy, luggage space, a great ABS and superb suspension, given there could be pot holes after all the autumn flooding.

The Burnett Highway was a clear choice with much less traffic and roadworks than the Bruce. Sure, the Goomeri bakery also had a bearing on our road choice. We picked up a friend in Colinton and headed north.

After a Curry pie in Goomeri, we took the alternate road to Mundubbera from Gayndah. Instead of turning right on the A3 in Gayndah, go straight ahead. Then 11 km later, you can turn left for the low road or keep going straight for the high road. Either road will take you to Mundubbera. It’s not longer than the A3 and a much nicer MC road. Last we were up that way, we took both the low and the high road.

Night quarters on Thursday was at Biloela Centre Motel, where next day another friend joined us. I used to work for Ergon in Rockhampton and had planned for a stop at Dululu Pub for nostalgic reasons. It was closed and it’s for sale, if anyone is interested.

oo

to W n trip

having travelled on the Bruce Hwy. The 50th birthday party on Saturday was at the club house of the Southern Cross SMC. Sunday was a rest day and sightseeing day with Nik guiding us on various routes in Mackay including a stop at the Eimeo Hotel Pub by the ocean.

We kept heading north on Monday, with another six friends joining us and we arrived in Cardwell by early afternoon. There is a café not to miss, that serves tasty crab burgers.

In Rockhampton we checked the investment house we used to have on Kent Street. It still looked the same. We arrived in Mackay Friday evening

I was up early at sunrise for a photo of Hinchinbrook Islands. It was nice and quiet but an overcast sky blocked the rising sun. The last bit of Bruce Highway, towards Cairns with 7 other bikes was scenic but uneventful, but the last bit was special.

We rode The Gillis highway up to the Atherton Highlands with a never ending number of curves, a favourite whenever in Cairns and not to be missed. It’s probably the road with the most number of closely placed curves in Australia. The lunch stop at Barron Valley Hotel pub was well timed.

Entering Cooktown is only by coming in on the inside of the range and not by a coastal road. Just before Cooktown there’s a very iconic pub “Lions Den” and well worth a visit. We all stayed at the Cooktown Hotel, where Ann and I had the high veranda and sunset view. There was no mistaking that we were in the tropics, as we turned on the AC in our room.

I was amused by the firestairs off the veranda. First you’d have to climb the railing, then was a steel ladder which was bolted with a chain, you’d need a shifter to free it. On the way down one would lose the family jewellery

C oo K to W n trip

Cooktown is a small town with some historic markers. One of the first old settlers was a Swede, Piers Seagren, who in 1880 opened the first restaurant. We didn’t hesitate to take spend an hour after breakfast visiting the Museum the next morning, which used to be a convent before a cyclone took the whole roof off. Then of course we took the photo opportunity up at the light house.

With its circular ramp, we could ride all the way up to the top. Riding home was a bit more of a marathon, which we did on our own with our own stops and at our own pace.

We left Cooktown half past 10 AM on Wednesday, stayed at the same pub hotel in Cardwell and after a pub stay in Marlborough, we were in Burpengary by 6 PM on Friday, travelling the slightly longer (about 80 km) option of Burnett highway.

Having been up this way several times in the past, we thought we might as well just have two sleep overs on the way back. However, we did stop for a swim at Ellis beach north of Cairns, a visit at Bowen Beach and for a pie in Goomeri.

All up with the scenic tripping we had a 4,500 km round trip with 7 days travelling and two full days in Mackay and no speeding tickets the whole way.

I think we’ll do Tasmania again next, passing through three states, it’s a shorter road trip than Cooktown. ---- Safe Touring.

on a parking zone sign post right in the way of the fire stair ladders path!

Back to the Bush # 19

Glen Innes & Ballina

01/02/03 October 2022 - October long weekend

Hosted by Kate Farrar & Don Grimes

Make your own way or ride in groups via the tar or via the dirt!

First night is at Glen Innes. Saturday night dinner will be at the Great Central Hotel, 313 Grey Street Glen Innes. Accommodation available at this venue, 02 6732 1966 or New England Motor Lodge, 02 6732 2922

Sunday 2nd, ride to Ballina

Dinner will be at the RSL, Grant Street Ballina

Accommodation: Heritage Inn (across the road from the RSL) 02 6686 0505 or Richmond Inn 02 6686 9100

There is plenty of accommodation nearby

Please indicate that you will be going via FaceBook event and comment if you will be attending either or both dinners. Or contact Don Grimes (0411 601 372) if you are not a FB user!

Introducing……Club Mileage Awards

Have you clocked up 100,000km, 200,000km or more on one bike?

To celebrate the epic achievements of these milestones, the Club will be issuing Mileage Award Medallions and Certificates to those who qualify. It can be for any make and model of bike that has reached these impressive kilometers in your ownership.

To nominate your bike, email our Secretary, Geoff Hodge on secretary@bmwmcq.org.au with:

• Photo of the bike or you with bike - this photo will feature on your certificate so a good quality photo will enhance the certificate

• Where and when purchased and mileage at time of purchase

• Photo of the odometer to show the kilometers.

Presentations will take place at upcoming meetings – so get your details in!

Bull & Barley pub at

BMW Motorcycle Club of QLD

Needs your help with the historic and highly successful

CANE TOAD RALLY

After five years back from a ten-year hibernation we learnt from past failings and with a new “vision” the Toad is kicking a lot of goals, going from strength to strength each year with numbers growing and receiving excellent feedback from rally goers.

It became evident at the last rally that the running of the rally is becoming too much for just two or three people. The volunteers that stepped up were a great help, but what we need now is to form a “Cane Toad Rally Organising Committee” to help organise and run the event.

The committee, which will meet regularly, (not too often, and mostly by email and telephone), make the necessary decisions, help identify areas that need improvement, and be able to create and implement fresh new ideas to ensure the smooth running of the event and enjoyment of rally goers.

Experience with this sort of activity is not important, as there’s plenty available already within the club, but a willingness to ensure our showcase event maintains its reputation as a definitive rally to attend is all that is required. If you can spare some time and brain power, catch up with us at any event, or email us, and let us know you’re interested. All input is welcome.

Gary Bennett Darryl Gowlett canetoadrally@gmail.com

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By Cameron Coles, Member #4051

Cameron is currently undertaking the Compass Expeditions “Australia Encompassed” 20 day tour and is producing a Moto Vlog - here is the link to Part 1 and a summary below of the tour from the Compass website!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE3k5-XmJJM

Few countries in the world offer such variety for the adventure motorcyclist. Riding across the vast open spaces of the Outback or parking up the BMW in sight of incredible Uluru (Ayers Rock) are memories that stand the test of time. This incredible Australia motorcycle tour has it all from twisty corners through dense forest, a cruise on the river to feed crocodiles and rides through beautiful National Parks. Australia is a vast ancient land, a land of wide open skies and dramatic landscapes. There are few places left on earth that are truly remote, however, this is one of them. This extraordinary motorcycle tour of Australia will take us from the topical north of Darwin to the cultural and sporting capital of Australia, Melbourne. In between we will visit ancient gorges, fantastic rock formations, world famous national parks and epic desert landscapes. We can sample Emu Mignon, Kangaroo steaks and Camel sausages and stay at still working sheep stations and underground cave hotels. Century old wineries, historic paddle steamers and world famous coastal rides all feature in this all encompassing ride from top to bottom.

Northern Territory, South Australia & Victoria: One of the most “iconic” motorcycle rides there is taking in some of Australia’s most recognisable sights!

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For those that may be interested in shipping their bike to Europe in 2023 to participate in the BMW 100th Anniversary events, below is some information sourced by the Clubs Australia rep of the NSW Club. If you are keen to do this please email Steve on: president@bmwtcnsw.org.au

By Tony Gray, Member #3905

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Jane

and I were at a family gathering (her side of the fence) when an innocent question was posed by one of Jane’s ‘mattress relations’. The question drew the attention of the well travelled, me included.

From your own experience, name three places in the world (OZ excluded) that are top of your places to visit. Now I immediately became the inquisitor, well that depends: What are your interests? Scenic, Cultural, Culinary, Social, Sporting, History to name but a few? OK these are going to be very personal but if you look at tour companies they always include the iconic locations in their tour itineraries - who would go to Paris and not visit the Eiffel Tower or Rome and not visit the Colosseum? For a motorcyclist the roads on offer will always have a strong influence and these are then interwoven with the aforementioned interests. So here goes, my top three from a riders perspective in no particular order and the reasons why.

ISLE of MAN

This small Island, measuring just 572 km2, (by comparison, Brisbane Council area is 1,343 km2) punches well above its weight. The TT races in the middle of the year and the Classic TT races later in August provide the most adrenalin laden excitement we have ever experienced.

The Island also has a lot of natural beauty within its shores with scenery very much like Ireland. Many films with an ‘Irish Setting’ have been filmed on the IOM, no doubt assisted by its tax haven status.

Its recorded history dates back to Viking times (The Tynwald, the IOM Parliament, is of Norse origin and over 1,000 years old, and is thus the oldest parliament in the world with an unbroken existence).

The Tynwald was obviously an enlightened Parliament because in 1874 The Isle of Man Pure Beer Act (also known as the Manx Pure Beer Act or simply the Pure Beer Act) was enacted, stating that only water, malt, sugar and hops were allowed to be used in production. The law still stands so no chemicals or preservatives can be included in their beer.

The same applies to their Ice Cream with Davison’s being the creamiest you will find anywhere. We can attest to the fine taste of both.

The Mountain Course on which the TT is conducted dominates the main centre of the Island and crosses its highest peak, Snaefell, at 621m. There are other shorter road race circuits to the south and north of the island. You have no doubt seen video of man & machine (women as well) kissing stone walls and hedges as they lap the course at average speeds exceeding 130MPH for the 1,000cc bikes. Well I am pleased to report that the IOM has an open speed limit outside of the villages - yes you can be booked for dangerous riding but not speeding of itself. There aren’t too many places in the world where that freedom is available. The Island also has a lot of natural beauty with a very rugged coastline, abundant sea life and some sandy beaches.

Wales & Scotland contributing smaller numbers. True ‘Manxmen’ can trace their heritage back to Celtic & Nordic times with Fletcher Christian of Bounty fame one of their more well known number. Their pubs are small & cosy in English tradition and their food follows in similar veinsmoked kippers from Peel on the west coast are a local delicacy.

Accommodation can be a real issue during the TT when the Island’s resident population of 90,000 swells by another 50,000 visitors. Homestays are common and we were very fortunate in finding a couple with whom we have formed a lifelong friendship. It is that sort of place.

ITALIAN DOLOMITES

If you believe that God created the earth, then one trip to the Dolomite Mountains will convince you that he had a eye out for Motorcyclists when he created these mountains. This is true motorcycling nirvana territory. This distinctive and striking mountain range along the border between Italy & Austria is home to over 20 mountain passes with the highest peak, Marmolada, at 3,343m.

We have found the IOM population to be very friendly and welcoming - the majority of the population were born on the IOM with the largest % of imports being English with Ireland,

It is impossible to enter or leave the region without crossing mountain passes. The road surfaces on the lesser used passes (those that don’t access a ski resort) leave a bit to be desired and its best to avoid the more popular passes on summer weekends but putting those

considerations to the side, it is not possible to ride these roads without a smile splitting your face from ear to ear.

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This is a very popular destination for motorcyclists, cyclists, walkers and just general tourists. As such, English is widely spoken and there are plenty of accommodation options. We prefer the ‘Garni’ style which is more of a private hotel or larger B&B with some being over 2 or 3 levels and all offering breakfast and sometimes dinner. They are great places to meet fellow travelers from different lands and share experiences. The towns (villages) sit snugly in the Valleys in picture postcard settings.

The two World Wars of the 20th century had a major impact on the Italian/Austrian Border with the victor taking the spoils. The cafe/restaurants are very much Italian with superb light pizza being a staple while the Garni style accommodation very much follow Austrian design with their brightly coloured flower arrangements in window boxes during the spring & summer seasons.

Mountain weather can change quickly but generally speaking these mountains are a good place to avoid the severe heat which is becoming much more common during the European summer. If you want to hone your cornering skills then there is no better place to go - just sublime.

PACIFIC NORTH-WEST & CANADIAN ROCKIES

This is a tough one to define but I have gone for this two-country region because it is no great deal to cross between Canada & the USA (at least it wasn’t back in 2015). The Icefield Parkway between Jasper & Banff in British Columbia is quite rightly rated as one of the top drives in the World.

Sun’ Road but crossing Beartooth Pass on the day it opened after a long winter hibernation. That remains one of the most spectacular rides we have ever undertaken.

The scenery is truly spectacular but it still remains as the only place in the world outside of OZ where I have been booked - but Officer I was distracted, look at that scenery! The Icefield Parkway certainly has it for scenery but there are many other great riding roads in BC and its sister Province of Alberta and just over the border in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon & Washington.

This whole area has great history with the Lewis & Clark Expedition of the very early 19th Century meeting with the tribal natives and opening up a lot of the region - they were a bit like our Burke & Wills but much more successful and lived to tell their tale. There are many markers and memorials to their expedition. There are probably more National Parks here than anywhere else in the USA and a much smaller population so no traffic problems - Yellowstone NP being a very big exception to this rule.

Weather dictates access to the higher mountains with us missing the ‘Going-to-the-

Then you have the wildlife - Bears, Bears & more Bears but I have heard tales of modern day explorers who have traversed the region without encountering even one of these dandelion munching furry mammals.

OCTOBER

Ed: Surely no-one could be that unlucky, unless they visited just after the Herpichs whoaccording to the data - rounded up all bears on the continent and shipped them back to Port Macquarie.

Bison are another local who are quite fearsome, when they get up close and personal - with you sitting on a motorcycle with no escape route.

We have found the locals to be friendly and generally they speak a discernible form of the English language.

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The food won’t win any awards, beer likewise and accommodation somewhat more like bland Australian Motels without our option of a good old country pub.

So there you have it, my three world locations that I would revisit in a heartbeat on my motorcycle. It’s not easy when I had to dismiss such places as NZ, Norway, the European Alps, Scottish Highlands, Ireland, the Adriatic Coast…….but I could only pick three.

Where would yours be?

Ed: While on the topic of bison, this photo at the Bison National Range in Montana on our 2016 trip perfectly captures the magnificence of these animals.

It was like sneaking into Buckingham Palace but only seeing Prince Edward.

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Above: September Coffee Morning, North Lakes

Below: Mal’s bike taking centre-stage at the mid week ride to Logan Inlet

By Dieter Harm, Member #1206

One of my favourite gorges is Lawn Hill Gorge so with the Off Centre Rally (OCR) being held at Adels Grove, I was sufficiently motivated to head off to the OCR picking up some of the National Parks along the way. First up was Kroombit Tops NP which entails a 70km gravel road access and 900m climb from the Tableland turnoff near Callide.

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Cafe/Store to observe a good cross section of society from 4WD rednecks out for some pig shooting to greenies looking to discover the purple throated red haired finch so they can claim protected status for the area. The problem with Byfield is you have to basically backtrack to Yeppoon to get out. Heading north puts you into Shoalwater Bay Training Area as target practice for the military, east puts you into the Pacific, west puts you into a swampy area with the best outcome being to the Mt. Etna bat caves which is okay if you like bats.

The Griffith Campground is a large open area adjacent to a creek with an abundance of wildlife. The reason I like the National Park camps is that you get to experience the full bush orchestra as opposed to the town campground and pub environments, which have a more “human functions” orchestra emanating from them during the night. I had checked the Gladstone weather forecast and a heavy rain band west of Emerald was not due for another 24 hours. Unfortunately light rain arrived during the night and it was a wet and misty, sphincter tightened ride out on red slippery clays in the morning. Fortunately the creeks have concrete causeways but the “Dry Weather Only” entry warning sign should definitely be heeded. Byfield NP is north of Yeppoon and I use the Upper Stony Creek Campground which has a nice lagoon and picnic area adjacent and is a popular swimming spot. It is also worth spending some time at the licensed Byfield

Porcupine Gorge NP is 60km north of Hughenden and it is my second favourite gorge as it is one of the few gorges where camping is up on the ridge as opposed to down in the gorge next to the river. The advantage is that this allows open views of the night sky and I have never been disappointed with the million star accommodation here. It is a great feeling to rise in the early hours and face south staring at the Southern Cross and Milky Way whilst releasing some hydraulic pressure. Unless there is a southerly wind blowing, then it is more a warm and wet feeling. It is a 1km hike down into the gorge for a swim at a beautiful waterhole in front of Pyramid Rock, complete

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side valve cover. I could tell with his Mechanical Engineer/Rally background he enjoyed finding innovative solutions to bike problems, a natural bush mechanic. Eventually he obtained some brake fluid/hoses and bled the clutch system to get some pressure back.

with bikini clad backpackers/nomads.

I was having breakfast in Hughenden when I heard the familiar Boxer note and soon Graham Healy, Darryl Gowlett and crew showed up. They had lost a few riders but had picked up a holidaying German rider called Christian in Muttaburra. I changed my plans for a camp by the lake in Richmond for a night of banter with the crew at the pub in Julia Creek. Graham’s crew would be heading to the OCR Friday but I had read Adels Grove was under Aboriginal Ownership so had pre-booked a room at the Leichhardt Hotel in Cloncurry with a view to doing some shopping at the supermarket and freeze some supplies prior to arriving Saturday. The stories I would later hear of waiting hours for some very basic food confirmed my suspicions. Christian also decided to go to Cloncurry and as we are both Engineers, decided to go out to the pit at Mary Kathleen to search for some radioactivity. The old township area is now a city of Grey Nomad caravans and as we were exploring the area, Christian started losing clutch pressure. He is involved with a car Rally Team back in Europe, normally as navigator/mechanic and a closer inspection of the 2005 1200GS he bought in Cairns for his travels showed a number of cable ties where normally there would be bolts. He had earlier had a significant fall in deep sand on the Savannah Way and waited several days in Normanton for parts to replace the left

I am not sure what lies Graham Healy told him, but every night, generally around the third schooner, he would say how much he admired Graham and that he hoped that he too could ride that well at 72. I thought he was setting the benchmark a bit low, I am hoping to still be riding like Toby Price?

Adels Grove Campground is an oasis set among a plantation of exotic trees planted by a French Botanist in the 1930’s. I soon had the tent facing waterfront views of Lawn Hill Creek and cooled off in the refreshing waters.

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On this trip I also tried out Bundabergs “Campfire Rum”, a blend of butterscotch and macadamia sporting 6% alcohol content. The first can was crap, the last can was brilliant.

Sunday was spent canoeing, swimming and walking the gorge. In May this year, a motorcyclist was attacked by a freshwater crocodile at Indarri Falls and is lucky to be alive (google Lawn Hill Croc Attack for details). It’s a reminder that freshies will still attack when threatened and I noted the Falls now overflow further downstream from the ledge where you could previously swim under.

The Rally was well attended and some spirited bidding from Darryl Gowlett saw him win the honour of carrying the pudding to the next OCR. A large contingent of West Australians tried to vote in Mount Augustus but fortunately Arkaroola prevailed as the next venue. I really like this area and will be looking forward to revisiting, particularly the nearby “ghost” town of Leigh Creek.

When staying multiple days in National Parks, my main supplies are cans of tuna and spam, rice, pasta and onions. I’ll generally bring in some frozen chicken to make up a curry chicken meal the first night. It is quite a unique experience lying in the tent listening to the Australian Bush Orchestra with the Aromas of India filling the sleeping bag. The remaining nights will either be Chilli con Carne with the spam as a meat base or a Tuna Pasta dish.

From Lawn Hill NP it was off to Karumba for the obligatory sunset schooner.

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Christian was particularly taken with the old “Rifles and Pistols” signage above the urinals stating there was a mop against the wall for any misfires. Given he was often up at least four times a night, I suspect there are some serious prostrate issues going on and he would be doing his fair share of mopping travelling Australia.

Cobbold Gorge was the next stopover and whilst not a NP, it is so isolated and well managed it blends perfectly into the environment. The Campground facilities are 5-star with the separate combined toilet/shower cubicles large enough for some cricket while doing the business. The reality is the Grey Nomads are carting around a lot of serious gastro-intestinal issues and large ablution blocks can be a seriously unpleasant place to start the day, this however was luxury. The facilities were so great I nearly stayed a week.

OCTOBER

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Access to the gorge is only via the 4WD Tour buses running 2 x 3 hour tours per day with the walk over the glass bridge being a highlight. The walk from the Village to Russell’s Lookout should also be a must, just don’t miss the sign at the water trough that the cows tend to cover up. Cobbold Gorge is sandstone and the area including nearby Forsayth has a rich history in gold and copper mining. As you ride 60km east along some great twisties towards Einasleigh, you cross the Newcastle Range to arrive at Copperfield Gorge which is basalt and more consistent with the ancient lava flows of the Undara Lava Tubes.

Broken River NP can be accessed from Collinsville (or Nebo from the south) using a service road which follows a water pipeline from Eungella Dam to the mines. The advantage with staying here is you approach Eungella from the west and can then ride the twisties of Pioneer Valley from west to east without having to backtrack. There is also platypus viewing and plenty of leeches and ticks if that is your thing.

Expedition NP and the Lake Murphy Campground is near Taroom and is a Birdlife Conservation Park, I mean who doesn’t like birds? It has shaded grassy sites with spectacular views as the sun sets over the lake. It makes for a great last night waltz with the wildlife before the run back to Brisbane.

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Treasurer (and Pudding Custodian) Darryl Gowlett with the famous Pudding at a recent Club General Meeting.

A popular venue for the Sunny Coast Brunch was The Shed Cafe at Palmwoods

Mid-week ride group below enjoying a picnic lunch

By Duncan Bennett, Member #4171

We left Part 2 of our Ride to the Rock Riding away from the Rock.

Soon back in Alice Springs. No need for maintenance, all fluids replete. We were now regulars in the town – we knew where to park, what the specials were in the supermarket, where the best restaurants were, where the cheap petrol was… Unfortunately no-one had a clue about that. It was nice to have a sleep in the next day, but then serious business; the Finke. This is Australia’s premier desert race, not to be confused with Australia’s premier dessert race, and it runs on the second weekend in June. We were there a couple of weeks earlier than the race but practice makes perfect, so practice must have been on. Just a brief summary for those unfamiliar with the Finke – it runs from Alice Springs 229 km south to Finke on day 1 and returns on day 2. The track is, using plain speaking, decidedly disagreeable.

the Jetboil, we had a cuppa well in play before dust in the distance indicated our first practicer approacheth. And boy do they approacheth quickly.

Down past the airport, the huge numbers of aircraft that should have been flying people to Dubai, Europe, Bangkok, Singapore, Auckland and other tourist hotspots were lined starkly up on the secondary runways. About 25 km down the road it becomes dirt, so we set up about 20 km from the start along a section of track with optimal photography conditions. Out with

Korey McMahon drifts past in practice – he came 4th at an average 123.4 kmh

Several practicers later, some of whom actually waved while cruising past at insane speeds, we’d had our tea and decided to get moving. Now to outline the plan for our return – south. South was as much detail as we had. Our original plan, researched over months in excruciating detail, was back into Queensland via the Plenty Highway to Boulia, then to Birdsville, then slowly east to home soaking up all that was on offer in western Queensland. As per usual, unseasonable weather in central west Queensland had ruined that plan, likely we wouldn’t have even made it into Queensland. As an aside, how many times does unseasonable weather have to occur before it becomes seasonable?

Three years running now we have had unseasonable weather, to the point where the driest and coldest months are the wettest and

Part 3 Map – Alice Springs to Home, the dry scenic route

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wettest, and not vice versa. According to Bureau of Meteorology statistics, 68.4% of droughts are broken just before we show up, increasing to 86.8% when I’ve forgotten my umbrella.

Luckily there is only one road in the Northern Territory, the Stuart Highway. Once on it you are going either north or south, it’s that simple. Our south was back down to Erldunda on the turn-off to Uluru via a small detour to the Henbury meteorite craters, and then to Kulgera. Accommodation and facilities were excellent at Kulgera, and apart from an incident during the night it would have achieved a high ranking. Surely we’ve all heard the expression “as quiet as a mouse”? Well the bloody mouse that got into our cooler bag by scaling the inside of my riding jacket and leaping on top of the fridge hadn’t, so we awoke to what sounded like a small-ish antelope crashing around. Lights and torch on, the cycle of trying to find out where it was hiding, seeing it bolt between safe-havens and missing it with the bio-weaponised toilet brush, and repeat, went on for about an hour. Eventually we all collapsed in exhaustion.

Welcome to the Northern Territory

After 400 km or so of absolutely nothing, we took a small detour off the highway to check out the Breakaways. A geological feature rather than small children in a shop full of fragile and expensive merchandise, the spectacularness just suddenly appears – in fact there is nothing stopping the inattentive motored cyclist plummeting off the edge.

Henbury meteorite craters approximately 4000 years older than Cindy

A mere 20km south of Kulgera, we left the Northern Territory. No ceremonies with semi-naked Harley riders this time, they were last seen near Curtin Springs heading back to Queensland. After some photos it was into South Australia, voted the driest and most barren state for 2.8 million years running by States Weekly magazine.

Only a subtle difference between the road and oblivion

Coober Pedy doesn’t just appear suddenly; little mole hills of white dirt cover the barren landscape for a long way beforehand. Opal mining is the old skool mining in Australia – opals don’t attract large companies, so it is done by small scale operators. The landscape is like a rabbit warren, holes everywhere and lots of signs saying you will fall down one if you trespass. Not renowned for bitter cold, Coober Pedy residents live underground if they can afford to, and we managed to score a motel room bored into the side of a hill. A wander around the somewhat barren and dusty town, we ended up at the Big Winch 360 restaurant for the sunset, enhanced by the dust produced by the mining operations.

wave. So Cindy gets the guilt wave. No sleep in that van tonight.

Coober Pedy sunset

The next day included one of Australia’s longest stretches of absolutely nothing, Coober Pedy to Glendambo, 260km. The emptiness. Oh the emptiness. The mind wanders, and games start to be played. A favourite game was to get Cindy a guilt wave. Out in the back blocks waving at oncoming vehicles is an Australian tradition; I remember driving 1,000 km from Darwin to Tennant Creek in January 1991 and seeing 1 car – we nearly crashed into each other waving. But there are lots of vehicles these days, so the waving can be fairly random. The guilt wave best works on Gomads, I ride up front and wave. Some oncoming Gomads are excitable wavers but others hadn’t planned to wave. These see me wave, can’t quite get the hand up before I’m past and are stricken with guilt that they didn’t

The horror. The horror.

There is little to do but put in the hard riding yards, arriving at Glendambo was truly a pleasure. Lunched up, it was onward and downward through the salt lakes to one of the bleakest towns on earth – Pimba. There is literally nothing even pretending to be a shrub out there. The reason for Pimba is a total mystery to the casual observer except possibly as the “civilian” contact for Woomera, the passing punter needed to get fuel and wasn’t allowed into the rocket testing grounds.

Port Augusta, previously pronounced Portagutta, was the end of the 550 km day. This town has improved a lot over the years, we would studiously avoid staying here during our bi or tri-annual crossings from WA to Victoria and Queensland back in the 1990’s. A wander up to the Western Hotel, and we were somewhat surprised not to be able to get a table. It was a Wednesday night in Portagutta

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for heaven’s sake, but the place was utterly packed. What was going on? We managed to get a small table near the bar, and then the food selection conundrum. Hmmm, Grazier’s Pie in mushy peas, or something never seen before – Salmon Laksa? You only live once (excluding all your reincarnations) so go with the Salmon Laksa. This is now in my top 5 of greatest ever meals, no wonder the place was packed.

for the closest parking to the sea in the history of motels. A stroll into town past the statues to racehorse Makybe Diva and tuna fishing and Matthew Flinders, we admired one of Australia’s best natural harbours before applying ourselves to a very nice dinner.

We had decided on the west side of the Eyre Peninsula, simply because we’d never been there before. Whyalla was Australia’s first steel town and is now on the register as our first Eyre Peninsula coffee town. Moving on, we luncheoned in the attractive sea-side town of Cowell, before pressing onto our destination town of Port Lincoln, famous for lot of reasons including racehorses and tuna.

The motel selection in Port Lincoln was controversial, the Hilton. Assumed to be a Hilton before the Hilton, it certainly provided

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An oil top-up away from parrot and public judgement

Edgar Degas, Seriously Pissed Off Chicken, 1867, oil on stretched undergarment

Time was limited on our cruise about South Australian parts unknown because we had an engagement in Canberra. Local knowledge not currently living locally – Brisbane in fact – had been called on, apparently there was a ferry that cut the Spencer Gulf corner from Lucky Bay to Wallaroo so with a bit of googlin’ we were booked on. 12 noon departure from Lucky Bay near Cowell, about halfway back to Port Augusta. No need to rush, only 1¾ hours away so we were fairly casual waltzing around town, nibbling our way through a breakfast at an obscure Scottish family restaurant chain. Loved their egg and bacon something or other, and the brown hashes. Leaving Port Lincoln at around 80 kmh, there was a bit of a bang and it strangely felt like something had gone around the back sprocket. Surely that is not possible is the default conclusion.

nothing seemed wrong. It looked a little loose, so time for a mild panicky chain adjustment, we had 130 km to go and only 1½ hours to do it. Firstly, find somewhere flat, out of the strong wind, and where I was unlikely to be run over. After riding around the town a few times rising panic demanded that the Tumby Bay Museum lawn be selected even though it wasn’t very flat and wasn’t much out of the wind, but I would be very unlikely to be run over. Fortunately the museum was closed, otherwise we would have been sucked in to read up on Tumby Bay’s most famous son, Peter Brinkworth. Peter invented chicken salt, and the world would still be a dark place without that.

Chain adjusted in world-record time, we punched on to Lucky Bay, thankful that we’d stopped at all the little towns like Port Neill and Arno Bay on the way down to Port Lincoln. Made it to the ferry comfortably, but were horrified to discover we may not get special treatment and had to line up with everyone else. We were completely clueless about the ferry details, except that it left from Lucky Bay and motored across the Spencer Gulf to Wallaroo. Was it a “basics” ferry or with enclosed passenger seating? Café and dining or BYO? Just in case we bought some chips, although only the packaged variety and therefore lacking the local speciality of chicken salt. It all turned out well, we got our own “bikes only” deck, the ferry was well appointed for the 60 km journey, and included a pleasant lunch.

He should have been targeting bottom feeders

Let’s push on and we’ll have a look at a stop somewhere. Into Tumby Bay, we stopped somewhere to have a look. Indeed it did look as though the chain had slipped a tooth, weird, but

Like on the Titanic, the elites get their own deck

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Straight off our deck and a good old pushin in front of the below-decks types, we hit the road to the night’s planned destination of Clare. This is truly an old standard place for us, and in the past 30 years we’ve never had a trip through South Australia without staying there. A lack of navigational planning saw us go a bit far north through Bute and Snowtown. We hadn’t been through Snowtown in a long time because it isn’t on the way to anywhere, but decided we’d have a look for the famous bank where 8 bodies were found in barrels in 1999. It is still there. We’ve always felt sorry for Snowtown, none of the actual murders were committed anywhere near the place, but it has always suffered the stigma of the grisly business.

running from 100m off the road into the side of trucks, so we treat them with the same respect as we would a hyperactive toddler lugging a bucket of nitroglycerine.

Not famous for its flavoured salt

Clare was its usual self but very very cold the next morning. In fact we only made it 40 km to Burra before the frostbite settled in, so one of the shortest rides before coffee in the history of rides was the result. Coffee’d and nicely warmed up, we pressed on. The GPS was taking us to Mildura, and decided now was the time to do something completely odd. There was a perfectly good 100 kmh bitumen road available, but perhaps the parallel farm track was 100m shorter even though 30 kmh was a big ask.

The road did provide a distraction though – an emu. Emus are an evolutionary experiment, is it possible something can survive with a brain that does nothing but randomly move the legs? We have literally seen them commit suicide by

One of those times where the photo cannot show how ridiculously steep the GPS fastest road was

East, and only east. Except for a smidgin of south. Out here it is all about the Murray River, all roads lead to it and there isn’t much point drifting too far from it. We speared into the corner at Morgan for a stroll along the banks then cruised alongside the river to Renmark for lunch.

Just after lunch something momentous happened; we crossed into our third state, this time Victoria. It is possible to avoid Victoria out here but only if you want to go a long way around.

No-one including the emu knew where the emu was heading

Even supplied with a chain to stop them wandering

very narrow alleyway right into the middle of the courtyard, both out of sight and difficult to squeeze out. A wander up to an excellent craft brewery saw out our Victorian experience.

East along the road that looks really straight when viewed from 175 km up in the thermosphere and we were into Mildura, just over a year since our previous visit which was also to do with weather avoidance. Again we’d had problems with getting accommodation, although as Cindy does all the bookings I wasn’t very aware of any problems until afterwards. This motel was a bit of a security challenge with probably the largest and most exposed to “public with prior convictions” view carpark in motel history. An Airbus A380 could have landed, loaded our bikes on, and disappeared. Fortunately the reception lady was very aligned with our concerns, and suggested parking via a

Improving quality

There’s not many options getting to Canberra that don’t include Hay, which is just over halfway to our randomly chosen destination of Narrandera. A nice lunch in a charming main street Foodie Friends shop which also sold Cindy-distracting clothes, and we continued the easting. 96 km into the easting, we stopped for our usual 1 hour or 100 km glutes work-out, this time planning to focus on the gluteus medius because this muscle is most important for doing gear changes and rear braking.

Then the gluteus medius was relegated to no priority by Cindy’s horrible realisation that she had left her back-pack in Hay. What was in it? The Rolex Submariner, jewels, credit cards? No, something even more important –my cassiterite specimen we’d bought at the Ted Elliot Mineral Centre in Georgetown Far North Queensland. Nothing for it, back we go.

The assumption that Hay was a small town filled 100% with honest people who would pick it up and hand it in somewhere obvious like the Hay police station showed how wrong we could be, the honest people we spoke with unfortunately hadn’t seen it.

With our 460 km day now a 660 km day and dusk merely an hour away, sobbing over lost

Only slightly more salubrious than the NT - SA border crossing

rolling H om E!

cassiterite wasn’t going to help avoid a collision with a kangaroo out on the Murrumbidgee plains.

a very hip café well out of sight of any light industrial areas, and we lobbed into Canberra for our son Tim and grandchildren reunion. Canberra was, as just about everyone would expect, bloody cold. Even when not riding. A day off the bikes with a visit to the fun Questacon science museum preceded a final oil top-up on both bikes without any incidents. We were then ready to continue the random movements, only this time north. Back through a border once again, this time into the micro-state of Yass Valley according to the sign.

Cindy sensibly took evidence before she’d even left it behind

Speed was of the essence, so with a last look at every possible place where a backpack could hide having fallen from a pannier, we easterlyed once again. No records exist of the speeds, but we arrived at Darlington Point just when the headlights were moving from niceto-have to essential. The last 60 km were about finding a vehicle that wouldn’t even flinch as it punted a roo well off the carriageway and staying right up its gluteus’s. Thanks to the big B double from me, and the big 4WD from Cindy. Fortunately, the excellent Narrandera accommodation and RSL dining across the road didn’t care about arrivals 3 hours later than communicated when making the bookings.

Yass Valley quietly becomes a micro-state

Dubbo was mentioned as an option, but too far west. Maybe Bathurst? Roads heading north of there get a bit messy. Inevitably we ended up at Orange, even though it is not on the way to anywhere, all our roads seem to lead there, and all through Cowra. As it wasn’t a huge day, the Cowra Japanese Gardens were selected as the mandatory non-motorcycling activity.

A Sunday morning coffee in Wagga at

Third border in three days, and second Territory for the trip

Hands off selfie in the Japanese Gardens

Accommodation was impossible to find within a 3 km radius of the part of Orange with the nice restaurants and craft breweries, and the only options were eye-wateringly expensive. Never mind, suck it up. Plan for the next day was Gunnedah, closest big town to the centre route we were pioneering between the Newell Highway to the west and New England Highway to the east. The route included some iconic places such as the Black Stump, once you were beyond there you were nowhere. Back in the day the Black Stump even had a wine bar just to make the boundary between civilisation and nowhere seem more obvious, no-one could survive long without a wine bar. Another iconic spot was the slightly amusing town of Dunedoo, which has the Dinky Di Dogs Eye pie shop, and the pies there are truly worth the visit.

rolling H om E!

and hopefully replace the cassiterite specimen in Cindy’s backpack, likely now on some Hay person’s engagement ring. The Emmaville museum is open all days, except Thursdays. It was Thursday, of course it bloody was. Never mind, have a small tantrum then press on to our last night at our old favourite Peter Allen Motel in Tenterfield. When my baby smiles at me I think of cassiterite, not Rio.

Hopefully Sam wasn’t captured in the middle of a namesake

Gunnedah continued the trend of struggling to find accommodation, with everywhere full, apart from a 4-star establishment that had one room left. We’d never been to Gunnedah before so didn’t realise how big it is and how nice it is. A highlight is the silo art, Dorothy Mackellar’s very famous My Country second stanza is painted on the town silos, she spent time on her family’s farm at Gunnedah so they rightfully claim her. They also claim to be Koala Capital of the World, we weren’t exactly beating koalas off with a stick so that seems a bit bogus.

The end was now in sight, we continued north-east-ish via some interesting dirt roads through Barraba to Inverell for a quality luncheon, then via more interesting dirt roads to Emmaville where the planned big nonriding activity was to visit the mining museum

We rolled in home around lunchtime. Unpacked by mid-afternoon. The-soon-to-betraded-in Aquaman and Ruby Princess deserved a loving wash for outstanding performance. Apart from a broken Ruby mudguard and minor Aquaman chain dramas nothing, literally nothing disturbed the Feng Shui or Chakras over a very memorable 10,756.8 km.

Dorothy’s most memorable words

glan CE B a CK

The October 2012 Journal cover shot features Tony Gray on “Grey Ghost” on the Pordoi Pass in Italy, which is the highest paved pass in the Dolomites. Great pic taken by Jane Gray.

Far K l E m E!

By Duncan Bennett, Member #4171

As a recent procurer of a Motorred cycle (as distinct from a Motorrad cycle), and as someone who like many of our membership rides a lot and wants things “just so”, I can state with absolute conviction that the ride-away package is only a blank canvas..... As we heard Clinton Smout say on Adventure Rider Radio - fire the money gun at it.

Being a rider who always assumes flats/ breakdowns / electrical glitches / end-of-world zombie events and tsunamis are imminent, the No.1 Farkle is a top box. How else are you going to carry your tyre repair kit, tomahawk, first aid kit, jump starter, random cable ties manufactured in 1973, and zombie-repelling BMWMCQ hat?

Okay, prophylaxis sorted. Well almost, I have a phobia about rocks hitting headlights these days - I don’t think it is cheap. So a headlight protector is also mandatory for nerve calming. I love those ones you can just pop off and clean in behind, the only thing I’ve ever purchased from Touratech, speaking of a proverbial s--t load of cash....

Protection is No.2, now down 1 position from what your parents told you before your high school debutante’s ball. The modern world has recognised that a scratched panel on a new K1600 before its second riding trimester is an enormous social cost to bear, so metal bar prophylaxis are now widely available. I like HEED.

As adventure riders, all protection is overwhelmingly important - we drop our bikes rarely now compared to the olden days, but one sees so many pictures of bikes upside down on a road that looks thickly trowelled with baby pooh these days that one cannot help but assume the worst. Barkbusters are an Australian company so are a win-win for the nervous. Barkbusters are absolutely Mandatory. With a capital M.

What about getting from A to B? Yes sure one could activate Siri and say; “Siri I’m at A, I need to get to B”. Siri usually counters with “Calling person you absolutely hate but have in your contacts list so you never accidentally

Far K l E m E!

answer when they call”, which causes panic and need for more prophylaxis. You must have something better than that.

We’ve operated under the Garmin regime for a long time now. New England riders saved the GPS from being used to weigh down crab pots - their GPS instructions are priceless. Basecamp is used for route planning, and I have iPhone MudMaps for the “big picture”.

Zumo 396 mount from England. Starting at 4:00pm, the mount was in place by 8:30pm but getting 1 bolt in took from 4:18pm to 8:22pm.

We have young children living next door, so initially language was moderated but after the 27 thousandth attempt at lining 4 moving holes up failed, I no longer cared.

Next “near mandatory” these days are PivotPegz. I know many of us are huge fans of these things - the pivot means great support at any foot angle, and way easier to get the foot under the gear lever.

So the Garmin GPS mount and the Rocky Creek Designs phone mount are a standard part of our Farkle package. These can be tricky to put on as they are hard-wired to the battery - lots of poking of wires through tiny gaps is required, one becomes a key-hole surgeon with worldrecord amounts of swearing just improving the outcome. Speaking of which, Cindy likes her GPS in the same position they usually are on the BMW 1200 GS - above the now enormous TFT dash. So another Farkle, an Evotech Garmin

Last - as we all know old bikes had tools to do a full workshop rebuild. Now - no tools and no space for tools, can’t compromise on things like a phone charger under the seat. The Bad Ideas Fairy was in charge at that design meeting. So a Givi toolbox to hold the critical tools is unfortunately now required. As are several trips to various shops to get “basics” tools - how a motorcycle with a chain can be supplied without any way of adjusting that chain, or worse adjusting the mirrors - don’t get me started on that. I’ll calm myself with Farkles.

C lu B rid E pi C s

Mid week ride, Gary’s bike resting in the shade.

Cambooya lunch ride pub - Peter Allen’s bike below and Paul with the GS Crew above.

Thanks Jon Reid for capturing an Editor being astonished by salad at the Woodford Hotel

OCTOBER

Some planned maintenance for the famous and award-winning R1200C was undertaken during the month, with the trainee well supervised by an expert in the field.

The major drama was that the TDC mark shown in the manual was SOT, and it took 18 revolutions and finding some glasses to see to figure out OT is TDC, Oberer Totpunkt (Top Dead Point). S turned out to be Späetzüendung, minimum advance; late or (tragically appropriate) - retarded.

“Could you please go next door and search their garden for that spring? I don’t think it could be that important though, if you can’t find it, no worries.”

BMWMCQ TRAINING COURSE SUBSIDY

Your club encourages all members to continue to improve as a rider and offers a financial incentive to foster greater uptake in rider training. A broad interpretation of training has been adopted to include First Aid Training and Traffic Accident site safety management. The intention of the subsidy scheme is to not only improve the road craft of individual members but also to enhance the safety and enjoyment of club runs and events for all participating members.

These are the simple rules to qualify for a subsidy:

1. Every financial member is eligible.

2. Subsidy is limited to one in three years for each member eg subsidy February 2022 re-eligible February 2025.

3. Subsidy provided in the form of a $50 reimbursement after course has been completed and invoice presented to the Treasurer.

4. The applicant must present details and receive approval for the intended training course from the Club Secretary prior to the course being undertaken.

There you have it, an incentive to help to make you a better and safer rider. If you undertake a course please let us know your thoughts on the success of the course, positive or negative.

If you are looking for some quality one to one or small group off road coaching I can highly recommend Training Adventure Co.

They do a group session at Mt Cotton but have also introduced a coaching session to nail the basics.

This is held at Meakin Park, Slacks Creek (near Ikea) and for a very reasonable $219 for 3 hours you will learn heaps and have a safe area to practice any areas of need.

https://www.trainingadv.com.au/

Tony Gray - President BMWMCQ

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

Below

https://www.facebook.com/wedgetailaustralia

&

supports

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

&

BmW supports

Brisbane BMW Motorcycle Specialists

Need your BMW motorcycle serviced? We can also help ensure your pride and joy stays in top nick. Northside Motorcycle Tyres and Service has the latest software for BMWs enabling us to re- set service reminders, and assist with diagnostic testing and component testing making it more efficient to solve any problems with your bike. Log book servicing which won’t void your warranty Book in for a BMW motorcycle service today with our expert team and you can be confident that Your pride and joy is in good hands.

BMW Motorcycle Tyres & Accessories

Planning on hitting the road soon? Stop by our showroom to check out our great range of tyres, luggage bags and riding gear to suit Adventure or Sport Touring.

FREE BMW Motorcycle Safety Inspection Report

But perhaps more importantly, be prepared before you head off! Book in for your FREE safety inspection report. This simple check can mean the difference between a hassle-free ride versus getting stuck on the side of the road with no phone coverage a long way from the nearest town.

Unit

Phone: 08 9317 3317 Fax: 08 9317 3359

OCTOBER

Queen of 2 Wheels!

Cindy Bennett, Member #4170

When Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died I put a photo on our Club FaceBook page of her riding a motorcycle in World War II. This had been shared by a female riders group on FB that I am a member of. That photo got me interested to find out more about what our Queen did on 2 wheels!

As written in an online article for “Motoress”, the bike the then Princess Elizabeth was riding was either a BSA 250 or Royal Enfield 250cc SV when at age 19 she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Services (ATS) and trained as a driver and mechanic. Interestingly she was accompanied by Mary Churchill - the youngest daughter of Winston.

Alongside learning how to operate and ride a motorcycle, the women of the ATS learned vehicle maintenance such as changing truck tyres, adjusting spark plugs etc. Handy skills for all Princesses! The photographer subsequently sent the negatives of this photo to the Queen who wrote to express her gratitude that she could show the photos to her grandchildren. This must have had the desired effect as Princes William and Harry both ride motorcycles and indeed participated in a popular charity ride “Enduro Africa” riding 1500km across Southern Africa in 2008.

Word

Prince William famously rode a Triumph Tiger while touring the Triumph Factory in 2018 – a man with good taste!

BMWMCQ BOOK EXCHANGE

NEW BooKS AVAilABlE!

Race to Dakar Charley Boorman Extreme Frontiers Charley Boorman (Racing Across Canada)

What If I Had Never Tried It Valentino Rossi (The Autobiography)

The Road to Mali Craig Carey-Clinch No Room for Watermelons Ron & Lynne Fellowes

A Motorcycle Courier in the Great War Captain W.H.L. Watson Australia Motorcycle Atlas

With 200 Top Rides (6th Ed) Hema Maps

Overland Magazines - issue #’s 11; 19; 21; 22; 25; 26; 27; 28 and 29.

Adventure Bike Rider - issue #’s 44; 46; 51 and 53

The Touring Motorcycle Jeff Ware & Kris Hodgson

BMW Twins Mick Walker

BMW Boxer Twins Ian Falloon

BMW Motorcycles Bruce Preston A Century of BMW Manfred Grunet & Florian Triebel

The BMW Story - Production & Racing Motorcycles Ian Falloon Bahnstormer - The Story of BMW Motorcycles LJK Setright BMW Company History 1972 BMW Munich

2UP and OVERLOADED 2 x On Tour with Compass Expeditions DVDs

The initiative is being overseen by Jane Gray and you can communicate with Jane via email at:

library@bmwmcq org au

Arrangement can be made with the librarian to pick up & drop off at the monthly General Meeting or other arrangements can be made