SEPTEMBER 2019
SEPTEMBER 2019
www.bmwmcq.org.au
www.bmwmcq.org.au
FAREWELL DAVE
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC OFFICIAL JOURNAL Established 1958 OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC. Established 1958
WINTER SOLSTICE
SAVINGS
BMW Motorrad
WE’VE PASSED THE WINTER SOLSTICE - THE DAYS ARE GETTING LONGER, AND YOU CAN KEEP RIDING ON AND ON. BMW R S 1000
$20,990
SPORT
RIDE AWAY
BMW G 310 R
$5,990
RIDE AWAY
BMW F 800 R
$14,490
RIDE AWAY
BMW F 800 GT
$16,990
RIDE AWAY
BMW R 1250 RT ELEGANCE
$32,990
RIDE AWAY
BMW C 650 GT
$15,990
RIDE AWAY
BMW C 650 SPORT
$14,990
MORGAN & WACKER BMW BRISBANE 51 Ross St, Newstead, QLD I (07) 3259 5787 morganandwacker.com.au
2017
RIDE AWAY
2018
BMW MOTORRAD DEALER OF THE YEAR
facebook.com/morganandwackerbmw
*National recommended promotional Ride Away Price for models shown based on NSW delivery and with no other optional extras or colours other than those listed. Models with specification other than those listed may have a higher or lower price. Images may include options that differ from listed specifications. Offer applies to motorcycles ordered and delivered between 1st July 2019 and 30th September 2019, at participating BMW Motorrad dealers. While stocks last. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Stock may vary between BMW Motorrad dealers. Price may vary according to individual circumstances and may vary between BMW Motorrad dealers and states/territories. Excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. Consult your participating BMW Motorrad dealer for further details. BMW Group Australia reserves the right to change or extend the offer.
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC.
The Committee President- Paul Hughes Ph: 0409 814 633 President@bmwmcq.org.au 1200 GS / 700 GS
Vice President - Richard Maher Ph: 0415 111 454 vpres@bmwmcq.org.au R 1150 R
Secretary - Tony Gray Ph: 0409 493 605 secretary@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 GS (The Grey Ghost) R 60/6 Treasurer - John Eacott
Ph: 0428 383 826 treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au 2017 K1600GT 2016 R1200GS Triple Black
Editors - Cindy & Duncan Bennett Ph: 0401 610 671 editor@bmwmcq.org.au Triumph Tigers Records- Greg Gaffney Ph: 0411424 219 records@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 RT
Tools/Spares - Bill Luyten
Ph: 0438 123 747 tools@bmwmcq.org.au R1150 Rockstar - R1200 GS LC
This Issue - SEPTEMBER 2019 Contents:Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Committee Reports . . . . . . . . . . 5 BACK TO THE BUSH OCTOBER . . . . 6 CANE TOAD RALLY VENUE CHANGE. 8 SERVICE DAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 General Meeting Minutes. . . . . 10 ON THE ROAD RECOMMENDATIONS. 11 BMWMCQ EVENTS CALENDAR . . . . 12 THE FAMOUS BISCUIT RUN 11.0 . . . 14 ALASKA PT2 - To DEADHORSE . . . . 18 BMWMCQ CHRISTMAS PARTY . . . . . 26 FOR THE AIRHEADS . . . . . . . . . . . 27
ADVERTISING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 BMWMCQ EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Advertisers
Morgan & Wacker - FRONT COVER Caloundra Motorcycles - P.28 Northside Motorcycles - P.29 Good Wool Store - P.30 Munich Motorcycles - P.30
TeamMoto - BACK Cover
On The Cover Vale Dave Hepburn.
Regalia & Dealer Liaison
Don Grimes Ph: 0411 601 372 regalia@bmwmcq.org.au
Club Details BMW Motorcycle Club of Queensland Inc.
2. Improving the service and availability of spare parts for BMWs in Queensland using the advantage of a united effort.
Address all correspondence to: The Secretary PO Box 3669 South Brisbane QLD 4101
4. Organising day trips, tours and outings.
ABN 30 351 243 651
Monthly meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at the:
Geebung RSL Club
323 Newman Road Geebung A Club Ride is usually held on the first Sunday after the monthly meeting. BMWMCQ AIMS The objectives of the BMWMCQ are to increase the enjoyment of motorcycling by: 1. Improving the opinion of the public towards motorcycling in general and associated members particularly, by careful, courteous, considerate riding, especially when riding with the Club, and rendering assistance to all road users in difficulty.
3. Decreasing maintenance and running costs by mutual assistance on mechanical problems. 5. Encourage and support Regional Ride Groups 6. Affiliation with other clubs/associations where such affiliation would be of mutual benefit. DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this Journal are those of each contributor and are not necessarily shared by the Editor, management, and / or membership of the BMWMCQ. The Editor reserves the right to refuse any advertising or delete any material which could be considered or interpreted as questionable, libellous or offensive, without consultation. WEB SITE Visit: www.bmwmcq.org.au
4
Editorial
SEPTEMBER 2019
Cindy & Duncan Bennett
Editors in Training Report
D
uncan and I have taken on the daunting role of Editor, Dave is a very tough act to follow and lots of learning of how on earth the Adobe InDesign software works to get this out. The mysteries of Photoshop is also a required learning, although this may come in handy for the summer bikini shots, and strange that Duncan is starting to look a lot like Chris Hemsworth…
Hopefully they will just get better after this start, and one day reach the level we had become so accustomed to with Dave’s 40 excellent journals since 2016.
See you on the road! Cindy & Duncan
The gleaming R1200RT VENUE FOR BMWMCQ GENERAL MEETINGS GEEBUNG RSL CLUB 323 NEWMAN ROAD GEEBUNG MEALS OPEN AT 6.00 PM MEETING STARTS 7.30 PM
NEXT MONTH : 7.30PM 3 OCTOBER 2019
Committee Reports
SEPTEMBER 2019
Paul Hughes
5
President’s Report
I
t has been a very sad month. Dave Hepburn, four years our editor, passed away on September 1st 2019. Dave was a big man both physically and in character. He loved this club and all the people he interacted with. The journal was “his thing” and he was very proud of it. Many in the club have had many hours of enjoyment from Dave’s great journals. He used to take about a full week a month to put it together whilst he shuffled articles, advertising and photos about and he loved doing it. Dave loved the social side of the club and we all remember his signature smile. Many new members over the last few years remember Dave as the big bloke who was just so welcoming and helpful. Dave was a close friend of mine and I miss his advice, smile and enthusiasm for the club and our members, every day. We will all miss Dave. No doubt he is sitting up there on a RT saying “so you have got lost again. Come along.” Rest in Peace mate. September and October are busy months. The signature club rally, The Cane Toad, is on over the long weekend and I would encourage everyone to attend. Great atmosphere and a fair turnout from interstate. The Coronation Hotel at Toobeah is our host and is ramping up the catering for us. Lunch rides to Kenilworth and then Killarney respectively are in the program and Richard Maher will have one more of his famous rides for our October Club ride on the 13th. Back to the Bush Miles is on October 26th and promises to be a great event with a good turn-out. Plenty more room to book if you want to come along. There also will be the usual social functions spread throughout both months. I want to remind members of the great library we are building up under the careful eye of Jane Gray. Check out new arrivals in the forum section of our web site.
The web site for the BMW Motarrad Rally (the Nationals) is just about complete and will appear as a section on our web pages very shortly. This is how you will book for the rally. More to follow on this shortly. Many many thanks to Cindy and Duncan who offered to take on the editorial role for us. I know, based on their input over many journals, they will provide an entertaining and informative read for us monthly.
Stay safe and ride often Cheers Paul
“Here’s to you, Dave”
6
SEPTEMBER 2019
BACK TO THE BUSH 2019
T
his Caravan Park, as you enter town, has very comfortable air-conditioned cabins in various configurations. The cost is $89 per night. If you book for two nights i.e. Friday night and Saturday night the cost is $150.00 ($75 per night). Camping is also available. On the Saturday night in the Caravan Park, around a bonfire, the owners will prepare an open fire; cook a stew and provide a delicious desert, all for $10 cash per head. When I was here in May I found the meal to be delicious and the best value meal I have had for a long while. There will be a led ride departing the Saturday morning with: Morning Tea in Esk and lunch at the famous Woolshed Cafe (Mark Morrissey territory) or you can make your own way there in a small group or solo. Miles has very clear skies for star gazing, beautiful historical buildings, a very country hospitality pub and lots more to do. On the Sunday morning, a great little Cafe in a garden setting provides really beautiful breakfasts. So come and join us in a relaxed atmosphere for a great weekend in the QLD bush town. To book a Cabin Ring Donna at 07 46272165 at the Crossroads Caravan and Cabins: Mention the club B2B event Overflow accommodation is also available very close by at: Western Downs Motor Inn 07 46271211 Star line Motor Inn 07 46271322
You will need to book the bonfire stew dinner and pay cash direct on the day. It is important to book this. Paul Hughes
Committee Reports John Eacott
SEPTEMBER 2019
7
Treasurer’s Report
8
SEPTEMBER 2019
Greg Gaffney
Committee Reports Records Officers Report
G
reg’s normal report will be in the October journal due to the short journal this month - Editor
New Members :
James Scheidler R850R, Koos Van Rensburg K75C, Joe Denham R75/6 & R100RS, Boyd White R NineT, Lila Clarke G310R
Greg Gaffney records@bmwmcq.org.au
Submissions for the Next Journal (OCTOBER 2019 Edition) clos
Committee Reports Bill Luyten
B
ill’s normal report will be in the October journal due to the short journal this month - Editor
Tools for loan
There are special tools available including the GS-911WiFi and 3 pin diagnostic tools.
Special Tools
• Twinmax electronic carburetor balancer (Twin BMW engines) • Vacuumate (electronic synchronization of throttle valves up to 4 cylinders) • Clutch alignment shafts (3 sizes) • Compression gauge (cylinder pressure) • Steering head bearing puller and seating tool • Gearbox output flange puller • GS-911 Wi-Fi Diagnostic tool (Wi-Fi and USB Version) • GS-911 3 pin Diagnostic tool (for older bikes) • Tyre Pressure Monitor Sensor (TPMS) tool • Enduralast hall sensor tester • Brake bleeding tool (suction bleeding via the brake caliper)
9
SEPTEMBER 2019
Tool’s Report Club Tool Loan: $50 deposit (refundable) for GS911: Tools and spares can be picked up or brought along to the next meeting or Club ride. Contact Tools Officer Bill Luyten 0438 123 747 wluyten@bigpond .net .au or Club email: spares@bmwmcq.org.au
AHOY
BISCUITS
ses end SEPTEMBER 2019 - Please be patient while we catch up
10
Committee Reports
SEPTEMBER 2019
Tony Gray
Secretary’s Report
BMWMCQ Meeting Minutes 1 August 2019 Venue: Geebung RSL Meeting Opened: Apologies: Minutes of Previous General Meeting: Number of Attendees: New Members (Name & MC): Visitors: Returning Members: Treasurer Report: Editor Report: Tools Report: Regalia Report: Records Report: Events Report: Secretary Report: Dealer Liaison Report: Vice President Report: President Report: Other Events/Buy/Sell/Swap: Past rides: General Business Closed:
7.30pm Mark Mustchin. Don Grimes. Maggie & George R. Geoff Hodge. Chris Lancaster. Dave Hepburn. Accepted: Next Meeting Seconded: 27 Nil Nil Nil $28,811 current balance. P&L Tabled. Not present. Thanks expressed for the resent service day. $34 raised for the RFDS. GS T Shirts to be re-run. Three colours suggested Blue, Grey, 247 Financial members. 4 new members in the last month. Dinner at Tenterfield Biscuit Run weekend 10 August now up to 45 acceptances. 10.30am for the biscuits at Wallangarra. Lake Cressbrook camping weekend 31 August $8/head. Motorrad Invitation has been published in the GC Club Journal for July. Not present. Not Present. Motorrad Rally Planning is well advanced. . We will be looking for volunteers for the Motorrad Rally. FD was a fantastic event and Biscuit Ride promises to be a real cracker. Battery from Charlie, near new but bike (R1100GS) has now been written off. Boots from Stuart - Dri Rider Size 41 Euro, only used once, free to a good home. Handle bar raisers for R1200R - Rosi. FD review by Gary Bennett. 44 attended. Superbikes Review by Gary Bennett. Lunch ride to Harrisville Hotel. BMW 100 year History Purchased for a reference manual and for a raffle prize down the track. 8.28 pm, next meeting 5 September.
ON THE ROAD RECOMMENDATIONS
A
SEPTEMBER 2019
11
new initiative proffered up by Tony Gray to members is a list of accommodations encountered on members’ journeys and their evaluation of such fare for other members’ information. The first of the lists is below and will be updated each month: so if you have recommendations related to accommodation please pass that on to Tony who will collate and give to me to publish in the newsletter. It is anticipated that the feature will also translate to the BMWMCQ web site…..Ed LOCATION
PUB NAME
Uralla
Top Pub
Bathurst
Knickerbocker
Myrtleford
Railway
Omeo
Golden Age
Cooma
Alpine
$$$ ROOM TYPE 50 Selfone Contained 80 two 85 Shared Facilities 57
SelfContained Price/head for shared room 50 SelfContained Price/head for shared room 45 Shared one Facilities
MEALS
BIKE STORAGE/COMMENTS
No Breakfast
Very bike friendly Pub. Excellent Restaurant. Safe Yard. If weather bad then can lock bikes in bottle shop after hours. Good bistro. Centre of town. Lock bikes in bottle shop but not until 9.45pm. Hotel has closed but good Motel with undercover parking in safe area. Dinner & breakfast options very short walk away. Secure gated lockup for bikes but not undercover. Excellent bistro meals.
Cooked Breakfast included No meals
No Breakfast No Breakfast
Very bike friendly Pub. Excellent Restaurant. Lock up garage just for bikes.
From the Pen of Jane Gray
1 A.D.
JEGSept2019
Riding through the country in the warming sun No chance of rain to spoil all our fun September Club ride with numbers slightly down Other commitments or maybe out of town? Greg led the ride to Theebine Hotel Coffee at Eumundi Bakehouse as well Something was missing from our small enclave
We all felt the loss 1 week After Dave
12
SEPTEMBER 2019
BMWMCQ 2019 Events Calendar
BMWMCQ Club Events Schedule SEPTEMBER 2019 Date Sat 21 Tue 24
Sun 29
Start Event Details Contact president@bmwmcq.org.au 09:30 Coffee Ride Café 63 at 68-72 Pickering Place Enoggera AM 06:00 German Club Brisbane German Club, 416 Vulture Street, president@bmwmcq.org.au PM Social Dinner East Brisbane …Come along and enjoy the company of your fellow Club members. A limited amount of parking is available in the club carpark however, if this is full, parking is available on Duke and Linton Streets. president@bmwmcq.org.au 12.30 Club Lunch Kenilworth Hotel – 18 Elizabeth St PM Ride Kenilworth QLD 4574
DATE
EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS CALENDAR
11-13 Oct 2019
TIME
EVENT
38th Kosciuszko Rally
DETAILS
CONTACT
Geehi Flat Campground, Alpine Way
bmwmccact.org.au
SEPTEMBER 2019 BMWMCQ 2019 Events Calendar BMWMCQ Club Events Schedule OCTOBER 2019
Date Start Thu 7:30 03 PM Sat Sun 05 & 06 Sat 12 Sun 13 Wed 16 Sun 20 Sat Sun 26 & 27 Tue 29
Event Club General Meeting
13
Details Geebung RSL Club, 323 Newman Road, Geebung Qld….Meals from 6:00pm with meeting commencing at 7.30pm. ALL WELCOME! Come and meet people who share a common interest.
Contact president@bmwmcq.org.au
Coronation Hotel Toobeah Qld
Gary Bennett
Arte & Gusto Café 409 Honour Ave, Graceville TBA, Vice President Richard Maher
president@bmwmcq.org.au
Killarney Hotel, 17 Willow St, Killarney QLD 4373
president@bmwmcq.org.au
All Back to the Miles Cross Roads Caravan Park & W’end Bush Cabins, 132 Murilla St, Miles QLD 4415
president@bmwmcq.org.au
All Cane Toad W’end Rally 9:00 AM TBA
Coffee Meet Up Monthly Club Ride 6:30 Drinks with PM Dinner if you like 12:30 Club Lunch PM Ride
6:00 German PM Club Social Dinner
Hamilton Hotel 442 Kingsford Smith Dr, Hamilton
vpres@bmwmcq.org.au president@bmwmcq.org.au
Brisbane German Club, 416 Vulture president@bmwmcq.org.au Street, East Brisbane …Come along and enjoy the company of your fellow Club members. A limited amount of parking is available in the club carpark however, if this is full, parking is available on Duke and Linton Streets.
14
N
SEPTEMBER 2019
THE FAMOUS BISCUIT RUN 11.0
othing in this life ever stays the same so we should embrace change for what it brings. Now that is some statement from this writer who does not carry a smart phone and who couldn’t find how to turn off the heated grips on John Eacott’s K16 when called upon to ride the bike for John. For those who do not know the answer to that question the answer lies deep in the computer menu in a dropdown box next to a ……….oh you get the picture! New is not necessarily better for this ageing rider who still loves his 1970’s bikes and 12 yo GS.
Well a couple we all know and love, George & Maggie, have indeed embraced change with their own personal ‘Escape to the Country’ with a move from Brisbane to Wallangarra in the southern Darling Downs close to the NSW border. Did that mean that their Famous Biscuit Ride would be curtailed at number 10? President Paul was not going to let that happen so with Maggie & George still very keen to bake the biscuits and host the event, it was agreed that we should move the event to Wallangarra and also embrace the change. What traditionally had been a morning/day ride was now a weekend event which opened up many more fun opportunities.
Our first choice for the overnight stop was Stanthorpe but accommodation options were very limited for that weekend in the Granite Belt town so Tenterfield was the ultimate winner. This was also a closer option for our ‘Port Mob’ as they are affectionately known, to ride north from Port Macquarie. Various Motel options were put on the facebook site by Richard and we made a booking for Saturday night dinner at the Tenterfield Tavern. This initial booking for 20 quickly grew to 30 and ultimately 45. Members made their way to Tenterfield alone, in small groups or joined Richard’s ride from the Sunshine Coast. The weather was certainly cold which is not to be unexpected in winter at an altitude of 850 metres. This gave everyone the opportunity to drag along their best winter warmers that may have been left in the panniers at last month’s (not so) Frigid Digit at Mapleton.
Everyone arrived safely in Tenterfield on Saturday afternoon with a leaky tyre on Jack’s K16 the only problem that I heard. The dinner at the Tavern on Saturday night went off a treat. If noise level was
THE FAMOUS BISCUIT RUN 11.0
SEPTEMBER 2019
15
the gauge for enjoyment then this was certainly a very enjoyable evening for the 45 attendees. Seven of the last standing as the Tavern closed were fortunate in being offered a courtesy bus ride home on a cold and windy night. Medals went to Bill & Robyn, Murray & Jenny, Tony & Jane and Graham. Medals also for Steve & Mandy but they were staying at the Tavern so only required a short walk to their room for the night.
Several of us took breakfast at the Courtyard Café behind the Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum a short walk from the Peter Allen Motel where we stayed. The café and museum which documents the areas rich federation history are both recommended if visiting Tenterfield. Arrangements had been made to assemble after breakfast in the carpark of the Tavern for the short ride through to Wallangarra. We certainly made the most noise in Tenterfield on that Sunday morning as 30 odd bikes fired up and processed down the New England Highway to the Driver Reviver Station carpark in Wallangarra to be greeted by the wide smiles and warm embrace of George & Maggie. A few more members had made their own way to Wallangarra with my tally being 54 people and Richard counting 31 bikes which was a wonderful endorsement for the decision to take the event to the country.
Paul made a presentation to George and Maggie of an engraved plaque with BMW rondel and a large card that had been endorsed by all in attendance. The smiles (and a few tears) made this one of the club’s most memorable events. Bikkies were consumed, stories swapped and friendships renewed. The Famous Biscuit Ride #11 was a resounding success with the change of format and venue embraced and endorsed with such a strong show of numbers.
Thanks Maggie and George.
16
SEPTEMBER 2019
THE FAMOUS BISCUIT RUN 11.0
BISCUIT HEAVEN - Jane Gray We’ve all come prepared With our water, cup & spoon If you’ll please excuse us We’re all set to swoon Coffee, tea & biscuits Watch our waistlines balloon This annual event Can’t come around too soon We’ve come from all over We just can’t resist Even though you’re out country We’re glad you persist Assorted great flavours Try them all, we insist “Doggy bags” to take home Arms don’t need a twist A cold ride to Wallangarra 31 bikes a-revvin’ 43 overnighters Day trippers 8 or 7?? Many thanks George & Maggie We’re in Biscuit Heaven Who could believe it? Famous Biscuit Ride #11
THE FAMOUS BISCUIT RUN 11.0
SEPTEMBER 2019
17
The Pre-Biscuit dinner 2019
T
here were many options of an interesting riding route to Tenterfield, where we would stay the Saturday night for the countdown to the Biscuit Run the following day. Duncan and I chose the dirt option down some familiar “farm” roads heading south from Boonah and across the border into NSW at White Swamp.
Anything for a Biscuit - Crossing the mighty Clarence on Paddy’s Flat Road
G
etting back onto the tarmac on the Bruxner Highway, the wind was very strong and during our lunch stop at the Quirky “Lunatic Hotel” in Drake, our bikes blew over in the strong wind gusts. My helmet visor and Duncan’s pannier were the only casualties, a good lesson learned not to leave my helmet on the mirror when stopped.
T
he very pleasant trek into Tenterfield along the Bruxner still had quite the breeze and my progress was slowed at one point by a pair of bright green boxer shorts drifting in the wind across the road, and no I didn’t stop to pick them up (or look into the roadside bushes closely)! The Tenterfield Tavern was the overnight accommodation for us and the venue for a club dinner organised by Tony Gray that had around 40 or so members in attendance including some not seen for quite a while, so many a not-so-quiet ale and red wine was had while catching up with everyone’s news while partaking in good quality pub fare including a very delicious lamb shank dish.
Thanks to Tony for organising the dinner, a great precursor to whet the appetite for the Biscuit Run!
Tracey with a brace of Daves - Tenterfield
18
SEPTEMBER 2019
ALASKA PT2 - Flogging it to Deadhorse
By: Duncan Bennett No.4171
W
e left Part 1 Photo Bombe Alaska at the close of Day 5 in Talkeetna. Even though we’d seemed to have done a lot of riding, the northerly progress from Anchorage added up to all of about 160km so to get to the top we were going to have to up the pace. Day 6 objective was Fairbanks, considered to be the most northerly civilisation in Alaska accessible by bitumen road, a journey of about 450km which would make a reasonable dent in the distance.
Refresher on Alaskan geography showing some key points on the True North Alaska tour Road quality heading north past the sometimes nearly visible Denali ranges to the west was excellent, encouraging the leaders to indeed “up the pace”, until a member of Alaska’s constabulary decided that the pace was too up for his liking. It appears that state law allows for mass pull-overs with the officer’s opinion on whether the basic speeding law (driving too fast for the conditions irrespective of the posted speed limit) has been violated all that counts. We first realised we had a nest of dangerously reckless criminals in our midst when cresting a hill at a very safe speed and seeing flashing blue and red lights and a line of cars and motorcycles pulled to the side of the road. We went past by a hundred metres or so and pulled over, just so we could be clearly seen and provide a positive and timely example of how one should behave on public roads.
Cindy expressing how we all felt when friends were pulled over for speeding After battling mozzies for a while, the proceedings were completed with a slight increase in state revenue, Tassie Tim’s blood pressure, and his righteous indignation, so we headed up the road to the interesting Veteran’s Memorial Park. After consoling our victimised friends with deep and genuine expression of sympathy and a mozzie repelling candlelight vigil, we checked out the Park which has displays describing all the conflicts Alaskans have been involved in. The second world war is particularly interesting, and Alaska was the only place in the USA invaded; the Aleutian Islands of Attu and Kiska were occupied by the Japanese in 1942 to protect their northern flank. Only a year later, US and Canadian forces expelled them to prevent any potential attack by the Japanese on the US north west coast. With squadrons of mozzies beginning to make opening visors or mouths risky, we hit the road once more at a slighted less “upped pace”, travelling to Cantwell where the big Alaskan road loop is cut in half by the Denali Highway which was designed to provide tourist access from the eastern side of Alaska to the immensely popular Denali park. A push to the McKinley Creekside Café and we’d done enough to deserve an excellent burger lunch with chips that I always swore I’d never eat to keep the carbo-load down but always did. No fuel was available, so we continued up to Healy to undertake this essential service. The process for re-fuelling was becoming smooth by this point in the trip; Justin would pull into the servo, and try to get both sides of a single bowser to allow the other 14 bikes to conga line past in two columns and be filled. If all 15 bikes
ALASKA PT2 - Flogging it to Deadhorse
SEPTEMBER 2019
19
had to be filled in a single line, then it just took a bit longer. Not that there weren’t occasional snafus and indeed the only bike drop of the entire trip occurred at a servo, but the system was generally quite efficient.
Motor Bicycle Bowser Ballet at the Healy Service Station Filled with food and fuel, the only thing remaining to do was to get to Fairbanks, although another stop was taken at the Roughwood Café in Nenana in case someone hadn’t loaded in 500% of their daily carbs requirement, with more than two hours remaining before any carbo-sustaining dinner could be had. The accommodation in Fairbanks was at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, designed for handling the enormous number of tourist groups coming through Fairbanks via train, plane, or bus. We did very well for ourselves and most of the group was sent out to the top-quality cabins next door to the lodge, probably because we were all so coated in splattered mozzies and other insects that they didn’t want us inside. The Lodge was a long way out of town; however this was later realised to be a good thing when some of the group went in to find dinner and discovered it mainly dead except for one craft brewery oasis. With Prudhoe Bay a dry area and lacking take-away facilities, Patrick O’Perth joined us for an Uber trip to the nearest Walgreens for a few liquid essentials before getting back to the lodge and calling it a day. Day 7 was the start of the real Alaska, or at least the Alaska that most people including a lot of Alaskans haven’t seen. Not far out of town the roadworks started, giving us
Not hard to do once lots of Bushman’s applied a refresher on riding gravel roads which would be most of the surface ridden for the following days. At Livengood, the last chance to loiter in civilisation is forsaken and the Dalton highway begins. The highway is named after James Dalton, a mining engineer who was a pioneer in oil exploration and was an expert in construction in Alaskan conditions – particularly on permafrost.
One occasion that even the miles measure did seem a long way The first challenge was to make it to lunch at Yukon River, with the road a mixture of bitumen and dirt. The bitumen suffers from “frost heaves” when the water under the surface freezes and expands, creating speed bumps, drop-
20
SEPTEMBER 2019
ALASKA PT2 - Flogging it to Deadhorse
offs, whoops, and worst of all; potholes. The dry conditions made it pleasant riding, and the gravel sections were hard packed and easy. The Yukon River is big at the crossing – about 600m across, and that is before the huge Tanana River which flows past Fairbanks joins it to become a monster. A lunch of chilli which seemed to be lacking the obvious ingredient of chilli was enjoyed, before checking out the 800 mile long Prudhoe Bay to Valdez oil pipeline information at the crossing. Seemed ridiculous when it was 25°C
Yukon River bridge The rising temperature required some alteration in the number of layers worn under the jacket as we headed off north once more. The mainly hard-packed gravel continued with occasional patches of bitumen, making the speeds fairly high as we covered the 100km to the next important achievement – the Arctic Circle. As we were crossing the circle less than a week short of the summer solstice, our hopes of some cool dark nights to aid the sleeping environment were finally dashed. Some learned astronomy theory discussion was held amongst the “but it rises in the east and sets in the west” Australian contingent about where on earth the sun goes if it doesn’t set. The consensus was that we didn’t care, but needed better curtains. Another 50km and we’d had experience of our first Dalton Highway roadworks at Gobbler’s Knob. As the highway is the heavy vehicle haulage route for Prudhoe Bay, every effort is made to keep the surface as smooth as possible and keep the dust to a minimum. The roadworks crews use lots of water to get the compaction right, however this makes the road notoriously slippery when
mixing in calcium chloride as a dust suppressant. Fortunately, we were all giggling about Gobbler’s Knob so didn’t get terribly focussed on the road condition, and all made it through without dramas. It was naturally day as we pulled into Coldfoot camp, famous as the major stop on the Ice Road Truckers television program. The accommodation was basic but good, and the truck stop mess hall and bar did their jobs admirably before getting to bed for a good day’s sleep in preparation for the final leg north.
A typical long Dalton Highway truck at Coldfoot Peter had volunteered to go out at second midday (12am) to see where the sun had gone, so Day 8 began with his explanation that it sort of just hovered, beaming a heavenly light on his 1200GS the entire time, which seemed about right and resolved the issue as far as the Australians were concerned. A hearty breakfast of oatmeal and we were packed and ready to roll on the most important day of the trip. For the first 40km the road was superb bitumen, then we started to get up into the Brooks Range which was the last barrier before the north slope and the tundra. A
ALASKA PT2 - Flogging it to Deadhorse brief stop for morning refreshments, at which a seagull appeared once again proving that seagulls are literally everywhere, and we went over the top through a very scenic pass with the weather looking a bit ugly to the north.
The adventure rider’s Dalton Highway nemesis Down we went onto the northern side, with trees suddenly a thing of the past. The road surface was generally excellent, even though it looked wet it was hard packed and allowed some good speed to be maintained by the group. The major problem was the cold which headed into the 40’s and ultimately the 30’s Fahrenheit as we went north in the overcast and slightly drizzly conditions. Stops were made to re-layer, which resulted in thick thermals top and bottom, riding t-shirt, long sleeved shirt, Gore-Tex gloves with two inner linings, double neck warmers, and a merino beanie under the extremely tight helmet. The Coloradans had come equipped with heated
Helmets were only removed to put more stuff on
SEPTEMBER 2019
21
vests and gloves, and soon one could see the Australians mentally calculating their size just in case an opportunity presented itself to salvage. The moisture got more serious as we reached the Sagavanirktok River (more conveniently just call the Sag River) and the inappropriately named Happy Valley camp for lunch. The cold was bitter, and wet mud was coating just about everything, making sandwich construction from scratch without ending up with an Earth condiment on the ham difficult. An experimental jog around the open spaces succeeded in making me tired without any appreciable increase in warmth, so stoically we all just had to stop thinking about hot soup, get back on the bikes, and keep going. The road continued in the hills beside the river and the surface generally remained good, until suddenly we were beside the river and into a 10km section of roadworks.
Cold and lonely on the Dalton Highway The roadworks had started on the righthand side of the road, so the left-hand side was the preferred path as it appeared less slippery. Pace slowed and the tension was palpable, a wrong move would result in a hard fall and serious laundry issues. Riding on the wrong side was suitable until a truck came up behind us, fortunately it stayed on the right side and left us alone, unfortunately it put up a fine mist spray of chocolate coloured mud which completely coated us including the visors and other important equipment for seeing. A stop had to be made to clean visors, but Cindy suffered badly because her “pinlock” visor inside the main visor which is designed to act as double glazing and prevent fogging came loose. This
22
SEPTEMBER 2019
ALASKA PT2 - Flogging it to Deadhorse
resulted in fogging and having to open the visor to see, letting a literally arctic blast of air inside.
industrial sheds, block buildings, dirt roads, oil and gas equipment, and lots of muddy space. Our first plan was to get fuel, then secondly get to the Prudhoe General Store which is the official end of the road for celebratory photos. Fortunately, the General Store is also a large and well stocked emporium with temperatures inside in the high 20’s Celsius, so it was not long before riders were re-warmed and ready to head to the accommodation. It was old-school camp living at the Deadhorse Camp; shared bathrooms are unusual in the modern world and no longer the norm in mining camps, but it made our experience a bit more gritty and we were comfortable enough in each other’s company by now to share facilities without staring or recoiling in horror. Once we were unpacked, it was off to dinner where another odd ritual was undertaken; getting food at the buffet required donning of gloves.
It was about to get a lot worse Soon the roadworks ended and the speed increased on an excellent gravel road, and then the animals appeared in the form of musk oxen, caribou, arctic hare, artic fox, and squirrels. A few stops were made for photos then we meandered along the long road through oil facility paraphernalia to reach the T-junction which signalled the end of independent riding.
Made it Deadhorse is a bleak city of containers,
Peter and Maxine providing superb white glove self-service at Deadhorse Camp mess The slide into Day 9 completed without any intervening night, we had a tour planned to get to the coast and complete the northerly journey beyond reasonable doubt. To pass through the oil fields, we had to show our passports to the tour bus driver Cliff, who forcefully pushed home the fact that he was a security professional and not a real tour bus driver as we motored around Prudhoe Bay. Cliff was into detail and showed us how the workers live, normally a two-week on, two-week off roster. Cliff probably went into too much detail, by the time we had his room and phone number and directions to his room and his opposite
ALASKA PT2 - Flogging it to Deadhorse number’s name who he shared the room with, in a hot bedding arrangement, we felt we were in deep enough. Gas flares were burning in the misty ride to the Beaufort Sea, and once past the drilling mud disposal facility we pulled up at the foggy coast. Cliff waited for a few minutes, probably to make sure that any polar bears had read his detailed instructions on not interfering with tourists, before we were released from the bus. With the promise of an official certificate signed by Cliff himself, various brave members decided to take the arctic swim.
SEPTEMBER 2019
23
air that wasn’t too cold. Everything looked and felt better; the road, the scenery, the caribou, the fingers, and the toes. Pace was quick along the dry gravel roads, and even the nightmare roadworks section was a totally different proposition and gone was the slippery mud which had been replaced by a freshly graded surface that provided some reasonable grip.
With a 2 million barrel capacity pipeline alongside, the hill name was subject to some musing Trevor deciding to preserve the tender North West Passage With hypothermic members back on the bus, we headed away from the ultimate northern achievement, taking only photographs and leaving only footprints. And someone’s jocks. A few more stops at various places of interest involving Cliff’s lifestyle, and some good technical explanation about rigs and how they are moved, and we were back at Deadhorse Camp to complete the packing and prepare for the great southern journey.
Modular drilling facility, Prudhoe Bay The weather was a vast improvement from the previous day, with clear skies and dry crisp
Just after 2pm and we were back at the now appropriately named Happy Valley again for lunch, this time easily finding clean-ish surfaces to construct the sandwiches and even happily taking off layers and unzipping zips. The Brooks Range became visible to the south and east as we started off again, with numerous photo stops to take advantage of the glorious scenery that had been well hidden the previous day. Plans were made for Nic to deploy his drone to take footage as we climbed up into the pass, requiring some precision choreography for rider spacing which is always perfect until the film set is reached and everyone either bunches or spreads out or covers the other thespians with dust. Stopping at the top of the pass, it was more photos, a bit of snow play for the Australians, and setting up for the next Nic film production. By this time everyone had realised that Margreth was the “A lister” in the film, so there was some jockeying for position trying to get as close in the line up as possible to her. Ride Leader Justin basically ruined it for everyone by riding alongside Margreth, but we didn’t have time to re-shoot so left it to Nic to “Kevin Spacey” him out of the final product.
24
SEPTEMBER 2019
ALASKA PT2 - Flogging it to Deadhorse
All it needed was a coffee van
recorded temperature in the USA; -80°F or -62.2°C on 23rd January 1971. There is clearly a bit of shame that the North American record of -81°F is held by Canada at Snag in the Yukon, but bloody cold either way. Pushing on after a bit more giggling about Gobbler’s Knob, wide loads started to become a bit of an issue as it was good weather to move what looked like entire office blocks up to Prudhoe Bay, resulting in forced stops in wayside areas until the obstruction moved past.
No sneaking past these things
Typical Brisbanite behaviour – see snow, want to roll in snow Once down off the range, it was the slog through to Coldfoot with the last 30 miles mentally taking as long as the previous 100 because of the excellent bitumen road which actually made the riding a bit boring. The scenery maintained its fabulousness right up until the end, and the arrival back into Coldfoot wasn’t without some regret although we made it to the mess just before it closed and the bar had already run out of the decent craft beers so we were forced to buy US domestic. With the sun providing absolutely no assistance, it was left to checking the watch to see it was quite late and time for close of what had been a fantastic day. Day 10 was quite a long day’s ride down to Chena Hot Springs, so we got ourselves organised as per normal quasi-religious routines and headed off at exactly 3 weeks after sunrise. First stop was at Gobbler’s Knob, where the roadworks had fortuitously moved on from, to get a view of the Prospect Camp in the valley below which holds the record for the coldest
At one stop south of the arctic circle, a well-dressed Japanese man and his lady friend approached us and asked where mobile reception might be available as they had a flat tyre on their hire car. Looking out across the endless taiga no mobile phone towers were immediately apparent, and although we were falling a bit behind, we decided that we would still likely make it to Chena Hot Springs in the daylight so pledged to help. To his eternal shame, our new Japanese friend had to admit that he had no idea how to change a tyre. In a few minutes the pit crew of Richard O’Roma, Bayne and I had the space saver tyre out, on, and the tools and punctured tyre packed away. Although unprepared for fixing vehicle problems, it was noted that the couple had enough food and water to survive more polar winters than the Franklin North-West Passage expedition, so we happily accepted a whole watermelon and hit the road once more. A bull moose on the edge of the road caused a momentary conniption, but it was worth it to see such an impressive beast as it bounded into the forest rather than into me. Unfortunately, the Japanese couple had started a trend, and about 20 miles shy of the Yukon River I noticed the front was getting wobbly, so pulled over in a wayside stop to discover a flat front tyre.
ALASKA PT2 - Flogging it to Deadhorse
SEPTEMBER 2019
25
My first ever puncture on a motorcycle was celebrated with a friendly crowd of mozzies
From a 1200GS, even riders who’d carried a pillion to Deadhorse look unimportant
The cause was deduced to have been a rock I had inadvertently hit, but the solution in Bayne was a long time coming as he’d been trapped by yet another wide load. Getting as prepared as possible in the absence of any useful tools, we applied three fresh coats of Bushman’s and settled down to wait. Nearly an hour later Bayne arrived, and we got cracking on the first tubed tyre incident of the trip. First issue was finding the tools which had been provided by the bike hire company Motoquest. Successfully done, we (using the term we loosely by now) had the wheel off and discovered that Shinko tyres are bloody stiff which caused a lot of manly grunting and swearing to get the tube out and a new one in. All reassembled, Bayne applied his motorcycle tyre pump only to find that the valve wouldn’t seal, and the tyre stubbornly remained flat. Searching of the tool chest and spares for another 10 cent valve only increased the volume and frequency of swearing, so eventually we admitted defeat and unloaded the spare bike, happily a 1200GS. Fortunately it wasn’t far to Yukon River, unfortunately Nic’s latest cinema project of synchronised riding across the bridge had been wrapped up, and no celebrity level of tantrum would get him to re-shoot with me in it. A quick Caesar Salad lunch and we hit the road, not even bothering to stop at the Dalton Highway sign as we’d already done that, eventually catching up with the mob near Fairbanks after some roadworks that were way boggier and more slippery than anything we’d experienced on the Dalton Highway.
Once back into the vicinity of Fairbanks, the world was suddenly looking normal again and we turned east on the bitumen toward the resort at Chena Hot Springs. A final stop of fuel and some deserved take-away beverage procurement and we pulled into the resort just after 6pm, where the car park was discovered to have the highest density of mosquitoes and other biting insects of the trip so far. The feeling was nonetheless good and proud; we had ridden the Dalton Highway without serious incident and seen some incredible country, so with most of the dirt completed we were all well set for yet more spectacular scenery and wildlife in the remaining Alaskan south.
END OF PART 2
26
SEPTEMBER 2019
BMWMCQ Christmas Party
BMWMCQ CHRISTMAS PARTY SATURDAY 07 DECEMBER 2019
The Club Christmas Party is being welcomed back to the delightful coastal retreat of Evans Heads. We will be dinning on the veranda next to the river with just a fantastic outdoors setting in exclusive use. Dinner will be a two course Christmas fare at $45 per head with a cash bar: Nibbles prior to dinner with drinks
Accommodation The Bowlo Cabins have once again offered a discount price for bookings at the following prices. 6x Hotel Style Cabins @ $108/night (Sleeps 2, King Bed – can be split, 4x 1 Bedroom Cabins @ $143/night (Sleeps 4, Queen Bed – can be split, sofa bed available on request, 6x 2 Bedroom Cabins @ $179/night (Sleeps 6, Queen Bed – can be split, 2 single beds, sofa bed available on request, 2x 3 Bedroom Cabins @ $233/night (Sleeps 8, Queen Bed – cannot be split, Queen Bed – can be split, 2 single beds, sofa bed available on request, Please ring Zac at the Bowlo on 02 6682 4343. to make bookings. Essential to mention you are part of the BMW group to get discounted price. Also The Pacific Motel has nice rooms and their direct booking number is 02 66824318 Paying for dinner Please pay $45.00 per head by bank transfer to the clubs Bank account BSB 124001 AC 10243020Please ensure to add in remarks your name and the number of pax you are paying for. Once you have deposited the correct amount. Please EMAIL treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au stating details of your deposit. This is an essential component of your booking. We have been here before and had a fabulous time so make sure you book your accommodation early and follow the dinner venue booking directions closely. There will be a group ride down on back roads. Some people will go down for two nights, some only on the Saturday. If you’re short of time it is only a short run down the dual carriage freeway to Evans Head.
FOR THE AIRHEADS - and they are many
SEPTEMBER 2019
27
MMM BOXERWORKS AIRHEADS GROUP PAGE Each month Mark will endeavour to provide a couple of links to his instructional videos on dealing with all matters pertaining to BMW Airhead Motor Cycles. These are the three links this month to Facebook Video’s: https://www.facebook.com/Boxerworks/videos/387635181935252/ https://www.facebook.com/Boxerworks/videos/372594016749928/ https://www.facebook.com/Boxerworks/videos/454660561931598/ https://www.facebook.com/mark.morrissey.96/videos/10219638550375035/
The above video by Mark (5035) really is a must see... so we’ve left it in there
28
SEPTEMBER 2019
ADVERTISING & BMW SUPPORTS
ADVERTISING & BMW SUPPORTS
SEPTEMBER 2019
29
Brisbane BMW Motorcycle Specialists Need your BMW motorcycle serviced? We can also help ensure your pride and joy stays in top nick. Northside Motorcycle Tyres and Service has the latest software for BMWs enabling us to re- set service reminders, and assist with diagnostic testing and component testing making it more efficient to solve any problems with your bike. Log book servicing which won’t void your warranty. Book in for a BMW motorcycle service today with our expert team and you can be confident that Your pride and joy is in good hands.
BMW Motorcycle Tyres & Accessories Planning on hitting the road soon? Stop by our showroom to check out our great range of tyres, luggage bags and riding gear to suit Adventure or Sport Touring.
FREE BMW Motorcycle Safety Inspection Report But perhaps more importantly, be prepared before you head off! Book in for your FREE safety inspection report. This simple check can mean the difference between a hassle-free ride versus getting stuck on the side of the road with no phone coverage a long way from the nearest town. “NEW WEBSITE” SHOP ONLINE FOR ALL YOUR MOTORCYCLE TYRES & ACCESSORIES WITH THE ADDED BENEFIT OF AFTERPAY “BUY NOW, PAY LATER” HTTPS://NSMCTYRES.COM 1/14 Paisley Drive Lawnton Qld 4503, Phone 07 3205 6505 Email info@nsmctyres.com
30
SEPTEMBER 2019
Some Useful Services & Stuff...............
Call now for our frEE parts CataloguE
Genuine & Aftermarket parts (from 1955 onwards) • Accessories • Australian Agent for Hepco & Becker Luggage Systems and Crash Bars Electronic Ignition Systems Unit 5&6 / 9 Hayden Crt Myaree, Perth, 6154 Western Australia
www.munichmotorcycles.com.au TrAde enqUiries WelCoMe (open till 7pm est.)
Phone: 08 9317 3317 Fax: 08 9317 3359 email: munich@iinet.net.au
??? SMOOTH OUT YOUR RIDE ???
We’ve got you covered. GENUINE AUSTRALIAN
SHEEPSKIN SEAT COVERS
ADVERTISING SPACE AVAILABLE
From business card to full page, all sizes are available. The BMWMCQ journal is distributed to members throughout Queensland and is also displayed in QLD dealerships. In addition, copies are sent interstate to other BMW affiliated Clubs. Get your message out to people who own, ride and restore BMW motorcycles. Rates are below. Phone your requests to Don Grimes - Ph: 0411 601 372
Good Wool Store Pty Ltd 49 Queen St BERRY 2535 P 02 4464 2081. F 02 4464 3344
www.goodwool.com.au
BMWMCQ UKI CLUB LUNCH - AUGUST
AND YET MORE BISCUITS.......
SEPTEMBER 2019
31
32
SEPTEMBER 2019
CAMPING WEEKEND AUGUST 2019
An excellent camping weekend at Kilkivan, organised by Murray Brown and Bill Allen. Highlights included a camp oven dinner, stories around the camp-fire, red and port, and pleasantly cool temperatures....
CAMPING WEEKEND AUGUST 2019
33
AUGUST 2019
Don’t touch the Tiger, Cat The wide open spaces of Kilkivan BMWMCQ BOOK EXCHANGE BOOKS AVAILABLE
Race to Dakar Charley Boorman Extreme Frontiers Charley Boorman (Racing Across Canada) What If I Had Never Tried It Valentino Rossi (The Autobiography) The Road to Mali Craig Carey-Clinch No Room for Watermelons Ron & Lynne Fellowes Great Motorcycle Tours of Europe Colette Coleman A Motorcycle Courier in the Great War Captain W.H.L. Watson Australia Motorcycle Atlas With 200 Top Rides (6th Ed) Herma Maps Overland Magazine Issue 11 Overland Magazine Issue 19 Overland Magazine Issue 21 Overland Magazine Issue 22 Overland Magazine Issue 25 Overland Magazine Issue 26
Overland Magazine The Touring Motorcycle
Issue 27 Jeff Ware & Kris Hodgson
2 x On Tour with Compass Expeditions DVDs
The Club has taken up the initiative of a book exchange facility via the Club. The initive is being overseen by Jane Gray and you can communicate with Jane via email at: mailto:library@bmwmcq.net.au Arrangement can be made with the librarian as to pick up & drop off procedures and wew wouold antici[pate this occurred at the monthly Memebers meeting.....Editor
WINTER SOLSTICE
SAVINGS
BMW Motorrad
WE’VE PASSED THE WINTER SOLSTICE - THE DAYS ARE GETTING LONGER, AND YOU CAN KEEP RIDING ON AND ON. BMW R 1250 GS
$29,990
RIDE AWAY
BMW F 850 GSA
$25,490
RALLYE
RIDE AWAY
BMW F 850 GS
$20,990
RALLYE
RALLYE
RIDE AWAY
BMW F 750 GS
$17,990
TOUR
RIDE AWAY
BMW S 1000 XR
$25,990
RIDE AWAY
BMW G 310 GS
$6,990
RIDE AWAY
TEAMMOTO BMW SPRINGWOOD 59 Moss Street, Springwood I (07) 3442 1397 teammotobmwspringwood.com.au *National recommended promotional Ride Away Price for models shown based on NSW delivery and with no other optional extras or colours other than those listed. Models with specification other than those listed may have a higher or lower price. Images may include options that differ from listed specifications. Offer applies to motorcycles ordered and delivered between 1st July 2019 and 30th September 2019, at participating BMW Motorrad dealers. While stocks last. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Stock may vary between BMW Motorrad dealers. Price may vary according to individual circumstances and may vary between BMW Motorrad dealers and states/territories. Excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. Consult your participating BMW Motorrad dealer for further details. BMW Group Australia reserves the right to change or extend the offer.