AUGUST 2018
www.bmwmcq.org.au
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC. Established 1958
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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 - Duncan Bennett Ph: 0458 293 569 secretary@bmwmcq.org.au R 850 R
This Issue - AUGUST 2018 Contents:-
Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Committee Reports . . . . . . . . . . 5 TREASURERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 General Meeting Minutes. . . . . 11 Club Ride binna burra. . . . . . . . 12 CHRISTMAS IN TIN CAN BAY. . . . . . 14 THE COLD WR IS OVER . . . . . . . . . 15 BMW CA MOTORRAD RALLY. . . . . . 18 SUNNY COAST RIDERS - COOYAR . . . 22 FOR THE AIRHEADS . . . . . . . . . . . 25
REFLECTIONS ON 60 YEARS. . . . . . 26 BMWMCQ Supports. . . . . . . . . . . 28 NEW VENUE GENERAL MEETINGS. . 29 BMWMCQ Events Calendar 2017. 30 EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS. . . . . . . 31 Cupla Adverts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 ELLASPEDE’S DUST HUSTLE. . . . . . 33 FOR THE AIRHEADS . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Advertisers
TeamMoto Front - Cover
Treasurer - John Eacott
Ph: 0428 383 826 treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au 2017 K1600GT 2016 R1200GS Tripple Black
Editor - Dave Hepburn
Ph: 0422 080 524 editor@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 RT
Records- Greg Gaffney Ph: 0411424 219 records@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 RT & R 90 S Events -Anita Wyndham Ph: 0414 431 751 events@bmwmcq.org.au F 650 GS
Regalia - Cindy Bennett
Ph: 0401 610 671 regalia@bmwmcq.org.au F 700 GS
Tools/Spares - Bill Luyten Ph: 0438 123 747 tools@bmwmcq.org.au R1150 Rockstar - R1200 GS LC
Caloundra Motorcycles Cafe2U - P.28 Good Wool Store - P.32 Munich Motorcycles - P.32 Northside Motorcycles - P.34 Morgan and Wacker- Back Cover
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n The Cover...
A touch of the Olde and New....the old buildings of Harrisville... the reasonably new BMW motorcycles front and centre and coloured in the old fashion Sepia (used to be very popular in its day). Absolutely beautiful day on our way to the Lamington Tea House Binna Burra....Ed
Sub Committee
• Dealer Liaison / Advertising - Don Grimes Ph: 0411 601 372 • Forum Moderator - Garry Hilton
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
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AUGUST 2018
Dave Hepburn
Editorial Editor’s Report
J
uly was another busy month full of great events, the monthly club ride, socialising, coffee mornings, lunches and specialty events such as the Frigid Digit and a number of external events. There were a significant number of members who are regulars at our events, who were absent due to overseas touring, ocean voyages and long distance travels to Tenant Creek and return. They were missed and we look forward to their presence once again and being regaled with stories of adventure and Deering Do. This month we have started a new column in the journal dedicated to matters pertaining to airhead BMW Boxers and their owners and mechanics. It had been brought to my attention that I had neglected this rather large group of, in most cases long serving, members. With help of Mark Morrissey, The BMWMCQ Airheads Group and others, I hope to rectify this neglect. Mark has been allocated a column on page 25… FOR THE AIRHEADS – And There Are Many. Mark has provided two links to videos he has produced and this month we are looking at the black art of servicing and adjusting drum brakes. Gary Stirling also contributed to the Airheads column resurrecting an article from the BMWMCQ Journal of October 1994 and the participation of members in: the two yearly Off Centre Rally: a 20 day adventure in the middle of the country. (Very inhospitable country at that)….Mt Dare, a Character Building Exercise, taking on 20 days of conquering some of the most inhospitable territory Australia has to offer motorcycle riders. No bloody wonder they only hold it every 2 years. It takes you that long to forget all the woes of two years ago and THEN you go again. There is an Off Centre Rally this year and information can be found in the Extraordinary Events Calendar on page 31. Frigid digit was a great success and photos to that effect are scattered throughout the magazine. I am looking forward to Maggie and George’s Biscuit Run on 5 August having missed two in a row and vow not to miss this one. Also toward the end of the month, the Sunny Coast organised, 5 days Outback Adventure. Meanwhile stay shinny side up keep your powder dry and don’t do anything Paul wouldn’t do!
PS if there is anybody out there who can give me a tutorial on prettying up the URL features we are trying to introduce I would be most grateful.
VENUE FOR BMWMCQ GENERAL MEETINGS GEEBUNG RSL CLUB 323 NEWMAN ROAD GEEBUNG MEALS OPEN AT 6.00 PM MEETIN STARTS 7.30 PM
NEXT MEETING : 7.30PM 2 AUGUST 2018 COME AND CHECK IT OUT
Committee Reports Paul Hughes
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AUGUST 2018
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President’s Report
busy month since the last report: A great coffee morning at Sandgate and a very enjoyable ride to Cooyar with the Sunny Coast mob for lunch. Frank led an awesome ride to Binna Burra for a late lunch and a fantastic view of the Gold Coast. Warrego Riders also had a great dirt day, where I believe everyone had a great ride. We also had a service day at Charlie’s place, where the Mysteries of idle settings were discussed and shown to people who have no idea (me). Not many spare hours there but that was soon topped off with another fantastic Frigid Digit near Stanthorpe. We reached zero degrees for the first time since Bunya Mountains and I am pretty sure everyone had a really great ride and night. Thanks to Graham, Gary, Frank, David, Charlie and Bill and as always Anita, as well as Richard from the Sunny Coast for providing some great rides and friendly company. This month we have the very famous George and Maggie Biscuit ride with morning tea at Glass House Mountains Lookout and bring your own picnic lunch at Logan Inlet. This is one of best annual events and you shouldn’t miss it for anything. The BMW Motorrad Rally is getting closer. It is being held near Lithgow NSW on the October long weekend. There are lots of details and bookings on the BMW ACT site. The Christmas Party details are posted. We are going to Tin Can Bay this year for a great weekend. December 1. Booking details are on Facebook and The Web. I have it on very reliable information the Cane Toad Rally is about to be resurrected. A couple of long time participants are in full swing organising mode. Stay tuned for more details. The journal will be permanently hosting a BMW Airheads page starting in September. The page will be about all things Airheads with articles, trip reports, photos and videos. I think this will be a popular segment each month. Please feel free to contribute via the editor. Hope to see as many as possible at the Biscuit ride. Ride safe Paul
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AUGUST 2018
Richard Maher
Committee Reports Vice President’s Report
Hello Readers orry I missed the July meeting. I have been away on a trip. Yes there was a borrowed vehicle involved and how lucky can one-man be, three 17 year old girls were supplied with the vehicle. I was offered the opportunity to wander down to Victoria to pick up the 4WD and take the passengers up to Fraser Island, and return them safe and sound to Victoria two weeks later. Yes, my wife was fully aware of my good fortune. What could I do? There was no way I was not going to take up this kind offer. What does this have to do with motorcycling? Absolutely nothing! Although I did see several lightweight orange bikes carving it up on the dunes and tracks on the Island. That is as close as I got to anything motorcycle related. On a BMW related note. I found a set of Panniers for my own actual motorcycle for $50.00. I found them on the BMW Touring Club Facebook page. They were located north of Newcastle and when I checked the postage to Brisso I was quoted nearly $100. Not wishing to pay this unrealistic fee to Aussie post and with my proud Scottish heritage coming to the foreground, I took to my acquaintance network and found a solution to incorporate the picking up of the panniers with the trip to Victoria-Fraser Island-Victoria and the borrowed vehicle. Cost $0.00 I ask you...How lucky can one guy get?
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Committee Reports
AUGUST 2018
John Eacott
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Treasurer’s Report
’m in the Deep South and without my laptop, so all that I can report is that the term deposit accrued an interest income of $183.21 and has been rolled over, total cash at hand is $22,811.19 as of today.
Pelikan Rally 2019
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he BMW Owners Club of South Australia wish to invite you to our biennial rally which will be held at Camp Kedron, on the banks of Lake Bonney, Barmera, South Australia Friday to Sunday, 17th to 19th May 2019. All responsible motorcyclists are welcome to attend. The site offers accommodation ranging from dormitory bunking, powered caravan sites and a camp ground with showers and toilets available. A central kitchen which will act as the registration office for the weekend and the venue for Saturday night’s catered dinner and awards presentation. Awards will be available for both BMW and non-BMW riders and will include longest distance [from home] for solos, sidecars, pillion passengers, youngest and oldest rider, hard luck and best interstate club attendance. The event is held on Crown land and anyone involved in a vehicular accident will be subject to an alcohol breath test. Cheques and money orders can be made payable to: The BMW Owners Club of South Australia, PO Box 193, North Adelaide SA 5006 The cut-off date for postal entries is 1st May 2019. Direct deposits can be made to BMWOCSA BSB: 085 443 Acct: 50806 5526 (Please include – Pelikan Rally - Your surname) .............................................................................................................................................................. Name………………………………………………………………………………. Pillion/Passenger………………………………………………………… Address…………………………………………………………………………….. Bike……………………………………..Club…………………………………….. Entry Fee …….People @ $20.00 per person $………… Family @ $35.00 $………… Accommodation Camping………… People @ $20.00 ea per person/ per night $………… Caravan site …….. People @ $20.00 ea per person/ per night $………… Dormitory bed…….. People @ $20.00 ea per person/ per night $………… Bring your own pillow & sleeping bag Saturday Night Dinner…..People @ $20.00 ea per person $………… Basic 2 course roast dinner – Bring your own crockery and cutlery Sunday Breakfast (bacon & egg roll), coffee or tea and a Panadol ....People @ $5.00 ea per person $………... Total
$………
Location of Camp Kedron Camp Kedron is located on the shore of Lake Bonney, 4.7 km from Barmera, and 221 km North East of Adelaide it takes approx. 2.5 hours to drive from Adelaide
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AUGUST 2018
Anita Wyndham
Committee Reports Events Coords Report
I
t is hard to believe that we are now in August … where has the year gone. For me, there are two much awaited events in August: the Ekka and Maggie and George’s Biscuit Ride. This year, morning tea will be at the lookout at the top of Woodford Glass House Mountains Road and you can either make your own way up or join the led ride leaving Carseldine. This month the Saturday Coffee Run is at the Lighthouse Care at Cleveland – it is a little further than usual but the ocean views are well worth the ride, and the lunch ride is at Mapleton Tavern were there are some great twisty roads to be ridden beforehand. the details of the ride before heading out. If you would like to arrange a ride, send the details to events@bmwmcq.org.au to have them posted into the Club calendar and Facebook Events. Happy riding everyone and remember …. Ride your own ride. Anita
Greg Gaffney
Records Officers Report
I
t was great to see a large turnout for the coffee morning at Shorncliffe last Saturday. Many members from the Sunny Coast as well as members we haven’t caught up with for a while. I like the fact we have so many rides and events, such that all members can participate. If you are having difficulty accessing the website or Facebook to view these events let me know. One cool thing you can do is to have your Facebook events show up in your Google calendar. Search on something like this “Import Facebook calendar to Google Calendar” and follow instructions or give me a call. Cheers Greg
B
elow is a VERY brief extract from the Department of Transport and Main Roads web site in relation to Speeding Fines and Demerit Points. The below link will take you to the web site for much more valuable information. URL was provided as a service for members by Frank.....hmmmmm Ed. https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Driver-guide/Speeding/Speeding-fines-and-demerit-points.aspx
Speeding fines and demerit points
Submissions for the Next Journal (SEPTEMBER 2018 Editi
Committee Reports Bill Luyten
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AUGUST 2018
Tool’s Report
Service Day
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he Club held a Service Day recently at Charlie Brown’s place. It was a bit of a quiet day with about 10 club members attending. Charlie managed to get his GS running well again after a bit of tinkering with throttle cables and carby balance. Thanks again to Charlie for providing the workshop and BBQ. Other bikes were checked with the GS-911 diagnostic tool proving very popular with the results obtained. The usual Sausage Sizzle and drinks were provided for lunch (proceeds collected will go to the RFDS).
Last of the Spares for sale at under Half Price (bargain) Filters - Air R1100s (LX628) x2 @ $5.00ea Brake Pads 520HF (front)- R60, R75, R80, R100 x1 @ $10.00
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 interface Tyre Pressure Monitor Sensor (TPMS) tool Enduralast hall sensor tester
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.
From the Pen of Jane Gray MOTORBIKE STABLE JEGJun2018 Why do you love your bikes so much? They respond to your every touch Gentle caresses while making them shine Extra attention when you’ve got the time Tweaking and tuning and changing the oil A labour of love that nothing can spoil Only the best for your favourite toys Ready to ride with the girls and boys No favouritism each one gets its turn A wash and a polish on its return You could have either a road or dirt bike Choosing whichever one that you like Some of your bikes may need some repair With plans to restore them with loving care Arranging your workshop to suit your need Ensuring your bikes run well at speed Finding time whenever you’re able Revelling in your motorbike stable
ion) closes on 15 AUGUST 2018 - Just soes y’all know!!!!!!
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Committee Reports
AUGUST 2018
Cindy Bennett
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Regalia Officer’s Report
Regalia update for August:
he below items of limited stock are on hand and available for sale to members at a greatly reduced price to get rid of stock on hand. If you are interested in any item either send an email to regalia@bmwmcq.org.au or see me at the next General Meeting. Remember we also have 60th Anniversary lapel pins for $5 each and embroidered caps for either $15 or $20 depending on material.
Ladies Apparel Item
Colour
Quantity
Size
Sale price
Biz Collection cotton tee
Pink
1
14 $10
Biz Collection cotton tee
Pink
1
24 $10
Biz Cool polo
Navy
1
8 $12
Biz Cool polo
Navy
1
12 $12
Biz Cool polo
Navy
2
14 $12
Biz Cool polo
Grey
1
12 $12
Polar Fleece vest
Navy
1
XL $15
Men’s Apparel
Item
Colour
Quantity
Size
Sale price
Biz Collection cotton polo
Black
1
S $10
Biz Collection cotton polo
Navy
1
S $10
BMW Motorrad polo
Khaki/White
1
S $10
Biz Cool polo
Navy/White
1
2XL $15
Biz Cool polo
Grey/White
1
3XL $15
Unisex
Item
Colour
Quantity
Size
Sale price
Cotton beanie
Navy
1
Bucket hat
Navy
1
$10 S/M $10
Frigid Digit long sleeve T-shirts are available and perfect for winter riding. Dark Grey in colour except for size M which is a blue-grey colour: Sizes M to 2XL and $35 each: To order email regalia@ bmwmcq.org.au or see me at the next General Meeting.
Committee Reports
AUGUST 2018
Duncan Bennett
Secretary’s Report
BMWMCQ Meeting Agenda/Minutes 5 July 2018 Venue: Geebung RSL Meeting Opened: Apologies:
Minutes of Previous G 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:
7:32 pm
John Eacott, Maggie and George, Graham and Liz Healy, Richard Maher, Greg Dunne, Rosie and Steve Johnson, Ron Durkin, Stuart Wade, Bruce Northway, Tony Malone Accepted: Tony Grey Seconded: Geoff Hodges 34
Bruce Ryan, F700GS, F650GS Sue, visiting Anita. Nil
Net Income 2,261.47. Reports issued by JE.
Good response for articles. Advert for Xmas party. Video links work in ISSUU now.
22nd July Sunday Service Day at Charlies place. Behind the Puma Service Station. Pans and rags and tools available, some manuals available. Sausage sizzle and drinks, proceeds to RFDS. 2 R1100S air filter. Brake pads suitable for several models. Oil filter tool. Caps and lapel pins available. Inventory to be done up. Frigid Digit long sleeve shirts being printed. $5 for lapel pins. Membership at 253. Direct deposit payment made, no name on it.
Coffee at Café on the Park, Shorncliffe. 28th/29th FD, and Sunday lunch ride to Mapleton Tavern FD on new rides, bring own everything. Have firewood. Biscuit ride on 5th August – BYO picnic lunch, stuff for tea and coffee. Laverda 15th July. NZ have gone digital. NSW one of only with printed journal now. Northside tyres another ad. Membership cards at dealers. Nil, RM not in attendance
Nationals – 29/30 September/1 October down near Lithgow. BMWMCQ doing it in Stanthorpe in 2019 Biscuit Run – PH running led ride, biscuit part at Glasshouse, leaving Carseldine BP 8:30. Lunch at Logan inlet, arrive 1:10pm Christmas Party – 1 December at Tin Can Bay. Villas booked out quickly. Venue will do breakfast for us. Police update. Asked if minister could explain why QLD is down on motorcycling. No response from Premier.
Month Ride: Binna Burra, Beechmont The Gap BP 7:30 for 8:00, Lizzie’s Kitchen Harrisville 10am, then onto Lamington Teahouse Binna Burra Rd Beechmont for 1:00pm. Leader: Frank Hills TEC: Greg Gaffney Other Events/Buy/Sell/Swap: General Business
Closed:
G650GS see Anita. 2002 R1150GS panniers etc, see Andy.
Andy and Tammy described some features of their USA trip. CB: a story on shorting head light circuit on his Yamaha. Mark G - rode a 310GS loaner, quite good, clutch play biggest issue. Mark Morrissey – doing some good stuff at his new place in Newmarket, sells out early.
8:23pm
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JULY 2018
08 JULY - CLUB RIDE - BINNA BURRA
THE LAMINTON TEAHOUSE BINNA BURRA
he July 2018 Club ride was to the Lamington Teahouse at Binna Burra in Beechmont. Ride leader was Frank Hills and TEC was Greg Gaffney. The tea house is licensed and located a short walk from the Binna Burra Lodge. The ride commenced at 0730am for a 0800am departure from the Gap BP at 850 Waterworks Road The Gap. The ride to morning tea included going over Mt Nebo, Mt Glorious and through Fernvale with a brief rest stop at the Fernvale Bakery. The morning tea stop was at Lizzy’s Kitchen at Mackaway’s Café Harrisville. It was here that a significant number of riders who had made their own way to Harrisville joined the ride group. Unfortunately a large number of wedding guests from Saturday’s wedding had turned up unannounced at the Café for a post wedding breakfast and there was a significant delay in our departure to the Lamington Tea House. After our morning tea break we proceeded to out lunch destination at the Lamington Tea House via Beaudesert where we had a fuel stop and arrived at 2.00pm. The lunch was great the weather had been perfect and after a lunch all riders made their own way home or to other destination. All in all it was a really grand day with perfect motorcycling weather. Thank you Frank and Greg,
08 JULY - CLUB RIDE - BINNA BURRA
JULY 2018
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AUGUST 2018
CHRISTMAS IN TIN CAN BAY 1 DEC
ur Christmas Parties are famous for good food and great fun with friends. Raffles and BMW prize winners draw on the night. If you miss this one, you will regret it.
TWO course meal @ $47.50 per head - Dessert extra on the night - Cash bar
We have exclusive use of the covered veranda restaurant and is all weather proof. This is the premium food outlet in Tin Can Bay. Accommodation selections are below. Please book your selected accommodation directly. Ensure to mention you are attending the BMWMCQ Christmas Party to access discounted rates.
Payment for the Dinner Function
Please pay $47.50 per head by bank transfer to the clubs Bank account BSB 124001 AC 10243020 Please ensure to add in remarks your name and the number of persons 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.
Accommodation
Please book direct at one of these if you wish. 1. Tin Can Bay Marina Villas 0754881800 www.tincanbaymarina.com.au Two bedroom water front villas $160 per night ( if you book as BMWMCQ Ask for Lynda). Minimum number available - Next to Function venue 2. Sleepy Lagoon Motel 07 54880653 www.sleepylagoonmotel.com.au various options from $45 per head up to a 3 bedroom house. 7 minute walk to Function venue. Ask for Peter 3. Kingfisher Caravan Park 0754864198 www.kingfishercaravanpark.com.au - cabins available and some bunk beds - Across the street from the function venue 4. Dolphin Waters Apartments 0754862600 www.dolphinwaters.com.au - Around the corner from the function venue - Min 2 night stay The Committee looks forward to welcoming all members and their family to a great night of celebrations. I have eaten twice at the venue and the food is great, especially the seafood. Please book early as numbers will need to be limited and accommodation can be difficult to obtain at short notice at least within walking distance of the Party.
THE COLD WR IS OVER Duncan Bennett AUGUST 2018
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The Cold WR is Over
By: Duncan Bennett, member No.4171 ow is the winter of our off-road rides, made glorious fun by a son of Toowoomba. Having made it through Friday the 13th unscathed, our luck needed to be pushed to a higher limit by joining the Warrego Riders for the ride down into NSW and back on Sunday 15th July. A 7:30am meeting time in Toowoomba means a choice; prepare clothing, pack, check and load bike the night before, get up at 4:45am, and head off in the dark, or book accommodation in Toowoomba, do a casual preparation during the day, take a leisurely ride up the range, and have a pleasant evening strolling about the wide selection of Toowoomba craft beer premises. Cindy had decided that joining the Sunny Coast Riders’ ride to Cooyar on the R850R Beast was a more pleasant option, so Greg Gaffney had decided to take up the available F700GS, which was already familiar with his style and his bum after the GS 101 recon ride. Greg had acted as the booking agent for the accommodation in downtown Toowoomba, so we mounted up at 4pm on Saturday, waved goodbye to Greg’s R1200RT which Cindy seemed to be eyeing off, and headed out. I was wearing my brand new 2017 GS Dry Suit, last year’s colours and style but still snazzy, and the price satisfyingly reduced to make room at Morgan and Wacker’s for 2018 stock. Wearing a new riding outfit for the first time is like spending the first night in a new home; discovering the hidden features, regretting the unavoidable comparisons with the old house which had more cupboard space, but then happily acknowledging the insulation is way better. The only major problem with the new house appeared to be excessive space in the basement, so cracks were appearing around the back door whenever standing up on the pegs. Like Mars, once the sun goes down in Toowoomba the temperature drops rapidly so we hurried to our booked accommodation at the National Hotel before sudden freezing occurred. The National is a venerable building in some sort of architectural style, convenient to the centre of town, and apparently a favoured venue for discount loud weekend celebrations. One appeared to be kicking off when we pulled up into the car park out the back; I could see Greg was already running some trial apology software.
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National Hotel Toowoomba. We only went into the Adult Shop next door to keep warm. We commenced the evening at the Toowoomba Sports Club with a quick beer, before deciding we could probably make it to Fitzy’s craft beer bar and restaurant before hypothermia set in. Good call as it turned out, with some excellent food and beers and wines to gird the loins for the night ahead back at the National Hotel. Which wasn’t as bad as expected; the pumping live music had stopped by midnight, the lady who was so “celebrated out” she couldn’t walk had dragged herself down the corridor far enough that I could no longer hear her male friend loudly encouraging her by 1:30am, and the come-back party had died an unnatural death by 4:30am. Up bright-ish and early, we wandered outside to the bikes wearing literally everything; it had been a long time since I had experienced the sort of cold riding morning Toowoomba can dish up. However, the Martian climate meant that it quickly became more pleasant by the time an Egg and Bacon McMuffin was dispatched at some random family restaurant. The meeting was in the Warrego Riders traditional venue of the North St BP, with a reasonable crowd in attendance for the ride under the leadership of Dave Pidcock and well supported by Izak Bakker in the role of Tail End Charlie. Greg spreading ice on his seat to earn qualification for the Polar Nuts Club
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AUGUST 2018
THE COLD WR IS OVER Duncan Bennett
Getting out of Toowoomba was slightly more challenging than expected, a corner wasn’t marked but half an hour later the group had been successfully rounded up as we prepared to head east down the range on the Flagstone Creek Road, which turns into the fabulous Silver Pinch Road. Through Ma Ma Creek, then around my “flashbacks to Vietnam” corner (almost exactly 3 years since the broken leg) onto Ropeley Rockside Road, finally hitting some dirt as we headed to Blenheim. A blast south through the rather morbid sounding Mount Mort, but no casualties were taken, and we pulled into Aratula en masse for fuel and refreshments and to pick up those from Brisbane who needed more sleep than could be found at the National Hotel.
having fun” unlucky types. No major injuries fortunately, and after re-grouping it was off toward Legume on something that only vaguely resembled a track. An interesting section around a fallen tree was a highlight, requiring a bit of low-speed maneuvering skill as going over the top of the tree really wasn’t an option.
Bec striking a thoughtful pose on the fallen tree during Dave’s recon ride
Mental preparation before entering the Land of Mordor, i.e. NSW
Then some of the classic dirt roads of SE QLD and NE NSW, Carney’s Creek and White Swamp, before meeting the NSW contingent at Koorelah. A bit of twisty bitumen and then suddenly a charge off the road to do a loop through some random farmer’s paddocks: How Dave had found a track through the 87 gates is a mystery, perhaps some help from locals, or lots of reconnoitering, but either way a true commitment to finding interesting adventure rides. So, we meandered around and between cows for a while, a challenging course to avoid fresh ploppies, before we hit The Hill. Dave had claimed minimal challenges, but a short seriously rutted track with large rocks in the ruts divided the group into the “that was easy” lucky types and the “I’m not really
Eventually we popped out at Legume, where some of the Brisbane contingent (including Greg and I) decided that we were getting further away from the Lazy Boy recliner and the TV with every passing minute if we stayed with the group. So, after a quick round of thanks to Dave and Izak for the excellent day’s ride, we trundled home via a nice picnic lunch at Queen Mary Falls. After the pick-up of a new headlight bulb in Boonah for Cindy’s bike, which Greg had accidentally broken while trying to straighten a bark-buster from one of the dozen or so stacks on our off-road training weekend using his Yuri Geller mind-control powers, we were back at home. An emotion-filled meeting of long-lost friends Greg and his R1200RT was a bit like watching the Beach Boys reunion, and all up it had been a great time over the nearly 23 hours. Dave and Izak require special thanks as these rides require a lot of organisation, preparation, and leadership capability to be successful, and the large numbers that attend attest to their popularity.
THE COLD WR IS OVER Duncan Bennett AUGUST 2018
People in BMW jackets who look a bit like Izak and Dave
The WR Route
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18
AUGUST 2018
BMW CA National Motorrad Rally 2018
BMW Clubs Australia National Motorrad Rally 2018 The BMW Motorcycle Club ACT invites all BMW Clubs Australia affiliated BMW Motorcycle Club members and their partners to the National Motorrad Rally 2018 to be held in the historic village of Wallerawang 15km northwest of Lithgow NSW over the October long weekend Saturday 29 - Sunday 30 September and Monday 1 October 2018. The rally will be based at the Black Gold Motel, 121 Main Street Wallerawang with a mix of rides and social opportunities to be had around the main rally dinner at 1800 on Sunday night. The rally and dinner is a ticketed event, requiring you and your guest(s) to pre-register and pay online before the rally. Wallerawang is located 2 hours ride west of Sydney on a good day ď Š in the scenic Blue Mountains with many and varied riding routes from the ACT, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. If you are riding from the south look at the Goulburn – Taralga Lithgow/Bathurst routes and if coming from the north consider Bylong Valley Way or Thunderbolt Way as route options. Coming from the west? Then it is flat until Bathurst the home of Mount Panorama racing circuit and worth a tourist lap on your way to Wallerawang.
Rally Raffle (TBC) You can help make the rally an even greater success by buying a $20 raffle ticket and chance to win a brand new G310GS motorcycle (delivered in the ACT) valued at A$8090* or other great prizes. A minimum 350 to maximum 600 tickets will be sold with the raffle drawn at the Black Gold Motel after the dinner. Money raised from the raffle will be donated to BMW Group Australia and Dealer network corporate charity Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Contact your Club Delegate to BMW Clubs Australia to purchase your tickets or email Raffle@bmwmccact.org.au to order and pay for your ticket(s).
*Full raffle T&C available at https://www.bmwmccact.org.au/National-Motorrad-Rally.
Disclaimer & Liability The BMW Motorcycle Club ACT Incorporated (BMWMCCACT, The Club), Committee or Members are not responsible for any loss or damage to, by or from riders, pillions or participants attending the BMW Clubs Australia National Motorrad Rally 2018. BMW Clubs Australia is not the organiser of this rally
BMW CA National Motorrad Rally 2018
AUGUST 2018
19
Rally Registration Your self-registration to attend the rally has two (2) parts: Part 1 Rally Registration: Go to the BMWMCCACT event page https://www.bmwmccact.org. au/National-Motorrad-Rally and register for the Rally $20pp, Sunday dinner $40pp and (optional) Monday breakfast $25pp (public holiday) at the Black Gold Motel, a total of $85 per person. You do not have to be staying at the Black Gold Motel but must be registered and have paid to attend the rally and catered rally dinner and (optional) buffet breakfast. Part 2 Accommodation: You are responsible for booking and paying for your own accommodation, including any cancellation policy. The BMWMCCACT is not involved with any accommodation provider, however rooms are temporarily reserved so mention BMW National Motorrad Rally when making your booking. Your local accommodation options include: Name: Address: Phone: Email: Web: Name: Address: Phone: Email: Web:
Black Gold Motel 121 Main St, Wallerawang NSW 2845 +61 2 6355 7305 info@blackgoldmotel.com.au http://www.blackgoldmotel.com.au/ Commercial Hotel 66 Main Street Wallerawang NSW 2845 (020 6355 1089
info@commercialhotelwallerawang.com.au https://www.commercialhotelwallerawang.com.au/ Name: Bushman’s Motor Inn Address: 526 Great Western Highway, Marrangaroo/Lithgow NSW Phone: (02) 6352 1655 Email: bushmanslithgow@gmail.com Web: http://bushmanslithgow.com.au/ Free Camping at Lake Wallace Camping Name: Barton Avenue, Wallerawang Address: N/A. Grassed area, limited number of toilets and showers. Phone: Nil. Email: https://goo.gl/maps/rnrH9ozmYA32 Google Map: Lithgow City Radio Cabs, 131 008, outside area (02) 6351 3305 Lastly, if you cannot make it to the National Motorrad Rally 2018 then why not consider the BMWMCCACT 37th Kosciuszko Rally at Geehi in the Snowy Mountains on 13-14 October 2018. Continued Page 20
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AUGUST 2018
BMW CA National Motorrad Rally 2018
National Motorrad Rally 2018 Program Subject to change. Check the website for most current program https://www.bmwmccact.org.au/National-Motorrad-Rally Day / Date
Time
Fri 28 Sep
1500
Sat 29 Sep
Event Pre-arrival
Comment Organising committee and support volunteers arrive onsite
Black Gold Motel
1800 Informal Dinner
Bushman’s Motor Inn
Rally is o pen to Make your Club, group 1200 registrants or own way to the rally at Wallerawang. For those who haven’t had Light GS ride to the enough riding historic shale oil mining can choose town of Newnes (ruins). to take one or more of these A TS ride to Portland self-guided or (painted silos) then group rides on Rylstone, Kandos, Ilford, PM Saturday or Sofala and lap of Mount Sunday. Panorama Bathurst.
Outdoors / Lounge / Bar, Black Gold Motel
Or why not relax and enjoy the company of other rallyists in Wallerawang.
The Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum. Old Zig Zag Brewery.
Watch the AFL 1500 Grand final on the big 1800 screen Informal dinner for interested rallyists. 1800
AM / PM Sun 30 Sep
Location
Social day or group or selfguided ride.
Grand Rally 1800 Dinner 1930 NRL Grand Final 2230
Web / Map National Park & Wildlife NSW https://www.motogoloco.com/ map?route=47251 https://www.motogoloco.com/ map?route=47249 Note: Mount Panorama circuit has active police enforcement including on track cameras. http://www.lithgowsafmuseum.org.au/ https://goo.gl/maps/yYaNterSvwE2 http://www.zigzagbrewery.com.au/ https://goo.gl/maps/rkD66oGPxBL2 Lounge/Bar, Black Gold Motel
The Commercial Hotel, Wallerawang
See Saturday ride suggestions
Or check out other nearby attractions https://tourism.lithgow.com/
Meet in the bar lounge from 1700. You must hold a pre-paid ticket. Noted
Restaurant Black Gold Motel Game will be on the lounge big screen.
BMW CA National Motorrad Rally 2018
AUGUST 2018
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National Motorrad Rally 2018 Program Subject to change. Check the website for most current program https://www.bmwmccact.org.au/National-Motorrad-Rally Buffet breakfast
Mon 1 Oct
0730 0930
Optional at time of registering. You must have pre-paid and hold a valid ticket as it is a catered buffet on a public holiday. Rallyists make their way home.
Restaurant Black Gold Motel
National 1200 Motorrad Rally 2018 closes 3-5 October BMW Motorcycle Club Queensland, BMW Clubs Australia National Motorrad Rally 2020 2020 Stanthorpe Queensland (TBC)
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AUGUST 2018
SUNNY COAST RIDERS - COOYAR HOTEL
Sunny Coast BMW Riders ‘Cooyar Pub Run’ Sunday 15 July 2018
W
The wrap up
endy and I left home at Moffat Beach at about 0845 hours on our K1600 GTL, our ‘Blue Knight’, on a cool, crisp, clear morning. What a fantast day to go motorcycling! We stopped briefly at the 1st meeting point at the BP Service Station on the Steve Erwin Way; however no unexpected group members were at that location; so rather than follow the planned route via Maleny and Stanley River Road; we headed direct to Neurum Road, Woodford via Peachester. Great run through the twisties as not one vehicle was in close proximity ahead of us. Amazing! Several group members were to meet us at the turnoff into Neurum Road at Woodford at 0945 hours. I suspected most of those members would take the opportunity to have a hot coffee at CJs Bakery in Woodford. I mean; why wouldn’t they after having left their respective homes early on a cool morning? And as it turns out; that is exactly what they did. However, as Wendy and I stopped in Neurum Road, Paul Hughes, Mark Gillmore, Cindy Bennett and David Whale stopped right behind us, right on 0945 hours. Surprisingly two of our members had not arrived. Knowing how punctual they normally are, a quick check of my phone messages revealed that Huw Samuel and Liezel Samuel had a minor problem at home and would meet us either at the pre-planned coffee stop in Blackbutt or at the lunch destination; the Cooyar Hotel. So; without delay we six (6) members on five (5) motorcycles, were on our way twisting, turning, accelerating and braking along Neurum Road through to Kilcoy. The speed limit might be 80 km/h; however, compared to a ride along the D’Aguilar Highway with all the Sunday traffic, the ride was an enjoyable breeze. We had an easy run through Kilcoy, left towards Somerset Dam and then right onto Gregors Creek Road; which is always a fantastic ride. Yes; the speed limit is 100 km/h; not 80 km/h. Eventually, we turned right onto the Brisbane Valley Highway. The plan was for John Eacott to meet us at the rest area in Harlin at 1030 hours. When we arrived in Harlin, I swung left off the highway into the rest area and then did a ‘U’ turn. Then to my surprise I saw that John Eacott was already with the group. As it turned out John had taken a solo ride from Brisbane around Somerset Dam and turned left into Gregors Creek Road and tagged onto the end of our group. Well planned John!
So; after a short greeting we were all again on our way. Somebody had mentioned that ‘hot coffee’ was waiting at Blackbutt. I noted that the ambient temperature was swinging between 13 and 15 degrees Celsius. We followed the well-worn route through Moore and up the Blackbutt Range. Yes, I know; it is a pity it has a 60 km/h speed limit! I remembered it was also the last day of the school holidays. I guess you know what I am alluding to? We rolled into Blackbutt at around 1100 hours. Everybody made a bee line for the servery of the ‘Blackbutt Woodfired Bakery’. As normal; many customers were in attendance. Always a very popular bakery. Shortly after we arrived Huw Samuel and Liezel Samuel arrived to join our group. Timed to perfection Huw and Liezel. I know some of our group were about to order delicious hot pies and coffee; until I threw a spanner in the works and reminded everybody that the dinner venue was only a half hour away. So; generally, coffee it was and a delicious cake or two. Wendy and I shared a delicious sausage roll. After about half an hour we were all back on the bikes; which now totalled seven (7) bikes and nine (9) members. We continued along the D’Aguilar Highway to Yarraman and then left onto the New England Highway and headed to Cooyar. Always an enjoyable ride; and today was no exception. We rolled into Cooyar shortly after 1200 hours. Long term members Des and Keran Finch (Des N Keran Finch) from Kaimkillenbun were to meet us at the hotel. However, another couple Robert and Glenda Hope, who had ridden their respective Triumph and BMW motorcycles, were waiting our arrival. Robert admitted he had left his BMW at home at Highfields. Des and Keran were nowhere to be seen. I didn’t think I knew this couple who were obviously waiting for us. However, after a quick greeting it was revealed that Robert and Glenda Hope were friends of Des and Keran (Des N Keran Finchn). What was more surprising was that Robert and I actually knew one and other and had not seen each other since we were attending Dalby High School in the early 60s. What a great day we were having. After everybody was introduced we moved into the warmth of the Cooyar Hotel. We had a choice of eating in the outside beer garden; in the cool breeze and undercover in the shade; or in the inside dining room. Where do you think we all headed? No surprise there! Did I mention that the large fireplace was burning in the room adjacent to the dining room?
SUNNY COAST RIDERS - COOYAR HOTEL AUGUST 2018 A short time later, Des and Karen arrived in their immaculate Subaru Impreza WRX. I asked Des if it was a new model BMW motorcycle; however, Des quickly explained that he could not don a helmet due to recent surgery to remove a cancer from an ear. Naturally Keran left her bike at home on the cold morning and travelled with Des in the car, just to keep him company. Des and Karen had meet some of our group on one or two previous occasions when I had taken ride groups to their engineering premise at Kaimkillenbun; however, they were introduced to those members new to them. We eventually had a group of thirteen (13) for lunch at the hotel. Great. Drinks were obtained; and meals were ordered. The service was excellent and the huge and delicious meals were quickly served. To be honest; Wendy and I could have shared one meal. We both had a rump steak with our respective choice of vegetables or chips and salad. The licensee Karen; was an excellent host. We remained in the comfort of the dining room, eating, drinking and socialising for around two hours. Eventually Paul, Cindy, David and John headed off to ride through Crows Nest and down the range to Esk on their return ride to Brisbane. Great round trip for the day. Huw and Liezel departed shortly afterwards and headed directly home through Blackbutt. We all had said our goodbyes to Des, Keran, Rob and Glenda and one and other. Wendy and I headed home via Maidenwell to Nanango and then back through Yarraman, Blackbutt and to Kilcoy. Mark rode with us and after Kilcoy Mark headed home towards Bribie Island and Wendy and I rode home through the twisties through Peachester to Beerwah and home to the Sunny Coast. Wendy and I arrived home at Moffat Beach at 1730 hours and covered 396 kilometres for the day. I expect all the group arrived home at about a similar time and covered a similar distance for the day. After we had been home for a little while, I asked Wendy if she intended to eat any dinner. Wendy replied, ‘No I have already eaten half a cow today’. I thought that was a fair comment because I realised I must have eaten the other half. From my and Wendy’s perspective; we had a fantastic day motorcycling and socialising with friends. Without a great bunch of people enjoying the day together; there is simply nothing to enjoy. Thank you all for joining the ‘Cooyar Pub Ride’ and making it a wonderful day.
23
Now some additional information Des and Karen are very long-term members of the BMWMCQ. In the mid-August Des and some other friends are off on a motorcycle adventure off road riding in central Australia. Keran, Glenda and Robert are not joining that ride group. Keran, Glenda and Robert are now considering joining our upcoming August ride: ‘Winter in the Outback’. They will be very welcome to join the ride. Marvellous.
Richard de Groot Sunny Coast BMW Riders
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AUGUST 2018
Sunny Coast Riders - COFFEE MORNING
COFEE MORNING Cafe on the Park at Shorncliffe
G
reat ride today Saturday 21/7/2018: from the Sunny Coast to the Coffee Morning with the Brisbane Ride Group members at Cafe on the Park at Shorncliffe. Wendy and I were accompanied by Steve Maney & Mandy Maney, Mark Gillmore, Huw Samuel & Liezel Samuel and their son Gareth. Fantastic for so many of our local members to join the ride to the event đ&#x;˜€ Great location overlooking Moreton Bay: Thanks for organising the event Anita Wyndham. Fantastic đ&#x;˜€ Many Brisbane Ride Group members attended. Some arrived after the photographs were taken. I didn’t do a head count; however approximately 20 members attend the event. Excellent social morning đ&#x;˜€ Wendy and I were home at 1245 hours & covered 176 km for the event. RICHARD De Groot
FOR THE AIRHEADS - and there are many
AUGUST 2018
25
MMM BOXERWORKS AIRHEADS GROUP PAGE
Each month Mark will endeavor to provide a couple of links to his instructional videos on dealing with all matters pertaining to BMW Airhead Motor Cycles. These are the two links this month to You Tube Video’s about the adjustment of /5 front drum brakes. They are straight forward and self-explanatory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HExW-EgHIUI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yYKeoWZH9Y
MT DARE - A CHARACTER BUILDING EXERCISE
D
extracted from the bmwmcq journal october 1994 courtesy of gary stirling
ay 1 - Sunday Met up with Graham Smit from Maryborough. Alan Hore and Al Geritz from Brisbane at Chinchilla. All ready and accounted for. Graham’s bike already falling apart. Stopped to bolt it back together again. Myself losing a couple of small books down the highway and not noticing! Charleville overnight. Scoured the hotels looking for the McLeods and the Trenamans, but no one had heard of them. Dinner at the RSL. Day 2 - Monday Found Andy and Rick and Co at Windorah. Rick is already having problems with his sidecar. Took 3 people to lift just the sidecar while Rick tried something new with the suspension. The rest of us headed off, leaving the last of the bitumen and the start of the dirt. There was a fair bit of fishtailing going on. but we managed speeds of 110 kph. Met 3 guys on Hondas going the other way who gave us their views on the road ahead. I hit the last cattle grid before Beetoota at a fair pace before realising it was at least 6 inches out of the ground. Left pannier gave way but held on by shock cord to bounce along until I finally stopped at Beetoota. Andy and Miss Tammie came off on the detour, but not hurt. Rick’s suspension totally gave up the ghost. Nothing at Beetoota besides a pub run by an old bloke called
Siegmund who doesn’t speak English very well, when you can get him to talk at all! Day 3 - Tuesday Beetoota to Birdsville where we caught up with Rob Wynne and Co who were just leaving to cross the French Line. Too adventurous for me! The barman mentioned another Brisbane couple who had come off. It turned out to be Ken and Carol Duval who had been airlifted to Charleville Hospital. After lunch, through part of the Simpson Desert and Sturt’s Stony Desert on to Mungerannie. A pleasant spot to camp - next to a bore waterhole which is also a bird sanctuary. Met up with “The Swiss”. Day 4 - Wednesday Good road to Marree. After lunch there. Alan Hore couldn’t get his bike to start. Finally narrowed down the problem to the “black box” ignition unit. On a rumour that someone who had already gone on to William Creek would have a spare, David and I went chasing it - but no go. Rang back with the bad news. Al Gerilz and Graham Smit will zip down to Port Augusta chasing a Holden Camira ignition unit (identical). Quite a crowd starting to gather from NSW and Vic.
Continued on page 34
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AUGUST 2018
REFLECTIONS on 60 years - gary bennett
T
he Cane Toad Rally (CTR) is this year celebrating 40 years since its first running and is the clubs longest running motorcycle event. Out of all the annual events that the club has had to date the CTR has been held the most with a total of 23 events. It was started by Don Barker who was Vice President in 1977 & 1978. Even though it has not been as regular over the past 20 years it still picks itself up every now and then and draws in a big crowd.
1978 Eungella Dam (110km west of Mackay) was the location for the first three rallies. This inaugural rally was for BMWMCQ members only and was known as the Northern Rally. It was organised as an alternative to the Easter bike races in Bathurst and an opportunity for the northern members to get involved in club activities. Club General Meetings were also held at the Rally as well as a gymkhana, the usual rally awards and our “Rum Hunt”. Suggestions of a suitable name for the rally were taken over the following months and the name Cane Toad Rally was used for the first time in 1979. 1979 Eungella Dam (110km west of Mackay) was the first CTR that was open to all regardless of what type of bike they rode. Rally goers from Newcastle, Sydney, Victoria and South Australia attended. It rained or drizzled on and off all weekend. Silk Screen Printing of T Shirts was performed at the Rally site of the Flying Cane Toad. The Kawasaki Dealer in Mackay bought a Jet Ski up for all to play with. A BMW Club member, Merv shot some video footage around the campsite of people taking part in the gymkhana events. This was taken to Mackay and was shown on a National Network News that night. Trophies were presented for Longest Distance Male (from S.A.), Longest Distance Female (Canberra), Longest Distance Sidecar (Sydney), Hard Luck Award (for missing out of the Longest distance Sidecar by 26km), Oldest Rider (won by our own Harold Tapscott who was in his late 50’s) and Oldest Bike (won also by our own Shona “Duck” Hall on her 1955 BMW R50). 1980 Eungella Dam – 147 motorcyclists attended. A few more Awards were up for grabs this year including Longest Distance Pillion, Highest combined Club Distance, Highest Club Attendance and Best Touring Bike, which caused quite a stir when it was won by a Harley Davidson Electra Glide. 1981 - 1991 Saw the CTR move to Finch Hatton Gorge (60km west of Mackay) on private Property and it was to be the site for the Rally over the next ten years. In 1981 over 200 motorcyclists attended including 30 BMWMCQ members and in 1984 240 attended including 54 BMWMCQ members. Another award, Longest Distance under 500cc was introduced. Following the 1991 rally, with “changing membership and their priorities, the Australian Grand Prix, local development at the site area, a proliferation of other rallies and no organiser volunteering for the next rally, or likelihood of one appearing, the committee agreed that the Cane Toad had run it’s Course and would not be held in the future”. Consequentially there was no rally in 1992 but this was short lived with only one year’s absence the CTR was back. 1993 - 1994 Saw the return of the CTR to celebrate the clubs 35th year celebration and was held at Builyan (Many Peaks district) 90km SW of Gladstone towards Monto. Then for the next three years the CTR was held at a different location each year. 1995 The first hopping CTR. 1st night at Cania Gorge Tourist Park, 2nd night at Springshaw Showground and 3rd night Cania Gorge Tourist Park.
REFLECTIONS on 60 years - gary bennett
AUGUST 2018
27
1996 Held two weeks before Easter at Girraween’s Castle Rock Campground. 135 motorcyclists attended. This was the first time the CTR was not held on the Easter weekend and after it’s success it was repeated the following year.. 1997 Held on the Anzac Day Long Weekend at Emu Creek near Blackbutt, 66 motorcyclists attended. Each year there was always the difficulty finding members to help with organising the rally and despite this rally being a huge success, the CTR disappeared for another three years (1998, 1999, 2000). 2001 The CTR was back and on the Easter Long Weekend and the event was another hopping rally for BMW Club members, members of other clubs and friend of these members. The 1st night was in Warwick, 2nd night was at Westmar and attending the Flinton Races and the 3rd night at Possum Park, north of Miles. 2003 Easter Long Weekend held at Cania Gorge Tourist Retreat and was for members and friends. 2004 Easter Long weekend held at the Dorrigo Mountain Resort 450km into NSW. This was the first and only time the CTR was held outside Qld. The resort was used as home base for various rides around the district. It was a closed event for BMWMCQ members only. This was to be the last CTR for ten years, the longest break in the history of the event. 2015 2~3rd May, Somerset Park Campground, for BMWMCQ members only. A post-mortem of previous CTR’s indicated that organisers were difficult to find due to the size and complexity of the CTR. The “first time” CTR organisers of this event decided that due to the duration since the previous CTR it would be kept simple and closer to Brisbane with the intention of moving it further away the following year and returning some of the traditional activities. They wanted the CTR to survive into the future and not be too difficult for any future organiser. The 2015 was a great campground but had the smallest attendance in CTR history due to the enormous amount of rain in the week leading up to the event. The rain miraculously cleared the night before the rally as forecast, the site dried out very quickly and the five members who attended enjoyed the weekend regardless. 2018 40th Anniversary and the 24th Rally: To be held in the October long weekend. The
venue to be confirmed will be open to all, with the usual gymkhana, Rum Hunt and badges.
Words by Gary Bennett #509 Sourced from Various Club Journals and “The Golden Ride 1958-2008”
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AUGUST 2018
ADVERTISING & BMW SUPPORTS
Want to serve award winning coffee at your next event ? Book a Cafe2U mobile cafe today by calling Kieran Doyle. #1093
Cafe2U Australia Redlands 0409 815 984
AUGUST 2018
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BMWMCQ 2018 Events Calendar
AUGUST 2018
BMWMCQ Club Events Schedule August 2018
Date
Time
Event
Thur 2
7:30 PM
Club General Meeting
Sun 5
7:30 AM
Club Ride
7.00 pm
Committee Meeting
Wed 15
All Day
Public Holiday
Sat 18
9:00 AM
Saturday Coffee Run
Sun 26
11:00 AM
Sunday Lunch Ride
Tue 28
6.00 pm
German Club
6.00 pm
Geebung RSL Club. Meals from 6:00pm with meeting commencing at 7.30pm. ALL WELCOME! Come and meet people who share a common interest. Geebung RSL Club, 323 Newman Road, Geebung Qld
Maggie and George Biscuit Ride
There are 2 options for the ride: 1. Make your own way there or with a small group of your choice. 2. Meet at Caltex Carseldine service station at 7:30am for 8:00am departure.
Mon 6
Wed 15
Details
Hamilton Hotel Social Dinner
Morning tea is at Glass House Mt Lookout at 9:30am. Bring your own cup, hot water and spoon - all else is provided. Lunch is at Logan Inlet, Wivenhoe Dam. Bring all you need for a picnic lunch.
Coorparoo RSL 45 Holdsworth St
Coordinator Paul Hughes president@bmwmcq.org.au Paul Hughes president@bmwmcq.org.au
Paul Hughes president@bmwmcq.org.au
Hamilton Hotel, 442 Kingsford Smith Drive, Anita Wyndham Hamilton. Come and enjoy a social night in events@bmwmcq.org.au the company of fellow club members and share a tale or two. There is plenty of parking available. Don’t forget to use your senior’s card for a great value meal.
ROYAL QUEENSLAND SHOW (EKKA DAY)
The Lighthouse 237 Shore Street, North Cleveland Point, Cleveland Come and join us for a social chat over a cup of coffee and take in the ocean views.
Anita Wyndham events@bmwmcq.org.au
Brisbane German Club, 416 Vulture 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. Arrive any time after 6:00pm.
Dave Hepburn
Mapleton Tavern Cnr Flaxton Dr and Obi Obi Road, Mapleton P: (07) 5445 7499 Make your own way there or watch the Facebook event notice to see if there will be a group heading out. WARNING: If you’re going to take a ride in the area stay clear of the cattle grids at Bald Knob …. they jump out at you and make you fall off your bike.
Anita Wyndham events@bmwmcq.org.au
Whilst all details are correct at the time of printing, last minute changes may be required for reasons beyond our control. Please monitor the event details on the club webpage or Facebook for published changes. You would like to organise a ride? Send the details to events@bmwmcq.org.au to have the details posted into the Club calendar and Facebook Events.
AUGUST 2018 BMWMCQ 2018 Events Calendar EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS CALENDAR
DATE
TIME
EVENT
DETAILS
Sat/Sun 4&5 August 2018
All day
Border Run (WA–SA Border Village Roadhouse Eyre Highway Border) Border Village SA Phone 08 9039 3474
Sat/Sun 11 & 12 August 2018
All Weekend
OFF CENTRE RALLY (OCR)
Fri Sat Sun 26 - 28 October 2018
All Weekend
Kenny Blake Festival of Motorcycling Strathalbyn SA
Fri Sat Sun 1719 May 2019
All Weekend
BMW OWNERS CLUB SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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CONTACT
There is not much advertising on the OCR. Held every 2 years. It is on at Mt Dare - 11 & 12 August 18. Make your own way there. Mt Dare Hotel - WITIJIRA- grog and food (but be prepared to be self-sufficient in case pub runs out of food). INFO PROVIDED BY Gary Stirling
Mt Dare Hotel Witajira (08)8670 7835
Strathalbyn is Kenny’s birth place and where he learnt to hone his motorcycling skills. Basically we are bringing Kenny back - our local hero who brought victory to BMW in the Castrol 6 hr race some decades ago. We are celebrating his life with the inaugural festival to be held in October on his birthday. Please see our web site for more details at: www.kennyblakestraythalbyn.com.au
Marylou Nees Email: m-nees@ live.com.au Phone: 0404035266
PELICAN RALLY 2019 BIENNAL Rally which will be held at CAMP KEDRON on the Banks of Lake Bonney riday to Sunday 17th to 19th May 2019… more details will be posted closer to the event
The Pink Roadhouse Oodnadatta 1800 802 074
BMW OWNERS CLIUB SA PO BOX 193 NTH ADELAIDE SA 5006
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AUGUST 2018
A Couple of Adverts................
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
DUST HUSTLE ELLASPEDE’S DIRT DAYS
AUGUST 2018
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AUGUST 2018
FOR THE AIRHEADS - and there are many
Someone with a sidecar had hit an emu near Broken Hill - bent the frame and broke a rib. Had sidecar straightened and continued on. Finally met the legendary Chris McArdle! (Jill, thats- McArgle-argle,argle. Ed. ) Great pub here. Had to watch for taxiing aircraft when crossing campground to tent! Day 5 - Thursday Went on unladen bikes out to North Lake Eyre. VERY interesting country Lunch at the William Creek pub, then a late start for Oodnadatta. Quite a few deep sandy stretches, but not unbearable. Fell over in deep gravel at petrol bowser in Oodnadatta. Very unimpressed. The NSW/Vic crowd camped a few kays out of town. We decided to push on to Dalhousie. Light fading fast. Very hard to see the road in the dark (headlights covered in dust and almost useless). David fell off in a very deep sandy stretch. Bike too heavy to lift. I managed to turn around, but fell off as I reached him. Got both bikes off the road and decided to camp there! Day 6 - Friday Survived the night without being invaded by animals. Tried out Andy Henzell’s method of going “poo-poo” in the bush! David bogged the PD gelling back out to the road. I got out onto the road alright, but fell off trying to get speed up in the sand. Finally got going again and made it to Hamilton Homestead. Both of us fell off in the soft sand outside the homestead. Stopped to ask the way to Dalhousie Springs. The lady didn’t recommend the road. Said it was worse than the road we had been on. Decided to go straight to Mt Dare. Road not as bad. but I still fell off twice - once going into a corner too fast and ending up in a big bulldust hole - and once in deep gravel in a creek bed. The last one hurt the most so I decided not to fall off any more. Glad I’m not riding the PD - too heavy for me to handle in these conditions - enough trouble handling the lighter Tengai! Saw a dingo at the Eringa turnoff Arrived Mt Dare. Had a much needed drink. Set up camp and had a shower - heaven! Day 7 - Saturday Rested. Pizza for lunch, of all things! Ron Durkin, Dave Reynolds and Gabe Oldenburger arrived. The McLeods and the Trenamans arrived. The “Desert Boys” (who crossed via the French Line) arrived. I asked them how many times they fell off? They stopped counting at 175. They ran out of petrol at Purnie Bore so drained all the tanks into one and sent him off for more. All arrived okay, though. Found out that Darryl Gowlett had come off on the Strzelecki Track and was in Leigh Creek Hospital. The fellow with the sidecar which had hit an emu at Broken Hill lost the whole front end of the bike on the way into Mt Dare. Another girl had come off her bike at high speed in the dirt. She wasn’t badly hurt - just two black eyes and lots of other bruis-
es - but she totalled the bike and had to continue as a pillion. Lots of repairs happening in the camp. Day 8 - Sunday Got bullied into a day trip to Dalhousie Springs. First, though, dismantled the bikes to fix exhaust system on the PD and check over the Tengai (including pop-rivetting the front mudguard). Left with Al Geritz to find out for ourselves just how disgusting the road really was. David came off once in a patch of soft sand. Took 1.5 hours to do 70 klrns. Volunteer ranger took us on a guided walk, then in for a swim. A large pool of oil under the back of the PD alerted us to the fact that its suspension had exploded. Interesting ride back! Graham from Cairns arrived at last on his new R l l00GS. Had lost a pannier on the way in from Kulgera and had to go back looking for it. Said the bike itself handled the rough roads really well - pannier system not up to it. though. Day 9 - Monday Rang Morgan & Wackers and ordered White Power shock to be sent to Alice Springs. Not looking forward to ride out. Road lived up to expectations. Fell off once in the deep sand section. Caught up to the grader and it was a piece of cake after that. Got as far as Erldunda. Soft bed in budget accommodation won over camping. Used up all the hot water. Andy and Rick not impressed! Day 10 - Tuesday Up the highway to Alice Springs. Shock hasn’t arrived. Bought new rear tyre for PD. Discovered whole back end loose at various points! Lots of help available, though, from the Desert Boys and others also staying in the caravan park. Heard that the only other two PDs sporting BMW original shocks (both quite new) had them “explode” also. Day 11 - Wednesday Shock had apparently arrived yesterday after all (10 points to Julian from Morgan & Wackers!), but when we tried to fit it, discovered lower bolt had fractured. Ordered new one via the dealer in Alice Springs. Day 12 - Thursday When enquiring about replacement bolt, discovered it was 14 days ex-Germany! Ended up in an engineering shop attempting to have bolt repaired. Visited Old Telegraph Station, Mecca Date Farm, Frontier Camel Farm, Old Ghan Railway Museum, two up on the Tengai. Collected bolt. New shock finally fitted. Surprised to see Ron Durkin back at caravan park (after leaving yesterday heading to Barkly Highway) in a ute. His MZ250 had seized a couple of hundred klms up the highway. He is still insisting it is a CBE (Character Building Exercise). Day 13 - Friday Finally left Alice Springs and our travelling companions. Arrived Coober Pedy and booked into Best Western (Desert View) underground motel.
FOR THE AIRHEADS - and there are many Day 14 - Saturday Quick trip out to “The Breakaways” and down to the bottom of the inland sea - to the Dog Fence. Followed this along for some time chasing big reel kangaroos along on the other side of the fence. Could have continued to Oodnadatta Road, but turned back as unsure of the track (no signposts out there!). Spent afternoon exploring downtown Coober Pedy. Bought an opal. Loved the place. Want to go back and explore some more. Spent another night in hole in ground. Day 15 - Sunday Headed off clown the highway to Port Augusta. Amazing lakes appearing from time to time on either side of the road. Flinders Range emerged on the left. After lunch at Barnacle Bill’s Fish & Chippery found some corners on the highway!! Stopped for the night at Mannahill Hotel in SA (reminded me of Emmaville). Day 16 - Monday Long boring highway. through Broken Hill and Cobar to Nyngan. Lots of emus and feral goats Day 17 - Tuesday Short hop to Dubbo. Visited Western Plains Zoo. Day 18 - Wednesday Coldest morning of the trip, I think. Fairly mindless highway from Dubbo to Tamworth and up the New England to Girraween National Park. Day 19 - Thursday Bummed around a couple of short walking trails. Endured extremely loud radio/generator/shouting/ banging from youths pretending to be constructing a bar-b-que. Restful way to spend a day in a National Park, I don’t think. Day 20 - Friday Tengai ran out of petrol before even getting out of the national park. Turned onto reserve, but still no fuel. Jerry can came in useful after all. Suspect blockage in reserve hose. Tengai overheated trying to get through the Brisbane traffic. Had to lane split to keep airflow going. Suspect fan not working. Home.
Conclusioins 1. You need two years between “off Centre” events to forget the horrors of the road, otherwise you wouldn’t do it again. (Take a trailer to carry back all the “character” accrued!) 2. Fantastic sense of achievement when you actually make it. Great Rally atmosphere. 3. Standard BMW shocks on GS model are hopeless. The only shocks that survived were the aftermarket replacement ones. Exhaust system also not able to handle the tough stuff. Most seem to have replaced the collector box with a lightweight 2 ihnto 1 system. Centre Stand bash plate proved to be a wise investment, judging by the dents in it. Kawasaki
AUGUST 2018
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Tengai coped better overall with only minor plastic damage mostly from my falling off.
Mt Dare - A Character Building Exercise was signed off as: Jill riding a Kawasaki Tengai, David riding R100GSPD -It is believed that this is Jill Robinson and Dave Drummond but we are not 100% sure....None the less it is a great read.....Ed.
R 1200 GS ADVENTURE
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