www.bmwmcq.org.au
MAY 2017
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC.
Established 1958
IT’S TIME FOR A NEW RIDE.
vISIT MOTORLINE MOTORRAD.
NEW 2017 MODELS NOW AvAILABLE.
BMW S 1000 RR
BMW S 1000 XR
BMW F 800 R
BMW R nineT
BMW R 1200 GS Rallye X
BMW K 1600 GT
BMW S 1000 R
BMW R nineT Pure
It's time for a new ride and at Motorline Motorrad we’ve got over 15 new models fresh from the factory in Berlin for you to choose from. From the classic Heritage models, the R nineT Pure and R nineT Racer, to the all-new R 1200 GS Rallye X, we have something for every rider. Models are available to test-ride at Motorline Motorrad today. Call the team on 07 3290 7000 or contact motorrad@motorline.com.au to book a test-ride.
Motorline Motorrad 1-11 Old Chatswood Road, Daisy Hill - Opposite IKEA Logan M1 Motorway Exit 23 (South), Exit 24 (North) Tel: 3290 7000 motorrad@motorline.com.au www.motorline.bmwmotorrad.com.au
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC.
The Committee President - Richard Maher Ph: 0415 111 454 president@bmwmcq.org.au R 1150 R
Vice President - Les Fitzpatrick Ph: 0418 197 709 vpres@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 GSA and a few more
Secretary - Greg Gaffney Ph: 0411 424 219 secretary@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 RT & R 90 S
Treasurer - Tony Gray Ph: 0409 493 605 treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 GS (The Grey Ghost)
Editor - Dave Hepburn
This Issue - MAY 2017 Contents:Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Committee Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Club Venue & GM. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 General Meeting Minutes . . . . . . . . 11 Monthly Ride Report . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Egypt and Sudan Cindy’s Africa. . . . 16 Life of a Backyard Mechanic . . . . . . 20 The Royales GS Road Trip Europe. . 22 ANZAC Day Ride. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Charlie Browns USA Trip 2014. . . . 25 BMWMCQ Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 BMWMCQ Events Calendar 2017. . . 30
Ph: 0422 080 524 editor@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 RT
Advertisers
Records Officer - Craig Brennan
Cafe2U - P.9 Good Wool Store - P.32 HydroTac(R) Lenses - P.28 Motorcycle Adventure Products P.28 Motorline Motorrad-Inside Front Cover
Ph: 0422 907 934 regalia@bmwmcq.org.au R 100 RT
Regalia - Kellie Wicks regalia@bmwmcq.org.au F 650 GS
Tools/Spares - Geoff Hodge
Ph: 0413 180 101 tools@bmwmcq.org.au F 800 GT + R 51/3
Tools/Spares - Bill Luyten Ph: 0438 123 747 tools@bmwmcq.org.au R1150 Rockstar - R1200 GS LC
Cupla Adverts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Munich Motorcycles - P.32 Shannons Insurance - P.34 Northside Motorcycles - P.34 Morgan and Wacker- Rear Cover
O
n The Cover...
Charlie Brown Lead an excellent ride, only using 3 corner makers to get out of the Service Station (Cougars!!!) taking us to Mt French then onto Rosewood and eventually our destination Tarampa Hotel... Thanks Charlie it was great......
Events - David Whale
Ph: 0407123483 events@bmwmcq.org.au R1200RT
Sub Committee • Dealer Liaison / Advertising - Don Grimes Ph: 0411 601 372 • Forum Moderator - Garry Hilton
Club Details BMW Motorcycle Club of Queensland Inc.
ABN 30 351 243 651
Address all correspondence to: The Secretary PO Box 3669 South Brisbane QLD 4101 Monthly meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at the:
Moreton Bay Sports Club, 175 Boundary St., Tingalpa
A Club Ride is usually held on the first Sunday after the monthly meeting. BMWMCQ AIMS The objectives of the BMWMCQ are to increase the enjoyment of motorcycling by: 1. Improving the opinion of the public towards motorcycling in general and associated members particularly, by careful, courteous, considerate riding, especially when riding with the Club, and rendering assistance to all road users in difficulty.
2. Improving the service and availability of spare parts for BMWs in Queensland using the advantage of a united effort. 3. Decreasing maintenance and running costs by mutual assistance on mechanical problems. 4. Organising day trips, tours and outings. 5. Encourage and support Regional Ride Groups 6. Affiliation with other clubs/associations where such affiliation would be of mutual benefit. DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this Journal are those of each contributor and are not necessarily shared by the Editor, management, and / or membership of the BMWMCQ. The Editor reserves the right to refuse any advertising or delete any material which could be considered or interpreted as questionable, libellous or offensive, without consultation. WEB SITE Visit: www.bmwmcq.org.au
4
Editorial
MAY 2017
Dave Hepburn
Editor’s Report
T
he Profit, Loss and Financial Position Statements on page 14 were lifted with great deal of difficulty from the PDF document that I was provided with. For whatever reason the Club Computer is suffering a major breakdown and I am limited in what I can transcribe to the magazine at this time. I have taken the decision to provide, as best I can, the first two pages only of the report from the auditors. The remaining 5 pages contain all the notes related to specific line items and I am time poor as of this writing. I am more than happy to provide the complete document to any member who is interested, via email. Email your request to editor@bmwmcq.org.au. I will also endeavour to have the PDF document placed on the Club web site as soon as possible. I thank you in advance for your patience. Technology is a fine thing until it goes off and does its own thing. I will try and get the bugs out of the system for the June Journal. The last month for me has been busy what with bathroom renovations and copious bike rides. There have been two bike rides that I really enjoyed; they being Charlies Lead Ride and the Anzac Lunch Ride. Weather was great all round as was the company and everyone had a great time. Thats what we are all about. As for the bathroom renovations: I was blessed with getting a brilliant electrician and plumber, highly recommended by my next door neighbour (I think he is on a commission) and a very good general all round tradesperson. Just a word of warning to the uninitiated...... If your tiles are special and have to be ordered in they will take a minimum of 4-5 weeks to deliver. The same goes for your vanity and cabinets allow at least 4 weeks that way you can program you electricians and plumbers cost effectively. Fortunately mine were only a phone call away. This month I am blessed once again by the return of the Bennetts and an article; with the usual suspects The Gray Ghost, Royale and Charlie Brown. All great articles and all a good read. I have been provided with some archived journals, mmmm newsletters really from many years ago which will feature from time to time in a set piece called From The Vault. Safe Riding and see you all soon. editor@bmwmcq.org.au
ANZAC RIDE JEGApr2017
Each 25th April we gather at the dawn To honour those who have fallen & think of those who mourn We listen to The Ode and the chilling bugle call The legend of the ANZAC is treasured by us all With due homage given & our hearts so full of pride We don our gear and helmets for a BMW ride Sunny Coast to Ipswich, from all directions we are drawn Great mates, great food, great views at Cafe Ravensbourne
Many thanks to Jane Gray for a lovely poem at such short notice......Ed.
Submissions for the next journal (JUNE 2017 Edition) close on the 15th MAY 2017- just soes y’all know.......
Committee Reports Richard Maher
S
5
MAY 2017
President’s Report
o there I was. Keeping my head down, proudly wearing the Vice President badge quietly at the back of the meeting room when all of a sudden…I’m President again. It was like everyone around me disappeared backwards and left me all alone out the front. I Might as well make the best of the top job while I have it. Rest assured I won’t be as haphazard as that “other” president with the ginger comb-over and his finger on the big red button. I wouldn’t mind my own jet ‘though! The Club has had its ups and downs over the last several months stemming from the introduction of the Electronic Journal. As a result of this decision some of the members have felt that the communication surrounding this issue was handled badly. This has caused some unpleasant discussions and some issues stemming from this have been long and drawn out. In hindsight the process could have been managed better. I was asked to write a letter to the entire membership by a member whose opinion I respect, explaining the current situation and checking to make sure every member is aware of the electronic journal and is receiving a copy. There are other important points included in this letter and hopefully we can achieve a positive outcome from your comments. I’m not naïve enough to think that one letter will sort out all the problems from all corners of the membership, but we had to start somewhere. A draft copy of the Presidents letter is doing the rounds with the committee as you read this. Hopefully it will be in your actual mailbox soon. On top of this weighty issue we also have several important milestones on the horizon. BMWMCQ is hosting the BMW Motorcycle Nationals in 2018. This event will held in Stanthorpe over the September - October long week-end. We also have the Club 60th Anniversary zooming up in 2018. Both of these events are in to the planning phase and a working group has been set up to organise these events. I will be heading to Melbourne in the next few days for the annual BMW Clubs Australia meeting. This meeting between BMW management and the BMW car and BMW motorcycle clubs in Australia is the perfect place to seek support and advice on the 2018 Motorrad 2018 Motorrad Nationals. As the delegate of this club I have prepared a PowerPoint presentation on the Nationals to promote the event and I will show this at the next General Meeting to the membership. In relation to our Club’s 60th Birthday celebration; I think we can manage this in house. The organising group has a range of activities, over several months, to promote this achievement. We have activities for city and country members culminating in a… well, best you just keep reading this report and see what we are going to come up with. As my time with the lodger, the K1600GTL comes to an end; I can’t help but reflect on my time with this bruiser of a motorcycle. I found it a difficult machine to manage. It wasn’t as comfortable as I thought it should be, and its steering tended to be vague and wander and pitch on the highway. I mentioned these facts to another K1600 rider and he suggested I ignore the factory tyre settings and go up to low range 40PSI. Well what a difference. It completely changed the all negative handling aspects I was experiencing with this motorcycle. All it needed was a bit of air, and it cost nothing. So I’m going to employ the same philosophy with my attitude to managing the club. A bit of air in the right places and hopefully we can get it back on track and heading in the right direction. Just promise me if you notice a bit too much hot air going in. Stop me at once. I don’t want to blow the backside out just yet.
Richard Maher president@bmwmcq.org.au
6
MAY 2017
Les Fitzpatrick
Committee Reports Vice President’s Report
I
am sure that I do not need an introduction but for those of you that haven’t met me, a brief bio should help. I have been a member for about eleven years now, maybe twelve. I am never really sure as I am having too much fun to notice the years slipping away. I served on the committee as the tools/spares officer position for four years and during that time I made many great friends and irreplaceable memories. I can honestly say that my time as Tool Man was one of the best experiences of my life. Through-out the whole time that I have been a member, the one constant that keeps me connected to our club is the dynamic enthusiasm that our members have for motorcycling and for each other and the remarkable machine that is the BMW motorcycle. This is a unique club with a real heritage going back almost sixty years. There are few motorcycle clubs that have been around for as long as this one and it is still serving the needs of the members as well today as it did back in 1958 when those original members formed the first management committee. We are fortunate that our members are keen to volunteer their valuable time and life experience to keep our club heading forward into the future. We have weathered many storms over the years and through it all the various management teams have kept our club afloat and financially secure so that we can continue to enjoy all that comes from being a member of this wonderful club. I would like to take the time to thank our immediate past president, Paul Hughes for his outstanding service over the last three years. Paul has bought many improvements to the club and has worked tirelessly all that time to bring us to where we are today. Still strong, secure and ready for the years ahead. Thank you, Paul. I look forward to your continued support and advice as I step into my role as Vice President. One thing that is obvious to me as I look around at general meeting’s, is the average age of our membership. This wasn’t always the case as some off our more experienced members can tell you. To ensure the future of our club we must continue to enlist and retain younger members and to do that we will have to structure some of our activities to interest these people. We now have a large number of social events in our club calendar. These are great opportunities to meet and get to know fellow members and for the time poor, provide a chance to catch-up with mates. However, riding motorcycles is the glue that binds us. There are already a number of touring rides planned for the year ahead and I have no doubt that more will be added to the list as the year progresses. I would ask you to take the time to encourage younger BMW riders to join us at every opportunity and we together, can continue to build our club into the future. I am looking forward to working closely with our new president, Richard Maher and the rest of the management team as we prepare for our 60th Anniversary year and the BMW National Rally next year. A steering sub-committee has been selected to start planning these activities and there may be times when you are asked to assist this team. Please jump on-board as there will be some great times ahead. We are also keen for your ideas so if you have anything to contribute please speak up. That’s all for now and I hope to see you soon. Les vpres@bmwmcq.org.au
H
ello to both Davids,
Below is some information regarding the Kingaroy B2B. 1. The Oasis Motel owners are very accommodating and are at present renovating some of the rooms. There are 8 or 9 rooms left so get in now to book your room. They will be sending through some more information on pricing for shared rooms but a double room is $100.00, normally $105.00. Nibbles will be served around 4.30 by the pool, with dinner served around 6.00 – 6.30. The menu includes Roast pork, chicken and beef with vegies and salad, and dessert. Most meals are gluten free, but not the sticky date. It is buffet style and the cost is $30.00. 2. Pepper Tree Cabins have 6 rooms left and is a delightful place – clean, neat and attractive. You need to be fast to book in here as it books quickly. The local pork processing factory burnt down and apparently a lot of tradesmen are staying here. These 2 venues are across the road from each other and no transport is needed to go to the dinner. Would you please post again on face book and place on the web. Thank you so much, Maggie.
Committee Reports
7
MAY 2017
Tony Gray
Treasurer’s Report
F
or this my first formal report in the magazine I will report on the club finances as at the end of the month prior to the publication of the magazine. I know this will mean that the figures will be approx 1 month old at the time you, the members, get to read them. I hope you can appreciate that deadlines for compilation and production of the magazine need to be met. I will be providing an updated financial position at the General Meeting early each month. The club finances are structured with two accounts with the Bank of Queensland being an operating cheque account and a higher return investment account. All payments from either account require the authorisation of two committee members being the President and Treasurer. Our constitution allows for the Secretary to also have authority to authorise payments and at time of writing arrangements are being made to add the Secretary. This will give us cover in the event of one of the primary officers being unavailable. Our primary source of income is club membership fees. These can be received by any one of several means namely: Cash, cheque, money order, PayPal transfer or direct debit to the club cheque account. Some of these payments are made at club meetings to the Club Registrar, Craig Brennan, who is able to process card payments into our PayPal account. This has been popular and convenient for members but it does incur a small fee to PayPal. The other methods are free of fees. It is up to each individual member to choose their preferred method of payment. The funds received into the PayPal account are manually transferred across to our cheque account at the end of each month. The acquisition of new tools to assist members at service days or on loan for work at home service has been identified as a priority for this year and Tool Man Bill Luyten has been very active in this area. The loan of these tools will benefit all members no matter where they are throughout the State (or in northern NSW). Funds Available Business Cheque Account 10243020:
$4,531.64
Total Cash Assets as at 31 March 2017:
$19,258.81
Funds Available Premier Investment Account 2249 3654:
Tony Gray treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au
$14,727.17
BMWMCQ - General Meeting First Thursday of each month at Moreton Bay Sports Club
T
he MBSC is located at 175 Boundary St., Tingalpa. Boundary Street has a set of traffic lights at its intersection with Wynnum Road to allow an easy entry and exit.
MBSC is a short distance from the Gateway Motorway, North or South. The MBSC is at the very end of Boundary Street so keep going until you see the sports fields and the parking areas. Web address for the Moreton Bay Sports Club is - www.mbsportsclub.com.au
I look forward to seeing you there for our next General Meeting on Thursday4th May 2017
8
MAY 2017
David Whale
Committee Reports Events Officer’s Report
H
i all, Another month slips by faster than ‘Toddy” passing a pensioner on a scooter. Since I last wrote we have had a few events and again the varied options seem to be having the desired effect of getting more people involved in club activities. A top time was had by all at the Irish pub at Jacobs Well and a great turn out at Matthew Thomas for our Saturday Breakfast/Coffee run. Looking at the polls the consensus of opinion for a lead ride to the Sunday Lunch/ Picnic ride is that people should make their own way there or post that they are leaving from a set point for others to join in. The type of venue for the Saturday breakfast/coffee ride seems overwhelmingly in favour of the type of places I have chosen so far. I have already put up on the net and Facebook that our next Saturday meeting will be at the Brookfield General Store. This rally is a top spot and one that Cindy found a year or so back. As I said, it’s a great place to re-visit and also a wonderful spot for the first timer. Once again, there will be no pleasing everyone but that’s a fact of life and we have to live with it. I’m always open to suggestions for venues, rides etc. but very few seem to be coming my way. Also, whist we all enjoy our Sunday ride there seems to be a sad lack of members putting their hands up to lead these. Whist on that topic I’d like to say a big thankyou to Charlie Brown for leading the April ride. It was a wonderful turn out on a very pleasant day with scenery and company to match not to mention a good feed at the pub. Again, this leads us nicely to ideas for pubs around the countryside. Please let me know if you have a favourite and we’ll see if we can organise a trip to it. Now, before you start putting up the Christmas tree and heating up the plum pudding I do need to draw your attention to the Christmas party for 2017. This year it will be in Evans Head at the RSL. We were there a couple of years ago and a wonderful time was had by all. There is plenty of accommodation right now ranging from the bowling club to many motels within walking distance of the venue. These will book up fast! All in all, there are some great events heading our way throughout the year but they are only as good as the people who attend. So, let’s see more support for this great club that’s turning 60 next year. Ride well, Stay safe David Whale events@bmwmcq.org.au
Letter to the Editor
H
i Dave I am one of those you write about that are not involved in club rides, rarely attend club meetings and can’t be fussed meeting for coffee. But despite this probably 95% of those I ride with are club members. I was one of those wanting; way back pdf only club journals, to save the club effort and cost. I read the journal during the month, no longer are they the go to for what’s happening now, Facebook does that, but I still believe they are an important part of the club history. Facebook is here and then gone. I was at the AGM and was surprised that some members wanted to pay less for membership; at the current cost, it is cheap anyway with or without the mailed journal. In the past I have paid $1000 for club memberships so $50 is value. OK so Tyres for Bikes no longer give a discount to club members, I service my ageing 1150GSA (Wackers won’t) with the help of members (service days) with big savings each year because of that. I even enjoy getting my hands dirty. A new bike will be the end of that, or do I really need a new bike just because I don’t have the latest widgets. There was a time when I would change bikes yearly but after riding for over 50 years I have got wiser to my real needs. I only do the occasional day ride; most rides are 3+ days and involve pubs and the occasional tent. I think that Karuah and the Far Cairn should be on the club’s list of events being they are organised by sister club(s). Others, like the Ruptured Budgie should be noted if only because 20+ members attend. Also the OCR can get a good club turnout depending on where they are in Australia. Keep up the good work. Cheers Phil Gresham Member 460 Thank you Phil your comments are much appreciated.......Ed.
Committee Reports
N
Bill Luyten & Geoff Hodge
MAY 2017
9
Tool’s Report
ew Tools The Club has purchased some new tools to test and setup various BMW models. The first is the GS-911 3 pin interface for scanning older model bike systems.
The next is the GS-911 to OBD adapter for connecting our scan tool to the latest model Bikes. The last is the Enduralast device for hall sensor testing and adjustment of all BMW 2-Valve Airheads with electronic ignitions (1981 & on) as well as BMW 4-V Oilhead engines.
Spares Sale at Cost Price
The Committee has decided to not continue selling spares so when our existing spares are gone they will not be replaced. Tools however will continue to be made available.
Contact Tools Officers:
Bill Luyten 0438 123 747 (wluyten@bigpond .net .au) or Geoff Hodge 0413 180 101 (ggilps2@optusnet .com .au)
Club Tool Loan: $100 deposit for GS911. ools and spare can be picked up or brought along to the next meet-
ing or Club ride.
There are special tools available (see below list) including the GS-911 diagnostic tool and New Tyre Pressure Monitor Sensor (TPMS) tool.
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) Tyre Pressure Monitor Sensor (TPMS) tool
Spares (Cost Price Sale)
Filters - Air K Series K1200 (LX628) x2 $16.00ea Filter - Fuel K & R Series in line (KL145) x1 $20.00ea Brake Pads
520HF - R60, R75, R80, R100 x1 $27.00ea G391ST K1/100RS/1100LT, RS/1200RS, LT R80R, C/850/100/1100/1150 x6 $43.00ea
Spark Plugs
XR5DC (K/R1100) B o s c h Super x2 $10.00ea
Tools
Oil filter removing tool - (OCS 1) K/R4V x5 $13.00 Bill Luyten and Geoff Hodge spares@bmwmcq.org.au
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
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MAY 2017
Kelly Wicks
Committee Reports Regalia Officer’s Report
Brrrrr…..How chilly have the mornings gotten! As the Regalia officer have I got a great deal for you. Check out the fabulous beanies for those chilly mornings and cold nights. Just the thing for keeping your head warm. The beanie is embroidered with the club logo and has an extra thermal band on the inside for extra warmth. How much did I hear you ask? I can sell you one for the very low cost of $20.00 or for those of you who like a bargain….2 beanies for the cost of $40.00. Please come and see me at the next club meeting or for those who can’t wait please email me at; regalia@bmwmcq>org.au. On other regalia matters, I will have a clearance table set up at the next club meeting (May). Please come and check it out and get yourself a bargain. I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Easter. regalia@bmwmcq.org. au
Craig Brennan
Records Officers Report
On the records front, I’ve hit a glitch with the PayPal reports that is causing me some strife. However I shall overcome. Bike wise all is going well and with the weather cooling off, I am really looking forward to a lot more riding. It really is glorious out there. Sorry if I don’t recognise you as we pass each other while riding around, however your bikes all look the same to me. J Behave yourselves out there and I’ll see you around.
records@bmwmcq.org.au
Minutes of April General meeting 06/04/2017 continued
Geoff Harmon said he could use a valve spring compressor tool for older airheads and Bill felt we still have one available. The next service day will be held at Charlie’s place at Bundamba. General Business: Mike Hannan gave out cards inviting all members to the Ray Owen Classic Bike Show and Swap Meet to be held at the Canungra Show Grounds on the 7th May. This is open to all bikes before 1987 and there is a preference for bikes that are being ridden on a regular basis. This is the first Sunday after our May General Meeting so we will have our monthly ride to Canungra and Greg will lead the ride. Richard provided some cards for Hi Side Leathers. Phil Rudd has always done a fantastic job repairing leathers and he and his van were always found trackside. Phil is now operating from home but still has an excellent range of a leathers and helmets. He also has an interesting collection of bikes he’s restoring. Kelly had a request from a member to invite an ear moulding (earplug) business to one of our meetings. It was suggested Kelly provides details to Dave Hepburn to have something placed in the journal to see what interest is generated. Richard then called for any member who wished to take on the newly vacated role of President however no one stepped forward. Richard will continue to hold this position. Richard then called on anyone who would like to fill the role of Vice President. Les Fitzpatrick put himself forward for this position and when all present were asked for a show of hands his appointment was accepted unanimously. Raffle: 1st – Rodney Reeves, 2nd – Greg Gaffney, 3rd – Murray Brown, 4th – Geoff Harmon Closed: 8.45pm secretary@bmwmcq.org.au
Committee Reports Greg Gaffney
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MAY 2017
Secretary’s Report
MINUTES OF THE APRIL GENERAL MEETING 06/04/2017
Opened: 7.35 pm Visitors: Evangeline First Meeting: Greg Claessen R1200GS and K1 Apologies: Tony Gray, Bill Allen, Darryl Gowlett, Steven Johnson, Peter Todd, Ian and Alison Sayce, Ariella Woods, Sebastian Wale, Tony Malone, Garry Lawrence, George and Maggie Rafanowicz and Kieran Doyle. Minutes: from previous general meeting: Read by Dave Hepburn, 2nd by Rosi Johnson.
Special Resolution: Richard read the Special resolution to the members and also read two letters from Sue Ferguson (Member No 64) and Niels Holm (Member No 114) which were submitted in relation to the resolution and should have been tabled at the previous General Meeting. The two member’s letters highlighted that even though discontinuing the printed journal was made known to members at several monthly General Meetings there was insufficient communication with ALL members and also that such discussion did not appear to be in the committee’s minutes. Sue asked if a letter could be sent to all members apologising for this oversight and clarifying the below issues. • That the club will no longer be providing a printed journal • Clarify the method members will be notified of upcoming membership renewal.
There was considerable discussion on the requirement to publish the budget to ALL members and if the members had sufficient information on the financial commitments of the club to vote on the resolution. It was decided to still go ahead with the vote. The resolution required 75% of the members in favour for the resolution to pass. The Resolution: ... To immediately reduced to $40 per year for single memberships and to $60 per year for common /dual memberships. Craig advised there were 41 paid-up members in the room. The Yes vote had 2 additional proxies in hand and the No vote had an additional 13 proxies. The result including proxies was 17 for the Yes vote and 38 for the No vote to reduce the cost of membership. One member Geoff Harmon abstained. The resolution did not carry. Further discussed took place on the current anomaly with the cost of the common address membership fee. It is currently $60:00/yr yet the constitution states $75:00/yr. The committee will make this correction and table it at the next General Meeting. Editor: Dave (HEP) expressed his disappointment that many members did not get the message, over a period of about six months, about the change to the publishing of the journal. Regalia: Kelly demonstrated some key rings, mugs and shirts which were mostly all pink. In an effort to get more men to embrace pink she also had some pink men’s underwear and singlets which got everyone’s attention. There were also some inviting warm blue beanies now available. Records: Craig reported our membership is currently around 290 plus. Events: Dave (WHA) has been adding a few extra rides in the last few months. The Saturday morning breakfast rides have been popular. Dave has added a ride to a cafe at the end of the month and is also organising more picnic rides. There is still a lot of interest in lead rides however very few, at this stage, are putting up their hand to lead rides. Dave is always eager to get ideas and feedback on rides or events that members are interested in. Dave was able to announce that we are going back to the Evans Head RSL for our Xmas event on the 2nd and 3rd of December. This venue was a real hit with members when it was held there two years ago. It is a suitable distance and good accommodation is available. Tools: Bill has ordered a new three pin plug diagnostic tool as an accessory to the GS911 for the older model bikes. Bill asked if there were any other special tools members thought would be useful.
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12
MAY 2017
A NICE DAY FOR A RIDE
Don’t you just love riding in autumn in SEQ? We have endured the heat, humidity and rain of summer and the air has suddenly turned fresh in the mornings, the sun still shines but not as hotly and all of nature is showing the health that the summer rains have brought. Well you are not alone as the 21 bikes, riders and pillions who gathered at the Puma/Cougar (more on that later) Service Centre at Bundamba for the April Club ride can attest. From my perspective the club ride is an essential part of the club and dare I say the main reason why a bunch of people form a motorcycle club in the first place. What did the first club ride for the BMWMCQ look like almost 60 years ago when the club was formed? Is there any record? This is something for a club historian to ponder while we continue to add to that history. This ride promised to be a bit different as long time club member, former president, ex military and dare I say ‘character’ Charlie Brown had offered his services as ride leader. The notifications for the ride listed the meeting point as the Cougar Servo at Bundamba for a gentlemanly 10am departure over roads that Charlie said he hadn’t ridden for 20+ years where hopefully we would end up at the Tarampa Pub for lunch and one of their advertised $10 meals. Oh and Charlie did suggest there may have to be some U turns as he remembered his way. Now the meeting point did cause a little confusion as a ‘Cougar’ is a North American term for a ‘Puma’ so Charlie may have just forgotten that this wasn’t the Rockies or the alternative view using the informal definition of a ‘cougar’ being an older woman seeking a sexual relationship with a younger man. We might leave that one alone. Anyway the ‘Puma’ service centre it was. There was a great gathering with ‘the usual suspects’ to borrow a line from ‘Casablanca’ but showing some welcome youth amongst the ranks. The younger brigade included Toolman Bill’s son Michael riding Bill’s GS 1200 wethead (I never trusted my kids that much) and new member Majid and his equally new S1000XR. Steve & Mandy had made the trip down from the Sunny Coast, Mark G down from Bribie Is and Mark L down off the mountains. It was great to have them along. With military precision we departed at 10am with only three corner markers required to get us out of the Service Centre. Charlie’s magical mystery tour at first took us back over the highway into the Fassifern Valley on a backroads route into Boonah then out past the Dugandan Hotel where the Harleys were already parked up. We continued on into the Mt French National Park and to the end of the narrow sealed road at the top of the 468 meter peak. A short walk out to Logan’s lookout’ past a couple of large goannas’ was well worth it – the
Monthly Ride Report April 2016 views over Kalbar and out to Flinders Peak and Cunningham’s Gap are quite spectacular. Fifteen minutes was the allotted stop time before we were all back in line and heading down the mountain. I should add that to the writer’s knowledge this was the first stop on a club ride of 15 minutes duration where no caffeine was consumed. The second stage of the ride took us back through Boonah then onto Kalbar, Harrisville, Warrill View, Rosewood, Marburg before crossing the Warrego Highway at Minden and into the Lockyer (no not named after Darren) Valley and onto our lunch stop close enough to 1pm. Several club members; including Peter & Sue, Steve & Rosie and Andy Mc had ridden (yes Andy rode) straight to the Tarampa Pub so it was a large, boisterous group that enjoyed plenty of Craic over lunch. President and newly ordained life member Richard managed to quickly dispose of half a loaf (they are still looking for the other half) of garlic bread and beat an early departure home lest the borrowed K1600 should turn into a pumpkin. After lunch members departed in small groups or alone on their homeward journey with the trip through Lowood, Spit Yard Creek and over Mt Glorious a popular choice for the Brisbanites. A note of caution here about the road condition on the lower western side of Mt Glorious. It is laughable (if it wasn’t so serious) that the authorities have signs warning motorcyclists about the dangers of speeding when sections of the road have dangerous and significant uplift happening in the direction of travel. Get caught out on this and you will be in serious trouble regardless of speed. This hasn’t just happened; it has been like it for years and is getting worse. Take care. Jane and I arrived home with approx. 300k of good riding and great company under our belts on what was a beautiful SEQ autumn day. I think Charlie had been playing us all along as his ride was very well planned and dare I say, rehearsed. Thanks Charlie for another top day out on the bike and also to Richard who played TEC and managed to bring a full contingent into land at Tarampa. Tony Gray
Monthly Ride Report - Photos
MAY 2017
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MAY 2017
Profit/Loss and Financial Position
Statement of Financial Position 31 January 2017
2017
Note
s
2016
s
ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Inventories Prepayments TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS NON-CURRENT ASSETS Plant and equipment TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS
5 6 7 9
18,312 5,433 1,394
24,421 650 4,845 1,356
25,139
31,272
5,064
9,115
5 064
9,115
30,203
40,387
LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables
5,126
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
5.126
TOTAL LIABILITIES
5.126
NET ASSETS
30,203
35,261
MEMBERS' FUNDS Retained surplus
30,203
35,261
TOTAL MEMBERS' FUND
30,203
35,261
Frigid Digit 20 - 30 July 2017
MAY 2017
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29 ~ 30 July 2017
BMWMCQ Presents The 18th FRIGID DIGIT
The Tradition: A Mystery Weekender on the last weekend in July, travelling on great motorcycling roads to within 2 hours from Brisbane and guaranteed to be cold. Each year it alternates between full accommodation and camping and this year it will be full accommodation and camping. Enjoy each others company at a social gathering on the Saturday night and cap the night off with some warming liquids telling yarns around a campfire. Some previous destinations have included, Queen Mary Falls, Esk, Binna Burra, Bunya Mtns, Jondaryan and Stanthorpe.
This Year: It’s on again (27~28th July), break out the beanies, long johns, winter woollies and tune up your heated grips, because it’s going to be cold. There’s a lot to see and do on our journey to the mystery destination. We will
be stopping for Morning Tea and Lunch.
Accomodation: Cabins cost from $68 to $77 per double, Camping costs $27 per double per tent with good amenities nearby including hot showers. A two course Dinner including entertainment costs $35 per person. An optional Breakfast is available on Sunday morning. There will be the usual fire for keeping warm at the end of the day. If you are interested in attending and want to know more about the weekend (except where it is), please contact me. Bookings with full payment must be made as soon as possible to secure your place in this legendary event. Numbers are limited. Last bookings taken at the July General Meeting (6th July 2017).
Organisers: Gary Bennett and Graham Healey Ph. 3849 4563 or 0411 78GARY The FRIGID DIGIT winner of 3 “Best Organised Ride” Awards (1995, 2000, 2002).
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MAY 2017
Cairo to Cape Town Adventure Part 1 Egypt and Sudan
It is the 19th January, late afternoon and the sight of my trusty F700GS (Blue Betty) on the back of the flat bed truck coming out of the Port of Alexandria in Egypt brought a lump to my throat. I had last seen her when I waved her off along with Duncan’s “Precious” Tiger XCx at the end of October. With only a smattering of seagull poo and some Arabic writing on the exhaust, Betty looked none the worse for wear for her long sea journey – certainly longer than our 18 hour flight from Brisbane to Cairo. If only she could talk…. It had taken 4 days of battling bureaucracy in Alexandria with the shipping agent to get the bikes released and at last we are ready to start the adventure.
Egypt and Sudan....Cindy’s Africa After reattaching the battery and washing the seagull poo off, we hit the streets just on dark into the synchronised chaos of Alexandria traffic. Frankly the few days we had spent observing the Egyptian road theatre had given me the heebie-jeebies imagining myself having intimate traffic relations with a tuk-tuk, donkey cart or smog belching and heavily overloaded truck! I had seen no vehicle unmarked by scuffs, dings and worrying scrapes in the 4 days we had been in taxis and buses, with eyes glued to the madness or shut in terror. The reality was quite stressful, if only for the fact that Mick (ride leader and Compass boss) and I got separated from the rest of the group due to my initial lack of aggressive ‘throw myself in’ style of riding that is needed in the Alexandria traffic. A few close calls followed including a truck coming the wrong way down a very narrow lane, but after hiring a taxi to follow to the outskirts we finally caught up with the rest of the riding group at a toll point to ride the 200km to Cairo together. A valuable lesson learned by me – keep up or perish! After a day of sightseeing around the pyramids the following day and a good nights sleep we were physically and mentally prepared to head out of Cairo and start our 80 day adventure down to Cape Town. Our group of 9 bikes consisted of Ride Leader Andrew (R1200GS); Terry from Canada on his nearly new R1200GSA; Stan from Melbourne on his Triumph Tiger XC; Nicolas from France on his new Africa Twin; Adrian and his daughter Alma as pillion (Australia/Indonesia) on a new R1200GS; Craig from New York on a Suzuki V-Strom 650; his partner Kathy also from New York on a F700GS Compass hire bike and of course Duncan and me.
Leaving the Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel at around 8:00am in cool morning conditions, we successfully negotiated the Cairo suburbs to head East via the Red Sea coast for around 460km to our first nightly venue of Hurghada. A great mix of desert and coastal riding for our first official day and the mild temperature made it a pleasurable riding day with a section of fast (140+kmh) riding to get us off a road that might have been a bit dangerous. We had a police escort due to the troubled security situation in Egypt.
Egypt and Sudan....Cindy’s Africa
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and all manner of road users and livestock testing the concentration of all riders. One particularly memorable section of road into Aswan we nicknamed “the road of a million speed-humps”.
I really feel for the local people who are reliant on tourism, as the terror threat has kept the industry in a slump for several years now. We had a lot of tourism operators keen to give us a very good impression of their fascinating and history-filled country and asked us to pass on the word for other tourists in our home country to visit Egypt.
Our final 3 days in Egypt had riding days of around 300km through spectacular desert scenery with some challenging sections of road with heavy traffic
The popular tourist images of Egypt were even more spectacular than expected in Luxor with the Karnack temple being a definite highlight. Seeing Tutankhamen’s mummy was also one of those experiences that brings the dry history lessons of high school to life. Our last night in Egypt was in Abu Simbel with a visit to the amazing 13th century BC temples, moved to avoid being submerged in the 1960’s during the construction of Lake Nasser. Again very few tourists and the feeling that history is coming alive with the amazing hieroglyphics looking like they had been carved in the last few years rather than centuries ago. Egypt was a cheap place to visit with fuel, food and alcohol very reasonable and I never felt unsafe. Egyptian drivers have an interesting habit of not using headlights at night but flashing their lights when you approach, apparently they believe leaving the lights on drains the battery. Luckily we rode only twice there at night! They also like to use their horns with a symphony of different melodies for the circumstances they find themselves in. One long constant honk being the closest to road rage that these mainly calm but crazy drivers stoop to.
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On day 8, which was ironically Australia Day we headed into Sudan, which is a conservative Muslim country where alcohol is banned. Lucky we had our fill of good quality Egyptian beer and wine.
Egypt and Sudan....Cindy’s Africa The border crossing into Sudan took around 8 hours, however we had been warned that this was likely the longest border crossing of the trip, so forewarned it was easy to view this as an interesting experience rather than get all hot and bothered about the Egyptian and then Sudanese immigration bureaucracy. Our first camping night at the Compass “Fixer” Magdi’s house in Wadi Halfa was undertaken in a howling gale which made erection of tents for the first time a definite challenge but the excellent home cooked meal by Magdi’s wife more than compensated. The following day was going to be a long one at 600km so an early start was planned but the hour change in the time zone confused most of us – but by 8:00am we were on the road into what would be a windy and sand stormy day riding mostly along the ribbon of green that flanks the River Nile. The upside was a two night stay at Karima near the Jebel Barkal pyramids. The Nubian Rest-house was a fantastic, authentic, but comfy stay within walking distance to the deserted pyramids.
After our rest day we headed the nearly 400km to Meroe Camp and more pyramids – these ones belonging to the ancient Kushite rulers. Again they were devoid of other tourists but some enterprising young touts were out in force, and a rather persistent camel ride operator who followed us the entire way trying out all his best pitches to try and get us onto the camel – didn’t work!
Egypt and Sudan....Cindy’s Africa
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Meroe was our first “Glamping” experience and I must say I am now hooked. The permanent tent had very comfy beds, space to park the bikes next to it and a million dollar view of the pyramids from the front porch – what more does a weary rider need? Oh yes, a nice chilled wine or beer but we were in Sudan so a refreshing hibiscus juice was the next best thing with our dinner.
Our last night in Sudan was a bush camping night to allow an early entry to Ethiopia. Duncan was not looking forward to the camping mattress experience as he had done battle with the self-inflating beast on our previous camping night. However a top class traditional meal cooked up by a local catering crew under the Sudan stars made up for any minor discomfort. Khartoum, the capital of Sudan was our next destination and another two night stay which is always good for the necessities like getting the laundry done, although they won’t do ladies underwear. We stayed in the Acropole Hotel, run by a Greek family who had been in Sudan for a couple of generations. I found Khartoum to be a bit charmless, but the people were friendly with a group of schoolgirls at the museum practicing their English skills on me.
I found Sudan to be a lovely surprise of a country, amazing desert-scape and quality accommodation. The people are poor but open and welcoming to strangers – even to western women who do not wear a headscarf. I only had one instance of being told to cover my head (by a young woman ironically), and at one fuel stop a middle aged man told the group that “BMW motorbikes good – ladies riders not good”. Local women and girls looked firstly surprised and then excitedly waving to see Kathy and myself riding with the guys. One thing that is a shame about Sudan is the amount of garbage that lies around the streets of villages and blows across all the roads, it does spoil a beautiful landscape. So 14 days and 2 countries down, 66 days and 9 countries to go - no rain so far and lovely mild temperatures, so perfect riding conditions except for the odd bursts of strong wind on the exposed stretches of desert road. Duncan has done an extensive blog of the trip and if you are interested in more detail and photos you are welcome to have a read of it via: www.travellingbennetts.wordpress.com Cindy Bennett
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MAY 2017
THE LIFE OF THE BACKYARD MOTORCYCLE MECHANIC
Sitting beside a frustratingly silent motorcycle recently gave cause for a moment of introspection into this Motorcycling Life that we all love and enjoy so much. Not quite a Zen moment in the manner of a Robert M. Pirsig (*) lightning bolt but a worthwhile diversion nevertheless. You see I have found that to truly enjoy riding a motorcycle I need to know and understand what is happening beneath me – from the tyres through the suspension and brakes to the intricacies of the internal (infernal!) combustion engine. It is only then that I can fully appreciate and enjoy the road beneath me and the surrounds and environment that fills my sensors. I grew up in a time when motorcycles were not the smooth sweet running reliable robotic machines of today. My motorcycles of choice way back then were at first British, Japanese then Italian. Some were cheap, some were nasty but they all contributed in some way to that well of understanding we know as experience. This can only come with time and age. There is an ABC program currently doing the rounds where at the end the host asks the guest – “What advice would you give a 12yo you?” I’d prefer to be telling a 17yo me a bucket load that might have saved lots of scrapes and more than a few life threatening moments. I once set fire to the bituminous wrap insulation on a BSA single as a naive 17yo following the advice of a ‘wise’ old backyard mechanic. Put a nail in the fuseholder: that will cause the short circuit you are chasing to show itself. It sure did. A fire ensued fortunately extinguisher before much damage was done. The Zener Diode that had failed cost me the princely sum of $25 to replace – a full week’s wages for a cadet draftsman way back then. British bikes of the day were all fitted with Lucas Electrics (Jack Lucas aka The Prince of Darkness) so owning a British bike was akin to beginning my moto-electrical apprenticeship. Several years on reliable Japanese machinery followed, with the rebuild of my Honda 750/4 after a nasty accident a highlight in my mechanical apprenticeship. I realised that continuing down the Japanese route was not going to improve my mechanical knowledge so a ‘wise’ investment in an Italian thoroughbred was the next step up the mechanical ladder; akin to undertaking a post graduate degree. Italian bikes of the seventies were sweet handling mechanical marvels but the guys who designed and put together the heart of the beast knocked off at five o’clock and the night shift were left to throw together all the electrics and switchgear with what was left of a severely depleted budget. Early Ducati electronic ignition systems were a particular Achilles heel -I think I have 3 of those mementos sitting in a box in the shed somewhere.
The Life of the Backyard Mechanic You had to develop an ear for the noises that may signal an impending disaster (these were the days before the wisdom of wearing earplugs were known). And besides who didn’t enjoy the noise bellowing from those beautiful Conti exhausts exiting a well-tuned bevel drive L twin Duke 900? One memorable night a group of mates were traversing the dark Putty road north from Windsor after a Castrol 6 Hour race. My mates were riding a bevy of 900 Kawasaki’s and Honda 4’s when this mechanical eeer TWANG eeer TWANG eeer TWANG started from the Duke. In pitch darkness miles from anywhere I began to imagine a cold night on the side of the road rolled up in my swag. The bike was still running well keeping up with the hard charging Jappers as my brain analysed the sound and began ticking off a mental checklist of potential causes. Ride on until she potentially blows up or raise the white flag and pull over? Fortune favours the brave (foolhardy?) so I pressed on. To my great relief the speedo stopped working and at the same time the noise stopped – something as simple as a frayed and disintegrating speedo cable. In those days before the internet and YouTube such experiences were shared amongst friends in the Pub, on rides or at club meetings. Shared experiences contributed to the greater wisdom. If you didn’t have grease under your fingernails on the weekend you were looked upon suspiciously. Well what have these ramblings of bygone days to do with the BMWMCQ or to the dilemma I faced sitting beside this silent motorcycle. Well in fact quite a lot.
The focus of my attention was a 20yo R1100RT Oilhead with unknown history owned by friend (and newest BMWMCQ member) Rob. The bike had been breaking down under load and generally running a bit rough. Rob had decided to shout the old girl a full new fuelling system from pump and filters through to the injectors. He enlisted my assistance for the install and my workshop became the operating theatre. While she was up on the hoist she may as well have all the fluids changed and a new alternator belt to boot.
The Life of the Backyard Mechanic I should add at this point that my direct experience of the earlier 1100 and 1150 Oilhead amounted to zero, zilch, nothing. Never let a lack of knowledge hold you back I thought as this opportunity was too good to pass up – the house painting could wait another week. All went well and Rob returned home with the bike running better than but not as sweetly as hoped. A return visit was planned after I borrowed the Club’s excellent vacuum gauges from Toolman Bill. That’s when the fun began. The bike got back to the Gray abode, thought it liked the attention it had been getting here and decided it would go no further. No amount of coercion could coax her back into life. This is when the old school networking system came into play. A couple of visits to club stalwarts Les Fitzpatrick and Andy McLeod to receive sage like advice and the loan of testing gear and alternate parts for trial and error testing. This is where the benefits of club membership and the comradeship that brings come to the fore. I won’t bore you with the detail of the various iterations that were trialled and discarded before the Hall Effects Sensor was replaced. The wiring to the old unit was frayed and failing. With
the new Hall sensor fitted we had a bright fat spark again. Surely she would start now – no. It was at this time that I sat pondering this motorcycling life. The solution in this case came by taking a step back –
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The previously replaced fuel pump, filters and fuel lines inside the tank were removed to reveal that one of the new high pressure rubber pipes had ruptured and another was following in its wake. Once the lines were replaced the recalcitrant R1100 ran as she had been designed and as Rob had yet to experience. A happy ending indeed.
Come along to the next service day to perhaps learn something about your bike, make use of the excellent club tools or maybe to experience that bond between people with a common interest and a love of what makes motorcycles tick. Get some grease under your fingernails; it can be a cathartic experience. (*) Robert M. Pirzig author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. If you have only read it once then you will not understand. It needs to be read at least twice, thrice before true understanding can be bestowed. “Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value”.
Tony Gray
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Michael and Ann (the royals) GS Road Trip Europe
GS Road Trip Europe-Casablanca (Tarifa 25
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F
riends, it’s been only two weeks since we left Brisbane and only 11 days since we left London. The GS keeps a great pace. We’ve travelled LondonParis-Nantes-San Sebastian (Espana), Porto and Lisbon, then across Gibraltar strait to Tangier in Morocco. We’ll do London when using up our end margin in August. Paris is familiar ground, with this our fourth visit now. We stayed at the same camping ground cabin in the Central Park of Paris, Bois De Boulogne. Still, we spent a couple of hours touring Champs Elysses and getting some great iconic photos. Further down in France, Ann had picked some special roads and attractions to visit, giving a zig zag course for good reasons. Every night accommodation was a surprise. We managed one camping at San Sebastian, that we can recommend and some awesome places to visit. You need a swag of notes for all the toll roads. None of the Toll Roads we’ve found so far accepted the Australian Credit Card (note). Once we were in country-side Portugal, the automated tolls based on the registration plate were of course free for us, which were at least 80% of a lot of Toll roads. The toll roads were great for navigational ease, fast miles (120kph, but many go faster), great high up un-impeded views and safe travel without hassles from the temperamental activities of some local traffic. You still want to turn off the highway now and then for great bargains in restaurants, fuel, shopping and most of all accommodation. Prices and value in Portugal and Spain were great. Crossing over to Africa, we recommend TarifaTangier, which was totally trouble free and quick. Then for safe and easy access down the coast, there’s awesome 120kph highways all the way to Casablanca. In Tangier we found our Honeymoon Hotel from 39 years ago, still going strong. Tangier had grown a lot since then. Pollution was irritating and we didn’t stay long.
April)
Casablanca was impressive in many ways. Most road rules appear to be more like guidelines. When traffic slowed to 5 kph or less in the CBD, elderly, children, business people just mixed with traffic, crossing any which way. Oh, and very fast between it all, motor scoters trikes and motorbikes. Cars also lane filtered. There were really no lanes. In short, chaos. There was a layer of exhaust covering it all from old worn out vehicles, 4stroke, 2 stroke and black smoke diesels. It was quite intense and dangerous. You could not stop for a mother with two kids in the traffic in the middle of an intersection or roundabout, cause you would cause an accident, possibly involving the mother. Safest for all was to keep pressing on at the same rhythm as everyone else. We parked at our hotel’s underground car park with resident old man watching our bike all night and walked for over 2 hours instead. Next day, we rode right back 460 k north for Spain via ferry. The landscapes, country peoples chores and much interesting scenery still making the trip all worthwhile. To return, we chose Ceuta (Sebta) a Spanish enclave. The very high crossing over mountain tops was an euphoric ride. But don’t take the Ceuta crossing as the Passport control appeared quite corrupt. There’s drug running, a wave of refugees and one refugee rushing the gate (mother of 4) shot dead by police the day before. Traffic was jammed in very long queues. Often erupting in a cacophony of car horns in desperation. We gave in a after multiple requests for “tips” by a middle-man in the mafia style setup, we were waved through three major “controls” very quickly (passing everyone else), totalling 150 Euro in “tips”. I can only assume the loot was eventually split by the various roles in the setup, Instead, go back to Tangier (or Tangier ME which we can’t speak for) and do your passports control on the other side of Gibraltar straight, in mainland Spain.
Michael and Ann (the royals) GS Road Trip Europe Next is East coast Spain, South France and on to Italy.And we’ve had less than 2 weeks riding 5,647 k and as always, lovin it.
Regards Michael and Ann and our GS (Violet)
ANZAC Day Ride - 25 April 17 ANYONE FOR LUNCH
David Whale took on the onerous task of replacing Cindy in the testing Events chair on the club committee. One thing we have learned about David in the role while Cindy took the easier path of battling with the wilds of Africa on her trusty Beemer is that he is not afraid to try something new. And so it was that a lunch run was planned for a weekday public holiday – and not just any public holiday but that most sacred of days in the National psyche, ANZAC Day. Surely not. David must have been questioning his own sanity when only 10 starters had been confirmed – David had arranged for the café/restaurant at Ravensbourne to open ‘just for us’ and they required a minimum of 10 guests for this to happen. Ah the joys of being an Events organiser. The term ‘herding cats’ comes to mind as David informed the café on event eve that the numbers would be closer to 20 following a late rush. On the day this number had swelled to 33 or 34 (depending on who did the counting) plus a 0.5 for Paul Hughes who reluctantly had to head home from just outside Esk with a slippery clutch on his GS1200 wethead. Another ‘innovation’ from David’s arsenal was that there was no organised ride to the venue atop the range on the Esk/Hampton Road. And what happened – with the power bestowed upon us by social media, members organised themselves into four different ride groups who all found the venue and didn’t loose anyone along the way (Paul H notwithstanding). Others chose to arrive on their own.
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This brilliant piece of initiative allowed many riders to attend their respective ANZAC Day services before embarking on a day out on the bike. There were several factors playing a hand in the success of this day – the weather was near perfect, the venue well-chosen with panoramic views, the ride options were multiple and varied, the food was very good with a wide choice of food types to suit all budgets, the staff were very friendly and obliging and we had the whole place to ourselves. But best of all was you, those who chose to attend. I cannot remember a happier more joyful bunch of people at a club outing. And an added note about the ladies – there were 12 in attendance, 10 on the pillion perch and 2 riding (congrats Anita on first solo club ride and welcome back Cindy, albeit on a Suzuki), a great turnout - ‘Build it and they will come’. Thanks goes to David for daring to venture where no one had dared to venture before, and we all benefitted.
Tony Gray
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ANZAC Day Ride - 25 April 17 PHOTOS
Charlie Brown’s USA Trip 2014
O
Charlie and Wheezy Bob go Utard in Utah
k sensation seekers and holders of Kaptain Kremmin Identi Cards, the story you have been calling for. I think that it was about Easter this year (2014) that I was surfing the ADV Riders thing on the Interweb. I was looking at the ‘Your best pass pics’. Photo’s kept popping up of the Shafer Switchbacks at Canyonlands National Park and of the White Rim Trail. Hmmmm, I thought, “That would be great to ride, I should go over and ride it”. So I did! Day One; Tuesday 2 September. The never ending Tuesday! Whoever said “getting there is half the fun” has never ‘got there’ by packed 747-400. Sydney to Dallas, Dallas to Atlanta. Sleep.
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Because my bags had made it to the earlier flight I had to collect them from the lost luggage department on the other side of the terminal. Finally got into the hire car at midnight and immediately got lost. I got a motel north of Denver and ZZZZ! Monday 8. I drove to Johnstown and introduced myself to Calvin, whom had the KLR. Had a quick talk and he invited me to stay with him while I was getting the bike ready. I headed for Wyoming and Devils Tower National Monument. Not much to look at on the way but did fill the car at Newcastle. No close encounter at the tower but very very impressive. It blew me away. DEVILS TOWER WYOMING
Wednesday 3 I had a look around Atlanta. The Aquarium was great, Coca Cola World wasn’t.
Thursday 4 Picked up the car and drove to North Carolina for the Horizons. On the way I stopped at Wal-Mart and got a chip for my phone. Looked in vain for some Wal-Mart people. On the way up I passed a huge bike shop that advertised in massive letters “Bikes & Guns”. Arrived at The Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge midd afternoon and caught up with my friends Ken and Carroll who are on an extended world trip. They left Brisbane for an 18 month tour of Europe and the USA in 1997! Friday 5 Sat around telling lies, err stories, with other travellers.
Saturday 6 An interesting day, pranged the hire car, got a new one. I was asked by two rednecks in the bunk house if they could bring their guns to Australia. When I said no they got very aggressive. “Liberal, commie wimp homo’s” that’s what we are in Oz so it seems. More of guns later.
Sunday 7 Fly from Atlanta to Denver via Chicago. The flight was late leaving Atlanta due to a storm. Late into Chicago and missed the connection. I was there 10 minutes before the stated departure time. Unfortunately the gate closed 15 min before the stated time. Back to the desk and I was put on the next flight, (in 4 hours). The funny bit was American Airlines trying to charge me a $75 fee because my flight details had changed! A few short Australian colloquial expletives and the fee was waived. The aircraft landed in Denver at about 1045.
Tuesday 9. Got away early and drove back to Johnstown via Mt Rushmore (good) and Crazy Horse (not so good). Just below Mt Rushmore is a town called Keystone. It is without doubt the most tourist tacky crap hole place I have ever seen! I got back to Cal’s place at about 8pm
Wednesday 10. I finally got to ride the bike. I only rode it for about 5 miles and went back and told Cal to ring Bob (the owner) and tell him he had a sale. Spent the rest of the day fooling with the bike (tyres and oil, filter change) and trying to tell Cal that I didn’t want to take his spare gun with me. Bob came around and we sorted out the sale I paid $2600 for a 2000 KLR with about 16500miles on it. And again,“ Thank you Bob but I don’t want to borrow your spare gun”. With a set of tyres and new oil and filter add $200 and $75 for liability insurance. Thursday 11 More of same on the bike. I jumped on and rode around the block (minus lid) to clean the tyres.
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
NATONAL COURSE DATES COURSE PRICE $85 PER PERSON QUEENSLAND 2017 BOOK NOW Jan 14 Mackay April 29 Mackay Jan 29 Townsville May 13 Bundaberg Feb 12 Cairns May 14 Rockhampton Mar 5 Gold Coast/Currumbin Jun 3 Brisbane/Grange Mar 11 Brisbane/Grange Jun 4 Brisbane/Ipswich Mar 11 Bundaberg Jun 10 Brisbane/Birkdale Mar 12 Brisbane/Ipswich Jun 11 Sunshine Coast/Kawana Mar 12 Rockhampton Jun 17 Gold Coast Mar 18 Brisbane/Birkdale Aug 12 Mackay Mar 19 Toowoomba Sep 10 Cairns Mar 26 Sunshine Coast/Buddina Oct 14 Bundaberg Oct 15 Rockhampton
Charlie Brown’s USA Trip 2014 The local Sheriff followed me back to Cal’s place, because he had never seen me in the village before. No problems after Cal came out of his garage. Then a bizarre conversation between the Law, Cal and I, as follows Cal. “ Steve can you write Charlie a Concealed Carry Permit for the next month.” Steve the sheriff “ Sure can, Charlie can you give my your Australian Permit and I will just transfer the info to the Colorado one” Charlie. “I don’t have an Australian permit.” Steve “ No problem at all I can write you one in 5 minutes” Charlie,” Thank you but I don’t want one” Etc. etc, etc..
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Grand Junction at about 1600 and got a room.
WHEEZY BOB AT COLORADO NAT MONUMENT
And Now, the good bits.
Friday 12 Denver to Grand Junction……285 miles. The days plan was to “get out of Dodge” so to speak and get to Grand Junction. It had snowed the night before and as Denver is called the Mile High City (5,280 ft) it was COLD. I waited until after 10am before setting off. On big trips like this I always get a massive rush at the start it can be very intense and I hope never to loose it. I love riding a new road, for me it’s the utter unparalleled joy of not knowing what you may see around the next corner. The goal for the first day was Grand Junction, 285 miles down the free-way. Going over the Rockies just west of Denver there was snow on the ground, though not on the road. I had all my warm gear on and still feeling the cold. Over the pass and into the Rockies it warmed up quickly. I fell foul of the law at some road works where they are cutting a new tunnel. The traffic was backed up so I just filtered down to the head of the line. There standing in the middle of the road was the Colorado Highway Patrol’s “Man with no Eyes” (a Cool Hand Luke reference here). He got me to the side and gave me a bollocking for lane splitting as its not legal in Colorado. Too dangerous it seems, yet you can ride without a helmet! Anyhow he looked at my licence and said (as it is spelt here) “Wheir in the Sam Hill is Noo South Walls? Australia! This is too much god-damn paper work. Now, Gitt!” I am not a big fan of freeways but this one was the only way across the Rockies. The scenery made up for it though. The Eisenhower Tunnel is where the highway crosses the continental divide. At 11,158 it is the highest road tunnel in the USA and the highest point on the US Interstate Highways. Oh and its 1.6 miles long. This is where I christened the bike Wheezy. Filled the bike at New Castle, not to be confused with Newcastle, and rode along the old highway (where possible), which shadowed the freeway. Rolled into
Saturday 13 Grand Junction to Escelante.......269 miles I had breakfast at Denneys then rode across the Colorado River to the Colorado National Monument. All the National Parks and National Monuments have an entry fee. While at Devils Tower I bought a Park Pass which gives you unlimited access to parks and monuments for 1 year (car with 5 people or 2 bikes). Bloody good value, as you will see. Colorado Monument was stunning and I thought that it may overshadow the other places I intended to visit. I shouldn’t have worried. The road west from GJ is a bit boring. I pulled into the Utah State Line Information Wayside (say that 3 times quickly) and got some free maps. Out in the car park I talked to a guy from Perth on an Oily-dogfish (Harley). He was heading to LA and home. Aussies, we are every where. No change in the scenery until the start of Capitol Reef NP. The rock formations were amazing and the road had corners! Yippee. Through the park and at Torrey I turned onto Highway 12. I had been told that this was a good road but they were wrong. I was one of the best roads I have ever been on, right up there with The Great Ocean Road. I started on Hwy 12 in the desert and in the space of 20 min I was at 9000 ft in pine forests. Great views of the surrounds and Capitol Reef N P. Down the other side to Boulder I turned of the main road and rode along a road that had been recommended to me the day before. The Burr Trail is mostly paved now but has a great dirt section that climbs the Watershed Ridge (you can look at it on youtube as with all the roads I used). The canyon that the Burr trail runs through for a while is another overload of the senses! Back to Boulder and back on Hwy 12 towards Escalente for the night.
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Charlie Brown’s USA Trip 2014 I gave poor old Wheezy Bob a bit of a beating on the road. I need to go back and do this area on a road bike. The people who put the road in MUST have been bike riders. Anyhow I got a room at a motel in Escalante, had a feed at the diner over the road, and hit the farter. CAPITAL REEF NP. UTAH
Sunday 14 Escelante to Zion NP.........278miles Up early as usual and packed the bike. I tried to talk to a Harley rider but his distaste for Wheesy Bob really pissed me off. I caught up to him a bit later on the road in the twisties and sat up his clacker for a bit before going past. I know that I shouldn’t have but NO ONE MAKES FUN OF WHEEZY BOB! On to Bryce Canyon NP. Bryce was very crowded even for 9am on a Sunday. I almost gave it a miss but luckily I rode up to the lookout. The valley below was covered with what the Indians called Hoodoo’s. The colour control was set at eleven. The photo’s I took don’t show the true colours. I only spent an hour there as the crowds were growing. Out of the park and west to Hwy 89 then down through Hatch, Glendale to Mount Carmel Junction. I pulled up and went into the diner for some lunch. Who should be there but the Oily-Dogfish guy from this morning. The lunch was the typical “Burger and fries” which is to say it tasted like cardboard. After the feast I headed west on Rt 9 towards Zion. This road was another ripper. I have wanted to go to Zion for years and I expected to be a bit disappointed by it ( as the saying goes “You should never meat your boyhood hero or ride your dream classic bike, as you will be disappointed”). Not this time! The road in takes you down through a tunnel and on the other side are some switchbacks to the valley floor. Stunning!
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As it was Sunday afternoon the place was packed with Whindybagos. I went straight through and had to ride about 45 miles to Hurricane before I could find somewhere to stay that I could afford. BRYCE CANYON NP. UTAH
Monday 15 Zion to Page …….187 miles. Got away early again and rode back to Zion. Wheezy Bob was starting to play up fuel wise. He would cough and splutter as if running out of fuel but when I turned the tap to res he came good. Turn the tap back to normal and all was good for a long while then same again. Not a major drama but most annoying. I made a note to check it out that evening. I spent the morning in Zion NP. I took the bus to the end of the valley where the Virgin River has cut a narrow gorge. The bus stop is walled in by huge cliffs of ocer and red rock with pretty lush plants considering its in the middle of a desert. This is also the trailhead for most of the back country trails and there were lots of hikers with massive backpacks heading out. It looked like a scene from Holy Grail minus the coconuts! Back down the road I got off the bus to have a look at Angles Landing. The trail was pretty full again but this time there were no big packs. Have a look at utube (hike to angles landing) and see what its like. And no I didn’t climb it, the knees wouldn’t let me. Zion is an amazingly beautiful place and being a week day there were no crowds which only made it better.
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BMWMCQ 2016 Events Calendar
BMWMCQ 2017 EVENTS BRG MAY
Thursday 4 Sunday 7
Wednesday 17 Saturday 20 Tuesday 30 JUNE
Thursday 1 Sunday 4
Saturday 17
Wednesday 21 Tuesday 27 JULY
Thursday 6 Sunday 9
Saturday 15
Wednesday 19 Tuesday 25 AUGUST
Thursday 3 Sunday 6
Saturday 19
Wednesday 16 Tuesday 29
SEPTEMBER Thursday 7 Sunday 10
Saturday 16
Wednesday 20 Thur 21-Sun 24 Tuesday 26 OCTOBER Thursday 5 Sunday 8 Sunday 15 Saturday 21 Wednesday 18 Tuesday 31 NOVEMBER Thursday 2 Sunday 5 Saturday 18 Wednesday 15 Tuesday 2
Ride Leader / Contact
6:30pm
Hamilton Hotel dinner meet
Kingsford Smith Drive Ascot
7:30pm TBA
9:30am
6:30pm
7:30pm TBA
9:30am
6:30pm 6:30pm
7:30pm TBA
9:30am
6:30pm 6:30pm
7:30pm TBA
9:30am
6:30pm 6:30pm
7:30pm TBA
9:30am
6:30pm 6:30pm 7:30pm TBA TBA 9:30am 6:30pm 6:30pm 7:30pm TBA 9:30am 6:30pm 6:30pm
Monthly club meeting Monthly Club Ride Sat Coffee Run German Club
Monthly club meeting Monthly Club Ride Sat Coffee Run
Tingalpa
TBA....THIS IS NOT MOTHERS DAY THIS YEAR TBA
Woolloongabba
Tingalpa TBA TBA
Hamilton Hotel dinner meet
Kingsford Smith Drive Ascot
Monthly club meeting
Tingalpa
German Club
Monthly Club Ride Sat Coffee Run
Woolloongabba
TBA
TBA
Hamilton Hotel dinner meet
Kingsford Smith Drive Ascot
Monthly club meeting
Tingalpa
German Club
Monthly Club Ride Sat Coffee Run
Hamilton Hotel dinner meet German Club
Monthly club meeting Monthly Club Ride Sat Coffee Run
Hamilton Hotel dinner meet Horizons Unlimited Meeting German Club Monthly club meeting Monthly Club Ride Laverda Concours Sat Coffee Run Hamilton Hotel dinner meet German Club Monthly club meeting Monthly Club Ride Sat Coffee Run Hamilton Hotel dinner meet German Club
Woolloongabba
TBA
Biscuit Ride
George & Maggie
Kingsford Smith Drive Ascot Woolloongabba
TBA
Tingalpa TBA
Kingsford Smith Drive Ascot Boonah horizonsunlimited.com Woolloongabba Tingalpa TBA Duncan & Cindy TBA TONY GRAY? TBA Kingsford Smith Drive Ascot Woolloongabba Tingalpa TBA President TBA Kingsford Smith Drive Ascot Woolloongabba
BMWMCQ 2016 Events Calendar DECEMBER Saturday 2 Christmas Party Thursday 7 7:30pm Monthly club meeting Italics font denotes event organised by other clubs
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MAY 2017
Evans Head NSW Services Club Tingalpa
REGULAR EVENTS PER MONTH 1st Thursday of month General Meeting 3rd Wednesday evening of the month North-side Dinner (Hamilton Hotel) 3rd Saturday of month Saturday Morning Coffee Run Last Tues of month Southside Dinner (German Club) -was 4th Tues previously
Charlie Brown’s USA Trip 2014 I came out of Zion the same way and enjoyed the road just as much as the day before. I had lunch at Knab and got talking to a guy on a 1200GS BM. My plan had been to get to Page and get a room. He warned me that Page was the most expensive place around for accommodation. I got to Page and decided to have a look at Wheezy Bob’s fuel tap. I pulled the tap out at a local bike place and after a couple of hours couldn’t find a thing. As I was covered in fuel I relented and paid the Kings ransom for a room (I really needed a shower).
through Arizona the week before and another was right behind it. I decided to go as far as I could toward Moab. Looking at the map I thought that I was going to be a dull day scenery wise. Not so, it is a desert, but again the colour was set at eleven. Wheezy seemed to be going ok and was happy to sit on 70 mph. With my feet on the highway pegs it was very comfortable indeed. I got some breakfast and fuel at Kayenta. In the Burger King there they have a display of the Navajo code talkers from WW2 in the Pacific Theatre. Just up the road is Monument Valley. Again very
ZION NP AND ANGELS LANDING (on right) UTAH Tuesday 16 Page to Monticello……..245 miles I had planned to go to Winslow AZ to stand on “the corner” but what was left of a hurricane had been
spectacular, but a bit spoilt by the roadside stalls selling “Genuine Navajo trinkets”. To the north there is a place to pull in and take photo’s.
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Charlie Brown’s USA Trip 2014 This was the spot where Forrest Gump decided to stop running and I had to dodge idiots standing on the highway pretending to be him! It is also the album cover for the Best of the Eagles. I took a couple of photo’s while fending off the trinket salespeople. They were quite aggressive in their marketing. Up the road was the town of Mexican Hat. I filled up the camel back (don’t leave home without it!) and rode past the towns namesake land mark. It’s a balancing rock that looks like a Mexican hat. About 10 miles up the road is the Goosnecks State Park on the San Juan River, and again totally spectacular. I was heading up to the Natural Bridges National Monument and rode up the escarpment on the Moki Dugway. It’s a dirt road up the side of the mountain and great fun. The guy on the Oily Dogfish I passed on the way up wasn’t too impressed with the road. The look on his face was priceless. Onward to Natural Bridges. What’s the difference between an Arch and a Natural Bridge, one is made by water and the other isn’t! There are 9 bridges in the park ranging from small to very big. Unfortunately the best way to see and photograph them is from river below. There was no way my knees would have held up. Very good even though I didn’t get the best angle for photographs. Travelling north I started to look for a bed. At Blanding all the motels were full of hunters as the season was just about to start. Sorry, I just don’t get the hunting thing. I eventually got a room at Monticello. I called a lady in Moab, Marcia, to ask about her spare room that she rents. It was unavailable on
Wednesday night but available there after so I grabbed the next 3 nights.
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MONUMENT VALLEY UTAH Wednesday 17 Monticello to Moab……..98 miles I took my time this morning as I only had 98 miles to do. On the way I went out to The Needles Overlook and took in the view. Stunning is an understatement! I was there for about an hour watching the mountain bikers on the valley floor about 1500ft below. That was a bit too keen for me. I set off for Moab and had a quick look at Hole in Rock store on the way. As with all tourist stores, this place was very tacky. They were selling things like baseball caps with a plastic turd on the peak! I thought that there was no way that I would buy one of those. I mean, if I really wanted one that badly, I could make one myself! I rolled into Moab at about lunch time and found Marcia’s place. The people who had booked the room rang and cancelled so I took the room for 4 nights at $60 a night, a real bargain in Moab. I had dinner with Marcia and got some good advice for what to do and see over the next few days. Thursday 18 Arches NP. I got away early and rode the 5 miles to the park entrance. Once through, park pass again, the road does a series of hairpins up the hill. Of course the car in front of me decided to stop right in the middle of the first hairpin to look at his map. Unfortunately the parks most famous feature, Delicate Arch requires a 2 mile walk, over very rough ground, to get up close to it. I got a good look at the arch from the lower viewpoint.
I did go for a walk further in the park to Landscape Arch. It was about a 2 mile round trip but was on
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MAY 2017
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Charlie Brown’s USA Trip 2014
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formed walkway. A bit taxing because of my knees, but well worth it. I got back to Moab after lunch. I wanted to camp overnight on the White Rim Trail and, needed an overnight camping permit. I had organised to get the permit before I left home. So I rang only to be told that the trail was closed due to damage from recent storms. Bugger! This was one of the main reasons for my trip. Friday 19 Canyonlands and the White rim. I was pretty pissed of by the closure of the White Rim but decided to go up and at least ride the Shafer Switchbacks. Filled up and rode out of Moab, across the Colorado River and west along the north bank. My plan was to come into the park along the Potash road. At the potash ponds some workers told me that the road to the park was impassable. No problems I will go up Long Canyon and Pucker Pass. On the way back I passed a convoy of 4X4’s heading the other way and thought nothing of it. Down to Long Canyon rd and of course it was closed. So I rode back along the river to the highway. As I got closed to the highway a pair of Mule Deer came out of the bush on my right. I missed the first one by inches and the other one by not much more. Certainly made my pass pucker! Anyhow I got up to the Shafer Road . This was FANTASTIC. It hugs the cliff for the first mile or so then goes into the “switchbacks”. The thing about the road is even though it’s about a 700 – 800 ft drop there are no guard rails. I rode down to the valley floor then had a ride along the trail to Muscleman Arch. While there I ran into the convoy of 4X4’s that I passed earlier. They said that Potash road was open and in good condition! Another group had come in on the White Rim trail and said the same thing. Bugger. I gave Wheezy a beating back up the switchbacks and loved it. I took a quick trip to Grand View Point and sat around for a while. On the way back to Moab I took the Gemini Arch road. What a goat track complete with about a mile of soft sand. I got back to the room at about 1500 totally knackered. The roads would have been an absolute hoot to do on a 450 dirt bike or smaller. The KLR with luggage was a bit of a handful in the tighter stuff and sand. SHAFER SWITCHBACKS, CANYONLANDS NP. UTAH
Saturday 20 Moab. I spent the day tracking down an electrical fault on Wheezy Bob. I thought that the start button was faulty but after tracking with a test light I found that one of the starter relays was full of dust. Cleaned it with contact cleaner and put the bike back together. No more problems. Sunday 21 Moab. Did a quick ride along the South bank of the river (watching for deer) and up to Hurrah Pass. Good dirt roads and not much traffic. I sat in the shade of the cliffs for a couple of hours just taking in the scenery. It was very pleasant morning. Back at the room I did much of the same. I basically took the day off from touring. I had a holiday within a holiday so to speak. Here we leave Charlie and will finish his amazing USA Trip next Month which will include a couple of photos I could not fit in these last pages due to formating issues.....Ed.
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