BMWMCQ JOURNAL MAY 2018 - AMENDED by BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB QUEENSLAND

MAY 2018

www.bmwmcq.org.au

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC.

Established 1958

BOXER BENEFITS SAVE $3,500 ON ALL BMW

BMW Motorrad

BOXER ENGINED MOTORCYCLES

across selected BMW Boxer Engine Heritage Motorcycles. For a limited time only, experience Ride Away offer savings of up to $3,500 across the Heritage range. These offers are strictly whilst stocks last at participating BMW Motorrad Dealers. Capture the spirit of pure riding freedom. bmwmotorrad.com.au

@MorganandWackerBMW

@morganandwackerbmw

R nineT PURE NOW

$18,633

RIDE AWAY

SAVE $3,500

R nineT SCRAMBLER

$19,254

NOW

RIDE AWAY

SAVE $3,500

R nineT URBAN G/S

$19,254

NOW

SAVE $3,500

R nineT RACER

$19,668

NOW

R nineT

NOW

RIDE AWAY

SAVE $3,500 $21,694

RIDE AWAY

SAVE $3,500

Morgan & Wacker BMW Brisbane 51 Ross St, Newstead | (07) 3259 5787 morganandwacker.com.au

*National Promotional Ride Away Price with no other optional extras. Offer applies to motorcycles ordered and delivered between 1 April and 30 June 2018, at participating BMW Motorrad dealers. While stocks last, cannot be combined with any other offer. Stock may vary between BMW Motorrad dealers. Excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. Consult your participating BMW Motorrad dealer for further details. BMW Group Australia reserves the right to change or extend the offer. *All models include Stylinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Package, Spoked Wheels

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: 0418 197 709 vpres@bmwmcq.org.au R 1150 R

Secretary - Duncan Bennett Ph: 0458 293 569 secretary@bmwmcq.org.au R 850 R 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

This Issue - MAY 2018 Contents:-

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Committee Reports . . . . . . . . . . 5 SIGNS OF GERMANY TONY GRAY. . . 7 General Meeting Minutes. . . . . 11 BMWMCQ 60th Gala Dinner . . . . . 12 Club Ride YAGAN HOTEL. . . . . . . . 13 FRIGIT DIGIT 2018. . . . . . . . . . . . 14 CLUB RIDE APRIL PALMWOODS . . . . 15 BMW CA MOTORRAD RALLY. . . . . . 18 SINJE GOTTWALD . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 REFLECTIONS - HISTORY PUDDING. 26

Advertisers

NICK HESE SOUTH AMERICA #8. . . . 27 BMWMCQ Supports. . . . . . . . . . . 28 NEW VENUE GENERAL MEETINGS. . 29 BMWMCQ Events Calendar 2017. 30 NICK HESE SA TRIP continued . . . . . 31 Cupla Adverts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 ELLASPEDE’S DUST HUSTLE. . . . . . 33 BOB BROCK RIDERS ADVICE . . . . . . 34

TeamMoto BACK Cover

Coloundrara Motorcycles Cafe2U - P.28 Good Wool Store - P.32 Munich Motorcycles - P.32 Northside Motorcycles - P.34 Morgan and Wacker-FRONT Cover

n The Cover...

You want fries with that? The Club Ride to Rick’s Garage in Palmwoods near Nambour was attended by nearly 40 riders and was one of the best attendances for many many months. Everybody had a really great time and the food was amazing.

Tools/Spares - Bill Luyten Ph: 0438 123 747 tools@bmwmcq.org.au R1150 Rockstar - R1200 GS LC 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

MAY 2018

Dave Hepburn

Editorial Editor’s Report

t has been another busy month for the club with many varied activities and the response from members who attended these events indicates a good time was had by all. This month’s journal had an abundance of articles but due to pressing matters that needed to be advertised, a number of articles have been relegated to next month’s journal. Next month there are a couple of articles from Mark Morrissey related to the admirable work and efforts of the Air Heads Group, in assisting Sinje Gottwald to get back onto the road again: see Tony Gray’s article in this months Journal. Nick Hese, whose writings have graced these pages on many occasion had the misfortune to suffer a significant accident whilst touring South America. Below is a summary of events and his current situation. Nick… all of us here BMWMCQ wish you a very speedy recovery and a safe journey home for you and your wife. If there is any way that the Club may be able to assist you please let me know. Paul Hughes: President BMW Motor Cycle Club Queensland. 26 APRIL 2018 Ok so my worst fears have been realised A pedestrian stepped out in front of me whilst doing about 30 km/h. Result: Scratches on fairing and mirror. Me: deadly swollen ankle and friction burn on leg. Don’t think its broken just badly sprained: trapped under pannier. She stepped out from a line of Tuk Tuks, and is now missing a few teeth! I think I hit her with handlebar but really don’t know. A day at Police station (they were quite good and so was the interpreter) cost $400 Australian to make it all go away. Apparently being a foreigner I was at fault! So 90 km still to go to escape this place. Hope my ankle is ok in the morning. 27 APRIL 2018 Just a quick update: Spent this morning riding 100km to the Ecuador border, once inside country collapsed from pain! Cops took me to hospital and secured bike. I didn’t know but hospital is free here! So after half a day in two hospitals, the first thought I would need surgery! The orthopaedic surgeon decided not (thank god) so for 6 weeks I have a cast up the back of my leg and under my foot. The collarbone is supposed to be broken but I think just bruised badly.I was not shown the X-Rays despite asking, the language barrier even with google translate is sometimes insurmountable. So back to Macara, got some not 3 day old clothes from the bike, the cops drove me to a nice hotel and came back with an Austrian, who speaks good English! The bottom line is we organised a Ute to take the bike about 200 km (me with it) and I get transferred to a hospital in Quito, door to door, meanwhile with the Austrians help I organised a plane ticket to Quito. The bike turns up when it will and we stay in a German friend’s hostel! After Gallapogos and Aruba, I will arrange to get it to Santiago and come home early. I can’t ride for 6 weeks (cast) and I think I will call it a day: Home sometime in June. Still 8 months is ok! Blisters (photos not shown here to protect the squeamish) were over the entire leg this morning and removing them hurt more than the 100km ride. But firefighters, even retired ones are tough! 28 APRIL 2018 I have moved on from Macara with the help of Franz, the Austrian and the local Police. Everyone in Ecuador has been fantastic. I am now in Catamayo, for two nights and then fly to Quito. The bike was delivered to Loja (200km) in the back of a Ute and we found a trucking company to deliver it to Quito. Slight delay due holiday weekend, but that’s OK. Waiting to hear from my freight agent in Santiago about getting it there, but we are making progress. For myself, the pain, especially the shoulder is quite intense; perhaps there is a fracture there after all. Wish I had seen the X-Rays. So a day of enforced rest, fly to Quito, visit hospital and wait for my dear wife to arrive on Friday. Could be worse!

Committee Reports Paul Hughes

MAY 2018

President’s Report

ast Month we had some fabulous activities. The Club ride had a large turn-out for a very interesting ride on back roads from Carseldine to Woodford for Morning tea and then the famous Ricks Garage for lunch. Many of the roads a lot of members said they had never been on. I was a fantastic day with good weather and a big shout out to Greg Gaffney and tail end Charlie Duncan Bennett for organising a pretty complex route that turned out brilliantly.

We also had our first camping overnighter of the year at Cullendore High Country property. The property is split into two parts. One for grazing: the other half for camping. It was a fantastic location up the ridges and we had, once again, a great turn out. There were lots of great stories around the campfire and a very pleasant night under canvas. I went to bed early and slept soundly through a fair bit of rain and wind: Woke up totally dry and rested. Others may have had some minor equipment melt downs and dampness but everyone was in good spirits the next morning. That is until Carol started the heavy rock music at 6.30 am. Her bags need to be searched next time, early on, to isolate the music machine…..lol. A huge thank you to Gary Bennet, Graham Healey, for organising this event. It was fantastic. They promise more to come this year and of course the annual Frigid Digit is coming up last weekend in July The Nationals has been re allocated. As you know from last month, we were not able to organise Stanthorpe to be the desired location by October 2018. Stanthorpe did confirm our requested dates for March 2019, but Clubs Australia wanted to stick to October 2018. The upshot of all that activity is, the Nationals will be held by the ACT Club in October near Lithgow. Advertisements for that are in this magazine and on our other communications sites. We will put together a bid for October 2020 for Stanthorpe, who have already indicated we will be very welcome. The planning for the 60th Birthday dinner is ongoing, with Richard Maher organising classic bikes for a display and decorations planning and audio-visual show is well underway. This will be a fantastic night celebrating all that is old, new and important in our club. Please sign up now to ensure we can cater correctly. The club is based on activity and social functions spread over The Brisbane Group, the Classic Group and the two regional groups of Warrego Riders and The Sunny Coast. Many firm friendships are at work here and many are in the process of being formed. If you can’t find something that you want to attend amongst all this, well you’re just not looking enough. I personally have a full calendar just getting around seeing everyone and I could not enjoy myself anymore than I am. It’s all about Great friends and Great times. Please get involved.

MAY 2018

Richard Maher The story on the Photos is as follows,

Committee Reports Vice Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report

friend was glancing through a very old issue of Two Wheels magazine (Feb 1996) recently and photos of the Original 1995 BMW Safari are included in this edition. He thought he recognised one of the people in the photos. I recognised a few more faces in the images as coming from BMWMCQ. Perhaps you can recognise a few more club faces. The original story and photos were produced by Motorcycling Journo Mick Matheson who happens to be well known to another of our regular members.Â

Richard Maher

Committee Reports John Eacott

MAY 2018

Treasurer’s Report

BMW MCQ Treasurer’s Report April 2018

e remain financially healthy, but our accounts are still undergoing some journal entries to complete depreciations, which were delayed a few years ago. This will bring asset levels down to reflect our true worth. I am interstate as this is written so I shall hopefully produce a definitive P & L for the next club meeting when I get back from the BMW CA AGM in the Deep South. The Records officer has been added as a signatory to the club accounts with the Bank of Queensland, giving us three committee members able to sign on behalf of the club for any payments. Any two are required to ensure the probity of payments. John Eacott treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au

SIGNS OF GERMANY - TONY GRAY

uncan & Cindy set a high standard in the April Club Journal with their selection of the weird and wonderful signs from their trip through the wilds of Africa. Well we thought this is a topic worth pursuing so we are continuing the string. Why not join in with your personal favourites. Jane and I have chosen a trip through Germany for this selection showing that the Third World does not have it on its own when it comes to strange signs & posters. Here are our thoughts: Continued on Page 21

The Zundapp poster – rider in full leather gear, pillion in a skirt with white gloves?

How to Shit in the Woods – obviously a big problem in Germany as posted in National Park.

The young lass bicycling past the Army Patrol is advertising bicycle tyres. Why?

This sign says it all – 36 bends in 4.5km is always going to attract motorcyclists so the Transport authorities have acknowledged the obvious. There were LOTS of bikes using the road so it works. The road workers in this part of northern Germany were issued with tape which they happily applied to all road signs when they totally cut off access to a village we were staying in – we had to go off road through a ditch on the Gray Ghost to get ‘home’.

APRIL 2018

Anita Wyndham

Committee Reports Events Coords Report

change in month bought with it a welcome change in weather and everyone had one thing on their mind: riding. That was evidenced by the number of riders who attended the April club ride. Greg Gaffney led us north and at one point we came over the crest of a hill and ahead, a long straight where, from the back of the group, I could see 29 bikes spread out ahead of me and I thought, “This is what riding is all about”. Another full month of activities has been planned and all the information for each event is up on the Club webpage and Facebook. Be sure to check for any last minute changes. Don’t forget to book your seats for the 60th Anniversary Dinner being held on 16 June 2018 at the Brisbane International Virginia. It is going to be a great night for members, past and present to catch up and reminisce. For those wanting to stay overnight, accommodation can be booked directly with the venue. Happy riding everyone and remember … ride your own ride.

Anita Wyndham events@bmwmcq.org.au

Greg Gaffney

Records Officers Report

enjoyed leading a ride to Woodford and Rick’s Garage in Palmwoods in April with over 30 members enjoying some great country roads, beautiful weather and an excellent lunch at Ricks. Please check your details, for your Year Joined and notify me if you need to update, as this is a read only field. We still have many members without this information recorded. Also let me know if you have any problems accessing the website. Where Facebook, plays an excellent role, notifying us of members activities and upcoming events. Our web site is valuable for: Greg Gaffney

records@bmwmcq.org.au

• • • • • • •

Our Forum Checking your details A list of all members past and present Downloading current and older journals Access to other club documentation Photo Gallery Renewing your membership

Committee Reports Bill Luyten

CONTACT TOOLS OFFICER Bill Luyten 0438 123 747 wluyten@bigpond.net.au or Club email spares@bmwmcq.org.au

ello again, as I mentioned at a recent general meeting, I thought I’d put together some information on what the Club’s GS-911 diagnostic tool can do.

There is much more information on the HEX Code website but here is an overview of what it does: GS-911 (wifi/usb) the new generation diagnostic tool designed by HEX Code:

What can the GS-911 do? • Read Diagnostic Fault Codes This shows the Fault codes and text descriptions of the faults stored on the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) • Shows ECU information See hardware and software versions, manufacturing dates, and other manufacturer related data • Clears Diagnostic Fault Codes Enables you to erase fault codes once the problem has been fixed • Real-time Analog and Digital values for Engine control units View and log the real-time values (very dependent on the type of controller) • Service Functionality This differs from model to model and controller to controller, and ranges from Service Reminder resets, output tests adaptation resets etc.

APRIL 2018

Tool’s Report The GS-911 is compatible with the latest Generation of K001 chassis BMW motorcycles (R-Series, K-Series, S-Series, F-Series and C-Series). This product is also backward compatible and supports ALL the previous models of BMW motorcycles that have the round 10pin diagnostic connector. The club also has an adaptor cable for the latest model bikes that have the OBDII style connector. What systems does it cover?

This depends on the bike model, but in general it covers the following: • Engine controller (BMS-K, BMSKP, BMS-C, BMS-CII, BMS-E, MA2.4, KMS-K16) • ABS (ABS-II, ABS-N, Integral-ABS, Integral-ABS-CAN, Integral-ABS2-CAN, ABS8, ABS8MOC) • Central Vehicle Electronics (ZFE-Basic (low, mid, high), ZFE-Low, ZFE-High (full, no-ESA, ESA-only)) • Instrument cluster (Kombi-H, Kombi-L, Kombi-7x, Kombi-2D, Kombi-18) • DWA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) • RDC (Tyre Pressure Control) Note: Not all motorcycles have all the systems. Club Tool Loan: $50 deposit (refundable) for GS-911 (high value item) other tools, no deposit required. Bill Luyten spares@bmwmcq.org.au

MAY 2018

Cindy Bennett

Committee Reports Regalia Officer’s Report

e have sold more than half of the 60th anniversary cloth badges so if you want one get in quick either by emailing me or catching me at the monthly meeting. These cloth badges are $10 each. The 60th anniversary lapel pins have arrived, one will be given to the 60th Anniversary Dinner attendees. After that time any extras will be sold to interested members. In conjunction with the Frigid Digit we are investigating some FD branded apparel, likely long sleeve t-shirts or perhaps merino t-shirts. The design will include a list of all the Mystery Weekender locations on the reverse so please let me know if you would like to put your name down for one. Here is also a photo of our recent trip to Merimbula where on the last day I did a road riding day with “Team Latte”, rather than the dirt riding option. This photo was taken in the very motorcycle friendly town of Bemboka NSW (near Bega). Cindy Bennett regalia@bmwmcq.org.au

Committee Reports

MAY 2018

Duncan Bennett

Secretary’s Report

BMWMCQ Meeting Agenda/Minutes April 2018 Venue: Geebung RSL Meeting Opened: Presidents Welcome: Apologies: Minutes of Previous G Meeting: Minutes of AGM: 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:

7:31pm

Welcome to Geebung RSL address by President.

David and Lesley Jansen, Rodney Reeves, Michael John, Trent Smyth, Greg Dunn, Kelly Wicks, Les Fitzgerald, Tony Malone. Accepted: Dave Hepburn Seconded: Geoff Hodge

Accepted: Geoff Hodge Seconded: Dave Hepburn 46

Nil

Matt – R100RS, 2012 1200GS Paul - 2011 RT Rod – K1300GT

Accounts summary: Assets $29,371 and Equity $31,244 Misallocation of accounts to incorrect areas, including website as an asset. Online account set-up and operating. Upload to Issuu a problem this month, the PDF is on the website. Last of spares brought in: K1200 air filters $8 each 2 x spark plugs K bikes $5 Other spares in the journal. Oil filter removal tool, fits fluted filters 4 at $7. No service day decided yet.

60th anniversary patches $10 each. Easy to get stuff embroided. Frigid Digit shirts.

Brad Wright – bad accident. Website access Emails sent out – records updating underway including year joined. Gary scanning all old journals. Current number of members 234. Invitations sent out for club meeting, Hamilton monthly, German Club. Rides to be posted on website. April Palmwoods ride. Weekend Cullendore -Gary Bennett 18th Hamilton 20th Coffee morning 24th German Club Anzac Day 29th Lunch ride – Flutterbies -Tyalgum 12:30pm

Newsletters – BMW NSW, NZ, Victoria

No advertising update. Bought a 1200GS! Posters being set up for dealerships – need photos.

MAY 2018

BMWMCQ 60th BIRTHDAY BASH

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL - VIRGINIA Corner Sandgate and Zillmere Roads Boondall

he clubs penultimate activity in our 60th year is a formal dinner to be held at the Brisbane International Hotel Virginia on June 16 2018. This will be a fabulous night amongst members of many years duration. Accommodation is available in limited numbers at the hotel.

To book accommodation please ring 07 32657066 and ensure you mention it is for the BMWMCQ to gain your preferential rate. Dress code is a minimum of jacket and tie, but I am aware of a lot of people that will be wearing full formal attire. To book your place at this prestigious event you need to follow the following process closely: The cost for the dinner is $70 per head. A COMMEMORATIVE BMW 60TH YEAR METAL PIN IS INCLUDED IN THE COST OF EACH TICKET Drinks are to your own account.

Deposit to the Clubs Bank Account BSB 124001.....Account # 10243020 You must include in the comments section of the deposit, your name and numbers you are paying for. ie. Hughes x2 etc. Once money is deposited you must email the treasurer: treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au....and confirm your deposit details. Please do not miss any of these steps. Further information on the nights agenda will be released closer to the evening Limited seats at the dinner are available, so book now to ensure you are included. Paul Hughes President

MINUTES General Meeting April cont..... Vice President Report: President Report:

MAY 2018

Nothing to report.

BMW Motorrad Rally – issues in Stanthorpe, no responses for months, spoken to today, hopeless. Date moved – couldn’t do it and get a quality event, changed to March 2019. Might move it – eg Warwick.

Month Ride: Leader: Greg Gaffney Other Events/Buy/Sell/Swap

General Business:

60th birthday – date and venue confirmed. Need to commit on numbers, need payments. Procedure for booking on website and Facebook. MC Tony Malone. Dress – tie and jacket. Price inc 60th pin on sites. Lots of activities this year, normal events plus special events including camping. Night rides. Satellite groups (Warrego riders and Sunny Coast riders are also very active, BMWMCQ members are welcome. General spruik about activities and process for new event ideas. Buy swap or sell at the end of each GM, bring item along and display to members. Carseldine Caltex departs 8:30am. Woodford 10:00am. Morning tea (CJ’s), Palmwoods lunch (Rick’s Garage). Cullendore High Country Weekend camping, suited to road bikes (granite sand), can ride around the property 2000 acres on GS bikes. Pay EFT, can do cash but better doing EFT please. BYO everything. Dams on site. Kiosk on site. Not a led ride. Turn off toward Cherrabah, and then turn off toward border. 28th full moon ride (Charlie – ride out during the day, 6:30 feed, movie, ride home on full moon). Need 10 minimum to make it worthwhile.

Dust Hustle 21st April – between Beaudesert and Boonah. On Facebook. Gary Stirling described rally events – Ruptured Budgie, Off Centre Rally 11th August Mt Dare. Request by Paul for members to lead GS rides.

Closed:

20:25pm

From the Pen of Jane Gray Good manners & courtesy WHAT’S A CLUB So closely enmeshed FOR? Fun times spent together JEGApr2018

Shared passions & interests Shared stories & jokes Enjoyed by everyone (Sometimes just the blokes!) Careers so different And lifestyles as well We come from all over Who cares where we dwell?

Relaxed & refreshed

No place for resentments No place for a grudge We’re here for the friendships We’re not here to judge A big hearty welcome When you walk through the door If these aren’t adhered to Then what’s a Club for?

MAY 2018

FRIGIT DIGIT - The Mystery Weekend

MYSTERY WEEKENDER FOLLOWING A PROUD TRADITION OF OVER 22 YEARS, 3 “BEST ORGANISED RIDE AWARDS”, TOTAL DISTANCE TRAVELLED OF MORE THAN 9,500km, MORE THAN 600 PARTICIPANTS AND 13 DESTINATIONS.

BMWMCQ PRESENTS

THE 2018 FRIGID DIGIT The Tradition:

A Mystery Weekender on the last weekend in July, travelling on great motorcycling sealed roads to a within 2.5 hours from Brisbane and guaranteed to be cold: Camping and Cabin Accommodation: BYO Food. Enjoy each others company at social gatherings at morning tea, lunch and in the evening and cap the night off with some warming liquids telling yarns around a campfire. Some previous destinations have included, Queen Mary Falls, Jondaryan, Esk, Goomburra, Binna Burra, Bunya Mountains, Stanthorpe and Kilkivan.

This Year:

It’s on again (28~29th July) and the location, revealed on the morning of departure, has a reputation of being cold. Ride directions are handed out on the morning of departure or a GPS Route is emailed out the night before which will guide us, via morning tea and lunch stops, on our journey to the mystery destination. So get your camping gear ready and fluff up the sleeping bag, because it’s going to be a lot colder than Brisbane.

Camp Details:

Camping costs $15 per person. You will need to bring your own food and camping equipment. Excellent amenities with hot showers and fireplaces to cook your meals or you can use the well equipped Camp Kitchen.

Cabin Details:

$70 for 1 or 2 people and $12 for each extra person. BYO sleeping bag or linen can be supplied at $10 per person. Each cabin has a microwave and fridge. Excellent showers and toilets are close by.

Contact:

Gary Bennett on 0411 784279 or gbennett777@gmail.com FRIGID DIGIT Camping

Motorcyclist made of Steel

CLUB RIDE - April PALMWOODS

MAY 2018

FOLLOWING THE EASTER BUNNY

reg Gaffney certainly drew the short straw when he put his hand up to plan and lead the April club ride. Ride Sunday was hot on the heels of Easter, in the middle of the school holiday period and a certain event on the Gold Coast, the Commonwealth Games. Who would show up? Well, a damn lot as it transpired: the biggest ride in recent memory.

The morning gathering place was at the Caltex Servo at Carseldine, the second trip to Brisbane’s northside in a week for we southerners following the club‘s first monthly meeting at its new home at the Geebung RSL.

Merv Bone was heard to lament over coffee that he had just finished polishing his tyres on Saturday! The coffee stop at Woodford swelled the ride numbers as we were joined by some of the Sunny Coast Ride Group as well as other Brisbane riders who preferred to make their own way to Woodford over Mt Mee.

Sunday had dawned fine so there was a strong turnout for the ride briefing and explanation of the corner marking rules to be employed. A meander through the northern suburbs had the southerners totally confused before the first sign of cow pats and a water crossing (OK the road was wet) signalled that we had finally reached the country.

A rough count brought the number of riders and pillions to 36, a great turnout indeed. Greg had an onerous task in getting riders back on their bikes at CJ’s at Woodford such was the banter going on amongst the group.

Continued page 14

MAY 2018

CLUB RIDE - April PALMWOODS

We arrived a bit early for lunch which was fortunate because the place was already rocking and motorcycle parking in the street was becoming as hard to find as an honest politician. There were other riders who had opted to ride straight to the venue which swelled our numbers to about 40.

More great bonhomie ensued over lunch to complete another top day amongst friends.

A good time was being had by all which is typical of the club rides â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so many stories and so little time. The coffee to lunch ride took us up into the Sunshine Coast hinterland before the twisting descent from Montville to Palmwoods where lunch was booked at Rickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garage.

CLUB RIDE - April PALMWOODS

MAY 2018

Thanks to Greg for organising and leading the ride and to Duncan who took on the TEC role on his R850 rather than the trusty Trumpy. Tony Gray

MAY 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 &#x160; 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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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

MAY 2018

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: Bushmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

REFER HISTORY OF PUDDING ON PAGE 26

MAY 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

Bushmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

MAY 2018

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)

SIGNS OF GERMANY - TONY GRAY - Continued from Page 7 Phone Box full of Books? They must have the same problem with long delays getting connected to Government Authorities, Banks & Telcos that Australia experiences.

This Tank speed Sign was often sighted through rural areas of former East Germany. Must have been a popular form of transport?

In the small town of Hackenburg we were amazed that the shop window dummy was adorned with a T shirt advertising Cape York Australia.

Tony Gray

Julian Farts?

MAY 2018

SINJE GOTTWALD -The Lady and the Bike

Fate Loves the Fearless #1

German adventurer on a solo round the world motorcycle odyssey meets an Australian motorbike rider on his way home from Europe in Kathmandu Nepal. The young Aussie, noting the young lady is riding an airhead BMW, mentions that should she need any work on the bike when touring Australia then she should look up Mark Morrissey of MMM Boxerworks in Brisbane. He is ‘The Man’ when it comes to fettling these ageing warriors of the road. Time passes and the young lady has made her way to Australia and her bike, Amidala (borderless), is suffering severely from her time on the road and cries ‘enough’ outside Sydney.

Amidala has to make the last 1000km trip to MMM Boxerworks in Brisbane on the back of a truck and thus begins a heart- warming story to match any I have read. Is this Fate? This story begins in Stuttgart Germany in June 2017 where the young lady, Sinje Gottwald, after 10 years of saving and one year of detailed planning quit her job in the IT industry and set off on her solo motorcycle trip around the world, a modern day Elspeth Beard#2, but the seeds of this journey had been sown years earlier when Sinje’s father started taking her as a child for short rides on his BMW R75/5.

He had been an adventurer himself back in the 1970’s having travelled by motorcycle to South America and Africa. The stories and faded photographs of those trips were popular discussion topics between father and daughter. Later, after Sinje had acquired her license and own bike, the travels with her father extended to various European destinations and even as far afield as NZ where they had hired bikes. At the end of each journey perhaps covering 2 to 3 weeks duration she had a yearning to continue. The seeds had taken root. The final chapter in this book of inspiration was a ticket given to her by friend Lena to a presentation from fellow German, Michael Martin#3. Martin is a world famous motorcycle adventurer and photographer who has been associated with BMW motorcycles for over 30 years. Martin’s stories and brilliant photographs were mesmerising. Sinje had a dream, but it may have stayed a dream if not for her single minded determination. She considered that a trip like she was contemplating could only be done in company and she had no likely candidates to join her.

SINJE GOTTWALD -The Lady and the Bike About a year before she left she rationalised that she had travelled most of her life and a lot of that travel was solo so she had the capability of undertaking the trip alone. Now time to start planning in earnest. A trip like the one Sinje is undertaking requires a mountain of research and detailed planning dealing with acres of paperwork and bureaucracy conducted in multiple languages that would defeat all but the most determined travellers. It helps that Sinje is fluent in German & English, speaks Korean (she has German/Korean parentage) and capable in Chinese, Spanish and French. All of this sounds pretty mundane and soul destroying but there was one part of the trip planning that was more critical and certainly neither boring nor soul destroying – choosing a bike to take? Her mount at the time was not suitable so a new acquisition was required. Questions of seat height, weight, carrying capacity, fuel range and reliability were all critical to the decision. Another factor weighting the final decision was that of old school simplicity and ease of repair versus modern capability and reliability but with added complexity. An old design may be more prone to failure but may be fixed with the proverbial fencing wire against the reliability of a modern design but a failed computer module in the middle of Uzbekistan may end the trip. Sinje’s mechanic in Germany discussed and looked at several options with her before she set her eyes on Amidala and a deal was done. These two were to spend the next year plus together so it was critical that the chemistry worked. Don’t ever say that motorbikes don’t have character and soul. Amidala is a 1994 BMW R100 GSPD – coincidentally the exact same model that Mark Morrissey rides: Fate or coincidence?

MAY 2018

Sinje’s father rode with her for the first few days as they traversed familiar territory south from Germany through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania and into Greece after only 2 weeks on the road. Europe is a small place. During this first bedding-in stage Sinje always knew where she was going to lay her head the next night. That would soon change. The next stage had her criss-crossing between Europe and Asia as Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, (where she had her only accident), Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan passed by under the wheels of Amidala.

Turkey presented the first bike problem which ended with Sinje sharing a 2 hour truck ride with a Turkish driver who spoke no German and Sinje who spoke no Turkish. They talked and sang during the trip with neither understanding the other – why is language so feared as a barrier to travel? The experience in Iran when she lost control of the bike and hit a car could have been disastrous but the generosity of the people in a remote desert town in getting her and the bike mobile again proved the strength and generosity of the human spirit. The most complicated country to enter and leave thus far was China. It is not possible to travel ‘unescorted’ through mainland China and the cost of a guide for a solo traveller would be prohibitive. Through Horizons Unlimited, #4 Sinje arranged to share the guide cost with seven other world travellers.

MAY 2018

SINGE GOTTWALD -The Lady and the Bike

Arrangements had to be made months in advance with fixed dates for entry and exit. This group comprising 2 Swiss motorcyclists, an Italian couple on one bike, a UK biker and a couple in a car as well as Sinje met on 16 August in Sary Tash, Kyrgyzstan to cross into China over the Irkeshtam Pass to Kashgar. Meeting complete strangers in such a remote location on a given date when organised months in advance would seem to be a minor miracle in itself but they did it. Unfortunately all did not go smoothly as one couple had entered the country with their vehicle in a truck and they were only going to leave the same way. Leave them behind is an obvious answer but the Chinese side of the border had papers showing eight travellers with their identities and six just wasn’t going to cut it. A day was lost but all was eventually resolved. You will have to wait for the release of Sinje’s book to find out what transpired in China with this group as Sinje just smiled and waved away my question as way too much for this story. After China came Pakistan, India and Nepal and the chance meeting with the Aussie biker in Kathmandu. Amidala was then flown to KL Malaysia, journeyed north through Thailand then back to KL and a sea voyage to Indonesia to explore the main islands of Java and Sumatra. They then flew to Perth in January and headed north in the heat of summer to Exmouth and the Pilbara. Asked whether she knew what to expect in those areas in summer Sinje was philosophical – yes she clearly knew what to expect and there is a thin line between risk and stupidity.

Most people do stupid things sometime in their lives but she accepted the risks involved, prepared accordingly and enjoyed the experience. They crossed the Nullarbor and made their way to Melbourne but Amidala was suffering from the tough conditions she had endured since leaving the smooth European roads. Sinje’s father flew out from Germany and they hired bikes and toured Tasmania in fine weather and loved the place – don’t we all. It was a struggle to Sydney and it was clear that the problems with Amidala’s gearbox and driveshaft could be terminal. Contact was again made with Mark and it was decided to have the bike shipped to MMM Boxerworks for what has turned out to be major surgery. Sinje had a less than perfect experience with a bike shop in Wollongong and Mark was determined to leave a positive memory of Australian Motorbike Industry with Sinje. On a personal level Mark put everything else in his workshop on the backburner while the bike was stripped and then assessed for parts required to set her straight.

SINGE GOTTWALD -The Lady and the Bike Mark’s established suppliers and specialists were engaged and came to the party with discounted parts, offers of free services and speedy turnarounds. Sinje meanwhile took up residence in Brisbane within walking distance of the workshop and has spent her daylight hours ‘bedside’ as any parent would do for a sick child in hospital. She has seen far more of the inner workings of Amidala than she could ever have envisaged. A video of Mark outlining what is being done to the bike has gone viral. Visitors to Mark’s websites have been generous in their praise for what is being done for Sinje along with offers of support if required on her continuing journey. When Amidala is healthy again they will ride back to Sydney and then take a flight to Buenos Aires in Argentina beginning the next stage of the journey through the Americas. Africa is on the horizon after that but Sinje is not getting ahead of herself. She is still very much enjoying what she is doing and does not have a fixed return date in mind. In her words if you have a date then you are driven by that date. When pressed for low points and high points from the trip so far Sinje points to the accident in Iran and now seeing the bike in pieces as low points but in both cases people have provided the antidote to make the high points. She will forever remember the help and generosity of Mark Morrissey and the help provided by his network of associates and friends. Safe travels, Sinje. I look forward to following your trip blog and to reading that book that you must eventually write. Just don’t leave it aside for 30 years like Elspeth Beard did. Tony Gray March 2018. Distance covered so far: 40,000km approx. (speedo not working since accident in Iran). Countries Visited: 24 Postscript: Since writing this story much has happened – life doesn’t stand still for too long with this young lady. Sinje was a very special guest at the club’s monthly gathering at the German Club in late March where she impressed all who met her. Mark finished his work on Amidala took her for a test run then arranged with a few special friends from his airhead group to escort Sinje & Amidala on a more extensive shakedown run into the Gold Coast hinterland and northern NSW. Satisfied that all was well with Amidala the now lifelong friends bid adieu and Sinje set off for Sydney

MAY 2018

where she and Amidala boarded a flight to Buenos Aires. Amidala had to go in a crate as she couldn’t fit into the economy class seats. She has quickly put several hundred kilometres under her wheels as she heads south towards Tierra del Fuego.

To follow Sinje’s trip blog type Okimototravels in Facebook search engine. Look for the video on the work that has/was being done to restore Amidala to full health. For Mark Morrissey MMM Boxerworks FB site go to: https://www.facebook.com/Boxerworks/

James Russell Lowell 19th century American Poet. https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poet/ james-russell-lowell #1

Elspeth Beard left England in 1982 aboard her BMW R60/6 and returned 2 1/2 years later having become the first British woman to ride a motorcycle around the world. ....Continued Page 26 Her book, Lone Rider, was written and published over 30 years after the journey had been completed. https://www.elspethbeard.com/

MAY 2018

SINGE GOTTWALD -The Lady and the Bike

Michael Martin has been travelling to the most distant corners of the earth for more than 30 years and has become the world’s most renowned desert photographer. It was over 25 years ago that the qualified geographer chose the motorcycle as his preferred expedition vehicle, a BMW R 100 GS, on which he undertook the Transafrica trip from Kenya to Cape Town”. https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0262565EN/ bmw-motorrad-congratulates-michael-martin-25years-of-adventure-travels-on-the-bmw-gs?language=en #3

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80 G/S motorcycle. The website, HUBB forum and regular events across the globe have inspired thousands of people to follow their dreams and take the road less travelled. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ Tony Gray

- reflections 1958 - 2018

gary bennett

A Reflection on 60 Years

HISTORY OF THE “PUDDING”

A Big Sister Self-saucing Pudding has been travelling all over Australia with Motorcyclists since 1976 (42years). There has been a couple of variations on how this pudding became a traveller but the most consistent was that the pudding was turned into a hitchhiker by Russell Payne (aka Bear), a member of the BMW Motorcycle Club of WA after a visit by friends from South Australia as camping tucker, who left it behind when they returned home. Bear took it with him when he visited them next, but the joke started when he found the Pudding hidden amongst his gear when he got back home. After a few more trips (mainly to the newly formed Border Run) the Pudding had a reputation for going along on rides and other riders started to take it on their journeys. It would be impossible to calculate the hundreds of thousands of km’s the Pudding has travelled since.

By 1994 it had climbed Uluru five times and had travelled all the major bike routes in Australia including many outback roads. Riders have been known to ride right across the country for no other reason than to retrieve the Pudding. The tin was fairly knocked around with dents and names scratched on what little paint was left on it and in 1999 when a crack developed and it started to smell, the tin was encased in resin to ensure it’s survival on future rides. The Pudding is a highly sort after passenger whenever a camp is broken and the riders disperse. The Pudding has its own Facebook page (Motorcycle Pudding Log) which is used mainly to keep track of where it is. Its first visit to Queensland was in 1987 for the 10th Cane Toad Rally. As we celebrate our 60th year wouldn’t it be nice to see the Pudding at our 60th Dinner and with prior notice, at a General Meeting so members that have never seen the Pudding could attend and get a photo taken with it. Rules attached to the privilege of carrying the Pudding: 1. It can only travel by motorcycle.

2. You cannot eat the pudding in a survival situation unless you have already consumed all the fluids in the motorcycle and eaten the tyres.

3. In the event of the motorcycle requiring retrieval, the Pudding must remain packed in or on the bike and under no circumstances is it to travel by other means.

More recently the Pudding has taken on the guise of money raiser in that individuals attending Rallies or similar gatherings; can bid for rights to transport the Pudding. The proceeds from these auctions are then donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service to support their much needed assistance in the outback.

Words by Gary Bennett #509 Source: 1986 12 Journal: 1987 06 Journal: 1987 07 Journal: Additonal Photos Pages 8/19

NICK HESE - South America Travels - #8 CAFEYETE....PURMAMARCA...BOLIVIA

Nick Hese continues on his Travels around South America mch to my delight. His narative and photos are great. No Photos this tme round...will catch up in the June Journal...Ed. n leaving Cafeyete I was lucky to travel the road to Salta in the opposite direction and if anything it was more stunning. On the way I encountered my first wild Llamas/ Alpacas (what’s the difference?) in the middle of the road! I stopped at a small town of Las Vinas where I met two Brazilian bikers and we shared coffee and a chat.onwards to Salta and whilst I had my route mapped, traffic diversions put paid to that And very frustrating 40 mns was spent trying to find the right road. Well I found National Route 9 in the end and boy was it a surprise, 80 km of narrow, not even two lanes at times, incredibly winding road. Perfect for motorcycles and little traffic. Why did it have to rain? I encountered a husband and wife team on 2 Ducati’s, who filmed me for a Ducati promotional video (me on a BMW?)They spoke excellent English and are regular visitors to Queensland! An overnight stop in Jujuy and closer to Bolivia tomorrow. I am doing short hops as the altitude increases now from 1800m to 3,600 and one dose of Altitude sickness in a lifetime is enough! Moving on up Ruta 9 I came to Purmamarca (2200m, nearly the height of Mt Kosciusko) where the coloured mountains were on display. In fact the whole road has been quite scenic. An overnight stop sees me in Humahuaca at 3000m, trying to pace that altitude climb as tomorrow in Potosi is 4000m, assuming I get over the border! The bike is noticing the altitude too, had to increase the idle and acceleration is a bit slower? After a somewhat disastrous ( health wise) start to Bolivia, I have managed to slowly wander through Potosi. As the hotel is on a hill the return is even slower. I can’t say it impresses me much, heavy traffic, foot and vehicle with the local buses being “retired” 22 seaters from Japan and Korea, and there are heaps of them in these narrow streets. The problem is they belch out so much diesel smoke that the atmosphere is thick with it. As expected the best maintained buildings are government or Churches, the city has a run down air to it.

MAY 2018

There is a surprising number of older women wearing traditional costume, but I can’t convince anyone to have their photo taken.

A bit hard to be unobtrusive when you are using an iPad and it now looks like my bus trip to Uyuni has fallen through (don’t ask), so whilst not happy about missing Uyuni, I will head to Sucre , which is 1500m lower, in the interest of my health. Wow! what a difference a day can make! The ride for Potosi was only a 155 km, through steep mountain climbs and drops into narrow gorges. The scenery was so different too with everything looking green. Farms seem to be barely more than subsistence, with Adobe still the main construction material. Bolivian women in traditional dress abound, shepherding small flocks of goats or sheep. The multitude of dogs even seem better behaved casually lying by the roadside and not the least interested in chasing you, a nice change First impressions of Sucre, the Bolivian Capitol ( NOT La Paz!) are a wonderful preserved centre in colonial Spanish style. Continued Page 31

MAY 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

NEW VENUE FOR GENERAL MEETINGS

MAY 2018

NEW 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 3 MAY 2018

i Guys It was a tough job but somebody had to do it. As you may or may not be aware we have lost our usual venue which actually folded late last year but we weren’t advised till late February which resulted in our March meeting being held in the Wynnum Community Centre…very nice but sterile ..No food or alcohol. The members of the committee made a concerted effort to find another venue which involved visits to many establishments that may be suitable but most demanded that we pay a $200.00 a night set up cost….notwithstanding that we would be probably become members and purchase a significant amount of food and drink. I was one of 6 club members who checked out the Geebung RSL club and we found it to be exactly what we wanted and NO set up costs…they were happy that we would attend (30-40 members most of who might eat and drink). IT TICKED ALL THE BOXES... • No set up costs, • Close to the bar, • Food good, reasonably priced. • All Staff are very friendly and helpful. • Club fees are $7 per year or $20 for five years.... • Well-appointed with casual cooking i.e. wood fired pizza oven with well stocked bar and • Another bar in the more formal dining area with Guinness ON TAP.... • Plenty of parking, line dancing, • Live entertainment but not too loud. • In fact with twice the number of patrons as the MBSC it is considerably quieter....lift and wheel chair access....... I really like the area even if does take me two days to get there.....Editor.

COME AND CHECK IT OUT

BMWMCQ 2018 Events Calendar BMWMCQ Club Events Schedule

MAY 2018

May 2018

Date

Time

Event

Details

Thur 3

7.30 pm

Club General Meeting

Geebung RSL Club. Meals from 6:00pm Meeting commencing at 7.30pm. ALL WELCOME! Come and meet people who share a common interest. Geebung RSL Club, 323 Newman Road, Geebung Qld

Paul Hughes president@bmwmcq.org.au

Coorparoo RSL 45 Holdsworth St

Paul Hughes president@bmwmcq.org.au

Sun 6

7.30am for a 7.45am Briefing: Depart 8am

Mon 7

7.00 pm

6.00 pm

Hamilton Hotel Social Dinner

Sat 1920

All Day

Ruptured Located Bruxner Highway Mingoola west of Budgie Tenterfield: contact: motoguzziclubqld.org Rally

Wed 16

Brisbane Woodford Village Hotel Club Ride 76-81 Archer Street, Woodford Meeting at Puma Service Station, Bundamba Depart 8am. Morning tea at Colours of San Cris Café at 10:30am ish then arriving at Woodford Village Hotel around 1:15pm ish. Refer either the club website or Facebook for full details and any updates.

LABOUR DAY QUEENSLAND

Sat 19

9:30 AM

Saturday Coffee Run

Sun 27

12:00 PM

Sunday Lunch Ride

Tue 29

6.00 pm

German Club

Hamilton Hotel, 442 Kingsford Smith Drive, Hamilton Come and enjoy a social night in 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. Arte & Gusto Café and Bar 409 Honour Avenue, Graceville As the Gray’s have sent the Gray Ghost overseas ahead of their adventures later this year, I thought we would head over to Graceville so that they could walk to coffee. There is plenty of off-street parking and it will not be difficult to head west for a ride after coffee/breakfast.

Coordinator

Frank Hills hankfrills@gmail.com

Anita Wyndham events@bmwmcq.org.au

Paul Hughes

Anita Wyndham events@bmwmcq.org.au

Sketches of Ravensbourne, 3143 Esk Anita Wyndham Hampton Road, Ravensbourne. events@bmwmcq.org.au Make your own way down or watch the Facebook event notice to see if there will be a group heading down.

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

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 onto Facebook. Please put your name forward for any of the vacant Ride Leader and Tail End Charlie spots. If, at the time you can’t make it, we can always find a replacement. This schedule will be updated monthly in the Journal.

NICK HESE - South America Travels - cont The city is clean and not much traffic, though it is a Sunday. This place very much caters to the tourist with many cafes and Resto Bars. I even discovered a western style supermarket. I didn’t need to buy anything but I just had to go in and marvel at the choice! Lol After walking not a few Km and getting advice at Off Road Bolivia (motorcycle tours) I finally sourced a new rear tyre. I only seem able to manage 10,000 km out of them so it’s a constant need. Surprisingly the old standard 120/80 x 18 is hard to come by with 17 inch being a more popular choice. So tomorrow we will have that sorted. It at least gave me the opportunity to test my recovery from altitude sickness (though we are still at 2800m) and see more outlying parts of the city. Despite the incessant horn orchestra it was a pleasant walk and so was the town. Bike tyres sorted, so on the road again. 500km and one day later I had the new Pirelli rear tube blow out at 100 km/h! That certainly made my day! Luckily I had a spare so another roadside stop and we are off again. I did discover I lost my pressure gauge and have not been able to purchase one anywhere! Well, my introduction to La Paz was dictated by an errant GPS, which took me through the centre of the city. La Paz being situated on the slopes of some considerable steep mountains at 4000 odd meters certainly presented some challenges! After negotiating the worst traffic I have encountered so far I made it to my refuge at Colibri Camping and Eco Lodge. Located in the hills about 10 km from the city it is a real haven. Nice facilities, quiet, a small village nearby for supplies and lots of travellers to share stories with. So far I have been for a walk to The Valley of the Moon and the local Zoo to see Puma and Jaguar. Slowly recovering from health issues but I don’t want to push things to far yet! A bus trip into town and a guided walk reminded me how steep it is in the city. We visited the site of the famous San Pedro prison, where the inmates run the Gaol (no we did not go inside) to the witches market (even though majority are Catholic, superstition and offerings are still common), to the Main Square (another protest) and a nice local lunch.

MAY 2018

Next trip saw me obtain two replacement tubes (made in Tiawan! but better than Brazilian made!) and enjoy a long cable car trip over the city. There are 4 lines , used by locals and tourist

alike: cost $2.20 Aus for the return trip! The views were amazing and certainly a quicker way to cross the city. It really makes you appreciate how the city is built on the side of hills, whilst the centre is in a narrow valley the rest hangs precariously to the hillside. I am finally getting acclimatised to Altitude and La Paz, I can even work out which bus to catch! Bolivia has been difficult in a number of ways but has some hidden gems such as Sucre and even La Paz is an exciting adventure! There is a strong indigenous presence not seen in other countries so far with an eclectic mixture of traditional and Western dress styles. The colours on the street are so bright and vibrant but alas plastic pollution is a real problem. The local markets take over entire streets and sell everything you could imagine. In Hindsight I wish I had more time here to explore the country but a rondevous with My wife( who I have not seen in 6 months)in Quito, dictates my timing. Next stop Puno and Lake Titicaca! Nick Hess

Policy Regarding Submissions Submissions to the journal should be relevant to BMW motorcycles and or to the BMWMCQ and its activities. Articles or Letters to the Editor may or may not be published if space does not permit or if the content of the submission and or letter is not considered to be of interest to members or not in the interests of the Club, our sponsors or advertisers. Members are encouraged to use this, our journal; to express views, float ideas or make inquiries of other Club members on technical, organisational or other matters which may benefit the Club and its associates. Submissions should be kept to a reasonable length and maybe edited or published in part only, if the Editor considers it necessary. Note – submissions close on the 15th of each month! BMWMCQ Committee

MAY 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.)

??? SMOOTH OUT YOUR RIDE ???

We’ve got you covered. GENUINE AUSTRALIAN

SHEEPSKIN SEAT COVERS

Phone: 08 9317 3317 Fax: 08 9317 3359 email: munich@iinet.net.au

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 ELLASPEDEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DIRT DAYS

MAY 2018

BOB BROCK member 277 -Sage Advice to Old Beginers

From: Bob Brock Sent: Thursday, 12 April 2018 3:32 PM To: records@bmwmcq.org.au Subject: Re: Member 277 Thank you for the reminder about my overdue membership. I apologise for not responding earlier. I do not wish to renew my membership as I am not now sufficiently active as a rider. I recently wrote a screed on motorcycling for a friend who had started riding rather later than most of us do and I wonder whether it might be of interest to others if published in the magazine. I would ask that if it is published someone lets me know. Kind regards and Best wishes to Club Members. Bob Robert J Brock #277

Motorcycle Riding

General Always wear protective clothing: • Helmet with a clear visor, • Jacket with padded elbows and shoulders and reinforced spine, • Long trousers preferably with at least Kevlar lining and knee and hip padding, • Boots rather than shoes. Don’t put polish on the saddle; you need to grip it. Get a lamb’s wool cover for long trips. Never put polish or dressing on tyres or you’ll fall off at the first roundabout. If you drive a car or ride a motorcycle don’t show off to yourself or to your friends. Don’t ride faster than your guardian angels can fly. Throttles are for closing as well as for opening. Don’t become dehydrated – drink plenty of water, especially in hot weather. Stop for a few minutes every hour or at the most two hours. Try to avoid riding at night or when it’s raining (but don’t be afraid of doing so if you must). Avoid riding in the country in the early morning or around dusk because of kangaroos. Don’t drink alcohol before you ride. You need all your wits about you. Never turn off the ignition while you are riding. It can lock the steering and if so you will fall off.

On the Road • Watch where you want to go. You will go where you look, so watch where you want to go. Don’t look at possible dangers or you will be likely to hit them. • Following another vehicle. If you are riding behind another vehicle:

• Keep at least a two-second gap, preferably more. • Ride at your own pace and on your own line. Don’t just follow the vehicle ahead as it might be travelling faster than you want to go. Also it might crash and lead you to crash*. • This is called “target fixation” and is a potential problem for planes flying in formation. Right of way You might legally have the “right of way” but you don’t really have it unless the other vehicle gives it to you. Traffic lights Before moving when traffic lights turn green, check to see that there is nobody ‘running a red light’. Road surfaces Roads can become slippery when: • They are wet – more slippery when the rain first falls since there can be slime on the surface, • There is debris on the surface e.g. gravel, animal droppings or fallen leaves (often under trees), • There are yellow or white lines painted on them, especially when wet, • There are steel plates or steel drain covers on the road. • There are tram or rail lines – cross at an angle, don’t run along them. Braking When braking, if the front wheel locks up, you will fall off; so do not use the front brake when the bike is healed over and when you are turning. Most of your braking on a dry road will come from the front wheel since the weight will transfer to the front wheel as the brakes are applied. Don’t lock the back wheel as this can destabilise the bike. On a wet road, on a slippery surface or on a dirt road use more back brake than front brake. Applying the brakes Do the following almost simultaneously: a) Shut the throttle. b) Use a little rear brake to “straighten up the bike”. Do not lock up the rear wheel. c) Pull in the clutch. d) Apply the front brake progressively as the weight comes on the front wheel. Don’t jerk it on. e) As you slow down pump the gear change lever down so that if you want to accelerate suddenly after you slow down (especially in traffic), you will be in an appropriate gear. Emergency braking In an emergency (say coming into a corner too fast), do as much stopping as possible in a straight line and then ease off the brakes and follow the correct line for the corner. You can almost always get around a corner if you are taking the correct line and don’t touch the brakes.

BOB BROCK member 277 -Sage Advice to Old Beginers Practise using the throttle with your thumb and third and fourth fingers; cover the front lever with your first two fingers. You can get the brake on more quickly in traffic. Make sure however you have enough lever travel to properly apply the brake without squashing your throttle fingers. Speed Control When travelling slowly, controlling the speed is much more effectively done by lightly ‘dragging the back brake’ than with the throttle. Be careful not to continue riding with your foot on the pedal however as you speed up, since the ‘stop light’ will remain on and the brake pads will be unnecessarily worn. When manoeuvring at slow speed, it is much easier to turn anticlockwise than clockwise, as the back brake can be dragged with the right foot while keeping your left foot hovering over the ground for stability. Practise All of this must be done smoothly and automatically, so: practise, practise, practise. Cornering Watch out for adverse cambers. You will not have as much grip if the road is sloping towards the outside of the corner. Follow the curve of the road that you can see in front of you. Do not anticipate that the road will straighten up and start to cut the corner before you see where the road is going. This is called “late apexing”. Racing bike riders know where the road is going so they can start to cut the corner before they can actually see where the road is going but you are not a racing bike rider and you can’t see what the road is like around the corner.

MAY 2018

Counter-steering Remember that you turn a corner on a bike by turning the handlebars in the opposite direction to the way you want to turn. The more sharply you want to turn to the left for instance, the more you push on the left hand handle bar forwards. You can actually use this if you practise and become skilled to avoid a brick or something on the road in front of you. If you want to go to the left of it you can jerk the handlebars to the right (counter-steer), this will tip the bike to the left and the precessional effect will automatically turn the bike to the left. Don’t forget to let the handle bars go afterwards so it can straighten up!

Anecdotes & Sayings  There are old riders and there are bold riders, but there are few old, bold riders.  Ninety five percent of motorcyclists give the other five percent a bad name.  To enjoy motorcycling is to enjoy the riding more than arriving at the destination.  If you keep four car lengths behind the car in front, there will soon be four cars filling the space.  Always finish the job you are doing. Don’t walk away leaving nuts or bolts loose.  Art Senior, circ. 1948, one time holder of Australian land speed motorcycle record who nearly crashed during a record run because he let himself be distracted while doing up a bolt.  “The way I deal with crashing is just to be honest with myself. If you blame it on everything other than yourself you will just go out and do it again.” James Toseland. UK Motorcycle racer. April 2008. R. J. Brock. 14/10/17 – Rev: 27/12/17

BMW Motorrad

MORE VALUE

SAVE $2,500 ON ALL BMW FOUR CYLINDER MOTORCYCLES

BMW Motorrad Australia is pleased to announce the 4 More Value offer on selected BMW Four Cylinder Motorcycles. For a limited time only, experience Ride Away offer savings of up to $2,500 across the S 1000 range. These offers are strictly whilst stocks last at participating BMW Motorrad Dealers. Experience the essence of power.

S 1000 RR SPORT

MAKE LIFE A RIDE.

$24,108

NOW

RIDE AWAY

MORE VALUE

SAVE $2,500

SAVE $2,500 ON ALL BMW FOUR CYLINDER MOTORCYCLES

S 1000 R SPORT

$21,791

NOW

RIDE AWAY

SAVE $2,500 S 1000 XR

$25,652

NOW

RIDE AWAY

SAVE $2,500

TEAMMOTO BMW SPRINGWOOD 59 Moss Street, Springwood I (07) 3442 1397 teammotobmwspringwood.com.au *National promotional ride away price with no other optional extras. Offer applies to motorcycles ordered and delivered between 1 april & 30 june 2018, at participating BMW Consult your participating BMW Motorrad dealer for further details. BMW Group Australia reserves the right to change or extend the offer. *S 1000 RR Sport Package only. *S 1000 R Sport Package only. *S 1000 XR includes; daytime riding light, touring package, dynamic package.