BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB QUEENSLAND by BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB QUEENSLAND

OCTOBER 2018

www.bmwmcq.org.au

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC. Established 1958

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OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC.

The Committee President- Paul Hughes Ph: 0409 814 633 President@bmwmcq.org.au 1200 GS / 700 GS

Vice President - Richard Maher Ph: 0415 111 454 vpres@bmwmcq.org.au R 1150 R

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

Ph: 0428 383 826 treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au 2017 K1600GT 2016 R1200GS Tripple Black

Editor - Dave Hepburn

Ph: 0422 080 524 editor@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 RT

Records- Greg Gaffney Ph: 0411424 219 records@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 RT & R 90 S Events -Anita Wyndham Ph: 0414 431 751 events@bmwmcq.org.au F 650 GS

Regalia - Cindy Bennett

Ph: 0401 610 671 regalia@bmwmcq.org.au F 700 GS

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

This Issue - OCTOBER 2018 Contents:Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Committee Reports . . . . . . . . . . 5 CHRISTMAS IN TIN CAN BAY. . . . . . 6 TREASURERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 General Meeting Minutes. . . . . 11 CLUB RIDE TO OBI OBI. . . . . . . . . . 12 THE NC500 SCOTLAND . . . . . . . . . 17 CANE TOAD RALLY NINDIGULLY PUB. 19 DUNCAN BENNETT - IT’S ALL MINE!. 20 FOR THE AIRHEADS . . . . . . . . . . . 25

REFLECTIONS ON 60 YEARS. . . . . . 26 BMWMCQ Supports. . . . . . . . . . . 28 ADVERTISING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 BMWMCQ Events Calendar 2017. 30 EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS. . . . . . . 31 Cupla Adverts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 TONY GRAY - THE LAND OF MIZZLE. 35

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Jane and the GG at the end of a 300km day Three countries in a day: - Germany, Austria, Italy. We are staying in the Dolomites for the next few days, surrounded by mountain passes. The scenery and food aren’t too shabby either. Tough life we know but someone has to do it. Tony Gray

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

OCTOBER 2018

Dave Hepburn

Editorial Editor’s Report

Dear BMW club member, You belong to the world’s biggest club organisation in the premium car and motorcycle segment. Over 250,000 members of more than 700 clubs worldwide dedicate a large part of their free time to the BMW brand. We are extremely proud that you take PLEASURE from BMW – be that at the wheel, at events, at trade shows, at regular meet-ups or on group excursions with your club friends. For us, you are the core of the brand and our most important customers. We appreciate this greatly and would like to expand and enhance our collaboration with you. To this end, we are planning to conduct a worldwide survey in September 2018 with the aim of creating a closer bond between the company and the BMW clubs as brand ambassadors – so we can do even more for you in the future. We would be grateful if you could take a little time to fill out the attached questionnaire. This will help us to adapt our services even more effectively to meet your needs. The survey will only take a few minutes. Simply follow THE LINK SHOWN BELOW Please complete the questionnaire with care and answer as many of the questions as you can, so we can learn as much as possible from your input. Your participation in the survey will be entirely anonymous and we will not collect any personal data from you. The results of our analysis will be made available to the various BMW club umbrella organisations at the end of the year. Many thanks and best wishes, BMW Club & Community Management BMW Group Classic

https://bmwmafo.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8krgv4jrZ1meiVf

VENUE FOR BMWMCQ GENERAL MEETINGS GEEBUNG RSL CLUB 323 NEWMAN ROAD GEEBUNG MEALS OPEN AT 6.00 PM MEETING STARTS 7.30 PM

NEXT MONTH : 7.30PM 1 NOVEMBER 2018 COME AND CHECK IT OUT

Committee Reports Paul Hughes

OCTOBER 2018

President’s Report

eptember has just raced away from me. Between great night rides in the country to fabulous movie nights in a really hospitable town, to trips out west far and wide, I have had hardly a moment to wash the bikes ( that’s my story and I am sticking to it…lol). I have managed to service both bikes (oil, brake flush etc) but wash…no.

Greg Gaffney managed to procure for the club at a very low cost extra web space for the rest of our historical journals. He has also loaded each one on to our web site. So if you’re a history buff or want to remember past glories they are all there now. Each new journal will be added to the list as they are produced. I have leafed through a few and some of the articles and photos are simply fascinating. I will be allocating a lot more bed time reading to this pursuit in future. This weekend is the 40th anniversary of the Cane Toad Rally (one of our clubs signature events) and I will be riding out to Nindigully on Saturday to join people from all over Queensland and other states. Our thanks must go to Daryl and Gary for picking up the ball here and bringing back this great event. The last one was a few years ago at Somerset Dam and I remember it was very wet indeed that weekend. Let’s hope the weather is kind to us this time (although some rain would be pretty welcome from SW QLD locals). We had a strategy planning meeting during the month for 202 BMW National Rally, which we are hosting in Stanthorpe. It was a think tank of ideas morning and many contributed. We hope to make this the best National Rally ever, so if you have any input please don’t hang back; speak to a committee member re your fabulous idea. The basic outline and venue is there and people are working on various aspects to ensure that outcome. We have several members who are not well at the moment and our thoughts are with them. If the committee or club can do anything to help you at any stage please yell out. We are here to help. That is what clubs are for. The R You Ok program is something we should all be a part of. Anyone needs their motorbike baby sat, the Vice President is always for that’s job…lol. Seriously if we can help in any small way whatsoever please ask. The Christmas Party is pretty well organised with a great venue and menu. Decorations are in a very capable person’s hands and it promises to be a great night. If you have yet to book please do so as we need to know numbers to ensure we have planned sufficient resources. The BMW raffles will once again be on, bigger and better than ever this year with Industry representation joining us on the evening. Tin Can Bay is a wonderful little country coastal town. Just what the survey held 4 years ago said we wanted. So make sure you don’t miss out and please book now. Maybe take advantage of escaping that silly season beginning by staying on a few days to enjoy their hospitality. The club basically has activities which let you pick and choose what you want to attend. Lead rides, destinations to ride to solo, or in small familiar groups, weekends away, social nights, or as in the planning stage: a Central Australia expedition. You will meet some great people who all love doing the same thing… motorcycle riding, so get involved and have some fun. Safe riding Paul Pres

OCTOBER 2018

Committee Reports

ur Christmas Parties are famous for good food and great fun with friends. Raffles and BMW prize winners draw on the night. If you miss this one, you will regret it.

TWO course meal @ $47.50 per head - Dessert extra on the night - Cash bar

We have exclusive use of the covered veranda restaurant and is all weather proof. This is the premium food outlet in Tin Can Bay. Accommodation selections are below. Please book your selected accommodation directly. Ensure to mention you are attending the BMWMCQ Christmas Party to access discounted rates.

Payment for the Dinner Function

Please pay $47.50 per head by bank transfer to the clubs Bank account BSB 124001 AC 10243020 Please ensure to add in remarks your name and the number of persons you are paying for. Once you have deposited the correct amount Please EMAIL treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au stating details of your deposit. This is an essential component of your booking.

Accommodation

Please book direct at one of these if you wish. 1. Tin Can Bay Marina Villas 0754881800 www.tincanbaymarina.com.au Two bedroom water front villas $160 per night ( if you book as BMWMCQ Ask for Lynda). Minimum number available - Next to Function venue 2. Sleepy Lagoon Motel 07 54880653 www.sleepylagoonmotel.com.au various options from $45 per head up to a 3 bedroom house. 7 minute walk to Function venue. Ask for Peter 3. Kingfisher Caravan Park 0754864198 www.kingfishercaravanpark.com.au - cabins available and some bunk beds - Across the street from the function venue 4. Dolphin Waters Apartments 0754862600 www.dolphinwaters.com.au - Around the corner from the function venue - Min 2 night stay The Committee looks forward to welcoming all members and their family to a great night of celebrations. I have eaten twice at the venue and the food is great, especially the seafood. Please book early as numbers will need to be limited and accommodation can be difficult to obtain at short notice at least within walking distance of the Party.

RSVP FOR THE CHRISTMAS PARTY IS - 17 NOVEMBER 2018

Committee Reports John Eacott 3:18 PM

OCTOBER 2018

Treasurerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC.

10/09/18 Cash Basis

Balance Sheet

As of September 10, 2018 Sep 10, 18

CANE TOAD RALLY - PHOTOS

ASSETS Current Assets Chequing/Savings BMWMCQ Cheque Account BOQ Premier Investment Acct

6,119.45 15,262.90

Total Chequing/Savings

21,382.35

Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable

-364.47

Total Accounts Receivable

-364.47

Other Current Assets Regalia Tools and Spares

3,103.09 3,228.16

Total Other Current Assets

6,331.25

Total Current Assets

27,349.13

Fixed Assets Club Banners Property, Plant and Equipment Software

451.20 3,224.02 828.49

Total Fixed Assets

4,503.71

TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities Accounts Payable Christmas Dinner Payments Total Other Current Liabilities Total Current Liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES

31,852.84

165.00 1,282.50 1,447.50 1,447.50 1,447.50

NET ASSETS

30,405.34

EQUITY Retained Surpluses Net Income

28,483.48 1,921.86

TOTAL EQUITY

30,405.34

OCTOBER 2018

Anita Wyndham

Committee Reports Events Coords Report

y the time you read this the 2018 BMW Clubs Australia National Motorrad Rally will have been held and the baton handed over to the Queensland club for the 2020 rally. To kick off, we held a planning morning where nine members attended and shared lots of fantastic ideas on topics which included how to promote the event, the type of ride to run, social activities, sponsorship and trade stalls. If you were unable to attend but have an idea then email them through to me at: events@bmwmcq.org.au The October ride has been labelled as Richard’s Magical Mystery Tour (now put your hand up if you’re now humming that song). Meeting at 8:00am at Rathlogan Café, 4 Upper Logan Road, Rathdowney for early morning tea then heading out for the mystery ride at 9:30am. Mark Mustchin has been out and about and found the location for our coffee run this month – Stalled Espresso at Albion and for the Sunday lunch ride we are heading down to Harrigan’s Irish Pub at Jacobs Well. Don’t forget to let us know you are coming to help us with the bookings. The Christmas party is fast approaching so if you intent on coming don’t leave it until the last to purchase tickets. Refer to the Facebook event for details on how to pay – RSVPs are required by 17 November 2018. As usual, all the details for these and our usual events are up on both the Club webpage and Facebook so make sure you check the details of the ride before heading out. If you would like to arrange a ride, send the details to: events@bmwmcq.org.au to have them posted into the Club calendar and Facebook Events. Happy riding everyone and remember …. Ride your own ride.......Anita

Greg Gaffney

Records Officers Report

e now have additional storage on our website, so I have recommenced uploading old journals to the Downloads - Magazine - Previous Years area. I would like to test the new Classifieds section, so I welcome members to use it. If you send me your information I will happily add a Classifieds advertisement for you. Lastly, I have also made some changes to the Details section on the website which makes it easier to see your membership status with your expiry date now in Australian date format, Yahoo! Please also check and update your details especially your current motorcycles. NEW MEMBERS IN SEPTEMBER: Allan Bell and Mark Laity Cheers Greg

Submissions for the Next Journal (NOVEMBER 2018 Editio

Committee Reports

OCTOBER 2018

Bill Luyten

Tool’s Report

s reported last month we are expecting to hold another service day possibly in November. The date will be worked out soon and announced by/at the next General meeting. As with previous service days there will be a sausage sizzle and drinks available. For those that like to tinker with their bike see listed below the comprehensive bunch of tools available.

Club Tool Loan $50 deposit (refundable) for GS911: Tools and spares can be picked up or brought along to the next meeting or Club ride.

Still a couple of spares left at a bargain price. Last of the Spares for sale at under Half Price (bargain)

Filters - Air R1100s (LX628) x2 @ $5.00ea Brake Pads 520HF (front)- R60, R75, R80, R100 x1 @ $10.00 Tools for loan There are special tools available including the GS-911WiFi and 3 pin diagnostic tools.

Special Tools Twinmax electronic carburetor balancer (Twin BMW engines) Vacuumate (electronic synchronization of throttle valves up to 4 cylinders) Clutch alignment shafts (3 sizes) Compression gauge (cylinder pressure) Steering head bearing puller and seating tool Gearbox output flange puller GS-911 Wi-Fi Diagnostic tool (WiFi and USB Version) GS-911 3 pin interface Tyre Pressure Monitor Sensor (TPMS) tool Enduralast hall sensor tester

From the Pen of Jane Gray

AN ISLAND CALLED IRELAND There’s an island called Ireland, it’s divided, you know For sure, there’d be places that some wouldn’t go There are 6 Northern Counties still true to the Queen While the other 26 fly the Orange, White & Green Each night up in Belfast they still close the Peace Wall The murals they’ve painted for those who were called Now, I’m sure you’d be thinkin’ “How do they cope?” 20 years since “The Troubles”, they’re all living with hope ‘Tis twice we’ve now ridden this Emerald green Isle Castles, myths & history, pubs mile after mile Did you know, there were Vikings down Waterford way? There’s things that they built still standin’ today Galway, Kilkenny, Ring of Kerry & Killarney In a castle near Cork, kiss the stone they call Blarney Pubs of Belfast & Dublin so well known for their craic So much fun to be had you can bet we’ll be back

on) closes on 15 OCTOBER 2018 - Just soes y’all know!!!!!!

Committee Reports

OCTOBER 2018

Cindy Bennett

Regalia Officer’s Report

reetings members, From the November monthly meeting I will be bringing along a selection of Regalia to set up at the meeting for members to purchase their club regalia essentials. Why not the October meeting I hear you ask? Well, the BMWMCQ Secretary and I will be swanning around the South Island of NZ for the first 2 weeks of October on hire bikes. Just to mix things up, I am hiring a Triumph Bonneville, and Duncan will be riding a GS. We are really looking forward to revisiting this amazing country, and here’s hoping for mild and dry weather (nobody likes to bungee-jump in the rain :) Happy riding! Cindy Cindy Bennett regalia@bmwmcq.org.au

BMWMCQ Meeting Agenda/Minutes 6 September 2018 Venue: Geebung RSL Continued from Page 11 Other Events/Buy/Sell/Swap:

General Business

Past Events Closed: Duncan Bennett secretary@bmwmcq.org.au

1150GSA parts available – see Richard. HP2 wheels – think they are rear, from Roscoe. And 12 bikes as well: R25, R26, R60, R75, R1200C silver and red, Cruiser good condition only a couple of minor scratches, 90S, R90S, R100LT ’94. Post on website, PH to help. Rocks 2” risers for 700GS. Anakee 3’s aplenty available for 700GS’ – Paul Hughes, Cindy Bennett. Caltex can get 6₵ a litre off with App. Some disagreement potential using apps on motorcycle, PH has called BP and says it is OK. Old magazines only go to 1981, rest being loaded slowly. New members being listed in journal. Next suggestion from Frank is to list people who are “lost”, 2 months past their expiry date. Committee to discuss. Frank and others spoke for ~15 minutes about solo registration for bikes, have to remove pillion pegs and more difficult – seat, but pegs don’t need to be destroyed. $121 difference. Self-certification possible. Rules changed about a year ago. Dust Hustle, BMW represented, 1200GS doing crazy stuff, and R9T. OCR Daryl, roads bony, deep sand in places, a couple airlifted out. Cockburn town in SA described. Biscuit Run. 8:44 pm

Committee Reports Duncan Bennett

OCTOBER 2018

Secretary’s Report

BMWMCQ Meeting Agenda/Minutes 6 September 2018 Venue: Geebung RSL Meeting Opened: Apologies: Minutes of Previous General Meeting: Number of Attendees: New Members (Name & MC): Visitors: Returning Members: Treasurer Report: Editor Report: Tools Report: Regalia Report: Records Report: Events Report:

Secretary Report: Dealer Liaison Report: Vice President Report: President Report: Month Ride: Obi Obi Bike Show Leader: Duncan Bennett TEC: Cindy

7:36 pm Bill Luyten, Graeme & Liz Healy, Charlie, Robert Brown, Richard and Wendy De Groot, Maggie & George. Accepted: Geoff Hodges Seconded: Mark Mustchin 31 Nil Nil Roscoe Total Assets $31,151.49 Equity $30,083.99 Income $1,600.51 Cash $20,681.00 Nothing to report. Getting some good articles in. Another service day to be organised, possibly November. Caps for sale, Frigid Digit shirts still available, sizes a bit odd. Membership gone down, now at 249, membership renewals huge in September. 8 new last month, BMWMCQ cards available to hand out. Coffee run this month; meet in John’s boardroom to start Nationals event at 0900, morning tea/light breakfast provided. Can do a phone in if can’t make it. Details to be sent out. No lunch ride planned, no-one turned up for last one. Christmas Dinner organised. Ride your own ride, unless you can ride Casey Stoner’s Ride. Cane Toad Rally this month, Daryl presented details. At Nindigully, free camping, hotel running out of rooms. Hotel provides services for campers. Badges to be supplied. RFDS tins did not arrive in post but we have them. Paul H and John E saw Tony (M&W), coming as Christmas party guest. Something about models on the Story Bridge, not sure if he was talking about fashion models or BMW models though. Minister for Police correspondence, not really going anywhere, no firm details. Described Winter in the Outback Ride. Leaving Carseldine 0730 for 0800 start. To Woodford for morning tea, Postman’s Trak and Aherns Road to Obi Obi. Details on website and Facebook. GPX file available via email if required.

continued bottom of page 10

09 SEPTEMBER - CLUB RIDE - OBI OBI We were embarrassingly 2 minutes Obi Obi, Kenobi (rounded up from 1 minute and 31 seconds) earOCTOBER 2018

fter a few days of patchy rain, it was a relief to see Sunday 9th September dawn fine and sunny with just about a perfect forecast for the monthly Club Ride to the Obi Obi Motorcycle Show. This annual event is held in the biking mecca of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, near Kenilworth. Meeting at the traditional Northside ride point of Caltex Carseldine, there were soon 15 members on 14 bikes eager to get going after a bit of a chat and tyre kicking. I had volunteered as Ride Leader, and in modern leadership style I had delegated the upfront task to Duncan, while I led from the flagship in the Tail End Charlie position!

The group heading off through Brendale Our route would take us through familiar roads out through the wilds of Brendale, over the deserted and fabulous Clear Mountain Road, up to Dayboro, then over the less deserted Mount Mee to meet for coffee at Woodford.

A clear day on Clear Mountain Road

lier than our predicted 9:23am arrival into Woodford to meet Huw and Liesel, while we farewelled Greg G who had another lunch engagement after some nice CJ’s coffee and pastries. Mounting up again we forged onwards and upwards via Stanley River Road and Aherns Road to descend the always fun Postman’s Track.

David Whale forging the way across a one lane bridge! A short stop in Conondale to regroup, and we pushed off for the final stage, along with many other bikes on the road all heading to the show at the Obi Obi Hall. Upon arriving at the venue it was a scruffle around in jackets to try and find $5 to allow us entry to the event. Some, like Duncan, had to beg and borrow his $5 (hopefully not steal, although Mark G is yet to see any return on that investment) as I was holding all the cash and was at the rear of the pack where all good Tail End Charlie leaders should be. The day had definitely warmed up and we wandered about the displays of some magnificent machines and interesting stalls. A great chat with Bridget Hallam, co-author of the “Throw your Leg Over” books had us purchasing her and Alan’s second book on rides in Tasmania.

09 SEPTEMBER - CLUB RIDE - OBI OBI

Interesting paintwork examples!

A couple of fine BMW bikes

OCTOBER 2018

An impromptu lunch was planned at the Mapleton pub, and we trekked up the steep Obi Range and enjoyed a nice meal on the pub verandah, with conversation often paused by the violent throb of Harleys hooning up the hill. After our hearing had been sufficiently damaged, a run across the range to the Maleny turn-off and then down Bald Knob Road (as shown on Sunrise as one of the naughtiest place names in Australia!) and back via Peachester to eventually join a very congested Bruce Highway for the commute home.

A fun riding day, thanks to the group of: Dave W, Paul, Greg, Mark, Geoff, Jim, Chris, Stuart, Scott, Cees, Don, Kate, Frank, Huw, Liesel, and of courseâ&#x20AC;Ś. Duncan and me. Cindy Bennett Member 4170

OCTOBER 2018

THE NC500 - Scotlands North Coast

SCOTLANDS NORTH COAST - THE NC500

he North Coast 500 or NC500 as it is better known is an exercise in very successful marketing of a very good product. Begun in 2015 the concept of promoting a coastal tourist route around the Scottish Highlands to rival the likes of Route 66 was taken up by the local authorities and is now rated one of the world’s top road trips. Ask any of the locals and they are a little bemused - the road has always been here they say, so why all of a sudden do we have all of this traffic? There are now thousands of visitors flocking to the region in everything from push bikes to camper vans, many of which are left hand drive European vehicles. The summer months are the go as no sane person, especially a motorcyclist, would be up there in winter or anything close to the winter months. Roughly speaking the route starts at Inverness, the gateway to the highlands, and follows the coast up the east coast to the N-E tip of the mainland at John O’Groats then to the most northerly tip of Britain at Dunnet head, around the north down the west and loops back to Inverness. Even though the route is approx 500 miles in length there are many interesting side tracks that can add substantially to that distance. We started our trek at a beautiful B&B outside the small village of Beauly which is itself outside of Inverness choosing to cover the route anti-clockwise. IMHO this is the better path as the excitement of the ride builds from the blander east to the more picturesque west and finishes with a flourish at Bealach-Na-Ba pass but more on that later. Weather is very unpredictable in the region but the weather God’s looked to be giving us an even break. Summer highs can hit 19C (yes that is the max Muriel) and rain can appear at any time. I had read differing reports of the remoteness of the region, lack of amenities, fuel and accommodation so we had prebooked our accommodation less we ended up sleeping in a roadside bus shelter. The Scots up this way may be a little slow but they do have an eye for opportunity and accommodation prices in the region during summer are very high compared to more southern localities. The threat of man eating swarms of killer midges for which the highlands are famous has not dissuaded the crowds. We thought we had a reasonable chance of survival if we slept in our riding gear and helmets. Our first day along the east coast was not particularly exciting on the A9 so we scrubbed a bit of rubber off the side of the tyres with a sidetrack on the A839 up into the hills to have a sandwich at Lairg on the edge of Loch Shin. Generally speaking the more numbers after the alpha prefix indicates a less travelled road and we all know that often is the more interesting road. Back down to the Coast and a quick look at Dunrobin Castle which is a very popular tourist attraction based on the TC Index - TC sanding for Tour Coach.

We had a more important agenda so after a quick look and pic it was back on the bike and north to John O’Groats.

We had been to Lands End on the GG back in 2010 so this was a special moment for the three of us to complete the most distant road accessible points on mainland Britain. There is a headland out from JO’G called Duncansby Head which to my simple mind is further east and therefore a further distance from Lands End and you can get there on a single track road. So why not Lands End to Duncansby Head rather than Lands End to John O’Groats? Probably because there isn’t a pub or chippy or coffee shop at Duncansby Head but what they do have is Puffins, you know those cute little birds that the Icelanders like to eat.

THE NC500 - Scotlands North Coast Unfortunately we were a tad late in the season and all the little puffins had puffed off. Further along the north coast we detoured out to Dunnet Head for a photo shoot at this the most northerly point of Britain.

Alas all of these diversions and photo opportunities had distracted us from the goal of getting to the Bettyhill Pub before it started to rain. We got to within 10k before the light drizzle became heavier and the comfort of a roadside bus shelter beckoned. Suitably suited up for an Artic blast that never eventuated we arrived in Bettyhill for a hot feed, warm bed and relaxing ale (or two). The GG had to survive with her cover strapped down against the strong winds. Day 2 dawned clear but cloudy as we proceeded towards ‘The Treasure’ to be had on this part of the north coast.

OCTOBER 2018

Now those who know us know that we do not buy any souvenirs on our trips save for the odd fridge magnet or bumper sticker for the GG. Special stickers assume great importance and none more important to be gained than at the teeny tiny village of Tongue yes the “I Love Tongue” bumper sticker. Steve & Rosi Johnson had passed through here a few weeks earlier in a grey drizzle and had missed Tongue completely (yes it is that small) so our quest for the Treasure was for not one but three of the desired stickers. We found a PO store but the lady there gave Jane one of those looks and pointed her down the road. The second little store was indeed the source of the treasure but alas the cupboard was bare - “oh no lassie we sold out of those ages ago”. It was not half way through summer so their marketing research had fallen well short of reality. They had probably ordered 10 just in case they got left with some? We had been on the A836 but at Tongue it became the A838 for reasons only known to the road planners as we crossed the Kyle of Tongue on what was a single track road. When I say single track I mean single track. Remember that up until 2015 the likelihood of meeting another car on these roads was akin to winning the lottery - when you didn’t buy a ticket. Now it was being traversed by the aforementioned LHD camper vans along with cars, delivery vehicles and the occasional overloaded Australian motorcycle. There are ‘Passing Places’ every 50 metres or so but sometimes further apart. Most oncoming vehicles showed courtesy to each other but sometimes the coming together was between passing places and it became a Mexican standoff and a case of who blinked first. If the passing vehicles were camper vans and both LHD then both drivers were on opposite sides to the potential point of impact - ouch. Needless to say this made progress very slow.

OCTOBER 2018

THE NC500 - Scotlands North Coast

The road took us around the lip of Loch Eriboll to the next metropolis of Durness and its major geological feature, Smoo Cave. Now Smoo cave is quite impressive and is manned by an enthusiastic band of amateur cavers who for a few quid will take you on a raft deeper into the cave system.

Unfortunately for the cavers they weren’t getting a penny out of us as the Thai Cave rescue was still very fresh and we were not looking for a repeat performance. Continuing down the west coast with its myriad lochs and rugged coastline reminded us very much of Norway but thankfully the weather was better this day.

We crossed the Kylesku Bridge one of the only pieces of modern engineering on the NC500 before taking another sidetrack onto the A837 along the shore of Loch Assynt to the pretty coastal village of Lochinver. Surprisingly this is perched on the shore of Loch Inver. Are you noticing a trend here? We finished a dry Day 2 at Ullapool one of the largest towns on the route. It’s setting on beautiful Loch Broom enticed us to have a pint on the waters edge before dinner. A very relaxing way to finish a days ride. Ullapool is a popular spot as we did not see any vacancy signs and Ullapool unlike most other places does have quite a few accommodation options available.

Our good run with the weather evaporated overnight so it was a wet load procedure at the start of Day 3. Murphy’s Law applies here in that the places that have the most rain have the least number of awnings. Despite the wet we were enjoying the ride before stopping for a walk down to Corrieshalloch Gorge which is quite spectacular but you would all know that strenuous walking when dressed like a giant condom in full wet gear is not pleasant. By the time we returned to the GG we were as wet on the inside as the out. The price we pay for the pleasure we get.

We continued around the Lochs and headlands before taking another diversion on the B8057 (B designates a secondary road and with 4 following numerals this was going to be a very narrow track and it did not disappoint). We had a cup of coffee at Poolewe at the head of Loch Ewe and were intrigued with the local information boards so followed the track some 20 km to the headland at Cove and unearthed a real historical treasure. Loch Ewe provided a very deep port with a narrow protected entrance at Cove so was used as a collecting point for the North Atlantic Convoys departing for Russia in the dark days of WW2. The Loch was protected with many defensive gunnery installations that remain to this day.

THE NC500 - Scotlands North Coast

Stories of the horrendous conditions endured by those merchant men and their ships made chilling reading. On one of those convoys only 11 of the 36 merchant ships that departed Loch Ewe made it to Russia having fallen victim to the marauding U Boat Wolf packs. Also chilling was a couple we met from Inverness getting ready to do a bit of snorkelling in the 10C temperature water. And they thought we were mad doing what we were doing!

We left the west coast for our night stay near Dingwall where we had booked 2 nights. Accommodation options on the west coast were very expensive as the route got closer to the very expensive Isle of Skye and Kyle of Lochalsh so our reasoning was that we could cover a few extra miles to somewhere reasonably priced with the benefit of leaving our gear and having a lighter ride. This worked out well as the weather cleared towards the end of the day and we tackled Day 4 with a light load and fine weather. Our final day was to be dominated with a ride around the Applecross Peninsula and a crossing of the Bealach-Na-Ba Pass classed as one of the world’s most dangerous ‘roads’ as it is extremely narrow with steep drop offs and ascents of 20%. The weather can also be extreme. The name means ‘Pass of the Cattle’ and we did in fact encounter the famous highland cattle with their long shaggy coats and impressive horns. We started around the peninsula from the pretty fishing village of Shieldag, pop 85, where we stopped for a photograph.

OCTOBER 2018

A local lady stuck her head out of the 1st floor window and asked if we were lost. Hearing our accents she told us her sister lives in Sydney but she has never been too far. We wondered at the culture shock for her sister moving from Shieldag to Sydney.

The road around the peninsula is narrow single track and fortunately the drizzling rain that had descended had now abated and we discarded the wet gear at

our coffee stop at Applecross. There were several other bikes at Applecross all assembled for the same reason as us. The ride up the pass from Applecross was spectacular with very steep switchbacks testing the gearing and clutch as the GG climbed. The traffic was light but passing a descending vehicle was tricky to say the least. Campers were supposed to be excluded but some take that as a challenge.

OCTOBER 2018

THE NC500 - Scotlands North Coast

The road really is for very small vehicles only. We crested the summit of the pass at 2053 feet and

were rewarded with spectacular views of the valley that lay ahead and Loch Kishorn beyond.

The descent was steeper and more severe so doing the pass in an anti-clockwise direction as was recommended proved to be correct.

It is now on the top shelf of rides that we have done but certainly not for the faint of heart or inexperienced. Once off the peninsula we made good time on the beautiful sweeping A896 and A890 roads down to the tourist magnet of Eilean Donan Castle.

Despite the high rating on the TC scale this is a great place to visit and one of the top Scottish tourist attractions. We completed the day in fine weather back to Dingwall.

THE NC500 - Scotlands North Coast

OCTOBER 2018

From the Pen of Jane Gray # 2 SHOOTING FROM BEHIND When I was just a young girl I should have learnt to ride Of my one and only effort One can only say - I tried

The box had been ticked for the NC500 and it is a ride that we would heartily recommend. Do your planning and book your accommodation and hope for good weather. The anti-clockwise direction worked well for us. We took 4 days and could have added another day to do some more exploring but anything less would have been too rushed. You just cannot cover big distances on those single track roads. What are you waiting for - just do it!

Tony and Jane Gray

As I sit & look around me Nature’s beauty everywhere I’m pleased that I have found a way To enjoy it and to share For now that I am older My role is more defined With my trusty little camera I’m happy shooting from behind

THE CANE TOAD RALLY - NINDIGULLY PUB 2018

he Cane Toad rally was held at the Nindigully Pub over the long weekend September 29 – 30 and 1 October 2018. The Rally was organised by Gary Bennett and Darryl Gowlett and was by all accounts a great success. Thanks to the organisers and all the BMW riders who attended to make it such a great weekend. Photos of the event are scattered throughout the journal….Ed.

Gary Bennett wrote on Facebook……. The Cane Toad Rally Awards were won by LONGEST DISTANCE RIDER was won by Mick Patten for a distance of 1035km on his R1100S. Mick used to attend the CTR in the early years and even though it was short notice of this event, he jumped at the chance to attend this one and he said he will be back next year. LONGEST DISTANCE PILLION was won by Chris Crowe on the back of a K1600GTL towing a Camper Trailer (beautiful outfit). Chris and her husband always wanted to visit Nindigully and being keen rally goers they killed two birds with one stone. OLDEST BMW was won by Craig Brennan on his 1979 R100RT. ROTTEN LUCK AWARD went to me after I lost my Dry Bag off the seat of my bike on the way to the rally. It had my tent, Helinox chair, tomahawk and a BMWMCQ Banner. I was going to go home until Paul Hughes offered me some space on the floor of his room, thanks again Paul. Lucky I still had my Mattress, sleeping bag and pillow.

Duncan Bennett - IT’S ALL MINE

OCTOBER 2018

It’s All Mine

hirty-two years consigns us to history, a discovery noted during our August Mt Morgan mini-break and my first return to the famed mine since working there in 1986. We’d first thought to head up there in November last year, before remembering that Sagittarius with his oxy-acetylene torch and the summer solstice were getting fearfully close to that neck of the woods. Sweating in a porcine torrent decided against, instead the Pigman Wenteth into NSW where it was cooler, albeit very moist from the experienced rains. The bikes inspected, it was decided that the 19,600km on the Precious’ rear Mitas E-07 tyre still positioned it in the “in its late prime” category. No time to get it changed however, so at about 1:30pm on a Thursday, we finished our packing and hit the road. This trip had been sort of half planned with regard to route, with Kroombit Tops near Biloela and Mt Morgan the only priorities, but zero thought had gone into stopovers. The GPS clearly stated that sundown was at 5:34pm, so we avoided any twisting road distractions north of Brisbane and went straight up the Bruce Highway, turning off toward Kilcoy. We arrived there with about 2 or so hours of daylight left, so decided to push on. The Kilcoy-Murgon road is a gem, with winding bitumen up to Jimna, then good quality dirt before it pops out on the Wide Bay highway at Kinbombi. Any pretense of being hard-core adventure riders took a big hit about half way along with a group of road bikes coming the other way. Toward the end the pace slowed significantly due to swarming pretty-faced wallabies (obviously named by a pioneer who was single, lonely and a bit creepy) that were always in a pack in the middle of the road just over the crest of hills, waiting to throw themselves under the aging Mitases. It was with some relief that we hit the highway, with only 6km west remaining in the blinding sunset to Goomeri. Goomeri is pronounced Goo-mary rather than Gooma-rye, a fact not confirmed until two days later with subsequent intense but failed efforts at trying to remember how we’d been pronouncing it to the locals in the Goo-mary pub. Cindy not disputing the “Quality Meat” sign in the background

Following some unforgettable hotel incidents in recent times in Narrabri and Toowoomba, motels were the preference on this trip, and The Goomeri Motel owned by Mr and Mrs Duncan was every bit as good as their owner’s name suggested; spacious, clean, quiet, and a short stroll to Joe’s Grand Hotel. A very northern winery just down the road provided the drinks, and the food was excellent, so off to a great start. Day 2 Friday commenced with a stroll about town looking for breakfast, with 8:30am considered fractionally too early for a pie so we ended up at the only café. On the bikes, we headed up to Ban Ban Springs for fueloleum, then took the first “unknown” road of the trip due north-ish to Mt Perry. Some rumours abounded regarding a tunnel in the Mt Perry area, mainly generated by Cindy, so we pushed on expecting nothing more interesting than a good quality dirt road north of Byrnestown. And then suddenly we arrived at Mingo Crossing, obviously the first non-Gomads to discover this location as the place on the Burnett River lagoon was swarming with vans. To make a point that we were hard core adventurers, we pulled up in an obvious place and used the van park facilities to boil the kettle on the Jet-boil and have a cuppa, without realising that the cuppa ritual is a bit like a Masonic handshake to Gomads, who accepted us into their secretive society without question.

Cuddling into the warm Gomad bosom at Mingo Crossing Non-Satanic cuppa ritual completed, we were back on and continued north to Mt Perry. The road was a bit of a mix between bitumen, gravel, and a dirt surface that was so straight, hard packed and free of loose material that it could only be described as bravel, or maybe gitumen. After accidentally reaching 130kmh for a brief stretch, we meandered into Mt Perry.

Duncan Bennett - IT’S ALL MINE

OCTOBER 2018

of weeks in before dying of lyssavirus so there was no point hanging about. We rode back into Mt Perry, where a Smelter sign caught our attention. At this precise moment, the trip officially transitioned from a ride up to Mt Morgan to a mining history tour. Mt Perry started in the 1860’s when rich copper ore was discovered, and smelting started in the 1870’s. Underground mining was finished in 1913 but the area still has active mining, with the Mt Rawdon gold mine only 5km to the south-east pumping out 100,000 ounces of gold every year since 2001. Heading into Mt Perry, who seemed to be expecting us No stops were called for as we were on a mission to find the tunnel, originally heard about from BMWMCQ friends during our Agnes Waters trip earlier in the year. Normally I sort out the navigation, but somehow Cindy seemed to have determined exactly where the tunnel was, which was fortunate as the GPS attractions categories didn’t include tunnels, and I had no idea. With an alert from Cindy noted, we swung on to a dirt track happily named Tunnel Road and wended our way through the scrub and a couple of gates to reach the Boolboonda Tunnel, the longest unsupported tunnel in Queensland. As we’d come through from the Mt Perry side, we rode through before getting to the information board which informed us that we’d just ridden through a Little Bent-Wing Bat colony, so probably now had lyssavirus or at least histoplasmosis from inhaling bat droppings.

Cindy giving the unsupported Boolboonda Tunnel a bit of a rest After the photos and learning of the history of the tunnel which was constructed in 1883-1884 to service the expanding Mt Perry mining area, we decided that we could probably get a good couple

Mt Perry Smelter floor with slag pavers Some mining FOMO calmed, we headed west along variable quality roads to join the Burnett Highway and crack on to Monto for lunch. Recharged, options for more mine or scenic tourism were researched otherwise we’d be getting to our now-planned overnight at Biloela way too early. Discussion with a local over options indicated that Cania Gorge was popular with Gomads, and as they had ignored us once already after we’d Jane Goodalled them at Mingo Crossing, there was no reason to think they wouldn’t again. Fueled up, we headed north into Cania Gorge National Park, which has rock formations vaguely similar to the Warrumbungles down in NSW. We snuck into the Cania caravan park, and briefly discussed the possibility of staying in a cabin in the heart of a Gomad troop and going for a big walk. A visit to the very helpful lady in the Cania caravan park shop and we had a new plan, plus a plan for sometime in the future to see the site of “Beautiful Betsy”, a Liberator bomber that crashed into Kroombit Tops in 1945 and was only discovered in 1994. The new plan was to check out Cania Dam,

OCTOBER 2018

Duncan Bennett - IT’S ALL MINE

and then do a mining heritage walk and check out the plethora of old Shamrock Mine workings which were about 800m off the road heading up to a small hill before the Cania escarpment.

Traditional gold miner’s equipment of stamp battery, crucibles and a long-handled spaghetti colander Mining FOMO quenched again, we were back on for the final part of the day’s venture up the not-really-inspirational Burnett Highway into the blinding sunset to Biloela. After about ten laps around the town past fake motels that the GPS insisted were there but weren’t, we alighted at the pleasant and convenient Central Motel. The shops were still open, so a quick trip into Biloela Target and I had a pair of cheap yet classy pants to replace the filthy stained work jeans I had somehow confused with smart casuals when packing. Meal options are a bit limited in Biloela, and no amount of googling could locate a boutique craft brewery, so we settled on the Commercial Hotel for drinks and meals. Day 3 started well with a large breakfast café discovered directly across the road. High level planning the night before had two objectives for the day; hard-core adventure riding in the Kroombit Tops National Park, before heading up to Mt Morgan where the plan would end, and we’d figure it out from there. The GPS got the plan a bit mixed up and assumed we’d want to go to Mt Morgan first, so some detours were required, and a new route was set by the GPS to come in to Kroombit Tops NP from the north. The detour took us past the Callide power station, once managed by a friend of ours, and we took a detour from the detour to head up the scenic lookout which gave impressive views over the power stations and back toward Biloela. Arriving at the turn-off to Kroombit Tops NP, the signs saying that there was no access to Kroombit Tops NP was a bit of a set-back in the plan. We decided to keep going as there was an historic hotel site a bit

Callide Power Station creating some much-needed clouds from the cooling tower further on, although this turned out to be a pile of old burned lumber without any obvious historic value. So yet again we decided to keep going as the GPS mentioned it was quicker than turning around. We headed up the range back toward the Dawson Highway, hoping to get a view of the mythical Kroombit Tops from the high ground. An open area near the summit looked hopeful but had a lot of trees blocking the view, so I took off into the scrub to do a U-turn to head back onto the road. The traction control kicked in when I hit a rock, resulting in a drop of The Precious and a lot of swearing. After getting the bike up, and pushing it across the road, I decided that the Feng Shui wasn’t quite right so pushed it toward a flat bit then dropped it again. The swearing rate became exponential at this point, especially when it was discovered that oil was leaking out. Once The Precious was back upright, inspection indicated that the leak was probably coming from around the output shaft driving the front sprocket, so a seal must have gone which explains why oil consumption has been high for the past 30,000km.

Evidence presented on the popular TV program Idiot Crash Investigation

Duncan Bennett - IT’S ALL MINE

OCTOBER 2018

The suggestion of a cuppa to stop the discharging expletive glands was well received, and soon afterward we hit the Dawson Highway and cruised back to the Burnett Highway for the final push to Mt Morgan. We arrived there conveniently around lunch-time, but the heritage tour took precedence and we rode around the confusing streets as I tried to find the crossing to the mine site and the road up to the lookout by scanning brain data from 1986. We located the mine site, or at least the gate blocking us from the mine site, then after 4 turnarounds managed to get to the lookout which gave a nice panorama of the very hilly town and the mine site.

The secret behind being able to pick up a loaded motorcycle, twice I’ll be back. Not for 32 years though Some lunch in town and a bit of a wander about, and then the accommodation options were reviewed. It was the show weekend in Mt Morgan, and although this didn’t seem to mean the motels were chokkas, their lack of stars and location on the outskirts meant we were probably better off down on the coast. Turned out that the coast was chokkas because of a festival at Yeppoon, so we took the middle ground and decided Rockhampton would do. A blast off the escarpment down the winding road into Bouldercombe was excellent at high speed or it was in 1986 because they’ve since reduced the speed limit to 40kmh which makes it not excellent. A hotel (proper one, not a pub for which phobias are still evident) was found in the middle of town, and we headed out to Yeppoon just to check it out. The festival hadn’t really started, but a nice iced coffee overlooking the Keppel Islands and a trundle down to Emu Park before the ride back into the blinding sunset and Rockhampton saw out the day. Day 4 or Sunday was the big official Mt Morgan day, with a tour planned at 10am. Firstly we had to stop for a photo at the Tropic of Capricorn, the previous time we had crossed it was in Namibia. By 10am we were in Mt Morgan, we’d had a coffee, and we’d parked the bikes in the shade at the Mt Morgan Railway Station forcing the Gomads to park their 50m long vehicles out in the sun.

Tropic of Capricorn crossing slightly less demanding in Rockhampton By 10am we were in Mt Morgan, we’d had a coffee, and we’d parked the bikes in the shade at the Mt Morgan Railway Station forcing the Gomads to park their 50m

OCTOBER 2018

long vehicles out in the sun. The tour of the town and mine was excellent, run by a long-time resident of the town who actually appreciated my input into the history of the mine in the 1980’s when tailings were dredged up to recover the gold using more advanced technology than was available in the early days. An important but little-known fact about Mt Morgan is that the incredible wealth generated for one of the owners, William Knox D’arcy, was used to fund oil exploration in Iran that resulted in the foundation of British Petroleum and the conversion of all ships in the British Navy from coal fired to oil fired, which changed the course of history. After checking out where I’d stayed and worked, we were a bit disappointed to find that tours of the dinosaur footprints in the clay mine above Mt Morgan could not be taken for safety reasons. I had very clear memories of this amazing attraction; in 1986 the clay mine was on the Mt Morgan lease so one weekend a few of us set off to have a look. The clay was the bed of an old lake and was walked on by dinosaurs leaving footprints in the soft surface. Sand had deposited over the top of the clay, and over time had turned into sandstone. The miners had driven tunnels into the clay for brick making, and the inverse dinosaur footprints along the ceiling were one of the most incredible things I have seen in Australia. Hopefully the tunnels will one day be re-opened for tourists.

Duncan Bennett - IT’S ALL MINE were but metres away from the Monto Colonial Motor Inn no matter where we were in the town, but eventually we found it using the proven “ride up and down every bloody street” method. The motel was very pleasant and nearly empty, so following a stroll into town and an excellent steak at the Albert Hotel it was off to bed. We thought that Monday mornings were pretty casual in Monto, until discovering that it was the Brisbane Show Day holiday for everywhere except Brisbane. Only the service station was open to provide both breakfast and fuel. Once charged, we decided that a reverse run through Mt Perry was called for just so we could ride the gitumen or bravel road to Mingo Crossing once more. 160kmh was reached this time, setting a new speed record for dirt road riding which is unlikely to be broken until I forget how scary hitting the odd patch of loose stuff can be. A cuppa at Mingo Crossing among many of the same Gomads who had been there four days previously, and we made it into Goo-mary for lunch. The bakery was the chosen place for another pie, where they proved once more that whatever variety of pie you want, they’ll have just run out of that one, so you’ll always just get an unpopular curry or chicken pie. As speed was of the essence, we decided that the Kilcoy-Murgon Road dirt option was going to take too long so did the Burnett Highway to Nanango and the D’Aguilar Highway back to the Bruce, finishing the 1,800km and 4½ day trip by finally heading east away from the blinding sunset to home.

It’s All Mine

Cindy admiring an early dual sport tractor with Mt Morgan smelter stack in background After the tour and a quick lunch in town at a nice bakery, we started the southern run by going back down the escarpment at slightly more than 40kmh before getting onto the Bruce Highway to Calliope. We needed some dirt by this stage having not had much for two days, so took the Gladstone-Monto Road, finally discovering a signed road that led to Kroombit Tops although far too late to be useful, before ending the riding heading toward the blinding sunset into Monto. The GPS once again became annoying and insisted we

The video production of some of the trip highlights can be found in the following YouTube link, produced and directed by C. Bennett, usually starring D. Bennett because he happens to be riding in front. Music score selection by C. Bennett because there is no way D. Bennett would use any of those. https://youtu.be/tvFz7LlYu4o

Duncan Bennett, member No.4171

FOR THE AIRHEADS - and there are many

OCTOBER 2018

MMM BOXERWORKS AIRHEADS GROUP PAGE Each month Mark will endeavor to provide a couple of links to his instructional videos on dealing with all matters pertaining to BMW Airhead Motor Cycles. These are the three links this month to Facebook Video’s: https://www.facebook.com/Boxerworks/videos/2122046951451928/ https://www.facebook.com/Boxerworks/videos/2094440830879207/ https://www.facebook.com/Boxerworks/videos/2081055338884423/

CANE TOAD RALLY - PHOTOS

OCTOBER 2018

REFLECTIONS on 60 years - gary bennett

CLUB JOURNAL COVER STORY

he following cover was used on our Journals from 1973 until 1982 (10 years) when it was decided a change was overdue.

A competition was launched by the committee to find a new cover which inspired George Tipping (past President 1970) to write to the editor.

Letter to the Editor:

I noted in the last Club journal that you intend replacing the ‘old’ cover with a new one. Before the old cover totally disappears I believe it appropriate to publish the history of the cover. Two people were responsible for the cover some many moons ago, myself for choosing and supplying the subject and Ian Aitchison who did the lettering and artwork. The picture is of George Meier (N°49) on his supercharged BMW 494cc twin model 251 riding to BMW motorcycle’s most glorious first and second position victory in the 1939 Isle of Man TT. This machine disappeared from Germany during the occupation after WW 11 and eventually turned up in France, where Charles Lock of M.L.G. Motorcycles of London managed to acquire it and then completely restored it. The machine was for many years displayed in MLG’s showroom in London as was its stable mate (ridden by Jock West) displayed by George Meier in his Munich showroom. The true power output of these machines has never been revealed but is estimated at 68 bhp. However vague the power: the weight was a mere 306 lb, the lightest machines in the race. It should be noted that these were the only machines in the race with rear wheel suspension and they also had the benefit of telescopic front suspension which BMW had pioneered with their R12 way back in 1931. Nothing could compete with the ma-

REFLECTIONS on 60 years - gary bennett

OCTOBER 2018

chines, but of the three BMWs. entered, tragedy was to mar the event. Karl Gall, who had been a stalwart since the earliest days of BMW racing and was a German road racing champion, was killed on the first day of practice. Meier won the Senior TT in 1939 at a record race speed of 89.38mph with such apparent ease that there was no need for him to exceed the lap speed record of 9lmph set a year earlier. It was the first time since 1911 that the Senior category of this world famous race had been won by non British entrants. However, as 1939 wore on to its distracted end, the demands of war stopped the production of BMW motorcycles for civilian use.

They had a good run, more than 160,000 having been built since the first R32 sixteen years before and which had put BMW on its feet, it was not all due to motorcycles, not by any means, but without the motorcycles there would have been nothing. I trust the above letter is of interest to club members and would ask that in selecting a new cover for the journal (the present one lasted 10 years) that you consider that current fashion in BMWs is out dated in 2 years time, whereas the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;oldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cover will serve its purpose for time immemorial. Perhaps I should add that if there is sufficient interest in articles on historic BMWs I have plenty of information to keep the journal going until I am an O.A.P. Georg Tipping

Reply by Editor George- thanks for the interesting and informative letter. I knew some of the details but am glad to have all the information from an original source. For the fate of the cover see the results of the Cover Competition elsewhere in this issue. I think articles on BMWs history would be a welcome and entertaining addition to the journal, so thanks for the offer - we accept! David Bluhdorn

Cover Competition Results!

At the Committee meeting this month, the members present examined all the entries received in the competition and decided on the cover to be used in future magazines. The result was a win for the traditionalists as none of the entries excellent, as they all were, was judged to be better, as far as identifying our club and remaining undated by changing BMW fashions, than the original. It will be retained with a few minor changes. The committee has decided that the prize will be shared between all the entrants, so each will receive a club T-shirt as a token of our thanks for their efforts to help the club. The following Changes were made and this cover remained for a further 5 years.

Sourced from Club Journals of late 1982 By Gary Bennett #509

OCTOBER 2018

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Cafe2U Australia Redlands 0409 815 984

ADVERTISING & BMW SUPPORTS

OCTOBER 2018

BMWMCQ 2018 Events Calendar BMWMCQ Club Events Schedule OCTOBER 2018

October 2018

Date

Time

Event

Details

Thur 4

7:30 PM

Sun 7

8:00AM Club Ride

Richard’s Magical Mystery Tour Rathlogan Café 4 Upper Logan Road, Rathdowney Early morning tea then heading out for the ride at 9:30am

Richard Maher

Mon 8

7:00 pm 6.00 pm

Hamilton Hotel Social Dinner

Coorparoo RSL 45 Holdsworth St

Paul Hughes president@bmwmcq.org.au

Sat 20

9:00 AM

Saturday Coffee Run

Sun 28

12:00 PM Sunday Lunch Ride

Tue 30

6:00 pm

Wed 17

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

Coordinator

Committee Meeting

Paul Hughes president@bmwmcq.org.au

Hamilton Hotel, Anita Wyndham 442 Kingsford Smith Drive, Hamilton events@bmwmcq.org.au 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.

Stalled Expresso Albion Mark Mustchin 35-37 Collingwood Street, Albion Come and join us for great coffee, great food and great company. Just note that there is a sporting field close by and there is usually lots of people out exercising (silly people) so parking can be an issue. Harrigan’s Irish Pub - Drift Inn Harrigan’s Lane, Jacobs Well Qld 4208 Make your own way there or watch the Facebook event notice to see if there will be a group heading out.

Anita Wyndham events@bmwmcq.org.au

German Club Brisbane German Club, 416 Vulture Street, Dave Hepburn East Brisbane Editor@bmwmcq.org.au 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.

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.

BMWMCQ 2018 Events Calendar

OCTOBER 2018

BMWMCQ Club Events Schedule November 2018

Date

Time

Thur 1

7:30 PM

Sun 4

TBA

Event Club General Meeting Club Ride

Mon 5

7.00 pm

Sat 24

9:00 AM

Saturday Coffee Run

6.00 pm

German Club

Wed 21

6.00 pm

Sun 25

11:00 AM

Tue 27

DATE

Committee Meeting

Hamilton Hotel Social Dinner

Sunday Lunch Ride

Details

Coordinator

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

Paul Hughes president@bmwmcq.org.au

Coorparoo RSL 45 Holdsworth St

Paul Hughes president@bmwmcq.org.au

TBA

Anita Wyndham events@bmwmcq.org.au

Brisbane German Club, 416 Vulture Street, East Brisbane Come along and enjoy the company of your fellow Club members. A limited amount of parking is available in the club carpark however, if this is full, parking is available on Duke and Linton Streets. Arrive anytime after 6:00pm.

Dave Hepburn

TBA

Anita Wyndham events@bmwmcq.org.au

EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS CALENDAR TIME

EVENT

DETAILS

Strathalbyn is Kenny’s birth place and where he learnt to hone his motorcycling skills. Basically we are bringing Kenny back - our local hero who brought victory to BMW in the Castrol 6 hr race some decades ago. We are celebrating his life with the inaugural festival to be held in October on his birthday. Please see our web site for more details at: www.kennyblakestraythalbyn.com.au

Fri Sat Sun 26 - 28 October 2018

All Weekend

Kenny Blake Festival of Motorcycling Strathalbyn SA

Fri Sat Sun 1719 May 2019

All Weekend

BMW OWNERS CLUB SOUTH AUSTRALIA

PELICAN RALLY 2019 BIENNAL Rally which will be held at CAMP KEDRON on the Banks of Lake Bonney riday to Sunday 17th to 19th May 2019… more details will be posted closer to the event

CONTACT

Marylou Nees Email: m-nees@ live.com.au Phone: 0404035266

BMW OWNERS CLIUB SA PO BOX 193 NTH ADELAIDE SA 5006

OCTOBER 2018

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33 TONY GRAY AND THE LAND OF MIZZLE OCTOBER 2018 isn’t helping and the NI Govt seems to be in THE LAND OF MIZZLE Brexit disarray (another common theme with Australia, MT

have been told that one third of Australia’s population boasts Irish ancestry in one form or another. I am included in that third so a trip to Ireland has a certain sense of a family bond. It is hard not to like the place as its people share so much in common with Australians, be that in sport, a sense for adventure, enjoying a laugh and a drink or just having a good time. Our traveling trio (Jane, me & the Gray Ghost) were taking our second trip to Ireland via the same ferry passage from Stranraer Scotland to Belfast NI.

just having withstood a leadership challenge at time of writing). What struck us though was the flag waving (almost provocative) with Union Jacks and Ulster Unionist flags on almost every lamp-post in many areas and Irish Republic flags flying in the Catholic sector. A bit of history here - the NI flag was abandoned in 1972 when Home Rule was adopted effectively making NI part of mother England thus losing its own identity. The paramilitary version of the former NI flag was banned as part of the peace accord 20 years ago. To see these flags flying with obvious Government support (or at least ambivalence) is hardly supportive of a peaceful outcome. Another example of the tensions was on the Saturday we were there with a planned march during the marching season (yes there is such a thing) there were literally hundreds of riot ready armed police with many armored police vehicles at the ready. Nothing happened but obviously the police weren’t taking chances. On the plus side Belfast is bathing in a burst of positive initiatives including booming tourism and film industries. The recently opened Titanic Museum is a tourist magnet and very impressive.

Our earlier trip in 2010 had hit all of the tourist highlights so this time we were concentrating on other parts including the S-E and the triple W’s of Wicklow, Waterford and Wexford. We spent a couple of days in Belfast and sadly felt that the NI situation has deteriorated contrary to what the locals told us.

The whole docks complex is thriving with adjacent film sets where ‘Game of Thrones’ is made. Needless to say there are a few pubs worth a visit for a quiet pint as well. As is usual practice for us when visiting large cities we stay out of town and leave the GG to rest while we use public transport to commute. The open top double deck buses are a good way to take in the city highlights of which there are many in Belfast. We left Belfast tracking south towards Dublin. The first indication that we had actually crossed a border into a different country was a road sign warning that 100 now means kph and no longer mph. Yes the Republic of Ireland has joined the 20th century with metric

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TONY GRAY AND THE LAND OF MIZZLE

systems while NI is stuck in the 19th century imperial system with mother England. The other difference from a motoring perspective is that NI uses A & B prefixes for its primary & secondary roads while Eire uses N & R prefixes. It is a quick trip between the two major capitals via the motorway but we prefer the lesser R roads with a few major sights and attractive countryside.

En route we visited the burial chambers at Newgrange which predate the Egyptian Pyramids, the Hill of Tara Iron Age Monuments and the ruins on the Hill of Slane commemorating St Patrick’s activities a mere 1600 years old. By the time we reached Dublin we were ready for a pint.

Dublin is a noticeably more relaxed city than Belfast and a fun place to visit with plenty to entertain history buffs as well as some impressive architecture. The weather was reasonable over these few days with patchy rain (if it doesn’t rain for 2 consecutive days in Belfast a drought is declared) and so it continued as we left Dublin in wet weather gear heading south over the Wicklow mountains to the historic religious site at Glendolough.

This is an undulating single track road that carries very little traffic. On this particular weekday however there were several cyclists riding the road on what was a very windy and not too pleasant day. The reason was revealed on road signs showing that the following Sunday the road was being closed for the running of an Ironman Triathlon event. These contestants were likely out gauging the course. Gotta be mad. Ireland was in the middle of the summer school holidays so the site at Glendolough was full to capacity (we had visited before) so we moved on over more backroads to Wicklow. I find on these narrow roads, with poor sight lines due to hedgerows, it best to feather the front brake with 2 fingers. Sudden changes to the road course or a wide oncoming vehicle may require a quick change of course or to wipe off some speed. Riders/drivers are required to read the road in these countries as there are no advisory corner speed signs as you find in Australia. I like this as it makes you concentrate and ride the road properly rather than just going with the flow and adjusting your cornering speed to what some road engineering formula has predicted. The south-east is said to be the place of ‘Green Ireland’ so beloved of storytellers and tourism marketers alike.

Yes, it certainly is green but a bit dulled (as we were told) as Ireland had also been experiencing

TONY GRAY AND THE LAND OF MIZZLE a hot dry spell like the rest of the UK and Europe. August is traditionally the wettest month of the year so we were not disappointed that this year was a fair bit drier. We continued our anti-clockwise traverse with many pretty villages and the larger centres of Wexford and Waterford passing under the GG’s wheels. Daily mileages were generally kept around 200km as any longer would be pushing on the narrow and sometimes congested roads. We had stayed a couple of nights at Wexford which allowed a day without panniers to visit Kilkenny which was probably our favourite town then down around the southerly lighthouse at Hook Head built in 1207. Yes things are pretty old around here. Next stop was Cork which is not very impressive (very poor modern buildings intruding on the old) saved only by the pretty island village of Cobh in Cork Harbour. Our flirtation with the RMS Titantic was extended here as Cobh (then called Queenstown) was the last port of call on her fatal maiden voyage. Cobh also boasts a very impressive Cathedral (even by Irish standards) with a Brisbane connection. St Colman’s Cathedral was designed by the English Architect E.W. Pugin the son of his more famous Architect father Augustus Pugin who designed that small chapel known as Pugin’s Chapel in Elizabeth St next to St Stephen’s RC Cathedral. Augustus Pugin designed many famous Cathedrals throughout England and Ireland during his short life. We left Cork on a beautiful fine day to Kinsale and Clonakilty at the start of one of the World’s great Coastal road trips - the Wild Atlantic Way. This road tracks for 2,750km along the south and up the west coast of Ireland. That is not a typo - it is actually that long - hard to believe given that Ireland has roughly the same land area as Tasmania. What makes it so long is that it tracks in and out of every bay and around every peninsula along the coast. We avoided the very busy and touristy Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula as we had visited these on our earlier trip and didn’t want to do battle with the tourist coaches at the height of the summer season. Instead we headed north through Limerick and Galway on the weekend of the All Ireland Hurling Final which happened to be between Limerick & Galway. This was a bit akin to being in Melbourne on AFL Grand Final weekend.

OCTOBER 2018

They take the game very seriously especially in Kilkenny where a statue dominates a major town centre. The game was described to us as a cross between field hockey and murder! There were flags and bunting everywhere. Limerick were winners by a point for the first time in 45 years. There were no doubt many sore heads on Monday in Limerick as the town was very quiet. Also around these parts we encountered several impressive ‘green tunnels’ where the trees on both sides of the road had been shaped to form tunnels for the vehicles passing beneath. Obviously not the work of Energex. Our time in Ireland was running out quickly as we set our course east back to Belfast to meet the IOM ferry. Such is the demand for bike spots on these ferries at TT and Classic TT time that we had not been able to get passage from Dublin despite booking several months in advance. The morning of our departure dawned damp, not quite drizzle and not quite mist, the land of mizzle we had been told and that seemed rather appropriate. We headed down to Belfast from our overnight stop at Antrim to join the throng of bikes waiting to board the Manannan Ferry to Douglas. All secured we pulled out of our birth past the Titanic Museum and passed Cunard Lines Queen Elizabeth, the modern day luxury cruise ship counterpart to her ill fated forebear. Rather ironic given how much Belfast trades on the fate of the ship that had left her dockyards over 100 years earlier on her maiden (and only) voyage. We had covered a mere 1739kms over the 12 days we had spent in Ireland but 4 of those days were off-bike in Belfast and Dublin. Farewell Ireland and excited about our next stage to the Isle of Man and the Classic TT and Manx GP meeting. We were almost salivating.

Tony and Jane Gray

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