BMWMCQ JOURNAL NOVEMBER VERSION 2 by BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB QUEENSLAND

www.bmwmcq.org.au

NOVEMBER 2016

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC.

Established 1958

Morgan & Wacker Brisbane

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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 R 1200 RT (90th Anniversary) + R 1200 GS (Wethead)

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

Secretary - Andy McLeod Ph: 0447 370 496 secretary@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 GS

Treasurer - Bill Carson Ph: 0474 979 315 treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au K 1600 GTL (US of A model)

Editor - Dave Hepburn Ph: 0422 080 524 editor@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 RT

Records Officer - Craig Brennan Ph: 0422 907 934 regalia@bmwmcq.org.au R 100 RT

Regalia - Julia Townsend Ph: 0416 112 620 regalia@bmwmcq.org.au Triumph Sprint GT SE

Tools/Spares - Geoff Hodge

Ph: 0413 180 101 tools@bmwmcq.org.au F 800 GT + R 51/3

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

This Issue - November 2016 Contents:Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Sub-missions Deadline & Policy. . . . 4 Committee Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Club Venue & GM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 General Meeting Minutes . . . . . . . . . 11 Monthly Ride Reports . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Articles Stories and Reports . . . . . . . 14 Merv Bone Bucket List. . . . . . . . . . 16 Back to the Bush Hervey Bay. . . . . . . 18 The Wild West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Imporrtant Announcement . . . . . . . 26

The Wild West conmtinues. . . . . . . 27 BMWMCQ Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Warrego Riders Events Calendar . . . . 30 Cupla Adverts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Journal Advertising Rates. . . . . . . . . 32 Special Event November. . . . . . . . . . 33 Shannon’s Advertising. . . . . . . . . . 34 BMWMCQ Christmas function. . . . . . 35

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On The Cover...

well earned stop for all the GS Dirt Lovers following the brilliant trail devised by Duncan Bennett. This was the GS Dirt Lovers route to Hervey Bay for the October Back to the Bush event....the last for this year

Events - Cindy Bennett

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

I T Officer - Garry Hilton Ph: 0412 045 356 admin@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 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.

ABN 30 351 243 651

Address all correspondence to: The Secretary PO Box 3669 South Brisbane QLD 4101 Monthly meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at the:

Moreton Bay Sports Club, 175 Boundary St., Tingalpa

A Club Ride is usually held on the first Sunday after the monthly meeting. BMWMCQ AIMS The objectives of the BMWMCQ are to increase the enjoyment of motorcycling by: 1. Improving the opinion of the public towards motorcycling in general and associated members particularly, by careful, courteous, considerate riding, especially when riding with the Club, and rendering assistance to all road users in difficulty.

2. Improving the service and availability of spare parts for BMWs in Queensland using the advantage of a united effort. 3. Decreasing maintenance and running costs by mutual assistance on mechanical problems. 4. Organising day trips, tours and outings. 5. Encourage and support Regional Ride Groups 6. Affiliation with other clubs/associations where such affiliation would be of mutual benefit. DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this Journal are those of each contributor and are not necessarily shared by the Editor, management, and / or membership of the BMWMCQ. The Editor reserves the right to refuse any advertising or delete any material which could be considered or interpreted as questionable, libellous or offensive, without consultation. WEB SITE Visit: www.bmwmcq.org.au

Editorial

NOVEMBER 2016

Dave Hepburn

here has the year gone…. There has been so much activity with the Club that the months have flown by and it is only going to get better. I am a bit disappointed that there has not been much response to our Photographic Competition… come on Guys and Dolls let’s check out those past and present Albums and see if you can’t come up with some great happy snaps. Tony and Jane have provided an exceptional story/report on their adventures in Western Australia along with a plethora of photos. Those photos that I could not fit within the story are scattered throughout the magazine. I am looking forward to the club’s Christmas party in Stanthorpe and judging by the responses it is going to be a hoot. Thank you to the usual suspects that provide a significant amount to the content of each month’s journal, Alison Sayce and Duncan Bennett. Merv Bone submitted a great article on Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance which is run in September each year in the lead up to National Police Remembrance Day to remember and honour fallen Police and to raise funds for police-related charities and promote

Editor’s Report safe motorcycling. Merv then went on to ride around Tasmania, as you do….. Unfortunately, fate did not smile too kindly on me this month and I went down with a bad bout of bronchitis and severe upper respiratory tract viral infection… good news is that I am on the mend but they say it takes a few weeks. Just a reminder to all members, the next Journal will be the last of the printed journals (The December Issue) and therefore I would like to make it a bit special so I am seeking any articles stories photos etc… that would be fitting for a special Christmas Edition. Don’t forget the Photo Competition.

See you all soon Dave

Dave Hepburn editor@bmwmcq.org.au

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

Submissions for the next journal (DECEMBER‘16 Edition) close on the 15th NOVEMBER 2016 - just soes y’all know.......

Committee Reports Paul Hughes

t has been another busy month with activities every weekend. Cindy Bennett has been organising some great rides and coffee mornings. In October we had a Coffee morning out “west” in a very pleasant location with a great turn out. Fantastic ride out to the venue and very surprised to see the VP arrive on a K1600. I note its wheels didn’t need polishing. The monthly club ride (although we seem to have a lot more now than just once a month) was a great day out. The VP led us (well most of us) to Mount Mee, where we stopped for coffee and a chat with a couple of locals. Nice to see you Ron. Phil Gresham made a rare appearance on the GS. We then all trundled off towards Esk and parts further on for a great lunch. Then it was Home via MT Glorious…. Well done Richard. By all reports our club service day was very well attended and everyone seem to have learned a bit and complete some much needed maintenance. Some enjoyed the socialising almost exclusively.. We had our last Back to the Bush weekend 22/23 October to Hervey Bay and it was a great ride (both dirt and tarmac versions was followed I believe). Thanks to Duncan who has spent a fair bit of effort on mapping and trialling a dirt GS alternative route, in between quick trips to the DRC. Cindy Bennett, I think you will all agree, has done a fantastic job this year of creating interesting activities for the club. We can’t thank her enough.

NOVEMBER 2016

President’s Report Duncan and Cindy are leaving for an 80-day trip from Cairo to Capetown, so we needed to fill the gap. David Whale has taken on the role and will bring in his own recognisable “style” to the role and has some new ideas for us all to get involved in. David will get a hand over from Cindy in early January and will hold the fort for us. Please give David all the assistance you can. Cindy and Duncan… 80 days on the dirt….that will provide us with many journal articles for months to come. The Christmas party is looming large and I believe we have over 70 people at this stage. It will be a spectacular night and BMW have already sent the prizes as the major sponsor. Once again the winners will be drawn from all members who are financial club members on the night, present or not. We are expecting support for door prizes from our supportive dealers as well. I am off to the National Rally, held in Bright, in early November and at this stage expect to meander back, camping along some southern rivers and maybe revisiting some of the rides from the 2015 BMW Safari. It will be great to be back out exploring on the GS. As I have said before, the 2018 National Rally is ours for the organising. Some people have already volunteered to assist on a committee to tackle this job. More are required. Please see me if interested. I am Looking forward to seeing many of you at the Christmas Party. Ride safe.... Cheers Paul

Paul Hughes president@bmwmcq.org.au

NOVEMBER 2016

Richard Maher

espite all odds I survived the exit of the Camper trailer and the introduction of the K1600GTL to the fleet for the next six months. Having a finite date fixed to a motorcycle related project in my garage is a rarity. So not wanting to give the illusion that I am succumbing to pressure to comply with some sort of spousal approval, I brought a Yamaha 1980 XS400 as well. The Yamaha Project has no foreseeable end date at this stage. Just restoring the balance as I see it! As my projects go, it has gotten off to a great start. It wasn’t working as it rolled off the trailer and into the garage. To be fair, I never actually asked if it was capable of being started. I just assumed when the previous owner took one look at me they would realise that I had exceeded my skill capabilities by simply standing and talking at the same time, they would feel sorry for me and tell me what needed to be done and give me a hint at where to start. So the Yamaha sat in the back of the garage for a few weeks dwarfed behind the intimidating K1600GTL. I managed to tag along on a trip to Phillip Island to the MotoGP with my Brother J.F. Maher. The lure of 3 days watching bright shiny race bikes was enough to wipe my memory of all the tasks I had promised to complete, by the time Maree was back from a trip to Singapore. I flew to Melbourne two hours before Maree touched back down in Brisbane. Skilfully avoiding one of those messy scenes you see at airports when the husband is forced to plead for forgiveness as he had been out every night volunteering to do health and safety checks on all the local pole dancers instead of doing the washing, feeding the dog, paying the bills. I’m sure you have seen this type of guy around. Wandering around Phillip Island seeking refuge in the bottle shops and second hand stores to avoid the sleet and wind between races. I discovered a selection of used motorcycle handbooks and service manuals. Low and behold, I spy a Yamaha section consisting of only three books. A Yamaha CT175 manual and A Yamaha 1980 XS400 handbook and separate service manual in both French and English direct from downtown nowhere in Canada. How on earth they found their way to the bottom of Australia is anyone’s guess! The sum of $20 was thrown over the counter and I skipped merrily back to the Island with my score tucked under one arm and a bottle of Purple Hen Shiraz under the other. I have never been referred to as “the guy to speak to” in conversations where people mention

Committee Reports Vice President’s Report my name in relation to motorcycle maintenance procedures or indeed regular motorcycle cleaning. So I have surprised myself by figuring out how to do both with this Yamaha. I purchased the Yamaha with the intention of preparing it for my son as a 30th birthday present in November this year. Yes, seriously THIS year. Finding the instruction books was pure gold. Not wanting to waste three perfectly good years at university. I read the handbook thoroughly (the English part only) and got to work. It is a very simple machine to work on, and the previous owner has certainly been kind to me. I now have it running and have managed to pull apart and service all the parts that squeaked and grumbled after my first attempts. It has fought me in several places but remembering the end goal I diligently pushed ahead. I consulted my dog-eared copy of ‘Pursig’s “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” between flipping pages on the Canadian service books. I found the insight and perspective I was looking for. All it needs now is end caps on the mufflers and a few replacement rubber parts that have not stood up to 36 years of the relentless Australian weather. The dog has given it her seal of approval by covering the lower parts in orange hair. Feeling extremely pleased with my work I dragged Maree into the rear of the garage to show her the result of my first project that’s well ahead of schedule. She casts her eye over the bike and pokes a few of the ‘bar controls and makes comment on their difference to those on the BMW’s. She stands back and looks at the alloy wheels and their faded paint and slightly corroded appearance. “The wheels could do with a refresh” she throws out there, before spinning around and disappearing westward into her office. Will this hellish nightmare never end…?

Committee Reports

NOVEMBER 2016

Bill Carson

Treasurer’s Report

i everyone. Everything is looking good from a finance point again this month. For September, we received $1,513.31 in income and had $1,677.81 in expenses. Our accounts in September ended with $5,903.09 in checking and $18,461.93 in our BOQ Investment account. We are all caught up with credit card payments and the new credit card machine is working. That’s all for this month…

Bill Carson treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au

Photo Competition

here will be a photo competition as a part of this year’s BMWMCQ Christmas Party. Prizes are on offer in the following 3 categories and the photos must include a BMW bike of course! 1. Best photo taken on a Club Ride or at a Club Event 2. Best travel photo

3. Funniest/quirkiest photo

BMWMCQ - General Meeting First Thursday of each month at Moreton Bay Sports Club

he MBSC is located at 175 Boundary St., Tingalpa. Boundary Street has a set of traffic lights at its intersection with Wynnum Road to allow an easy entry and exit. MBSC is a short distance from the Gateway Motorway, North or South. The MBSC is at the very end of Boundary Street so keep going until you see the sports fields and the parking areas. Web address for the Moreton Bay Sports Club is - www.mbsportsclub.com.au

I look forward to seeing you all there for our next General Meeting on Thursday 1st December 2016

The Rules: Maximum of 3 photos per entrant • Please include a description of the photo when submitting • Closing date is 30th November 2016

• Committee members are not eligible to enter • To enter, email photos to events@bmwmcq. org.au preferably in high resolution

• An independent expert judge will decide the winners.

All entries will be displayed on the night on a rolling screen presentation.

Committee Reports

NOVEMBER 2016

Cindy Bennett

Events Officer’s Report

reetings all, November promises to be another busy month, starting off with the monthly ride to the Nanango Go Karts event which is an annual challenge with the Warrego Riders Group. I am reliably informed that the Brisbane Ride Group needs to lift their game this year to take home the honours! Quite a few members will be heading to Bright for the National Rally from the 11th to 14th November; this should be an excellent event with around 250 attendees from across Australia. Don’t forget the regular events such as the Sunny Coast Riders Coffee Morning on the 1st Saturday of each month, the Hamilton Hotel dinner on the 3rd Wednesday and the German Club dinner on the 4th Tuesday of each month. The Brisbane Ride Group Saturday coffee morning for November will be bayside at the Lighthouse Café Cleveland. See the Club website events calendar or Facebook for full details of these fun events. I am looking at populating the calendar for 2017 events, and ideas are welcome on coffee morning venues and volunteers to lead rides next year. Please send an email to events@bmwmcq.org.au. On a personal note, we are busy preparing our bikes for their journey to Cairo via ship. The process of getting Carnets is my current focus. They will leave Brisbane early November and sadly Duncan and I will be without our trusty steads until we are reunited mid-January. Cheers and ride safe Cindy Bennett events@bmwmcq.org.au NOVEMBER

EVENT

LOCATION

LEADER/CONTACT

Thursday 3rd

7:30pm Monthly club meeting

Tingalpa

Sunday 6th

8:30am Monthly Club Ride

Nanango Go Karts

Saturday 5th

Wednesday 16th

Fri 11th to Mon 14th Fri 18th to Sun 20th

8:00am Sunny Coast Riders Coffee Morning 6:30pm Social Dinner - Hamilton Hotel

BMW Clubs Aust. National Rally Imbil Rally

Richard de Groote

Cnr Kingsford Smith Dve & Racecourse Rd Hamilton Bright, VIC

Jindabyne, NSW

Horizons Unlimited

Imbil

Leisure Riders

Fri 18th to Sun 20th

Saturday 19th

9:30am Saturday Morning Coffee Run

Lighthouse Café

Cleveland

7:30pm Monthly club meeting

Tingalpa

Tuesday 22nd DECEMBER

Thursday 1st Saturday 3rd Saturday 3rd

Wednesday 14th Saturday 17th

Horizons Unlimited Travellers Event

Coffee Club Caloundra

6:30pm German Club

8:00am Sunny Coast Riders Coffee Morning 6:00pm Christmas Party

6:30pm Social Dinner - Hamilton Hotel

9:30am Saturday Morning Coffee Run

Italics font denotes event organised by other clubs

W’Gabba

Coffee Club Caloundra

QCWT, Stanthorpe

Richard de Groote

Cnr Kingsford Smith Dve & Racecourse Rd Hamilton Venue tbc

Committee Reports

Bill Luyten & Geoff Hodge

pares Sale at Cost price

The committee has decided to not continue selling spares so when these items are gone they won’t be replaced. Tools however will continue to be available.

Service Day

The club is holding a service day on Sunday 16th Oct at Howard Wilson’s place. His address is 26 Mountain Visa Court, Mt Crosby. Planned start time 0930 to 1000. Oil-drain pans and oil disposal available, Howard has a workbench and vice for use. I’ll be bringing the club tools and the GS911 diagnostic tool will also be available. We will be providing a Sausage Sizzle and Drinks for a gold coin donation. Please contact myself or Geoff if you wish to attend so we have an idea of catering requirements. Contact: Tools Officers Bill Luyten 0438123747 (wluyten@bigpond.net.au) or Geoff Hodge 0413180101 (ggilps2@optusnet.com.au) Club Tool Loan: $25 deposit for GS911. Tools and spares can be picked up or brought along to the next meeting or club ride.

Tools Hire / Spares / Sales

NOVEMBER 2016

Tool’s Report R90S (Haynes) Workshop manual - R45, R50, R60, R65, R75, R80, R90, R100 (Haynes) Workshop manual - K1200RS/ GT/LT, ‘98-’10 (Clymer) Workshop manual - K1200LT DVD BMW Workshop manual - R Series Oil Head DVD BMW

Spares (Cost Price Sale) Bearings

K Series front wheel x2 $8.00ea R Series Wheel/Swingarm (Not Mono) x6 $14.00ea

Filters - Air

K Series K1200 (LX628) x2 $16.00ea

Filters - Fuel

K & R Series in line (KL145) x4 $20.00ea

Brake Pads

520HF - R60, R75, R80, R100 x1 $27.00 ea G391ST - K1/100RS/1100LT, RS/1200RS, LT R80R, C/850/100/1100/1150 x6 $43.00 ea

Spark Plugs

XR5DC (K/R1100) Bosch Super x2 $10.00ea

Tools/O Rings

Oil filter removing tool - (OCS 1) K/R4V x5 $13.00ea K Series Oil Filter ‘O’ Ring x6 $2.00ea R Series Oilhead Fuel Sender ‘O’ Ring x3 $3.00ea

Bill Luyten and Geoff Hodge spares@bmwmcq.org.au

Service Day Report

Special Tools

Twinmax electronic carburettor balancer (Twin BMW engines) Vacuumate (electronic synchronisation of throttle valves up to 4 cylinders) Clutch alignment shafts (3 sizes) Compression gauge (cylinder pressure) Steering head bearing puller and seating tool Gearbox output flange puller GS-911 Wi-Fi Diagnostic tool (Wi-Fi and USB Version)

Repair Manuals

Workshop manual - K75/100 (Haynes) Workshop manual - K100 BMW Workshop manual - R1100 Haynes Workshop manual - R45, R65, R65LS BMW Workshop manual - R45, R65 BMW Workshop manual - R60/7, R75/7, R80/7, R100/7, R100S/RS BMW Workshop manual - R60/6, 75/6, 90/6, 90S Workshop manual - R80GS BMW Workshop manual - R50/5, 60/5_6, R75/5_6, R90/6,

i all well we completed our first service day of the year. I thank Howard for the use of his drive way and car port, (may be a repeat attendance late Feb early March subject to rally and family). The day was quite successful with 15 attending. Actions by all varied from a major service by Greg on his R1200RT that took the whole day to complete to 911 checks carried out by Bill. I lost count of the amount of times the 911 came out of the box. The BBQ was a hit by all that visited if only for a chat on the day. Thanks to Bill for his knowledge with the 911 it made the day so much easier. Thanks again to Howard and family. We will see you all at the next service day….. Geoff and Bill Svc / Tools

Geoff Hodge

Committee Reports

NOVEMBER 2016

Julia Townsend

Regalia Officer’s Report

ello Everyone, Just a very brief report this month. Christmas is just around the corner and our range of regalia will make great stocking fillers. Our Christmas party is even sooner so come and see me if you need something to wear on that weekend. As usual, I will have my display at the monthly club meeting so come and see me or send me an email. regalia@bmwmcq.org.au text or phone me 0416 112 620. Regards

Julia Townsend regalia@bmwmcq.org.au

Selling fast…..

MEN’S TEE (Embroidered with club logo) Grey Marle Sizes S-3XL $25.00

LADIES TEE (Relaxed fit - Embroidered with club logo) Sizes 12-24 Fuchsia $25.00

Craig Brennan

here has the time gone?

Christmas is almost upon us. I hope you have all got your act together for our Christmas gathering at Stanthorpe this December. It will be good to see another large turnout of you all this year. We now have a fully functioning credit card payment system and things are moving along smoothly. It’s a great relief to know what I’m doing. When giving credit card details for renewing please remember to include the CVV number from the back of the card, or the bastards from the bank will knock the payment back. May they all rot in their own personal hell. No, I don’t mean that, I love bankers, I really do, most sincerely, I do. In bike news I have managed to sort out the carby issues and am enjoying trouble free starting and acceleration.

MEN’S TEE (Embroidered with club logo) Navy Sizes S-3XL $25.00

BUCKET HAT (Embroidered with club logo) Sizes S/M & L/XL Navy $20.00

Records Officers Report Oh the bliss. It’s so wonderful to just ride along and not have to think of issues. Look forward to seeing you at future gatherings.

Craig Brennan records@bmwmcq.org.au

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Committee Reports Andy McLeod

NOVEMBER 2016

Secretary’s Report

Minutes of the BMWMCQ General Meeting Thursday 06/10/2016 Meeting Opened: 19.40hrs Members Present: 34 Apologies: Howard Wilson, Jane Grey, Toddy, Peter & Sue Ferguson, Tony Malone, Greg Dunne, Mario & Fiona. Visitors: Sol – from a new independent BM shop on the G.C., Duncan a returning member

on a K100RS. New Members: Trevor, a paper member till now with a K1200S & an R1200GS, Ross & Shirley Dalton on a K1600GTL. Minutes of Previous meeting: Proposed – G. Hodge, Seconded – D. Hepburn Events (Cindy): V.P. ride on Sun, Coffee Morning on the 15th @ Anstead, Service Day at Howard Wilson’s- Mt Crosby, Back to the Bay @ Hervey Bay-22/23 Oct. Regalia (Julia): The bucket hats have taken off, There are new relaxed fit T-shirts, plus other regalia. Secretary (Andy): Mags from NZ BMW Club & NSWTC and some membership forms. Records (Craig): We can now take C.C. payments with our new paypal terminal. Editor (Dave): The e-book version of the mag is being well accepted. It’s a new direction with the club mag. Treasurer (Bill C.): Our financial accounting methods are now in very good shape. Exp-$2561.72, Inc-2413.31, YTD $5309.03. Invest Acc: $18,500. (President comment: Bill has done a sterling job in getting the accounts and PayPal access up and running smoothly. It was almost a full time job for him. Thanks for a job well done.) Tools (Bill L/Geoff H): There will be a Service day on 16th at Howard Wilson’s – Mt Crosby. $2 donation for sausage & drink. (Richard): I’m filling in for Greg tonight. Lunch on Sunday at the Tarampa Hotel. I received an enquiry from a Bundaberg person about joining the club. Were there any other members in the Bundy area? Pres (Paul): Don’t forget the National Rally in Bright 11/14 Nov, Xmas Party payments by the 18th Oct. No pay – No go. The E-book version of the journal is to be upgraded. The committee has proposed some financial support for those people in their third membership year to attend committee approved motorcycle safety programs. The maximum rebate will be $30 to be a credit on their next year’s membership fee. Long term members will be recognised for their length of membership with a Pin for 5, 10 yrs eg. Length of membership to discussed at the committee level. A type of hall of fame for mid/long term members. The e-book/pdf format is costing $44/ month. The printed mag costs $960/month. December will be last printed mag. February 2017 magazine will be in eBook/pdf format. The cost savings will be put back into the club. At the Xmas party, the raffles will be supported by club funds as will the runabout bus for the Xmas party. We also want to promote more camping weekends. Discounts are available at M&W on Rally and Tour jackets. Clubs Aust: Paul is now the CA delegate. CA wants to show BMW the popularity of their product in Aust. This can be shown by the number of bikes sold per year. Gen Business: Mal Cremer: had some articles from Roland Weis’s estate to disperse for a donation to the Cancer Council. Les Fitzpatrick: handed out trophies for the Long Ride Chris Langford: displayed some of the handouts by companies supporting motorcycling safety courses. Raffle: 1st- Andy Mcleod, 2nd - ??, 3rd – Mick Stokes, 4th – Allyson, 5th – Darryl G. Closed: 8.50pm

Advertisers - Do

you have any unusual or difficult service stories to tell? Remember the Dirty Wheels column that used to be in Wheels Magazine? You do! Great, send them in. Have any new products to tell people about? If you send me a short editorial style article simply listing the product and benefits, I will (space permitting) publish as close to your ad as possible with a pointer to your ad. Keep it brief and informative is all I ask. Ed.

NOVEMBER 2016

Monthly Ride Report October 2016

How Many U-turns Did You Do?

ur VP is casual in his comments about creative routing and the need for U-turns, but I’d put money down that he hadn’t anticipated how the day would roll out! An excellent turn-out of over 35 bikes at BP Carseldine - who knew so many wanted to practise U-turns? A catch-up with everyone - Julia selling bucket hats; Ian rattling the RFDS tin; Rider Briefing and an explanation of the tail-end Charlie (T.E.C.) corner marking system (not all paying attention); Paul M being nominated as T.E.C. and we were off onto the only piece of highway of the day (on the led part of the ride, anyway). Corner marking out of the servo worked, as did the next corner, and the one after that, and then … no more! Some of us completely missed the switchbacks of Clear Mountain, meeting up again at the turn for Mt Mee. Craig headed back to round up the members who should still have been marking their corners, and we wound our way up the mountain. This was a measured ride, given that we had official pace cars with us to Pit Stop Cafe’ - not a great feeling following 2 x sedan style ambulances, a full size ambulance and a fire truck up the mountain, knowing that it was highly likely that a motorbike rider might be involved in whatever had taken place up the mountain. Coming to the turn in for the Cafe, the pace cars had beaten us up the mountain and were already sweeping the road and tidying up after 2 motorbikes had an unintended meeting at the Pit Stop Café driveway. President Paul found out that one of the participants was a club member, but not participating in the ride. Anyone know how the two lads are? Some Club members had taken the short cut by-passing the initial meeting point and were waiting for us at the Cafe - g’day Bernie and Howard! Somewhere between morning tea and lunch the numbers dropped off a bit, and I thought Paul M might faint when he couldn’t find Carolyn. A quick check of his messages solved that mystery. The roads were really enjoyable – through Woodford, left past the prison, along the west side of Somerset Dam and ultimately to Tarampa Hotel in the Lockyer Valley. There was much laughter and chatting over lunch – a really good spot – the $10 lunch meal was a hit and we all headed off in our own time, many keen to catch as much of Bathurst as possible. We started to take the scenic route home, and had a lovely time winding our way home, until we approached the T intersection to turn right into Fernvale.

I pulled in the clutch of the ST to start changing gears and slowing down, and the most interesting thing happened. Nothing – no clutch. So – this is a new and interesting event in my life. Pull the lever again and still nothing. By now the intersection is less than 100 metres away and I’m still going along at a reasonable clip. So gentle application of hand and foot brake, hoping to come to a complete stop without going over the handlebars was my goal. Les and Kelly were directly behind me, but luckily there was lots of space and they both realised pretty quickly that something was amiss. My hunched shoulders and body language must have given it away! It didn’t occur to me that I could change my gears like I do on the XR – no need of a clutch – just tap down. All’s well that ends well and I came to a stop with the faintest hint of a rear wheel “squiggle”. Two other Club members behind Les pulled up and Ian turned around to find why his significant other (my words) wasn’t behind him. The first – and only – U-turn of the day! Howzat, Richard?

In short order we had my bike under a tree well off the road, Les had the lever off the handlebars and all I had to show for it was a frayed clutch cable. Les put it back together again, and Ian hopped on the bike, and made it onto the Fernvale road, me thinking of a nice cup of coffee while we wait for RACQ. Well – we all know that Ian is determined and single minded, and before I knew it, we had bypassed coffee shops and bakeries , and had a green light to exit onto the Ipswich Highway – so it was Les’ turn to be T.E.C. until the Gold Coast turn off. How lucky are we that there is a way to get to our front door without interference of traffic lights, and so it was! And the bonus, of not only both us and the bikes getting home safely - we had purchased a spare clutch cable a while back, and we – I supervised AND held the torch – replaced the clutch cable. Who’d have thought? So all that was left to do was put antiseptic ointment on Ian’s hands where the bike’s fairings had

Monthly Ride Report - Photos taken chunks out of him, and settle back to watch the news â&#x20AC;&#x201C; missed Bathurst completely â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the ritual bike washing. Not so sad. I Might take the XR out for the next ride.

Alison Sayce

NOVEMBER 2016

More Bucket List Tick Offs

he Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance is run in September each year in the lead up to National Police Remembrance Day to remember and honour fallen Police, to raise funds for police-related charities and to promote safe motorcycling. Groups of riders depart from every capital city coming together in Canberra to ride as one group to the National Police Memorial for a ceremony. It started in 2010 with 600 people registered, 2010 there were over 1800 and this year 2100. This year I decided to tick off a few more things on my bucket list, twisty roads in Tasmania and with help from Ian Sayce and Tony Gray we put together a list of roads to ride.

I always start a trip with a clean bike and the tyres polished. Thursday 15/9 and an early start from BP Yatala with 2 mates on K1100s. We head down the highway to the Gold Coast with rain most of the way to Grafton. Overnight was at the Breakwall Holiday Park Port Macquarie now under new management. Friday we continued on the Pacific Hwy to Sydney and by now the group was about 100 lead by the Qld Police bikes. We stayed at the Cambridge Motel Surry Hills and close to an Irish Pub for the night’s function. Saturday and a short ride to the Domain. Here they held a short ceremony before about 900 plus bikes lead by the NSW Police rode out over the Harbour Bridge and headed for Goulburn. At Goulburn more bikes join the group as we rode to Canberra. At the Exhibition Park we re-

Articles: Merv Bone Bucket List grouped again and over 2100 bikes lead by ACT, VIC, NSW, QLD, and TAS police bikes rode into town, around Parliament House and to the Wall of Remembrance where a service was held. The ACT police did a great job to get such a very large group of people to their destination. Again the Commissioner of Police W.A had ridden all the way across to be at the function. YouTube has clips of the ride “Wall2Wall 2016” if you are interested. Sunday, Canberra to Melbourne via Albury, Wangaratta, some 649kms to catch the ferry to Tazzie. Our group was now: a Boom trike, 2 x GL1800 Goldwings, FJR1300 Yamaha, ST1100 Honda and my R1200GS. It was light rain for about 500kms and 9 degrees so with wind chill maybe 5C. A training tip here, invest in good wet gear, some of these guys didn’t and it was tough going for them.

A smooth crossing saw us in Devonport at 6am Monday. Fog and mist greeted us as we went looking for the Laneway Cafe to have breakfast. A big day, 120kms to Stanley but it took most of the day with stops at Burnie Visitor Centre for info and maps. The tulips at Wynyard were not out yet (2 weeks too early), bugger. Boat Harbour beach for a photo shoot, lovely spot and onto Sister beach. The cable car up to The Nut at Stanley was not working due to high winds so it was off to the pub. Tuesday was overcast but fine as we rode back to Burnie. The bridge down the gorge road (A10) was damaged by floods recently so the group had to go with me down to Waratah (B18). Just south of Tullah is the Lake Plimsoll road (B28) a must do ride, 40 K of good road that follows the lake with twists and turns, hills and nice views. Gary & Karen on the Silver Goldwings came with me while the rest followed the main highway (A10) to Queenstown. We have 2 nights at the West Coaster Motel. Wednesday was overcast in some parts, fine and sunny in others, that’s the weather in Tassie, very localised. No takers to come ride 240kms with me today, too twisty was the reply. Back up to Lake Plimsoll

Articles: Merv Bone Bucket List

NOVEMBER 2016

twisties. I counted 69 bends as I played up and over the range then back again.

road to Tullah stopping for a photo. Left onto Pieman’s road (C252) and onto Reece Dam. This is another good 2 lane road rising up and down around the dam. I had the area to myself passing only 2 cars along the way. At Zeehan I turned down to Strahan (B27) arriving at 1pm and time for lunch at the local bakery. I found the 2 Goldwings and the FJR who had come over for a ride. Back to Queenstown and the boys went to the motel. I asked Gary if he wanted to accompany me up to the lookout that is at the back of the town. The locals claim 99 bends in about 3 K up and over the steep hill. His reply was no we will be going that way tomorrow. Could be raining said I and rode off to enjoy more

I was here in Tazzie to ride the twisty road and have fun. Over the evening meal (Lambs Fry) at the pub that night I still had a grin from ear to ear. A great day was had. Thursday we woke to light rain and slowly made our way up and over the range headed for Derwent Bridge 114K away. It took 1.5 hours to travel 78 K of the winding road finally stopping for brunch at the Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel which had a fire roaring as it was cold outside.

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Tonight would see us in Launceston but how to get there. The publican David Fitzgibbon (Queenslander) told the group that the best way was turn left at Hamilton across to Bothwell and up the central Plateau. That was the way I was going. The group decided to follow me. The rain had stopped and it was overcast as we climbed the range on B51 near the Great Lakes district. With stunning views at almost 1200 metres above sea level I had to turn the heated grips up to number 2 as it was cold, 5C if we were lucky. At Mount Blackwood you descend down the range on some of the best S bends you could want. They were so good I wanted to do them again but we still had a ways to go. As fate has it sometime the motorbike gods were looking after me, we lost half the group. Thinking a flat tyre, break down or a crash, Gary (Goldwing rider) and I raced back up the range only to get a text saying that they were arriving at the motel in Lonnie. They went one way into Cressy and we went another missing each other. About 365 K for the day. Friday was a lay day for the boys in Lonnie, a car museum and doing some washing, exciting for them. As for me Cradle Mountain was calling. I rode out of Lonnie, clear blue skies with a long white jet vapour trail across it, how good is this I thought as I headed to Deloraine and 10K north. Christmas Hill raspberry farm for a plate of scones, fresh jam and cream, the best in Australia and another must do when down in Tazzie. Three bottles of their jams had to come home for my bride. There are a few ways to Cradle Mountain but again twisties was the route for this 389K day. Mole Creek along B12 to Ugbrook, C138 passed King Solomon’s cave and into the hills and rain forest to be greeted by a sign “Road Closed to Cradle Mt”. Some time they forget to pull down these things thought I but 30K in I found the landslide covering and blocking the road. A U turn and back I rode enjoying the twisties some more. Up C137 now all sealed to Paradise and C136 to C132 into Cradle Mountain. Lovely sweeping curves with little traffic as you climb higher and higher to 669 metres. More great scenery as the wind blew with a bit to it. 6C on the gauge at the visitor centre when I stopped for coffee. Interestingly, when you see a dead Wombat on the side of the road within a short distance there is another. Solid little things that I would not like to hit on a bike. I returned to Lonnie via Sheffield, a lovely town with murals painted on many building walls. Saturday would see us in Bicheno. The group went via Scottsdale and St Helens and as they got closer to the coast, rain all the way to Bicheno. For me, I travelled down the Midland Hwy in sunshine, left onto

Articles: Merv Bone Bucket List the Esk Hwy (A4) at Conara to Avoca. Now Ian Sayce told me to ride the 40K up over Sawpit Ridge, “it only has 3K of very good dirt Merv”. Wrong it was 4.8K and reasonable condition it was. A great side track, good views and very twisty which brings you out at Fingal. Light rain near St Mary’s as I climbed the range to Mt Elephant stopping at the cafe for pancakes with coffee. I completed the triangle in the rain and headed for Bicheno. The great little bike museum there closed at 2pm, bugger half an hour too late so I went to our accommodation, Harvey’s Farm Lodge. The group arrived an hour later wringing wet, no pancakes and not happy. The fresh fish n chips with beers did the trick that night. Another good ride and 2 more roads off my list. Sunday, more light rain as the group headed for Port Arthur down the A3. Again no one wanted to join me as I turned right onto the Lake Leake Road (B34). For me the rain stopped but the road was damp so I had to slow slightly along these wonderful high speed sweeping curves as I headed inland to Campbell Town 92kms away. I worked my way south through Oatlands and onto B31 to Richmond and Sorell. A very strong side wind and cool for this part of the trip. I was the first to arrive at our accommodation at White Beach Villas near Port Arthur. The others had 2 hours of rain and delays at a fatal bike crash, a 79 year old lost control and hit an embankment. We have 2 nights here and Monday was a rest day for everyone. No I didn’t polish the tyres, more rain to come.

Tuesday, a quick service for John’s red Goldwing in Hobart and drop Gary’s wife off at the airport to return to Brissy before riding to Gretna. The Gretna Green Hotel opened its doors in 1862, yes 1862, has 8 bedrooms, creaking floor, low doors, cold beer and a big fireplace. Not normally open to the public to stay there but if you mention you are from BMWMCQ and my name Phil and Colleen Sharpe will let you stay. They are from Redcliffe and great people. The roast Lamb was just the best, Yum.

Articles: Merv Bone Bucket List

Wednesday the 2 Goldwings and I rode the 242kms out and back to Strathgordon and the dam wall (B61). Tony Gray tells me it is listed as one of the world’s most dangerous roads to ride. A great day was had, clear skies, 17C , rain forests, mountains, twisty road in reasonable condition, no logging trucks or out of control 4X4s. The only concern was the moss in the centre of the lane in the forest areas that were slippery. A few Kodak moments around the lake this was at 29% also a walk on the dam wall. Ensure you have a full tank of fuel at the start as Maydena and Strathgordon are not always open for business. Back to the hotel for beers and stories as a black Benelli 1130cc Cafe Racer M/C pulled in. Owner, Dennis Bell and publican of the Bothwell Hotel out for a ride. He keeps this bike inside his hotel and was another thing off my list to do, saved me a trip. By 8pm the bar was empty, Gary, publican Phil and myself told stories and had a few cleansing ales till 10.30pm. I slept well that night. Thursday the group went back to Hobart to attend the Police Remembrance ceremony at the Academy while I rode down to Geeveston to the best lolly shop in Tazzie. At Huonville it started to rain and continued for most of my trip. I did a loop back up to Cygnet and over the hills near Snug returning to Hobart. A quick trip out to Stefano’s winery for a sample or three and then to our accommodation at Howrah, the Foreshore Tavern, a very nice place.

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Friday, our last day on the island. You guessed it, rain as we rode north via Richmond and at Colebrook the trike broke down, throttle linkage issues. Fixed in an hour and underway as the rain eased. Got to Devonport and had a late lunch then stood around under an awning out of the misting rain. Time to go to the ship but John’s Goldwing, no go, flat battery from the music and whoops heated hand grips on, bugger. Couldn’t push start it so we pulled seats off to find batteries, jumper leads connected and finally she’s away. I did tell the group about Les Fitzpatrick, Anderson plug attachment and how good they work. The rain today was from a front that came from South Australia. It blacked out that state just days before. Another good crossing and we arrived in Melbourne at 5.45am Saturday. We rode to Eden that night, over 600 kms for the day, We have been in 3 states in 24 hours. Sunday another big day, Batemans Bay then inland to Braidwood and up to Goulburn and into Oberon. The road from Goulburn to Oberon has deteriorated in the last 2 year with more potholes. Still a lovely ride as you climb the Great Divide, clear blue skies, green fields with fluffy white lambs frolicking about but cold, 9C I reckon. Monday, more rain as we rode via Bathurst up to Wattle Flats when the trike bike down for the final time requiring a tow truck. The 2 Goldwings and I continued through Denman, Muswellbrook and up to the Bendemeer Pub for the night. Good food and cold beers again did their magic. John and Gary returned to Brissy and I went to a mate’s place near Tamworth for a night. The last day was fine, dry and as always the New England at this time of year is a nice ride. The clean bike with polished tyres after 3 weeks riding and a lot of rain looked like a GS should using some club members standards. All up I travelled 7140kms, used 400ml of engine oil, who cares how much fuel and had a bloody good time with mates. Another adventure off my Bucket List. :) :)

Merv Bone 3663

NOVEMBER 2016

B2B October 2016 GS Ride Report To GS, or not to GS, that is the question: Whether ‘tis nobler in the Hervey Bay Boat Club to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous well-formed road riders, or to ride along dirt roads of trouble, and by riding conquer them: to have a few wines, to sleep. The Back to the Bush October GS ride was the subject of no less than two reconnoitre rides, one which did the east branch of the Brisbane River and the empty forest roads south of Gallangowan, and the other which did the west branch through Elgin Vale and Manumbar. The east branch runs out of road and loops back west so was discounted as too far and too technical if it had rained; the west branch is an excellent dirt road and even with 36 meandering Brisbane River crossings, it generally keeps heading north and gets as far as Tiaro north of Gympie before the dirt finally runs out. Cindy was a certain starter on the ride with her 700GS, and we were joined by Paul and Bernie, both of whom brought their shiny 1200GS’s in keeping with the flavour of the ride. The GPS is now more subservient than Vlad the Impaler’s foot masseuse, so behaved itself perfectly for the entire trip, which commenced in Woodford after a pre-load on coffee and muffins. With a small group of experienced riders, the ride leader briefing was not autocratic, and invited suggestions on ride details from the group were able to be discussed in a positive and open forum before being discarded by the leader as a complete waste of his valuable time. Except for the President’s suggestion of: riding to Kilcoy via Neurum Road which was the best idea ever. After once again wondering why there are always so many cars in the Woodford Corrections Centre car park, and deciding they might all be Holden Cruzes planted there to waste any hardened criminal escapee’s time looking for something worth stealing, we stopped at Kilcoy for fuel before continuing west to Moore. An offer to re-adjust Cindy’s gear lever with her new foot pegs was refused, so it was up through Linville and onto the dirt just after the Brisbane River

Bernie, Paul, and Cindy rest where east meets west on the Brisbane River

Back to the Bush - Hervey Bay east and west branches follow Germany’s 1990 example and unite. The 36 river crossings are next, none requiring contact with water on the well-formed concrete causeways, before eventually the source is reached up near Elgin Vale. Sections of uninvited bitumen to test the S part of GS were then encountered, before a run up the Kinbombi road and onto the Wide Bay Highway into Kilkivan for lunch. The group was emotionally drawn to the scene of previous patronage in the German café, however based on a need to try something different we ended up at the Kilkivan pub, which did a jolly nice light lunch in a chook-enhanced beer garden. After lunch and a re-fuel to dilute the 95 octane with 10% ethanol accidentally purchased in Kilcoy, it was a north east continuation on the dirt via Running Creek (just) Rd and the overly double-vowelled Brooweena-Woolooga Rd to Glenbar. Cindy decided to part company with the group to take a more S route to Maryborough, while the remnant G riders headed east on recently graded and very fast gravel toward Tiaro. The end of gravel was a very brief cause for stopping and regrouping, followed by a quick run via the Mungar Rd up to the planned 200m of the A1 to get around the Maryborough main street. There must be a dirt way of getting to Hervey Bay, but given the time was rapidly approaching aperitif o’clock, the GPS didn’t hesitate in getting us straight to the Quarterdeck Retreat. Unfortunately Cindy had a Google Maps iPhone navigation failure, so was on the verge of being arrested for loitering and public disturbance in Hervey Bay with a crowd gathering to admire the F700GS while she tried to figure out where on earth the hotel was. The excellent facilities at the hotel including garage space for our two bikes quickly dispelled bad humours, and the wonderful evening at the Hervey Bay Boat Club with other members who had travelled via routes no-one really cares about was very enjoyable. Many thanks to Bernie and Paul for the day, two is company but four is a GS adventure. The less said about the return home in pouring rain and 14°C temperatures, the better.

Duncan Bennett Yeah I know there is definitely an over representation of GS Dirt Lovers photographs..... That would be because I didn’t get any bloody photos from non GS Dirt Lovers. Come on guys we need transparency and equal representation for the RT owners..... well done Duncan for the provison of a great route.. Ed.

Back to the Bush - Hervey Bay

NOVEMBER 2016

THE WILD WEST Stage 1 to Perth

fter three weeks on the road through Qld and the NT it was time to tackle the big one – Western Australia. WA is our biggest State in land area but most of the population is located in the S-W largely leaving the rest to nature (and the mining industry).

Our first introduction to the State (after the mandatory border sign selfie) was the border checkpoint. Now we have travelled throughout Europe and Scandinavia without a border check but no such freedom entering WA. The quarantine officers are supposedly checking for fruit and vegetables but we are suspicious their real intent is the dreaded Qld Cane Toad which is marching relentlessly west.

Just over the border we turned off the Victoria Hwy into Lake Argyle, the jewel in the crown of the Ord River Dam scheme. We both learned of the Ord River Scheme waaaaaay back when we were at school and how it was going to open up the north of Australia to agriculture. No doubt the rhetoric hasn’t

Tony & Jane Gray - The Wild West matched the reality but there is agriculture feeding off the scheme and it undoubtedly has generated a lot of tourism and hey Kununurra would not exist without the dam. We stayed a couple of days and explored the area up to Wyndham where the views from Five Rivers Lookout are outstanding. Kununurra is also decision time. There are two routes west being the renowned unsealed Gibb River Rd or the more southerly Savannah Way route on the Great Northern Hwy. At the eastern end of the GRR are the spectacular privately managed Emma and El Ques-

tro Gorge Resorts. We ventured into Emma Gorge and were not disappointed. The trek in along a rocky creek bed was rewarded with a cool (read cold) swim in the shady grotto of the gorge. We deferred from entering El Questro as the tidal Pentecost River crossing was reportedly running 400mm deep over a rocky base. We didn’t fancy testing the Grey Ghost on road tyres over such an ordeal so left satisfied with Emma Gorge. We subsequently were told (un-validated) that the management of the El Questro Resort has a small weir controlling the flow of the Pentecost so that the entry to their resort remains a true 4 wheel drive experience. The river crossing on the GRR was reportedly shallower. Care is still required on the GN highway that we chose as the area is vast and fuel stops well spread.

Tony & Jane Gray - The Wild West Carry water just in case. For us it was 650km to Fitzroy Crossing where we again rolled out the tent. Although sparse the country is very interesting with ever changing terrain. We exchanged stories with a young couple who were completing a loop from Broome east on the GRR and returning to Broome on the GNH. The corrugations had well and truly shaken their aged Ford Explorer. We were not disappointed with the decision we had taken. The Kimberley must be experienced and what better way than on a bike. The weather was near perfect for us but the wind remained a constant companion as it would be for the weeks to follow. Derby was our next stop along the way and worthwhile diversions north of the GN Hwy. After Derby we landed in Broome which is understandably a very popular stopover for grey nomads, backpackers and international jetsetters alike. There is an abundance of natural beauty around Broome as well as myriad tourist activities including camel rides on Cable Beach and whale watching both of which we enjoyed. Oh and the beers at Matso’s boutique brewery aren’t too bad either.

The next leg south was the greatest test of our fuel range with 320km from Broome to the Sandfire Roadhouse. A note here about fuel: With a couple of exceptions we were able to get our preferred 95 PULP fuel but 98 was almost unknown. The fuel economy on the Ghost usually runs about 20k/l on tour and 18k/l two up and fully loaded as she was for this trip. This related to 360k from the 20l tank. At different times severe headwinds had dropped this below 16k/l. I kept a steady hand and arrived at the Sandfire roadhouse still showing a range of 40k remaining. A fellow biker who we had passed along the way on a full dresser Harley said he had one litre remaining. Our next stopover was the very remote caravan park at 80 Mile Beach. The 10km corrugated red dirt access road to the park deters casual sightseers and that suits the long term dwellers. This is a place for hardened fisher types but for us the raw beauty

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and remoteness of the place made it a very worthwhile stop. Unfortunately some late unwelcome cloud spoiled an otherwise beautiful sunset over the Indian Ocean. As we continued south the increase in road train traffic signaled our introduction to the source of Western Australia’s wealth – mining. The rich red earth has been mined for its vast reserves of iron ore and Port Headland is covered in a veil of the stuff.

It must be impossible to keep the place clean as the red stain pervades everything. Further south the iron ore from the Pilbara gave way to the north-west shelf gas reserves off the coast from Karratha. For us our highlight from the region was a simple statue to a red kelpie on the entry to Dampier. The story of Red Dog,

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the Pilbara Wanderer, made famous in the movie of the same name epitomizes so much of what is great about the Aussie spirit.

The beauty of the Kimberly Region had given way to more mundane (read boring) terrain as we progressed down the coast. The exception was the appearance of the famed WA wildflowers in which Jane delighted. It was still winter and their appearance was a welcome sight. We can but imagine what this colorful display would be like in the full bloom of spring. Little wonder that thousands of tourists flock to the regions every year to take in this seasonal natural wonder.

Tony & Jane Gray - The Wild West WW2 and more recent military history. The US navy established a submarine base near Exmouth during WW2 and this made it a target of Japanese air raids. Exmouth was also the training and launching pad for the famous Z Force attack on Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbour during 1942. The feat of these men aboard a disguised Malay fishing boat, the Krait, is one of the great stories of WW2 heroics. All of these historic events are well recorded on the Cape. The RAAF retains a base at Learmonth but of more interest to us was the abandoned US Navy base near the tip of the cape. The local story we were told (un-validated) was that this base was evacuated after the terrorist attack of 9/11 as it was considered too much of a security risk to protect the base. There are many accommodation units to house 2000, a sign posted â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bar & Grillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, theatre, bowling alley and baseball diamond fitted with playing lights. Reportedly the USA retains a lease over the property but it is entirely open and derelict. Amazing.

We dropped into Coral Bay (absolutely beautiful) on the run south out of Exmouth then we crossed the Tropic of Capricorn. Five weeks and over 10,500

Next stop on our southerly journey was to send us north again along the western edge of Exmouth Gulf to the town of the same name. Exmouth sits towards the northern end of North West Cape and is the closest town to Ningaloo Reef. The waters of the reef are as beautiful as our own Whitsundays and we took in the delights of the reef from a glass bottom boat and snorkeling. The water was still warm but our constant companion, the wind, was chilling. The reef offered more than what we had expected but the Exmouth region had much more in store with its rich

km earlier we crossed this landmark heading north through Rockhampton on the other side of this magnificent continent.

Tony & Jane Gray - The Wild West Carnarvon was next stop, famous for the ‘mile long’ jetty and more importantly for us the memorials to the HMAS Sydney 11, lost with all 645 hands off this coast on 19 November 1941. This memorial was established in 1981 when the fate and final resting place of the Sydney was still shrouded in mystery. The memorial can only be accessed via a very rough and corrugated dirt road along the coastline about 30 km north of Carnarvon. The fateful naval engagement with the German raider, Kormoran, took place 80 nautical miles west of this remote spot. There was a poignant moment when a woman asked if we knew the words of the Ode. Fortunately I do. When asked why, she said that her Aunt wanted her to recite the Ode at the memorial as her deceased husband had been a merchant seaman in WW2 and had felt the loss of the Sydney very hard. A prime role of the Sydney at the time of her loss was the protection of the merchant navy plying the Indian Ocean routes to the East Indies. Travel often turns up unexpected treasures.

There are many more memories of the Sydney in Carnarvon with a memorial drive named in her honour where plaques once stood. Unfortunately these had been removed at the time of our visit for restoration and relocation to the upgraded foreshore prior to the 75th anniversary of her loss later this year. One of the two lifeboats that carried survivors from the Kormoran to these shores is preserved in the History Centre along with other pictures and mementoes. We thought we had left the Sydney history at Carnarvon but we were surprised to find another impressive memorial at our next stopover at Denham. We were there to visit the world renowned dolphin feeding at Monkey Mia. The significance of the memorial at Denham relates to the final resting place of Sydney which was discovered in 2008 some 120 nautical miles west of Steep Point, the most westerly point of the Australian mainland. Denham is the closest town to Steep Point. This memorial takes the form of a large glass pane with a profile outline of the warship overlaid with all the names of her full complement of 645

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men. A very impressive and fitting memorial. We almost didn’t make it into Denham compliments of two feathered emblems from our national coat of arms. Midafternoon we were cruising towards Denham on or about the 110 k speed limit. I normally keep towards the centre of the road on clear highway as it gives me more space to move if necessary and I find the road cleaner towards the crown. The vegetation was thick shrub about 2 metres high. Two emus burst from the shrub on our left and straight into our path. I took a big fistful of brake lever and the Brembos and Michelin tyre did their stuff to quickly wipe 100k off our speed. The first bird crossed our path and if I had of released my hand from the lever I could have reached out and plucked his tail feathers. The second bird had hung to the left shoulder but then made a late decision to head to the right. We had little speed on board and were easily able to avoid him (her?). Jane had regained her composure and was able to snap a picture of the second bird as our memento of a close shave. The wind had thankfully abated for our departure from Denham (a later than normal departure so we could watch the men’s 1500m swimming final from Rio). The weather also warmed up as we moved inland. The bonus however was an ever increasing volume and variety of wild flowers. Our progress was slow as we stopped each time Jane spotted a new or more colorful variety of flower or plant. Our destination was the seaside town of Kalbarri at the head of the Murchison River which is famous for its gorges in the National Park of the same name. When we neared

the Murchison River the country transformed into irrigated pastures full of golden canola and green sorghum.

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Tony & Jane Gray - The Wild West

A very fitting display of our National colours in the middle of the Olympic Games.

Kalbarri was a real surprise packet for us. It was not on our radar but was recommended by a friend so we added it to our plan. It is a beautiful place with stunning limestone and sandstone ocean cliffs to rival the Great Ocean Road, the Murchison River Gorge and the Colorful wildflowers of the National Park. The only downside was our second close shave with members of our National Coat of Arms within 48 hours. This time it was the kangaroos turn. Middle of the day when they should be snoozing and three big fellas bolted in from our right. Again a big fistful of front brake and great bite from the Michelin tyre and we missed them. Our positioning towards the center of the road gave room to react. If I had of been tracking to the LHS of the road then I may have clipped the last one. No photo from Jane this time – it happened too fast. Our journey south continued through rich pastoral country of the Chapman Valley and onto Geraldton. There were very few sheep in the rich pastures adjoining fields of canola and sorghum. A local explained that the farmers destocked during the severe drought a few years back and converted to agriculture. Now good times had returned, lamb prices are high and they have no stock. Who would want to be a farmer?

The highlight of the pretty town of Geraldton for us was the third and most spectacular memorial to the men of the HMAS Sydney. The oldest and simplest memorial north of Carnarvon was quite moving, the second at Denham was more artistic but this one is absolutely stunning. Very well thought out, full of symbolism and commanding an expansive hill top position, it is a fitting tribute to the men who gave their lives in Australia’s greatest Naval disaster. We had what I thought was a pretty easy day out of Geraldton to pre booked accommodation at Cervantes a few hundred km down the coast. My thoughts ended up being way off mark as often happens when touring by motorcycle. Jane wanted to see one of the greatest masses of wildflowers at a place called Cold Seam Conservation Park inland and south of Geraldton. Predictions were for a major weather change later in the day which was far from our minds as we set off under sunny skies. At Jonesy’s café in the small town of Mullewa I browsed through a locally produced picture book which fired up two things – an old stone church that pricked my Architectural nerve and a picture of the very rare Wreath Flower which aroused Jane’s

interest. So over morning coffee our day changed. The Church and Priests house were easily found but we just stumbled upon the 84yo keeper of the history of the Church – both Dolores and the Church were

Tony & Jane Gray - The Wild West extremely interesting but it was lunchtime before we pulled away and fired up the Grey Ghost, now heading east in pursuit of the rare flower. Instructions were to head to Pindar 30km east then take off a further 10km down a dirt road and voila the flowers would be there to behold. Well the instructions were right and the flowers were indeed beautiful BUT the wind had picked up and the rain clouds were gathering as we started back down the 10k of corrugated dirt to the safety of the bitumen. The road gods were on our side as the heavens opened just as we hit the bitumen. We took refuge in a converted old pub (now a café) for a sandwich and coffee as the weather gods unleashed their wrath with a vengeance. A check of the GPS confirmed we had 280k to cover before a hot meal, warming red and bed for the night. This was one of the more spectacular rides that Jane, me and the Ghost have undertaken. Fortunately there were no other silly buggers on the back country roads as the severe wind tossed us about like flotsam on the ocean. We got back to the main Brand Hwy with 150k still to go and daylight fading rapidly. I quickly tossed a coin in my head and turned down the Indian Ocean Road knowing it was shorter but that running beside the ocean the wind would be greater (if that was possible). Sanity would have said pull over and take an early night but Jane was snug on the back and the Ghost was up for the challenge so we plunged on sometimes through near horizontal rain. Our first sight of the ocean was surreal – it was a steely green/ grey colour with white caps to the horizon. The trees along the foreshore were bending to breaking point. Still we pushed on and then the sun broke through the grey cloud in a last desperate attempt to warm us before departing below the horizon. And then we were rewarded with one of nature’s most beautiful creations – the brightest rainbow either of us had seen joined into a full semi-circular arc seeming to kiss the ground just to the side of the road. Not finished yet it then formed a fainter second rainbow. Magnificent. We arrived at Cervantes after dark running on high beam as the low beam had blown (again) and collected our hard won rewards. Unfortunately the Grey Ghost had to stay out but she knew she had come through a tough one as she has done so often in the past for us. By the way we never did get to Cold Seam so that will have to wait for another time. Next day was a very easy visit to the Pinnacles in Nambung NP which reminded us somewhat of Bryce Canyon in Utah that we visited last year. A very special piece of nature, quite unique and well worth a visit. The weather in Perth and the south-west had been cold and wet but that had cleared in time for us to head to the big smoke after a diversion to Australia’s only Monastery Town – New Norcia. It is quite a

NOVEMBER 2016

strange and interesting place, intersected by the main northern highway on its way to Meekatharra. After so long on the road, it was quite a shock to strike heavy traffic and freeways once again on our way into Perth.

Stage 2 Perth and Onto South Australia

e stayed with friends in Perth and took in all that this beautiful city and its adjacent port city of Fremantle had to offer including an in-shore yacht race aboard a friend of a friend’s 36 foot yacht. This was a first for both of us and a very special experience. We also managed to pick up 3rd place so our presence as intellectual ballast had been critical to the result. Also time to catch up with some bike cleaning and maintenance courtesy of new filters from the very friendly people at Munich Motorcycles, a club supporter. The Grey Ghost relaxed in the comfort of an enclosed garage for the first time on the trip and had a few days of rest. Next road stage was a short haul south to the beautiful and bountiful Margaret River Region synonymous with fine wines, big surf and even bigger sharks. We had landed on our feet when friends of our friends made us an offer too good to refuse – free use of their beachside holiday house at Gracetown about 20k from Margaret River Township. This was a tremendous base from which to explore the regions wineries, caves, lighthouses and some twisting roads. Just magic. The weather also held good for us with chill clear days. Unfortunately all good things come to an end and so it was with the weather. The S-W is exposed to the full fury of weather pattern changes coming in from the Indian and Southern Oceans and so it was that a deep low pressure struck and we endured 48 hours of 50 knot winds and sometimes heavy rain. Lucky we were hunkered down in comfortable surrounds.

The weather eventually broke and we hit the road again, recharged and refreshed. First stop was the historic Cape Leeuwin lighthouse just outside Augusta. This is the most south-westerly point of the

NOVEMBER 2016

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Tony & Jane Gray - The Wild West Australian continent and is at the confluence of the Indian and Southern Oceans. It is a mandatory stop in this part of the world. The weather remained overcast and cold but the severe wind had abated and the rain

threatened but did not deliver. The coast road from Augusta worked its way into the magnificent Kari and Jarrah forests and through the pretty timber towns of Pemberton, Walpole, Denmark and into Albany at the end of a 500km day. This was a good bike road as it dipped and rose through the swollen river valleys with speed limit changing between 90 and 110 kph as the conditions dictated. The very heavy rain of the previous days resulted in saturated fields with small rivulets running across the road – usually just as I was setting up for the next bend. The technique became procedural after a couple of hundred km – stand the bike up, cross the water flow, drop back into the bend. There was very little traffic on the road so it was a fun ride taking in the varied and lush countryside that supported fat dairy and beef cattle, sheep, goats, llama and emu. Oh and there are plenty of wineries along the route as well as the odd boutique brewery or two. A very rich country indeed.

Albany is the home of the National ANZAC Centre that was constructed as part of the centenary

NOVEMBER 2016

celebrations of ANZAC. Albany was the departure port for the convoys of troops dispatched to Africa, Gallipoli and the Western Front in WW1. It was the last part of Australia seen by so many of those young men who never returned to these shores. The memorial takes many forms and dominates the adjacent Clarendon and Adelaide Hills. There is so much to see and do here to remember and respect those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Albany is also a very attractive town. Set on King George Sound it has a rich history with many preserved historic buildings. The rugged coastline is stunning with massive rock formations blunting the force of the Southern Ocean. There is a very recently constructed viewing platform cantilevered over The Gap where you can look down over the awesome power of the sea. It is very impressive, but not for the faint hearted. We moved onto Esperance which boasts some of the most attractive beaches and coastline in Australia – and doesn’t that mean the world? We couldn’t argue with the claim as we experienced on a fine sunny day.

The Great Ocean Drive follows the coast in a loop back to the town with multiple viewing spots each seeming to present a more stunning view than the previous. When the loop road turned inland on its return to town we did a U turn and returned via the coast getting a different reverse perspective. An absolute brilliant ride and a bucket list item if in these parts. The weather started to deteriorate as we headed north to Norseman and decision time at the junction of the Eyre and Coolgardie Highways. We wanted to visit Kalgoorlie a return journey of almost 400k north of the junction. The Eyre Hwy was the start of the long journey east across the Nullarbor. The weather looked worst to the north and the previous day Kalgoorlie had experienced riots in the town following the death of a local aboriginal youth. The wise decision would have been to turn east but working on the ‘if you never go you will never know’ ethos we headed

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If you have enjoyed reading the stories in this and previous editions, you may be surprised to know that they were written by members just like you. Therefore you can be assured others would like to hear your story. Send your stories and pictures or requests for help to editor@bmwmcq.org.au

Tony & Jane Gray - The Wild West north. Kalgoorlie was probably the safest place in Australia while we were there as the Government had rushed in Police reinforcements from Perth to prevent any recurrence of the previous day’s calamities. There were more Police on the streets than tourists. Kalgoorlie is a great tourist town with its magnificent buildings preserved from the height of the gold rush period, its gold mining history and the current open cut mine, the Super Pit.

It is an awesome hole in the ground We returned to Norseman via Coolgardie which also boasts many fine historic buildings then the long trek east on the Eyre Hwy including Australia’s longest straight stretch of road – 90 miles in the old money. We had a night camping out at Cocklebiddy before viewing the Great Australian Bight at Eucla and crossing the border into South Australia.

Western Australia had been a wonderful ‘home’ to us for just over 5 weeks and 9,053km under the wheels of the Gray Ghost. It is certainly a land of contrasts with outstanding beauty abounding. We really only touched the perimeter and could have spent twice as long here but that will have to wait for another time.

Tony and Jane Gray

NOVEMBER 2016

Warrego Riders Calendar 2016

BMW Car Club of Victoria Presents

2017 Formula 1 Grand Prix BMW Car Club International Suite For the first time, we have teamed up with F1 International Suite 2017 to provide BMW Club members and their guests a special opportunity to create a BMW Clubs exclusive corporate suite at the Grand Prix hosted by BMWCCV. In 2017, six separate suites will be created for members of the following clubs: Ferrari Club Australia; Maserati Club of Australia; Porsche Club of Victoria; Alfa Romeo Car Club; Mercedes Car Club; BMW Car Club of Australia. The International Suites are private, individually styled corporate hospitality suites for members of selected car clubs, each located in prime viewing position in the Pit Exit Sky Deck Lounge. The International Suite today offers one of the most sought after locations on the circuit with commanding views over the Start / Finish Line and the main straight. Individual suites for each club* All day gourmet food and beverage package by Atlantic Group Carpeted, fully-enclosed glass-fronted suites Televisions showing all the racing action live on GPTV Outdoor viewing balcony Super screen viewing International Suite tickets may be allocated to a different guest for each day of validity All International Suite tickets are sold as three days packages and include entry into the Interna tional Suite on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Cost to Members: $2,395 Cost to BMW Dealers, Sponsors & Non-Members: $2,495 A deposit of $1,000 per ticket is required when booking, with the balance due by 30th November 2016. Tickets are non-refundable after 1 December 2016 For bookings go to: https://bmwccv.wildapricot.org/event-2364961 * Please Note these conditions: A minimum of forty tickets is required for each car club to have its own dedicated suite. Should a club not confirm purchase of forty tickets by 1 December 2016 purchasers will be offered to switch tickets to a different suite or obtain a refund. In the unlikely event these numbers are not met the organizers may cancel the event and a full refund will be made to each participant. Any questions call Rod Smith 0418-532610 president@bmwccv.com.au

Warrego Riders Calendar 2016 Date

19-20 Nov

18 Dec

Time

Ride

7.00 am Sat to 5.00 pm Sun

Weekender Narrabri

10.00 am to 2.00 pm

Christmas party

NOVEMBER 2016

Description An overnighter into central NSW, staying at Narrabri. The ride will definitely include the Narrabri – Bingara Rd, Copeton Dam, Ashford Rd, Glenlyon Dam, Cement Mills and a whole lot more. A bitumen ride with roads guaranteed to blow your minds. Cabin Park accommodation (camping available if you’d prefer)

Keen for ideas here. One consideration is the Queensland Auto Museum at Hampton. The owner would be keen to host us and can put on a great BBQ with all sorts of salads and extras. Can cater for BYO drinks and the museum is really well worth a look. Cars and plenty of bikes! It would be outside, but under cover. May be a bit warm, but think it could be a good option. Any other suggestions happily received and we can put it to the Coffee Night committee for a decision. Regardless, keep the date free. We’ll go for a ride for a couple of hours in the surrounding area – details to be provided. Also, don’t forget the Brisbane Ride Group’s Xmas party in Stanthorpe – will be a beauty.

Ride Leader

Dave

Keep the following in mind for the rest of the year: September – Nanango Go Karts – yeeeehaaaaa. A competitive favourite when it’s a little warmer. October - An overnighter into central NSW, potentially staying at Narrabri. The ride will definitely include the Narrabri – Bingara Rd, Copeton Dam and a whole lot more. A bitumen ride with roads guaranteed to blow your minds. November – Another Blackbutt pie run? Or a half-day ride elsewhere. December – Brisbane ride group Xmas party in Stanthorpe, Warrego Riders function to be held as well – location and venue to be determined and advised. There will be regular off road rides between monthly rides (as well as at least one camping overnighter) Luke will keep you posted on these.

Warrego Riders General Ride Information

ll rides depart the BP service station on the corner of Ruthven & North Street at the nominated time – please be in attendance a minimum of 15 minutes early for a ride briefing. The above calendar is a guide. Rides may be modified or changed – notice will be provided. Members, associate members and guests welcome on any roadworthy motorbike. Corner marker system used. Gold coin donation for the RFDS encouraged. All rides communicated and managed through the Warrego Riders Facebook Group – please feel free to join. An Event will be created a fortnight prior to each ride – we ask you to confirm attendance through this. The monthly coffee night will be held at the Toowoomba Sports Club at 7.00 pm on the Tuesday prior to the ride. All welcome to join for dinner, a drink, a chat and to discuss the next ride and general matters. The next quarter’s calendar will be posted on Facebook, the BMWMCQ Journal and the Warrego Riders website in September 2016. If you have any ideas for rides, please let us know! Please feel free to contact Danny Bemmerl – 0431 041 612 or danny.bemmerl@ergon.com; with any queries.

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NOVEMBER 2016

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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 Colour - Back Cover

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B & W - Business Card $100.00 All advertising should be related to motorcycling in general. The committee reserves the right to reject any advertising that is deemed inappropriate, in any way. Advertising content can be changed at any time (monthly in the journal and any time on the web site) provided the advertisements reside on the advertiser’s server. All journal ad changes must be submitted by the cut-off date specified on the Events page. All journal ads are to be supplied by the advertisers in PDF format.

Special Event November 2016

NOVEMBER 2016

BMW CA NATIONAL MOTORRAD RALLY BRIGHT, VICTORIA 11TH – 14TH NOVEMBER 2016

MW CLUBS AUSTRALIA (CA) is the conduit body, which encompasses all state car and motorcycle clubs in Australia. Each year, through the assistance of one of its state clubs, sponsors a national event. Traditionally, this has been organized by one of the car clubs. However, in 2014, the ACT BMW Motorcycle Club offered to and ran a successful rally at Lake Cargelligo, NSW. Congratulations are due to the ACT Club for running an event that was enjoyed by all. Since that time, CA has indicated that this national event should be shared between the car and motorcycle clubs on a revolving biennial roster. So when nominations were called for the 2016 motorcycle event, our own BMWMCCVIC was quick to volunteer and offer Victoria as the host club. A small group of members convened to put this all together and this is their story (to date). Whilst every state or territory in this great nation can boast of many fabulous locations for a rally, we in Victoria are specially blessed with options. When deciding on a destination for a National Rally, consideration was given to the following major factors; • • • • •

The options in the region for various top quality road and off-road (GS) rides.

The ride to the destination for not only our Victorian members but also for those of you travelling from all other states/territories. Remember, this is a national event. The destination. Somewhere where there are many other attractions apart from great rides. A town that welcomes visitors and caters for them.

Adequate and attractive accommodation options for different requirements (camping, bunk house, shared cabins and motels). In general, a fun place to visit and remember.

Bright, ticked all the boxes for our selection criteria and was favoured by all. The time of year was also critical and many factors had to be considered. Weather was critical and late spring is a wonderful time in the Ovens Valley, tucked up under the High Country. After the football season (whichever code) and before Christmas rush and school holidays. Mid November was an obvious choice. To date, the organizing sub-committee has been hard at it with a lot of arrangements already in place. We have secured firm accommodation options and have planned out many rides, which will be offered as options, both on and off road. The traditional Rally Dinner will be held on Saturday evening and Sunday evening will see an adventure film night offered. In addition, for a limited number (based on first registered, best dressed), there will be an ‘off road training’ course offered on Saturday morning for those who wish to brush up on their skills. Part of this training will be an afternoon GS ride on dirt roads where the professional trainers will ride with the trainees and help fine-tune their techniques. The main function of this early notice is to encourage those of you who need time to plan your workplace around dates, to plan for the rally timeframe. It is an “All weekend program”. Registration is in Bright, from Friday afternoon (11th Nov) to and including breakfast on Monday morning (14th Nov). For most, this will mean having the Friday and Monday made available for travel to and from. We will be sending timely bulletins out to each club as well as using the BMWMMCVIC website, forum and Facebook page with notices and reminders of updates. Expect to see notices and flyers in your representative club notices and websites during April, registrations will open electronically on July 1st and close on September 25th. A special note on accommodation. When registering, you will be able to elect to look after your own accommodation or to book accommodation being offered. We have secured accommodation based on motel and camping grounds. The camping grounds offer a range of options from tent sites, to shared bunk house sites, to various cabins that contain rooms for couples as well as shared single rooms. Some of these will be single beds and bunks but we will not be allocating anybody to a top bunk. That will be for gear. We are looking forward to bringing you a wonderful event and very enjoyable time in Bright, in November. For those who have not been to Bright before, you will be amazed at what a beautiful and place it is and what it offers as a premium destination for a motorcycle rally. We encourage you to bring your partners. There are many activities available for non-riding partners such as golf, wine tours, walking, food and cheese tours etc…. Put the date in your calendar now. Book your workplace days off and start building ‘Brownie points’ on the home front. Bright, in November will be a blast. Jack Schmidt 0414 460 295 Rally Co-ordinator, BMWMCCVIC.

NOVEMBER 2016

2016 BMWMCQ Christmas Party!

Date: Saturday 3rd December 2016 Time: Bus pick-up 6:30pm for a 7:00pm dinner Venue: Qld College of Wine Tourism, Stanthorpe A bus to and from the venue has been arranged and the cost is being covered by the Club! Pick up from Top of Town and other accommodation venues in Stanthorpe.

We are going to have a great time as usual....canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss with the Music being supplied by David Whale or so I am told......

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