AUTUMN EDITION
MAY 2017 Tassie Tour - Shot tower southern Tasmania
official magazine of
THE BRITISH motorcycle club of tasmania CONTACT Please address all correspondence including membership inquiries to: The BMCT Secretary postal- c/o South Hobart Post Office, Tasmania, 7004 e-mail- secretary@bmctas.com monthly meetings Last Tuesday of each month, 8pm. in the Social Club Rooms, upstairs at the Tas Fire Service building, Argyle Street, Hobart.
All welcome, please come along.
President
Gary Smith
M:0407870493
Vice President
Chris Owens
M: 0448 900 082 E: chris@designforpower.com.au
Northern VP
Mick Lemon
M: 0400 660 926 E: mick.pam59@bigpond.com
Secretary
Matthew Shepperd
M: 0417 001 426 E: bmctsecretary@hotmail.com
Treasurer/Public Officer
Nigel Reid
M: 0417 585 954 H: 03 6265 1237
Magazine Editor
Kent Moore
M: 0408 483 883 E: kentdmoore@gmail.com
Webpage
John Menezies
M: 0418 297 234 E: mezzabolicsteroids@gmail.com
Clubman Records
Rob Walch
M: 0417 514 450 E: robert@walchoptics.com.au
Librarian
Dan Murphy
Technical Officers
John Rettig Jim McCulloch Ken Hall Mick Lemon Martin Heatley
Club Auditors
Casey Overeem Francis Hall
Committee Members
Rob Walch Richard Bullough Jegs Nuttall
H: 03 5267 2510 H: 03 6249 8731 H: 03 6265 9017 M: 0400 660 926 M:0499 845 280 H:6326 5331
www.bmctas.com
Nuts&bolts We are now almost half way through the year and the colder days are fast approaching, Our AGM was held in February with both John and Dan stepping down from the positions of president and vice president, thanks to both for the work done during 2016. Thanks to those club committee members that have stayed on for 2017. John Rettig was the elected president with myself filling the vacant vice presidents spot. Due to personal reasons John resigned from the position, I stepped up to the president’s position and Chris Owens was voted in as vice president. The Tassie Tour for 2017 has been run and won; all participants enjoyed themselves with a number expressing their personal thanks to individual committee members and the committee as a whole group. Some have dared to say that it was the best rally that they had ever been on; they enjoyed riding the Tasmanian roads and most of all the relaxed manner in which the tour was conducted and also being able to break away from the tour and explore on their own. The running of the next Tassie tour is yet too decided but it should be within the next four years. As a club we now have our rides and overnighters to look forward to, there has been some changes made to the ride calendar that will enable the Northern and Southern members meet up on a few rides. The changes are printed in this magazine. Safe riding see and be seen Gary Smith
Gary Smith As a kid I grew up in the small town of Roland which is about 10 kms south of Sheffield My first memories of motor bikes are talking to my older neighbour Trevor Jordon or speed as he was locally known as. He had a 500 BSA plunger which dates around 1953 and a 500 BSA ridged. During my teenage years I owned several Japanese motor cycles with my favourite being a Suzuki 350 twin. My mates had the theory if you could not ride the bike flat stick it was to big for you the old 350 went flat stick everywhere. Having said this I still managed to spend time in hospital and 3 months of work. At the age of 18 work took me on a fantastic journey working in Indonesia and Singapore. I was fortunate to be offered work in Singapore and with my wife we moved to Asia in 1980. During my time there my interest in old motorcycles was reingnited; BSA M20’s fitted with side cars were still being used as delivery vehicles. While there I managed to get hold of a M20 and a BSA b33 to ship back home. We moved back to Tasmania in 1987 after considering several options which included settling in Sydney. I attended the formation meeting of the Vintage club in the late 80’s. I was club secretary for the vintage club and organized the Ross rally for 2 years I joined the British club in 1993 and have been a committee member for several years and have been president and editor. Since moving back to Tasmania I have added a 1935 BSA blue Star and a Triumph 750 to the stable.
A
mechanic was removing a cylinder head from the motor of an old british motorcycle when he spotted a well-known cardiologist in his shop. The cardiologist was there waiting for the service manager to come take a look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the garage “Hey Doc, want to take a look at this?” The cardiologist, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and said, “So Doc, look at this engine. I open its heart, take the valves out, repair any damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like new. So how come I make $39,675 a year, a pretty small salary and you get the really big bucks ($1,695,759) when you and I are doing basically the same work?” The cardiologist paused, smiled and leaned over, then whispered to the mechanic................................ “Try doing it with the engine running.”
adventure riders
The first combined Vintage and British club dual sport ride by mick lemon This years calendar has the trial of two “dual sport” rides for the club to see what interest there is in some different style riding in some more adventurous places off the beaten tracks. The first of these was on Sunday and was organized by Vintage club members Mike and Moira Wellman. We could not ask for better people to organize such rides. They have an excellent knowledge of all the “less travelled” dirt roads and tracks of Tasmania, have organised many rides in the past, have experience like no others and riding skills that make it look all soooo easy !! Mike, Moira and Glenn did a “recce” trip a month or so to prepare for this ride. That ride was a little different – I think Mike said that was for the less proficient and likely to break their bones – was that right Mike ??!! Nooo - only joking Glenn – but Mike did add some extra “bits” in. We had an excellent turnout, with club members from both the NW and South attending. Andy (Shorty) travelled from Turners Beach and Phil Sanger made the long journey from Woodbridge. Phil stayed at my place Saturday night – so we had most of the world’s problems solved by Sunday morning !. Both these guys were on Triumphs. I had called Mike on Saturday – thinking that I may not make the ride as I managed to get a spark and fleck of steel from a grinder in my eye on Thursday – causing me some grief. Burnt the eye a bit so I had (still have) some blurred images from the left eye. Anyway – Sunday morning came and I decided I was “good enough” and should be able to get a general idea of where the road is ! Unfortunately, Tim Burgess was a late withdrawal due to a large order in his business and had to commit his resources over the weekend. Anyway – we all assembled at the museum as planned at 0930. Mike and Moira on their BM GS’s, John and Jodi (pillion), Daniel Cadart, Shorty and Phil on their Triumphs and me on the only Jap bike – the Wee Strom. 7 bikes, eight people ! The weather forecast was “sus as” and we certainly expected to get wet at some point. Mike had said to Moira late on Saturday night that the good news was the showers were no longer forecast for Sunday – the bad
news was that now rain was expected !. Mike got us moving on time – the basic plan for the day was to do a lap of Ben Lomond – a ride of about 220 kms – all on small sealed roads, dirt roads or tracks. Out through Relbia and a nice little stint on some dirt road there for a few kilometres to get the feel again (for those of us that have not been on the dirt for a while !!), then back onto small sealed roads to a short stop at Upper Blessington for a drink and if you so desired – the use of the facilities (see photo) – although I think all males elected to use the more natural surroundings! BTW – Dual sport rides – you bring your own drink and tucker, cos there may be no other options and plans may change. Time to head off and head to Upper Esk (do you get the idea we are going up hill from these names?). We then swung off and head over the river and along to the Griffin Forest Reserve camp ground. Being a long weekend it was packed out – by Tassie standards (ie about 6 groups of campers) – but if it was on the mainland – you could have fitted another 55 groups (roughly speaking) of campers. We are lucky in Tassie. Anyway – what a great spot to camp. Toilets, flat ground, river flowing by (and deep enough to get wet in), remote – but only a couple of hours from home. Plenty of logging been happening in this area over the years and the bush varies from recently harvested to fully native. The road then follows through to Mathina –
adventure riders past a ramshackle house with a TVR car slowly decaying outside. I know there used to be a Jensen Interceptor in one of the sheds at that house also. Owned by a character named Bill – everybody in Mathina knows Bill – you do not need to know the surname! We pulled up outside the Mathina pub and the owners were happy for us to used their outside tables to eat whilst also buying drinks. Not many people at the pub in Mathina. From Mathina we went over the Tower Hills track up and over the ridge line, on to Mangana and joined back on to the sealed road close to Fingal. Some pretty rough surfaces over there and the bikes were getting a really good shake out. It did occur to me that if I had been on one of the old Pommie bikes – I would have had to have somebody following along behind picking up the bits that fell off! A sealed road but with “missing bits” in the sealing led us towards Rossarden and then turning off to Storeys Creek. We had a stop and group photo in Storeys Creek with the mountain behind – taken by one of the crowd in the town (well I think we saw 5 people actually). Storeys Creek one of a number of old mining townships that now have been basically left to decay. Mike thought there was only one occupied house, but there are a number of remaining buildings and lots of concrete slabs. Phil left us at the next turn off to start heading west and south. Great to have had Phil make the effort to join us and I hope he thought the effort was worthwhile. The rest of us headed up and over the ridge beside the mountain heading for Deddington. Daniel had a slow speed off on some loose gravel – but unfortunately – enough to break the brake lever off. I think both Phil and I have to take the blame for this. Phil – because he had been telling Daniel not to ever break a lever cos they cost $250 earlier in the day and me because Daniel was behind me and I took that corner a bit wide and got in the loose stuff. I had to talk really nicely to the Wee Strom coaching her back onto a sensible surface “Come on Babe – over this way – nice and slowly ….”. I then looked in my mirror and there was Daniel with the front and back wheel not aligned and about to drop the bike. Bugger. Some further very loose surface further on that Mike warned us of. All fine except one tight corner that was a challenge. Mike
watched me slither my way around the corner and commented after that it did not look like I was enjoying that – he was right! John and Jodi did a brilliant job of keeping the Triumph pointed in the right direction two up throughout the day – but especially through this section. All good fun. A steep decent down towards Deddington. Daniel did well on this with no front brake. A quick sealed run to Evandale for an ale at the pub and time to wrap up for the day. All day we had been riding in great scenery and saw very few other people and vehicles. It is amazing that on a long weekend you
can still see and do these great activities easily here. Don’t you just pity those people who pay so much more to live in Sydney and not have these luxuries that you can enjoy for little or no money !! HUGE thanks to Mike and Moira for organizing the day. The day was a great success and hopefully the interest in the clubs to have a occasional adventure off the beaten track will grow I had better stop writing and go and get the Interceptor ready for 1500km of touring starting next weekend!
Thank you Mike and Moira Wellman, We could not ask for better people to organize such rides. They have an excellent knowledge of all the less travelled dirt roads and tracks of Tasmania.
The Great tassie tour
march photo shoot
The Great tassie tour photo shoot
photo shoot by kent moore
50's Diner, Mt Roland and Sheffield ride april by mick lemon This ride was programmed to be only 4 days after the 1500 km BMCCT Tassie Tour event – that I had just completed – so when asked on Wednesday if I was going – I was not sure I was up for more riding! Anyway – after 2 days off the bike – I was rea dy to be back on! Sunday morning was a beaut morning – although a little crisp. Putting our clocks back (the opposite way to than initially suggested by Glenn!) worked and that gave an extra hour for the atmosphere to warm up. Winter is on it’s way ! I was up and about, drained the fuel tank of the Interceptor as I am going to give the tank the “treatment” and also change the fork seals (after all – it is her 50 th birthday this year). Tipped the fuel into the Carberry and ready for off. Arrived at the museum to find a few bikes and people there. Martin came down to wave us off – he has some work to do at home getting 1 of his bikes fully operational for the All British rally in a few weeks. With bikes – there was Wayne on his Indian, Nigel on the W800, John Cramp for his first ride with us on his ex police Kwaka Z650 and Paul on the Honda. Mos rolled in soon after on his Triumph, Bondy decided to have a squirt and come through from Ulvie to join us, Geoff on his Bonnie and Mark Williams (I think also on his first ride with us ?) on his Harley. We decided to head along the old highway to Deloraine for lunch and to meet up with the NW guys. Mark was picking Tania up after she was shopping so we were to meet him at the roundabout at the Prospect exit. That did not quite work as we were slow leaving and also John had some electrical issues with the Z650 so we lost him for a while ! Anyway, we regrouped except for Mark/Tan who did a more scenic route to the Diners and we caught them there. Nice ride along the old highway. I looked out for flying chooks as we went through Westbury – remembering what happened to Shane a few weeks ago !
Arriving at the Diners- there was a nice Triton parked outside – Jim Mac was there – along with his lovely wife Louise. That is the third bike I have seen Jim on in 1 week !! (all different Marques as well). The people just kept rolling in !. Maureen on the Thruxton, Boz on the Harris Matchless, Shorty on the Triumph and Shane joined us for the lunch – as did my wife Pam. In all we had 13 bikes do the ride plus others join us for lunch/departure etc. BRILLIANT. After a good feed and chatter at the Diners – Boz took the lead and we headed out to Mole Creek and on around the back of Mt Roland. The air cooled, the road was nice, the scenery great – smiles all around ! A stop at the lookout at the top to talk about how good life is, take in the mountain air and see the view, then down the hill through Gowrie Park to Sheffield for
coffee. Various people headed off from here due to commitments and also the direction of their homes. Mos had a big ride coming from Underwood as did the 007 (Bondy) coming through from Ulvie to Lonnie to start with. The Launceston crew headed along to Kimberley and Elizabeth Town, joining the highway for a short stint before following the older road from east of Deloraine. I left the “gang” at Westbury and headed through to the Frankford highway, stopping to catch up with a Mate in Glengarry – making it quite a long day out and about. Thanks to everybody that came along. The riding in the North is really getting some mojo now. The numbers are growing and we are all getting to know each other and enjoy each other company.
14th
Web Site
AGM RALLY at DELORAINE, Tasmania ENTRY FORM
www.recoainc.com
Royal Enfield Club of Australia Inc. PO Box 4075 McKinnon VIC 3204
0411 770 225 Inc. No: A0048806R Bank Details: Royal Enfield Club of Australia Inc BSB 063-303 AC 1010 2194 Email: recoainc@gmail.com Patron: HRH Prince Leonard, Sovereign, Principality of Hutt River
FRIDAY, 17th Nov to SUNDAY 26th Nov 2017
ENTRY FORM ENTRIES CLOSE 01 Nov 2017. Riders Name................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address:.......................................................................................... Telephone No: .......................................... Pillion Passenger Name: ………………………. Make of Motorcycle............................ Year of Manufacture............. Solo or Outfit:.. ................................. Capacity:................................................................... Registration Number Plate Number: ................................ Entry Fee per person [includes FRI meet & greet & AGM dinner) $60 GUESTS $60 Extra badge $2 10% DISCOUNT applies to all paid registrations received prior to 01 Sept 2017 makes $54 33% SURCHARGE Late Entry Fee applies to all registrations received after 01 Nov 2017 MAKES $80 Parts of Rally participating in Fri Meet/greet Y/N Sat Dinner Y/N Min- Sat Tassie Tour
Y/N
Sat ride Y/N Sun ride Y/N Ross m/cycle Show
AGM
Y/N
Y/N
GRAND TOTAL ENCLOSED: $......................... All Cheques should be made payable to:- The Royal Enfield Club of Australia Inc. P.O. Box 4075. McKinnon VIC 3204 or do a direct deposit to the bank account with your name on it. For further enquiries, please phone the Rally Co-ordinator Mick Lemon on 0400 660926 Conditions of Entry: Entries accepted for all motorcycles of all ages. Motorcycles entered, must complete the Saturday ride to be eligible for judging. All riders must hold a current motorcycle riders licence. All motorcycles, must be either on Historic / Conditional Registration, or on full registration. Indemnity: In consideration of acceptance of my entry and participation I agree:- to be bound by all rules, regulations and directions of the Royal Enfield Club of Australia Inc., and to enter and participate in the rally at my own risk, and to indemnify and keep indemnified and severally the Royal Enfield Club of Australia Inc., and the organizing committee & sponsors from and against any and all liability for personal injury and/or damage to property whether arising out of, or in conjunction with my entering in and participating in the rally. Entrants signature: Date:
EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME: EMERGENCY CONTACT PH NUMBER: MOBILE SOS PHONE 112 FIRE POLICE AMBULANCE 000
RECOA Rally 2017 Deloraine 17-20 November 2017 Preliminary information: When: Friday 17 November Arrive, meet and greet Saturday 18 November Ride (maybe short/slow and a longer /faster depending on entries) Common lunch shop and bike judging. Late afternoon AGM Evening Dinner and awards Sunday 19 November Ride (maybe short/slow and a longer /faster depending on entries) Common lunch shop. Monday 20 November Start of optional “Lap of Tassie”. Very loose arrangements. Travel independently or group(s). Maybe Mon night in Stanley Tues/Wed 21/22 November Travel independently or group(s). Maybe Tues/Wed night in Strahn Thurs/Fri 23 November Travel independently or group(s). Maybe Thurs/Fri night in Hobart area Saturday 24 November Travel independently or group(s). Maybe Sat night in Swansea Sunday 25 November Ross Motorcycle show – expect 800-1000 bikes. Note – there will be time to still get to the Spirit after the show. Organisers (VMCCT) very keen to have us Although the main part of the rally will be the normal weekend event – it is likely people will stay in the State for longer. If we get reasonable number of Interstate visitor staying in excess of 5 nights – we could get us $1500 towards the rally from the Govt as a grant.
Accommodation: The rally will be based at the Mountain View Inn, http://www.mountainviewcountryinn.com.au/ (contact is Peter who is the owner/manager). There are 24 Rooms in various configurations, Bar, Venue for dinner (Sat night), Off street parking. Other accommodation options include: Pubs, Caravan park, Cabins, B and B’s For more info go to visitor centre www.greatwesterntiers.net.au Vicki is the Manager there and will assist with any information you want and bookings etc. The meet and greet will be held at the “Cruzin in the 50’s Diner” https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cruzin-in-the-50sDiner/128416657227211
Getting there: Travel to Tasmania is not cheap and you need to be smart about doing it to reduce costs The organisers will post information on the forum as any specials with the TT Line (Spirit of Tasmania) https://www. spiritoftasmania.com.au/ become available during that period. Bringing trailers is a BAD option. Bikes, utes or vans are relatively cheap. The people are also expensive, so consider 1 traveling with the Enfield treasures and associates flying (again watch for airline specials as they can be about $80 from Melb and about $120 from Sydney) Please do not hesitate to contact Mick, Trevor or Gary for more info. We are all active on the club forum. More information will be posted as it becomes available and is confirmed.
club members profile mick lemon Region: North Position:
Northern VP
Present ride (s): A mixture of Enfields ranging from 1923 to as late as 2005 (fitted with a Carberry V twin engine). A Suzuki wee strom is my “push the button and go” bike. The fleet has grown as I use a strict formula to determine the number of bikes I need = N + 1, where N is the number of bikes owned now. Why did you join the BMCCT: I joined BMCCT for a short time in the late 80’s, but I left after selling my bike and going back into building a boat and sailing competitively. A young family and business also restricted my time in other recreational pursuits!! I rejoined in 2014 (I think it was!) when I was looking for other like minded people to ride with in the North of the State. Along with others, we have promoted the northern riding group and it has slowly grown as a combined group of VMCCT members and others who are not members of either club. It is great to see the numbers grow and to know that most of the people riding did not know each other prior to riding with us and we are now all getting to really know each other and support/help each other with our common interest. I recently “retired” and am now spending much more time either riding, fixing or restoring bikes. Tell us about your interest in bikes and some of your experiences: I have always been around bikes. My Dad (Jon Lemon) has spent his whole life on bikes. He is now 85 and we have recently sold his last bike. My first bike was (believe it or not) a 49 Royal Enfield 350 Bullet. Dad got some bits and I built it up from parts ranging from various models so that I had a bike to ride on the road when I was 16. Rode it up to Beaconsfield to get my learners and the local “Mr Plod” said I must be able to ride cos I got there – so here is your license! I left home at 16 and joined the Navy – so my bike time was greatly reduced until I was in my late 20’s – although I always had a bike of some description. As with most people, while raising a family, spare time and $ are harder to come by and it is only when you become an empty nester that these opportunities come back. Over the last 5 years, I have had managed to get hold of a few nice Enfields and I think I would have to admit that I am an “Enfield tragic”. Enfields are not generally considered desirable by many of the British biker fanatics as they were not raced after the war and did not make high performance machines again until the 700’s and 750’s came out in the sixties. This makes them cheaper in the market – which is good for buying. Soon you people will relaise they are brilliant and the prices will soar !! I love the bikes of the 30’s and my favourite bike is my 1934 LF 4 valve Enfield – that I can not ride on the road as it is in racing trim. Looks great and sounds awesome. Your “bucket list” dream bike: A 1928 Model 182 1000 V twin Enfield.
all british rally an alternative perspective by grant murray Preparation for the All Brit started back in February. I’d been for a ride and upon return noticed the back tyre was showing canvas in a cuppla spots. I had certainly gotten my monies worth, but was keen to re-lace the wheels with stainless spokes so rather than fit a new tyre only to pull it off to re-lace the wheels, I borrowed the rear wheel from one of our other Bonnie projects and stuck it on the back. My aim was to have it all done by the All British Rally, but as with most tasks, one thing led to another and although the wheels were re-laced and new tyres were ordered, the new hoops were still in-transit. The week leading up to the rally included the bike’s annual service which involved an oil change, cleaning of the gauze filters and replacement of the spin-on filter, new plugs, speedo, tacho, throttle and clutch cables lubricated, adjustment of the
was orff again towards Latrobe and Spreyton, and then into Devonport to get a kebab from a shop in Rooke Street before heading to the docks. I checked my phone when I arrived at the kebab shop and Boz had sent me a text to meet at the dock. I was in two minds whether to get ‘im a kebab — turns out I shooda but we managed to share the one I had later in the evening; but I knows for next time. I arrived at the Spirit check-in only moments after Boz and was able to ride up to ‘im at the service window. Check-in completed, we were gestured into one of the holding lanes where
clutch abutment, checking of valve clearances, check of gearbox oil level, renewed primary oil and a check of the belt tension, charged battery, greased rear swing arm and a check of ignition timing. The rear chain adjustment was fine and I always spray the chain with lube as soon as I return from a run (when the chain is warm and more readily accepts lubricant), so chain lube wasn’t a requirement. On the morning of the trip, I gave the bike a spit n’ polish; it’s my way of checkin’ nuts and bolts for looseness, or to spot a job that might need doing, blah-de-blah. Tyre pressures were set, and the panniers packed and loaded. I had noticed that the carbs were slightly out-of-balance during recent rides so I connected up the U-tube manometer I have setup on a wall. The idle settings were fine but I tweak the mixtures every time (and give ‘em an extra ¼ turn to fatten up the mixture at idle to improve idling on cold start-up) but I did need to adjust one of the throttle slide cables a ⅛ turn to get
them lifting sweetly on throttle tip-in.
there was a sport rider waiting with his Aprilia weapon-of-mass-destruction. It was a relatively new beastie and he was wearing an extremely broad smile on his face. It turned out that he’d been over for a wee while and had managed to properly chew through his rear tyre. He was way past the canvas but he did admit he’d been riding very gingerly for the last 100 odd miles. Still smiling though. Boz and I organised for ‘im to sign the necessary paperwork “swearing an oath to secrecy”. There was also a bunch of five or six young fella’s on a range of road/trail bikes from 150 cc to 650cc. Once again, all buzzin’, and expelling the virtues of what they’d just
experienced. And a little later, a more mature, and more discerning rider on a BMW 6-cylinder space shuttley thingy idled in. Once again, a very happy camper with a beaming smile. So Boz and I went about getting each of ‘em to sign an oath to secrecy; once completed, our work was done ‘ere.
With me saddle-bags packed and thrown across the seat, I headed off from Underwood around 2pm, heading towards Launceston to grab some fuel. I was nearing Hadspen when I realised I hadn’t stopped for fuel so with some concern that I’d run out, decided to stop at Westbury to wobble the legs and get some 98. Another stop at Deloraine to get money outa the hole in the wall and more rattlin’ of the legs. The bike was running sweetly and traffic was relatively light; it was a great day. From Deloraine, I snuck along the main drag before turning towards Railton at Christmas Hills. A quick stop in Railton to stretch the legs and a chat with a local walkin’ his dog; it’s always pleasant banter when the sounds of ya scoot rekindle memories past and the conversation focuses on two-wheeled transport. Waving frantically as I left Railton (hoping Noel spotted me), I
After a wee while, all but the young group of road/trail riders were gestured into the bowels of the tinny. With our essentials for the night in hand, Boz and I headed to our cabin, dropped our gear orff and headed up to Deck 9 where the live artist does their thing. In the past, I’ve been fortunate
to experience a more blues biased bent but I guess they need to cater for all ages and at least we had noise. Boz and I tucked into the kebab, a pizza, and a beer or two. Martin and Mick popped up after a wee while and then Rick n’ Jenny(?) from Burnie(?) joined the unruly lot. Eventually, the music stopped, the bar was closed, we emptied our glasses, and we each snuck orff to grab a kip or twenty, although Boz snuck a night-cap into me mug which rounded me orff just nicely. The wakeup broadcasts sounded early as usual and Boz and I grabbed a coffee before disembarking. So we wandered down to the bikes, unsecured them from the tie-downs and reloaded ‘em with our gear before setting off out of the hold. ‘king yup, it was raining. Martin had parked at the Port Melbourne tram terminus and was using the shelter to don his wet weather gear. Smart man Martin, so I did the same. Boz is somewhat more experienced and was already wearing his wetweather gear. Eventually, we were all ready to set orff again. Boz n’ Martin towards Bacchus Marsh for breakfast, me to me mum’s for a coffee before heading to the rally site via Kinglake, Flowerdale, Broadford, blah-de-blah. So we parted ways and I ambled along the Esplanade, pondering for the best and safest route to me mums, mindful of the weather conditions. Being around 7:00 and heading away from town, the traffic was relatively light but it was drizzling and visibility poor; so I had me lights on. Heading along the Esplanade I decided to head towards North Road - it seemed like the best option. As I approached Glenhuntly Road, I noticed a green turn arrow so I took the opportunity — rather than stopping at the lights in the rain. At this end of Glenhuntly Road, there are no trams, so the road is even and sound but once you cross Nepean Highway, Glenhuntly Road has trams that extend the remainder of its length. Further to that, there are two (2) railway crossings to negotiate, one at the start (Elsternwick Station) and the second towards the end (Glenhuntly Station). In hindsight, not a great choice!! Oh well me thinks, I’m here now so I’l just avoid the tram tracks, I can manage that. So again, just ambling along, I travelled through each of the various hamlets and their roadside shops. Drawing some analogy to Tassie, it’s much like riding along
Invermay Road with groups of shops either side of the road; the difference being, Glenhuntly Rd has tram tracks along the centre. To avoid the tram tracks, you end up riding closer to parked cars so your very, very aware of people opening car doors, blah-deblah. But the traffic was light and I had no one behind me much of the time so some of the other riding pressures were alleviated. As I travelled along the road, there were a cuppla times where I had to stop at traffic lights but once they went green, I’d briskly motor off to get a good distance between the traffic and me, and fortunately, on each occasion the following vehicle turned off at some stage. Glenhuntly Road is about 7 kilometres long, and I’d managed to cover around 6 kilometres of it before approaching Glenhuntly Station. Having already negotiated the train crossing at Elsternwick without incident, I wasn’t too concerned but certainly mindful to maintain a constant engine RPM. I proceeded across the crossing and I clearly remember the back wheel starting to pass me down the left side. It was certainly a surprise, and it happened quickly. Not abruptly, or roughly, I just remember the rear wheel being to me left. If I’d had more time, I reckon I wooda thought, “This isn’t going to end nicely”, but there wasn’t ‘nuff time for that!! Well, that’s the last thing I remember. The next recollection is standing, people fussing around me, and I was looking down the street and I could see my bike backed into the curb. I had a young lady and someone else (a bloke I think) asking if I was OK. So I had me a bit of a think. I was sore, especially me chest. I wasn’t sure how damaged I was, but I did suspect something; and although I was a bit achy, I felt OK. So they sat me down on a kerbside seat, and went about their day. After a wee while of sitting on the seat contemplating what had just happened (I figure the rear wheel eventually hit a rail which high-sided me), I went in and thanked the young lady (she worked in a cafe) and bought a coffee from her. She suggested I go and get myself checked over by a doctor coz I had blacked out. I thought about that and it made sense that I musta been knocked out for a while coz I don’t remember picking my bike up and backing it into the curb To be honest, I still don’t know who did, it could have been me for all I know?!?!? So I went back to my bike, fixed the broken strap
on my dilly bag and had a bit of a check over the bike for damage. From what I remember, the left foot peg was bent, there was a scrape to the top left of the headlight surround, some scuffs to the front guard, there were slide marks across the leather panniers, and the rear left hand turn signal was broken and flappin’ about. The rear mirror was still intact and the handlebars didn’t appear bent (but I was ½ gahgah’s at the time). I expect that the front end will need to be loosened and retightened and hopefully the frame or forks aren’t bent; so fingers-crossed, all settles back nicely. Very, very lucky me thinks but it’ll be interesting to see how badly she’s damaged once we’re reunited (soon Mick soon). So once I’d finished me coffee, I went and thanked the young lady again, then went back and fired up me bike. She started first kick and I headed towards a mates place in Murrumbeena, a cuppla miles away. He operates a business called Headworks in Murrumbeena; he and his lovely lady live above the premises so I knew I’d be able to rattle ‘im up. As I pulled out the front of his shop, he was exiting out the front door ready for work. Being blokes with sound priorities, we walked over to the local barista, bought a cuppla coffees and ambled back to his place to chew the fat and discuss some of the jobs he had on the go including a 1920s two-stroke Velocette engine with a self oiling system (much like those introduced by the Japanese in the early ’70’s egg-beaters). Basil reckoned the engine had been bought in the 20’s, ridden for a while until it needed decoking. So it was pulled apart and had never beeen reassembled and sat in pieces in the families’ shed until just recently — so barn finds do exist!! He obviously needed to get some work done so we juggled a few bikes around (lined up inside awaiting his attention) and found a spot for my T140. I figured I’d catch a train a ways and then catch a bus towards me mums (she’s 88 and doesn’t like driving in the rain), so off I plodded and I heard Basil voice in the distance suggest “Go and get checked over!” as I wandered towards the station. As I waited on the platform, I figured it might just be a bloody good idea to go to a hospital as the pains and aches were steadily increasing. So I got off at Clayton Station, which is less than a mile from the Monash Horsepiddle. As I walked towards the
hospital, I rang Janet to let her know I’d fallen off and was on the way to get checked over. I did the same with me mum, and both seemed OK with the fact I was taking meself to the hospital — so therefore, he must be OKish. I walked into Emergency and joined the queue at the Triage Desk. As each person in front of me provided their situation and details, they’d then go and sit in the waiting area as the triage nursed prioritised their ailment. Once it came to be my turn, I ambled up to the nurse and explained how my day had progressed but as soon as I mentioned I’d fallen off me scoot, and before you could say “1978 Triumph Bonneville T140E”, they had me on a gurney and into a neck brace. So there I was layin’ on the gurney, doctors and nurses fussin’ about, pokin’ this, proddin’ that, askin’ me “Does this hurt?”, “What about if I do that?”, and then they’d disappear for a while, before another specialist would emerge to run through their own assessment. I managed to send some text messages to the Tassie team and they responded immediately with much concern and support, which was greatly appreciated — including
Mick’s kind offer to grab me scoot from Basil’s on the Sundee; legendary!!!!!! To cut a long story short, I walked into Emergency around 9:30 (I think) and after two (2) CT scans, an X-ray, and many questions and assessments by various specialists, it was explained that I had broken my clavicle (collarbone), broken my scapula (shoulderblade: which is difficult to break apparently) and had also managed to break or fracture six (6) ribs. There was concern that there was air around a lung, so they decided to admit me into the hospital to maintain observations and manage the pain. I must say at this point that the attention I was given and the process engaged gives me great confidence in our health system. ‘king brilliant me reckons!!! Having not eaten since the night before, save for a cuppla cups of coffee, the bunch of sandwiches they gave me when they delivered me to the ward at 9pm were the yummiest sandwiches I have ever tasted. So once in the ward, the nurse whacked a cannula into my arm and commenced administering Ketamine (Special-K or Horse-
Tranquilliser to those in the know: my nieces and nephews filled me in) with a Morphine pumper should the pain get too much. So there I stayed for 2 days smilin’ and grinnin’ and runnin’ amuck whilst the pain killers did their thing. On the Sunday I received another wave of messages from those at the All British Rally that had not heard of my exploits. As it turns out, I won the Hard Luck Award for 2017 - which is probably the most difficult to achieve, and really not something I’m too keen to seek again. Anyhooz, I was discharged on the Monday, arranged to fly back into Tassie on Thursdee (stayin’ with me mum in the meantime), so I’m mending well, feelin’ pretty good considering, looking forward to the 4 hourly painkiller, but fundamentally, tickety-boo. Many thanks to those who’ve sent well wishes and a big ‘king yeehaa to Mick n’ Boz for their great support. Muchly appreciated blokes and blokettes. So that was my 2017 All British - hope youse had a good one too
st helens overnighter by GARY SMITH
Arrangements were made for all members riding to St Helens to meet at the fire station on Saturday. At 11pm, there were 5 people intending to stay overnight and 4 riders that were out for the day. The weather treated us kindly on for the trip to St Helens our first stop was at Orford for a quick coffee then we proceeded to Devils Corner for lunch. It was an uneventful ride from Devils Corner to St Helens; we arrived at the hotel at around 3.30 and set ourselves up for the evening a couple of pre dinner drinks and had 2 course meal that was part of the accommodation deal . After dinner we went to the local and played several games of 8 ball amongst ourselves and against the locals who came out winners. We managed to lock ourselves out of the hotel but fortunately Sharron had stayed in and after much door banging she let us in.
On Sunday we met for breakfast and decided as it was raining we would not hang around. Vaughn Oldham payed us post breakfast visit but again the rain stopped anything from happening. We rode back towards Hobart in steady rain with a short coffee stop at Bicheno a fuel stop at Swansea a leg stretch at Orford and the final push home. I arrived home at approximately 3pm. Overnight stayers were Nigel Reid, Matt and Sharron, Dan Teague, Gary Smith, Kerry Johnson Saturday riders were Jegs, Graeme Gullick , Mick Beale there are a couple of starters I have missed and to those I apologise.
MERCHANDISE CAPS & beanies
$15
POLO SHIRT
$25
POLAR FLEECE
$37
MEDALION cloth badge
$20
see gary smith for purchasing any of the club merchandise. some items are available for purchase at the bar at meetings.
all british rally FROM THE 86TH ENTRANT by MARTIN HEATLEY I was well organised for the All British Rally for 2017. I had booked in quite early, being the 86th entrant and the ferry had also been booked well in advance. I had held off nominating which bike I was going on but deep down I wanted to go on the Norton as it hadn’t been to the rally since 2010. At the time of booking the ferry I had two motorcycles all ready to go so life was pretty grand at that moment.
Yet come rally time and things were not so good. I believed I had fixed the Norton the previous weekend and on the Wednesday night I rode the Matchless home with fully functioning electrics. Huzzah! I have a backup if I am really desperate. Thursday is ferry day. Being a bit behind the preparation stakes, I have the entire day off to get prepared. Norton out, adjust final drive chain, top up various oils and time to take it for one final test ride before packing for the trip. The Norton failed. The same symptoms as before: running beautifully then cuts out dead as can be. Many kicks later with the odd half chance, hot and with a very sore knee I yet again push the bike home. Luckily it was only two streets away. I must admit the bike did warn me. Ever since I got the new battery it has been a 1 or 2 kick start machine even when cold. Having started the bike cold I let it warm up then switched it off while I got my gear to take it for the test ride, coming back to do said ride it took a few kicks to start. One dead Norton. I was now very agitated and needed to get ready for the rally but also wanted to work on the Norton. Now it was decision time. I was confident I knew the culprit on the Norton, yes I had
a bit of a play with the wiring to the ignition switch. I calculated it would take me about two hours to whip the fuel tank off and do what was required and get it together again, without any guarantees that that was the fix. Or I could adjust the rear chain, top up the oil and put the speedo back on the Matchless in maybe an hour. I was very confident that then it would be right to go. It was about midday. Decision made - Matchless it was then. The speedo went back in no problems, backed off the rear chain and top up the oil. Drove down to Nuts and Bolts and got a variety of straps as I needed to strap down the instrument binnacle as I no longer had studs on the speedo to bolt down to. Two 300mm nylon cable ties did the job nicely. Then came a late light lunch and a bit of a chaotic pack. Even so, still very tense and with all the past stress it was not a well sorted or well packed bike. With Ruth not home to send me off as she was working and William at school I left the lonely house and proceeded through town and onto the main highway to East Devonport, only stopping to get some dinner at ETC and fuel. I managed to overfill the bike with fuel leaking out over the tank bag. So to the ferry terminal where I waited with a bunch of grit munchers from NSW to board the ferry. This year was the first time there were no other All British rally goers in the queue with me. I didn’t know that Mike and Grant were all ready aboard. I did see Mick board via ute with his Carberry on the back. Along with Rick and Jenny(?) (another regular uteie) to the rally, it was a very small Tasmanian contingent going. Maybe others knew what was in store.
On board the few gallant Tassie travellers got together for a natter on all things vital to the world. Having passed several hours successfully it was time for bed and, what a surprise, I was on the top bunk again! Whoopee. I may have to change my name to top bunk Martin. As per usual even though had a super smooth crossing I slept poorly. This was to be my main problem for the rest of the trip. I just could not get a decent nights’ sleep.
On Friday morning it was dark and wet in Melbourne, what a shit of a place it can be. The three ‘M’s and Grant gathered outside then off we proceeded, Grant going to detour via his mother’s house and the three ‘M’s onto the West Gate Bridge and beyond. Usual Heavy traffic, gloomy light and very wet. I could hardly see and took it very slowly on the multi lanes of terror. I had soon lost sight of Mike and Mick was long gone. Eventually the light picked up and once off the ring road the traffic eased up enough one could almost imagine relaxing a little. No just joking still shit. At last Bacchus Marsh, the first sign of being out of the most liveable metropolis which means joy for this rider. I made my usual breakfast stop at the great bakery there. The rain had eased off so my morale was up, but it was very short lived. The two Harris Matchless’ were soon off the highway onto the old road and then into the hills and into heavier rain. As much as it is nice riding up to Blackwood and Trentham, in the constant rain it was not enjoyable. While killing time at a cold wet stop in Daylesford we spotted only one
everything was wet, very wet.
British bike on the road - a BSA twin. Last year we had seen several riding through town. Just when we thought the day was picking up the rain would return so we decided we might as well go to the rally site. On to Hepburn Springs in the rain. The silly traffic almost ended up with two Harris Matchless’ having a prang. Being in Victoria drivers in vehicles that have four wheels do what ever they like when ever they like, preferably without any warning. This was just such an occasion. Putting along I needed to hit the brakes as the traffic had come to a halt without warning. Not wishing to lockup the brakes in the wet I was a bit too cautious. Running out of room I headed to the middle of the road, Mike did one better zooming past me. No get offs so once the tin boxes had sort themselves out yet again we proceeded on our journey. The next twenty kilometres or so was terrible. The rain came down in heavy sheets. Water was rushing across the road for the unwary to aquaplane on. It was dangerous but there was nowhere with shelter to pull off so you kept going, which we did all the way to the rally and Mike found our first bit of shelter from the rain, an open roofed shelter like an overgrown car port. We were finally in shelter but all around was drenched. The lower camping ground was a little shallow sea. The upper ground was a series of little creeks trying to find their way to lower ground. Even the shelter had water coming in. It was as William would say “A Definite National tragedy” possibly an exaggeration but we were wet, our gear was wet, the ground was wet
The rain did ease off, though it would return again and again through out the day. Quite miserable and yet rally goers were still turning up. Many uting their bike but still many riding in. Those from the southern and western districts told of fine conditions until about five kilometres from the rally sight. It was even dry in Ballarat! It wasn’t cold though. The three ‘M’s had lunch in the Newstead pub then it was back to the rally ground. We had got some bad news from Grant, he had come off his bike in Melbourne (The most liveable city) and had broken bones, several it would turn out and not only would he not be coming to the rally he would be going to hospital. Ouch, ouch and ouch, very nasty!
Saturday was the ride to Maldon for a light lunch from the bakery. We had a quick look at the various stalls in which I purchased a wind cheater and then the ride left early. We got running and I had a nice time following an old Triumph Tiger of 50’s vintage with great exhaust note and a little girl as pillion. The little girl was a grown woman of good age when we stopped for a brake at Chewton, so much for my judgement. Had a bit of a look at the bikes on the ride immediately near us. We didn’t want to stray too far in case the ride got going again. The roads were always damp but we were not getting rained on though the skies were constantly being threatening. I must repeat this trip one day and actually stop and look around the little villages and old mine workings, it looks very interesting. Off
through Castlemaine and then into the countryside for the back road ride to Maldon. Its good sitting in the gutter eating lunch watching all the bikes arrive and people wandering about checking out the variety of machines. I felt the numbers were down but still plenty of machines to look at. It is actually hard to take it all in. Gary was there on his Bonneville with his other two Triumph twin riding group, as was Graham Bandy (but no bike) but no Peter. So there was no quartet of Harris Matchless, shame about that. Good pacey ride back to the rally ground, passing some Hinkley twins on the way. I have heard that that is a good thing, back at Maldon. Bit more of a look around the place, bit drier than it was yesterday. Looking
at all the wonders that were present, I spotted a new red Commando. The owners declared it shit! Both Roland and I were taken back by his comments and never really recovered from it. It was a real downer. His comments were that it is very mechanically noisy and at times it makes a whirring noise, but it does ride beautifully. I forgot to ask how far he has gone, is it run in etc, all those sort of things and is it what is he used to? You know what I mean - If you rode Japanese multi, changing them every 18 months or so and then got an over engineered Laverda, is it that type of experience, or is it as bad as he was making out? Maybe I will catch up with him next year and will be better prepared to ask all the right questions. Another clear run back to Castlemaine, never had that before. Nice little ride
and then back to the cabin park giving the bike a bit of a squirt under the railway bridge to hear the glorious sound and then into sight of the police with a drug testing facility and about ten uniforms just past the entrance to the cabin park. Boy oh boy did we get a look from Victoria’s finest law enforcement officers. Sunday to pack now or pack after the rally awards? I decided to do it after the awards. We caught some of the awards though I missed most of it as I was partaking in some serious financial dealing, a purchase of a Tri Spark ignition system and single coil for the Norton. I had never bought so much at the All British before. Guess what I didn’t win the door prize bike; in fact no one I knew won it. It was won by a BSA Victoria club member, well fancy that! Oh yes, a Tasmanian did score a win – Grant got the Hard Luck award! On ya mate! Time to leave; so on to Ballarat via Clunes. By golly Ballarat is expanding with new suburbs on the edges. We had our lunch at our usual haunt of the café at Lake Wendouree. My brothers Andrew and Roland were staying another night at Castlemaine so Roland rode with me on the back roads to Ballan, going our separate ways at Greendale. It was a good ride with Bro in tow on the old roads, probably the best ride of the whole rally weekend. Roland returned back to Castlemaine via Blackwood etc and me with a little detour via Korbeit and Bacchus Marsh and then the dreaded highway into that most liveable city again. Soon with Mike’s way of getting to the ferry terminal I was at Port Melbourne with the two ‘M’s already there eating pizza while waiting before joining the queue for the ferry home. I helped them eat the remaining pizza pieces which sort of wrecked my dietary ideas a bit as I had my purchased stuff from Bacchus Marsh which I ate once on board the ferry. Yet again I was put on the top bunk. I think I let it get to me too much as I had a bad brief sleep once again, which wasted another smooth crossing. Oh f#%k it! Early next morning we arrived back to a very dull and gloomy Tasmania. Everything was wet with the possibility of rain. Normally under
such circumstances I would go home via the highway, dull but easy riding but Mick was hoping for help to unload Grants bike and his own at his place, so to be efficient I went via the Frankford highway. Not an enjoyable ride at all. At about the half way mark it started to rain and continued to rain all the way home. Before I could go home I stopped and helped Mick get the two bikes off the ute. One bike looking fine and the other a little battered. Considering Grants injuries the bike seemed to come off significantly better than him. Maybe the bike landed on top of him, which would be bad news for his body but good for the bike. An hour or so later it was Home at last, wet with much of my stuff wet also. I had to unpack the bike and get things in the wash pile or get them dry. Probably have a good soak in the bath to soothe my weary bones and possibly later an afternoon sleep. Maybe things are good after all. Good to be home and good to see the family as William was on school holidays and Ruth was not working. Another British Bike adventure over for another year. See you next year!
vintage registration The VC registration system is known as the “Club Event Registration” The British Motorcycle Club is one of few clubs that are authorised to inspect and administer vehicles operated under the Club Event Registration guidelines. In doing so, we are required to meet certain requirements and the owners/ operators of the vehicles are also expected to abide by the requirements of the system. Failure to comply may leave the club or the operator exposed and considered “unregistered”. There have been various rumours and misconceptions on what can, or can not, be done under the Club Event Registration system. This article aims to clarify some detail. Club Event Registration is attractive to some operators due to the lower annual charges and also the fact that no stamp duty is paid on the first registration ( with the values of some older bikes increasing, this can save substantial money). Below are the details lifted from the State Growth web site” To apply for club event registration you must be a member of an authorised vintage/street rod car club. Vehicles with club event registration are restricted to: • a rally • a trial (not testing the vehicle) • an event conducted by an authorised car club • travelling to and from a place of repairs. For these events the involvement of the vehicles is limited to: • preparing to go • travelling to and from • taking part in. For a vehicle to be classified as: • Vintage - manufactured more than 30 years prior to the date of application • Street rod the body and frame need to have been manufactured more than 30 years prior to the date of application for registration, or, a replica of a body or frame manufactured more than 30 years before the date of application for registration, and modified for safe use.
Club registration
A vintage or street rod club must be approved and recorded with the Registrar of Motor Vehicles at the Registration and Licensing Branch. To do this the club must provide: • their club constitution • submission of dates of at least 2/3 of
the dates and the venues of scheduled rallies (the remainder can be at the club’s discretion) • nomination of qualified scrutineers (names and addresses) • nomination of an acceptable committee person to act as controller of the use of membership vehicles • nomination of a procedure for approving rallies • specification of acceptable internal discipline procedures • a sample of the club’s roadworthiness certificate.
Plates
Vintage cars are recognised by a number plate prefix of VC ****, in blue writing on a white background. Some vintage car plates have special club logos and slogans. Contact 1300 135 513 for further details. Street Rod plates have the prefix “ROD” and 3 numbers (plates have black writing on a white background).
Renewing
When renewing club event registration (vintage/street rod registration) the registered operator is required to provide a declaration signed by an official of their club in order to remain eligible for vintage registration and pay reduced fees.
Transferring
When applying to transfer the registration of a vintage/street rod type of vehicle, the new operator must provide a declaration signed by an official of their club in order to be eligible for vintage registration and pay reduced fees. Transfer fees apply, however vehicles in this category are Duty exempt.
Converting to/from normal registration
If an applicant has a club event registered vehicle and wish to fully register the vehicle they must undertake the procedure for re-issue of registration. The club event registration would be cancelled and a refund issued. If an applicant has a normally registered vehicle and wishes to register the vehicle as a club event registration, the existing registration plates must be surrendered and the registration will be cancelled and refunded. The vehicle can then be registered as a club event registration without conducting an inspection, on production of the required documentation.
You will need to provide
by mick lemon
You will need to undertake the following in person at Service Tasmania shops: • complete an Application for Registration form (MR205) • provide a declaration, signed by a club official who has inspected the vehicle, which: • states the applicant is a member of a vintage car or street rod club approved by the Registrar • identifies the car (eg engine and chassis number), and • states that the vehicle is roadworthy • provide their current Tasmanian photo licence or Full Proof of Identity provide Proof of Entitlement to register the vehicle.
You will receive
• Certificate of Registration • Certificate of Approved Operations (carried in the vehicle at all times) • VC or ROD plates.
Payment
You will need to pay the registration fee. Further clarification after discussions with the department in May • There is no distance limit for “preparing to go” test runs • You need to be in a position where if you have an accident or are pulled over by the Police, that you are preparing for an event. Your MAIB may be denied in the case of an accident if you can not provide evidence of compliance. The Dept advise that the best way to do this is advise a club technical officer that you are going on the test. This may take the shape of a text or email (so that it is writing) – but may also be a phone call (although not such good evidence). • You can attend any event run by any other club authorized to administer club registration IN TASMANIA (eg Vintage Motorcycle Club of Tasmania, Vintage Car Club of Tasmania or Post Vintage Car Club of Tasmania • If you are riding to, or on, an interstate event, you should get this acknowledged on the club calendar • The club Technical Officer contact details are provided in each issue of the British Biker magazine • The annual inspection of the vehicle is to confirm general roadworthiness • The vehicle is required to be equipment to the level that it would have been new. Eg if lights or indicators were fitted new – they must be now.
tassie tour march 19 to 30
T h a n k yo u to a l l t h e o r g a n i s e r s a n d s u p p o rt e r s w h o m a d e t h i s e v e nt a s u c c e s s f o r 2 0 1 7
tassie tour march 19 to 30 by gARY SMITH After 2 years of planning and fine tuning by the committee the tour start date arrived. Day one was our meet and greet day in Ulverstone with a short ride to Leven Canyon for a little test of the bikes and fine tuning of the marshalling system, Day two we headed for our second night on tour at Stanley, people arrived early and took the opportunity to explore Stanley and a few brave souls climbed the nut. Day three we left Stanley early for the 250 km plus side to Strahan, where we spent two nights, some people enjoyed the Gordon river cruise and others rode around the local area, some repaired bikes and others just took it easy on our second night in the committee organized a group BBQ with fresh Huon salmon and salads. Flat tyres and a Vincent Comet dropping a vale were the order of the day. Day four we headed for Derwent Bridge with a stopover at Queenstown for lunch this being only a short ride day of 120 kms most people were at their accommodation around 2pm and took the opportunity to visit Huon pine wall. Day five we moved onto Hobart stopping at Bushy Park where lunch was catered for us by the Bushy Park show committee, riders then made their way into Hobart to find their accommodation and relax for the evening. Day six was set aside for the rally participants to take it easy, visit Salamanca market, and carry out bike repairs if required and tour around Hobart city a static display was held on the lawns at Salamanca between 9 am and 1pm. A rally dinner was also held Saturday evening at the Royal Hobart Yacht club this was enjoyed by all and several of the local club members joining in. Sunday, day seven we rode to Huonville via the channel highway with a coffee stop at Cygnet for some and lunch at Huonville followed by a visit to Huon Aquacultures hatchery at Judbury and a tour of the well boat at Port Huon, Paul and Kerry Dixon also opened their workshop for rally participants to
inspect their collection of bikes. Day eight the rally departed Hobart to meet at Richmond for the daily briefing before moving towards Bicheno for our next stop, rally entrants could be found at almost all stops on the way to Bicheno. Two Kiwis’ and a local bloke were seen on the foot path outside the wool store hotel with the clutch pulled out of blue star B S A. Day nine the rally proceeded towards Scottsdale with a lunch stop at the Welborough hotel, the rally accommodation was split between Scottsdale and Bridport. It has been reported that an unnamed gentleman on a Vincent rode over elephant pass on the way to Bicheno and became involved in a who could out brake each other with 2 Harleys; I believe the Vincent came out on top. Day ten we rode towards Ulverstone
from Scottsdale with people stopping at Georgetown and the Bert Munroe cafe in Exeter, lunch was provided by the Port Sorrel lions club after lunch every one headed to their accommodation at Ulverstone to prepare for dinner and for departure on the spirit of Tassie the next day The final rally dinner was held at the Ulverstone rowing club and was an outstanding success every person who attended enjoyed themselves with plenty of bike talk, good country cooking and a quiet ale or two. This is the fourth Tassie Tour that I have been involved with on the first one my bike did not make it past Ulverstone, Due to work commitments I could only participate for 4 days in 2006. For both the 2013 and 2017 rallies I have been a committee member which I have found to be enjoyable It has also been fantastic to ride in all the rallies, I have been fortunate to meet some wonderful like mined people who have a genuine passion for older motorcycles. Thanks and appreciation goes to all the rally committee, the Port Sorrel lions club, the Bushy Park show society, Royal Hobart Yacht club staff, the baggage boys Whim and George, the backup driver Bullet, John Rettig for leading the committee, and to Peter Bender and Huon Aquaculture for their generous donation and support. The rally is well summed up by Harvey Bowden, in his email to John Rettig Hi John What a laugh. What a blast. What a way to spend one’s retirement. Born again bikers in a born again country. It was a great rally and by far the best I have ever been to. The organising must have been a huge undertaking and to have pulled it off so well was very impressive. Especially the weather down the West Coast. We all enjoyed it immensely so please put us on your list for the next one. I’ll practice up my entertaining skills and get the punch line timing tuned in to after Top Dead Centre. Please pass on our thanks and appreciation to the rest of the committee. All the best Harvey and Marcus
RIDE REPORT BICHENO MAY 21 by MICK LEMON for the 21 May from the north below The calendar was amended for the ride on 21 May at both ends of the State to align with a lunch meeting spot at Bicheno On Saturday the weather was crap and I commented to Pam during the day that I thought there would be few on the ride Sunday as people make their decisions the day before ! Anyway – I decided I was going - come what may as the south had extended their ride to work in with the north Sunday morning was still gloomy – but not raining. A cloud height of about 200 metres – meant I was in and out of clouds as I rode to the usual meet point at the museum at 1000 on the Wee Strom. Martin arrived soon after – dressed for a long ride – but was hoping the rest of us whoosed and he could go home feeling guilt free. No such luck !! Martin had both work and family commitments – so he was going home in any case. Just came down to say Good’ay and see us off. John and Jodi then turned up on the Triumph and I had already organized
to meet Nigel in Perth on his W800. Soooo – four people – 3 bikes. Not bad given the weather and the fact that we had another long ride only a week earlier. We headed straight from Perth to Campbell Town for a cuppa. There I got a message from Matt to say that the southern punters were at Orford and were whoosing out. Not the northerners – we were continuing on and the weather was just holding off. Over the Lake Leake highway, the weather lifted and we had that great view out over the East Coast as we came down. The road had dried and all was good. At the end of Lake Leake Hwy junction – John and Jodi and I swapped bikes for the last 35 km run up to Bicheno. They are toying with ideas on what to replace the Triumph with in the future. I enjoyed the ride on the Triumph. That noise when a triple is accelerating is brilliant! My comments when I got off at Bicheno to John were – well you would be noticing the lack of power (the Wee Strom is only 650) and the light steering – cos I noticed the power and heavy steering of the Triumph! We were in complete
agreement on the differences ! the 1000 Strom would be necessary if doing lots of pillion riding. Soon after stopping at the bakery in Bicheno – we were joined by Adrian Donaldson – who had flown down especially to meet the southern members (joking!) Adrian hails from Queensland, but also has a house in Bicheno, 6 bikes in the museum and is a VMCCT member. Good to meet you Adrian. By the time we were fed, it was time for off. The weather was now perfect and the ride north along the coast is stunning on a day like that. Up Elephant Pass, saw no Elephants – but plenty of spots where there was water and gravel on the road. St Marys had topped the rainfall for the Saturday downpour. Nigel decided to clear the intakes and exhausts on the W800 after Fingal and left us to dodge along enjoying the scenery of the Fingal valley – until he caught him again at Avoca. The sun was low as we headed north up the Midland highway again making it important to stay focused on speed and direction riding into the sun! John/Jodi and I turned off to Longford – avoiding the road works and taking us back into the land of deciduous trees and autumn colours while Nigel was then heading home to Evandale All up – I think I did about 400 kms – a good day out
“Over the Lake Leake highway, the weather lifted and we had that great view out over the East Coast”
14
7
RIDE THE BACKROADS
3
WADDAMANA POWER STATION
DUAL SPORT RIDE
8
WEST TAMAR & BURT MUNRO CAFE. OLD BIKE RUN
10
RIDERS CHOICE
13
RIDERS CHOICE
9
DISPLAY DAY
DEC
LUNCH AT BRIDPORT
D 3 SCOTTSDALE LOOP
NOV
10
12 N 5 WESTBURY STEAM SPECTACULAR
OCT
O 1 GUNNS PLAINS LOCALE
SEP
S
AUG
A 6
JUL
J 2
JUN
RIDERS CHOICE
11
ST HELENS
LILYDALE AND SURROUNDS OLD BIKE RUN
9
2
DELORAINE 50’S DINNER MT ROLAND & GOG RANGE
DUAL SPORT RIDE - NE SEALD & GRAVEL ROADS
12
STRAHN OVERNIGHTER WITH BMCT SOUTH
11-12
8
WESTBURY VMCCT ANNUAL LUNCH
5
5
J 4
MAY
M
APR
A
MAR
M
FEB
F
JAN
SATURDAY J 31 RIDERS CHOICE
17
CRADLE MOUNTAIN
DELORAINE
17-20
NATIONAL ROYAL EBFIELD RALLY
WHITE HILLS - EVANDALE OLD BIKE RUN
15
17
BOTHWELL
20
16
18
21
16
EVANDALE - OLD BIKE RUN TAS RALLY ULVERSTONE
19
WINGS AND THINGS DISPLAY
19 GEORGETOWN
14 SATURDAY
BRIDPORT SHOW AND SHINE
24
ROSS RALLY OVERNIGHTER
25-26
22
24
PEPPERMINT BAY WITH VMCCT
27
23
RIDERS CHOICE
25
LONGFORD & SURROUNDS OLD BIKE RUN
28
ALL BRITISH RALLY VICTORIA
22-23
26
26
22
BEAUTY POINT - FISH & CHIPS OLD BIKE RIDE
30 SATURDAY
PORT ARTHUR OVERNIGHTER
28-29
BRASS MONKEY GREAT LAKE HOTEL
30
PUB IN THE PADDOCK OVERNIGHTER
29-30
HOLWELL GORGE BEAUTY POINT
29
6
WEDNESDAY
22
WEDNESDAY
TWILIGHT
28
31
26
29
25
27
30
25
28
AGM
28
27
TUESDAY
BMCT NORTH CALENDAR 2017
BRITISH MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF TASMANIA INC.
The Secretary, C/o South Hobart Post Office, South Hobart 7004 Tasmania Email: secretary@bmctas.com The British Motorcycle Club of Tasmania encourages the restoration and safe riding of British and other manufactured Motorcycles. Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at the Tasmanian Fire Station - Social Club Rooms - Argyle Street Hobart.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION I wish to become a member of the British Motorcycle Club of Tasmania (Inc.) and agree, if accepted, to be bound by the Rules, Constitution, By-Laws or Directions designed to further the interests of Club Members. This includes attending the next scheduled club meeting to introduce myself and be welcomed as a club member. Name: Address:
Phone: Mobile: Email:
British Motorcycles owned:
Other Motorcycles owned: Date: Signature: EFT transaction details: Annual Membership Fee: $40-00 Use surname only for identification
BSB: 807-009 Account No: 51101523
Office use only: The above named person is known to us and we believe him/her to be a suitable person to be elected as a member of the British Motorcycle Club of Tasmania (Inc.) Proposer: Seconder: Approved:
SLOW BIKE RUN
SALMON PONDS
7
ADVENTURE BAY
FATHERS DAY - SHORT RIDE
SLOW BIKE RUN
12
8
10
13
9
11
14
BBQ - LONGLEY HOTEL
10 D 2 TOY RUN DEC 3 COMBINED CHRISTMAS
NOV
N 5 TAHUNE AIRWALK
OCT
O 1 PETCHEYS BAY - CYGNET
SEP
S 3 RICHMOND
AUG
A 6 SLOW BIKE RUN & BBQ
JUL
2 J ORFORD
JUN
J 4 TAROONA - TINDERBOX -
MAY
M
APR
9
12
5
CLUB BBQ
WHEELS IN THE PARK
11-12
8
STRAHN OVERNIGHTER WITH BMCT NORTH
GEEVESTON
5
A 2 KETTERING - BRUNY -
MAR
M
FEB
F
JAN
J 1 RIDERS CHOICE
17
NATIONAL PARK - SLOW BIKE RUN
19
ENFIELD RALLY DELORAINE
ORFORD
15
17
SALMON PONDS - HAMILTON
20
BOTHWELL
16
RIDERS’ CHOICE ON THE DAY
18
KEPTON - ELDERSLIE BRIGHTON
21
BICHENO - MEET NORTHERN MEMBERS
16
V.P.’S CHOICE
19
EVANDALE BMCT NORTH TAS RALLY - ULVERSTONE
MEET THE RIDERS - HOBART
16 THURSDAY TASMANIA RALLY
15
SANDFORD - SOUTHARM
24
ROSS RALLY OVERNIGHTER
25-26
22
24
PEPPERMINT BAY WITH VMCCT
27
23
25
28
PUB IN THE PADDOCK OVERNIGHTER
22-23
TASMANIA RALLY
26 GEEVSTON
NUBEENA “BETTER HALF” RUN
26
22
31
PORT ARTHUR - OVERNIGHT WITH NORTHERN MEMBERS
28
GREAT LAKE - MEET NORTHERN MEMBERS
30
SOUTHPORT “INVITE A FRIEND” RUN
29
24
FRIDAY
27
FRIDAY
29
FRIDAY
28
FRIDAY
24
FRIDAY
24
FRIDAY
FRIDAY
27
TWILIGHT
28
31
26
29
25
27
30
25
28
AGM
28
27
TUESDAY
BMCT SOUTH CALENDAR 2017