THE
BRITISH BIKER OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE BRITISH MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF TASMANIA inc.
AUTUMN EDITION : FEBRUARY 2014
“NO ONE KNOWS YOUR P A S S I O N L I K E S H A N N O N S.”
The passion, the pride of ownership, the sheer emotional attachment – no one understands it better than Shannons. So when it comes to insurance for your special car, daily drive, bike or even your home, there’s only one person you should talk to – a fellow enthusiast at Shannons. And remember, you can pay your premium by the month at no extra cost. quote on 13 46 46.
So call Shannons for a
INSURANCE FOR MOTORING ENTHUSIASTS | CALL 13 46 46 FOR A QUOTE | SHANNONS.COM.AU Shannons Pty Limited ABN 91 099 692 636 is an authorised representative of AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807, the product issuer. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Contact us for a copy.
“NO ONE KNOWS YOUR P A S S I O N L I K E S H A N N O N S.”
The passion, the pride of ownership, the sheer emotional attachment – no one understands it better than Shannons. So when it comes to insurance for your special car, daily drive, bike or even your home, there’s only one person you should talk to – a fellow enthusiast at Shannons. And remember, you can pay your premium by the month at no extra cost. So call Shannons for a
quote on 13 46 46.
INSURANCE FOR MOTORING ENTHUSIASTS | CALL 13 46 46 FOR A QUOTE | SHANNONS.COM.AU Shannons Pty Limited ABN 91 099 692 636 is an authorised representative of AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807, the product issuer. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Contact us for a copy.
official newsletter of
THE BRITISH motorcycle club of tasmania CONTACT Please address all correspondence including membership inquiries to: The BMCT Secretary c/o South Hobart P.O Tasmania. 7004 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.
office bearers President
Casey Overeem
M: 0418 128 787 E: overeemc@hotmail.com
Vice President
Gary Smith
M: 0407 870 493
North West VP
Ken Jupp
Secretary
John Rook
M: 0427 718 447 H: 03 6229 2961 E: bmctsecretary@hotmail.com
Tresurer/Public Officer
Nigel Reid
M: 0417 585 954 H: 03 6265 1237
Librarian
Dick Jones
Magazine Editors
Owen Smith
M: 0400 912 650 E: owenandrhonda@internode.on.net
Webpage
Owen Smith and Gary Smith
M: 0400 912 650 E: owenandrhonda@internode.on.net
Clubman Records
Rob Walch
M: 0417 514 450 E: robert@walchoptics.com.au
Technical Officers
Ken Hall Jim McCulloch John Rettig Ken Jupp
H: 03 6265 9017 H: 03 6249 8731 H: 03 5267 2510 H: 03 6437 2209
Club Auditors
Francis Hall Casey Overeem
Committee Members
Peter Jones John Rettig Gary Smith Rob Walch
www.britishmotorcycleclubtas.com
Nuts&bolts
Welcome to the 2014 Autumn Edition of our newsletter, the first for this calendar year. The attendance at early runs has been very encouraging and it’s great to see so many enjoying these varied outings. Our club AGM was held in February and a new committee has been elected. Details of all office bearers are listed on the inside front cover of this magazine. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who gave their support over the last twelve months. It was with regret that we learnt that Gary Rizzolo, our magazine and webpage man has moved to Melbourne; all the best Gary. His tasks have been taken over by Owen Smith, assisted by Gary Smith. Thanks guys for putting your hand up for these challenging roles. We trust that the membership will continue to forward material and reports for the magazine. Another highlight for this quarter was the bi-annual Richmond Motorcycle Display, which saw approximately 45 magnificent machines displayed for public viewing. The event was well attended and is an excellent fundraiser for the club. A raffle for a motorbike embossed shoulder bag donated by Jess Rettig raised $276. These shoulder bags are available for purchase. Contact John for details. Hope to see you on the ‘Pub in the Paddock Rally’ on the 12th April. Casey Overeem, BMCT President.
2 DECEMBER 2013
Ride TO &
ORFORD TRIABUNNA
NOT OFFICIALLY A BMCT RIDE BUT AS THERE WAS ONLY ONE VMCT MEMBER, ITS NOW OURS...
The promise of a fine weather drew a small but enthusiastic crowd for a Mystery Ride. Philip organised the troops and we were off to Triabunna for Fish and Chips. Those that did the ride were Philip Clark - BMW, Mark Osbourne - BMW, Gary Rizzolo - Triumph Bonnie, Kim Bolwell - Honda Four, Ian Bond - Triumph Thruxton, Owen Smith - Triumph Thruxton, Jack and Kath England - Triumph Thunderbird and Ken Vout - Triumph America. We had a good straight ride up to Triabunna with the odd car and ute on the road. Just before Orford, Owen made a man and bike size cut-out through a swarm of bees, clearing the way for the rest of us. Lucky he was wearing his full-face helmet that day. Lunch was fantastic at the Chippie Van and we decided to ride to Orford for Coffee - which was good - so good in fact that it should be a standard stop over on the East coast rides. The return had a bit more traffic but it was a relaxed runthrough Richmond and home. Gary Rizzolo
AGM
&
President's Report
Casey congratulates Dick Jones on his Life Membership
The club AGM was held in February with a number of changes in office bearers, the full details of which can be found at the front of this issue. Both Casey Overeem and John Rook agreed to stay in their respective President and Secretary roles. The 2013 Clubman of the Year was announced by Rob Walch and for the second year running, Gary Rizzolo was the worthy recipient (followed closely by Peter Bender).
New BMCT Life Members The AGM provides the opportunity for the nomination of particular club members for the granting of BMCT Life Membership. This year, longterm members Dick Jones and Don Lowe were nominated and both were enthusiastically supported by all present at the meeting. Congratulations gents and well done on your long association with the club.
President’s Report The year started off with the usual January and February rallies which were good trial runs for the upcoming Big Rally and were very well attended. A lot of focus was on the upcoming ‘Tassie Tour 2013’. Last March saw the fruition of over 18 months preparation come together as the rally got underway. The Tassie Tour (pre-1965 bikes) was a highlight for our club in 2013 and was attended by around 120 people from all parts of Australia. It was also well attended by our own members and was a most successful event thoroughly enjoyed by all. Club rallies have been well attended this year with some events having up to 35 participants. This is a good sign as the membership is also steadilly increasing. Its been a mixed bag as far as weekend rallies has been concerned. There were several overnight runs organised, but sadly either due to inclement weather or lack of interest none of these went ahead. Let’s hope this year we can string a couple of these usually very enjoyable runs together. Another highlight for the year is the annual Ross Rally, run by the Vintage Club. It was anticipated to include camping and the oval the night before, but due to rain this was cancelled at a club level although a small number still pushed ahead. Weather wasn’t kind to the event for the first time in a decade but it was still quite well attended with approximately 250 bikes displayed. I would like to express my gratitude to the many members who have contributed much to the successful running of the club this year. As reported in the last edition of Nuts & Bolts a special thanks to Nigel for his continued contribution as Treasurer and also for the provision of the Fire Station Social Rooms and his dedication to opening it each week and running the bar. Thanks to Gary Rizzolo for the huge amount of work he put into the club magazine ably assisted by Rob Walch with his many contributions as well as keeping clube records, also the many others who contribute to the content of the magazine. Thank you to John Rook for his secreterial skills and the work that he has put in. All in all, a good and successful year fo the club. Casey Overeem, BMCT President.
BMCT & VMCT 8 DECEMBER 2013 CHRISTMAS BBQ DAVID and Karen Moore's ROACHES BEACH
‘Master of the steaks’ - Howard Burrows cooks up a storm!
A pre-Christmas gathering at David Moore’s place on a warm and sunny day in early December saw members from both clubs enjoy each other’s company and some great food. Many thanks to David and Karen for their generous hospitality. Owen Smith
MT WELLINGTON and BBQ - PETER JONES' Drizzle and intermittent showers worked against a rapid blast over the mountain. Therefore, at a more measured pace, members met up for a cuppa and interesting look at the Channel Museum before heading off to Peter Jones’ place for a BBQ. Despite Gary Rizzolo’s best efforts to get some of us lost on the way, we all eventually made it to Peter’s where a great spread was laid out and the man himself already at work at the hotplate. Good company and great feed. Many thanks to both Peter and Ida for their great food and hospitality.
22 DECEMBER 2013
vv
Ride To
south ARM 5 JANUARY 2014 A special visitor was mixing in the crowd at Salamanca checking out the bikes from the BMCT and IMC. He was none other than Stan Dibben, exNorton racer and World Champion. Luckily Paul Dickson decided to ride his ‘Fastback’ as it was the only Norton representative present on the day. The weather was perfect and 18 of us rode down to South Arm via Rifle Range Rd. The view of Frederick Henry Bay from the ridge was stunning. We arrived at the ‘Iron Pot Coffee Lounge’ and enjoyed the hot drinks and nibbles, relaxing and chatting in the warm sunshine. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw home-made chocolate crackles in the display counter. Took me straight back to me childhood. The home run was via South Arm Rd with very little traffic about. People peeled off in different directions the closer to home they got. A perfect days ride. . .well it was for me. . .my first solo ride with the club. Paul Dickson chats to former Norton racer and 1953 FIM Sidecar World Champion Stan Dibben. Riding with Eric Oliver, they became the last Englishmen to win a world championship on a British motorcycle.
Riders: Wal Ingram - BMW R75, David Branch - Suzuki 650GR, Gary Rizzolo - Triumph Bonneville, Rob & Debbie Avery - ‘73 Triumph T160, Paul Dickson - ‘72 Norton Fastback, Kerry Dickson - ‘58 Triumph Thunderbird, Jim McCulloch - Indian Enfield, Howard Burrows - BMW R25, Ian Bond - ‘04 Triumph Thruxton, Jack & Kathy England - Triumph Bonneville, Dave Sowerby - BSA A65, Bert Pepper - BMW R65LS, Roger McLennan - Kawasaki W650, Adrian Keil - Harley Davidson, Phil Sanger - Triumph T160 (visitor), Peter Jones - Toyota! Article by Kerry Dickson
Ride To
Swansea A mix of both BMCT and Vintage club members headed off for the East Coast in fine summer weather with a number not holding back on the largely clear road to Orford. After a caffine hit at Orford, some chose to return to town while around half a dozen continued on to Swansea, aiming for a feed at the Bark Mill. The road in and out of Swansea did not disappoint with some great opportunities to blow the cobwebs out. The zenor diode on Gary Rizollo’s T120 packed it in near ‘Bustme-Gall’ hill but was soon on the road again with the help of a cable tie. Overall a good run. Riders included: Mark Osbourne - BSA Firebird, Owen Smith - Triumph Thruxton, Peter Bender - Triumph X75, Casey Overeem - Triumph TR6, Jack Overeem - 750 Commando, Cesidio Tucceri - BSA B50, John Pauly - Kwaka W800, Simon Beard - Triumph T120, Adrian Keil - Shovel Head HD, Dave Sowerby - BMW R65LS, Bert Pepper BMW R65LS, Philip Clark - BMW K100RS, Roger Handsworth - Honda 125, Gary Rizzolo - Triumph T120, Francis Bender - New Bonny, Bill Frodsham - Triumph T150, Jerry Scott - New Bonny, Neil Darvell - BMW R80, Jim McCulloch - Indian 500, Jan Blyton - Triumph Tiger 800, Rob Walch and Jen Jones - BMW R100S. Article by Owen Smith.
Peter Bender’s new X75 gets plenty of attention
A cable tie gets Gary Rizollo’s T120 back on the road near ‘Bust-me-gall’ hill
2 FEBRUARY 2014
Two Reports
NATIONAL park
Forecast to be a day with temperatures in the mid 30’s, I actually thought twice about going on the ride. At least one of our fellow riders decided not to go. After a little persuasion, Eugene decided he would ride with me on the B33. We left home and headed down to the fire station to meet up with the rest of the members. Going down Davey St, Eugene waves for me to pull over as the muffler had come adrift. After shoving it back into position we made our way to the fire station to tighten up a few things. As we were doing our repairs, everyone else took off towards Bushy Park leaving us to catch up. As we were just heading into Bushy Park, Neil Darvell had come to a halt on the A50. After a plug change and no improvement we noticed that the brake light was flicking on and off. A close inspection revealed a damaged wire. The brake light was disconnected and the A50 purred away for the rest of the day with no problems. We had the compulsory stop at Bushy Park for coffee, National Park for lunch before heading out through Gretna/Rosegarland and home via the Boyer road. Howard mentioned that the BMW was on a hit and miss mission on the way down Boyer road, but with a bit of pressure on the ignition switch the bike ran well. New switch needed Howard? A great day was had by all. The crew were: Neil Darvell - BSA A50, Mark Osborne - BSA B31, Howard Burrows - BMW 250, Peter Bender - BMW R75, Jim McCulloch - Indian Enfield, Dave Sowerby - BMW R65, Bert Pepper - BMW R65, Gary Smith - Triumph 650, Eugene Smith - BSA B33, Phil Clarke BMW K100, Bruce Goodrick - ?, Robert Joseph - ?, Bill Frodsham - ?, Allan Woodward - ?, Dave Branch - ?. Article by Gary Smith Gary carries out pre-run repairs to a wayward muffler.
A good turnout at Salamanca for the popular run to National Park with a forecast of warm to hot weather. We all set off up the western side of the river to New Norfolk with a coffee break at Bushy Park. The usual suspects on big bikes disappeared, leaving a small group to bring up the rear. Just short of B.Pk, Neil Darvell’s beautiful A50 decided to give him the silent treatment. Several members of the ‘brains trust’ stopped and the clue of a flickering brake light led us to a loose switch and frayed wire. A simple fix and 10 minutes later it was off to coffee. The ride from B.Pk to National Park was as enjoyable as ever with a great road following the Tyenna River. The staff at the N.Pk visitor centre coped well with the sudden influx and we all ended up well fed and watered. While a homeward route through Hamilton was discussed, the day was really heating up and it was decided to head back along the eastern side of the Derwent through Rosegarland, New Norfolk, Boyer and Bridgewater. A good run, good company and a good day. Article by Mark Osborne.
-------CENTRE FOLD --------
The 2014
Classic
Bike Show Richmond
At the club meeting just a couple of weeks before the show, there seemed to be no more than half a dozen bikes committed to this event. However, Howard Burrows was supremely confident that it would all come together and sure enough, on the day the bikes just kept arriving. On the back of vans, trailers and utes and others delivered with riders atop, a fine collection of machines representing over a century of engineering was carefully assembled in the Richmond Town Hall. Thanks must go to all the volunteers who manned the door during the day and kept the bikes safe each night of the long weekend. The show proved to be very popular with tourists and locals alike with many drawn to the door by Gary Smith’s well timed kickstarting of an old BSA.
A device to enable the operator of a machine to know how fast she or he is traveling, became a desirable thing to have by about 1920. The common car solution from the 20s to the 90s, was to spin a magnet inside a bell shaped housing against a spring with a needle attached. All was good, except early versions were a bit large for use on a motorcycle. The other problem with running a precision speed measuring device on a motorcycle - the environment was a bit on the harsh side. . (and still is).
Along came SMITHS! English clock makers, familiar with creating small robust things at a sensible price. But the challenge was, to convert the rotation of a shaft, spinning at a speed proportional to a motorcycle wheel, to move a dial through 270 degrees of arc uniformly between 0 and about 100mph ish + or - 20. (The conversion of speed to displacement). Simple really… just allow the needle to be wound as far as possible in ¾ of a second, grab the needle, reset the mechanism, and go again.
Bread and butter for a clock maker (well at least the ¾ of a second bit was). However the needle needed to be grabbed whilst the mechanism was being reset, and let go about when the time was nearly up. This only took 3 brake levers operated by cams, an integrator wheel, a recorder wheel, and a stabiliser wheel, and half a dozen springs. Oh, and a rocking lever!! The Clock bit for the ¾ of a second, was a direct result of the problem faced by early navigators, ie in 1700 ish, when there was a need for a clock to run on a moving platform, eg a boat. This discounted the pendulum option, and led to the invention of a spring controlled rocking mechanism and an escapement.
Handy for Captain Cook, miniaturised and made very robust and reliable over the next 2 centuries, just in time to be perched on the top of a motorcycle steering head by Smiths.
The use of the name “integrator� for the wheel that actually converts constant spinning motion (velocity) to displacement (distance) of a needle, is due to the relationship being described as an integration in differential calculus. Amazingly, it was the industry standard for over 30 years, and was used by all and sundry from Bantam to Brough, and it worked. The other amazing thing with these tiny mechanisms, is that they have generally survived, and can be repaired and made to work again. Many have big numbers shown on their odometers. Whoever it was who designed this mechanism, had good reason to have a warm inner glow, and general feeling of satisfaction on the evening after he or she came up with the Chronometric! BY ROBERT WALCH
BRITISH MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF TASMANIA INC.
The Secretary, C/o South Hobart Post Office, South Hobart 7004 Tasmania 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. Name: Address:
Phone:
Mobile:
Email: Family Membership:
YES / NO
British Motorcycles owned:
Other Motorcycles owned: Date:
Signature:
Annual Membership Fee:
$35-00
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: Approved:
Seconder:
DUNALLEY
PORT ARTHUR OVERNIGHT
5-6
DERBOX
TAROONA BLACKMANS BAY, TIN-
TREE
KEMPTON, BOTHWELL HOLLOW
OATLANDS
DEC
14
9
OLLIE BOLLEN FESTIVAL TBA
11-12
14
10
13
MT WELLINGTON BBQ P JONES
21
BENDIGO SWAP MEET
15-16
19
WESTERWAY HAMILTON
21
CHANNEL CIRCUIT
16
RICHMOND
20
28
CAMPING ON CARPARK AREA
ROSS RALLY
22-23
GEEVESTON TAHUNE
26
MAYDENA TIGER TRAIL
28
24
27
22
25
ALL BRITISH RALLY-NEWSTEAd vIc
25-26-27-28
23
23
30
30
31
29
FERNTREE LONGLEY WOODBRIDGE
3o
17
12
15
17
13
6
9
MIDWEEK
NO MEETING
25
28
30
26
29
24
27
29
25
AGM
25
MEETING
28
RUN DESTINATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE ON THE DAY. SUNDAY START POINT IS KENNEDY LANE 10AM. OTHER DAYS MEET AT FIRE STATION, MELVILLE STREET (OUTSIDE). NOTE: IF SALAMANCA IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. MEET AT FIRE STATION
TOY RUN TBA - cHRISTmAS BBq
D 6-7
NOV
STRATHGORDON
N 2
OCT
O 5
SEP
S 7
AUG
A 3
JUL
J
LOWER MARSHES JERICHO
15
QUEENS BIRTHDAY LONG WEEKEND
SORELL LEWISHAM DODGES FERRY.
7-8-9
1
J
JUN
18
EASTER WEEKEND
18-19-20-21
BREAM CREEK SHOW TBA
15-16
CHANNEL CIRCUIT
11
ORFORD
13
LONG WEEKEND
8-9-10
DOVER VIA POLICE POINT
MAY
M 4
APR
A 6
MAR
RICHMOND BIKE SHOW/DISPLAY
M 28-1-2
OATLANDS VIA EVENDALE
16
NATIONAL PARK
9
2
25-26-27
F
18-19
FEB
12 SWANSEA/SOUTH EASTERN RALLY - SAT AUSTRALIA DAY LONG WEEKEND
5
SOUTH ARM
jan
J
bmct 2014 calendar