BMCT January 2017 by Daniel Teague

with contr ibutions from th e

Vintage

motorcycle clu b of tasmania

SUMMER EDITION JANUARY 2017

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- bmctsecretary@hotmail.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

John Menezies

M: 0418 297 234 E: mezzabolicsteroids@gmail.com

Vice President

Daniel Teague

M: 0408 308 676 E: izzythedan@gmail.com

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

Daniel Teague

M: 0408 308 676 E: izzythedan@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

Club Auditors

Casey Overeem Francis Hall

Committee Members

Rob Walch Gary Smith John Rettig Peter Jones

H: 03 5267 2510 H: 03 6249 8731 H: 03 6265 9017

www.bmctas.com

Nuts&bolts

President's Report

Hello Moto Scoundrels, Well, 2016 was pretty good for the British Motorcycle club of Tasmania with many changes and additions. VMCCT are now contributors to our already great magazine along with extra articles from our BMCT lads up north. The year saw some great rides and interactions with great friendships made. We scooted all around our great state seeing some picturesque country and pristine (and not so pristine) roads. The outgoing year saw paid members go from around 80 to over 100 and the trend looks set to continue. I think this is a great reflection of the friendliness and inclusiveness of our group. The age range is expanding with more younger members getting on board and I hope over the next year we’ll see greater diversity in our demographics.

like to thank all those who showed support, said nice things and bought me a beer or two. I’ll still be involved with the club coming on as many rides as possible. Most of all I’d like to thank those invaluable blokes who put up their hand to help out within the club. Roles both official and unofficial were tackled with panache and good humour. I’m looking forward to a good 2017 with you ‘orrible lot. Keep safe. John Menezies Outgoing President

2016 brought us a new website with a bright new look, better connectivity with the world and a dash of BMCT fun. (bmctas.com, tell your friends) The 2017 calendar will see some new concepts including VP’s choice, Secretary’s choice and an ‘Invite a friend’ ride. Although I hope we’re pretty good at inviting friends already. Unfortunately 2017 brings me new challenges it is with regret I’ll be standing down as club President. It was not a decision taken lightly and for a long while I was fully keen to do a second year. I’d Exit stage left...

Distinguished Gentleman's ride 25 september

The Distinguished Gentlemans ride is an international charity event for classic and vintage styled motorcycles that raises awareness and funds for the Movember foundations mens health programs. On Sunday September the 5th, more than 50,000 dapper riders in over 500 cities across 90 countries united for the world’s largest motorcycling charity event upon their classic and vintage styled motorcycles. Hobart was no exception. Around 100 riders met near Richmond to admire both motorcycles and outfits and share a tale or two. There was tweed, pinstripe suits, shiny shoes, starched shirts, smart hats and the occasional waxed moustache on the incumbent riders. The bikes ranged from vintage to modern classic with no sports bikes. A briefing was given as we sipped delicious coffees and munched on toasted sandwiches. Then when the timing was right we trundled off in formation. The pace was slow but the camaraderie high with grins adorning faces.

We stopped for another coffee and chat half way and then proceeded into Hobart city. Some parts of the group broke up, heading different ways as Salamanca and beers called. Bikes revved and throttles twisted as we arrived at the Pub. Bikes added up at our designated parking spot hemming many in. But nobody cared they couldn’t get out. We chatted, drank and had fun knowing we’d done our part to raise money for a worthwhile cause. I’d thoroughly recommend registering for and turning up in 2017 to this well run event. The BMCT lads who took part will certainly be there again and it’d be good to have an even bigger club presence next time. www.gentlemansride.com John Menezies

orford

02 october

The Great Stanely october overnighter Stories from the North The much awaited Saturday had arrived as I parted the curtains to be greeted with thick fog. Hmmm, hard to assess the weather but I had faith in the weather man and sure enough it wasn’t long before the fog had burned off to reveal a beautiful blue sky, light winds and the promise of a fantastic days ride ahead. After a cup of coffee, some wonderful BLT’s courtesy of Melanie and some last minute preparations, it wasn’t long before we were winding our way up the West Tamar towards town and the Museum. It was such a glorious morning I couldn’t resist pulling over and getting a shot from Bradys Lookout back down the river. It wasn’t long before we were pulling into the carpark where several of the expeditioners had already gathered with the others not being far behind. The clan included Wayne on the Indian Scout, Nigel on the Kawasaki W800, Mick on his 1000cc V-Strom, John & Jodi on an 955cc Triumph Tiger , Steve and Adele on their mobile lounge BMW K1200LT and Myself and Melanie on the BMW R90S. After a brief chat and couple of snaps including one of Melanie doing her sunscreen in Steve’s dressing room which is behind his lounge, we set off through town getting split up somewhat before regrouping once on the Meander Valley Road for the ride through to Deloraine. Now it was once on this road I started thinking about getting another full face helmet. I’m such a gentleman lending my full face helmet to Melanie, ok I’ll admit it, I drew the short straw ;) and was relegated to the open face for the duration of the trip. On the section of road between Hadspen and Deloraine it seemed all the small insects in the area had decided to end their short lives prematurely on the face of one advancing Beema rider. Thankfully once outward bound from Deloraine they’d all but disappeared and it remained this way for the rest of the day. The Western Tiers looked splendid in the morning light. On arrival in Deloraine it wasn’t long before Tim joined us on his BMW F800GS and then it was just Ian to come. I checked my phone and had a text message from him. ‘I’ve had a small accident but will still be there’. Well this does get the mind racing doesn’t it. Had he come off on a corner, been rear ended by some dufous texting while driving, or

perhaps rear ended someone himself ! All these scenarios where going through my mind but thankfully the accident hadn’t actually involved riding the bike. He had in the process of using a hand pump broken the handle and speared a section of it into his throttle hand. It was well plastered when he arrived on his Triumph Tiger 1050. He’d reckoned it definitely needed stitches but not wanting to miss out on the ride had patched it up best he could and hoped for the best. I could see evidence of the severity of the wound starting to weep through already. That’s dedication right there. From Deloraine the real fun began. Our intended route up around the back of Mt Roland had been foiled by the floods and washed away roads so after passing through Mole Creek it was up and over the Gog Range which is a really fun bit of road and just a warm up for the amount of corners we were to endure throughout the day. After crossing the range it was then up along the tops of the hills through the Promised Land where Mt Roland posed formidably watching our progress for a good part of the journey. It really is a wonderful looking mountain and can be seen from all over the area. Past the Village of Lower Crackpot where children were busy stomping around pretending to be giants in the land of the little people. Bends, bends and more bends, down through the fern laden hills and down even further into the depths of the valley before crossing the Forth River downstream of Cethana Dam and then pointing our steeds skyward once more for the climb up and out and on to the Cradle Forest Inn at Moina for lunch. We had a table booked for the lot of us and it wasn’t long before we were tucking into a well earned meal, and enjoying a good chin wag. I hadn’t been in there before but the nice atmosphere of the place coupled with friendly and helpful staff means I’ll be back again next time I’m through that way. From Moina our destination was Table Cape but the route I had chosen was anything but straight forward and I’d picked sealed roads with plenty of bends, fantastic scenery and little traffic. Some of the roads the others had never been on or indeed didn’t even know they existed. I myself had only explored through this area on a couple of previous occasions but had my cheat sheet stuffed in

behind the screen so I could sneak the odd glance and be sure of the way. Places we took in included, Wilmot, Upper Castra, South Preston and Gunns Plains. Coming up out of Gunns Plains we pulled over at the lookout to stretch the limbs and take in views back towards the Central Highlands. We really couldn’t have been blessed with better riding weather. It was just fantastic. I think everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves, I know I was. Time was getting on though and it was realised there was still a way to go and plenty more corners to negotiate. On through South Riana , Upper Natone and on towards Hampshire. It was on this section of road that Myself, Melanie and Ian had broken away from the group a little. Coming up over a rise in the road I was greeted with a motorbike coming up the wrong side of the road which had me totally bamboozled and reaching for brakes for a few seconds before I realised it was some kid on a dirt bike that then veered off on to the verge still coming at us on the wrong side though. At the Hampshire turn off we pulled over and it wasn’t too long before everyone was regrouped and we could start the run towards the coast. From here on in there was also a lot less of the sharp corners to contend with, particularly those ones we love that are covered in gravel. I think everyone was happy to relax a bit and not concentrate so much. But as with all good rides this is where things went a little haywire for a while. The plan was to intersect

the coast at Camdale. At Ridgely we pulled over to make sure the tail enders took the right road towards Camdale. No problems there. Steve and Adele told me they needed fuel and then took off first with the rest of us following. Nigel was to overtake not too far down the road shortly before we made the left turn towards Camdale. So now I had two in front, Ian behind and I assumed the others behind Ian. From here we never saw Steve and Adele again until our accommodation in Stanley. Talking later it seems they were a step ahead of us the whole time and even had time for a beer in the pub before we arrived. After reaching the coast and heading West I managed to miss the turnoff to Table Cape, probably because the sign only said Wynyard, and had to make a u turn. A couple of others had followed and by this time there was bikes going in all directions. By some stroke of luck we were finally all regrouped, apart from Steve and Adelle that is, and arrived at the same petrol station to rehydrate some of the machines. From here it was out to Table Cape for some pictures of the view, alas too late for coffee at the Tulip Farm but well worth the trip around the Cape just the same on such a glorious afternoon. Once back on the Hwy it was every man for himself for the run to Stanley. We had agreed to meet up at the lookout for some shots of the bikes in the afternoon light. I still don’t know how we

managed to lose Ian who was out in front apparently, but we were already booked into our accommodation by the time he was to show his face again. We got settled in and shortly after it was time to head to the pub for a refreshing ale or two and possibly the best crumbed scallops I’d ever eaten. The end to a fantastic day of riding. What would tomorrows ominous weather forecast bring? 0615, rain, heavy rain and wind, bugger, oh I’ll just roll over and go back to sleep. 0700 my alarm goes off and I can’t hear any wind or rain. Time to summit the awe inspiring Nut. We had arranged a 0730 rendezvous out front of the accommodation for those brave enough to tackle the challenge. Boots check, crampons check, ice axe check, rope and carabiners check, camera check. Melanie and I weren’t really expecting anyone else to turn up but low and behold if Mick and Tim weren’t all jeed up and ready to go. John and Jodi had expressed keen interest, so a quick call to John confirmed he’d be coming. The five of us set off at a leisurely pace, conserving energy of course, and it wasn’t long before the steepest part of the ascent was burning calf muscles. John and I stopped for a breather, looking back to find Jodi running after us, well running till she hit the hill. Apparently she was just not ready to tackle such a imposing peak until she’d finished downing her Weetbix. The six of us made our way slowly but surely to the top,

with the odd stop for photos and to catch our breath. We had made it to the main lookout over town where we gathered under overcast sky’s to take in the fabulous surrounds. I can’t quite recall when it happened, probably scrambled my brain, but it was I think as we were standing in a loose circle chatting and in high spirits. Ka Boom…..There was an almighty flash from the heavens above and a single bolt of lightning shot from the sky. I kid you not, a spark shot around the lot of us with the quite audible clack of electricity which we all felt. Quite frankly it put the wind up the lot of us and I can honestly say, when someone says they nearly crapped themselves, I know what their talking about now !! Bloody Nora, that was the closest I’ve ever been to being hit I reckon. And you lot thought I was joking about the formidable Nut and how some might not make it back !! We all stood around with no where to hide for a minute or two in shock, literally, before Melanie and Jodi hightailed it back down to town. The other four of us bravely, or (insert other), pressed on as the cloud responsible seemed to have blended back in with the rest and moved out to sea. The rest of the Nut circuit was completed with clenched butt cheeks but with no further electrical disturbances. We did however meet a couple of fellows coming the other way with wild looking hair and silly grins plastered on their faces. Yes, they experienced the same thing. It wasn’t till we were safe and sound back home that Melanie told me she had noticed Jodi’s hair rise to attention just before the bolt, a proven indicator to drop to the earth. After gathering the mob and checking out, it was to be a fairly straight forward run through to the Beach Hut Cafe in Ulverstone where Ian had organised a table for lunch. We stopped at the Hwy intersection at Stanley for some to refuel before heading off at a brisk pace. Now, for me this was the most unenjoyable part of the trip. The wind was howling from the West and I’m sure every bug in the great expanse of Western Tasmania was out doing the trip along the Hwy too. Now to put things in perspective here, if the bugs way back between Hadspen and Deloraine were small ultralights say, then the bugs between Stanley and Burnie were anything from a reasonable sized Cessnas to the Airbus A380 that decided to smash itself on my front teeth in the brief

The Great Stanely overnighter continued

second I decided to relax my mouth. I tried everything, hiding behind my bikini fairing till my back hurt, hand in front of face till my arm hurt, even Melanie had her hand in front of my face at one stage which although not really recommended was appreciated. Needless to say, another full face helmet is on order for these trips. After sampling several species, one of which was quite the meal, I probably could’ve skipped lunch they were that filling. When I told Mick and Tim of my horrible experience they just looked at me with blank faces. There’s a lot to be said for those modern aerodynamically designed wind (bug) deflectors that direct everything over the top of your helmet as opposed to straight into your face !! Apart from my war with bugs the trip across was relatively uneventful although a piece of polystyrene foam about the size of a big brick flew off a ute in front of Steve and Adele which they cleaned up and would have given them a bit of a fright I reckon. I just got the exploded remnants and didn’t even realise where it had come from. After Burnie we got split up a little bit with the leaders heading straight to Penguin via the Hwy and the rest of us veering off through Preservation Bay enjoying the coastal route. It was fantastic riding by the sea whipped up by the strong winds and a small swell running. I spotted a couple of places that would’ve been great surfing on a Mal. We all managed to arrive at the Beach Hut at almost the same time except for Nigel who had taken a different route into Penguin from the main hwy, I think. Either way we missed him somewhere. After touring Ulverstone in search of us, he did however, after a few phone calls, make it just in time for lunch.

It was nice to meet up with Julia who was unable to make the ride and Belinda a friend of Melanie’s whom also joined us for lunch. We enjoyed another great feed along with great company. The crew at the Beach Hut did a great job looking after us. We all had different agendas from here on in. Ian had to shoot through first with not far to travel being a local, probably first to check on his Mum, and then secondly to go get his hand seen too. Well done, plenty of others would’ve pulled the pin with such an injury ! Steve and Adele took off across to Yorktown via the Frankford Hwy with the blueberry farm to attend to followed closely by John and Jodi to Glengarry with cows awaiting milking. The rest of us living the life of luxury chilled out a little more listening to Tim regale tales of crossing the North of Austraila on his F800GS, mostly off road, before donning our steeds for the last time and heading out across the Frankford Hwy too. Tim left at us at Devonport for home somewhere near Latrobe and another farm to tend to, vegetables of some description, leaving four of us to ride through to Exeter. It was just a nice paced ride, more beautiful scenery and a fantastic end to the journey. Mick, Myself and Melanie parted ways with Nigel and Wayne, the last remaining riders to see their way up the West Tamar and homeward bound. And you know what, we didn’t get rained on once while riding despite weather forecasts predicting the worst. Ok we did nearly get struck down by lightening, but that doesn’t count. Huey couldn’t timed it better and the rain set in again about two hours after arriving home. Great ride, great company, can’t wait to do it all again. Glenn Osborne VMCCT

The Strathgordon overnighter october 29 & 30

I suspect the fine weather forecast for the day may have contributed to as many as thirty riders and pillions gathering in Melville Street before making their way in several groups of varying ‘enthusiasm’ to National Park for lunch. I’ll confess now that a more dismal outlook for the Sunday led me to forego proper British for something German with better tyres, with the bonus being capacity to carry more than a toothbrush. Nonetheless the British marques were well represented by both day-trippers, and amongst the bakers dozen of bikes that continued on to Strathgordon after lunch. Heeding the experienced words of Kim Creak (providing thankfully unnecessary support in his ute), we exercised due care through the forest section, and due abandon once the road opened out into the wilderness proper. I soon found myself in a Dan-sandwich, with Daniel Murphy’s Suzuki setting a great pace in front, and close behind me Dan Teague’s new ‘Gixxer’ (not sure what kind of British bike it is – some kind of Royal Enfield

perhaps). After some photo stops along the shore of Lake Pedder, we regrouped at the Lake Pedder Wilderness Lodge for a tour of Gordon Power Station, hosted by the proud (and patient) operators from Hydro Tasmania. After ogling the three 144 megawatt (193,000hp) Francis turbines from all available angles, including a rare opportunity to stand within a running machine between turbine and generator, there was just time for a group photo and a quick look at the 140m Gordon dam before beer o’clock. The newly renamed, and under new management, Lake Pedder Wilderness Lodge provided lake-side beer and views, a respectable dinner and more than respectable wine. The staff and service are immeasurably improved, while Tony Mac’s guitar and vocal entertainment was a first for me in nearly thirty years of visiting Strathgordon. All we needed for a great night was our own company and some storytelling, of which there was plenty, capped for me by

tales of the Overeem brothers’ exploits on dirt bikes before the south-west became a World Heritage Area. Retiring to the Gordon wing accommodation, the thin walls reminded me that we were in converted single men’s quarters, as the snoring from the other end of the block carried clearly. Thankfully the wine ensured a good night’s sleep. With the weather holding, but threatening, we settled for the continental brekkie and got on the road in something approaching a group. As it happened, the leaders got a dry run, while those of us nearer the tail enjoyed ten minutes or so of rain over the top of Tim Shea. This just made a thawing coffee at the Possum Shed more welcome, before a return to a windy Hobart. Andrew Catchpole

pACKYOURBAGs

This article gives prospective 2017 Tassie Rally punters a few tips on carrying luggage on an older motorcycle. Fortunately the organisers have arranged a luggage carrying van that will cart everything from A to B for you. This is included in the cost of the rally, it is super convenient and it works well so all sensible punters are expected to use this facility. This article is not for sensible punters. Nor is it for Vincent owners as Vincents are not able to carry luggage. Sensible people and Vincent owners should stop reading here!!!! Firstly get a copy of the film “Motorcycle Diaries” and watch it. Secondly, google “separation of Powers”. The common definition has nothing to do with motorcycling and refers to government. Ie Separation of the Executive (the Ministry), the Legislature (the Parliament) and the Judiciary (the Courts), with none of the three branches of government able to exercise total power. The definition that

applies to motorcycle touring is: The ability to keep your used scruds away from your tooth brush. Obviously the trick here is to compartmentalise and hence the reason that Broughs always came out with 2 panniers. Thirdly: Rack design. The basic rule here is not to attach to sheet metal, don’t do anything that isn’t easily reversible, don’t weld directly onto your frame, consider up, down, sideways and forward/backward forces. Rigids are probably easier that swing arms. Keep the load low and forward ish. Don’t discount a tank bag which works well as long as your paint isn’t too precious and your tank is steel. (Most of these hang on with magnets) Remember that you may need to remove the rear wheel. Also, get it visually right. So many beautiful machines are visually spoiled by an ugly rack and weirdly positioned panniers and bags. But then again some may like the sheep with dags look!

in mind you should either take nothing or everything. For example a Velocette owner would take a Piston, a rebored cylinder (preferable to suit that piston) and magneto, a clutch. A set of chains, sprockets and cables. A spare tyre and tube. Oh, yes, and an exhaust valve and a set of springs. And a sleeve gear. It pays to lay everything out on the floor before you pack then you can randomly put every second item back where it came from and pack the rest. A top box is akin to a parts rumbler if things are not tightly packed. In fact so are panniers. A Webber makes a great top box and can be used to cook lunch and make a cup of tea. Piping the sausage fat onto the chain could kill 2 birds with 1 stone also. Fifthly: A pillion can complicate things in more ways than just luggage but it is not impossible. In 2013 one punter carried his girlfriend for the full circuit on a rigid BSA M20, then asked her to marry him on the last day and she said “yes”!!! Rob Walch

Fourthly: Be realistic about what you pack. Warm and waterproof are important. These items are soft and can double as packing between your comprehensive spares kit. Talking about spares, you will only need the parts that you do not take so, with this

TAHUNE SLOW RUN

20 NOVEMBER

Over 20 punters 8 pre ww2, 6 pre 1960, 5 pre 1975 and another half a dozen later machines. Of particular note were Howard Burrows 1925 350 AJS and John Rettigs R10 AJS. Both out for their first time in decades. (In Johns case, many decades). Also a pair of 20/30s V twin AJSs that actually didn’t quite make it but we will get to that later. And then there was a Rudge, a Scott, a Sloper, and a 39 Panther. How special are these!! The forecast was for showers but, in reality all stayed dry. Following a big gathering at Geevo and a shower of rain most headed for Tahune. Simon Beard had expressed concern regarding my description of the Tahune road as “undulating”. I had poo-hoo-ed him, but, of course he was right, there are a few very significant hills. We probably need to spare a few thoughts for Graeme Gullick on his 1910 Precision in 2015!!! But that’s the past and this year all went well. Andrew Catchpole (crow) with faithful hound Pepper went hungry. Well, almost hungry. Deans Ariel got a short ride but not significant in the big picture. Lunch at Tahune was good and really, for $16, you get a pretty good feed. The scamper back to Geeveston was uneventful plus I was surprised

how well a Ural outfit can be hauled around corners. Dean Metcalf is relatively new to his Ariel 350 and is still feeling his way. He thought he had a bad day, but really, for a bike that hadn’t been on the road for years it went well. A blocked Jet and a lost tappet cover are minor and not the bikes fault. The fact that the plods pulled him over just to check that he wasn’t on fire is “by the way”. Meanwhile, during the day, a few (and only a few) wondered what had happened to Gary Smith and Casey on the AJS V twins. These machines are solid and very reliable. But a puncture will pull the best of them up. Although, nobody else would have gone on this ride without a puncture repair kit, would they? Robert Walch

ROSS RALLY I’m glad to report we had 1600 people at the Ross Motor Cycle Rally. Well over 1000 motorcycles! It was a great day and I am assured everyone had a real good time, some magnificent restorations turned up and the owners got rewarded for there efforts. I would say Peter Bender took the day out with his “Best in Show” Matchless Silver Hawk...a ripper machine. A big thank you to the following people and sponsors.....Shannons Insurance, Penrite Oils, Richardson Harley Davidson, Bikeworks, Motorworks, Braap, Michelin, Spectrum Paints, Horizon Motorcycles,Titan Bike & Trike & BMW Autohaus. Celebrities were Jim Scraysbrook (Editor of Old Bike Australasia) and Keith Tattum (President of VMCCT). A big thank you to all involved....see you all next year. Howard Burrows

Well the Ross Rally has been and gone for another year and what a day it was. Sunny and well, hot, and so plenty of bikes on show. If anything the day ended a little early I thought. It’s not like it was windy, raining and hailing ;) What, with catching up with people, meeting new folks and all manner of beautiful machines to gawk at I never did get to inspect half of the bikes I was intending too after my first lap. I left the Museum at 0800 for the ride down with around half a dozen older and four modern bikes. I was really happy to find others there as by the previous evening I’d thought I may be riding alone. Seems, 0800 is too early for some ;) To be fair, a couple did have a big night :) As it was we didn’t arrive until shortly before 1000. Perfect timing. The four modern bikes plus Steve on his classic Ducati split with us at Longford to go via Cressy and the rest of us took Pansanga Rd and onwards. Good call, as we would have been travelling a little slow for them. Everyones bikes seemed to be performing faultlessly and by the time we reached Campbell Town it was clear the reliability worries of the two Honda riders were well behind them. It was a fantastic morning for a ride :) Everyone went there own way after arrival and probably were as overwhelmed as me. There’s almost too much to take in and where to start. I hope everyone had an enjoyable return journey. I didn’t leave Ross till after 1600 having had a break in town with Melanie. I returned home to Exeter via Cressy. All up Norman the 38 Norton and I did around a 250km round trip and still managed to get a little prize. Yippee :) Just goes to show that it’s not just trailer queens that have a chance. Glenn Osbourne

THEJAMPOT RALLY2016 Jam pot Rally November 2016 Launceston Around March this year the club members started to discuss the National jam pot rally that was being held in the north of the state in November. The guys that own AJS and Matchless bikes were all preparing to go and I was lucky / privileged to be offered a ride by Howard on the 1929 1000 v twin AJS . As the year went by the rally was mentioned again and I had not really given it much thought as I was still a little unsure if the bike was available. I went away on annual leave and on return Casey told me that he had paid my entry fee and we had to go to Port Huon and collect the bike and a 350 AJS for Howard and part of the deal was to prepare the 2 bikes for the rally. The bikes were collected one wet and miserable Thursday night and taken to the shed for sorting. There was very little to do to get the v twin up a running a bit of clean up check the magy and points ,fresh fuel and oil ,the 350 needed a little more attention as it had not been ridden or seen the light of day for around 12 years ,the points were frozen ,the fuel had turned sour ,the kick start return needed sorting . After 3 shed nights between Casey and myself and one night with all the local lads, some looking some working we were ready for road trials. One Thursday night after work I meet Casey at the shed and we prepared for the trials,

11 • 12 • 13 nOVEMBER LAUNCESTON

I knew that only having ridden the V twin once before on flat roads that this was going to be a steep learning curve as the driveway is steep and can be tricky on a bike that is not equipped with the best brakes We set off to the servo for petrol and tyre check all seems to be going well until Casey signals to pull over the 350 A J S is not pumping oil, this could be a disaster, after some discussion we pulled the oil lines from the tank blew them out the best we could, stirred the oil in the tank connected up and bingo we had oil flow, we rode around to Tinder box and return ,Casey the swapped the 350 AJ for the 770 AJ ,we then rode both V twins to Howden and return with no problems we are set to join rally. Thursday evening prior to the rally I collected bikes from Casey’s shed and loaded Johns newly restored R10 Friday morning I headed out to collect Howard for the trip to Hadspen, on Friday afternoon there was a short ride organized from Hadspen to the automobile museum in Launceston.

On Friday evening a BBQ was held at the caravan park for all rally participants, thanks to Huon Aquaculture for the salmon steaks and dips that were provide. The Saturday ride started at the Hadspen caravan park and travelled along the old Bass highway turning off and heading towards Cressy, Golden Valley, Lake High way to Meander for morning tea. Peter Bender and myself looked at the spread laid out in front of us and we both said this is a childhood memory, the table was loaded with cream puffs, jelly cakes ,sponge cakes you name it was there and all home made by the local ladies. Unfortunate for Howard but he missed the morning tea the 350 AJs decided to throw a tantrum and refused to go, but with a little coaxing at lunch time all was fine. The next stop was lunch at the Mole creek hotel needless to say not too many ate lunch after having their fill at morning tea. At the lunch stop photos were taken and all judging took place. On the ride back to Hadspen we all fuelled up at Deloraine and continued on towards Westbury And then the rain came in bucket loads and for some unknown reason the marshal on the roundabout near Westbury directed all of us out on the main Bass Highway, with the rain pouring down, I looked over my shoulder and there it was a bloody great big Mack truck sitting about 5 meters from the rear end, my immediate thought was that we

have to get of this highway, I managed to get along side Casey at the Hagley and persuade him to turn off, we then proceeded along the old highway clear of all trucks. The official rally dinner was held at the tail race centre in Trevallyn, this was well organized and enjoyed by all. The Tasmanian boys collect quite a few of the trophies to name a few John Rettig best bike in rally, Peter Bender (for the muckiest bike in the rally)we found out later that Rob had grabbed a hand full of rally numbers and stuck them on bikes at random so it was actually Robs bike that got the prize Jack Overeem best matchless twin, Casey Overeem best original AJS, Jim McDonald one of our Northern member scoped a couple as well Howard has said he is going to the Haig to protest as he had 2 bikes in and did not get a cherry. We arrived back at Hadspen after dinner and it was still raining and after a hearty breakfast on Sunday morning it was still raining. The southern boys decided that we would call it quits as it did not look like the rain was going to stop. It was a fantastic rally and big thank you to Martin Heatley and his wife, and the Northern members for putting together a well oiled event The next AJS and Matchless rally will be held at Hume Weir in Victoria in November 2017 Gary Smith

Well it was certainly a wet weekend but thankfully the participants of this years Jampot Rally based in Hadspen, Tasmania, had three great days riding out of the four, although they did get wet in the last hour of Saturdays ride. Friday they had a short run into the Automobile Museum in Launceston and a poke around. Saturday was a cracker. Martin and Ruth Heatley had organised a fantastic run for the club out along the bottom of the Western Tiers, out into the bottom reaches of Golden Valley before ending up at Meander for morning tea. The CWA there put on a marvelous spread for the riders. Melanie and I were marshalling for the day and chose to drive due to the weather forecasts but the rain continued to hold off. It was nice sitting at a corner out in the country listening to the sounds of the bikes come through. Bikes ranging in age from mid 20’s right up to a couple of Harris Matchless bikes from the 80’s. From Meander they rode through to Mole Creek for lunch at the pub. It was on the leg from there back to Hadspen they would’ve got wet sometime around Westbury I reckon, if not earlier. Not to bad considering the ominous forecasts leading up to the weekend. Sunday was a doozy, wet wet wet ! They quite wisely chose to do the route in cars although one hardy local of ours, Nigel, and another fella from NSW I only know as Beetle, rode the route. Dedication shining through

again. Nigel was on his trusty Triumph and Beetle, I’m not sure where or how he fitted into the whole scheme of things, was on a BMW F800GS. Maybe he just came across all the old bikes and decided to hang about ? Morning tea at the Burt Munro Cafe in Exeter and then on to lunch at Beauty Point. Monday was a beautiful day and I took the Norton along to join in a fabulous ride up to Poatina for coffee before a jaunt to the top of the mountain. There was a little bit of spirited riding going on on the way up by a few bikes, including myself. The Norton took it in it’s stride. One of the most spirited riders was a gent from SA on a beautiful late 20’s, overhead cam, AJS. He was just loving life :) From the top of the mountain it was back down and Hadspen bound as a number of riders had to catch the ferry that evening. Just another fantastic day and route. The Rally was a resounding success despite the Sunday, and Martin and Ruth should be extremely proud of themselves for organising such a fantastic event and showcasing a little of what we have to offer here in Tassie. Everyone I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed themselves. All that hard work paid off. Well done guys :) Glenn Osbourne

THEJAMPOT RALLY2016

The AJS & Matchless Club of Australia present

The Jampot Rally 2016

To be held in Hadspen, Tasmania Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11th, 12th and 13th November 2016 Rally includes full day rides on Saturday and Sunday Saturday night presentation dinner For more information contact Martin Heatley on 03 63 265 331 or email: martin.r.heatley@gmail.com

All marques welcome

CHRIStmasBBQ2016 We’re all a bit daft. I’m aware that I’m meant to write along the lines of ‘we rode along the….’ And ‘the sun shone as we rode our….’ But I’m not. We did all that. We always do. It’s a good Sunday when we can get out there with the sun shining! Point done. What I want to talk about is what I saw as I looked around while sitting at a table, beer in hand, talking a load of old rubbish with mates. I realised I was there with mates, and dare I say it, friends. Every one of you. Even if we’ve never spoken. We all come along to this old fashioned weird little club on a Sunday to chat about motorbikes with a pie in our hand. But there’s a lot of ‘How’s the missus…?’ and ‘You’re limping, what have you done you daft bugger?…’ Even those that I don’t necessarily like, I can appreciate you. Maybe silly jokes or an encyclopaedic knowledge of the motorcycle internal combustion engine. We don’t all get along. Certainly not all of the time. Some of you geezers annoy me occasionally. I’m sure I annoy you. But we’re all here sharing this, to be honest, and you’ve got to admit it, a silly hobby. Surely you know this right? A club for appreciators of a hunk of metal and rubber with an engine made on the other side of the world’….? We’re all a bit Daft. And there we all were, being a bit Daft. Talking and drinking among friends with our motorcycles parked close by. Here’s the official BMCT party line – ‘It was a Great Christmas BBQ with friends and beers’. Done. But you’ve got to admit its bloody silly. Just enjoy it. So….. See you out there. I swear it though, you’re all a bit daft. John Menezies

symmonsPlaINS HISTorics

2016

RIDE THE BACKROADS

WADDAMANA POWER STATION

DUAL SPORT RIDE

WEST TAMAR & BURT MUNRO CAFE. OLD BIKE RUN

RIDERS CHOICE

DISPLAY DAY

DEC

LUNCH AT BRIDPORT

D 3 SCOTTSDALE LOOP

NOV

12 N 5 WESTBURY STEAM SPECTACULAR

OCT

O 1 GUNNS PLAINS LOCALE

SEP

AUG

A 6

JUL

J 2

JUN

RIDERS CHOICE

ST HELENS

LILYDALE AND SURROUNDS OLD BIKE RUN

DELORAINE 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DINNER MT ROLAND & GOG RANGE

DUAL SPORT RIDE - NE SEALD & GRAVEL ROADS

STRAHN OVERNIGHTER WITH BMCT SOUTH

11-12

WESTBURY VMCCT ANNUAL LUNCH

J 4

MAY

APR

MAR

FEB

JAN

SATURDAY J 31 RIDERS CHOICE

CRADLE MOUNTAIN

DELORAINE

17-20

25-26

PEPPERMINT BAY WITH VMCCT

RIDERS CHOICE

LONGFORD & SURROUNDS OLD BIKE RUN

ALL BRITISH RALLY VICTORIA

22-23

OVERNIGHTER

NATIONAL ROYAL EBFIELD RALLY ROSS RALLY

WHITE HILLS - EVANDALE OLD BIKE RUN

BOTHWELL

EVANDALE - OLD BIKE RUN TAS RALLY ULVERSTONE

WINGS AND THINGS DISPLAY

19 GEORGETOWN

14 SATURDAY

BRIDPORT SHOW AND SHINE

BEAUTY POINT - FISH & CHIPS OLD BIKE RIDE

30 SATURDAY

PORT ARTHUR OVERNIGHTER

28-29

BRASS MONKEY GREAT LAKE HOTEL

PUB IN THE PADDOCK OVERNIGHTER

29-30

HOLWELL GORGE BEAUTY POINT

WEDNESDAY

TWILIGHT

AGM

TUESDAY

BMCT NORTH CALENDAR 2017

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:

British Motorcycles owned:

Other Motorcycles owned: Date: Signature: Annual Membership Fee: $35-00

MyState BSB: 807-009 Use Name for EFT 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:

BROOKFIELD

SALMON PONDS

ADVENTURE BAY

FATHERS DAY - SHORT RIDE

SLOW BIKE RUN

D 2 TOY RUN DEC 3 CHRISTMAS BBQ

NOV

N 5 TAHUNE AIRWALK

OCT

O 1 PETCHEYS BAY - CYGNET

SEP

S 3 RICHMOND

AUG

A 6 EAGLEHAWK NECK

JUL

2 J ORFORD

JUN

J 4 TAROONA - TINDERBOX -

MAY

APR

CLUB BBQ

WHEELS IN THE PARK

11-12

STRAHN OVERNIGHTER WITH BMCT NORTH

GEEVESTON

A 2 KETTERING - BRUNY -

MAR

FEB

JAN

J 1 RIDERS CHOICE

NATIONAL PARK

ORFORD

SALMON PONDS - HAMILTON

BOTHWELL

SECRETARY’S CHOICE

KEPTON - ELDERSLIE BRIGHTON

SWANSEA

V.P.’S CHOICE

EVANDALE BMCT NORTH TAS RALLY - ULVERSTONE

MEET THE RIDERS - HOBART

16 THURSDAY TASMANIA RALLY

SANDFORD - SOUTHARM

25-26

ROSS RALLY OVERNIGHTER

PEPPERMINT BAY WITH VMCCT

PUB IN THE PADDOCK OVERNIGHTER

22-23

TASMANIA RALLY

26 GEEVSTON

NUBEENA “BETTER HALF” RUN

RIDERS CHOICE

SOUTHPORT “INVITE A FRIEND” RUN

FRIDAY

TWILIGHT

AGM

TUESDAY

BMCT SOUTH CALENDAR 2017