BMCT October 2015

THE

BRITISH BIKER

OFFICIAL magazine OF THE BRITISH MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF TASMANIA inc.

SPRING EDITION : OCTOBER 2015

ofďŹ cial 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.

ofďŹ ce bearers President

Owen Smith

M: 0466 104 699 E: owenandrhonda@internode.on.net

Vice President

Daniel Teague

M: 0408 308 676

North West VP

t.b.c.

Secretary

Matthew Shepperd

M: 0417 001 426 E: bmctsecretary@hotmail.com

Treasurer/Public Officer

Nigel Reid

M: 0417 585 954 H: 03 6265 1237

Librarian

Dick Jones

Magazine Editor

Owen Smith

M: 0466 104 699 E: owenandrhonda@internode.on.net

Webpage

Owen Smith and Gary Smith

M: 0466 104 699 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

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

Club Auditors

Francis Hall Casey Overeem

Committee Members

Peter Jones John Rettig Gary Smith Rob Walch

front cover - Triumph Trophy 500 cc

www.britishmotorcycleclubtas.com

Nuts&bolts

President's Report

This edition has a definite international flavour. Quite a number of our members have been skylarking around the planet in the last few months and some have contributed articles describing some of their adventures.

Greg Simson was checking out the action at this year’s Isle of Man TT while Ian Bonde was visiting some old haunts in Thailand. In Europe Peter Bender, Rob Walch and their better halves were touring through some spectacular country in northern Italy as part of the International Vincent Rally.

Meanwhile back here in the Antipodes, we have not been standing still either. Runs over the winter period have been extremely well attended with between 20-30 riders not uncommon.

On the other hand we had one run where Colin Harriss was the only rider to turn up! Dauntless he carried on with the run and provides an article in this Edition.

Our second Slow Bike run was another success with approximately 35 rid-

ers making their way around a route through Richmond, Orielton, Middle Tea Tree Road and Grass Tree Hill before finishing the run at Montague Bay. Despite both having a bad cold Matthew and Sharon had the BBQ fired up to feed the throng. Knowing that a back up vehicle is an attendance, these events have given members the confidence to bring out a number of machines not normally seen at the average run.

Given this success we are planning to have at least one per quarter in 2016.

As usual at this time of year Christmas is approaching at speed, but with a third slow bike run to Geeveston/ Tahune, the Ross Rally and the always enjoyable BBQ at Peter Jones’ there is still plenty to do.

Hopefully as many members as possible can take advantage of the warmer weather and end a very enjoyable riding year out on the bitumen in our final runs.

Owen Smith.

portarthur

o' night aug 4 & 5 Susie & Dean Metcalf Kim and Jane Bolwell Anthony Ross Dan Teague John Rettig Bill Overeem Bill Frodsham Casey Overeem Jan Blyton Gary Smith Matt Shepperd Sharon Munnings Kyle Hohne Mick & Sherryl Beale Greg Simson Dick and Amanda Calvert Peter Jones Article by John Rettig and Mat Shepperd

A good group of riders accompanied by some in cars made their way to the Tasman Peninsula under pleasantly kind winter skies.

Upon arrival the group enjoyed the scenic route through Koonya, Coal Mines, Nubeena, Remarkable Cave and back around to Port Arthur.

Accommodation and dinner was at the Fox and Hounds for an evening of good company.

TaroonaTinderbox Margate 19 July A Ride with a View Considering all the rides we do the best views are inevitably of the river and channel. Be it Meadowbank, Iron Pot from Rifle range road, the Channel from above Woodbridge or everything from Mt Wellington, D’entrecastreaux from Tinderbox is also right up there.

The numbers of flash houses in the Tinderbox area is well up from yesteryear indicating that there is “money in them there hills”. The weather was perfect, cold, clear and still. The road promotes a leisurely pace with enough corners to keep your feet and fingers active.

We coffeeed at Brookfield and yakked extensively about the weather (of course), Hondas and other things.

For some unknown reason a row of 5 Hondas was set up for a photo!!. But irrespective of that the range and quality of exotica that turns up week after week is truly amazing. Consistently machines that have never been

seen before and this ride was no exception. An ex Italian fire brigade Falcone fresh from Italy, A Honda 305 dream from the US, a 350/4 from a shed, a very flash 50th anniversary Bonny and a VFR750.

Regulars like B44s, Square 4s, Broughs and Vincents are taken for granted.

From Brookfield we split into 3 groups with some doing the Nichols Rivulet circuit, some heading for Paul and Kerrie’s to check out Andy’s new toys and some heading home.

Article by Rob Walch Members Matthew Shepherd - Big Kawasaki Robert Walch - Matchless G80 Bill Overeem - Triumph T120 Kim Bolwell - Honda 750/4 Owen Smith - Triumph Thruxton

Bill Frodsham - Triumph T150 Kerry Dickson - Honda 305 Dream Paul Dickson - Moto Guzzi V7 special Dave Sowerby - BMW R65LS Simon Beard - Triumph Thunderbird Greg Simson - New Triumph Dan Teague – Triumph Bonneville Anthony Ross - Honda 350/4 Peter Pisko - Triumph Bonneville Ian Campbell - Triumph T120 Jan Blyton - Sachs Mad Ass Adrian Keil - HD Shovel Dean and Mason Metcalf - Triumph Bonneville Peter Bender - MK1 Ariel Square 4 Mark Osborne - BSA B44 Tony Smeekes - Triumph Explorer Visitors Roger Handsworth - Honda CB160 Bert Pepper - BMW R65LS Keith Bingham - Suzuki outfit Bob Sellers - Honda VFR750

classicdials

can you identify these bikes & guages?

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:

please note - all images courtesy of Howard Burrows

howard's yester years

TT

isle of man Classic One ticked off the bucket list…This year I was able to attend the IOM Classic TT and what a great week it was. I lobbed into the Isle of Man at the start of the practice week and wandered up to the paddock area on the first day of practice with no expectations other than to look at bit of nice machinery.

It was pretty quiet and I had just been looking around the pit area and stopped to look at a nice old BSA single and struck up a conversation with an older gentleman about the bike. One thing led to another and he ended up introducing me to another Aussie called Chris who was working with a pommie racer and he introduced me to a few more people around the paddock and I ended up helping a Dutch racer by the name of Jan Koning for the week.

He was 76 years young and racing a BSA gold star based bike. He had two hip replacements, a knee replacement and the other knee was a bit dodgy so he needed help getting the bike to and from the paddock. I was only too happy to help out and spent the next week knocking around the pits and getting right amongst the activity of scrutineering and race prep and getting to know a few of the race teams. Was on the start line for the Senior Classic TT. The noise and smell …fantastic.

Jan was an interesting character, his bike engine was prepared by ABSAF and he did all his own work on the bike, including making his own carburetor. It started and ran flawlessly all week although Jan was saying he felt it was down a bit on power and consequently his laps times were a little slower than he would have liked.

I learnt a lot watching the guys go about the business of preparing for the race and they were a great lot. A strong sense of camaraderie was pretty evident in the paddock area with people coming and going and dropping in for a yarn continuously.

Surrounded by Manx Nortons, MV Augustas, the all conquering Patons, G50s, Vincent Comets…the list goes on. Quite a few bikes ran mufflers but a lot also ran open exhausts, the sound was glorious but also deafening, so after the first day of practice and getting caught out in the pits surrounded by hundreds of revving engines I invested in a set of earplugs.

In the practice week the weather wasn’t being cooperative and combined with a few early prangs it meant the competitors only got one practice lap in the first four days. Three practice laps are required for qualification to race and it started to look like that wouldn’t be possible before the Classic TT race on the Saturday.

On the first day I was standing behind a Paton when it fired up. The crack from the exhaust blew my hat off and just about split the eadrums!

It came good in the end and Jan along with most others managed to get the necessary laps in and qualify. He finished the race too. I was originally supposed to fly out the day before the

race but was encouraged to stay by the guys I was hanging out with, so a change of airline ticket and a night’s sleeping in the back of a van at the track meant I got to see the race proper.

And it was well worth it.

So that was my first IOM…lots of racing machines and custom road bikes to drool over, great people to meet, several bike museums to visit and good roads and countryside to explore let alone a lap or two of the track. One acquaintance lent me his road bike to do a lap of the circuit while the roads were open to the public. Just might have to go back again one day!

Article by Greg Simson

italy

ThreeWeeks Weeks in

2015 International Vincent Rally The 2015 International Vincent Rally was held in Italy. 15 days, 3 locations, 8000km of ride options. It catered for riders and partners as well as club members who just wanted to socialise. There are lots of club members who use the rally as an excuse to catch up. Of the 200 odd punters about 20 were from Aus.

Peter and I accompanied by Jen and Frances flew into Geneva. The girls hired a car and magically a truck delivered 2 bikes to our hotel. Staying together as a group of 2 bikes and 1 car was not easy and using the Volvo GPS caused a fair bit of grief but we were quickly over the Alps and into Italy.

Tight narrow roads, Fiat Puntos, a few thunder storms, peak hour traffic, thousands of gear changes and all was going well.

Near Lugano we met a Silver Hawk and Black Shadow owner called Angelo. He was a hoot and flew about the country side on his Black Shadow with a cigarette in his mouth. He has a great workshop and outstanding motorcycle knowledge.

We then missed the tight opening time for the Moto Guzzi museum at Mandello Del Lario but did get to see the front gate. That night, by chance, we stayed at the Nautilus Hotel at Lake Como. This was an inconvenience for its owner but a necessary evil to raise enough money to be able to get out on the lake in his Riviera Mahogany Cruiser with twin 7 litre Cadillac engines and “make noise”.

The next day we reached the stage 1 rally site at Lake Garda. 5 days of rides around the lake and into the mountains. Day 1 we decided to circumnavigate the lake with

Jen and Francis on the bikes. A nice little 120km ride with 2 breakdowns, frayed tempers and sore bums that took over 8 hours.

The lesson of the day was to keep away from the lake!!. Day 2 was an organised day trip by bus to Venice which was an eye opener and ok. Day 3 Peter and I headed for the hills, got lost and had a good day. I am not sure about the other 2 days but next was transfer day.

200km to Rimini, 6 hours that turned into 8 but generally a good day. Rimini is on the Adriatic East Coast and has a beach that is almost up to Tasmanian standards except that it covered with banana lounges and umbrellas. It was Moto GP weekend and Valentino Rossi lived just up the road. His home town was covered with plastic tape with the number 46 all over it. We visited a great motorcycle museum, Revinna, San Leo, Urbino and San Marino. All spectacular. Rimini proved to be a relatively easy town to get in and out of and offered great rides on the roads where Valentino used to test his tyres. Then it was transfer time again.

150km to Montecatini Terma. 6 hours, minor problems. From here we did day rides into the mountains and visited Florence and Lucca. The end was Monday the 21st of September. Lots of goodbyes and we hit the autostrada heading for the Swiss border. We had to be back in Geneva on the Tuesday and managed to knock off nearly 600km and the St Bernard Pass before nightfall. That put us within easy striking distance of Geneva the next day The sense of achievement when we arrived in Geneva was overwhelming. To have

survived the Italian traffic and roads on 2 relatively unknown 60 year old machines seemed like a miracle!! To say that the bikes had performed outstandingly is an understatement. I have extra respect for Vincents and especially their clutches.

On the 23rd, exactly on schedule, the truck swooped and started the bikes trip to Tasmania.

We also discovered that although 70 years ago the Swiss/Austrian hills may have been filled with the sound of music, today they are filled with the sounds of sports bikes!!

Northern Italy has limestone and marble.

Beautiful marble. However limestone makes cement and their creek banks have a sand and gravel mix that is just about right for concrete. Just as well the post WW11 immigrants came out here to show us how to use it!!

Their roads are typically 4 meters or less wide and have a corner of greater than 90 deg every few hundred meters. Lots of these are either steep or have cliffs on both sides. Add to this a mix of grandpas and kids in Fiat Puntos, each at opposite ends of the speed spectrum, and it’s entertaining motoring. Throw in some dodgy navigation , vintage machines, keeping right and humid 30deg+ temperatures and you sleep well by the end of the day.

However, it was a fantastic experience and thinking back on where we went and what we did it is hard to believe it wasn’t all a dream.

Article by Rob Walch.

y

richmond

slow bike run

This was the British Motorcycle Clubs second run specifically aimed at being slow bike friendly. The route was Richmond, Orielton, Tea Tree and Grass Tree Hill culmination in a BBQ at Montague Bay. The weather was mild although a little windy.

Peter Bender and Wal Ingram reported mechanical problems prior to the start and were, therefore non-starters although, in both cases, the problems turned out to be minor.

The crowd at Salamanca looked big.

Numbers at Richmond were bigger and Montague Bay huge! Almost up to Christmas Party levels!!

The chosen loop was perfect for older machines. Long enough to be worthwhile with short cuts available if people wanted. Probably 15 of the 40 odd punters were enticed out by the nature of the run. Dave Moore’s Indian was a special treat. This machine looks as if it’s doing 100mph when still on its stand and must have been a revelation in its day. Dave seemed happy to fang it through the corners and it will probably have to be banned from future slow bike runs due to its speed!!

Finishing with a BBQ was a great addition to the recipe and brilliantly done.

Special thanks to Matthew and Sharon.

august 16

1955 - Dave Branch – Ariel 1955 - Mark Osbourne – BSA B31 1957 - Jim McCulloch – Indian Tomahawk 1964 – Dave Sowerby – BSA A50 1967 - Peter Patmore – BSA A65 1970 – Jerry Scott – BSA Lightning 1970 - Ron and Lynne Fellowes – Kawasaki H1 1970 - Bill Overeem – Triumph T120 1971 - Bill Frodsham – Triumph T150 1972 - Kim Bowell – Honda 750/4 1973 - Peter Hunt – Honda C90 1976 - Bert Pepper – RD400 Yamaha 1978 - Adrian Keal – HD Shovel Head 1979 – Rob and Deb Avery – Yamaha 650 1981 - Dan Murphy – BMW R100 1984 - Phil Clark – BMW 2001 - Mike Rush – Triumph Legend 900

Owen’s job as “Crow” (scavenger of stuff on the side of the road) was also greatly appreciated even though the trailer stayed empty (only just).

2002 – Dallas Wilson – Triumph 900 Thunderbird

Rob Walch

2004 - John Menzies – Triumph Bonneville

2003 – Keith Bingham – Suzuki side car set up

2004 - Ian Bonde – Triumph Thruxton 1928 - Dave Moore – Indian 1937 - Wal Ingram – Scott 1948 - Nigel Reid – BSA 1948 - Stephen Bailey – AJS 1949 - Rob Walch – Matchless 1950 - Peter Bender – AJS 1951 - Neil Darvell – Sunbeam 1954 - Howard Burrows – BMW

2007 - Colin Harriss – F800 BMW 2008 - Vince Ryan – Triumph Speed Triple 2009 - Peter Pisko – Triumph Bonneville 2011 - Kyle Hohn – BMW 2013 - Dan Teague – Triumph Bonneville

2013 - Mick and Sherryl Beale – Triumph Rocket III 2015 – Dean and Mason Metcalf – Triumph Bonneville Owen Smith – Holden One Tonner – recovery vehicle Matthew Shepherd and Sharon Munnings – Holden ute – BBQ transport unit Jack and Cathy England – Car Jan Blyton - car Bob Findlay and Mai Le - Car

salmonPonds Solo While the miserable weather kept the rest of us weaklings in doors for this ride, Colin Harriss was out their braving the elements to the Salmon Ponds.

Solo. Here is Colin’s report: I felt my duty as a responsible member of the BMCT to carry the ‘flag’ to the Salmon Ponds as there was no one else to do so.

The ride commenced on Sunday 30th at about 10.10am from the Hobart Fire Station. ‘We’ (the royal we) meandered through the traffic along the Brooker and onto the Northern Outlet.

The weather drizzled with fine misty rain that eased as the ride progressed.

As ‘we’ turned onto the Lyell Highway a blue cobalt sky began to force its way through dark rain clouds.

Following the river’s edge, the dried road offered fine riding through gentle curves, winding asphalt and picturebook scenery. This experience continued through to Bushy Park, Glenora Road and into the Salmon Ponds.

On arrival a lemon pancake and pot of tea were ordered (I still have the receipt). Discussion between me and myself turned to the high cost of motorcycle registration, the importance of motorcycle maintenance and imagining possible future motorcycle rides.

Further articulated was the growing awareness for the need of a toilet map of Tasmania for those of us who are reaching mature years whose urge to use a facility is stimulated by the constant vertical thrust of reticulating pistons and vibrating motorcycle machinery .

30 August

Upon leaving, a number of German tourists were investigating my BMW. They spoke of the superiority of German engineering as represented in the BMW motorcycle. I agreed, saying that it was hard to imagine why they still lost the war.

The crowd dissipated with the firm knowledge in my mind that I had done much for Australian diplomatic relations and Tasmanian tourism.

By the redoubtable Colin Harriss

FAX: (03) 62393008 MOBILE: 041 959 7272 Email: trimviewptyltd@bigpond.com

ABN 770 981 409 64 ACN 098 140 964

geevestoncygnet

naked bike café

Well what a magnificent run to Geeveston!

As the forecasted temperature was gradually adjusted up during the week, hopes for a sunny, warm ride were high.

Indeed, the day didn’t disappoint. The biting nip of the coldest Hobart winter in 50 years, which had persisted until only a month before with actual snowfalls and closed roads, seemed but a distant shivery memory. Spring had definitely sprung with an almost perfect still, sunny 23 degree day.

As announced via e-mail by Matt, due to the ongoing works in Kennedy’s Lane, members met near the fire station in Melville Street. Owen called the large group to order announcing the route to Geeveston via Ferntree and Lower Longley.

There was some consternation as those who had just ridden from this direction said it was quite wet and slippery.

However, with the four wheeled traffic setting a steady pace and some sensible speeds through the tight corners, all members made it safely to our destination.

It was noted that the not often travelled section between Longley and the main road had somewhat deteriorated. Nevertheless, the highway to Huonville and the road through Franklin all the way to Geeveston has been upgraded and makes for a smooth ride.

at the café and along the main routes that were travelled. Our club president had to head back home to get on with his kitchen reno, whilst everyone else then headed back to Cygnet. Most stayed for a further beverage and a chat, whilst others dispersed.

At our destination, the Naked Bike Café managed to take and deliver our substantial number of orders within good time. They offered a range of quite hearty fare, from the ubiquitous fish and chips to a variety of ‘signature’ burgers. Dan Teague wondered whether his ‘Norton Burger’ might leak a bit of oil! As well as very tasty coffees and cold drinks a few of the lads tried the ‘chilli hot chocolate’, noting that it was excellent and not too spicy.

Rather than take the coastal road, a small group of members headed back via the Nicholls Rivulet road to Oyster Cove and the Channel Highway. The pace was a bit snappier than earlier in the morning with the lads enjoying a great ride through the twisties in the forest. There were a few patches of yellow gravel, which livened up the adventure even more. However, there were no major issues to report and a number of well earned glasses of cool amber fluid flowed at the final destination of Knoppies at Salamanca. An almost perfect day, good food, great company and smooth runs through the magnificent southern Tasmanian countryside.

Members were very content to stand and sit under the budding tree on the decking outside, warming themselves in the sun and enjoying convivial chat and a few tall tales (but true). There were also quite a number of other bikers out and about with quite a few sparkly Harley’s appearing

Ian Bonde

sept 13

britbike

triumph in thailand

Whilst out zipping around on my trusty Honda ‘Click’ 125 rental in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I came upon a surprising discovery. On a nearby street in the middle of town, was a line-up of beautiful, shiny new Triumph T100 Bonnies and Thruxtons.

Amongst the literally thousands of little step-throughs and automatic scooters, these so-called ‘big bikes’ were an unexpected sight. I parked my Honda, went in and introduced myself to the owner, Mr. Chuyos Lotrakul (Took) who was very friendly. After an exchange of mutual admiration for British machines, he agreed to a short interview a couple of days later and to allow me to take some photos for our British Motorcycle Club Magazine.

Although there has always been a number of owners of larger machines in Thailand, ‘Big Bikes’ are a relatively new phenomenon. As the relative wealth of many individuals in the country has increased during the past 20 years, more can afford to outlay the readies for a full sized bike. I have seen many of the usual sporty Jap machines; Kawasaki, Yamaha, Hondas, a few Suzukis and lately, some Ducati’s. However, Triumphs have always been few and far between.

Mr. Took attributes this primarily to the previous import taxes applied to the non “Asian Network Companies”,

whereby a new Triumph Bonneville cost in the order of 750,000 Thai Baht (approx. – 30,000 $AUD!).

Government circumstances have changed under the current military rule. Import taxes on European machines have been significantly reduced and the same Bonneville Classics can now be had for as little as 420,000 (~ 16,800 $AUD), a much more affordable option.

One of seven Triumph outlets in the country, Mr. Took started his Chiang Mai branch of the ‘Britbike’ dealership (also in Bangkok) four years ago. When asked if Triumphs are popular, he said that they are starting to be, especially

with the serious price reduction, mentioning that prior to the change, they would sell around 780 bikes per annum but already have had 1300 customer orders so far this year!

However, for the general populace they are still seen as, ‘rich man’s toys’ as the price remains out of reach for the vast majority who need a workaday means of transport. In fact, he offers a limited Triumph range from the typical modern classics, to Tigers and Street Triples. He said that the more specialised sports bikes (eg. Daytona) and cruisers (eg. Sprint, Thunderbird and Rocket III) are still prohibitively expensive, even amongst local enthusiasts.

Mr. Took is himself a relative newcomer (five years) to the British bike scene. He said that after 18 years

of riding and modifying Harley Davidsons, he wanted a change. He offers a wide range of in house bolt on modifications for his customers, ranging from Zard pipes to Ohlins shocks, which interestingly are now manufactured locally in Thailand.

Many of the bikes for sale on his shop floor already have a wide variety of extras and he and the lads are always very busy working out the back on his latest customer orders.

He also enjoys changing OEM parts and seriously transforming his own machines. As well as a meaty looking

Scrambler, he has built a Thruxton with pretty much every possible mod available. He has also nearly completed a ‘chopper bobber’, which was constructed from an ‘America’.

When asked why, he simply replied, “… because no-one in Thailand has one!”.

Fair enough.

In October this year Mr. Took will be travelling to England to the global Triumph meeting to see the new bikes, which will be available next year. Like many, he is quite excited to see the forthcoming range with the new Bonneville, rumoured to

include a larger capacity water cooled engine. It was great to see the level of interest and enthusiasm generated for British bikes in a country swamped by a sea of ubiquitous Japanese all purpose ‘step throughs’ and automatic scooters. It was also nice that a serious bike enthusiast and extremely busy business man would agree to me snapping a few pics and give me the time of day to answer a few questions to allow the British Motorcycle Club of Tasmania an insight into Triumph in Thailand. Cheers mate!

Ian Bonde

Tassie

19 to 30 march 2017

Tour The British Motorcycle Club of Tasmania is again conducting the ever popular Tassie Tour. The Vintage/Classic Motorcycle Rally around Tasmania, from 19th to 30th March 2017.

To secure your place on the rally a deposit of $30.00 (for each person on the rally, ie: pillion) should be forwarded with the ‘Expression of Interest’ return form and will be deducted from the Rally Fee. Fees for the 2017 rally Open to all pre 1970 motorcycles, we are $200.00 per motorcycle with rider, will enjoy 11 nights, 12 days of some of pillion and/or accompanying persons the best motorcycle roads and scenery an additional $100.00. You will be in the country. For those who have forwarded with all rally information ie: done this fantastic rally previously, brochures, accommodation, booking this tour opens up new areas not previ- info. , discounts etc. as the rally draws ously ridden but also includes those closer. roads that make this rally so popular.

DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE. Numbers are limited to 100 bikes so get those ‘Expression of Interest’ forms in Further information email: Tassiearly to avoid disappointment. etour2017@hotmail.com

UR

17

TO

Accommodation details will be forwarded at a later date with a detailed itinerary of where we will be staying each night, ranging from caravan parks to motels with prices. You will be able to book the accommodation of your choice from our recommended sites.

ASMA T T

AN NI

Although the itinerary is yet to be finalised, travelling around Tasmania will see us in Stanley, for the first time, down to Strahan, across to Hobart, south to Geeveston, also a first, North up the East Coast via Bicheno to Bridport and back to Ulverstone. We will travel between 150k to 250k each day, all on bitumen, mostly easy going for vintage bikes. Back-up vehicles are provided each day.

BMC

The Rally will start and finish in Ulverstone, close to where the Spirit of Tasmania ferry docks. Arrangements will be made to leave vehicles and or trailers in Melbourne and/or Tasmania if required.

0 2

TassieTour 2017

Expression of interest

I hereby express my interest in the Tassie Tour 2017 rally and have enclosed/forwarded the $30.00 as deposit. I understand that the deposit will reserve my place in the Rally and is not refundable upon cancellation.

Electronic transfers can be made directly to our account.

Details: British Motorcycle Club of Tasmania BSB 807-009 Acc No.51101524 Please ensure you include your name in the reference box of your EFT or your payment may be deemed a donation.

Rider Name_____________________________________________

Passenger Name_________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Contact No.: Home___________________ Mobile____________________ Email:____________________________________________

Motorcycle: Year_________Make________________Model_____________ Signed ___________________________ Cheques Payable to: Tassie Tour 2017 This form to be emailed to: tassietour2017@hotmail.com or posted to: Tassie Tour 2017

391A Brightwater Road

Howden TAS 7054

OneOwner Triumph

64 years

Ever known anybody to own a bike for 64 years? Well that’s what Peter Shoobridge did.

Peter Shoobridge grew up in Smithton on the Malla straight, where every young man would test his bike or car.

After owning a few second hand bikes, Peter took the plunge and purchased a brand new 1951 Triumph Thunderbird from the local triumph dealer in Smithton. In the fifties, this was quite an event. Being the second model Thunderbird produced, it was also a luxury that not too many could afford.

In 1951, a Triumph was high on the list for every 21 year old. Shortly after purchasing, Peter fitted the bike with an ex-army surplus sidecar and headed south to complete his apprenticeship as a fitter and turner at the Boyer pulp Mill, now known as ‘Norske Skog’.

Early in 1954 Peter married his childhood sweetheart, Alison Waugh, and moved to Historic ‘Lotta’, a farm at Saltwater River on the Tasman Peninsula. Over the next 60 odd years, the Shoobridges earned a living working for apple orchardists during the fruit season and farming their property.

The Triumph Thunderbird served as a workhorse back and forth to work with both Alison and Peter sharing the riding duties. On days when it was not being used as transport to work, the Triumph was put to work on the farm. Given that Peter was still feeling the affects of the hardships and financial burdens associated with purchasing the brand new bike, he was very sympathetic to the care of the Triumph. Although the bike was well used, Peter was mindful to ensure that it was not abused.

Meeting with Peter’s wife, Alison, she explained to me that after the bike was purchased, Peter was concerned over a top-end rattle. Having requested the dealer to investigate with no success, Peter pulled the top off the engine to find a problem with one of the rockers which he duly replaced. The bottom half of the engine has never been split.

Over the coming years, the bike was used on a daily basis. As the family finances improved, many other vehicles came and went. Despite the introduction of more modern vehicles over the years, the Triumph was always ready for use on the farm as other vehicles failed.

As the family grew, the Triumph was used to ferry the kids back and forth to school in the wooden box, which was fitted after an argument with a tree resulting in irreparable damage to the sidecar body.

Throughout their childhood, the Triumph was a source of great amusement for the Shoobridge children as they learned to ride around the property. As one of Peter’s son’s explained, his father had some strict rules concerning the use of the Triumph

and was very mindful to ensure that it was treated with care.

Peter passed away in early 2015 and the Triumph was placed on the market.

Following a chance phone call, I purchased the bike from the family a few months ago. Unfortunately most of the original blue metallic paintwork of the ‘51 model has disappeared due to the poor quality of metallic paints in those early years. The bike, which is complete with original tool kit and still running very well, is a remarkable example of a working bike.

I think it would be a shame to restore the Triumph and erase the patina of all those years, especially given that we don’t come across an original, oneowner working Triumph every day.

Article by John Rettig.

HERITAGE PARK

EASTER

6

ORFORD

2

PORT ARTHUR O/N

4-5

DUNALLEY CONNELLY’S MARSH

7

3

5

OATLANDS VIA RUNNYMEDE

1

GEEVESTON

1

SOUTH ARM RICHMOND

4

6

1

CHRISTMAS BBQ

LABOUR DAY WKND

FERN TREE

13

TAHUNE AIRWALK SLOW BIKE RUN

8

LONGLEY WOODBRIDGE

11

CYGNET - NAKED BIKE CAFÉ

13

9

12

14

LOWER MARSHES JERICHO

10

NATIONAL PARK

12

8

8

11

TAROONA

MT. WELLINGTON BBQ PETER JONES

20

BENDIGO SWAP

15

18

20

RICHMOND TEA TREE SLOW BIKE RUN

16

TINDERBOX MARGATE

19

BUSHY PARK/ HAMILTON

21

17

19

PUB IN PADDOCK O/N

14-15

TRIABUNNA

15

SOUTH EAST RALLY PVCC

17 SATURDAY

SORELL

NEW NORFOLK

27

ROSS RALLY O/N

21-22

RICHMOND BOYER

25

LEWISHAM DODGES FERRY

27

23

26

28

WOODBRIDGE HUONVILLE

24

SWANSEA

26

NYRSTAR (ZINC WORKS CHARITY RIDE)

22

22

DUNALLEY

25 AUSTRALIA DAY WKND

28

TOY RUN

SALMON PONDS

30

31

CHANNEL CIRCUIT

29

20

22

11

18

14

24

27

29

25

28

30

26

28

31

24

AGM

27

Run desitnations are subject to change on the day. Sundays meet at Kennedy Lane, Salamanca Place at 10.00 am. If not accessible & on all other days, meet at the Fire Station, Melville St.

DEC

D

NOV

N

OCT

O 4 SALMON PONDS

SEP

S

AUG

A

JUL

J

JUN

J

MAY

M

APR

A

MAR

M

FEB

F

JAN

J

BMCT CALENDAR 2015