THE
BRITISH BIKER OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE BRITISH MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF TASMANIA inc.
185 x 160 mm
Summer EDITION : January 2015
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
Treasurer/Public Officer
Nigel Reid
M: 0417 585 954 H: 03 6265 1237
Librarian
Dick Jones
Magazine Editor
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
Firstly I would like to say a big thank you to those who are involved with the production of the magazine, especially Owen Smith, Ian Bonde and Rob Walsh. It’s a great magazine of exceptional quality, well done guys. On reflection for the year 2014 has been a good year for the club. Some highlights to remember from early in the year: The Cygnet / Channel run where over 30 riders attended and Bert shouted coffee to celebrate his 86th birthday. We had a great ‘overnight run’ to Pyengana (pub in the paddock), and a very successful motorcycle display at Richmond raising almost $2,500 for the club. At the AGM, clubman of the year for 2013 was Gary Rizzolo and two of our members, Dick Jones and Don Lowe were awarded ‘life membership’. We had a great tour of the Aurora Australis hosted by the chief engineer himself, Paul Dickson. More recently the overnighter at Ross was well attended as have most of the rally runs. It was with much sadness that we learnt of the passing of member Dennis Parry. Our sincere condolences and thoughts are with Cheryl at this time of great loss. A big thank you to Paul and Kerry Dickson for hosting the Christmas BBQ. It was a great success and a lovely collection of bikes as well. I wish you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year. Casey Overeem President
eastcoast
ride april 12
The run up the East Coast to the pub in the paddock was originally set as a day run to Orford. This was changed to an overnighter after Vaughan Oldham from Pyengana suggested that the club spend a night in the area. On Friday night prior to leaving I made a couple of phone calls to prospective participants, only to hear it is forecast be wet .I thought bugger it I am going to go anyway as I have convinced my son Eugene to come with me and I had arranged for Ken Jupp and Ron Hunter to meet us at the pub and I knew that they had set out on Friday from Penguin. As it turned out 6 of us rolled up to the fire station an Saturday, the sun was shining and everyone was in good spirits. As we about to leave John Rettig was having troubles which we originally thought was a failed battery and after a trip to battery world it was found to be starter motor problems, instead of John going home and changing bikes we made a decision to head of and if need we would push start him as required. We rode through to Orford for coffee and a light snack. Jerry Scott headed home and the remaining 5 headed to Swansea for fuel and on to Bicheno where we caught up with Vaughan. We stopped for a late lunch at St Helens .Ken and Ron had arrived at the Pub in the Paddock about 2 hours before us as they had spent Friday night in Scottsdale. Everybody chatted and the mandatory stubbie of beer was given to the local pig. Vaughan along with his wife Tammy their 2 youngest children and 2 of their friends joined us for dinner. Several beers were consumed with the evening winding up at 11pm. On Sunday we visited Vaughan’s farm, inspected the bikes and car and watched Vaughan’s son rip up the paddocks on his off road bike . Just as we are about leave we were told not to go as Tammy had prepared morning tea. Ken and Ron were heading home via Scottsdale
and one person from Hobart said lets ride with them and then we can ride back down the coast and home. It is a great ride to Scottsdale through Derby and there are several kilometres of new wide road (the people in the south of the state have missed out on roads being upgraded may be our votes do not count). After refuelling another bright spark says lets go home via Poatina , of we head over the sidling into Launceston and onto Longford for lunch at about 2pm.More fuel and onto Bothwell a quick stop more fuel and home .I arrived home at 5 pm. It was a great weekend of riding with no rain and no major problems with any of the bikes ,it was great to catch up with Ken and Ron as these opportunities are few and far between . The riders from Hobart were Casey Overeem, John Rettig, Eugene Smith, Peter Jones, Gary Smith and Jerry Scott . Thanks to Tammy and Vaughan for the country style hospitality. GarySmith
Bikes
by the
Bay
september 14
Sunday September 15th. saw a superb collection of bikes gather at the annual ‘Bikes by the Bay’ at the Foreshore Tavern. The blustery weather and morning chill gave way to bursts of sunshine, showing the shine and sparkle of chrome and paintwork. Bikes ranged from the veteran Scott, Indian and Douglas to vintage British marques, to classics such as the Kawasaki 900’s, to modern tourers and sports bikes, including a variety of standard and modified Harleys. A great day was enjoyed by all with several club members and friends heading up to Richmond for lunch and home via Grass Tree Hill. Ian Bonde
ride distinguished ladies & gentleman's
September 28
We all woke to a hot and windy day but that didn’t stop the 50-or-so riders congregating at Willie SMITHS Apple shed at Grove. We were greeted with tweeds, suits, bow-ties, top-hats, pipes and caps and a chorus of “Good morning chaps, jolly fine day for a ride”. How fantastic, the scene was set. The weather made it conducive to riding in such apparel to Geeveston where the Naked Bike Cafe sponsored the Ride.
I believe a few thousand dollars were raised for prostate cancer research and the WORLD total came in at 1.6 million. A fantastic effort. The ride home was extremely windy for those that left early. Paul
and I and several others left mid-afternoon and had to wait at Castle Forbes Bay as a large tree was across the road as well as power lines. Even that was a pleasant interlude, nothing could dampen the spirit of the day. All up a brilliant day and definitely one for the calendar next year. Kerry Dickson
a tribu Is 2014 the 100th. Birthday of the Modern Motorcycle?
In his Illustrated History of Motorcycles, Roy Bacon notes that by 1914 “. . . all the elements of the modern motorcycle were now in place”. The component that provoked this observation was the countershaft gearbox. The job of a gearbox is to enable a variety of ratios (more than 1) between the crankshaft and the driven wheel. Effectively, keeping the engine at revs where it produces enough torque to get off the mark, tackle hills and reach its top speed. The earliest reference to a countershaft gearbox/ clutch assembly that I can find is the 1907 Juckes who actually made a 4 speed unit for their own use. This offered crankshaft to wheel ratios from about 13:1 to about 5:1. The 5:1 was split between the primary and secondary drives. 100 years later hardly anything has changed. Virtually as universal as the spark plug and the Schrader valve. The Americans were certainly very innovative in the early days. Indians blitzed the field at the Isle of Man in 1911 due to their 2 speed gearbox and chain drive. (Possibly more due their chain drive than their gearbox but we won’t go there). AJS and Douglas were both early dabblers. Many early machines with a gearbox did not necessarily have a clutch as they were docile enough to be started off the valve lifter and early clutches were not overly reliable. However in 1914 the Triumph model H with a Sturmey Archer 3 speed countershaft gearbox/ clutch/kick start was launched. Although a clutch and gearbox added to the cost and complexity they were such a revolution that the direct drive machine was pretty well extinct by 1920, so considering the turmoil in the world during these years (particularly 14 to 18) adoption was almost instant. Sturmey Archer must be credited for bringing the countershaft gearbox to the masses. It could be argued that the AMC gearbox as used in the last of the Commandos is a direct descendant of this original design. Almost as revolutionary as its gearbox the Model H Triumph also had an aluminium primary chain case but that’s another story!
ute to
the countershaft gearbox
Four speeds became common by the early 30s, a foot gear change and positive stop mechanism by the mid 30s, 5 speeds by the 60s and then, virtually instantly, Suzuki released their 6 speed Hustler in 1965. After which the world went mad and has never been the same. (Some racing thoroughbreds had 14 speeds!!) But the die was cast in 1914. We should all check our gearbox oil levels this weekend out of respect. Rob Walch
portarthur overnighter
July 26
After a delayed start we finally got the trip to Port Arthur of the ground and running. After a 10 am start from the fire station we set off for short stop at Dunalley before riding onto Nubeena for lunch .The group arrived at the Fox and Hounds at 3pm.A few quite beers were had before dinner and a few stories were told. A few whiskeys were had after dinner with more stories being told and the mandatory viewing of the tour de France. Breakfast was had at Stuarts Lodge $18 for all you could eat. Ray Kelly a Dunalley resident assisted me on the return ride on Sunday as the T140 was having battery problems, Ray kindly allowed me to charge the battery for half an hour and he then rode with Dick and myself to Sorell. Several other club members road to Dunalley on Sunday.
Those members and prospective members who attended were Dick Calvert 500 bsa twin Casey Overeem 500 Gold Star Matt Sheppard Honda ( potential new member) Bill Overeeem Triumph Peter Jones Triumph Paul Blizzard Triumph Jerry Scott Triumph Nigel and Vanessa Reid Triumph Jan and Anita Blyton car Gary Smith T140 Mick Rush day ride Sunday for breakfast Triumph Gary Smith
Ross
Rally
Nov 2014 Resplendent sunshine glinting on sparkling chrome and flaked metal paintwork. Clear blue skies and a warm breeze. As venerable vintage club member, Bert Pepper said, “if you have a motorcycle and you’re not at Ross on a day like this, then you are not a motorbike rider!” The perfect weather attracted a large crowd to the Ross oval for the annual rally. The atmosphere was very congenial with a great deal of mutual admiration of the bikes on site. The variety and diversity of machines arranged in decades around the ground were matched by the hundreds of punters’ rides parked nearby. A few member’s bikes were successful in receiving awards. These include Neil Darvell’s BSA Royal Star (best British), Peter Bender’s Hesketh (best unrestored) and Kerry Dixon’s gorgeous little Ducati Elite, which won best European and best motorcycle in the show.
A total of 18 Hobart riders, including 14 BMCT members travelled up on the Saturday for an overnighter. The campers were comfortably catered for. Quite a few members made their way up on Sunday morning to join the crowds. On the oval, the BMCT tent was one of many, including the usual Shannon’s, Trumpy dealers and the Vintage club with Howard Burrows as master of ceremonies. The tasty BBQ offerings were complemented by delicious refreshments available from the boutique beer and ginger beer stands. All up a great day was enjoyed by all.
Ian Bonde
Ross Rally
Centrefo
FAX: (03) 62393008 MOBILE: 041 959 7272 Email: trimviewptyltd@bigpond.com
ABN 770 981 409 64 ACN 098 140 964
VMcCT &bmct Xmas BBQ
Dec 07
After a week of inclement Hobart weather and forecasts of rain, the prospects of a sunny summer’s Sunday looked bleak. However, despite the dark skies and grey light, a cool light drizzle served to freshen rather than dampen the spirits of the punters at the combined British Motorcycle and Vintage Motorcycle clubs Xmas barbeque. Whilst most of the group arrived by car, many intrepid riders chose to travel by motorcycle. Consummate hosts, Kerry and Paul Dickson put on a magnificent spread for their many guests. Expert tong skills were displayed by Howard Burrows and Gary Smith, cooking a splendid variety of bbq fare included some very tasty salmon steaks. These were complimented by a delicious collection of salads, followed by a wonderful assortment of plated sweet treats to finish. Of course the delightful foodstuffs were consumed with liberal amounts of liquid refreshments. The beautiful setting of lush lawns and garden beds with the bush backdrop complemented the collection of exotic machinery on display outside, in the sheds and in Kerry and Paul’s home. Their excellent collection of bikes and memorabilia became the talking point of many conversations on the day. Thanks go to the many organisers and especially to Paul and Kerry for opening up their home to all of the highly appreciative guests. Ian Bonde
channelcircuit september
01
Mt Wellington
The final official club ride of 2014 saw a very large turnout assemble at Kennedy Lane, no doubt influenced by a forecast fine and warm summer day. The plan was to head up the Mountain before winding our way back down for the BMCT Christmas BBQ at Peter Jones’ Allens Rivulet property. Approximately 30+ riders made the climb up Mt Wellington despite some fairly slow 4 wheel traffic. A number of riders were observed overtaking gawking tourists and nervous nellies with some degree of ‘enthusiasm’ and no doubt the word will get back to the Big Island that Van Dieman’s Land is inhabited by madmen on motorcycles with loud and raucous exhausts. Oh well, we don’t all live in nannystates (. . .yet). At around 15 degrees the top of the mountain was crisp but not uncomfortable, allowing time for some great photographs and running repairs to the odd mount that needed a little extra TLC. The renowned ‘transmission tower poltergeist’ was up to his tricks again, setting off the alarm on Nigel’s Thunderbird and forcing him to make a noisy decent some way down the road before it would take its finger off the switch. In addition to BMCT and Vintage club riders, the group was joined by Kevin and Kirsten Holford from Germany, in the middle of riding a seriously beefy BMW sidecar outfit around the globe. Hope they enjoyed the view and the company. Once again Peter and Ida Jones turned on the hospitality and despite almost triple 2013 numbers, still put on a great spread that fed and watered all comers. Everyone agreed it was a brilliant day all round and a great way to wrap up 2014. Owen Smith
Dec 21
Pete's The final official club ride of 2014 saw a very large turn-out assemble at Kennedy Lane, no doubt influenced by a forecast fine and warm summer day. The plan was to head up the Mountain before winding our way back down for the BMCT Christmas BBQ at Peter Jones’ Allens Rivulet property. Approximately 30+ riders made the climb up Mt Wellington despite some fairly slow 4 wheel traffic. A number of riders were observed overtaking gawking tourists and nervous nellies with some degree of ‘enthusiasm’ and no doubt the word will get back to the Big Island that Van Dieman’s Land is inhabited by madmen on motorcycles with loud and raucous exhausts. Oh well, we don’t all live in nanny-states (. . .yet). At around 15 degrees the top of the mountain was crisp but not uncomfortable, allowing time for some great photographs and running repairs to the odd mount that needed a little extra TLC. The renowned ‘transmission tower poltergeist’ was up to his tricks again, setting
Xmas BBQ Dec 21 off the alarm on Nigel’s Thunderbird and forcing him to make a noisy decent some way down the road before it would take its finger off the switch. In addition to BMCT and Vintage club riders, the group was joined by Kevin and Kirsten Holford from Germany, in the middle of riding a seriously beefy BMW sidecar outfit around the globe. Hope they enjoyed the view and the company. Once again Peter and Ida Jones turned on the hospitality and despite almost triple 2013 numbers, still put on a great spread that fed and watered all comers. Everyone agreed it was a brilliant day all round and a great way to wrap up 2014. Owen Smith
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: Seconder: Approved:
sidecaron steroids
Kevin & Kerstin Holford
On the day of the BMCT BBQ at Peter Jones’, no one could have failed to miss the beastly BMW Sidecar outfit that joined our mob up the Mountain and down to Allen’s Rivulet. Kevin and Kerstin Holford are halfway through a world trip and currently staying with Kerry and Paul Dickson during their Tasmanian leg. This is a brief overview of their story: We left home in Germany on 24th June 2013. We spent two days in Dresden with my father & two brothers, Quinn and our best friends Cyril & Sharon, all from England, and our good friend Plong from Bamburg. Three days in Prague with Cyril, Sharon & Plong then we set off along through Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakstan, Siberian Russia to Lake Baikal, then south Mongolia and China. From there we travelled through Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and an unplanned twomonth tour of Vietnam. We weren’t allowed to take our BMW outfit in to the country so we bought an old 110cc Indonesian Honda Win for US$300 and sold it for US$270 when we left. Back to Cambodia to our ‘Liza’ and travelled through Thailand again to Malaysia where
we shipped for the first time from Penang to Medan on a vegetable boat. We flew to Medan then we visited all the main islands of Indonesia - Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Timor and East Timor before shipping our bike to Darwin. We rode down the west coast, including the Gibb River Road, to Perth and did a small tour of the south-west corner. Across the Nullabor to Adelaide, the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne, Great Alpine Road, back to Melbourne and on the ferry to Tasmania. Future plans include the east coast, Alice Springs and Uluru. We will ship our bike from Sydney to South America, ride the America’s including Alaska, then ship our bike to South Africa, ride up the west side to Morocco, hop to Spain and Portugal and then home. Follow us on www.kk-chaostours.com
Kerry Dickson and Owen Smith.
3
DUNALLEY CONNELLY’S MARSH
DEC
D 6
NOV
N 1
OCT
CHRISTMAS BBQ
TOY RUN
O 4 SALMON PONDS
SEP
S 6
AUG
A 2 ORFORD
JUL
J 4-5 PORT ARTHUR O/N
JUN
J 7
MAY
M
APR
EASTER
OATLANDS VIA RUNNYMEDE
1
GEEVESTON
A 5
MAR
M
FEB
LABOUR DAY WKND
FERN TREE
13
TAHUNE AIRWALK
8
LONGLEY WOODBRIDGE
11
CYGNET - NAKED BIKE CAFÉ
13
9
12
14
LOWER MARSHES JERICHO
10
NATIONAL PARK
12
8
TAROONA
MT. WELLINGTON BBQ PETER JONES
20
BENDIGO SWAP
15
18
20
16
RICHMOND TEA TREE
TINDERBOX MARGATE
19
BUSHY PARK/ HAMILTON
21
17
19
PUB IN PADDOCK O/N
14-15
TRIABUNNA
15
HERITAGE PARK
8
17 SATURDAY
F 1
11 SOUTH EAST RALLY PVCC
RICHMOND
JAN
J 4 SOUTH ARM
NEW NORFOLK
27
ROSS RALLY
21-22
O/N
RICHMOND BOYER
25
SORELL LEWISHAM DODGES FERRY
27
23
26
28
WOODBRIDGE HUONVILLE
24
SWANSEA
26
NYRSTAR (ZINC WORKS CHARITY RIDE)
22
22
DUNALLEY
25 AUSTRALIA DAY WKND
29
SALMON PONDS
30
31
CHANNEL CIRCUIT
29
20
22
11
18
14
24
27
29
25
28
30
26
28
31
24
AGM
27
BMCT CALENDAR 2015