01March2011Newsletter - bmwtcnsw.org.au have that old Honda K1 CB750. ... Sat 26 th Port Macquarie Breakfast ride – Breakfast at The Sandbar Café, North Haven – meet there at

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MARCH 2011 Member of the International Council of BMW Clubs

BMWTCNSW Newsletter March 2011 2

PRESIDENT Andrew Watson 0419 255 290, 02 9896 3335 [email protected] VICE-PRESIDENT Bala Padmanabhan 0434 350 817, 02 9597 6079 [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Mike Day 0412 599 950 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Marie Pennykid 0428 393 093 [email protected] TREASURER, Chris Huddy 0438 407 146, 02 92026425 [email protected] BMWCA DELEGATE Graham Johns 0409 120 556 [email protected] EDITOR Ian Horsburgh 0428693151 [email protected] REGALIA Sandra Gluck 0419 022 025 [email protected] ASSETS and ARCHIVES Mal Cattermole 0419 179 419 [email protected] PUBLIC OFFICER Trevor Dean 0409 407 409 [email protected] SPARE PARTS/CLUB TOOLS Rob Edgar 0408 161 107 [email protected] MCC NSW DELEGATE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Warren Buffett 0411 076 941 [email protected] MCC NSW DELEGATE Bruce Campbell 02 9629 7624 [email protected] NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION Tony Conliffe WEBMASTER Roger Martyn [email protected] Club Website: www.bmwtcnsw.org.au Club Yahoo Email site (members mailing list - voluntary) : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bmwtcnsw www.bmwclubs.asn.au www.bmw-clubs-international.com

ACT Dave Ramsay

02 6278 3895 [email protected]

Hunter Mark Vane-Tempest

0409 064 328 [email protected]

Mid North Coast

Lin & Pru van Coppenhagen

0417 098 255 or (H) 02 6582 5931 [email protected]

South Coast Lex Welham 0427 319 906 [email protected]

Central West Patrick & Deb Dwyer Daytime 0418 403 438 or AH 02 6335 6264 [email protected]

South Coast Peter Holcombe 0416 213 616

[email protected]

North Coast Damien O'Toole 0419 296 939 [email protected]

Central West Don White 02 4821 2816 [email protected]

Sydney – North

Craig Hancock 0419 557 014 [email protected]

Sydney - South

Graham Johns 02 9731 0934 [email protected]

Monthly Club Meetings

Held at 7:30pm at the Andrew Cook Hall, Toongabbie (corner Targo and Toongabbie Roads) on the last Wednesday of each month (except for December)

Sydney Social Sip

Held at 6:00pm on the last Wednesday of each month. Members gather at the Toongabbie Hotel for a chat and something to eat before crossing the road to attend the club meeting.

South Coast Social Sip

Held anytime after 6pm on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Members gather at the Berry Bowling Club 140 Princes Hwy, Berry, for a chat and something to eat.

Newcastle Social Sip

Members gather anytime after 6pm on the last Friday of the month. at the Hexham Bowling Club for a chat and something to eat.

North Coast Social Sip

8:30 Breakfast at The Sandbar Café, North Haven. The after "breakfast ride" to be determined over breakfast.

Organise a Ride or Event 2

Attend a Social Sip 2

Attend a Social night (Restaurant night, party, etc) 3

Attend a Maintenance Day 2

Attend a Day Ride 6

Attend a Weekend Run or Rally 10

Attend a Long Weekend Run or Rally 12

Self written Newsletter article 4

Attend a Club Meeting – City Member 4

Attend a Club Meeting – Country Member 6

Attend a Night Run 6


PRESIDENT’S REPORT After the country meeting in January at Dungog, some members were of the opinion that the committee members that were present did not seem take note of any of the suggestions for the growth of club. Back in November Mike, Bala, Chris and myself held an executive meeting and many of the issues we discussed then were brought up at Dungog. On the Tuesday night following the country meeting Bala, Mike and myself held another meeting at my place and started going through some of the issues brought up at Dungog. Over the next few months as the executive and committee work through the issues, we will keep you posted and we will need assistance from the members as well. Please keep in mind that the committee and the regional ride coordinators are all volunteers and many of us do have time constraints just like everyone else. One issue that did come up, and which I can answer now, is that I was surprised with how many people were not aware about insurance companies offering a discount to riders that are a member of a motorcycle club. Not all, but many insurance companies will offer a discount to a motorcyclist who is a member of a motorcycle club. I received a 5% discount through QBE. Ask your insurance company next time you reinsure your bike.

I’d also like to thank Rob Lovett for the organisation of Karuah River Rally. I would also like to thank his band of merry helpers who helped with the rally. Numbers were similar to last year. I’m sure we will see some ride reports in regards to the rally appearing in the newsletter this month.

______________________________

EDITOR’S RAMBLINGS We had some visitors last week

Reidar, Idar & Rolf, three lads from Trondheim in

Norway, who some of us met at the Halfway house

weekend, (see report) came to see us again at home.

We took them down to Manly, for a ferry ride to Cicular

Quay & back, then a dip in the surf.

Dinner that night was good old Aussie roast lamb.

Chrissy cooked a 2.2kg leg with vegies etc. & we ate the

lot! Not a skerrick left.

That night two of them camped in their Hilux campervan

& Rolf dossed down on our floor.

Next day they all had a ride on the KTM in the big

Aquatic Centre carpark behind our village.

Ray’s & Eidar’s parents are here in Sydney this week &

they want us to meet them. Rolf goes home this week

too.

What nice blokes.

I did my international travel with a Kiwi mate, about 40

years ago. 6 weeks on motorcycles through France,

Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, Italy &

back to London. Still have that old Honda K1 CB750.

The big regret I have about that trip was that we never

stopped to work, or take the time to know the people

we met.

The 3 or 4 days we spent with one family in Tunis

showed what life-changing possibilites there were in just

stopping & getting to know the locals.

Still, it was a magic time & I envy these blokes & their

freewheeling youth.

Ian Horsburgh.


February

Thurs 24 th Thursday Night Bike ride – to Alex Hotel Leura. For all riders, makes and models you are invited to the Alex Hotel Bike Nights. Share your love and passion with others, fortnightly live music and sausage sizzle. All welcome from 7pm – 9pm top car park.

Jane Blackburn 0405 069 171

Fri 25 th Hunter Social Sip – Meet at the Mozzie Club (Hexham bowling Club) from around 6.00pm

Mark Tempest 0409 064 328

Sat 26 th North Coast social sip – Breakfast at The Sandbar Café, North Haven. – meet there at 8.30am. The after breakfast ride to be determined over breakfast.

Lin & Prue 02 6582 5931

Sat 26 th Bushwalk and Brekky – 7am Bush walk and Breakfast at Parramatta Lakes. (Access from Bourke St in North Parramatta.) There is a 3.5 km bush walk around the lake that is just spectacular. Get the heart rate going and then either cook your own breakfast on the BBQ's or get food from the Gourmet Cafe. Then just sit around and chat with friends. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Paul Evans

02 9674 2361

Sun 27 th Track Day - Introduction to Motorsport Course (including Hill climb) at Marulan Driver Training Centre, Marulan. Bring your Car or Motorbike to ride around the track. Contact Ian Ramsay for details.

Ian Ramsay 0414 746 992

March

Sun 6 th First Sunday of month Day Ride - Call Mark between 6pm and 9pm for more information.

Mark Thomson 02 4647 0678

Sun 6 th Brekky @ Brooklyn – Meet at 9.30am at Leah’s Alfresco, on the wharf, Dangar Road, Brooklyn. Possibility of a ride afterwards if you’re keen!

Geoff Hickin 0417 290 663

Sun 6 th Newcastle Day Ride – To Nabiac Motorcycle Museum. Mark Tempest 0409 064 328

Sun 6 th Port Macquarie Day Ride – (Peter and Dale) Harrigans at Harrington for Lunch. Leave Kew at 10.00am.

Lin & Prue 02 6582 5931

Thurs 10 th South Coast Social sip – Berry Bowling Club from 6pm. Bowling Club is located at 140 Princes Hwy, Berry.

Lex Welham 0427 319 906

Fri 11 th – Sun 13 th

The Cold Flame Rally – will be held, by the Cold Flame Tourers, at the intersection of the Snowy and Pinch Rivers, about 65 K's south of Jindabyne on the Barry Way. This is a back to basics Rally, which means bring your own everything, and because it is in the National Park you must take away your own everything. The site has excellent toilets and shade and the camp site is about two hundred meters off the Barry way on the Banks of the Pinch River.

Al Pennykid 02 4739 3093


Paul Evans

02 9674 2361

Sun 13th Port Macquarie Social Sip – Meet from 4.30pm at The Beach House pub, Town Green. Meet for a few drinks and stay for a meal if you like.

Lin & Prue 02 6582 5931

Sat 12 th – Sun 27 th

Ride to Lake Gardiner, SA – Mick and Evan Furchert are going to the Lake Gardiner Salt bike racing in South Oz. They will be riding along the coast till Adelaide, and then heading out to the salt racing. Most of the ride will be tar, except out West to the lakes on very good dirt road. Anybody who wants to come along for the trip or part of the way, they are more than welcome to join in.

Mick Furchert

[email protected]

Sun 20 th Port Macquarie Breakfast ride – to “Bent on Food” Wingham (Sharon Cordell) The ride will continue after breakfast. Leave Kew at 8.00am.

Lin & Prue 02 6582 5931

Fri 25 th Hunter Social Sip – Meet at the Mozzie Club (Hexham bowling Club) from around 6.00pm

Mark Tempest 0409 064 328


Sat 26 th Port Macquarie Breakfast ride – Breakfast at The Sandbar Café, North Haven – meet there at 8.30am. The after breakfast ride to be determined over breakfast.

Lin & Prue 02 6582 5931


Barrington Tops region ride – These are fully catered with accommodation and fully optioned cooked meals. Passenger suited and easy scenic routes. For further details, contact Brad – Dingo

Brad Young 0425 204 662


Paul Evans

02 9674 2361

Sat 26 th – Sun 27 th

Port Macquarie weekend ride – to Coffs Harbour and overnight. White water rafting the Nymboida River (Andy Nelson).For details refer to Newsletter.

Lin & Prue 02 6582 5931

Wed 31st Club Meeting 7:30pm. – You are also invited to meet for dinner before the meeting at the Toongabbie Hotel from 6pm.

Andrew Watson 0419 255 290

April Upcoming Rides!!

Sat 2nd – Sun 3 rd

Weekend Pub Stay – at Tuena, NSW, between Goulburn and Blayney. Bunk style accommodation, ($25 per head) or lovely velvety grass carpet camp ground. Now only 4.7 km dirt from the Goulburn side, and 7.7 km if coming via Bathurst. Check the newsletter for more details. Ring Colin and Melanie Ross, 4834 5214, to book.

Margaret Barlow

[email protected]

Sat 23 rd – Sun 24 th

2011 Scrapheap Adventure Ride – Ride to Cameron Corner. This ride is raising funds for the Down Syndrome Association of NSW. For further details visit www.scrapheapadventureride.com.au

Perry Gilsenan perry@matters. com.au

Fri 29 th – Sun 1 st


Brad Young 0425 204 662

May Upcoming Rides!!



Brad Young 0425 204 662

Ever thought of being a Flag Marshal?

Here's a posting from a member of MCC that may interest a few.

If you are, contact details are at bottom of msge.

The Post Classic Racing Association (PCRA)

www.postclassicracing.com.au races bikes of all sizes built

between 1963 and 1995. We use Eastern Creek and Wakefield

Park (Goulburn) and Broadford (Vic.) tracks for 5 meetings a year,

including the Barry Sheene Festival of Speed early April.

At every meeting, we have Flag Marshalls on each corner, in the

pit and on the recovery team. They play a vital role in keeping the

racing safe and on time. We are looking to build the team of

Flaggies and we are putting the word around looking for

interested people. Its an important volunteer role, and a lot of

fun if you want to be close to the racing action.

We're looking for people who can be our Flaggies for any or all of

the following:

· Wakefield Park: February 5; August 27

· Eastern Creek: April 1, 2 and 3; May 14; September 17,18.

· Broadford Vic. October 1,2.

We provide food and drink, accommodation if needed. We may

be able to provide transport if needed.

Here's the offer: first meeting!!

Saturday Feb 5 you drive or ride to Wakefield Park Raceway,

just south of Goulburn. We put you up in cottages overlooking

the track. Sunday 0800 you are fully briefed and posted, you

are a Flag Marshall right on the track. We provide lunch and

drinks. By 4pm or so the racing is finished, there is time for a

beer over presentation of trophies, you get a bit thank you and

off home into the sunset!

In short, we are in need of Flaggies for Wakefield on February

6. Any individuals or clubs that can assist we'd be mighty

pleased!

We offer: * Unbeatable race viewing! * Free accommodation

on track the night before! * Transport if needed!

* Food and drink! * Sunny location! * Congratulatory drinks at

the end of the day! * Warm companionship!

* Membership of an elite group of race administrators! *

Satisfaction of a job well done!

* Appreciation of every racer on the day!

Cheers for 2011

David Morrissey 014716450

PCRA Flaggies Coordinator

www.postclassicracing.com.au


Minutes of Regional General Meeting

Held at Dungog 22 January, 2011 Chairperson – Andrew Watson Meeting opened – 18:15 Apologies – Warren Buffett, Sandra Gluck, Marie & Allan Pennykid Visitors – (Aunty) Mal Cherlin (Ducati Club), Peter Cordell (Port Macquarie), Alana Gayko Previous Minutes – No December Meeting Correspondence – Invoice for Public Liability Insurance (paid). Invoice for Club Room rental Jan 2011 to June 2011 (Paid). BMW Club UK Mag Dec 2010, BMW Car Club Mag Dec 2010, Veteran & Vintage Chev Assn, Sydney Swap Meet 20/2/2011, BMW Club Vic Mag Dec 2010, BMW Club WA Mag Dec 2010, BMW Club NZ Mag Dec 2010, BMW Club South Aust Rally Poster for 1-3 Oct 2011. President’s Report –

• The Club needs to attract younger members. The Committee is considering ways to achieve this and has sought ideas and input from Club members (and others) present at the meeting.

• Lyn Van Kopenhagen (Regional Coordinator for Port Macquarie Region) reported that they have 50-55 riders in their group of which 6 or 7 are BMW Club Members. It is hard to convince some riders to join the Club because they can’t see what benefits it gives them. Lyn says the best selling point for the Club is the monthly Magazine. Many people present were also unaware that QBE Insurance provides a 5% discount on Insurance Premium if you are a member of the BMW Club. The Club will investigate other Insurers to see if they have a similar policy.

• Mark Vane-Tempest, the ride coordinator for the Newcastle Region reported that he had 20 people on his list, of which only 4 were non-members. He coordinates a variety of rides for sealed and unsealed roads.

• Damien O’Toole (DOT) one of the Clubs Classic Registrars, pointed out that any members with pre-1981 BMW’s can register their Classic with the Club for $59 p.a. This only entitles them to ride the bike on a club sanctioned ride, which is easy to organise (Not to work and back etc). However this is a considerable benefit of being a Club member if you have a Classic Bike.

• Mal Cherlin (Ducati Club and BEARS Racer) advised the meeting that many of the younger riders are interested in Speed. We could broaden the appeal for members by holding a Track Day, and advised on some of the limitations and rules associated with such events.

Vice President’s Report – • The VP pointed out that being a Club member means that

you are part of BMW Clubs International. If you travel overseas membership of the BMW Club will give you an introduction to the BMW Club were ever you go. This can be very usefull for local knowledge about things to see and places to visit. Recently a Club member visited Texas in the USA and introduced himself to the local BMW Club. He was very well received and invited to attended some of their events, though he did not have his Bike with him.

• The Club is basically a Social Club. • Subsidised courses are a useful vehicle to attract

members. • Potential new members could be encouraged to

participate by receiving a free e-copy of the Club newsletter.

• The Clubs attempt to attract younger riders will be assisted by maintaining the policy that members do not have to ride a BMW.

Secretary’s Report – See Minutes Treasurer’s Report – $19K in Bank account Membership Secretary – Nothing to report Editor – Articles please.

Remus Mufflers has a new advert in our Mag and would like to talk at one of our meetings. Regalia – Wato has Regalia at the meeting if anyone wants to purchase something. Assets & Archives – Nothing to report Clubs Australia – Nothing to report Webmaster – Nothing to report MCC – Nothing to report Past Events – • New Years Rally made a profit. 45 badges sold • Capital rally, 25 members present. Coming Events – Refer to Newsletter. • Karuah next month. Catering for 150. We will have Bryson’s

and One Steel Marquees again this year, thanks to Joe Hughes again for organising this.

• Tuena Pub Stay on 2/4/2011 (Marg Barlow) • Thunder Rally this year is the 30th anniversary event. Please

turn up if you can. General Business - Coming events to be planned are a Track Day, More Jaffle runs, and day rides during daylight saving time Meeting Closed : 19:30 ___________________________________________________

Minutes of General Meeting 24 November 2010

Chairperson – Andrew Watson Meeting opened – 8.13pm Apologies – Roger Martin Visitors – None Previous Minutes – Acc – Ian Ramsay Sec – Rob Edgar Correspondence - • Magazines from –BMW MCC of UK, QLD, VIC, ACT, NZ,

BMW Car Club NSW, Ducati Club. • MCC Meeting minutes Oct 2010 President’s Report – Nothing to report Vice President’s Report – • We need Summer rides • Utilise the e-group to organise rides Secretary’s Report – As per Minutes. Treasurer’s Report – Nothing to report Membership Secretary – Nothing to report. Editor – Nothing to report. Regalia – • Regalia has some 5XL Polo Shirts & Polar Fleece garments

if anyone is interested please inquire. Assets & Archives – Nothing to report. Clubs Australia – Nothing to report. Webmaster – Nothing to report. MCC – • MCC is trying to steer effort at Riders instead of Car drivers. • There is a need for a Restricted Rego for dirt bikes because

many claims are for unregistered dirt bikes. Past Events – • Trout Rally. No Club attendees. • Shooting at Bathurst. 7 attendees. • Beemer by the Beach. Well attended. There will be a

Camping option next year. Coming Events – • BMW Car Club Avon Dam • Motorcycle night at Leura each Thursday. • Christmas Party at Edith (Near Oberon) • Wollombi Pub run on 19/12/2011 • Jan 14-16 Pat Dwyer Snowy ride. • Recon Run and Country meeting January • Karuah River Rally Feb 2011 General Business – • Frank Caccia is healing well after a long convalescence. Meeting Closed : 8:55 pm


TUENA Pub-stay WEEKEND 2nd-3rd April

Details from Margaret Barlow Something new and different! Laurel Hill isn’t a go-er this year, because of the way Easter and Anzac Day collide, but here’s something different instead:

A week-end pub stay at Tuena on 2nd -3rd April.

$25 per person in a bunk bed. One or 2 queens available (beds, that is). The $25 includes a continental breakfast. If you’d like a cooked b’fast it’s $7 extra. There’s also a lovely camping area. Other meals: $10 hamburgers and $18 steaks. Good coffee and Devonshire tea, etc. also available. Limited undercover parking. Activities: Gold-panning; General Store; Craft shop with photos and memorabilia; Abercrombie Caves; dirt and tar rides or just veg out at the pub.

It could be a one off, or it might become an annual thing, if people decide they would like it to.

Phone Colin and Melanie Ross: (02) 4834 5214 mentioning the BMW Club (and ask for undercover parking if needed.)

Tuena is located 90 km from Bathurst and 100 km from Goulburn, with 4.7 km good dirt on the Goulburn side and 7.7 km good dirt on the Bathurst side. ________________________________________

FRONT COVER John Visser’s crack

Be kind to me :) I didn't *just* drive into it - the front slid into a smaller rut (to the right of the BIG Crack) and I gassed it to bring it back under control (check out the skid mark at the rear). End result was the front came out of the little rut, pointing at the wrong direction i.e. the Big Crack and in a major tank slapper. Bike leapt into the air, click its wheels together and dived into the Big Crack - and stopped very thoroughly dead. Lucky I was going slow and did not go over the bars.... Cheers... John Visser (viz)


Old Man and the Three Taking postie bikes where no posties have gone before.

Written by Duncan Menge The night is dark. The road is rocky. And I can’t help thinking about how far the drop is to my right as my front tire bounces from rock to rock. Then, without time to respond, my heavily laden KTM is pointing over the edge. The headlight illuminates nothing but the dark void yawning below. On the brakes but it’s too late. I drop the bike just as the front wheel sails over the edge and it lands awkwardly on a fragile fairing. In all my six months of riding I’ve never seen roads like this. As I struggle to pull the bike back up, I reflect on my situation. Any novice rider who finds themselves on a rocky trail, at night, and led by a couple of experienced riders hell-bent on self destruction will know what I mean when I talk about a Baptism of Fire. The fire I endured for the week of the 2008 Alpine Rally was in the wake of three postie bikes that my companions ride. As they howled through the forest like red Indians, I trailed on and tried to comprehend why on earth you’d choose to ride a CT110 rather than, well, anything else. “Because anything else is too easy”, was the usual response to that question. But as I watched them pass big, purpose built bikes on the shifty dirt roads of the Australian Alps, nothing looked easier. No clutch, sappy power and

awkward handling are the usual hallmarks of an over-laden Postie, so there had to be more to it than that. I find the red barons waiting at a place called Dubbo Flat. It’s a muddy paddock with deep ruts and slippery grass. “That road is like liquid Teflon.” I say to a helmeted figure in the darkness after dropping my bike next to the creek. That’s the third time tonight already. A wry, knowing chuckle suggests they know something I don’t about where we’re going. For the next seven days I’ll be riding through the N.S.W and Victorian Alpine National Parks with Paul and Josh Evans and Ben Rollison. Josh and

his Old Man have been riding all their life, their names familiar to many that attend the Alpine Rally. Josh maintains he is the youngest ever to attend the Rally, though that claim is widely disputed as he was in utero at the time. Piloting the third Postie is Ben, Josh’s business partner in a photography studio. The three of them aim to take their posties where no postie has gone before. And me, the neophyte, along for the ride. After four and a half hours of gruelling fire trails, we make camp at the Coolamine Homestead, off Long Plain Road in deep south NSW. Getting a bike through the gate with full pannier bags is a bit like threading a camel through a needle’s eye, so we scouted around for a break in the fence to do our best Steve McQueen impersonation. In the thick darkness of night this stunt isn’t going to be easy, but somehow we manage. Exhausted I sprawl out in front of our campfire and try to make more sense of this whole postie-bike thing. “So, apart from making everything harder, why else do you ride them?” I ask, throwing another log on the fire. “Well,” Josh responds, “I’ve been riding fast bikes all my life. Riding ten-tenths of my ability, and sometimes more. If I push myself any further I’ll just end up dead…or with no licence. I wanted a new challenge, to see if I could push these bikes to their limit and do everything the big GS’s do. And keep my licence at the same time, since flat out on one of these things is barely 80 kph. Well that, and Ben here challenged me to do it” For now this sounds good enough for me, and after a meal of re-constituted Thai chilli chicken, I gaze up to the stars and breathe a sigh of relief that the first day is over. On our second day we make a late start, which is further delayed by Josh’s first flat tire. This gives us a rare

opportunity to boil the Billy for a quick cup of tea and enjoy the surrounds of Currango Homestead. Nice place to


break down, we remark to Josh, who, over the next week on our rally, shaves down the time to fix a flat tire to a meagre 20 minutes. But our schedule requires that we cross the Murray at Tom Groggin that afternoon and our dilly-dallying around cuts our first day too short. The next best place to stop for that night, then, would have to be Bradley’s Hut, just south of Cabramurra. After what seemed to be countless miles of fire trails and amazing countryside, we arrive at Cabramurra to fill up on fuel and booze. There is no snow on the ground as we cruise into town, which we’re grateful for later, but with out it the place feels a bit empty. The sun is setting now, and as we leave, a tarmac serpentine stretches out before us, weaving through the hills and dams of the Cabramurra area. The Posties motors weren’t exactly gutsy, so in keeping with the spirit of the highway, I gunned it and left the others behind. Truth be known though, if the other’s weren’t on posties there’s no way I could keep up. But there’s only one thing worse than a learner rider on these roads, and that’s a rider who’s just got his full licence. As I pull back the reigns of my over-powered motard, and manage to get my stomach back where it’s supposed to be, the others catch up and we check the temperature. It’s –2 degrees and cold enough for fingers to snap straight off. The sun has completely disappeared by the time we reached Bradley’s Hut, which is by now bathed in the soft tones of the snowy mountains twilight. All day I marvelled at the landscape and the great roads and at how they were all empty of other motorcyclists. Paul, the oldest member of our group, is a GS owner with an undampend sense of adventure and flickers’ with the

rebellious spirit of his childhood. As the smoke of the Bradley’s hut fire burns our eyes and fills the room with a thick gloom, I comment that I am honoured to have his company. It seems, out of all his old riding buddies he would rather ride with us young blokes, and on a postie at that. His response surprises me: “The difference between all those guys and you is that you’re here. My old friends are more likely to be sitting in front of their flat-screen TV’s with their slippers on, rather than being here and getting into it.” As right now I’m unable to breathe, I can see the appeal… When the sun rises and we coax our sore bodies into action, thoughts of staying at home vaporise along with the frost on the road. Through the biting cold we press on, and soon we’re thawing in the morning sun. Today we were headed for our most dreaded river crossing, Tom Groggin. But there is a lot more water between here and there. When I say water, I mean 65 meters of it in the shape of the longest river crossing any of us encounter this week, at Geehi. Crossing large bodies of water on any bike is cause for trepidation. Crossing a puddle on a postie is usually enough to make your heart stop, let alone your bike. As we approach we see clearly what are fondly known as “lucky stones” lining the bottom of the river. These greasy, smooth stones make falling over in the drink easy. Somehow I volunteer to go first and this way, the others can gauge how deep the water is. The KTM cruises over without a hitch, but after touching down safely on the other side, I cast my eye across the waters to see all manner of panic. The others see how deep the water is and realise it will engulf their carbies in a wave of motor-killing liquid. As the boys literally reach for their fishing waders, our dream of crossing more water during the week seems to almost fade. Anyone who denies the phrase “you get what you pay for” is a pure and hopeless optimist. Those waders the postie pirates have donned, only last for one river crossing. And even then poor old Paul has sustained a wet foot that stays with him the rest of the week. Well then, what do you expect for $20 bucks? Josh experiments with his choke setting as he crosses the river, trying to get just the right icy water/fuel mixture to get across without stalling. After some tinkering it actually works, but as he paddles and splashes about trying to kick-start, I see why being able to ride the clutch is such an asset. If these guys were after a challenge they sure found it. Following this watery adventure, we finally come the greatly anticipated ford crossing at Tom Groggin. At this time of year the water level is unpredictable and it is sure to be chilly. As we approach the water’s edge the Postie-bikes squirm in dread of yet another splashdown. Kindly, the water level is quite low. Ben, though, ever keen to get the messy stuff done with early, heads straight in and finds himself in the deepest section of riverbed. Ah yes, the old “didn’t check the depth first” trick. Gets ‘em every time. With further splashing around and another torn wader, Ben’s step-through is on the other side. Not before Josh has time to overtake him, though, and is the first of our band to cross from NSW to Victoria. After more boots are filled with the ice-cold snowmelt my companions are eager to press on and build a sock-cooking fire.


The sight of a hut nearby on the map spurs us on to reach it before the dark clouds massing above open and sweep us off the mountain. The night descends, and is unlike the trail we follow, which ascends so steep and continuous, we thought we’d meet God. The little low-range bikes are no match for these roads, and they inch up the clay and rocks at a struggle I can’t bear to watch. The 640-Single powering the KTM makes it easy for me, so I ride ahead and ponder the worth of making life hard with an underpowered bike. I sit on my saddle with the engine off and look at the steely fingers of dead trees reach for the sky. For all the talk of rebellion that goes with riding a bike, the true rebels are those who really go off the map. They try something different; they’re the alternative to the alternative. I can hear the tiny four-strokes whine like insects as they struggle up to meet me. They’re as ugly in their tone as Sid Vicious. These bikes are to adventure riding what the Sex Pistols were to music. These bikes are punk. The rain pours down outside Davies Plain Hut and the dry firewood crackles effortlessly in the stone hearth. We huddle next to the fire, trying to dry everything and talk like pirates. And women wonder what we talk about. Ben’s been practicing: “Arr, that fire be very fiery, and the beer be rather beery. Arr, these baked beans be puttin’ hairs on me chest. Arr.” If anyone were to approach our hut just then, I don’t know who’d be more scared. The next day, morning didn’t quite break as much as blink on like an old strip light. Covering everything is a thick cloud, which only thickens as we ascended to new heights, creating a moody and dark atmosphere over the Davies High Plain. Soon we are at the top of some mountain, and we feel as though we’re in a world only Tim Burton could dream up. Gnarly trees and thick woods surround the trail, as is a silence that could make your ears ring. We press on, however, and I get the feeling these guys like a struggle. Especially when our road turns into a forest. Normally, if a road hasn’t been used for a while and is over-grown, you’d turn around and find another way through. Right? Well not these guys. Our map says it’s fine, so what’s the problem? While Josh and the Old Man walk ahead to look for a way through, Ben and I sit on a log and consider our options. As any great adventurer would do in a moment like this, Ben cracks open a beer. Arr, I like the cut of your jib… Soon we find ourselves surrounded by forest with only a hint of road leading off into the trees. The more logs that cross our path and the darker the clouds above, the more likely I think we’ll have to camp here for the night. Little by little we make headway, moving logs and finding ways around them, carefully studying the land for signs of man made cambers. While Ben and Josh heave yet another log out of the way, I keep thinking about the hut that waits for us at the end of this turmoil. And then, just when we can almost taste freedom we find a massive log about as big as, well, a really big tree, blocking our path. Is this it? Will we have to turn back? None of us want to, of course, since we just spent the last two hours travelling only a few hundred meters. Without the proper tools though, there is no way we can cut through. The way around is blocked too, but with a slightly smaller log. In a flash of determined know-how and make-do, I grab some rotting logs and place them alongside it. The others ask what the hell I’m doing. “If we can’t go around, we’ll go over.” I explain as I thump another log into place. And soon, before us is a dodgy ramp either side of the log allowing a daring rider to launch himself over the top and down the other side. Was it bravado that spurred me on? Not really. Just pure and simple hatred for this horrible place. When these guys invited me for a ride, I didn’t expect to have to make my own road. Soon though, we look back on our achievement and laugh. See? You can go anywhere on a Postie. When a map states there are steep sections are ahead, around here you can believe it. Some of the roads in the Victorian Alps climb higher and faster than any we have seen. I don’t think the road makers years ago knew how to

make switchbacks. They simply went straight up. And so do we. This next section is the only one I stall on, and Josh’s hotted up Postie is so hot it starts to cook itself, seizing the automatic clutch. The rutted surface threatens to swallow the distracted rider and the clay mimics a snakes and ladders board game as it allies with gravity. Further up the road we come across and equally steep section, this time leading straight down, which is quickly followed by yet another river crossing. This one takes us all by surprise as to how deep it is and almost covers the panniers on my bike. But with a little coughing and spluttering and a quick drain of the carbie on Paul’s Postie, we’re away once again.


You must be thinking all this up and down business must be leading somewhere. And you’d be right. Back near Tom Groggin, after camping next to the hottest fire near I think I’ve ever cooked up, we set ourselves our biggest task yet; the peak of Mt. Pinnibar. Climbing to the summit of that 1780 metre mountain is Australia’s highest road. Also climbing to summit will be Australia’s highest Postie bike. Whatever we may have endured before this moment has been but an entrée to fore this main course. It’s a 1200 metre climb from our camp to the top, and after fortifying ourselves with a double ration of muesli bars, we take the mountain head on. The map states “very steep sections” are ahead. No matter. The signs on the roadside say, “dry weather track only”. No matter. This is our day. Upward and onward we go. And on. And Up. And on. And soon, after bikes have overheated and tires have clawed at the ground till they’re almost shredded from their rims, the Old Man navigates the first Postie bike to the top of Mt Pinnibar. Quickly he’s Joined by Josh and Ben, their bikes’ blazing chassis contrasting against the unending blue sky in a pose of resplendent triumph. And then we went down again.

*** The following day we arrive at Brindabella for the 2008 Alpine Rally. The 39th of it’s kind; it’s one of the rare years that it doesn’t rain. As we roll into camp, the little red bikes attract some attention, as does the amount of dirt on them. More and more riders arrive, some so at-one with their bikes it’s hard to see where the bike ends and the man begins. I soon question what I’ve gotten myself into. Fires flair up in pits throughout the bush. Laughter and toothless smiles echo in the mist. Headers glow as bikes rev and smoke in the darkness. I wonder where all the young folk are. Surely this is one scene out of Mad Max no one would want to miss. I find out later that most riders here are over 40. Maybe the younger generation aren’t familiar with Mel Gibson’s early work. Or maybe they’re too comfortable in front of their flat-screen TV’s to care what happens in the real world. I’m sitting in front of a fire, watching round jaffle irons like spokes in a wheel hissing like punctured tyres. Seems pretty normal to me. Then again, so does not washing for a week. But only here does that seem normal. Talk about getting away from it all. I suppose everyone rides for different reasons and freedom and escapism are usually centre to most of those. And so is the sense of adventure. I have seen no one display this more than the three guys next to me who came here on bikes designed to do little more than deliver letters (and in this case, lettuce, duely presented to Henning). Were these intrepid riders pioneers, or in fact pirates who have hijacked a world where only BMW’s and KTM’s dare venture? Whether some say they belong out here or not, what I saw were bikes helmed by a new breed of adventurers. These astronauts in black leather steered their step-through steeds through the highest roads in Australia. And they did it with the same spirit found at the bottom of a bottle sipped on by the early riders, those who were looked upon by society as out-casts and rebels. But they did it all anyway, because they could. The last night of our journey had us endure a cacophony of snores that rang about the tents in surround sound. In

the morning I was happy to roll up my Thermarest for the last time. But even if my body ached for a real bed, I’d happily do it all again. And just then, when I’d almost forgotten what women look like, and the smell of my unwashed body made my nose want to commit suicide, we turned our noble steeds to the hills once more, and headed home. _____________________________________________________________________________________

BMW K16OO GT & GTL UNVEILED

The new BMW K1600GT, was unveiled along with the GTL cruisier at the Melbourne Motorcycle show in November. 1649cc, 160HP, (phew) with the motor weighing only 102.6Kg, & 560mm wide. That’s 100mm narrower than any other production 6 cylinder motorcycle motor. It weighs 348kg wet, ready to go with 26.5l of fuel including 4l reserve. Some of the other new stuff is Adaptive Headlight, Integrated GPS. Multi Controller for all the electronics on left handgrip, & optional Electronic Suspension Adjustment.



Halfway House Campover

January 29th saw about 20 regulars from our club rock up to the recently devastated & now phoenix-like Halfway House on the Putty road. Paul Evans had called in here a few weeks back, met the new owner, & thought it would make a good spot to camp. There are only toilets, but a good grassy camping area, with a couple of tables, & the new owner, Dave Thurston, who does a barbecue & soft drinks along with stainless steel sculptures. My wife, Chrissy agreed to come along. She says she doesn’t mind camping, as long as it’s 5 star, so, as the KTM’s not B-double rated, we loaded up the Commodore, with about a week’s worth of gear, for one night. What a pleasant spot to camp. Tents & bikes scattered amongst the trees, people sitting round talking, a few drinks, telling lies, barbecue smoking away,balmy evening closing around us. Who could ask for anything more? Camping there as well was a trio of likely lads from Norway. They were making their way south after landing in Cairns in August last year, working in Mackay for a couple of months, with plans to circle Aus in their trusty Hilux campervan. Reidar, Idar & Rolf all ride bikes at home, & were hanging out for some sort of motorcycle fix when

they saw our little group. Decided this was a good place to camp. Chrissy got talking to them, & invited them to join us & said they may even be allowed to touch some bikes! They speak very good English & seemed to enjoy themselves. Talk about an international event! There were even a couple of girl riders from Poland. At one stage in the evening, six of the ten bods around the fire were from overseas. Congratulations Paul, for arranging this event. Very pleasant, & a great success. Hope it can be repeated at regular intervals. Ian Horsburgh.

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Vincent ’52

1. Says Red Molly to James: “That’s a fine motor bike. Oh, a girl could feel special on any such like.” Says James to Red Molly: “My hat’s off to you. It’s a Vincent Black Lightning, 1952. * And I’ve seen you on the corners, in the cafes, it seems – Red hair and black leather – my favourite colour scheme.” And he pulled her on behind, and down to Box Hill . . .They ride. 2. Said James to Red Molly: “Here’s a ring for your right hand, But I tell you in earnest, I’m a dangerous man. You see I’ve fought with the law since I was 17, And I robbed (a) many a man to get this Vincent machine. Now I’m 21 years; I might make 22, And I don’t mind dying, ‘cept for the love of you, But if fate should break my stride, then I give you my Vincent . . .To ride.” Long instrumental break. 3. “Come down, come down, Red Molly”, called Sergeant McRae, “For they’ve taken young James Hardy for armed robbery’. # A shotgun blast – his chest – left nothing inside. Oh, come down, Red Molly, to his dying bedside.” When she came to the hospital there wasn’t much left. He was running out of road; he was running out of breath, But he smiled to see her cry; said, “I give you my Vincent . . . To ride.” 4. Said James: “In my opinion there’s nothing in this world Beats a ’52 Vincent and a red headed girl. Now Nortons, Indians and Greaves won’t do, ‘Cause they don’t have a soul like a Vincent ‘52” And he reached for her hand and slipped her the keys. Said, “I’ve got no further use for these. I see angels on Aerials in leather and chrome Swooping down from heaven to carry me home.” And he gave her one last kiss and died, And he gave her his Vincent . . To ride.



Anything for Sale? Send details to

EDITOR Ian Horsburgh [email protected]

WEBMASTER Roger Martyn [email protected]

RALLY DETAILS 4 – 6 March

Ulysses Tallangatta Rally.

Tallangatta Showground & Golf Club

[email protected]

11 – 13 March

Cold Flame Rally.

Junction of Pinch & Snowy Rivers, Barry Way,

(South of Jindabyne) [email protected]

11 – 13 March

Once Bitten Rally.

Humula Citizens Sports Club.

2 – 3 April

Tuena Pub-stay

Phone Colin and Melanie Ross: (02) 4834 5214 mention

BMW Club (see flyer elsewhere in this issue)

6 – 8 May

Loaded Dog Rally.

Tarago Showgrounds. email

[email protected]

11 – 13 June

42nd Alpine Rally.

Yarrangobilly homestead, on the River, Snowy

Mtns. Hwy. 03 5981 0140 0457 034 488

• Reluctantly selling awesome bike • Heated hand grips • ABS • On board computer • Detachable panniers • Sheepskin seat cover • Low suspension/low seat - 760mm • Registered until August 2011 • Low km’s • Would suit female rider • Priced to sell at $14,000 (ono)

Contact: Jo Phone: 0412 008 528 Location: Canberra

For sale BMW R1150R

2004. Red. 27250km. Never commuted.

Aftermarket pipe, sports collectors, tuned chip,

Wunderlich touring screen, cruiser mirrors & small

rear rack.

Maintained by Rock Motorcycles since new.

$10,600.00

Phone Paul on 0418 658 158 or 0267 662 766

For sale LEATHER JACKET good quality

leather, new with tags. Has back, shoulder and elbow

armour. Suit small mens or ladies size 8 or size 10 (but

anything larger than B cup might be a bit squeezy),

Black/Yellow/Silver. $90.00 Pickup available Central

Coast or Newcastle Phone Craig 0249249306

Wanted 1961 to 1965 BMW R60/2 rolling frame

Any parts to suit R60/2 including 24l petrol tank

Pensioner member needs help with daily transport

BMW project

Contact Larry Grant 0428 109 080

For Sale GENUINE BMW TOOLS

Full set, never used. Still in original tool roll.

Original BMW tools for 1000GSPD.

Best offer.

Sydney.

Grant 0403 070 770

BMW R1100R 1999 75th Anniversary model -- all special books are

available -- black with white hand done pin stripping --

22,000kms --- panniers -- heated hand grips -- screen --

crash bars -- tool kit -- alloy and wire wheels -- as new

condition -- concourse winner --

$11000.00 -- contact Colin Mc Nally 02 6238 1060

BMW R65 1984 model

Silver --- excellent original condition --- panniers crash

bars -- screen -- alloy and wire wheels --

29,000kms - concourse winner --- all books and tools

$ 9000.00 contact Colin Mc Nally 02 6238 1060

Bungendore NSW 2621

If undeliverable return to : BMW TOURING CLUB OF NSW P.O. Box 53 Rydalmere BC, NSW 1701 Australia BMW TOURING CLUB OF NSW NEWSLETTER

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Watch out for

4 – 6 March 2011 Ulysses Tallangatta Rally

11 – 13 March 2011 Cold Flame Rally

11 – 13 March 2011 Once Bitten Rally

2 – 3 April 2011 Tuena Pub-stay

6 – 8 May 2011 Loaded Dog Rally

11 – 13 June 2011 Alpine Rally

Documents

01March2011Newsletter - bmwtcnsw.org.au have that old Honda K1 CB750. ... Sat 26 th Port Macquarie Breakfast ride – Breakfast at The Sandbar Café, North Haven – meet there at