Breakfast
Ride
When the days get hot for our Queensland Summer, early morning is a
good time to ride. Plenty of light early in the mornings (thanks to no daylight
saving) and the air is relatively cool. This is why the December Ride for the
last couple of years has been a Breakfast Ride. With Bevan and I swapping rides
over the last few months, it was my turn to organize a run to a nice eatery.
Well, the one we used last year was very good, so after going back with Charleen
to check, we decided it would be all right to do it again.
The day started early as we had to meet at Stapylton at 7.00am and
by 7:30 everyone who was going had arrived and was rearing to go. Turbo was so
keen he didn’t bother removing the fluffy toys from myriad Christmas Toy Runs.
Or was it just his version of a motorcycle airbag? Who knows?
|
Some of the starters |
The run up to Mt Tamborine was uneventful, with little traffic and
not much chance to lose the convoy. We all crowded into Unas Restaurant and were
soon noshing on bacon, eggs and those delightful potato thingies. The service
is amazingly quick, but probably helped by the fact we all ordered the same thing.
|
Noshing in… |
Phil at Phil’s Bar |
With all that food on board and the day still pretty good it was time
to go for a stirring ride I had planned down the other side of Tamborine and then
over Beechmont. But most people had other ideas. About 10 bikes and their riders
decided they had somewhere else to be and a much smaller group of four Goldwings
headed out. There was us, Winston, Phil and Vicki and visitors, Phil and partner
(sorry).
Well, the pikers missed a great ride as the weather, though hot was
lovely, the roads not too crowded and the drinks at Phil’s place at the end of
the ride were nice and cold. So there!
Clint
News update from Mexico (Victoria)
First of all, Merry Christmas
and hope every one had a happy and safe New Year, and 2005 is every thing that
you want it to be. So what have the Victorians being up to?
Toy Run
John and Karen participated in
the Cranbourne toy run with about 4000 bikes leaving Cranbourne for Williamstown
with the bike with the appropriate toys adorning it. We set off with a green
light corridor all the way through to the Williamstown town it was a great ride.
I asked Karen’s mum (Sue) sometime ago would she be interested in doing the ride
and with a resounding yes of course – so started the buying of more teddy bears
then any kid would want. As we approached the Shell service station on the Westgate
Bridge a pit stop was conducted that Brockie would have been proud of. Now with
Sue on board we headed for Williamstown and as we approached Williamstown the
crowd started to get bigger and Sue’s grip on me became tighter. If any unsuspecting
tourist thought they would come to Williamstown for a quiet day they would have
been mistaken. For the city ride caught up and with a reported 10000 bikes total
in Williamstown with various noise levels and the band starting to arc up it certainly
was not a quiet afternoon
|
Bike ready for action |
Pit stop |
Impromptu Ride 9 Jan 05
Ninth of Jan 05 saw us off
on a impromptu ride around the bay with John and Margaret. Left the city towards
Geelong at around 930am with a coffee stop at the BP service centre on the way
to Geelong and then through Geelong towards the Great Ocean Road (GOR). Turned
off towards Winchelsea and a visit to the Barwon Homestead, which was a very interesting
visit considering this is where the Austin Hospital was started with a $6000 donation
from the Austin family and the end result is the Austin Hospital of today.
After prying John Brak away from
the tarts (the jam ones you eat, type) we were off down towards Lorne for a very
pleasant ride. Left at Lorne and up the GOR towards Barwon Heads and onto Queenscliff
just in time to catch the ferry across to Sorrento with a smooth crossing and
headed for home. We forgot about the holiday traffic and after a few detours
avoided the traffic jam. Ride for the day was around 400 km, excellent day’s
ride unfortunately Karen and I had to return to work the next day.
Blue Ribbon Foundation Ride
23 Jan 05
“Ride to Remember”
The Victorian Police Blue
Ribbon Foundation is a community-based organisation that perpetuates the memory
of Victorian Police officers killed in the line of duty. 23 Jan 05 is the first
“Ride to Remember”.
A Joke
In the Computer Science Dept. at King’s College, University
of London they built this super computer with artificial intelligence that could
carry on a conversation with anyone at their relative intelligence level. All
one had to do was type in their IQ and the computer, through its' voice activated-sound
generating processor, would begin the conversation.
So they thought they would test it out on several of the
King’s faculty. The first faculty member typed in his IQ at 187 and a bunch of
lights on the computer began flashing, then it began a conversation with the scientist
on the origins of the universe, mathematical proof of the existence of black holes,
and existential philosophy. The second faculty member then typed in an IQ of
179 and again lights lit up on the computer (not quite as many as the first faculty
member, but...) and it began a conversation with the scientist about molecular
biology, brain surgery and international monetary policy.
When they tested it on the
third faculty member, his finger slipped at the keyboard and typed in 73 instead
of 173. Not much happened -- just one little light, it the upper right hand of
the computer display, slowly dimmed then grew stronger, then dimmed... Finally
the computer said, "So, how's the Harley running'?"
Bumps, Lumps, add Heat and Shake Well.
Well I got to the servo early,
and for about 30 mins I thought, oops, wrong servo, or date, but thenpeople started
to show up. A quiet thank you to the mc gods. In all 13 Wings started, 2 x 1800,
1 x 1200, 10 x 1500. While we were waiting to leave, a senior Traffic Cop was
seen talking to Eric and Clint, warning them to beware of radars down the road,
but that was ok, ‘cause we were going the other way.
Finally we were off, out the servo under the M1 and up
onto the Logan Mw. We took the Beaudesert, Mt. Lindsay Hwy turnoff, down to Beaudesert,
to refuel. Usual Turbo discussion group, “best way to go”. Left the servo and
200mtrs up the road had to pull over. Forgot to ring Wendy so she could ring
the pub with numbers for lunch.
That done we headed off down that
long road once more, through Beaudesert, to Woodenbong, turned left onto the Lions
Rd, got up to the gate and slowed down to let the others catch up. All together
again and off we went, several 4wd’s on the wrong side of the road, with another
case of “duck and weave” missed me!
Slowed down to check out the Alpacas
and play catch-up. We pulled into the new coffee shop at the end of the Lions
Road for smoko, and found out that they don’t usually open till 12 o‘clock, but
they opened early for us, and catered to our needs very nicely.
|
The line-up |
Can’t take our eyes of those ‘wings |
Due to the heat we lost two wings.
Heat stress had gotten to Gecko so I suggested that he and Deb swap bikes, you
can guess the rest. We suggested that at the end of the Lions Road they turn
left to head home because we thought it would be shorter. Later Eric told me
it was nearly 50km longer. Sorry ‘bout that.
|
Mt Lindesay |
What’s this? Dirt? Just roadworks. |
So, minus two wings we intrepid
few headed off once more. Turned right at the end of the Lions Road and back
up to the Mt Lindsay Hwy, and up the hill to Woodenbong. With a quick stop to
make sure we were all still there, we were off to Killarney. No it wasn’t a dirt
road, just one great @#%@&*^ pothole with traffic lights attached. Well, I did
say the road was bumpy. (Didn’t I?) Go for it you NSW road makers you.
Bumps, lumps, more potholes than
road, beautiful scenery and a majestic view that just goes on forever,,,,,,,,,,,
more potholes, @#&^% with a few killer bends @#&^#$ and we finally make Killarney.(Are
we there yet?) Qld roads not so bad in comparison. On through to Warwick, and
out through the roundabout headed for the Aratula – Toowoomba turn off. While
stopped at the roadwork lights east of Warwick, everyone shared what water they
had, and at least one comment was heard, “Are we there yet”? Reply? About 2kms
of dirt to go. (nudge, nudge, wink, wink.) Are we there yet? Reply?
Don’t make me come back there………
|
Winston & Co. |
Yes, that’s a kennel on Ken’s Wing!!! |
With a few comments of “Are we
there yet”? and “ nearly”, we headed for Toowoomba. Finally cresting a hill we
see the pub, and Wendy’s waiting. All good inside, cool fans, cold drinks and
for the most part a good meal. Well done to the cook for catering to us on her
own. The publicans raffled a bottle of wine for us, (not because we forgot to
bring ours, but apparently they do that for all the groups they get. Good one
guys.) which Mal and Tina won. Comments gathered from everyone and gratefully
received, most along the lines of, “you call that a road? Ooohhh my aching %$#@*&.”And
one or two “never mind it happens to the best of us, you just gotta get used to
picking it up”.
After lunch we all headed for
Toowoomba to refuel, with the intentions of regrouping at the bottom of the range
for ice cream, but as with all best laid plans, especially those of a Goldwing
rider, it ain’t gonna happen. By the time we got to Toowoomba, everyone sort
of split up into groups, trying to find petrol and we never regrouped after that.
Wendy was left sitting on the side of the road for 20 mins just up from the servo
waiting for Turbo’s group to emerge, only to find out later they took another
exit. (Not happy Jan!!!!!!!!)
All that was left with me was
1 x 1800, 1x 1500, and 1 x 1200, (and no Wendy), so off down the Gatton bypass
through to Ipswich where, Phil and I broke off, back to my place for a cold drink
or 10, and a break before Phil and co pilot headed off. Many thanks for coming
back; you’re welcome any time. (ps the tiles and the slab are waiting,)
From me a very big thank you to
all who came. Total for my wing was just on 500kms. Just a nice (tongue in cheek)
quiet Sunday ride.
Comments written at the lunch
break included:-
·
Ok if I could keep my bike upright. (guess who?),
·
Good ride, good speed, too many bumps,, too long to lunch.
·
It was like hitting two heads on a brick wall. Good to stop
·
Are we there yet?
·
Good ride for a R1200GS. Bit lumpy for a wing. Passenger got airborne
a few times, will not be forgiven in the near future.
·
Bloody long time between morn tea and lunch, but really loved the
beer at the Wheatsheaf Hotel. Good fun as usual.
·
Are we there yet?
·
Here we go round the mountain, up, down,, up, down, up, down, around,
more up down, oh, sh… we’re pulling in for lunch. Great ride.
·
I think.
·
A bit rough in places. But the company was good.
·
Are we there yet?
·
Girls bras increased by at least 2 sizes.
·
Next time let all know that bras are not allowed,
·
Not enough stops for cold drinks etc--- too fast for road conditions.
·
Long hot bumpy road.
For those who could not make it. ? Who knows?
Turbo
|
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|
Australia Day Breakfast – 2005
12:30pm Tuesday 25th
January and its pouring rain. As I sit at work contemplating that I’ve arranged
the afternoon off to get tomorrow’s breakfast requirements the rain looks like
it will never stop. What to do is the question? The breakfast is no problem
we can do that in the garage. The ride might be. I know only too well that there
are those that do not like rain and it’s certainly no fun when the ride is planned
as a bit of a Redlands tour; not enough speed to let the Goldwing give its best
protection. Having participated in the ragging of those that cancel out ‘cause
it rains and part of the decision that says rides are not cancelled just because
it’s raining, there doesn’t seem to be much choice.
I know that about 10 couples are
coming so I make 2 calls and they confirm they are coming even if it means bringing
the car. 100% of those surveyed so far, why push it, go, go, go. I headed home,
got almost drowned, first time I’ve had to slow down and put the indicators on
to make sure I’m seen by following cars but by the time I’m home the rain has
taken a break. I pick up all the goods including the lamb chops that Sam Kekovich
assures me I must have if I’m a true Aussie. The forecast is still for rain all
day Wednesday; the low is apparently just off the coast to the northeast.
Wednesday dawns and it isn’t raining
but heavily overcast. That’s a good enough sign and out come the flags and the
club flag as well to make the driveway. The phone rings, “Is it raining over
there, the bike’s washed but decision not made?” My only advice “It’s not a matter
of if, but when.”
Sad to say the campfire wood is
all wet so the dampers need to be cooked inside, but that’s no problem. The first
one goes on then the tables are setup ready to go; still not raining. A motorcycle
arrives but it’s Trevor, not one of the Goldwingers. The Goldwing Owners then
start to turn up with stories of it bucketing down from where they started. The
Goldwing riders start turning up so we are definitely on for something. Good
to see Thommo up and about
Everyone starts off with coffee,
damper and syrup, and after an hour or so of my slaving over a hot BBQ, the pancakes
are ready, the chops, bacon, eggs and tomato are all ready and the second damper
is cooking. Val looks at all the food and wants to know if I’m cooking for an
army. My response? “I’ve seen this bunch eat breakfast before.” Everybody tucks
in; “No, there’s no maple syrup, that’s American and Sam wouldn’t approve”. By
10:30am the weather appears to be closing in, the second damper is all but gone
and there are only a handful of pancakes left.
Time for a ride so as the Goldwing
owners head for home, Winston didn’t take up my offer of the Revere, the Goldwing
riders head off for Mt Cotton and Redland Bay with the weather still threatening
but looking OK. Back through Cleveland and we decide that the Pelican’s Rest
at Wynnum seems like a good place for coffee. We have to fight for parking spots,
as it seems everyone has been enjoying the break in the weather and the festivities
of the day. Snacks, ice creams and coffees are still being consumed when the
weather finally lets go and dumps its bundle on our tables. This soon clears
and everyone takes advantage of that to mount up, head for Tingalpa and then on
their separate ways home.
I hope everyone got home dry.
Thanks for coming, we enjoyed it, and hope everyone else did also.
I’ve included my damper recipe
so best of luck. I usually cook them in a camp oven, even in the stove so the
time is set for that. I also cook them in the oven or an open fire just in alfoil
but you will have to monitor the cooking time.
Bevan and Therese
Bevan’s Damper
4 cups S R flour
1 teaspoon salt
30gm butter/margarine
1 cup milk
½ cup water
Rub butter into
flour and salt.
Mix in milk and water with a knife.
Knead and roll
out to 20cm round in diameter and mark with a cross.
Place in oiled
camp oven or oven tray.
Cook in oven 200° C for about 40
minutes or in coals (camp fire), or until the bread is golden and sounds hollow
when tapped on the bottom.
Serve with syrup
– delicious!
Bevan’s damper will make your eyes go blurry
Phil and Vicki Merlo
The Wizard and the Witch
Our modest little story began way back. I was 16 and
working as a clean up boy at a Butcher Shop in Mordialloc, Victoria. Vicki was
working next door at the Nancarrows Supermarket. I laid eyes on her and thought
what a stunner she was (well, I had thoughts about her that sent my heart racing)
30 years later and she still has the same effect on me. Our paths didn’t cross
again till 12 months later, by then I had started an Apprenticeship at the Butchers
and Vicki had left Nancarrows and worked for her mother at her Florist. I also
worked evenings at the local roller skating rink, handing out the skates.
On the 31st of March 1974 I was
diligently working at the Skate rink when Vicki and her boyfriend turned up.
I recognised her face but for the life of me I couldn’t remember from where I
knew her. As the night wore on I occasionally glanced in her general direction
(read as “stared”) and she likewise responded. She seemed to have terrible problems
with her skates that night and kept coming back over to me to have them adjusted.
During these brief interludes we worked out from where we knew each other. At
the end of the night as she returned her skates I asked her if she would be returning
the next night, to which she replied that she had no one to take her there. As
she walked away I stuck my head over the counter and exclaimed that I would pick
her up.
April 1st, April fools
day, what a night for a first date. I rocked on around to Vicki’s place in my
typical Rocker getup, (black pointy toed boots, black jeans, black lace body shirt,
leather jacket and greased back hair). Vicki’s fathers’ worst fears had been
realised. Well the night went off well and from there love blossomed. We were
married 2 years later on 16 Oct 76. I had just turned 19 and Vicki was a month
off 18.
2 years later our first born (Chris)
arrived, and in 1979 a career with the military commenced. Whilst serving time
in the Army postings to Pucka, Townsville and back to Pucka, then on to Broadmeadows
ensured that we never really settled down. My first bike came while posted to
Pucka the second time. I had never even ridden a motorbike when I bought a brand
new Suzuki. I picked it up and the guy asked if I knew how to ride, when the
reply came in the negative he advised that I go over to the park across the road
and learn on the grass oval. An hour or so later I had enough confidence to tackle
the ride home. I’ll never forget the feeling at looking at the road below me
passing along at 80km/h.
Second Son (Rory) arrived in March
86, then I left the Army in May ’86, we needed to settle down for a while. Built
a house in Bacchus Marsh and third Son (Scott) arrived in April ’87. I went back
to the trade and Vicki’s responsibilities centred on looking after our offspring.
Sometime during my spell from the Army I bought my second bike; it was a second
hand 250 Yamaha. It lasted a couple of years before it left my stable for greener
pastures. In ’90 the call for a steady reliable income and employment that wasn’t
60 hours a week saw me return to the Army.
A few years older and more maturity
ensured that I had an easy life on my return visit; it’s great when you know what
you can and can’t do. A few good postings and I ended up at Bulimba. As far
as work and family goes, I have now retired from the Regular Army and work as
a public servant for Defence at Enoggera and Vicki works as a public servant for
Defence at Canungra. We now have 2 wonderful grandsons to our 2 eldest sons (1
each).
On a drive from Brisbane back
home to the Gold Coast one fine sunny Sunday we passed a yellow 1800 Goldwing
cruising down the highway. Vicki exclaimed that if I had one of those then she
would be willing to ride with me. Well red rag to a bull, I had always secretly
liked the Wings but had never bothered to say anything as one was merely a pipedream.
Vicki’s comment had enlightened a spark within me and 2 weeks later we were looking
at Wings for sale.
One came up on the Trading Post
site on the web, it looked good and so Saturday morning saw us travelling up to
Springwood to inspect the bike, we loved what we saw so the deal was done. When
asked if I’d like to test ride, I had to refrain, as I hadn’t been on a bike in
about 15 years, so a ride as pillion followed. While awaiting delivery a short
course with Aegis revised my riding skills. Upon picking up the Wing it was a
very nervous rider that rode out from Star Yamaha. Even the salesman was concerned
as he rung when we were home to check that I had got there OK.
A look on Goldwing sites on the
net and Auswingriders’ site was found. Since then we’ve met a heap of great folks
in the club and really enjoy getting out with you all. Maybe one outing to a
BBQ could have finished on a better note (next time Vicki has been instructed
to get under the bike and then it won’t fall as far.) It’s great to be involved
with you guys and we look forward to many more enjoyable rides with you all.
Have a magical day
Phil and Vicki
Blessed Be
AUSTRALIAN WING RIDERS ASSOCIATION (QLD) INCORPORATED
RIDE / SOCIAL EVENT CALENDAR
|
|
DATE |
DESTINATION |
RIDE /
SOCIAL EVENT |
Ride Leaders
|
20th February
RIDE
|
Lake Cootharaba
|
Meet at Shell
Nudgee 8:00am for 8:30am start.
Up the Bruce then Glasshouse Mountain Rd to Landsborough and Maleny. To
Kenilworth for morning tea at the Cheese Factory
Across the Bruce to Lake Cootharaba via Tewantin. Lunch at Apollonian Hotel,
Boreen Point. Home via Eumundi and down the Bruce |
Mal & Tina
|
|
26 February
CHARITY
|
S.A.B.E.R. |
South Australian
Bushfire Emergency Ride
Registration $10 Pillion $5 Patches available
Registration at Noyes Honda, Ipswich from 8:00am.
Sausage sizzle and raffles.
Ride to see Turbo and others get clean shaven for Charity |
Turbo & Wendy
|
|
26th
February
SOCIAL
|
Night Ride/Dinner |
Meet at Shell
Nudgee 5:00pm for 5:30pm start. Ride via Redcliffe and Deception Bay to
Chancellors Tavern, Sippy Downs. Then on to Noosa for Ice Cream (maybe)
|
Eric & Deb
|
|
26/27th
February
Victorian Ride |
Weekend to
Omeo |
Melbourne,
Bairnsdale, Omeo, Bright, Melbourne
Overnight ride |
John Gilbert
|
|
20th
March
RIDE
|
Old Faithful
|
Bill will,
once again, trot out his “Old Faithful” Gold Coast area ride. |
Bill & Mary
|
26th March
SOCIAL
|
|
TBA
|
Andy & Donna
|
17th April
RIDE
|
|
TBA
|
|
23rd April
SOCIAL
|
|
TBA
|
Bear & Jayne
|
Social Coordinator – Wendy Beddows
Ph: 07 – 3812 4166 e-mail:
nnikki69@optusnet.com.au Turbo's
Mobile 0421 304 144
RIDE DATES: Unless
otherwise arranged, rides will be on the 3rd weekend of the
month, and Social rides, the following weekend, with other social events
as announced through the year.
** Ride Leaders:
Please check the details of your ride and let me know of any changes. Ride
leaders are also asked to organise 2 raffle prizes for their ride. Suggested
value approximately $10.00 each. Raffle tickets will be made available
from Eric.
IMPORTANT: Even if
you have not finalised the details of your ride, just supply the start time
& location, the general direction of the ride, and the meal arrangements.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY ON RIDES:
It is the personal responsibility of each
motorcyclist to be responsible for at least the following;
The roadworthiness of your vehicle (including trailer)
That you are in a fit condition to control the vehicle, (including
trailer)
Make sure you have a full tank of fuel before departing on
a ride.
That you obey all the traffic rules and ride in a safe manner.
That you ride in a considerate manner that does not endanger,
or unnecessarily inconvenience other road users.
To be correctly attired for safe motorcycling.
To have fun and enjoy the day, and the company.
|
February Meeting Minutes
