WING NOTES

 

 

Newsletter of the

 

 

March 2005

 

 

 

 

 

Australian Wing Riders Association (Qld) Inc

P O Box 719, Ashgrove

Queensland 4060

 

 

 

www.auswingriders.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wing Notes

March     2005

 

EDITOR:.............Clint Lovell

Phone:  07 3398 3437

Mobile 04 1819 2040

E-Mail:     info@auswingriders.com

 

WING NOTES is produced with the object of keeping members informed about matters of interest to AWRA members.  A copy of each issue is sent to every financial member of the AWRA.  Copies are also distributed to selected motorcycle dealers in the greater Brisbane area.

 

Submissions for inclusion in WING NOTES should be with the Editor no later than the Friday following the monthly meeting, i.e.: Friday after the 1st Monday of the month.

 

DISCLAIMER:  Although WING NOTES will endeavour to reproduce submissions in their original form it reserves the right to edit submissions as it sees fit.  Views expressed in contributed articles in WING NOTES are not necessarily those of the AWRA or the Editor.  WING NOTES is produced with care, in good faith and from sources believed to be accurate at the time of writing.

 

 

 

The Editor Writes & Secretary’s Desk

The President Speaks

Ride Report – Boreen Point

Ride Report – Victorian Weekend

Ride Report – Ride for Daniel

Ride/Social Calendar

Meeting Minutes (Members Only)

 

Click on a title above to go to that item
Click on any AWRA Logo bike to return here

The Editor Writes…..

Hello All

What a week.  One to remember that’s for sure.  Lots of goings-on at the Ulysses AGM, the trip making me a bit late publishing this month.

A classic example of riding too close this week, when a friend of mine, Camo was following me through the mountains near Thredbo.  We were pulling over to take a photo (very scenic) when two very fast bikes came up behind us.  The first one saw Camo just in time and flicked around us, but the second had no idea we were there and slammed full tilt into the rear of Camo’s Yamaha TRX.  Luckily for me, Camo was far enough behind me that I was not involved, though some wreckage flew past me.  Camo is OK, just a couple of bruises (good riding gear, leather and Draggins) but the bike is not so good.  We had a long two-up ride 240km back to Canberra on the poor little CBR (He is about my size).

Contributions for this magazine can be emailed to mail@auswingriders.com or posted to 47 Breslin St, Carina, Qld 4152.  Photos and slides can be scanned and returned.

 

Clint

 

The Secretary’s Desk

Hi Everyone,  Busy times ahead and looking forward to the Easter Week-end.  Most important issue for me is to get some important letters away, firstly - to our newest advertiser in our Magazine – Cool Rider for the great prizes they have offered for a Raffle and congratulations to John Gilbert for his nomination onto our Committee.

Also, please remember to have nominations for Committee Members ready for our next monthly meeting.

As advised in the minutes our Annual General Meeting is to be held on the week-end of 21^st/22^nd May 2005 at Drifters Holiday Resort - Cnr Wommin Bay Road & Phillip St. Kingscliffe NSW 2487.  Phone 02-6674 and Fax 02-6674 5179.  Please contact the resort directly for your reservations and please advise that you are booking for the AWRA  Group.  Drifters is a 4 Star Holiday Village, with a very tropical setting and pool.  Accommodation varies from Un-powered Campsite $20.00 night to 2 Bedroom Villa $84.00 night.  Plenty to choose from to suit any budget.  We are planning to hire a room for the meeting.  Main meals will be at the nearby Football Club, just at walking distance.  Thank you to Mary & Lionel for their research on this venue.

Thommo & I are booking an Ensuite Cabin – looking forward to this week-end too!

Last, but by no means least, my assistant is keeping very well.  Not glowing yet.

Keep well and safe.   Valerie.

 

The President Speaks……                           

Most of you will now have seen the connection between my words of last month and the fact that I now have a “new” motorcycle.  I tried to fool a few people by talking about the blue colour, the fairing and integrated panniers but nobody would believe I had a new ‘wing.  Instead, I was accused of parking the Wing and the Revere in the same shed unchaperoned and the Deauville was the offspring.

It’s a shame that the Australian market is so polarised.  The Deauville is still surprising me.  It’s a great little road cruiser, 450 klms the other day two up was no worries.  I almost decided to take it to Canberra seeing I was going alone.  It can’t touch the Revere in the traffic as it’s both wider and heavier up higher but it is working out OK.

Why then, are they taking it off the market already?  The same thing happened with the Revere yet anyone who has one loves it and lots of people want them.  I guess that in the future, a similar thing will occur with the Deauville.

In the current climate of over active enforcement and ever tightening legislation, why does everyone want the sports bike that exceeds limits in first gear, is uncomfortable after 30 mins and makes no provision for pillions or gear?

Can’t understand it myself.

 

Keep the shiny side up

Bevan

 

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BOREEN POINT - APOLLONIAN HOTEL RUN.

 

Sunday 20^th February at last.

 

Seems like ages since Tina  volunteered us  to take the lead on a ride to Boreen Point and here it is .  So we point the Yellow Wing  (good colour that ) towards Shell Nudgee .

 

You may recall that Shell Nudgee was the chosen point requested by Bill and  Mary  ( The Gold Coast squatters ).

 

Several bikes (you know, those all familiar red things ) were already parked . Lionel & Mary followed us in to the parking bays.

 

I printed out the programme with emphasis on available petrol stations for the 1200 & 1500 bikes that seem to run dry on a regular basis. Mind you one does wonder if it is all being swallowed by the engine if you get my drift.

 

By 0830 approx 10 bikes had rolled up  (No Bill & Mary ).

 

We formed the usual semi circle , cracked the usual jokes , introduced new members Geoff & Julie and Glen & Di  ( hope no one is forgotten ) then were given the last rites by Bevan and off we travelled up the Bruce Highway .  ( Should we mention still no Bill & Mary )

 

Eric & Deb ‘s tribe of  round 5 bikes had planned  to join  us  at BP North. ( 1500’s so we understood why the Shell would be a bit far for them. )

 

Next stop Landsborough for a 10 min pit stop to have a drink and ensure all were present.  Gecko had read the programme and was checking distances ( his remarks have been recorded and he is in deep shit when it’s his turn to lead ).

 

Up the range, over a short stretch of dirt (Eric thanked me personally), through Maleny and onto the Tourist Drive to Kenilworth.  We had arranged for a 4 wheel drive towing a caravan to travel ahead of us for awhile then an old Ford Mustang to cruise at 40 kph to allow time to appreciate the scenery.  Our ears were burning with the smart remarks being made over the CB’s by those fortunate enough to have them onboard .

I had mentioned the new strip of road that leads into Kenilworth to Lionel would be fun for all, but spoke too soon because an old Gallant beat us to the punch and kept speeds to an all time low for the entire distance.

 

Finally into Kenilworth and a welcome break.

 

Bikes parked either outside the cheese factory or in front of the park with one rider choosing to rest his on the side guard rather than the stand so that it wasn’t so far to step off. No names eh Phil  ????????

 

Rusty & Maree were delighted with the swings and flying fox keeping them entertained until small kids asked them if they could have a go as well.   All 5 kids are now out of  Nambour hospital.

 

Snacks finished it was time to bite the group for money for the raffle.  Some members cleverly hid under bushes in the park and tables at the cheese factory or  pretended to be attending to their bikes but it was to no avail.

Geoff so kindly offered his hat as a mixing bowl for  the tickets but said we didn’t pay enough to keep the hat.

 

Bevan &  Kay won the much sought after prizes being a frog on a rock with the wording  ‘’  IT WAS GREEN YESTERDAY‘’  and a wrinkled dog (can’t remember the breed) that had completed his workout with the inscription ‘’NO PAIN NO GAIN‘’.   Each cried and said they’d treasure these gifts forever.

 

Time was marching on so it was back to the steel steeds for our trip to Boreen Point via Eumundi , Tewantin territory.  Unfortunately the tractor and house removal vehicles arranged to slow us down further had not turned up so we had to settle for a short stretch of roadworks past Tewantin which was not so bad.

 

Riding into Boreen Point, it was standing room only so we did a quick lap of honour along the lake road , turned at the boat ramp and waved to each other as we headed to the Apollonian Hotel a short distance away.

For those who couldn’t make it parking for bikes is available on the grass in front of the Pub under the trees.

 

Three tables had been set aside in the beer garden under the trees giving more than ample shade and the variety of  meals quite good.  Costs being the norm for pubs these days .

 

Well into our meals we noticed something unusual riding into the grounds. Was it?  (no it couldn’t be ), yes it was Bill & Mary.   Bill gave the excuse that he was catching up on work (with a slight grin ) and Mary claimed her hair was always that messed up after a ride. (We didn’t wish to take the wording ride any further ).

 

About 2.00 pm the natives were getting restless so we continued to Pomona for a fuel top up. Yes the yellow wing did fill up but only to be part of the group.

 

Larry and Annette took the lead up around Cooroy to drop a parcel off at their daughter’s house .  Annette was given the task of running up the driveway to the sound of horns being tooted.  Off again and around the hills for a quick tour.  The views and housing around that area were spectacular. 

 

Back on track Larry waved us through to lead those who had remained down the Bruce Highway for home.

 

We struck the usual heavy traffic on the highway with riders travelling at their own pace. The Bribie turnoff again proving to be a problem.

 

Thanks to all who attended and made the outing a lot of fun.

 

Ride safely,

 

Mal & Tina

A Joke

Melbourne, Tuesday

 

The Ferrari Formula 1 Team fired their entire pit crew yesterday. The announcement followed Ferrari's decision to take advantage of the Australian Government's Youth Opportunity scheme and employ people from Macquarie Fields.

 

The decision to hire them was brought on by a recent documentary on how unemployed youths from the Macquarie Fields area were able to remove a set of wheels in less than 6 seconds without proper equipment, whereas Ferrari's existing crew can only do it in 8 seconds with millions of euros worth of high-tech equipment.

 

John Howard went on record as saying this was a bold move by the Ferrari management, which demonstrated the international recognition of Australia's employment practices under his Liberal government. As most races are won and lost in the pits, Ferrari now have an advantage over every team.

 

However, Ferrari may have got more than they bargained for......At the crew's first practice session, the Macquarie Fields pit crew successfully changed the tyres in under 6 seconds, and then within 12 seconds they had re-sprayed, re-badged, and sold the vehicle to the McLaren team for a slab of VB, a kilogram of speed and some photos of Montoya's girlfriend in the shower.

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Victorian  Ride

Over night ride

26/27 Feb 05

 

Sat 26^th

Meeting place was McDonald Pakenham, as Karen and I arrived; John and Margaret were already there with Denny and Jenny close behind us. Tim & Lyn had to pull out as they had other things that they had to attend to.  Brian arrived less Edith and after finishing renovations with their home Brian knew that the best place to be was out riding.

 

With brekky out of the way and a perfect day of 23 degrees ordered we got under way and headed towards Bairnsdale and if anyone has done this trip before you’ll know its not very exiting road from Melbourne to Bairnsdale. However Denny broke this up a little with a stop at Rosedale to see the Vietnam Veterans (Gippsland) club room (The Pitt Stop). For us ex-military it was good to see some of the old photos however the mozzies nearly carried us away, once inside it was OK, it was good to see that those that need a break from the world and spend some time with their mates that understand where they have been, have a place to come to flush out the Cobb webs.

 

After a break at Rosedale we moved on towards Bairnsdale refuelled and moved out of town to Bruthen for a lunch break as Bairnsdale was very busy. After good break and some pies and vanilla slice (the first of many for some of us) we headed up the mountain for Mt Hotham.

(Look at for a TV program soon for the Denny Van Maanenberg Vanilla slice selections of Victoria, I have asked Denny to grade the vanilla slices on future rides

 

Heading up the mountain we were in heaven, roads that were just made for riding and the day just made for riding, its hard to put on paper when you get all the elements coming together to make for a perfect days ride.

At Mt Hotham we took a break for some photos and stretch of the legs not much open and no vanilla slices. We moved on and stopped again a Danny’s lookout (some would be familiar with this point from the ride down for the Ulysses AGM Geelong.) there was something mentioned about changing the signs spelling to Denny. The break here allowed us to let the sports bikes past that were going at a great rate of knots down the mountain. Thought we would pick some up as we went down due to the speed they were going but no requirement.

 

From Danny’s lookout we made our way down the mountain to Bright for our overnight stay at the Bogong Motel, a great little spot to stay, swimming pool and nice rooms. With the bikes packed away Karen and I headed into town for a look around and started to look for a restaurant.  It soon became evident that the town’s restaurants were starting to book out for meals, with the skydiving championships in town and other activities we quickly made a booking so as not to be disappointed as we didn’t want to be eating Vanilla slices all night.

Later we headed into town for some dinner after a little time we finally got the main course and we were all happy with full stomach and good liquids, some of us were very happy as Marg was seen later hugging a concrete pole, we forgot to bring the camera and that’s properly just as well as it would have been irresponsible of me not to put the photos in this article.

 

Sun 27^th

We awoke to another beautiful day forecast of 23 degrees blue skies,  Denny and Jenny decided that a walk was on, and went for a leisurely stroll through the river banks of the Ovens river towards town and returned in time for brekky, with brekky out of the way and bikes ready to go, we decided to detour a bit and head to the Beechworth bakery for some morning tea as Denny had to try their vanilla slice. One is never disappointed when visiting the Beechworth Bakery (Denny thinks he found the best Vanilla slice.  Watch this space for more  to come) and after filling ourselves with cake and coffee we headed to Mansfield via Whitfield.

 

The road to Whitfield is another motorcycle paradise with long sweeping corners one could ride all day on this type of road and in this weather.  At the top of the mountain we took a turn off to Powell’s lookout which overlooks the King Valley  It’s a dirt road in and took us a little time to get through to the end but the view was once again great.

Leaving Powell’s lookout and heading to Mansfield we travelled the last part of great motorcycle road riding.  We took a break at Mansfield and Denny confirmed that Beechworth Bakery had the best Vanilla slice for this trip anyway. Denny and Jenny left us here to head back home via Alexandria (the burning question, that has not been answered was there a better vanilla slice that he was not prepared to let us in on in Alexandria).

We headed for home from Mansfield with Brian taking off through Seymour and leaving Marg and John and Karen and I to head back into Melbourne.

We arrived home at around 3.00pm with 870 km for the two days under our belt.

Thanks to Denny & Jenny for taking the time to research and book the accommodation.

Thanks to the ladies for letting us blokes hook into the turns and not break our ribs

Great ride, great company looking forward to the next one.

For anyone in Victoria reading this article, if you are after a group that rides and has fun doing, it then look us up and get on board and come for a ride.

 

Editors Note.  There are many more pictures of this ride on the Website

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Ride for Daniel

Firstly my kindest regards and sincerest gratitude to all you folk who rocked up to the Ride for Daniel and told the world that it's not okay to interfere with our kids, that our children have the right to grow up without fear, and that parents have the right to watch their children grow and develop; that no-one has the right to deny any child the innocence of growing up, nor deny a parent the pleasure and the privilege of looking at their child across the breakfast table and thinking "I wonder what mischief you are going to create today".

What you all did on that Sunday was to send out a message to these people who interfere with our kids that we are watching and waiting, that there are a lot of us, that we reach into every section of society. You will make a mistake and we will get you.

About the Ride.

Although there have been a lot of publicity campaigns about Daniel and they have been very successful in heightening awareness, they were in my view successful but passive. This is in no way a criticism of these campaigns, but a campaign with a POW factor was needed and folks, you were that factor, a couple of thousand motorcycles sure gets some attention, thank you.

About seven weeks ago I phoned Rusty and said "We're going to organise a ride and call and call it the 'Daniel Morecombe Awareness Ride'".
"Okay" said Rusty, "what do we do?"
"Heck I dunno, I'll have to think about that one!"

 

So I phoned Senior Sergeant Julie Elliott, told her what we wanted to do and could she get Daniel's family to give us permission to use Daniel's name for the Ride? On behalf of the family Julie sanctioned the Ride there and then. Next I phoned Councillor Anna Grosskreutz, the Harley riding Caloundra City Councillor, said what we intended and that we needed her Councillor skills and media contacts. Forty eight hours later 92.7 Mix FM, Local 7 News and the Sunshine Coast Daily had picked up the idea and were running with it.

 

Meantime we had decided on the Ettamooga as the start/finish, a meeting with Lloyd at the Ettamooga was arranged and we came away with the backing of Lloyd and the pub.

 

I said to my mate Spike, "I need a web site" - no worries! A few hours later the site was up and running.

 

I already had an idea of the celebrities I wanted to ask on the Run, so Gazza was harpooned and tasked to find them rides and look after them on the day.

 

Sunny is a trike man, he was tasked with finding trikes to take the VIP's.

 

Sunshine Coast Ulysses President Chris was the man to organise the ride marshals.

 

We had flyers printed and distributed, 92.7 Mix FM advertised the ride and the Sunshine Coast Daily did a couple of stories. The word was out, and the interest grew, and, grew, and GREW. At one of our meetings with the police they told us we could expect a thousand or more bikes, that threw us.

 

The morning of the 12th arrived, it was fine and clear. At 7.15 a.m. when Linda and I arrived at the Ettamooga there were already about a hundred bikes there, and from then they came and came and just kept on coming. Well you know the rest, many of you were part of a great day.

 

My sincerest thanks to all you bikers that endured the heat and then the rain to be part of a marvellous event.

 

Question: What is the truest definition of Globalization?

Answer: Princess Diana's death.

 

Question: How come?

Answer: An English princess with an Egyptian boyfriend crashes in a French tunnel, driving a German car with a Dutch engine, driven by a Belgian who was drunk on Scottish whisky,(check the bottle before you change the spelling) followed closely by Italian Paparazzi, on Japanese motorcycles; treated by an American doctor, using Brazilian medicines.  This is sent to you by an Australian, using Bill Gates's technology, and you're probably reading this on your computer, that uses Taiwanese chips, and a Korean monitor, assembled by Bangladeshi workers in a Singapore plant, transported by Indian lorry-drivers, hijacked by Indonesians, unloaded by Sicilian waterside workers, and trucked to you by Pakistani illegals.....

That, my friends, is Globalization

 

 

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.

 

 

Minutes of March Meeting (Members Only)