Wing Notes

Newsletter of the

June 2006

Checking out an AGM venue

What’s Inside?

 

 

The Editor Writes

The President Speaks

The Secretary’s Desk

Binna Burra Ride Report

Melbourne to Hasting Point

Jayne’s Trivia Quiz

Bear’s Necessities…..

The Rust Report

Bunya Mountains Ride

Not a good day out of the office

Qld Ride Calendar

Vic Ride Calendar

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4

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9

10

11

13

15

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www.auswingriders.com

Australian Wing Riders Association (Qld) Inc

PO Box 719

Ashgrove    Qld     4060


 

Wing Notes

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE AUSTRALIAN WING RIDERS ASSOCIATION QLD INCORPORATED

 

 

EDITOR:.............Bevan Bradford

Phone:  07 3822 3512

Mobile 0408 714 000

E-Mail:     mail @ auswingriders.com

 

Wing Notes is produced with the object of keeping members informed about matters of interest to AWRA members.  A electronic copy of each issue is available 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.

 

 

Management Committee:

Meetings:

President

Clint Lovell (07) 3398 3437

E-mail: clinton @ lovell.com.au

Meetings are held on the

1st Monday of every month

Vice President

Rob (Bear) Harriss 0409 052 218

E-mail: RHMRS @ bigpond.com.au

Next meeting:     3rd July 2006

7:30 pm

Secretary

Val Thomas (07) 3848 0498

E-mail: secretary @ auswingriders.com

Pineapple Hotel
706 Main Street, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane

Treasurer

Geoff Mead  (07) 5529 5034

E-mail: meady @ auswingriders.com

Check the web site for a possible July meeting venue change

 

 

Safer Work Places

Upcoming activities:

 

 

18th June                Queen Mary Falls Ride

24th June                Social Ten Pin Bowling at Capalaba

3rd July                   Next General Meeting – watch the web site for venue details

22nd – 24th Sept      Biker’s Dream weekend

Cna yuo raed tihs? fi yuo cna, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too.

 

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mind.  Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres are in a wrod, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!


 

The Editor Writes…..

The President Speaks….

The Secretary’s Desk….

G’day everyone

 

Here is the June magazine.  There are plenty of stories and even an activity to keep you amused on these cold winter nights.  I guess our Victorian members might question what I call cold but there you go.

 

Not everything in the magazine this month is good news however.  Unfortunately while out riding last weekend, Thommo and Val took a fall and Val has a seriously injured shoulder.  It will require surgery to fix the problem but the bright side of that is that Val will get a short but painful holiday.  I hope Thommo can look after himself.

 

It was a sobering moment for all of us present.  One moment a ride full of the usual joking and laughter, the next a rider down call.  Just takes a moment and everything changes.

 

It was terrific to see everyone swing into emergency mode and secure the site, attend to the injured, manage the passing traffic and get the bike back up on its wheels and checked over.

 

Having just got off the phone to Val, it was great to hear her sounding her usual happy self in spite of the pain she must have been in.

 

Hang in there Val and get well as soon as you can

 

‘Till next month,

Happy reading.

Bevan

Hi all,

 

Well, what a meeting we had last Monday night.  The Pineapple Hotel is undergoing renovations so we were relegated to the restaurant.  Much too much noise to hold a meeting so I tried to keep it as short as possible.  Not something I like to do as everyone should always get their chance to air their views on club workings.  However I managed to keep this one at around half an hour.  Quite a few never heard a word anyway.

 

Next month the renovations will be still on so we will most likely be meeting at another place.  Rob Steer has offered a conference room at the Gabba.  Only drawback will be that it has no eatery.  Sacrifices! Sacrifices!

 

Keep an eye on the website and your email for more information as it comes to hand.

 

 On a sad note, Thommo had a small “off” on Sunday, but unfortunately Valerie was ejected from the bike and landed hard on her right shoulder.  The injury will probably have her off the bikes for a while.  Get better soon Val.

 

Cheers

 

Clint

Hello everyone,

 

Bevan is writing this message for me.  As you probably know, Thommo and I had a bit of a spill last weekend and as a result the keyboard skills are a bit lacking at the moment.  As The Secretary’s Desk notes were not ready before the ride, these are being prepared without my input so I will not be held responsible for anything Bevan says.

 

I might also add that for the same reason, this month’s general meeting minutes will also not appear in the magazine.

 

Once prepared, Bevan will make them available on the website for all.

 

Thanks Bevan (until she reads what I‘ve written, Editor)

 

Safe riding everyone.

 

Valerie & Thommo

Things to remember.

 

§         Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

§         Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.

§         If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You get another chance; and finally

§         Be really nice to your family and friends; you never know when you might need them to empty your bedpan


BINNA BURRA RIDE REPORT MAY 2006

Well it almost didn’t happen. We had a ride scheduled for the ride day. Yea!! Ride Coordinator happy & relieved. Oops. The ride captain had to pull out a couple of weeks short of the ride. Woe^%$# Ride Coordinator sad. No problemo. In rides Larry on his white red stallion and offers to organise a ride. Yea!! Ride Coordinator happy & relieved. Oops. Larry not well and has to pull out. Woe^%$# Ride Coordinator sad, (for unwell Larry), and perplexed about ride. No problemo. Ride Coordinator gets out map and looks at ride possibilities. Ride Coordinator sees some potential but only one week before ride is scheduled and with Mothers Day on Sunday will have no time to scout ride and look for lunch venue. Woe^%$# Ride Coordinator sad. Ride Coordinator has, (rare), idea (*)!!**%%@@## . Take children’s mother for a country drive and picnic on Mothers Day. Yea!! Ride Coordinator wife happy. Lo and behold we find great lunch venue at Binna Burra Lodge. Sensational views, great meal, reasonable price and top drive ride to get there. Yea!! Ride Coordinator happy. Only one thing left to do. Change to start time from sparra fart to a more respectable 9.00 am. Yea!! Ride Coordinator & wife happy.

As we rode into the servo we realised that word had got out what a great ride had been organised by the Ride Coordinator because there were thousands of bikes there at the start point ready to leave. I was surprised at how many non-wings were there and thought that our club members must have wanted to share this great experience and invited their friends. As I was going around all of these people introducing myself as the leader of this wondrous trek, some clown that I had never met called out for everyone to saddle up and most of them left without

me. Ingrates. Not to worry, there were a dozen wings left. I was secretly happy all of those other ingrates left anyway as I hadn’t reserved enough seats at the restaurant. Anyway, the 12 or 13 bikes in the group that were left were quality and that’s the main thing.

After an inspiring ride briefing we headed out as scheduled at 9.00am for Christmas Creek through Stapleton and on to the Beenleigh – Tamborine road and headed towards Tamborine. Ray and Val brought up the rear and did such a great job as Tail End Charlie I am going to nominate them to do it every time. Thanks Ray.

I am not sure if there were 12 or 13 bikes as every time I tried to count them in the rear view mirror we would go around a bend and I’d lose count. Mary made me give up when I was looking in the mirror, counting on my fingers, and missed a bend in the road. I don’t know what she was complaining about, we didn’t go far off the road, the tree wasn’t that big and I thought I did a good job of tuning a Gold Wing into a scramble bike. I managed to get the front wheel back down after we go back on the bitumen.

The ride went smoothly until we got to Tamborine Village and a SOC, (Stupid Old Coot), who thought that he was the only one on the road that day tried to take me out. If it weren’t for my new found dirt scrambling skills and a keen desire to reach retirement age he would have succeeded.

We headed back towards Logan Village and turned off on Camp Cable Road until we met the Mt Lindsay Highway. From there we took another road behind Jimboomba rejoining the Beaudesert Road until we reached Beaudesert. That’s when I decided to throw in the obligatory U turn.


 

I pretended that I didn’t know where I was going and proceeded up a very nice road that led to a place that I knew I could very capably carry out the U turn. It was a disused airfield, and I knew I could get the Wing around in that space without laying the bike in its side.

 I was particularly disappointed that there were some show-offs among us that doubted my navigational ability and decided to turn around in a place not of my choosing. One inconsiderate club member even made his loving wife get off the bike and steady him so he didn’t drop it in the gravel. No chivalry.

With that out of the way we headed off to Christmas Creek to have smoko in Stinson’s Park where they brought out the survivors of the Stinson plane crash all those years ago. Approaching the turnoff into the park, I decided to demonstrate to the group the correct technique for emergency braking. Cunningly, I waited until the last second, slammed on both brakes, and slid into the park in a controlled slide.

Phil Wicks who was following me, and Phil Merlo who was following him were so impressed with this stylish manoeuvre that they wanted to see it from another angle. They knew there wasn’t much time so they shot past me like Barros chasing Rossi, with Phil Merlo deciding to ride over the grassy bank in a very sly move to get to smoko first. Phil Wicks was completely dazzled by this display of skilful riding and tried to regain some pride by throwing in another quadruple foot down, (passenger’s feet were down too), U turn.

With me watching on drinking green tea and filling up on a look around, the group ate enough cakes to fatten every player in the World Cup before we headed off for Binna Burra Lodge. We rode back through Beaudesert, and on to Canungra where we did the Queen’s wave at the usual café group in Canungra. I don’t think our group really appreciated how much of Mothers Day I spent looking for the couple of kilometres of gravel that we would need on the ride to Binna

Burra, but at least I know they all enjoyed it because everyone was talking about it. Some were positively ecstatic about it as I overheard them using sexual terms and me in the same sentence when relating their experiences with it.

We arrived at the Lodge and everyone commented on the spectacular views. Some had decided that this location was


 

too good to eat inside and decided not to partake of the buffet with the sweeping scenery through the 12-foot high picture windows, and opted to eat soggy sandwiches on the grass. The selection and variety of the food on the buffet were first class and everyone raved about their meal, especially those that brought their own.

We drew the raffle with Therese winning first prize and she wasn’t even there. Great move Therese. Bevan said later that she would be beside herself with excitement when she got the gambling kit which was first prize. Valerie won the second prize of a travel manicure set, and said she couldn’t wait to get home to clean her nails.

After lunch I got the great idea for a group bike photo shoot in front of the Lodge. After evicting a couple that were trying to book into the Lodge, it only took an hour and a half to get all the bikes

lined up. They looked so spectacular in that setting it’s a shame we couldn’t get all of them into the photo. Because of the positioning, we had to take the photos while facing the sun. This gave them a wonderfully flared look in the finished print. You can’t make out much detail in the group shot because of the flare, but those of us that were there will cherish the memories these photos will bring back.

After we untangled the bikes we headed off back down the mountain, and travelled through the outskirts of Nerang, Mt Nathan, and Maudsland and arrived in the back way to the BP Coomera for hugs and congratulations.

We had a great time and we hope everyone else did too. Mary can’t wait for next Mothers Day to see what that brings.

Bill & Mary Carter

I saw you hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line.  But you didn't see me put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk.  But you didn't see me playing Santa at the local mall.

I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant. But you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by.   But you didn't see me riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children. But you didn't see me when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.

I saw you stare at my long hair. But you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves. But you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none.

I saw you look in fright at my tattoos. But you didn't see me cry as my children were born and have their names written over my arm and in my heart.

I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But you didn't see me going home to be with my family.

I saw you complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you yelling at your kids in the car. But you didn't see me pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.

I saw you reading the map as you drove down the road. But you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you race down the road in the rain. But you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But you didn't see me trying to turn right.

I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But you didn't see me leave the road.

I saw you waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But you didn't see me… I wasn't there.

I saw you go home to your family. But, you didn't see me….. Because I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker, a person with friends and a family.

But, you didn't see me.


Ride from Melbourne to Hasting Point for AGM

The AGM for the AWRA was held in Hastings Point this year and myself and two of the club members rode up for the meeting, John Brak and Steve O'Neil. We left on the Wed with a little rain as we made our way out of Melbourne thru Yea and on up to Howlong, the road we thought was tar turned out to be dirt so a little detour found our way over to the Newell Hwy and on into Narrrandra the detour added about 50 kms to the trip and we then headed on up to Dubbo arriving on dusk/dark much to Steve's disappointment something about Kangaroos and bikes. After Dubbo we headed towards Tamworth and Armidale and then down over the mountain thru Ebor, the ride over the mountain was a great ride for the bikes and on into Grafton where we stayed for the night, this left a short leg to Hasting Point the next day.

The ride up to Hasting Point was a short ride getting us there just after lunch with the temperature noticeably hotter we peeled off some gear and found the caravan park where the AGM was to be held. After settling in Steve had to go and see some friends in Brisbane and John and I

decided to go up and meet to rest of the club at the Shell servo on the Hwy out of Brisbane with John's new GPS in action he took the lead and having only been to the servo once before we put our trust in the GPS technology, and got lost ,after some good old asking where the hell is the servo we found it. John assures me that it appears we have to have the exact address to put in the GPS and we would have found it. After meeting up with the rest of the club we rode back down to Hastings Point with them for a night ride. After the rest got settled in we then caught up for some drinks and to catch up 12 months of news. The next day saw us go for a ride in the local area and it was apparent that some had had a heavy night as the ride was light on for riders. Sunday saw us say our good byes and all three of us heading off in different directions, I went to see our house in Brisbane and Steve headed back to Melbourne and JohnB headed off to see his family with John indicating that we might catch up in Moree on the way back.

Having seen my house and catching up with some old friends I started to head back to Melbourne the first stop was John from Big Bike bits to pick up some needed accessories and then onto Armidale were my sister lives and having just

 


 

left Brisbane on a QLD 19 degrees and arriving in Armidale to a -2 with expected -7 overnight I was freezing my N%#^%#^# off.

Next morning with a not so early start I headed to Inverell to visit some other family of which I had not seen for a while, staying over night. Wedesday saw me heading over to meet up with JohnB and as I came into Moree there was a yellow wing coming the other way, as if we planned it, refueled we headed towards Melbourne with the hope of getting to Grong Grong.

Making good time after taking some short cuts, we were going thru Dubbo when the 1500 died (ALTERNATOR).  JohnB went to Mathews Honda in Dubbo and they came and gave me enough power to just get back to the workshop. After indicating to me that I had missed the cut off for spares and they could not get me one until Friday, I thought I would call the Service Manager of Honda MPE Melbourne (Sam Scepsis) and with no fuss or problems he asked me to get back to him before 5 pm and he would have what I required to me by next morning.  Having worked out it was definatly the alt I gave Sam the return call and he assured me I would have it next morning. I told the guys at Mathews Honda and they, like me, were a little sceptical.  John and I then went and booked into a motel. Getting up and taking my time the next morning I went down to Mathews Honda at about 10 am thinking that I would be spending my day looking around Dubbo.  I came into the yard and the 1500 was up on the hoist, went over and in fact the ALT was on the door at opening with the guys just putting the last bits back on. To our surprise we were back on the road by 11.00 am and now trying to get back to Melbourne. The ALT arrived before Mathews Honda general order, so to those that say Honda does not give good customer service or support the Goldwing in the country areas of Australia, in this instance they certainly backed their product.

We arrived home safely at around 8pm a little later then we expected.

With another AGM over and a great ride and meeting up with old and new friends for another year we look forward to 07. For more Goldwing stories go to www.jonkaz.net

 

 

John Gilbert

Jayne’s Trivia Quiz

 

A little bit different this month a Quiz!  Answers on page 16.

1.    Erwin Cannonball Baker was a motorcycle racer whose achieved fame in the early 1900’s through participation in 143 which of the following

(a)             hill climbing

(b)             long distance endurance racing

(c)             velodrome racing

(d)             land speed records

2.    The famous ‘iron butt rally’ is one of the worlds toughest endurance tests of man and motorcycle. How many miles are covered in how many days?

(a)             5000 miles in 5 days

(b)             7000 miles in 7 days

(c)             10000 miles in 10 days

(d)             11000 miles in 11 days

3.    What motorcycle company was founded by bicycle racers George Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom in 1901?

(a)             Indian

(b)             Astor Orient

(c)             Vincent

(d)             Matchless

4.    In honour of the 50th anniversary of his death, James Deans’s motorcycle was displayed at the Whatcom Museum of History in Bellinham, WA. The bike was

(a)             CZ

(b)             Triumph           

(c)             Norton

(d)             Indian

5.    Which is the incorrect match between brand and country of manufacture?

(a)             Bultaco and Spain

(b)             Greeves and England

(c)             DKW and Austria

(d)             Puch and Austria

6.    What kind of motorcycle did Arny ride in Terminator 2?

(a)             Kawasaki Ninja

(b)             Honda Valkyrie

(c)             Harley Davidson Fat Boy

(d)             Ducati Monster

7.    The Dream, Cub, Benly and Supercub are all early brand names for motorcycles manufactured by which company.

(a)             Honda

(b)             Triumph

(c)             Suzuki

(d)             Yamaha

8.    Early motorcycle tyres were generally which colour

(a)             Black

(b)             White

(c)             Tan   

(d)             Charcoal

9.    In the early 1970’s the H1, H2, S1, S2  put which company on the map as serious manufacturers of performance motorcycles

(a)             Suzuki

(b)             Yamaha

(c)             Kawasaki

(d)             Honda


Bear’s Necessities…..

Rulz for Life

Hi everyone!

 

Just a little note this month a bit of a change of plans for the column.

 

On the long weekend (at the Queen Mary, re named Queen Valerie, Falls), it was brought home about how prepared or ready (or not) are we to assist (if you can) in an accident, whether it be a bike, car or pedestrian?

 

We are particularly fortunate with the wings that we can take along some minor first aid gear. Most of us carry more stuff than we usually need for a days outing anyway - picnic blanket, bike covers (can shade from the sun, rain or cold), extra winter/wet gear.  All of these things can be of use to help make an accident ’victim’ (harsh word) more comfortable ’till help arrives.

 

Bear

1.      If you are choking on an ice cube, don't panic. Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat and presto. The blockage will be almost instantly removed.

2.      Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.

3.      Avoid arguments with the little woman about lifting the toilet seat by simply using the sink.

4.      For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.

5.      A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

6.      If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives; then you will be afraid to cough.

7.      Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget about the toothache.

8.      You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape.

(a)   If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40.

(b)   If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

 


 

The Rust Report………

Notes from the MRAQ

 

MRAQ Website

The website has been rehosted and is now operational. The calendar feature has been upgraded and it is now able to receive info from people and clubs and input is encouraged to build it as a worthwhile calendar of all things motorcycling in Qld.

The website will advertise our MRAQ group rides and provide a forum for discussions. The new format is easy to use and will allow for easier and quicker updating of links and other information. It will continue to evolve as our needs change.

 

Pacific Motorway, Transit Group

Proposal to widen the Springwood to Beenleigh section of the Pacific Motorway to 4 lanes each way. This is in the initial planning stage at the moment and will include a fly through and will include the gateway feeder roads.

Items that have been considered with the proposed development are bicycle ways, more parking and bus ways. Very little consideration has been given to motorcycle users, although it will have a transit lane which motorcyclist will be allowed to use and there will be motorcycle-allocated parking at the parking stations.

The MRAQ will look at the engineering drawings when they become available. The proposal is currently at the planning stage, the plans are ready but the State and Federal governments will be seeking funding approval before it can proceed.

Positions Vacant.

The following volunteer positions vacant are all vacant. Anyone who is interested in helping the MRAQ should speak to Adrian Toscano

§         Ride Coordinator

§         Marketing and Advertising Coordinator

§         Media Releases

§         Newsletter Editor

§         Committee Secretary

Badges

It was decided to discontinue the year handle bars for the Toy Run Badge and to simply have different colours for each year. For people who prepaid for these handle bars for previous years. It was decided to send them a refund of monies paid.  Will be ordering approximately 500 badges for the 2006 Toy Run.  Intend to design a new badge and anyone with suggested design ideas should give them to me for the next meeting for consideration.

Green Vehicles

The proposed Green Bridge (linking Dutton Park and St Lucia) would be for green vehicles only. It was considered that this would be a good topic that the MRAQ could make a show about and a planned campaign could be developed when/if our media position was filled.  In the interim it was decided that MRAQ could write a letter to the Lord Mayor to ask for consideration of motorcycles using the Green Bridge and question what would signify a green vehicle.

 

Rusty

A blonde calls her boyfriend and says, "Please come over here and help me. I have a killer jigsaw puzzle, and I can't figure out how to get started."

Her boyfriend asks, "What is it supposed to be when it's finished?"

The blonde says, "According to the picture on the box, it's a rooster."

Her boyfriend decides to go over and help with the puzzle. She lets him in and shows him where she has the puzzle spread all over the table.

He studies the pieces for a moment, then looks at the box, then turns to her and says, "First of all, no matter what we do, we're not going to be able to assemble these pieces into anything resembling a rooster".

He then takes her hand and says "Secondly, I want you to relax. Let's have a nice cup of tea, and then..... " he said with a deep sigh “ ............let's put all these Corn Flakes back in the box."


Impromptu Bunya Mountains Reconnaissance Ride!

 We have four glorious days to enjoy Easter, what a treat.  Not to dwell too long on the inglorious start with my Lions losing on Thursday evening, it is my birthday on Friday.  So, we have a party of course, and we also have the added occasion of Good Friday.  What a combination – presents, chocolate and wine, together with my family it was a great day/night.

 Saturday and we are busy, and Thommo suggests we go for a ride on Sunday.  Of course was my response – next question – where to?  We check with Bear & Jayne – “what do you want to do?”  “I don’t know – what do YOU want to do?”  (I’m sure there is a movie here!!)  We eventually decide to meet in Rosewood at 9 am., and make the decision then.

 Sunday we arrive at Rosewood 8.50 am – the Thomas’ are early!  The Harriss’ duly arrive at 9 am sharp, and it is then we decide to do the circuit to the Bunya Mountains – new territory for the Harriss’.  We also learned that the Fishers could not join us because Larry is still suffering with gout – sorry Larry & Annette.

 Our trusty wings are on the road, and Bear and Jayne pilot us through the very scenic hills of Marburg, out to the Brisbane Valley Highway at Fernvale.  The country is looking lovely, but the boys put their foot down on the accelerator when we were coming close to the markets – I wonder why!?  But I am thoroughly enjoying the views, it is perfect riding weather.  We pull up at Esk for our coffee break at the local bakery, which is pretty busy too, and just as we were finishing our drinks we waved at a Red Wing passing by.  A couple of

minutes later it came back with the riders, who pulled up and came over to us for a chat.  Residents of Esk – Val and Peter they love their wing too, and will welcome the opportunity to join us for a ride when they can.  So we exchanged business cards, found out they are one of three wing owners in Esk and promised to keep in touch.

On the road again, and it is just beautiful (wish we could do this all the time), we really do live in the best country.  We continue up the Blackbutt Range and we were going to pull up at a “Drive/Revive Stop” in Nanango – but after negotiating a dusty detour through the park it wasn’t there, so we continued on to Kingaroy for lunch at McDonalds.  We had encountered a really busy stretch of traffic coming into Kingaroy, but no signs of the ‘boys in blue’.

Next mission is fuel and then we are on the Bunya Highway.  Pretty good road too, and a steady climb through timber and rain forest, with the first glimpse of those magnificent Bunya Pine trees.  We pull into the major camping ground where there is an information centre, shop and restaurant.  (You would be proud of me; I only purchased post-cards and 2 frog magnets).  But we had to take photos of the bikes with the Bunya Pines it is so picturesque.  It is 2.30 pm and we head out of the grounds passing two Clydesdale pulling a trailer of kids on a scenic ride.

Our ride down I have our camera around my neck as I was determined to try and capture some of the great views.  I tried; don’t think I did them justice though!  But I took a few snaps, and again the road was very good.  We pulled into Dalby and thoroughly enjoyed our Iced Coffees, but the local kids were rather noisy so we didn’t hang around too long.  Bear was rather chuffed that two couples


 

were admiring his ‘teale wing’, but Thommo couldn’t resist the jibe ‘red ones go faster!”  Yes – we were having a great day, thoroughly enjoying our bonus day out.

Cruising along the highway and it was just beginning to feel cooler, and there was a bit of a breeze.  Then we turned into Toowoomba, and over the air-waves came a very subtle ‘we can stop to put jackets on – now!’  It was blowing a gale, and freezing – I kid you not.  Could not believe how quickly the climate had changed, and we see our first cop, a police car pulled along side us at the James Street lights, put peeled off immediately down Ruthven Street.

We continued on our merry way with the decision to pull over in Withcott for our final good-byes, and possibly fuel up for the final stretch home.

We parted company at the Marburg turn-off, and arrived at Yeronga at 7.30 pm completing 577 kilometres for the day.  Certainly not even tired, it had been a totally relaxing and enjoyable day.  We agreed that this will make another pleasant club ride so the rest of you can enjoy this excellent circuit.  Thanks heaps Bear & Jayne for another memorable day in our wings calendar.

 

Valerie & Thommo

Fire Safety

One dark night outside a small town, a fire started inside the local chemical plant.  Before long it exploded into flames and a call went out to fire brigades from miles around.

After they had been fighting the fire for over an hour, the chemical company president approached the Fire Chiefs and said, "All of our secret formulas are in the vault in the centre of the plant.  They must be saved. I will give $50,000 to the brigade that brings them out safely!"

As soon as the chiefs heard this, they ordered their firemen to strengthen their attack on the blaze.  After two more hours fighting the fire, the president of the company offered $100,000 to the brigade that could bring out the company's secret files.

From the distance a long siren was heard and another fire truck came into sight.  It was the local volunteer fire company composed entirely of

men over 65.

To everyone's amazement the little fire engine raced through the chemical plant gates and drove straight into the middle of the inferno. In the distance the other firemen watched as the old timers hopped off their rig and began to fight the fire with an effort that they had never seen before. After an hour of intense fire fighting the volunteer company had extinguished the fire and saved the secret formulas.

Joyous, the chemical company president announced that he would double the reward to $200,000 and walked over to personally thank each of the volunteers.  After thanking each of the old men in turn, the president asked the group what they intended to do with the reward money.

The fire truck driver looked him right in the eye and said, "The first thing we're going to do is fix the damn brakes on that truck!"

Got a spare Dodge Viper motor?

 


Not a good day out of the office

7:55am Sunday morning and I was enjoying a lie in.  The phone rang and it’s Thommo.  “Didn’t wake you did I?  Want to go for a ride?  Thought we might head up towards Warwick and go out to Cherrabah Resort for lunch.  We’re meeting at the Mobil, Amberley, at 9:00am.” “OK, but we can’t get there until 9:30”.  Off the phone and I go through a couple of mental checks, “Could it really have been Thommo?  It’s looking like rain and he wants to ride!”  Sounds good to me, so out of bed, breakfast, warm gear on and head for Amberley.

We rolled into Amberley right on 9:30am, last, but only just, and the rest were finishing off a Driver Reviver coffee.  Onto the highway with a bit of a struggle as there was a constant stream of cars heading for the Winter Nationals at Willowbank Raceway.  Once past Willowbank it’s a pleasant but cool ride through to Cunninghams Gap.  Pleasant that is apart from the Lexus driver that wants to shove into a bike space in the middle of the group.  Over the Gap, passing the Lexus that apparently can’t go around corners as well as it can in a straight line.  Then the cold hits, 10o I think Clint later told us.  We warmed up a bit by the time we got to Warwick.  Had to again put up with the old idiot in the Lexus tailgating along the double lines and oncoming traffic until he could get in front.  Straight road again.

Into the Caltex for a fuel top-up and a warming cup of coffee and pulling in at the same time was a local friend of mine, the former Honda dealer that sold me my first two Goldwings many years ago.  After introductions and a chat with George, we warmed up then it was back on the road to Cherrabah through the country via some back roads.  At 12:30pm we arrived at Cherrabah, which is at the top of a hill, where the wind gets a clear go at us.  We’re soon inside checking out the place as potential AGM site.  Didn’t take long for us to check out the open fireplace as well.

Turns out the place was full and lunches should be reserved in advance but they were happy to organise something if we were happy to wait a while.  1:15pm and we were called for a roast lunch.  Good meal and good value at $15.00 a head.  During lunch we decided to head back via Queen Mary Falls despite the fact that we would be back the next weekend on Geoff’s ride.

Everyone enjoyed the scenic route through the country while I gave a tour guides commentary as this was my old stomping grounds.  We passed Queen Mary Falls about 2:30pm and onto the single lane section over the Head on the way to Boonah.  There were five bikes in our group and Thommo and Val were second last with Bear and Jane behind.  You may have thought it too cold to have a bear behind but there you go.  We travelled slowly past an oncoming car, then it happened and this is why the tail always has a radio.  Jane called up that Val had come off.  My first thoughts were “What, how could Val fall off and not Thommo!”  Obviously something had happened and we about turn, pass the message to Clint and Charleen and head back a couple of hundred metres and find Thommo’s bike on its side and Val on the road.  The car driver was just heading off to call an ambulance.  Some set the bikes up and positioned ourselves to warn and slow oncoming cars as others worked on checking Val out for injury and ensuring she was kept warm.  Unfortunately we were not able to move her to put something between her and the cold road, we could only cover her from the top.  Next task is to get the bike back up on the road.  Once up, a stab of reverse and it was back up on the roads and secure.  Would you believe, apart from the mud, there was hardly a scratch on the bike.  Those Goldwings are tough.  By this time it is almost 3:00pm and it would take an ambulance around 45 minutes to get here from Warwick.

A couple of blokes arrived to confirm the ambulance has been called and was on its way.  Shortly after that the fire brigade arrived and illuminated the now darkening scene with their Christmas lights.  The ambulance arrived about 3:40pm followed by the police.  The officer recognised us as we had seen him earlier as we came into Killarney.  Turns out that he was at the Warwick Ambulance Headquarters when the call came through.

With all the right services now on hand the process of getting Val off the road, Thommo’s bike checked and the statements completed for the police and fire brigade got underway.  With Val safely in the ambulance and escorted by Jane, we all started to pack up for the ride home so Thommo and Bear could get the car and come back to pick Val and Jane up.

As the firemen headed for their truck, someone said


 

“I reckon that’s got to be Bevan Bradford”.  Turns out two of the fireman were blokes I had gone to school with 35 Years ago.  And they recognized me! I didn’t recognise them until I had names.

The policeman suggested we go back through Killarney and take the back roads to Gladfield as that will be quicker than going through Boonah.  No problem.  I knew those roads like the back of my hand.  4:01pm and we were on the road and headed across country for Cunninghams Gap with

it getting darker and colder.  I was looking forward to striking it warmer over the range but it didn’t seem to be.  Back into the Brisbane outskirts around 6:15pm Therese and I said goodbye to the others and headed for Mt Gravatt.  As we passed the university we were held up by what looked like and accident funnelling three lanes into one.  We got to the accident and there was a pedestrian down with people calling the ambulance.  Not a good site after what we had already been through.

By the time we’d refuelled and let the boys know where we were, it was 6:50 by the time we got home.

Later in the evening Thommo called to give us the prognosis on Val which is a quite serious badly broken shoulder.

Shortly after Thommo’s call, I received a call from my mum letting me know that one of my father’s sisters had passed away in Killarney during the night before. Looks like three trips to Killarney in a week

All in all, it wasn’t a good day.

Take care out there

Bevan

 



AUSTRALIAN WING RIDERS ASSOCIATION (QLD) INCORPORATED

QUEENSLAND RIDE and SOCIAL CALENDAR

Date

Destination

Ride / Social Event

Ride Leaders

18 June

Ride

Queen Mary Falls via Warwick

IMPORTANT NOTE!! RIDE CHANGE!! Much shorter than previously published.  Meet at Shell Nudgee @  8.30am for a 9.00am departure.  Maa Maa Springs, and Warwick. Bring smoko, buy lunch, or bring lunch for a picnic at Queen Mary Falls. Return through Yamanto. Come one come all.

Geoff & Julie Sheather

24 June

Social

Capalaba

10 Pin Bowls challenge with Redlands Ulysses club. No experience necessary. Meet at Capalaba Bowling Alley, at 6.30pm, or 7Eleven Service Station, Mt Gravatt-Capalaba Rd, McKenzie, (near Gateway Arterial), at 6pm for a 6.15 departure.  Ride to Mt Cootha for coffee after. Notify Ken,(details on website), with your booking

Ken Tacon

16 July

Ride

Mt Glorious & surrounds

Meet Shell Nudgee at 8.30 for a 9.00am departure. Bring Smoko buy lunch     

Rob Steer

22 July

Social

The Fisher home

Annette will supply all food and a nominal charge to cover cost will be paid by attendees on the night. Please notify Annette if you are coming so she knows how many to cater for. BYO drinks. Address is on the AWRA website.

Larry & Annette Fisher

20 August

Ride

Mystery ride

Meet BP Blacksoil at 8.30 for a 9.00am departure. Bring Smoko buy lunch. We don’t now where we are going but we know it will be fun. It always is with Bear & Jane.

Rob & Jane Harris

26 August

Social

TBA

 

Geoff Mead

17 September

Ride

TBA

 

Paul & Sherree Jones

22nd,23rd & 24th  September

Social

Biker’s Dream

Weekend at Biker’s Dream; Bunkhouse has been booked for the group.  Members contact Bevan to reserve bunkhouse.  Powered and un-powered camp sites, meals etc.  Numbers to Bevan

Bevan and Therese

15 October

Ride

TBA

 

 

21 October

Social

The Jacobson home

Pot Luck meal. Bring snacks, main meal, and dessert to be put on the table and shared. BYO drinks and make up your own mind if you want to share them.  Address is in the website. Start at 6pm

Lionel & Mary Jacobson

Ride Coordinator  - Bill Carter – Tel: (07) 5564 8996 

e-mail: carterbm @ bigpond.net.au Bill’s a/h mobile 0428 248 160

RIDE DATES; Unless otherwise arranged, rides will be on the 3rd Sunday 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 Madjeric.

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.

*** Ride Leaders: Please provide a short pre-ride briefing that outlines the basic safety precautions that we in the AWRA like to observe when riding in groups, and a little about the ride and the rest stop locations.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY ON RIDES:

·        Each motorcyclist is 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.

Thanks for all those that have offered to organise rides and socials,  that is what makes this club so great.  If you are yet to conduct a ride or organise a social, please start to plan something so that when your turn arrives you will be ready. You don’t have to wait to be asked, just let me know.



AUSTRALIAN WING RIDERS ASSOCIATION (QLD) INCORPORATED

VICTORIAN RIDE and SOCIAL CALENDAR

Date

Departure Point

Ride Details

Ride Leaders

 

 

JUN,JUL,AUG rides are held on impromptu notice due to the weather

Dinner’s will be held over these months

 

8th September

 

Dinner Location TBA

 

17th September

McDonalds, Pakenham

Tarwin Lower.   Pakenham(SP), south to Koo-wee-rup and Phillip Island visit Churchill Island & morning tea, from Phillip Island, back to Anderson's corner, then Wonthaggi, and Inverloch via Cape Paterson.  East Tarwin Lower for a counter lunch at the pub, then north to Meeniyan, Dunbalk, Mirboo Nth, Thorpdale and final coffee at Trafalgar.(FP)  Straight down the Princes Hwy to home.

Denny

-- September

McDonalds,

 Western Ring Road,

Malmsbury Bike show (Not AWRA Event) Bike show for the inmates at the juvenile detention centre with the God Squad Motor cycle club, well attended  by Goldwings and other bikes.

John G

6th October

 

Dinner Location TBA

 

15th October

McDonalds,

 Western Ring Road,

Sth side heading west

Castlemaine loop ride  Melbourne(SP) Heathcote onto Bendigo through to Bridgewater left to Maldon, Castlemaine, Woodend into Melbourne (FP)

Denny

10th November

 

Dinner location TBA

 

18/19th November

9.00 am

Shell Service station on the northern side of Lilydale

Overnighter to Corryong ( with side trip to Kiandra)  Day 1 Melbourne (SP) to Mansfield, Whitfield Myrtleford, onto Bright left at Bright on up to Tallangatta via Gundowring out to Corryong (overnight) side trip to Kiandra for those that wish to go around 160 km rtn. Day 2 Corryong to Towong following the Murray River into Albury straight down the hwy to Melbourne coffee at the Mobil service station Seymour (FP)     

John G

Notes:

·       Note: Rides depart 9.30 am sharp 3rd Sunday of every month. 

·       Social Dinners are also held around Melbourne on a monthly basis.  These are notified at least a month out

·       If interested in coming for a ride then turn up on the day and ride as a guest of the AWRA if you like what you see then join AWRA to enjoy future rides

·       Rides during the winter months will depend on the weather

Ride Coordinator:     John Gilbert – Tel: (03) 9803 0243 or 0423 550 233

e-mail:                         mywing @ optusnet.com.au

Each motorcyclist to be responsible for the following:

1.                    Your bike is to registered and roadworthy including trailer

2.                    You obey all traffic rules and ride in a safe manner

3.                    You are in a fit condition to control the bike according to state road laws 

4.                    You be correctly attired for safe motorcycling

5.                    You ride in a considerate manner that does not endanger other road users or other riders

6.                    You have a full tank of fuel before departure on the ride

Remember to have fun and enjoy the ride and the company

Answers to Jayne’s Trivia Quiz

1.b,   2.d,   3.a,   4.c,   5.c,   6.c,   7.b,   8.c,   9.d

Hope you had fun!!

Jayne