Wing Notes

 

Newsletter of the

 

 

 

February 2009

 

Celebrating Australia Day

What’s Inside?

 

 

The Editor Writes

The President Speaks

The Secretary’s Desk

Sunday 18th Social ride

Australia Day Breakfast

Queensland Ride Calendar

Victorian Ride Calendar

February Meeting Minutes

Membership application

 

 

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

Bill Carter (07) 5564 8996

E-mail: carterbm @ bigpond.net.au

Secretary

Val Thomas (07) 3848 0498

E-mail: secretary @ auswingriders.com

Meetings are held on the

1st Monday of every month

 

Vice President

Rob (Bear) Harriss 0409 052 218

E-mail: RHMRS @ iinet.com.au

 

Treasurer

Geoff Mead  (07) 5529 5034

E-mail: meady @ auswingriders.com

Next meeting:          2nd March 2009

7:30 pm

Breakfast Creek Wharf, 192 Breakfast Creek Rd, Newstead, Brisbane

 

 

New AGM Raffle supporter

Upcoming activities:

 

15th  March            Ride Day

 

21st March             Social bowling night  (Qld)

 

4th April                  AGM, Hastings Point

 

24th April                Friday night dinner at Plainlands Hotel.  (Qld)

Notice:  Membership Renewals

Membership is due at the 28th February.  All renewing members must submit an application for renewal to enable the association to maintain correct membership records.

Renewals can be banked electronically to the association account and the account details are on the web site renewal form.  If renewing by post, there is a renewal form at the end of this month’s magazine.  Complete the form and either post the form and cheque to the Secretary or bring the form and the money to the next meeting.

The Editor Writes…..

The President Speaks….

The Secretary’s Desk….

Gidday all,

What a month.  Computer reliability has left a lot to be desired.  Last month, while loading the magazine before I went to work I encountered some web server problems that meant only half the update was done.  No problem I thought, “I’ll load the rest of the mag tonight, no-one will probably look and notice all the pictures are missing.”  Unfortunately, that afternoon, my computer had a catastrophic failure and associated data loss.  Not something you expect on a new computer.  I eventually recovered all the data and restored the web to my old computer and just as I was in a position to load the missing files and guess what, another computer failure.  More delays but everything is now restored and I have a computer on which to produce and publish the magazine.  Just a few weeks late.

They say things come in threes, and while I was waiting for my third failure, it came in the form of my son’s computer failing last night.

At least I should be right now, if I can just get this magazine done and onto the web site.

Ride safe and don’t become a statistic.

Bevan

Hi everyone,

It has been a bit hot during the day for long rides, but night riding has been great. I hope you have all been making the most of it.

I have been pre-occupied for the last month or so teaching my son to ride. He has bought himself a new Honda CB250F, (250cc restrictions for learners apply in QLD), and we have been out with it nearly every day. Up until he saw my DVD of Ewan Macgregor and Charlie Boorman in Long Way Down, he had shown no interest in motor cycles, and has only been on the back with me a couple of times. Now he is a committed bike rider.

It certainly was not my first choice to teach him, but there was no chance of his bike staying in the garage until a Qride course could be arranged.

He had ridden over 1,000 kilometres by the time he successfully completed his Qride test, and with his new license endorsement, he has turned out to be a pretty good rider. We have ridden the worst traffic, the highway, the back roads, and plenty of twisty mountains, night riding, and even torrential rain which all add to his skill set.

He now has to learn those road craft skills that teach us to avoid cars and other hazards, and to make sure we arrive home safely after each ride.

Anyway, as those of us with kids know, this just adds to the worry that we all have for our children when they take on risky pastimes.

As I have said before, I will not be nominating for any Committee position at this AGM, as it is time for new blood on the Committee. Every time someone new comes onto the Committee it adds a new energy with new ideas and enthusiasm.

Your club needs your input so get your nominations in quickly. Don’t forget; you give up your right to complain if you aren’t prepared to roll your sleeves up and help.

We’ll see you on the next ride.

Keep it up

Bill Carter

Hello everyone,

 

The year is off to a flying start, we have made it to a couple of very enjoyable rides.  Peter’s pleasant ride through the hills of Landsborough, morning tea at Mary Cairncross Park and winding our way back to Peter’s place in Morayfield to a very pleasant BBQ.  Thank you Peter for a great short but very sweet ride.

 

Our next treat was our Australian Day BBQ at the Bradford’s and what a treat that was.  It was a fabulous breakfast, thoroughly enjoyable company and we caught up with our Emerald Kids.  The day was completed with a ride around and around Victoria Point – what fabulous views, finishing with our ever popular ice-cream stop.  We farewelled quite a few from there, but Thommo was talked into going back (to the Bradford’s) for a coffee to complete a thoroughly relaxing Wings celebration of our Australia Day.  Huge thank you Bevan & Therese – what fantastic hosts you are!

I am still trying to get our Japan Trip story together for the magazine, hopefully this week.  In the meantime, reminders for you all to make your reservations at North Star Resort, Hastings Point –   1800 645 790 or           02 6676 1234 or email. info@ northstar.com.au for our A.G.M. 

 

Thinking helmets on for those nominations for our committee – very important!

 

Now we are looking forward to our trip to Bundaberg to watch some baby turtles (hopefully) – so everyone – enjoy – stay safe, and see you soon.

 

Cheers

 

Valerie and Thommo

Sunday 18th Social ride Jan’09

This ride actually started on the 17/12/08 with what I thought was putting my name down to help with a ride on the 18th January ’09 , unbeknown to me I was actually Volunteering to plan and lead a ride (DUPED was more like it) .

Anyway , after a few attempts at trying to decide where to ride I finally gave up and decided I would concentrate on getting Xmas over with first .

Xmas and Boxing day came and went so I decided to try again, Bingo, finally came up with a route that didn’t seem to be too bad. (I was pretty sure most people had been on these roads before so it would be a slow comfortable scenic ride to our first destination)         .

Well, Sunday came and we all gathered at our starting point, greetings were made and copious amounts of coffee and food were consumed while we waited for everybody to arrive.

Before we knew it starting time had crept up, after a few introductions to a couple of Social riders along for the day and a little story about the ride, off we headed (15 mins late).

After about 1 km, someone came over the CB saying that we needed to pull over, apparently he thought we had left somebody behind? 5 minutes and countless Ooh’s and Aah’s from all the cars going past we finally managed to get on the highway and ride , 15 (count them) Wings and a Yamaha cruiser .

After we had negotiated our way through the traffic outside Caboolture Markets (and made a few heads turn) we headed up Beerburrum road, where we proceeded up

“Old Gympie road” via Barrs road through to Landsborough and on to Mary Cairncross Park for morning tea.

Whilst chatting with various people and selling raffle tickets (of which I do owe an Apology to someone, you know who you are) and enjoying our Tea/Coffee and Scones (Fruit toast for some), I had a conversation with one of the Social Wingriders that turned up on the day.

To my surprise he was a neighbour I hadn’t seen for quite a few years when I lived at Alderley, so we exchanged mobile numbers so we could catch up in the near future.

After a long leisurely break, we decided to leave the relaxed surrounds and resume our ride back down the range, going through some light rain and Fog we then headed off through Woodford and into Wamuran where we took the back roads of Caboolture and Burpengary (someone was even heard over the radio saying “where the hell are we, I’m lost”).

A few people decided to leave us prior to arriving at our lunch destination, something about chores needing to be done! 

While most people were enjoying the soft drinks and nuts while waiting for the meat to cook , I heard this commotion in the back-yard , dropping the BBQ tongs and almost spilling my beer , I rushed out in time to see my Dog was getting a little friendly with one of our members’ legs (sorry Jonesy he IS still young and really doesn’t know what he is doing yet).

Well the meat was finally ready and everyone lined up to have their fill (it must have been okay as some went back for seconds) , ice-cream cones were then offered but there were only a couple of takers (something about being too FULL).

Two raffle draws were then made (Congratulations to the winners) , the first draw went to Liz (a box of chocolates) and the second draw for 2 bottles of wine , was won by the Merlos’ (fitting , as one of the bottles of wine was a Cab/Merlo)

All in all a good social day was had and I hope everybody else enjoyed the day (I know my Dog did).

Keep Upright

Kaos


Three young boys were boasting about their grandpas. The first boy said: "My grandpa is a great swimmer. He can swim for hours before getting out of the water!"

The second boy said, "That's nothing. My grandpa always goes swimming at 6:00 in the morning every day, and only comes back at 9:00 pm because my mom says he has to!"

The third boy says, "Your grandpas are both bad at swimming! My grandpa started swimming in this pond 20 years ago, and he hasn't come out since!!!"

Australia Day

On 26th January we gathered at our place as usual for the Australia Day breakfast.  The gathering is the easy part, it’s the preparation before that takes the time.  This year was nearly a disaster as we almost left getting the meat too late and cleaned the butcher out of the last lamb chops.  Not to mentioned that we couldn’t get them in bulk but had to buy the pre-packaged ones on the shelf which meant a lot more space required to pack them, the bacon, the sausages and the ice packs into the wing.

Did I mention that it was raining at the time?

 

Not to worry, that just meant I had to setup some additional shelter in case it was still raining in the morning.

Sunday afternoon and night saw the usual preparation activities underway but this year I cheated with some of the cooking done early.  Next year, I think I’ll do the same, it makes the day a bit more relaxed.

Monday morning, up early, not raining but up went the tarp anyway for some additional sun protection as it looked like a hot day.  Bill and May arrived early and immediately pitched in and by 7:00 we were wondering where everyone else was.  Bigger numbers this year meant two BBQs on the go get all the food cooked in a reasonable time to feed the

 

hungry hordes.  A hot morning meant that the orange juice and the bubbly were in great demand along with the cold water.  Good thinking that, I must remember it next year and also remember that 13 litres of orange juice is only just enough.  Good thing we always have bulk juice on hand and the extra two litres and bottle of bubbly that Bob and Kerry, along for the first time, brought along were certainly used.

The event had a bit of an international flavour this year with Paul Edwards, our visitor from Washington, USA, joining us. We were also lucky to have our remote members from Emerald, Mike and Maree, able to join us for breakfast.

Magnificent cooking skills were shown by Bill and me as we grilled our way through something like 40 lamb chops, 3 kg of bacon, about 50 sausages and 4 dozen eggs not to mention about 3 dozen pancakes.  Of course, the cooking skills had nothing on the eating skills shown by everyone as they consumed the feast as fast as we could get it out to serve.

About this time, there was some excitement in the crowd as Therese took the opportunity to make an announcement.  No one was quite sure what to expect when she started but it turned out she was announcing that congratulations were in order as during Bob and Kerry’s recent European holiday, Bob had gone all

 

 

 

 

romantic and proposed.  Congratulations guys.

After the hot breakfast, the meal was finished with a few slices of fresh damper with golden syrup.  A great finish to another Australia Day breakfast.  Somewhere along the line almost a full bottle of port seemed to evaporate, well, it was a hot and humid morning.  After washing everything down with coffee, it was time for the traditional ride for an ice-cream.  This year was a tour of the Redlands ending up at the Cold Rock at Cleveland.  Due to some technical hitch about luggage maximums, Paul had left his wing in the states but ever the optimist; he had all his gear in the rental car.  Good enough, so I offered him the Deauville, a model not sold in the states, but at least it was wheels to have a look around. 

 

 

Apparently, he was so amazed by the performance, that by the time he got to Cleveland, he was so stunned he had to hand it over to Charlene to ride back to my place.  That’s not quite the facts, he was actually feeling

 

 

 

 

unwell and we thought it better to put him in a car to get him back to his car.  Hope you are feeling better Paul.

After ice-creams we said farewell to those heading home and the rest adjourned back to our place for a coffee before calling it a day.

Thanks everyone for making it another successful breakfast and I look forward to next year.  Special thanks to Bill and Mary for their assistance and to all those who took part in the cleanup and washing up afterward.

See you next year,

Bevan and Therese

2009 AGM

Don’t forget, the AGM weekend is on at the North Star Resort, Hastings Point on the 3, 4 & 5 April.  The annual general meeting will be at 4:00 pm on Saturday 4th April at the resort.

Your membership must be current to attend the meeting.

In the words of President Bill, “Don’t forget; you give up your right to complain if you aren’t prepared to roll your sleeves up and help”

A committee Nomination Form is available from the web site or at the March meeting.

Nominations close 21/03/2009

 

AGM Limited menu

2 courses

$26-50

 

Mains

(Choose one of the following)

Char-grilled 250gm rump steak served with creamy mashed potato, steamed green beans and topped with a garlic mushroom jus.

Oven Baked chicken breast stuffed with sage and onion, served with sweet potato mash, garden salad and a cranberry glaze.

Grilled fish of the day (see our lovely staff for today’s choice) served with lemon burre blanc, chips and a garden salad.

Desserts

(Choose one of the following)

Deep fried white chocolate and raspberry ravioli, drizzled with white chocolate ganache and served with vanilla ice cream.

Steamed individual pineapple puddings with an orange glaze served with chantilly cream.

Individual apple and rhubarb crumble served with vanilla ice cream.

 

If you wish to start the meal with an entrée, that will be an additional cost to the individual

Once upon a time, there was a cat that died. When she got to heaven, God asked her how she liked being on earth.

She told the Lord that it was awful -- she had to sleep in cold black alleys, where there was no food and life was hard.

God told her that he was sorry it had had turned out that way -- but here, in heaven, she would be happy and He would give her the most comfortable, warm pillow to sleep on. The cat lay down upon the pillow and was happy.

A few days later, about a dozen mice came to heaven together and God asked them how they had liked earth. The earth was no better for them than it was the cat. They explained to God that it was tough and exhausting and their feet were worn out from always running from cats and dogs and people.

God felt bad for the mice and decided to give them roller-skates.

One day God sees the cat again and asked her how she liked heaven.

She explained that it was absolutely wonderful. The pillow he gave her was the most comfortable place that she had ever slept on, but even better than the pillow was the meals on wheels.

-oo00oo-

“How did school go today? a mother asked her       little boy.

“Fine”, the little fellow replied. “We had a new teacher and she wanted to know if I had any brothers and I told her I was an only child”.

What did she say?” his mother asked.

“The teacher said, “Thank goodness”


AUSTRALIAN WING RIDERS ASSOCIATION (QLD) INCORPORATED

QUEENSLAND RIDE and SOCIAL CALENDAR

Date

Start Point

Destination

Ride / Social Event

Ride Leaders

15 March

Ride

 

 

TBA

Gecko and Kay

21 March

Social

TBA

Mount Warren Bowl

Ten Pin Bowling

Geoff Mead

 

3-4-5 April

Your home

North Star Resort

Hastings Point NSW

Australian Wing Riders Assoc Queensland Inc. AGM

Ring the resort ASAP to book your preferred accommodation. 1800 645 790

Committee

19 April

Ride

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

24 April

Social

TBA

Planelands Hotel

Enjoy dinner at the Planelands Hotel.

NOTE: This social is on Friday 24th, instead of Saturday 25th (Anzac Day)

Bear and Jayne

9 May

Extra Ride

BP Blacksoil

Tentative 8:00am Start

Laidley

World record attempt. 5000+ bikes needed.

Further info on web ride calendar

Committee

17 May

Ride

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

23 May

Social

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

21 June

Ride

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

27 June

Social

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

RIDE COORDINATOR:      Phil Merlo – Tel: (07) 5533 7260; Mobile 0419 140 957.  E-mail: pme75181 @ bigpond.net.au

RIDE DATES:                         Unless otherwise arranged, rides will be on the 3rd Sunday of the month

SOCIAL DATES:                  Social rides are 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 Val Thomas.

                                                  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.

                                                  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 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.

·                      Ride at your own skill level and respect the road rules. Monthly and social rides are for the enjoyment of members and guests.  They are not race or competition events.

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 CALENDAR

Date

Start Point

9:30 Sharp

Destination

Ride / Social Event

Ride Leaders

15 March   Ride

Reg Jeffrey Honda

 

Vic country

Kalkallo to Ferntree Gully via Yea Euroa Marysville

http://www.motowhere.com/maps/route/KalKallo-to-Ferntree-Gully-the-scenic-route

Craig

1 - 6 April Ride

Westgate Bridge service station out bound lane.

North Star Resort

Hastings Point NSW

AWRA AGM. Qld ride

 

Ring the resort ASAP to book your preferred accommodation. 1800 645 790

JohnG

 

 

 

 

 

RIDE COORDINATOR:        John Gilbert – Tel: (03) 9803 0243;  Mobile 0423 550 233.  E-mail: mywing @ optusnet.com.au

RIDE DATES:                          Unless otherwise arranged, rides will be on the 3rd Sunday of the month

SOCIAL DATES:                    Social events as announced through the year.

RIDE LEADERS:                     Please check the details of your ride and let me know of any changes.

                                                    IMPORTANT: Even if you have not finalised the details of your ride, just supply the start location, the general direction of the ride, and the meal arrangements.

                                                    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 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.

·        Ride at your own skill level and respect the road rules. Monthly and social rides are for the enjoyment of members and guests.  They are not race or competition events.

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.

The photographer for a national magazine was assigned to get photos of an enormous forest fire. Smoke at the scene was too thick to get any good shots, so he frantically called his home office to hire a plane.

"It will be waiting for you at the airport!" he was assured by his editor.

As soon as he got to the small, rural airport, sure enough, a plane was warming up near the runway. He jumped in with his equipment and yelled, "Let's go! Let's go!" The pilot swung the plane into the wind and soon they were in the air.

"Fly over the north side of the fire," said the photographer, "and make three or four low level passes."

"Why?" asked the pilot.

"Because I'm going to take pictures! I'm a photographer, and photographers take pictures!" said the photographer with great exasperation and impatience.

After a long pause the pilot said, "You mean you're not the instructor?"