Wing Notes

 

Newsletter of the

 

 

 

March 2009

 

Checking out the Hatchlings

What’s Inside?

 

 

The Editor Writes

The President Speaks

The Secretary’s Desk

The Turtle Ride

What value a warranty

Bob and Fran’s new toy

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:          6th  April 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

Memberships were 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.

Non-financial members are not able to attend the Annual General Meeting.

 

The Editor Writes…..

The President Speaks….

The Secretary’s Desk….

Gidday all,

This may or may not be the last magazine I produce.  I still haven’t decided whether to stand for this or any other committee position at the forthcoming AGM so I will use this as a possible last opportunity for a rant.  Why?  I guess after three years of continually begging for usually unforthcoming stories to publish, I think I’ve had enough.  If it wasn’t for what I write and the couple of members I continually rely on to produce me something, there would frequently be no magazine.  Maybe it’s time for someone with new ideas and a better way of eliciting stories to take over.

This club is for all members and therefore it is up to all members to participate and make it work.  Is it just the magazine?  No!  I see Phil having the same problems trying to get rides on the ride calendar.  As with the magazine, it seems to be the same few people who create the rides.  Why doesn’t anyone want to volunteer anything; it’s like pulling teeth?  Are people sick of the format of the club?  Is it the format of committee and general meetings?  Is it the style or frequency of rides?   Do members want to see changes?  If so, why haven’t any ideas been put forward?

As I write this, the AGM will be occurring in three weeks time.  Have we any nominations for committee positions?  I don’t know. I know some current committee members are willing to put in another year but I don’t know of any fresh blood for the committee to bring new ideas.  Maybe we will have to rely on nominations from the meeting floor.

It’s your club.  Even if you don’t want to participate on the committee, you can still write magazine stories or articles expressing your opinion, you can organise a ride like you prefer or you can raise concerns at the monthly general meetings.  Which ever, like a plant, if we don’t flourish and grow, we will become root bound and die.

Ride safe and don’t become a statistic.

Bevan

Hi everyone,

This an exciting time of the year. Nights are great for rides, and the days haven’t been too hot either. It is interesting to see the number of 1800 Wings in the club now, and the 1500s are becoming rarer and rarer. Mary and I won’t be changing in the foreseeable future. Apart from Evie only having 94,000 klms on board, we would never get all of our gear in an 1800. We will have to take some packing lessons before we embark on a new purchase.

You will see from the article I have included in the mag that I am not very impressed with Honda at the moment. The treatment of my son Robert has been astounding, and I am not sure if I can get him on another Honda when he upgrades with his open license in a year. I know many of you have had very good treatment so it was particularly disappointing when this occurred. Are others having similar problems with local dealers? After all, one of our members recently rode to Melbourne to buy a new 1800 when he could have done it locally? Hhmmmm. Food for thought.

This is my last Presidents Report so I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the coming year. I would also like to thank all those Committee members that have supported me over the last two years and wish the new Committee new success for the future.

For those that are riding to the AGM I hope you have an enjoyable and safe journey. We will see you there.

 

Keep it up

 

Bill Carter

Hello everyone,

 

Time flies when you are having fun, and boy has it flown this year again.  Now it is time to prepare for our Annual General Meeting.  We, the committee, appeal to you the members to give some serious thought to who will be on the committee for the coming year.  We will all be stepping down officially to give you members a real opportunity to take up the challenge for the club – please take up the chance.

 

My report will be my next mission tonight, and then final notes for our A.G.M.

 

In the meantime, thanks for a great year of rides, socials and meetings.  Thommo and I are looking forward to another year of great events with you all.  The bike is being washed as I sit here typing, and the next vehicle will be the car – what a week-end.

 

Looking forward to catching up with you all at Hastings Point, ride safely.

 

Cheers

 

Valerie and Thommo

 

The Turtle Ride

A few months ago at a family party we renewed our friendship with the owners the Turtle Sands Resort at Mon Repos, near Bundaberg.  This resort is right on the beach used by the Loggerhead turtles as a hatchery.  Of course, our talk turned to the turtle season and the opportunities available and I thought it would be a good idea for a special ride to go to Mon Repos during the season.

Dave recommended early February as a good time, by then it has quietened down after the Christmas season and there is the opportunity to see both laying turtles and hatchlings.  So, early February was nominated and the date set for what I thought was the second weekend in February.  Unfortunately, I missed the fact that the 1st was a Sunday therefore the “extra” ride ended up coinciding with the scheduled AWRA ride day.  Ah well, that’s the way it goes sometimes.

With plenty of member interest we very quickly booked out the cabins so it was up to the rest to either find a motel, find someone to share with or pack their tents and camp. Next came arrangements for the actual viewing of the turtles.  The initial story was that resort residents got preference if the turtles were on the beach in front of the resort.  I was later to find out this was not necessarily the case during this time of the season so we had to book a tour group. Of course, these group bookings are based on booking time and if I had booked at the same time I booked the accommodation, we would probably been in the first group and out early.  Instead, we were in the 4th group which meant although we had to be there at 6:30, we probably would not go out until about

 

10:00 pm. 

Two weeks before the ride, the long range weather forecast was for rain before and over the weekend but with everything booked, what can you do.  Friday 13th February arrived with the forecast rain and we headed for the meeting point.  Thommo and Val already had a staff problem and were going to be a bit late.  That meant a decision to wait for them having to ride 5 hours by themselves; and we all know Thommo hates riding in the rain.  Over the Gateway bridge and we hear a call over the CB.  It’s Bear and Jayne on their new 1800.  This is its first outing and our call response was the first radio check they’d had to verify that the CB fitting had gone OK.  After fighting the highway traffic, we arrived at the BP North just as a heavy storm broke.  Bear and Jayne arrived shortly after, soaked to the skin, and then while putting the bike on the centre stand, Bear promptly slid on

 

the concrete driveway and almost dropped the bike against the pumps.  A concerned attendant rushed out but it was only to make sure her pumps were OK.  That impressed everyone; not.

With Bear and Jayne, Meady, Phil and Vicky, Bill and Mary, Larry and Annette, Bob Miller, Therese and I now present, we had to discuss what to do about Thommo and Val.  I hate setting off on a ride without someone when the delay is beyond their control.  After waiting about 20 minutes and with the rain continuing, there was much debate about whether we’d get there tonight or stopping over at Bribie Island or somewhere else until tomorrow in the hope that the weather would be finer. 

 

Bill and Mary, Larry and Annette and Phil and Vicky decided to head north while the rest of us waited.  After another 30 minutes with still no sign of Thommo and Val, Therese and I and Bob headed north with the others still waiting.  On the road and after twice being overtaken by vehicles with the occupants waving and yelling at us, we decided to stop and check for any problems.  Turned out the trailer plug had disconnected and was flapping in the breeze.  Luckily it hadn’t been dragging.  Back on the road and making good time through intermittent rain, we arrived at Gympie just as the first group finished their coffees.  Not content to wait, Bill and Mary headed out with Larry and Annette at their heels.  A few minutes later Phil and Vicky followed.  “So much for riding together” I thought.

After coffee and meeting up with a person I hadn’t seen since leaving Cloncurry in 1982, strange how small the world really is, we headed for Bargara in continuing intermittent showers.  Nearing Bundaberg, making good time while keeping an eye out for kangaroos, I suddenly spot Bambi in the table drain.  Certainly wasn’t expecting that.  Just then Bear phones and they are at Apple Tree Creek and having dinner.  I warn then to beware of deer on the road.  I don’t think he believed me but later he tells me they found it in the same place.

Dropping Bob off to go to his motel in Bargara, we headed for the caravan park in the hope that the break in the rain remained until the tent was up.  Just short of the resort we met a wing coming toward us.  It’s Bill and Mary; “We’re heading into Bargara for dinner, have you seen Larry and Phil?” they ask.  “I thought they were with you” I replied.  “We haven’t seen them since we left Gympie.”  It turns out Larry waited for Phil to catch up and they didn’t see Bill again.  We passed them as they had stopped in Bundaberg for dinner.

 

We caught up with Mike, having arrived early in the day and secured our keys, and then Phil arrived and we sorted out camping spots.  Winston had travelled up earlier in the day and had his tent set up.  He willingly offered to assist Therese and me.  That was appreciated as we wanted to beat the rain.  We rolled out the ground sheet, rolled out the tent, pegged the four corners, inserted the roof frame and stood the centre pole and we’re done.  Winston can’t believe it was so quick.  I love this tent.  We just got the gear inside and it started to rain again.

With everyone arriving at different times and making their own dinner arrangements, that put paid to any

 

chance of a social dinner so we broke out the cooking gear and cooked up a couple of hamburgers by which time everyone else had arrived safely and were in their cabins or tents.

After dinner most of the group piled into Larry and Annette’s cabin and enjoyed a few beers, a few wines and eventually polished off a few ports to ward off the chill of the rain and help us sleep.  Due to the lack of chairs in the cabin, by this time Thommo and I had spent about 2 hours sitting on the floor and it was a bit of an effort to get back up again to go home.  All users of caravan park cabins will be aware of the low ceiling heights and there were a couple of warnings issued during the night about ducking the fan but thankfully no one hit it.

More rain during the night but Saturday dawned as a beautiful Queensland day.  Looked good, should be great for turtle viewing tonight.  With nothing particular planned, the day was spent differently by everyone.  Some spent it lounging about and walking on the beach, some had a look around the area and others headed into Bundaberg in a search for a replacement tent bow.  How did that get broken, Winston?  Though I must say, the breakage story is but a patch on the story of how he managed to get it replaced under warranty!  Those who went to Bundaberg came back with tales of a very heavy downpour that thankfully was not where we were.

For dinner on Saturday, Meady had arranged for his mate Tony who was joining us, to bring sausages and all the other necessities for a good cook-up, including the packets of lollies.  So, the BBQ came out of the trailer and we set up on the lawn and cooked sausages to more than feed the 20 or so people before we headed for the Environmental centre for the 6:30 roll call and had enough sausages left for supper when we returned.

The environmental centre has an indoor display area and a large outdoor auditorium where they play videos etc to educate and entertain the groups as they wait until a turtle is spotted and the group takes its turn on the beach.  Just as we arrived, the storm that

had hit Bundaberg at lunch time arrived and I kid you not, it rained bucket fulls until about 10:30.  What that meant was no outdoor show and about 300 people sat, lay, stood around waiting to get called out. Groups one and two eventually made it to the beach in the pouring rain and many of our party got sick of waiting and went back to camp.   Maybe not being in the early group had benefits under the circumstances because at least when those dedicated enough to remain got to head to the beach to see the hatchlings, it had stopped raining.

Now the job of the rangers is particularly difficult on rainy nights. It’s not only difficult to spot the turtles, it’s almost impossible to spot the hatchlings as they dig out of the wet sand.  It was worth the wait though and everyone agreed that while it was a bit stage managed, they had had to cover the only hatchlings they found to keep the last few there until we arrived, the experience of seeing and handling the baby turtles was well worth the wait.  To see these little blokes dig out of the sand, identify where the ocean is, in this case by following the torchlight and scuttling down the beach between the kids legs, was an experience not to be forgotten.  Everyone got the opportunity to photograph and touch the babies and feel the strength in the flippers, necessary to dig and swim within a short time after hatching.

After this, it was back to camp for a night cap or two and to tuck up in a dry tent, at least for some.  Apparently Winston, after having to replace the broken bow, suffered a leak and while we were packing the next morning,

 

he was setting up a line between two trees to hang wet gear on for drying before heading home.  At least the day had dawned even better than the previous and the sun would soon do its job of drying.

The outcome of the combination of cabins, motels, wet and dry camping meant that the trip home was to end up just as disjointed as the trip up.  With breakfast planned for Bargara Berries, Bill and Larry were unable to wait for anyone else or their early morning breakfast strawberries and so they headed off, as did Mike and Maree who weren’t joining us anyway.  Winston decided to wait while his and Jan’s gear dried.

For those remaining, we completed the pack up about half an hour later than planned.  Some of this time

 

 

was taken up by a domestic discussion, spurred on by Jayne I might add, as to whether my two black socks actually constitutes a pair, even when the socks are different.  In answer to the obvious question that was asked, yes I checked and I actually had three more pairs like them at home.

In the Thommo cabin, gloves were presenting a problem with Thommo spotting his on top of the cupboard.  No problem, up on the bed to reach them and bang; oops, that was the fan.  Plenty of attention from the ladies saw band-aids applied to stem the blood flow and prevent it filling the helmet.  Some people will do anything to get attention.  Of course, the men were less than sympathetic with comments ranging from no brains to leak out, Thommo’s fan club or to a certain by-product

 

 

hitting the fan.  As it turned out, the gloves Thommo was reaching for were actually Bear’s who was already wearing Thommo’s.  No serious harm done and soon we were packed and headed for breakfast, arriving in time to say farewell to Bill and Mary and Larry and Annette as they headed south.

We had a leisurely breakfast of strawberries, mangos, pancakes, and a whole lot of other things that weren’t nearly as healthy.  Then again, all the cream on the strawberries and pancakes probably wasn’t that healthy anyway.

After breakfast, it was back to Bundaberg via the lookout at The Hummock.  What a fantastic view across the area, the coastline and Bundaberg.  Then a

 

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

fuel up for some and we headed south.  As we came up the highway on Friday, the road we took home was via Goodwood and back onto the highway at Childers.  Then with almost two hours down we stopped at Maryborough for a break before heading through to the BP South at Caboolture completing the round trip.

The trip home turned into a terrific ride in contrast to the ride up.  There were even signs of sunburn by the time we got home.  You couldn’t have asked for a better ride day including a couple of light showers in the last hour to cool things down beautifully.

Thanks everyone who came along for the weekend and my apologies for the weather, not that I could do much about it.  I also apologise for the delay on Friday but it is important to me not to leave people behind.  In spite of how frustrated I felt on the Friday and Saturday nights during the rain, I guess if anyone is interested we will do it all again next year only this time I know to book early to get in the first group so we have some reflection and social time afterward.

 

Bevan and Therese

What is the value of a warranty?

When we buy new products we have a general trust of the supplier and the manufacturer to honour the warranty that they so willingly boast about in word and print.

A couple of months ago, my son Robert purchased a brand new Honda 250 motorcycle. from a reputable Brisbane dealer. We were very happy with the deal and the sales staff. He bought new because he wanted the protection of a factory warranty.

When it came time to get the first 1000k service, for expediency we took it to a local Honda dealer that is part of a chain of bike shops. We told them that from new, the fuel gauge, and the side stand cut-out weren’t working, and the bike would not start in gear with the clutch in, (all warranty items in our opinion).

When we picked the bike up, I was surprised at the bill for $274.00. When I questioned it I was told that the identified faults were not warranty items, (can you believe that?). They continually quizzed us about where we bought the bike, and were adamant that it was the fault of the dealer we bought the bike from and not under warranty.

Apart from that they had charged Robert for 2 litres of mineral engine oil, and 1 litre of synthetic engine oil. Not bad for a 250cc bike that only holds 1.8litres. They also listed a wash on the invoice, which we didn’t ask for. The bike was filthy when we picked it up, and the mechanic said they didn’t wash bikes. When asked, the Service Manager told me it meant they wiped the mechanics greasy fingerprints off and it was free. Wow!

I phoned the Brisbane dealer and was told that a service would cost $200.00 to $220.00. I also phoned HONDA MPE to complain. They said they would investigate and get back to me – they didn’t.

The next day Robert thought the fuel gauge was still not working so he rang the Brisbane dealer. They said they wouldn’t touch it as another dealer had serviced it. Of course we really want to go back to our local dealer – NOT!!

The next day, local dealer refunded the cost of 2 litres of oil. They did say that HONDA MPE told them they could apply for a refund of 15 minutes labour for the repairs, but they wouldn’t pass that on to Robert because they had not charged us for the repairs – a new story.

For the sake of $40.00 or $50.00 they have dudded their business out of 2 services a year and a new bike in 12 months from Robert , plus accessories that he is still buying, and any business that I might have given them. How do these people stay in business? Beats me. It has probably cost Honda a sale when Robert upgrades with his unrestricted license too.

Bill Carter

Bob and Fran’s new toy – Wedgetail Outriders.  After the Bundaberg, ride, Bob and Bear unpacked a large crate and went through an accessory fitting exercise far beyond a new set of lights.  Unfortunately, due to publishing deadlines I couldn’t wait for a freshly painted photo but you will see it at the AGM.  How does it go?  They love it.  According to Bob it’s great to ride and doesn’t make a lot of difference to fuel consumption.

Have fun guys.


AUSTRALIAN WING RIDERS ASSOCIATION (QLD) INCORPORATED

QUEENSLAND RIDE and SOCIAL CALENDAR

Date

Start Point

Destination

Ride / Social Event

Ride Leaders

15 March

Ride

Shell Nudgee

8.30 for 9.00am

Around the Ridges

Enjoy the truly amazing scenery that this great state has to offer. Head out west then return to the east. Bring Smoko, buy Lunch.

Gecko and Kay

21 March

Social

BP Stapleton

5.30 for 6.00pm

Mount Warren Bowl

Ten Pin Bowling

2 Games of bowls, burger, drink and shoe hire-$25.00

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

Friday

TBA

Plainlands Hotel

Enjoy dinner at the Plainlands 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.

Merv was in a terrible accident at work. He fell through a floor tile and ripped off both of his ears. Since he was permanently disfigured, he settled with the company for a rather large sum of money and went on his way. One day, Merv decided to invest his money in a small, but growing telecom business called Plexus Communications. After weeks of negotiations, he bought the company outright. But, after signing on the dotted line, he realized that he knew nothing about running such a business and quickly set out to hire someone who could do that for him.

The next day he had set up three interviews. The first guy was great. He knew everything he needed to and was very interesting. At the end of the interview, Merv asked him, "Do you notice anything different about me?" And the gentleman answered, "Why yes, I couldn't help but notice you have no ears." Merv got very angry and threw him out.  The second interview was with a woman, and she was even better than the first guy. He asked her the same question, "Do you notice anything different about me?" and she replied: "Well, you have no ears." Merv again was upset and tossed her out.

The third and last interview was the best of all three. It was with a very young man who was fresh out of college. He was smart. He was handsome. And he seemed to be a better businessman than the first two put together. Merv was anxious, but went ahead and asked the young man the same question: "Do you notice anything different about me?" And to his surprise, the young man answered: "Yes. You wear contact lenses."

Merv was shocked, and said, "What an incredibly observant young man. How in the world did you know that?"

The young man fell off his chair laughing hysterically and replied, "Well, it's pretty hard to wear glasses with no ears!"

Four people are in an airplane, the pilot, the smartest man in the world, the richest man in the world, and a punk teenager. The airplane experiences some difficulties, and the pilot informs the three passengers that the plane is going to crash, and there are only three parachutes on the plane. The richest man in the world takes one, because he says that his lawyers will sue everyone else on the plane if he doesn't survive. The smartest man in the world takes a parachute, because he thinks that the world would be a worse place without him. The pilot says to the punk "There's only one parachute left, I'll fight you for it." "That won't be necessary," said the punk, "The smartest man in the world took my backpack."

Two Irish hunters got a pilot to fly them to Canada to hunt moose.   They have a very successful few days and all up they manage to bag 6.

They hired a plane to take them home and as they were loading the plane, the pilot said the plane could take only 4 moose.

The two lads objected strongly. 'Last year we shot six. The pilot let us take them all and he had the same plane as yours.'   Reluctantly, the pilot gave in and all six were loaded.

However, even on full power, the little plane couldn't handle the load and went down.   Somehow, surrounded by the moose bodies, Paddy and Mick survived the crash.

After climbing out of the wreckage, Paddy asked Mick, 'Any idea where we are?'   Mick replied, 'I think we're pretty close to where we crashed last year.'