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4034
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RIDE REPORTS
1st Ever AWRA Victorian Ride
by John Gilbert
Although we have only a couple of members of the AWRA in Victoria and
both of us are a fair distance apart with one being in Melbourne and the other
in Ballarat. An opportunity through
some members of the Gold Wing club came about for us to meet and go on a ride
to Halls Gap on Sunday 16 November.
With a 34 degree (40 degrees country Vic) day on Saturday and the
weather bureau forecasting clearing showers and 21 degrees for the Sunday we
thought we would be in for a pleasant day.
The ride for Karen and me started early with a 2 hour ride to Daylesford
where we meet up with Marg and Jeff.
With the weather consisting of drizzle and cold we thought the weather
bureau got it wrong and nothing was mentioned about the WIND, we arrived in
Daylesford the spa capital of Australia (I wish I had one today) for a well deserved
break.
With light drizzle we then moved on to Ballarat where we meet up with
Brain and Gail our newest members of the AWRA, where a hot chocolate and
cappuccino was needed.
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Hot chocolate break at Ballarat (see Clint
there are even red ones in Vic)
John / Karen, Red one – Marg / Jeff, Blue one
- Brian / Gail, White one
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Lunch and ice cream at Halls Gap
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At around 10am with the skies breaking to blue we moved out to Halls
Gap, passing through Beaufort and fuelling at Ararat. After the recent rains in Victoria the country side looked a
picture.
We arrived in Halls Gap under beautiful weather, for those coming to the
Ulysses AGM next year great place to stay or visit, B&B and accommodation a
plenty, as we arrived into Halls Gap we were finally protected from the wind,
found ourselves some lunch and the obligatory ice cream (yes the weather was
warmer enough for an ice cream). With
eating and shopping completed it was time to head back to Melbourne.
The ride home was again under blue skies Brian and Gail left at
Ballarat, and Marg and Jeff at the Daylesford turn off. Karen and I then headed to Melbourne with
the skies getting greyer and the wind still blowing, the ride over the Westgate
Bridge was interesting to say the least.
Over all it was a great day just to be out riding with people with the
same interest.
I must thank Marg and Jeff for the invitation.
Any one from Victoria wishing to join the AWRA please give John a call
on 0409 622 492 or mailto:johng@transqual.com.au
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Ride to Cabarita via Natural Arch!
By Winston Jones
Sunday the 16th of November weather
turned out to be a perfect day for a ride on a Wing, as I left my place in
Sunnybank for the short ride to BP Stapleton to meet up with the rest of the
crew, the furthest thing from my mind was traffic. Entering on the Mount Gravatt slipway I was confronted with
stationary traffic! Bugger, that’s all
I need, I could see it now, my second entry into the hall of shame file,
“Winston late for his own ride!” news at eleven. Hazards on (Delusions of grandeur of passing as a motorcycle cop)
I slinked past on the hard shoulder to be confronted by the south bound lane
being down to one lane and a large portion of the highway littered with
melons! A truck on a dangerously
straight and flat piece of highway had somehow managed to jack knife and shed
its entire load onto the road, there were melons everywhere. There were police threading traffic through
this mess and a small plant vehicle scooping what must be the world’s largest
fruit salad off the road. The police
waved me through as I continued southward to BP Stapleton. Arriving a little closer to departure time
than I would have liked I spotted some Wings in the car park and a HARLEY! Well live and let live, after all we’re all
bikers, the more the merrier I thought. Well I parked up (blocking the Harley
in) and went to find my fellow partners in crime.
It was to be a good turnout With nine bikes in total (not the Harley he
was just feeling awed be the superior craftsmanship of the Wings and thought if
he parked close to them he may pass for one) I let him out of the cage of Wings
that surrounded this sad dreamer and let him on his way. Over coffees and buns for breakfast, more
stories were passed around about near misses with flying melons of all shapes
and sizes.
To name but a few who managed to make it for
the ride, melons permitting were; Lionel and Mary, Larry and Annette, Eric by
his lonesome (was he in the dog house?), Bevan doing the lone ranger thing as
well (must be dog house day), our new members from the coast on a yellow 1800
Sid and Barb, Ray and Val, Tina and Mal sporting a yellow 1800 (Damn things are
breeding!) And guest riders on a 1500 (Help me out with names here if you can
Clint) (Sorry – wasn’t there – Ed)
After a quick ride brief in the car park we
saddled up, formed an orderly line near the exit. (We were not alone today bikes and cars it would seem had chosen
today as a good day to ride or drive).
It came to note that my CB wasn’t working properly so with minimum
communication skills with me leading and Larry acting as tail gunner (a role he
plays so well) we moved off onto the highway heading south, off the highway at
Oxenford taking the Tamborine /Oxenford Road, before taking a left onto
Maudsland Road. Already noticeable is
the amount of greenery that sprung up in the last week since I test rode this
route, amazing what a little rain can accomplish. Right onto the Nerang / Murwillumbah Road, Bugger! I mean left. No grief over the CB, now I know the damn
thing isn’t working right. Down we
travelled through Advancetown, the recent rains making a pleasing change to the
scenery with fresh greenery by the side of the road lining the way, trees in
full spread and a fresh country smell making it a warm and pleasant day to be
out. Down through the twisty section of
road past Advancetown, it was a hard decision to either meander through and
appreciate the scenery or let the demon have his way and appreciate the
sweeping curves? A compromise was
reached and we cruised through this section, well most of the time. As we hit the Numinbah valley we were
greeted by an expanse of green paddocks, horses and cattle out grazing and up
to our left the Numinbah State Forest with its majestic trees and igneous rock
outcrops and landlocked cliffs. I
remember riding through this section and thinking if money and work concerns
were not an issue, then there are few places better than this to live in the world. Strange to realize that there’s a
Correctional Centre hidden amongst all this beauty (A case of the crims having
it too good!)
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A few bends further we make a left into Natural
Arch/ Bridge car park for our morning tea stop. Here is where the men would be sorted from the boys! Bikes were parked a short walk from the
start of the actual walk, and the moaning began. It was decided we would do the walk first then have tea, as some
people had already got out the earl grey and scones, (Larry and Annette
realizing they’d left theirs on the table at Stapleton) bikes were repacked and
up the hill we started. Contrary to the
popular 60’s 70’s song “These boots were made for walking.” According to a few these boots were made for
gear changing and braking!
All in all, the walk was taken in good stead by
the majority with the boys been whittled out early on, gaining them entry into
the shame file for their hard work in avoiding a short walk, Larry and Lionel
the shame file awaits you. Neither mouth
to mouth nor my defibrillator training was put to use and all minus the gutless
wonders came through the walk with a appreciation of one of the natural wonders
we have here on our doorstep as Queenslanders.
After tea and a short recovery period, we saddled up once more saying
goodbye to Sid and Barb MacKenzie as they had a pressing engagement. Down through Border Gate, Numinbah and
Chillingham, it was on this section that we were passed by what looked like a classic
car rally. There were the ritual exchanges
of car and motorcycle horns as mutual appreciation was shown by both parties.
There seemed to be a lot open on a Sunday for
such a small town like Murwillumbah as we passed through and over the bridge,
heading along the river before turning right at Condong to skirt through the
world heritage rainforest centre. This
section for the most part was tree enclosed with moderately sweeping
bends. We soon caught up to the slow
moving 4 wheeled traffic and resigned ourselves to taking in the scenery as
this was an unsafe section for a group the size of ours to attempt to overtake.
Then out of the rear view mirror they came, clad in racing leathers, tight
fitting helmets to protect their tiny brains, “The Grand Prix Wannabe’s”. A group of about 6 bikers loaded up with
pillions and an unhealthy dose of adrenalin screamed past us, zigging their way
through us and cars to get to the front!
Coming close to inspecting the front end of oncoming traffic on a few
occasions I could only ask myself, is it really worth it? By this time we were approaching Cabarita
and I guess the answer was no. In their
crazy attempts to get past us and other traffic on the road, in truth they’d
gained nothing as far as I could see, other than giving motorcyclists an
underserved bad name as hoons.
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The Cabarita pub was our stop for lunch. What can be said here, a great meal, fast
service, lots of space on the grass to park our steeds out of harms way, great
atmosphere and a good time was had by all.
After lunch we said goodbye to our guest rider and the decision was made
to head off to Kingscliffe for ice creams.
Arriving into the small town of Kingscliffe to the observer must have
looked like an invasion, we parked up and headed to the ice cream parlour. At this stage we realized we had lost a few
of the ladies. Nothing much was thought
of this until they arrived sporting shopping bags and larger credit card
balances. I copped a bit of abuse from
partners and smiles from the ladies asking when I would organize a shopping trip
back to this wonderful little shoppers paradise. Under threats of violence I quickly ate what was left of my ice
cream and told the ladies it was time to go.
I lead the group out of Kingscliffe to the delight of the men folk and
despair of the ladies and back onto the highway where I peeled off at
Coolangatta and bid everyone a safe ride back to Brisbane, my CB now working
after adjusting the squelch!
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The Bear’s Necessities
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Tech
Tips for the GoldWing from Rob Harriss
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ALTERNATORS FOR GL1500’S
Alternators
are situated on the left side of the ‘Wing behind the side cover. In my
experience the most common problem they have is the ‘Brushes’ - they stick up
in the ‘brush holder’. The brushes are made of carbon, and carbon dust clogs up
the channel where the brushes slide. A quick removal of the alternator, pull
apart (marking everything of course) and clean slides and brushes - while
there, spin both bearings to check for unevenness (replace these if necessary).
Put everything back together and replace alternator.
If you do
not feel confident to do these things, remove your alternator and take to a
repairer.
Now we are
in the “Silly Season” don’t be silly and forget to check your ‘Wing before
heading off - oil, coolant, tyre pressure and tyres for uneven wear or cracks.
Have a
safe and very Merry Christmas from Bear & Jayne
If you have any problems phone Bear on 0409 052 218.
KEEP YOUR >WING ALIVE
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SOCIAL
REPORT
Christmas Party Ride to Helidon
By Val and Thommo
The weeks prior to
our Gold Wing Party were hectic to say the least. Not only work-wise, but Christmas shopping has to be finished as
I do not want to be near any shops after the week of schoolies, so I add the
extra pressure of getting all my errands done while Ray is out doing shop
deliveries. Looking for Secret Santa
gifts, and the Raffle Prizes was no easy task either! But, it was fun even though we had to dash out and find another
‘prize’ as we originally chose a really cool gift which would not fit onto the
bike! So, we are now ready having made
the necessary final details via fax and telephone calls, and Ray listened
intently to the weather reports.
Friday we were on
tender-hooks wondering when Mike & Marie will be in town, so we went to
work with both car and bike, prepared for the early call and Ray would dash off
on the bike. We didn’t have to, Mike
& Marie had stayed with friends just outside Brisbane. Thursday night and they negotiated their way
over to the shop and we then did the escort home to Yeronga for pre-party
drinks, dinner and a chat. Ray
thoroughly enjoys showing visitors around our city, so Saturday morning we were
out and about, and as added interest Mike was looking for a leather vest. So over to Jack Whites where he found one to
his liking, and found out that Jack has customers in Emerald, what a small
world! Then in no time at all we have
to start loading up to be on our way for the 1.30 pm destination at BP
Blacksoil.
We were on our way
with some rather ominous black clouds looking threatening. 10 bikes had made it to the BP and we
delayed our 2 o’clock start for Lionel and Mary to dash a quick lunch down and
for the rest of us to have a good drink of cold water. Our ride was along the scenic Pine Mountain
Road, out onto the Brisbane Valley Highway, through Fernvale & Lowood. A detour out to Atkinsons Dam was cancelled
due to the black clouds overhead. So we
cruised up the highway to the Helidon Spa Resort. We arrived at the comfortable time of 3.15pm and we all managed
to have the bikes under some protection just as the heavens opened. It was very well timed on our part I reckon!
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Arriving
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Turbo and Clint
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All In to fill the spa
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Spa was the first
call, and I don’t know what magical powers the spa springs have, but I do
believe we must have given the spa pool a fright as the bubbles gave out after
about ¾ hour, but soaking in the warm water was wonderful if not therapeutic. Together with the intake of my favourite
Southern Comfort and Cola I was very relaxed.
Marvellous what a pool, drink and good company can do. It was all very congenial and the Helidon staff
looked after us very well. Even to
setting up the television to allow the MUST WATCH Rugby World Cup.
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All in for the meal
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Raffle Winners
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A Rob joke
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Cheese
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We will not
elaborate on the Pommie contingent in our midst, due to the fact that not only
did they have the satisfaction of being winners, they were the noisiest in the
room! Winston, Turbo & John – your
days will come! They did not seem to
suffer from any hangover Sunday morning either, not like Thommo who was feeling
very seedy and was not going to have any breakfast. He did – of course and as usual recovered very well. After a hearty breakfast it seemed like no
time at all and I had to start packing-up and Ray was hustling me to hurry up
as everyone was leaving!
It is all over too quickly and my apologies for
not getting a final photograph on departure of the resort. But we do have another ‘shame file’
photograph which is possibly a ‘pay-back’ for Winston as his alternator had
died. The Good Samaritans – Clint &
Charleen volunteered to swap batteries and see him safely home. I guess we will read the details in the
bulletin.
That left we three,
Ray & I – Red Bike; Bevan & Therese – Grey Bike; and Mike & Marie –
Purple Bike; to do the scenic ride through Gatton, Grafton, Karana Downs into
Kenmore and onto the Western Highway.
We then went up to Mount Coot-tha for a much needed stretch, drink and
ice-cream. What a magical view up
there, Brisbane looked wonderful. We
then headed for home and we were motoring along the Western Freeway only to
hear on the CB someone mentioning that it looked as though they were heading
straight towards some very dirty weather and their beautifully washed bikes
would be getting wet! We were heading
southwards and Larry & crew were heading northwards – towards the very
black sky. So we exchanged a quick
cheerio and good-bye to Bevan & Therese and we made it home to Yeronga
under blue skies.
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Replacing batteries
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The
following poem doesn’t make a lot of sense, but is an exercise in English
pronunciation.
The trick is to read it out loud. The
one constant fact is that it does rhyme!!
Dearest creature in creation,
Study English pronunciation.
I will teach you in my verse
Sounds like corpse, corps, horse, and worse.
I will keep you, Suzy, busy,
Make your head with heat grow dizzy.
Tear in eye, your dress will tear.
So shall I! Oh hear my prayer.
Just compare heart, beard, and heard,
Dies and diet, lord and word,
Sword and sward, retain and Britain.
(Mind the latter, how it's written.)
Now I surely will not plague you
With such words as plaque and ague.
But be careful how you speak:
Say break and steak, but bleak and streak;
Cloven, oven, how and low,
Script, receipt, show, poem, and toe.
Hear me say, devoid of trickery,
Daughter, laughter, and Terpsichore,
Typhoid, measles, topsails, aisles,
Exiles, similes, and reviles;
Scholar, vicar, and cigar,
Solar, mica, war and far;
One, anemone, Balmoral,
Kitchen, lichen, laundry, laurel;
Gertrude, German, wind and mind,
Scene, Melpomene, mankind.
Billet does not rhyme with ballet,
Bouquet, wallet, mallet, chalet.
Blood and flood are not like food,
Nor is mould like should and would.
Viscous, viscount, load and broad,
Toward, to forward, to reward.
And your pronunciation's OK
When you correctly say croquet,
Rounded, wounded, grieve and sieve,
Friend and fiend, alive and live.
Ivy, privy, famous; clamour
And enamour rhyme with hammer.
River, rival, tomb, bomb, comb,
Doll and roll and some and home.
Stranger does not rhyme with anger,
Neither does devour with clangour.
Souls but foul, haunt but aunt,
Font, front, wont, want, grand, and grant,
Shoes, goes, does. Now first say finger,
And then singer, ginger, linger,
Real, zeal, mauve, gauze, gouge and gauge,
Marriage, foliage, mirage, and age.
Query does not rhyme with very,
Nor does fury sound like bury.
Dost, lost, post and doth, cloth, loth.
Job, knob, bosom, transom, oath.
Though the differences seem little,
We say actual but victual.
Refer does not rhyme with deafer.
Feoffor does, and zephyr, heifer.
Mint, pint, senate and sedate;
Dull, bull, and George ate late.
Scenic, Arabic, Pacific,
Science, conscience, scientific.
Liberty, library, heave and heaven,
Rachel, ache, moustache, eleven.
We say hallowed, but allowed,
People, leopard, towed, but vowed.
Mark the differences, moreover,
Between mover, cover, clover;
Leeches, breeches, wise, precise,
Chalice, but police and lice;
Camel, constable, unstable, Principle, disciple, label.
Petal, panel, and canal,
Wait, surprise, plait, promise, pal.
Worm and storm, chaise, chaos, chair,
Senator, spectator, mayor.
Tour, but our and succour, four.
Gas, alas, and Arkansas.
Sea, idea, Korea, area,
Psalm, Maria, but malaria.
Youth, south, southern, cleanse and clean.
Doctrine, turpentine, marine.
Compare alien with Italian,
Dandelion and battalion.
Sally with ally, yea, ye,
Eye, I, ay, aye, whey, and key.
Say aver, but ever, fever,
Neither, leisure, skein, deceiver.
Heron, granary, canary.
Crevice and device and aerie.
Face, but preface, not efface.
Phlegm, phlegmatic, ass, glass, bass
[ed. note: the male singing
voice].
Large, but target, gin, give, verging,
Ought, out, joust and scour, scourging.
Ear, but earn and wear and tear
Do not rhyme with here but ere.
Seven is right, but so is even,
Hyphen, roughen, nephew Stephen,
Monkey, donkey, Turk and jerk,
Ask, grasp, wasp, and cork and work.
Pronunciation--think of Psyche!
Is a paling stout and spikey?
Won't it make you lose your wits,
Writing groats and saying grits?
It's a dark abyss or tunnel:
Strewn with stones, stowed, solace, gunwale,
Islington and Isle of Wight,
Housewife, verdict and indict.
Finally, which rhymes with enough:
Though, through, plough, or dough, or cough?
Hiccough has the sound of cup. My advice is to give up!!!
Author Unknown
