The
Editor Writes…..
Hello All
How wonderful it is to be
able to have articles left over for the next issue. We can look forward to Rusty’s
Grand Adventure in February.
I had a hard time with photos
this month too. On the Bevan’s Brekky Run, Charleen took 105 pics and Eric forwarded
another 26 from Deb’s famous “Overhead Camera” I managed to cull them to just
a few for the mag but there will be heaps on the website – soon.
Keep up the good work everyone
and thanks to the regular contributors for being on time. Having got the majority
of this done, I’m off on an AWRA ride for the rest of the evening, and maybe another
ride tomorrow. Somebody has to do it.
Contributions for this magazine
can be emailed to
info@auswingriders.com or posted to
47 Breslin St, Carina, Qld 4152.
Photos and slides can be scanned and returned.
Clint
The
Secretary’s Desk
Happy New Year to you all, and trust everyone enjoyed the festive season, and
saw 2004 in appropriately – sleeping or otherwise!
Apart
from relaxing, eating and drinking too much Ray & I had a great time. We actually
took “time out”, and spent 6 whole days camping down in Armidale with most of
our family. I have to admit though, we didn’t take our Wing. We hooked our camper
trailer up to the X Trail, which after some minor alterations with the tow-ball,
fits perfectly. The trailer is still the wrong colour – blue, I am still working
on that!
The only real business I have conducted from
the desk this month has been to book us into the Fishbowl Restaurant on Valentines
Day. Looking forward to the social ride on Saturday night – it has been a long
time off the wing, for me that is. Ray did a reconnaissance ride with his brother
Errol for our ride, so all that is left for us now is to find the Raffle prizes.
My assistant will now zap this over to our Editor, and here’s
looking forward to many long rides in 2004! See you all soon – Valerie.
New location - 65 Jalomy St. Boondall Qld
4034
Please ring for an appointment
As
this is a private residence - NO cold calls at premises please.
RIDE REPORTS
Mt Tamborine Breakfast Ride.
Sunday 21st December
dawned beautifully but with the potential to be a hot day. Took a while to fire
up as we'd been at Turbo's the night before celebrating his 41st birthday.
Again! Come on Turbo, even Ulysses members don't stay 41 for ever. They just
feel that way.
Off to the BP at Stapylton for
coffee and wait for everyone to get there. Too late, most are already there.
Coffees downed and 11 bikes and 21 participants. Big ride. It's planned to take
in Tamborine Mountain, Redland Bay, Cleveland markets and Wellington Point. Should
be a good day.
Phoned Unas Restaurant on Mt Tamborine
to let them know how many reprobates are on the way, and away we go. The trip
up the mountain is uneventful, if you call the shouts of glee, enjoyment and terror
over the CB uneventful. Obviously everyone was enjoying the sports bike performance
of the wing up the mountain.
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The restaurant is located and
Bill and Mary have come direct from the coast. We take over the verandah and
enjoy a terrific breakfast compliments of the very attentive hosts. Everyone
agrees that breakfast was excellent and worth a return visit. 23 people will
recommend this restaurant to their friends. The raffle was run and drawn and
for the first time ever I won a prize. As it was our raffle, Therese made me
donate it back again. I suspect that was because she new what it was and didn't
want it. Talk over breakfast reveals we have members that have not previously
ventured up Mt Tamborine and are enjoying the ride. A quick discussion on possible
options sees the route changed and a venture to O'Reilly's and the Lamington National
Park begins.
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It's over and down Tamborine to Canungra, then left and
on up to O'Reilly's. Oops, lost some in Canungra. The wonder of CBs again overcomes
the lack of attention and delays caused by obeying road rules. Back under way
again we wind our way up the mountain to O'Reilly's. The real sports bikes pass
us but they don't look as comfortable as ours. The adventurous in the group
take the tree top walk and admire the available views. Not all the views were
of mountains and foliage. Back to the facilities for a play with the bird feeding
and associated territory marking on the shirts. Eventually two groups form and
each stands around wondering where the rest of the group is. Reorganisation and
a decision to head for Nerang and home. Down the mountain with queuing behind
cars and buses until most do the right thing and pull over. One hero in a Corvette
thinks he's better, but eventually he too succumbs. Shame the old guy in the
Falcon ute doing 80 in a highway 100 zone littered with double lines could not
do the same.
We arrive at Nerang and boy is
it hot. Into the shopping village at 12 noon and would you believe it, everything
is closing. Sunday, Gold Coast, the supposed tourism capital of Queensland and
we struggle to get a drink and the obligatory ice cream. One thing about AWRA
members, they are resourceful. Into the local supermarket, it's air-conditioned
and us in sweat soaked shirts. It's a wonder we came out at all, let alone without
pneumonia. Ice creams are shared around and farewells said to the Gold Coasters.
Someone suggests the Strawberry farm at Pomona for more ice creams, so
that becomes the next stop and the temperature is still rising. What great ice
creams. Might stop here more often. Didn't even know it was there, hidden off
the new motorway.
With ice creams eaten, Sunday
papers purchased, Merry Christmas's and Happy New Year's wished and farewells
said it back on the bikes and head for the various points home. Although it was
hot it was a great ride. It didn't go where planned and I apologise to anyone
who may have been unhappy with that. I will plan another ride to do the Redland
area in the future.
Thanks
to all who came along and we all felt sorry for Ray and Val who were unable to
make it.
Winging
it around Tasmania
By John & Karen Gilbert - member AWRA
13 Dec 03 – 23 Dec 03
The lead up.
Bookings for Tasmania were done four months in advance as we planned to
leave on Saturday the 13 December at 9pm aboard the Spirit of Tasmania , we decided
to take a deluxe cabin on the way over so as we would be both fresh on arrival.
We invited two other riders
Chris and Alison to come with us and they accepted. Chris a rider for some time
and Alison who has just come off her “L”. Chris rides a Yamaha 600 and Alison
a 250 Yamaha. What a ride for Alison she did in style and certainly has gained
some road Ks under her belt.
It is not my intention to
show or inform you of every detail as it will spoil your future trips but to highlight
some things that we found interesting for when you are planning your trip to Tasmania.
13 DecWe arrived
at the docks at the allocated time and found ourselves at the front of the line
for the boarding of the boat. Previous advice about slippery ramps and inattentive
staff were all forgotten when the deck hands helped with the tie downs and checked
that we were happy with the bike. One tie down over the seat and one through the
back wheel going backwards, to keep her on the side stand. We did not end up
on the bottom as our booking requested but had no problems getting to the level
allocated. The deluxe cabin was an excellent idea on the way over all rested
we arrived in Devonport. Take something with you to place over the seat; I used
a towel rolled up.
As we set
sail they inform us that we would be awoken at 0530hrs to prepare to unload. (An
Important point not mentioned in the brochures)
Ready to load
Day 1, 14
Dec. Devonport to Strahan via Cradle Mountain. We
arrive at Devonport after a rough crossing and I had concerns about the bike moving
during travel as you are not allowed to go back to the bike once you go upstairs.
Once docked and being allowed to go to the bike my concerns were ill founded as
she had not moved an inch. The first lesson was, we may have been one of the
first on but we would be the last off (I mean literary the last vehicle off the
boat). Once off we met up with Chris and Alison at McDonald’s and had a coffee
and check of the map and off to Strahan via Cradle Mountain. We left Devonport
and headed to Turners Beachwere there is a turn off to Forth. What
an introduction to Tassie roads – great for bikes. Take note of the mail boxes
along the way. The road up to Cradle Mountain is great but be prepared for wet
weather as the mountain is only clear for 37 days of the year. We did not arrive
on one of those days so out came the wet weather gear. A break in the weather
allowed us to go to the car pack at the top and it was well worth it. (Soon they
are bringing a bus service to the top car park and it will be the only way to
see it.) Another cup of hot chocolate and we were on our way to Strahan. Beware
petrol is expensive at Cradle Mtn $1.30L, also no mileage signs on the way to
Strahan so get used to using trip meter to tell you how far to go. Another great
road, with excellent scenery. The accommodation in Strahan was at the Strahancaravan
park cnr, Jones and Innes Street (03 64717442) cabins very comfortable, bikes
welcome.
Note: We did not
go via Sheffield as we would do that on our last leg. We are glad we did as it
needs some time to look around.
Also Telstra has total coverage
of Tasmania so if you are with another carrier you will not have communications
on a mobile.
Day 2, 15
Dec (Rest Day)Take the Gordon Fiver cruise it is
well worth doing. Make sure you sample the seafood.
Gordon River cruise
Day 3, 16 Dec.
Strahan toHobart via Derwent bridge. The weather reports told us
it was going to be a hot day 37 degrees (for a Victorian anyway)so it was up early
and on our way. The road into Strahan was great riding but this was better.
So much so I could have turned around and done it again. Make sure you go into
Queenstownand have a look around and on the way out stop at the
top of the hill. Once leaving the hill keep an eye out for the little sign
copper blow hole. Well worth a visit and make sure you go down the
little bit of gravel or you will miss the best part.
The trip from Strahan to Derwent
Bridge looks short on the map but it will take you three hours. Also keep a look
out for the sign Frenchman’s Cap as you will miss it as it is over
your right shoulder as you pass. We took a break at Derwent Bridge / Lake
St Clair and a very late breakfast. Have a look at Lake St Clair about
five kilometres of the main road. The ride from Derwent Bridge to Hobart is a
good ride opening up to long sweeping corners and farm land, and as we had the
time we decided to visit Richmond which is a very old town and well
worth the visit. The accommodation in Hobart was at the Elwick cabin and tourist
park, 19 Goodwood Row (03 62727115) very good clean cabins – bike friendly.
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Looking Back to Queenstown |
Richmond Bridge |
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Frenchman’s
cap |
Near copper blow hole |
Day 4, 17
Dec (Rest Day) This day saw us sight seeing around Hobart, Karen
and I had already been to the top of Mount Wellington so we decided we would have
a look around the town. We purchased a map called Historic Battery Point
and Sullivan’s Cove pictorial map cost $2. then ride or walk. I would
suggest ride the trail and view the old houses great places. Visit to the chocolate
factory is a must.
Day 5, 18 DecPort
Arthur via the tree top walk at Geeveston Today we awoke to a wet Tasmanian
day. We thought we would head to Huonville in case the weather got better but
as we arrived in Huonville it was obvious we were not going to see any thing except
cloud on the tree top walk, so we abandoned that part of the trip and returned
through Hobart to Port Arthur. The weather was getting better as we arrived in
Port Arthur. The road to Port Arthur is not in the best condition, lots of road
works. We arrived in Port Arthur at about 1.00pm and booked our
tour for the day which included a trip around the harbour and the Ghost tour for
the night. We were advised by the load master on the Sprit of Tasmania to do
the ghost tour and we were not disappointed. We suggest you do the day tour and
the ghost tour starts from 9.30pm and goes to about 11.30pm. The cabins at Port
Arthur were very good, if booking in advance ask for a flat site as they gave
us the steepest site in the park. Not good for manoeuvring a loaded wing.
After we finished the day tour
at around 5pm, we decided to have a look around. We went out of Port Arthur and
turned left, heading to the back of Port Arthur. There is a little dirt road
off to the right that goes to Palmers lookout. It is not
a tourist site although should be as the sites are brilliant. Also visits to
the blow hole are well worth it and ensure you take note of the
town of Doo-us and the names of all the homes in this little town.
Port Arthur caravan and cabin
park, Garden Point 62502340
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Accommodation P/A |
Looking Back to P/A |
Day 6, 19 DecPort
Arthur to Bicheno Today started as a cool day, if short on fuel make sure
you refuel at Sorrell as there is not much between Sorrell and Bicheno. Again
mileage sign posting is rare. If you miss Richmond on the other leg there is
a turn off on this road to Richmond about 25k across. Road to Bicheno is again
farming country with lots of log trucks so be on your guard as all the motorist
on this side of the inland like to cut corners. Again the roads have long sweeping
corners and I was in motorcycle heaven. We passed the turn off to Coles
Bay and Wine Glass Bayas we were going to walk them the next day, there
was no need to go into Coles bay. Chris and Alison meet us in Bicheno and stayed
on the beach in the Coles Bay National Park as they did not need to see Port Arthur.
Along the way keep an eye out for the spiky bridge, good photo opportunity.
Accommodation in Bicheno was at the Bicheno Cabins and Tourist Park Tasman Hwy
63751117. Good host, very bike friendly allowed for the bike to go under cover
as the rain was starting to set in.
Spiky Bridge
Day 7, 20 Dec
(Rest day) Awoketo a fine sunny day. The legs got a good work out
when we walked to the lookout for Wine Glass Bay which is a very
steep walk and then down to the Wineglass Bay. The only problem with walking
down hill you have to come back up and it was steep but well worth it. The beach
could have been in the Whitsunday’s. When Chris tried the water, soon those thoughts
of the Whitsunday’s were gone as the water temperature kicked in.
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Lookout Wine Glass Bay |
Wine Glass Bay |
We finished the walk before lunch
and found that we had some time up our sleeves so we headed off to the light
house which has a boarded walk way with on of the most spectacular views
of the Freycinet Peninsula and Wine Glass Bay.
As the weather report for the
next day was for rain and the weather today was excellent for riding, Karen and
I decided we would push on that afternoon towards Scottsdale. We had heard about
the Pancakes at Mt Elephant at the top of the hill near St Mary’s
so we decided we would have a late lunch there. It is well worth the visit as
pancakes are HUGE. The bike was very back heavy on leaving. The ride through
the mountains is great and no log trucks but be careful of the cars. The road
has long sweeping bends with beautiful country side. We rode until dusk and arrived
in Scottsdale were we stayed at a B&B call Beulah very nice, and the host likes
a chat. Ph 03 63523723.
Met Santa on the
side of the road giving lollies – away could not wait to get on the back of the
bike.
Day 8, 21 Dec
Scottsdale to Launceston today the weather man was wrong as it turned out
to be a very sunny day. We visited the lavender farm (make sure
you have lots of money for this visit). And then went up the East Tamar crossing
over the Batmen Bridge and headed to the sea horse farm which was
very interesting and well worth the visit although a bit expensive. We left there
with the wind picking up and headed down the West Tamar towards Launceston. Had
a look at Grindal World, a small Swiss village, then moved through
Launceston down to Evandale a nice place to visit – Georgian buildings
and homes. We then rode onto the homestead of Clarendon House(1836)
– very good bit of history. We then rode back into Launceston to meet up with
Chris and Alison. The accommodation in Launceston was not very good and I would
not recommend it as a night stop stay . The only problem – it is the closest to
the centre of town. The accommodation in Launceston was at the Launceston caravan
park 63442600
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Clarendon House |
Lavender Farm, Lavender late this year |
Day 9, 22 Dec We
awoke today to a very windy day so it was good that it was a short ride. We headed
off to Sheffield to complete the loop of the inland, again good riding except
for the wind. Sheffield is a must see. However don’t be in a rush
when ordering your food as it takes some time. Get a map and take a walk around
the Murals. We then headed to the largest maze in the world in a place called
Tasmazia located in the promised land across the way from
Paradise, just down the rode from no-where else. This is a must see and
don’t forget to join the Crackpot MC Club. We found this by looking in
the local tourist guide it was not well advertised. Having had a good laugh and
trying to loose each other in the maze, we headed to Devonport. Chris and Alison
planned to leave on the Spirit of Tasmania that night. We decided to stay and
sail back during the day (words of advice have lots to read) accommodation was
clean and bike friendly.
Bay
View Village 2, Caroline St, East Devonport 64270499.
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One of many Murals in Sheffield |
Shirley’s Joint in Crack Pot |
Day 10, 23 Dec Today saw
us up and early for loading onto the ship at 7am for a 9am departure. We were
not the first on but nearly the last off, so I think it is luck of the draw.
Again the crew was very attentive and the same load master ensured the bike was
tied down correctly. Smooth sailing into Melbourne and the Wing did not miss
a beat.
In Summary if you
are not planning a trip to the Apple Inland you should do so soon, highly recommended.
The tourism is just starting to take hold and some of the sites are becoming very
much commercialised so get there before this happens (i.e. Cradle Mountain, soon
only buses to the top). We found the people very friendly towards bike riders
and of course with the Wing it attracts lots of attention Be aware of the sign
posting. There is little of it and research prior to leaving.
We heard of horror stories from
other people about the crossing. However we believe it is the way you approach
it. We had nothing but help from the crew of the Spirit of Tasmania.
The dates we chose seemed to be
the best time as the Inland was gearing up for the period after Christmas. The
boat had heaps of room, although on the way back the crew mentioned the return
to Tasmania on the 24 Dec was booked out with a full boat.
The time we spent suited us and
there was lots more to see. The trip over to Bruny Inland – we did not know about
it until we got there. We tried to fit it in but the weather was not to kind
to us. So if you have the time I would recommend a visit.
We would do the trip again in
a flash but have other places to see.
What God does when he’s had a bad day……….
Minutes of January 2004 Meeting
