Wing Notes

WING NOTES is produced with the object of keeping members informed about matters of interest to AWRA

members. A copy of each issue is sent 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.

Well it is not entirely Bevan’s fault we are a little late this month. Some blame goes to Larry – he made me work for two days. And more blame to me. I’ll just say I’ve been busy. In fact there would probably be no Mag this month but for Charleen’s help as she will be printing, collating and posting this issue while I drive up and down the Maryborough Airport. Add to the confusion, we are both going back to school for one or two nights a week and our plates are filling fast

All whingeing aside, we have a full issue with a couple of stories left over for next issue. There are stories from the dinner ride to Mooloolabah and from Turbo’s Train Ride yet to come. Look out for them on the website soon.

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.

Hi Everyone, all is quiet on the desk this month even though our calendar is filling up fast. Contacted the Fishbowl to confirm our social night on Valentines day, only to find out that it has changed hands and design. So sadly we will not be surrounded by all that wonderful childhood memorabilia. However, the menu looks okay, and they have a live band called ‘The Rollercoasters’ (sixties music) so after a couple of beers I should be able to coax Thommo onto the dance floor. As long as everyone else is dancing as well that is!

That is it for me this month, I have held Clint up long enough – so until next time, ride safely.

This month I have really forgotten to write these nots and get them to Clint. I apologise to every one if the magazine is late. I won't use the excuse that I've only been home one night this week. I just forgot. Sorry Clint.

Last month I highlighted the issue that I didn't feel I was getting what I was paying for when my bikes were serviced. It seems I struck a chord with some of you if the comments made to me were any guide. These comments were then reinforced at the meeting the other night with lots of people looking for somewhere to get a decent service on their 'wing. I reckon a bit of club feedback and support to identify an acceptable service location might have benefits for the group.

On the subject of maintenance, tyres are again a hot topic with a suggestion that everyone give some feedback on their experiences. This is a good idea and can help in deciding what tyres to buy. Because we can't try before we buy, we're stuck with what we get. I've always found tyres a personal thing and different tyres will often suit different people due to different riding styles, weight, suspension settings etc. It can even be dependent on how long the tyre have been in use. My current tyres felt great for the first few thousand kays, now they feel awful. Just remember to listen to a few opinions first before making any judgments and decisions.

Scenic Ride to Brunswick Heads

Sunday 18^th January, and again we have been blessed with brilliant sunshine and bright blue skies. It goes without saying that Ray had been watching and praying diligently all the week, as Queensland was being drenched with much needed rain, and had even threatened to go out in the Nissan X-Trail to meet anyone who was game enough to arrive in the rain for the ride!

However, all is well and we arrive at the BP Regents Park at 7.35 am where ten bikes duly arrive including some new faces. Peter & Michelle on that lovely champagne colour Wing, and Neville & Jennifer who are the new owners of what was Turbo’s bike, looking very shiny too!

We depart sharply at 8 o’clock, and head off along the Mt. Lindsay Highway with thankfully very little traffic. We turned off in Beaudesert in the direction of Kyogle, and there we soak-up the beautiful views of our wonderful countryside - looking lovely and lush, and the horses and cows look well content. We have a brief stretch-stop in Rathdowney, just the break we needed for the next winding section around Mount Lindsay into Kyogle.

We make the rest-area at 10.30 am with the timely arrival of Bill & Mary, who had a delayed start to their ride because of a flat battery, a result of the Wing not being on a ride for a few weeks! A great opportunity for the fellas’ to talk bikes, batteries etc., and us girls to watch ‘with some amusement’ at their antics hovering around the Wings, while we do the girl thing. Enjoying the stretch, cuppa and biscuit!

11 o’clock and we are on the road, this is where it was a bit hazy for Ray, and he kept asking which way was Lismore? I don’t know, so we start cruising at 100 kph outside Kyogle, and I am of course enjoying the splendid views when we just spy the sign for Lismore – Agh that’s it yells Ray as we go sailing by – all of us except our tail-end Charlie (Bevan & Therese) who duly states they are the only ones going the right way! So, we have successfully included our obligatory U-Turn for Bill & Mary, and we all execute it very well, and get onto the right road. Again the roads and views are excellent, and we make a brief fuel stop in Lismore to continue on to Brunswick Heads.

Now, Ray is still pondering our direction, and there was no signage for Brunswick Heads - until we saw Bangalow in print, and Ray yelled ‘that’s it’, so to all those following we hope it really looked as though he really did know where we were going? He claims it is due to the length of time since he did the ride. But the bends and curves were a pleasure and we climbed and had our first glimpse of our ocean, it looked very inviting on the now very warm day.

We made it into Brunswick Heads for 12.30 pm Queensland time/1.30pm NSW time. The lads did the duty of standing in line for lunch orders, us girls picked up some drinks, and Turbo did the table & chairs set-up. Re-arranging the tables, and pinching any available chair he could find – thank you Turbo.

Raffle tickets were collected and the lucky tickets were picked out of Chantelle’s helmet – and the winners were Bill & Mary and Clint & Charleen. Congratulations and thank-you for your support. It was then 1-30 pm and time to head home. Our new friends Neville & Jennifer said Good-bye as they were going to visit friends staying in Brunswick Heads. Turbo, Wendy & Chantelle also said Good-bye as they had a couple of birthday parties to attend, including Turbo’s Dad’s.

Also said an extra Good-bye to Chantelle, as she is heading back home to Townsville and starting Grade 8. Our good-bye stop has been changed, as Bill & Mary have invited us all around to their new home for a coffee – readily accepted of course.

So, we are off – and with a little confusion as we did not know what happened to Ken? Trust you had a safe ride home, but we will ensure that for future rides the Leader and/or back-marker is advised of any changes to our numbers. The highway is excellent and fast, and Ray enjoys opening the throttle and cruising at the 110 kph.

Bill & Mary take the lead at the Nerang Road, and pilot us in to their new estate. Awesome homes in it, and the Carter’s residence is impressive. We certainly enjoyed the luxury of the air-conditioner, and a cool drink or tea or coffee with the usual friendly banter that we all join in to. From here it is home, and with the remaining bikes we head up the highway. Ray & I wave everyone off the highway at their respective turn-offs, and we pull into our driveway at 4-15 pm – exactly 9 hours on the road.

Another great ride, sensational countryside, brilliant company and another Sunday thoroughly enjoyed – thank you all for making it so!

I received an email from Dave with a request I could not refuse. His wife Peggy was about to undergo her third cancer treatment. She had survived a previous bout of breast cancer and one of leukaemia and had come down with leukaemia again. She had expressed a wish to Dave that she would really love to have a ride on the back of a GoldWing before she went for treatment again. Thus the email to Auswingriders.com.

It was short notice so we planned it for that weekend. Originally it was to be just Charleen and I going but I sent out a message out to all AWRA members with email to invite them to join the run. On the morning, five Goldwings turned up. The whole show was a surprise for Peggy but the number of us was also a surprise for Dave as well. We had a great morning and perhaps Dave’s letter of thanks says it best:-

“What can I say; I think you did us real proud. There I was standing outside wondering whether you would turn up as it was looking a little over cast. The next thing I see is seven motorcycles arrive and five of them Goldwings !!. Not many people can say that they have had over 9000 litres of motorcycle outside their house.

Peggy had just about worked out what her surprise was just before you arrived, as I had to explain to her that she needed to wear trainers and trousers. When you ALL turned up you surprised us both.

I know that you have said that it was just a bit of fun, but you have to realise the good that you have done. Going through the leukaemia treatment is a very daunting time and very psychologically demanding. What’s worse is that Peggy already knows this as she has done it once before. Peggy can get very down on life and understandably so. You lot turning up has really lifted her spirits and was just the tonic she needed. To see the smile on her face was worth a million dollars.

You should all have that lovely warm fuzzy feeling in your hearts knowing that you have done something very good and most importantly made someone happy.

Thanks again Clint for responding to my e-mail and organising the ride and to all of you for taking the time to ride with us. I will let you know how Peggy goes after the treatment and hopefully meet up with some of you again.

Day 1 Oct. 13^th wake up 5am finish packing as I (Rusty) got to involved in Bathurst race the day before planned to meet (Mark Sun) Sunny on hi-way at 8am Steve Pike arrives at 7am as arranged load his few items (as he travels light) in to the trailer. Sharon (Sunny’s wife) rings at 7:45 to tell me Sunny is already waiting on the hi-way. Finally meet Sunny. We are on our way, brief stop to fill up at Forest Glen for one of many (18 in all) fuel stops. First night we made Armidale after 2 hours in Warwick for minor repairs on Sunny’s trike.

Start of day 2 found a minor oil leak on my Goldwing day before so laid her down to get to the problem, well all the cameras were pulled out as this was a historical event to see a Wing on it’s side (thought in the back of my head he who laughs last hehehehe) after repair and packed up we were on our way. Down to Scone hang a right to Mudgee as Sunny did not make the AGM due to a accident so we stopped and had lunch people were still very friendly and asked if we were some of the members that were there in March because they still have good memory’s of us. Then we were off again, wanting to make Goulburn that night down to Lithgow then we thought cross country would be good take some advise from me on this point MINOR CONNECTING ROAD if it has blank spaces or it broken in any way that could and may not always be the case but take it from me it means DIRT on a Goldwing two up towing a trailer followed by a trike and trailer not good even if it was only 40kms at 60kph at dusk so needless to say we did not make Goulburn that night but a small town called Taralga 45kms short of Goulburn.

Day 3 have to make Bairnsdale that night, as accommodation has been booked so we could join Barry Sheene Memorial ride the next morning every thing went well and we arrived 4:35pm booked table at R.S.L for the evening for the Barry Sheene Tribute Evening had a great time meet celebs.

Day 4 up early wash clothes, wash us (actually night 3 had bath before R.S.L.), wash machines after 3 days on the road we all needed a bath. We then went and registered for the memorial ride then last minute shopping for 4 days camping on the island. Time to leave for the 300km ride some 700 riders in the run from allover the country from as far north as Townsville and I think from Perth as well (not 100% sure but what the hell never let the truth get in the way of a good story). Made it to the island that evening set up camp.

Day 5 Friday first day of official practice for the 2003 Skyy Vodka Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix soaked up atmosphere check out sites and sounds of what was to be a great weekend. Planning for tomorrow’s ride from Cranbourne to the island.

Day 6 up early have to get to Cranbourne for there 5^th annual MRA 2003 Cranbourne to the Island Run it was waved off by Wayne Gardner some 7000 bikes traveled the 90kms to the Island it was a shit load of fun. A must if you find your self at the motogp any time soon. Watched more practice sessions and some races.

Day 7 Race day. Now up to this point the weather was great for Victoria but 4am Sunday morning it started. Now most of you will know what I mean but for the rest of you RAIN off and on the practice sessions wet, 125 race wet, started to fine up for the 250 race then what we all came to see the MOTOGP fine dry race too good to explain here watch a tape words just would not do the race justice.

Day 8 up early to get a good start on the road by 7am. 20kms down the road Sunny’s trike drop its lunch oil every where under the trike oil filter blow up, towed back to where we came from 4 hours later nothing Steve & I can do for Sunny it was in the hands of RACQ & RACV (that a whole other story) we left Sunny in very capably hands at 11am & we were off after losing 4 hours it was a made dash for miles 544kms to Grong Grong just north of Narrandera on the Newell Hwy.

Day 9 we have been noticing fuel spillage (we thought out of the over flow wrong!) as we fill up a couple of times trying to make as many miles as we can we finally investigate and find rubber gasket at top of fuel tank leaking. In Dubbo we find some rubber that will patch it up until we get home after losing 1½ hours. Pushed on to Narrabri that night made repairs there.

Day 10 Wednesday (have to get home, we have to unpack and repack to leave Friday Morning for Coffs Harbour) so every thing ran smooth and we got home around 4pm. Started to unpack, sent Steve home, caught up with things at home and start to prepare for Coffs.( We will finish this tale next month you all come back now you hear!!!)

There has been much discussion on tyres recently so I thought I’d tell our tyre story. With almost 80,000km done since we bought “Lucille”, our 1995 GL1500, we have had a few changes and several different brands.

73,000km - Bike just purchased with unknown wear on tyres so we decided to start fresh.

We put on a set of Michelin. At that stage we were quite inexperienced but in hindsight they were great roadholding and handling tyres. Only one major drawback. They didn’t last very long.

86,000km – The Michelin front was badly cupped and giving me frightening (to me) wheel wobbles So the front got replaced by a Bridgestone as that was all the shop had in stock and I needed it changed NOW. Much better and smoother and the fork brace arrived from USA and was fitted at the same time.

91,000km – The Michelin rear had had enough so it was time for a new set. The front Bridgestone was put aside and a new set of Dunlops fitted. Not a bad tyre but nowhere as nice as the Michelins and they got noisy quite quickly

110,000km – Front Dunlop was bad so the old Bridgestone came out of mothballs and resumed front wheel duties.

117,000km – A few fast laps at Morgan Park track followed by a ride to Melbourne and the rear Dunlop was very bad and starting to slip all over the place, especially on wet mountain roads so we had to get a new rear in Melbourne on Easter Saturday. All we could find was a small shop that had a Metzler in stock. They even only charged $20 for the fitting!!! The Metzler was impressive immediately.

127,000km – and that Bridgestone front was all worn out at the sides but still had depth on top thanks to the dual-rubber setup that Bridgestone uses. We were planning our around-Australia trip and with a good 32,000km from the old one we opted for Bridgestone front again. The rear Metzler still looked good so off we went. The bike handled beautifully all the way across the Country.

135,000km – In Perth we got a service and had the dealer take a look at the rear to see if it would last the next 10,000km leg of our journey. “Probably not,” he said, “with that nail in it.” Damn!! I had a choice of a new Metzler or Bridgestone in stock and opted for the Bridgy as it matched the front and promised to be long wearing for the long journey ahead. A mistake. The Bridgestone is hard alright but that causes it to be unstable on bitumen. It tends to follow or move away from cracks or ridges in the roadway. Not a serious problem, just annoying. But we had it on now and made it all the way home ok.

149,700km – and in preparation for the trip to Geelong the front Bridgestone with 22,700km was looking a little sad and we wanted to change over to Metzler due to the great run we had with the rear (before the nail) So a Metzler front went on with a rear to come very soon.

Problems straight away as the bike immediately started to wobble badly on slowing down. Frighteningly so. We (the Pro Honda staff and I) weren’t sure whether it was the front causing it or the fact that the rear Bridgestone was now very square on profile from that run from Perth around the Top End. So a new rear Metzler was obtained.

152,000km - On went the rear Metzler but the wobble was still there. The mechanic had a ride and didn’t like it either. Only thing to try was a Bridgestone front again so one was ordered.

152,200km – New Bridgestone on the front and the wobble disappeared straight away. Phew! Also with the Metzler rear the bike doesn’t worry about the cracks and ridges in the road but just goes wherever I point it. I even try to get it unstable by riding along the cracks but it copes beautifully.

So that is our story on tyres up to date. We are very happy with the current setup of Metzler rear and Bridgestone front. Of course what suits us may not suit everyone, and I cannot be sure if that particular front Metzler was faulty or front Metzlers just don’t suit me. Or is it my suspension setup? Testing these theories is expensive.

Start Date	13-Mar-04	Saturday
Finish Date	16-Mar-04	Tuesday
Total Days	4
Fuel Capacity	24
L/100Km	7.22
Max Fuel Distance	332
Total Km	2,467
Total Fuel	178
Required Klm/Day	667
	Km	Accumulated	Night Stops
Brisbane	0
Oxenford	60	60	60
Tweed	47	107	107
Brunswick Heads	60	167	167
Ballina	34	201	201
Woodburn	36	237	237
Maclean	48	285	285
Grafton	47	332	332
Armidale	180	512	512
Uralla	23	535	535
Walcha	40	575	575
Nowendoc	73	648	648
Gloucester	68	716	716
Stroud Road	49	765	49
Dungog	22	787	71
Gresford	52	839	123
Singleton	46	885	169
Richmond	181	1066	350
Lithgow	100	1166	450
Bathurst	62	1228	512
Cowra	121	1349	633
Young	71	1420	704
Cootamundra	47	1467	47
Coolac	40	1507	87
Gundagai	20	1527	107
Tumut	36	1563	143
Tumbarumba	72	1635	215
Towong	59	1694	274
Tallangatta	99	1793	373
Dederang	44	1837	417
Mt Beauty T/off	34	1871	451
Harrietville	39	1910	490
Mt Hotham	32	1942	522
Dinner Plain	11	1953	533
Omeo	44	1997	577
Ensay	43	2040	43
Bruthen	52	2092	95
Bairnsdale	24	2116	119
Sale	69	2185	188
Morwell	61	2246	249
Warragul	47	2293	296
Dandenong	69	2362	365
Frankston	21	2383	386
Sorrento/Queenscliff	54	2437	440
Geelong	30	2467	470

Ready to go	Under way

On the Highway	Good people, good view. Where’s the food?
How do I attack this?	Men only talk. Probably not even about the women!

Nothing like a nice nap after a meal.	Hastings Street lineup


Ice creams on the Beach	Off for the long ride Home.

Newsletter of the

February 2004

What’s Inside

Scenic Ride to Brunswick Heads