Wing Notes

Management Committee

President

Bevan Bradford (07) 3822 3512

E-mail: Bevan.L.Bradford@mainroads.qld.gov.au

Vice President

Lionel Jacobson (07) 3265 6000

E-mail: darling3@bigpond.com

Secretary

Val Thomas (07) 3848 0498

E-mail: ashgrovestationery@uqconnect.net

Treasurer

Eric Madjeric (07) 3886 9845

E-mail: magic@auswingriders.com

Meetings normally held 1st Monday of every month.

Next meeting:

4^th October 2004

7:30 pm

Australian National Hotel
Cnr Stanley St and Wellington Rd
East Brisbane

September 2004

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.

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Well, our new toys have arrived. A CBR1000F for me and a Subaru Outback for both of us.

All the running around I do was racking up way too many klicks on the Wing and the alternatives were upgrade to a new Goldwing or for the same money, upgrade the car and get me a run-around bike. Nice as the new Wings are, our car was on its last legs and we didn’t want to let the lovely Lucille go. So an 1800 will have to wait for another time.

A couple of interesting facts:- the GL1500 has approx 100HP and 150Nm torque. The CBR1000 has just the opposite, around 150Hp and 100Nm torque. Makes for a very different riding experience.

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.

It has been a quiet month from this desk, but this will change as details have to be finalised for our Christmas Party. Following are the names of members who are booked in, please contact me on 3366-7288 to finalise our group.

Bevan & Therese Bradford; Mary & Lionel Jacobsen; Mal & Tina Goodwin; Rob & Jayne Harriss; Larry & Annette Fisher; Ray & Valerie Thomas; Gecko & Kay Perren; Eric & Deb Madjeric; Bill & Mary Carter; Des. & Joan Baumgalt; Turbo & Wendy Gullick; Peter & Michelle Waters; Winston Jones + 1; Clint & Charleen Lovell; Phil & Vicki Merlo.

Looking forward to our trip to Bundaberg with thanks to our trusty leader Bevan for making the arrangements, and taking so much effort to give us an interesting circuit.

I must now get onto my special feature for this magazine – Thommo’s court case!

At last, spring is here, the weather is warming up and the best riding seasons are ahead. It’s time to look forward to longer rides, early morning breakfast rides, the Christmas party. I always look forward to this weather, even if it does bring the occasional rain and I hope it does at the moment. A shower on a warm day never hurt anyone. Isn’t riding motor cycles great. Unfortunately not everyone agrees.

As you know, I am currently investigating our requirements for public liability insurance and it appears that insurance companies may not have a very high opinion of people who ride motorcycles. I don’t know yet what that will mean but when the paperwork continually refers to not being liable for claims in respect to motor cycle riding as a sport or recreational activity and clarification of the meaning seems to bundle us with off-road racing, I’m sure it won’t mean good news. Time for a bit more clarification of insurance and legal meanings I think.

No worries, as the song goes, “Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag,” then throw it on the back of the Goldwing and come to Bundaberg.

The day started out fine with nine bikes assembling at BP Blacksoil, bathed in warm SEQld sunshine, albeit with a slight chill in the breeze. Away we headed with Des in the lead, westward towards Toowoomba. I guess we should have been aware, but most of us had been lulled into a false sense that the weather had been steadily warming in our balmy coastal climes.

Not so for Toowoomba. As soon as we crested the Tollbar an icy wind that felt like it came straight from Antarctica assailed us. Furthermore, Des wasn’t sure exactly where the Cobb & Co Museum was so he pulled up in a car park near Picnic Point where the icy wind howled around us and threatened to turn us into icicles. At least that is what it felt like to those of us clad only in light trousers and coats, without the winter requirements of long johns and scarves.

Way found again, we set off and soon found the Museum. We were a bit early but the staff saw us shivering outside in the cold and let us in for hot coffee and scones. Lovely!

We spent the next hour or so wandering around the well set-up museum, wondering how those poor pioneers had coped without Goldwings.

Off again and as Bevan knew the whereabouts of Rudds Pub, he took the lead and we travelled southwards on an open highway with a strong westerly attempting to blow us all over. Looking along the line from the rear showed a line of Wings leaning to the right. The only saving grace was sun on our left tending to warm up the left side of the body as the right side all but froze the blood in the veins. Ah, The Joys of Motorcycling.

Arriving at Rudds, we bundled into the pub, ordered our lunches and wondered why the wood-fired pot-bellied stove was not lit. Hardy people these Downs Dwellers. The staff got to work chopping wood and cooking meals and we were soon warmed by a glowing stove and hot meals. Lovely!

Lunch over it was back on the trusty steeds and we headed down the ranges again through our favourite mountain pass, back down through Gatton and on to the relatively warmer areas of this Paradise in which we are lucky enough to live.

Thanks go to Des for organising the day and to Bevan for showing the way. Clint.

It was that time of year again and the cold trip to Nobby was not going to be a deterrent. The Northern Gateway Group has a ride to Leyburn and that sounds like a great idea. We had a good time last year despite the wet weather.

Rolling up at the Carseldine Caltex and expecting to see heaps of bikes, I’m surprised to find Lionel, Mal and Barry who has just come to offer moral support and see us off. Doesn’t look like any more are coming and Mal & I have lost our pillions from last year. We hit the road and I immediately throw Mal into confusion because I forgot to mention that my Geelong indicator problem seems to have returned.

Lionel leads us round the back way skirting the city and coming out on the Centenary Hwy. Onwards to Gatton and up the old favourite, the Heifer Creek road complete with a few big dips and bumps, some new surfacing and the odd dead roo. It brings back memories of the roo that surprised us about 200 meters from Leyburn last year.

There was a big crowd and it’s building. Lots of bikes, more roll in during the day and we run into some of the Northern Gateway group that left much earlier. There are some interesting cars among the competitors. Some old, 1928 Model A Fords, some new, the new sports cars being built in Toowoomba and due for release in a few months, and some interesting. Most of them spectacular if not always fast. As always with motor racing, the hard luck stories abound. The P76 with the front wheel hanging at a very strange angle, the beautifully prepared Camaro with the dents and tyre marks from a safety barrier, the GT Falcon that was going like a rocket until the throttle snapped. My favourite competitor was the ex Peter Brock Bathurst 24 hour 427 Monaro. Absolutely awesome power and the ability to put it to the ground.

The show and shine is much bigger than last year with some unusual, rare and custom models on display. The only motorcycle is a Red Hunter Ariel and it looks quite lonely there by itself. Well worth the time looking around.

All too soon it’s time to head home and we do this going via Warwick. A quick fuel stop at the Caltex, past an accident at the notorious 8 mile turn-off, over Cunningham’s Gap to Amberley for a coffee, snack and farewells until next time.

New Zealand GWRRA Visit

I got an email from John that some Wing Riders from New Zealand were coming over to Queensland for a holiday and would like to meet some fellow Wingers if possible. A few emails back and forth across the Tasman and dates were known. I sent out an email to all members (you may remember it).

Bill and Mary kindly offered their home to host a get-together. Handy as the visitors were staying on the coast. A few others came along for an excellent evening.

Charleen and I led Turbo and Wendy down from Stapylton. Unluckily for them they were in a car. Unlucky as I got a little misplaced finding Bill’s. No worries though, I could see it at the other end of a walkway. Through we went. T&W had to find their own way.

Then Bill and I rode off to Mermaid Beach where we met up with Rod & Noeline Curtis and Murray & Eila Brookes. They were also in a car, as they sadly had to leave their wings at home. This time we did the right thing and used roads to lead them to Bill’s

Thommo and Val were there as well and we had all brought our potluck meals. It was a cosy dozen and we had a great evening. There were lots of stories swapped and lots of references to sheep. All in good nature and they gave as good.

The Olympics were on in the background and they even obliged with a close race between Australia and New Zealand in rowing, with NZ being in front at one stage but the Aussies coming through in the end.

We saw them off and all went home. A couple of weeks later I got the following email: -

Well, we are now back home having finished our great little holiday in Oz. After we left you guys at Bill and Mary’s we did a bit of touring around Surfers and inland also.

While there, we managed to locate the Harley Shop were Murray and I purchased a pair of Johnny Rebs each for which were paid $198 Ozzie, which converted to $210 roughly, NZ. I priced a pair here yesterday at $390 NZ. Good saving eh? We were wrapped. We had a great time on the Sunshine Coast, which we all preferred to Surfers. Great weather, got sun burnt and put on a few more pounds, (trying to catch up to you guys). Arrived home to freezing weather in the South Island and snow over much of the country (in places). Oh well, ya can't have it good all the time eh?

The main reason for this email is to once again thank you all for your hospitality, your escort, and the great night at Bill and Mary’s home. I do not have Bills email address, thus I can’t contact them by email.. If you are talking to them do you think you could do me a favour and ask them to email me with their address as we would really like to pass on our thanks to them for the arrangements and opening their home to a bunch of Kiwis.

Don't forget to contact us if you are contemplating coming our way for a break. We would love to be able to return the hospitality. Keep in touch mate. Until next time, take care, and ride safe,

Thommo of the Old Bailey!

This story is the result of Thommo's brush with our boys in blue whilst making urgent deliveries on behalf of Ashgrove Stationery! You have to understand that Thommo is on the road every day, and he assures me that our Mitsubishi wagon finds it very difficult to cruise down hills under 70 kph. So, consequently over the past 12 months, the camera fines have been duly passed onto yours truly, to try and conserve what few points Thommo had.

But I couldn't save him when - 1. Pulled up for not having his seat belt on (his reason was he had been reversing out of the car park, and was just in the process of clipping the seat belt on). 2. Pulled over for speeding - Orange Grove Road, Salisbury, at the bottom of the hill! 3. Driving in a bus lane, Spring Hill. This was the final straw, he had one point left and this incurred a fine - but he was in the right, and I was witness to this incident.

So, on the morning of this event we were really annoyed, and it was decided that Thommo should fight this issue. My main objective was to conserve our 1 point, otherwise there would be no Bike Rides!! But this incident did not involve points, only a $60.00 fine. So, when the papers arrived Thommo went off to court and pleaded Not Guilty, and awaited notification for the court appearance. This duly arrived 4 months later, as the police officer involved had been on holidays. During this time Thommo had been very busy doing his research. Plenty of photos, nine in total, showing the traffic conditions, and the signage and lack of signage along the offending road. Thommo also attended the court - watching the procedures, and what he would need to do on his day in court.

The Court Day arrived, and he was nervous, but determined. There was quite a few of us disputing traffic fines, and the prosecuting officer listed the names, and stated to the Magistrate that an hours duration for each case would be plenty - including Thommo! The first case was adjourned to a later date, and the second case was very short as the young girl's affidavit was disallowed, and she couldn't prove that she hadn't been speeding! Next - Thommo and his case was presented to the Magistrate who duly called a lunch break. So, off to lunch we went down town, and wondering how long we were going to be. We had been there at 9.30 am and it was now 1.30 pm! Back we go for 2 pm. Ray went into Court Room 4, and I had to wait outside as I was going to be a potential witness.

There were a few young Constables waiting outside, but they went into the courtroom to listen, and it was when Ray was cross-examining the copper who had booked him! Ray cross examined for a whole hour - you would have been impressed - his favourite segment was - Question to the Copper "When does the bus lane end?" Coppers reply "There is an End Of Bus Lane Sign". Thommo's statement "I put it to you, there is no End Of Bus Lane Sign!" (There wasn't a sign, as Ray had taken the appropriate photos illustrating - No Sign, and then at a later date, a sign had appeared.) A Ha - he had him! Ray's next card was his witness – me.

I took the stand, took the oath, stated the events of the morning and then the prosecuting officer asked for me to identify the exact point at which we had entered the Bus Lane. Which I duly did, and then he (prosecuting officer) indicated to me an earlier photo, to which I promptly replied, "No way, it was here" - pointing to my first answer. That was my contribution to the events, so now I could stay in the courtroom and follow the remainder of the case.

Thommo had to make his closing statement first, and did an admirable job at claiming that he truly believed he had not broken the law, and hoped that he would receive justice in this instance. Then the prosecuting officer did his closing statement referring to the honesty and integrity of the police officer, and then he pulled up the Traffic Regulations Manual and proceeded to refer to a Traffic Act No...... relating to the fact that a Bus Lane continues as a Bus Lane unless otherwise signed. Bla Bla Bla Bla.

The magistrate advised that court would adjourn for 20 minutes to allow him to check the evidence and he would submit his decision then. So, we sat through 20 agonising minutes, believing that Thommo would be told to pay his fine.

Time was 3.30 pm, and the magistrate came back into court. He made his deliberation, and stated that he believed that mainly due to the fact that a new sign had been installed there definitely was reasonable doubt, and confusion to the general public as to where the bus lane ends. Thommo had won!

But he wasn't let off completely, the magistrate gave Thommo a good look, and stated that he did not want to see Mr. Thomas in his court ever again, and trusted that this was a good lesson to be a careful driver!

It was 4 pm. we had been in there all day, and the other cases would have to be adjourned for another day - what a l-o-o-n-g day! I don't think it really sunk in properly until we had gone down the lift, and we were walking back to the car park, and then Thommo sang out "I fought the law, and the law LOST."

Now, Thommo is not wearing a Wig and Gown, but I am calling him "Thommo of the Old Bailey"! He has to drive very carefully too, 2nd gear going down hills, and he is very wary of bus lane signs. He is on 1 point for 12 months - so it is going to be a very long 12 months, but at least we can still have our Bike Rides - and that is most important!!

AUSTRALIAN WING RIDERS ASSOCIATION (QLD) INCORPORATED RIDE / SOCIAL EVENT CALENDAR
DATE	DESTINATION	RIDE / SOCIAL EVENT	Ride leaders
18/19^th September Ride	Bundaberg Weekend	Ride to Bundaberg, stay overnight. Meet BP Caboolture North 8:30 for 9:00 depart. Kilcoy, Nanango, Ban Ban Springs, Gin Gin to Bundaberg and home along the Highway Staying at Cane Village C/P. Activities decided on arrival.	Bevan & Therese
18^th September	Victorian Ride	To all Goldwing & Valkyrie riders in Melbourne interested in getting together to ride, then keep this day in mind weather permitting. Meeting point is at the front of the Grand Hotel, Yarra Glen at 8.30am for a 9.15 departure. Breakfast is served at the Grand Hotel from 7.30am. If enough interest is shown we will continue as a monthly ride, if interested turn up on the day or if interested but unable to turn up but would like more info on future rides contact John on 0409622492 or email johng@transqual.com.au	John
25^th September Social	Waterford	BBQ at Larry and Annette’s new home for tea. Meet at Stapylton BP 3.30pm for 4pm depart. BYOG, there’s room for campers if needed.	Larry and Annette
17^th October Ride	Sunshine Coast	Travels around the Sunshine Coast hinterland	Rusty & Maree
23^rd October Social	Redbank	Fasta Pasta	Turbo & Wendy
21^st November Ride	Kenilworth	Ride to Kenilworth area, Lunch at the pub	Peter & Michelle
26^th/27^th November Social	Noosaville	Christmas Party The Entrance Resort, 67 Gibson Road, Noosaville Dinner at Tewantin Pub	Ray & Valerie
19^th December Ride	Brekky Ride to Mt Tamborine	Meet BP Stapylton at 7am for a 7.30 departure. Scenic ride through Mt Tamborine. Stopping for breakfast on the way.	Clint & Charleen

RIDE DATES; Unless otherwise arranged, rides will be on the 3rd Weekend of the month, and Social rides, 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 Eric.

Other Rides of Interest

The Ron Power Ride (in aid of Palliative Care): Sunday 10^th October. All rides leave at 10am from ^1.Shell Roadhouse, Gailes; ^2.Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall and ^3.Hyperdome Shopping Centre, Loganholme for a ride to Ulysses Redlands territory. You choose from where you want to depart. Cost $10 per person includes cooked meal and a ticket in Perpetual Raffle. Live bands, badges and licensed bar will be available.

Pink Ribbon Ride (in aid of Breast Cancer Research) Sunday 31^st October. The ride starts from Griffith University - Nathan Campus Car Park. Registration from 9 a.m. costs $10 and includes entry to the prize raffle. The Ride finishes at the Bearded Dragon Hotel Tamborine with food and entertainment. Oh, and you or your bike should try and wear something pink. Male riders are welcome.

Surprise Ride

Hi, Michelle and I went for a ride Saturday morning early for breakfast and thought it would be great to do it the next day as well. So I got on the phone and we ended up with 7 bikes. Not bad for a last minute thing. A friend of ours, Rob, was there on his trike, Eric and Deb, Deb’s brother and his wife, Gecko and Kay, Ken and Doreen, Mal and us. We had breakfast at Froggy’s café just over the border and had a quick stop at The Boathouse Tavern at Coomera on the way home. The weather was perfect as was the company and we hope to do it all again soon. We feel sorry for those of you who couldn’t make it! Only joking.

Newsletter of the

September 2004

What’s Inside

New Zealand GWRRA Visit

Thommo of the Old Bailey!

AUSTRALIAN WING RIDERS ASSOCIATION (QLD) INCORPORATED

Other Rides of Interest

Surprise Ride

Has one of our members been doing some modelling work on the side??