DECEMBER 2020 - Merry GS and a Happy 2021! - www.bmwmcq.org.au - BMW Motorcycle Club of Western ...
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DECEMBER 2020 www.bmwmcq.org.au
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC.
Established 1958
Merry GS and a Happy 2021!
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC.
The Committee This Issue - DECEMBER 2020
President- Paul Hughes
Ph: 0409 814 633 Contents:- TIRED OF TYRES?. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
President@bmwmcq.org.au MID WEEK RIDE FUN . . . . . . . . . . . 34
1200 GS / 700 GS Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 GOMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Committee Reports . . . . . . . . . . 5 EFFIN’ C V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Vice President - Mark Gilbert DICK’S PICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Ph: 0400 151 750 REGALIA CATALOGUE . . . . . . . . . . 12
vpres@bmwmcq.org.au CANE TOAD RALLY ‘21 . . . . . . . . . . 15 RANDOM EVENT PICS. . . . . . . . . . 39
R 1200GS / F800GS BMWMCQ EVENTS CALENDAR . . . . 16 A CENTRAL QLD ADVENTURE. . . . . 40
CHRISTMAS PARTY. . . . . . . . . . . . 18 RETURN TO GYMPIE RIDE . . . . . . . 44
Secretary - Tony Gray from the pen of jane gray . . . . 19 CAMPING WITH COBB. . . . . . . . . . 46
Ph: 0409 493 605 COMPASS GARAGE SALE . . . . . . . . . 48
secretary@bmwmcq.org.au MAINTENANCE CORNER . . . . . . . . . 21
R 1200 GS (The Grey Ghost) FAREWELL TO GEORGE. . . . . . . . . 22 FOR THE AIRHEADS . . . . . . . . . . . 49
R 60/6 THE LAST WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
OFF CENTRE TEASER . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Treasurer - John Eacott BMW CLUBS AUSTRALIA. . . . . . . . 25 BMWMCQ BOOK EXCHANGE. . . . . . 55
Ph: 0428 383 826 A LONG QUICK GLANCE. . . . . . . . . 26
treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au
2020 K1600GT
Advertisers TeamMoto - 53
Events - Mark Mustchin TeamMoto - INSIDE COVER TeamMoto M&W- BACK COVER
Ph: 0416 061 638
events@bmwmcq.org.au Caloundra Motorcycles - P.50
R 1200GS Northside Motorcycles - P.51
Munich Motorcycles - P.52
Editors - Cindy & Duncan Bennett Good Wool Store - P.52
Ph: 0401 610 671
editor@bmwmcq.org.au
Triumph Tigers
On The Cover
Records- Greg Gaffney
Ph: 0411424 219 Yes, as expected, the Christmas Bling Bike
records@bmwmcq.org.au
R 1200 RT
Tools/Spares - Bill Luyten
Ph: 0438 123 747
tools@bmwmcq.org.au
R1150 Rockstar - R1200 GS LC
Regalia - Rosi Johnson
Ph: 0424 961 597
regalia@bmwmcq.org.au
R1200R
Dealer Liaison - Don Grimes
Ph: 0411 601 372
R1200GS; K1300
Support Role:
Clubs Australia Delegate Club Details
John Eacott
Ph: 0428 383 826 BMW Motorcycle Club of 2. Improving the service and availability of spare parts for
delegate@bmwmcq.org.au Queensland Inc.
BMWs in Queensland using the advantage of a united effort.
2020 K1600GT ABN 30 351 243 651
3. Decreasing maintenance and running costs by mutual
assistance on mechanical problems.
Address all correspondence to: 4. Organising day trips, tours and outings.
The Secretary
PO Box 3669 5. Encourage and support Regional Ride Groups
South Brisbane QLD 4101 6. Affiliation with other clubs/associations where such
Monthly meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month affiliation would be of mutual benefit.
at the: DISCLAIMER
Geebung RSL Club The views and opinions expressed in this Journal are
323 Newman Road Geebung those of each contributor and are not necessarily shared by the
Editor, management, and / or membership of the BMWMCQ.
A Club Ride is usually held on the first Sunday after the The Editor reserves the right to refuse any advertising
monthly meeting. or delete any material which could be considered or
BMWMCQ AIMS interpreted as questionable, libellous or offensive, without
The objectives of the BMWMCQ are to increase the enjoyment of consultation.
motorcycling by: WEB SITE
1. Improving the opinion of the public towards motorcycling Visit: www.bmwmcq.org.au
in general and associated members particularly, by careful,
courteous, considerate riding, especially when riding with
the Club, and rendering assistance to all road users in
difficulty.
4 DECEMBER 2020 Editorial
Cindy & Duncan Bennett Editors’ Report
T his month’s Journal, the 11th and last for 2020, is a tribute to George
Rafanowicz who was a universally loved member of the BMWMCQ over
the past 20 years. We remember that at our very first meeting in June 2015
(the minutes record us as new members Cindy & Donovan), George was so
kind and welcoming that he contributed to our fate - here we still are. George
and Maggie are priceless examples of positive and selfless contributors that
make something a raging success; the annual Biscuit Run was the undisputed premier event
of the club, attracting huge numbers of biscuit addicts anxious to do lines of chocolate chips
or get another hit of Anzacs. Once you’d had one.....
Ride in peace George,
Cindy & Duncan
Submissions for the Next Journal close 28-ish January
VENUE FOR BMWMCQ GENERAL MEETINGS
GEEBUNG RSL CLUB 323 NEWMAN ROAD GEEBUNG
MEALS OPEN AT 6.00 PM MEETING STARTS 7.30 PM
NEXT MEETINGS : Thursdays 3rd December & 14 January!
Committee Reports DECEMBER 2020 5
Paul Hughes President’s Report
T his year is racing away. It has been a very hard year for everybody, especially people
put off from work or owning a small business. I am unaware of any club member
who has had the worst of the coronavirus health effects but I know everyone has
suffered in their own ways. So let’s send off 2020 and look forward to 2021 as being a
much better year.
This week, I had the great privilege to be asked to say a few words on behalf of the club at our dear friend
George Rafanowicz’s funeral in Wallangarra. Forty club members attended and many more watched the live
stream of the graveside service. It makes me very proud to be a member of a club that shows that much
respect for friends and their families. George will never be forgotten and we will all ensure Maggie stays
inside the club. If you’re ever going through Wallangarra, I am sure Maggie would be very pleased to see
you.
On an administrative note, the club has to redesign the club logo again due to BMW changing the roundel
etc. We believe at this stage there will be minimal changes to our current logo. We don’t have any choice
in this, but do get to request minimal design changes, and it seems like this will occur. Why BMW keeps
tinkering with a world-wide brand icon I have no idea, but most marketing strategies I know of strive to
achieve the recognition the roundel has and never touch it again. Oh well, no big deal. I will keep you
posted.
The Christmas Party at Bribie Island this year is fully booked and looks like it’s going to be a really fabulous
night. Members attending and all financial members will share the prize vouchers supplied by BMW Clubs
Australia through Morgan and Wacker and we thank both organisations for their generosity. A coffee meet
up at Anstead on December 12 is an opportunity for the time poor to catch up during the festive season.
Great little café with excellent food and coffee. The final event for the 2020 year is a club lunch ride to a
favourite country pub at Killarney on December 20. Hope you can join us.
I would remind all members that advising the event organiser if you are attending is absolutely compulsory.
The venues are carefully managing guest numbers so we need to play our part. Please do not place other
members in uncomfortable positions by just turning up.
As in past years the January general meeting is being held later than normal, on January 14 at Geebung.
Also as in past years there will be no January journal.
I witnessed the aftermath of a head on clash of car and motorcycle on Mt Nebo road recently. It would
appear the high performance car had cut a corner and collected the bike. The motorcyclist was sitting up
on the ambulance gurney so I think a reasonable medical outcome. Take care, you just can’t predict when
disaster will strike. A police officer on the scene told me it looked like the bike was not travelling that
quickly, which resulted in a non- fatality.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the members and their families a very Merry Christmas and
a safe and Happy 2021.
Ride safe.
Cheers, Paul
6 DECEMBER 2020 Committee Reports
Mark Gilbert Vice President’s Report
H i all,
It has been a sad month for the club with the passing of George, and
a large turnout from the club to his funeral in Wallangarra. The numbers
testament to the quality of our good friend and as I keep saying without
prejudice to anyone else, he was the nicest man I have ever met. It was
interesting to hear more about his life and loves at the event which went
far beyond his love of motorcycling.
This month has been a quiet one for me but things are starting pick up with Christmas
parties on the 2nd, 5th (see you there) and 6th. As we move towards the new year I think we
will all be happy to see the end of this year. So here’s to a great 2021 and I wish you and your
families a happy Christmas and a great New Year.
Enjoy Life,
Mark
George’s funeral (thanks Mark and Richard for the photos)
The new S1000R and its baby sister,
both totally naked, were launched
on 19 November. Yes, there is some
utter bollocks spoken by marketing,
but OMG the S1000R looks a treat.
Link to Launch
Committee Reports DECEMBER 2020 7
John Eacott Treasurer’s Report
T he monies taken in and spent for the 2020 Christmas Dinner are fully reconciled,
but due to a change in the Reckon accounts we now use the amounts no longer
cancel each other. I’ll persevere and sort this out, but the ‘old’ entries haven’t
carried across as expected and thus the apparent discrepancy in the P&L and
Balance Sheet.
Profit & Loss as at 27 November v year ending 31 Jan 2020
VARI- OTHER INCOME
COMP
ACCOUNT BALANCE ANCE
AMOUNT Tools & parts sales - $10.00 -
(%)
INCOME Regalia Sales -$141.50 $190.00 -174.5%
Membership Fees $10,142.95 $10,069.96 0.7% Event income - $2,000.00 -
Interest Received $363.57 $248.45 46.3% 2020 BMW CA Rally $813.00 - -
Advertising Income $2,363.74 $4,400.00 -46.3% Total Event income $813.00 $2,000.00 -59.4%
TOTAL INCOME $12,870.26 $14,718.41 -12.6% Donations Income $780.35 $891.00 -12.4%
GROSS PROFIT $12,870.26 $14,718.41 -12.6% TOTAL OTHER INCOME $1,451.85 $3,091.00 -53.0%
EXPENSES OTHER EXPENSES
Online accounting $591.30 - - 2020 BMW CA Rally $144.96 $1,321.00 -89.0%
Website Maintenance $3,080.00 $3,465.00 -11.1% TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES $144.96 $1,321.00 -89.0%
Website Hosting Expenses $590.82 $91.74 544.0% NET POSITION
Website Domain Expenses $193.70 $56.36 243.7% Income $12,870.26 $14,718.41 -12.6%
Tools Expense $214.31 $149.12 43.7% Cost of goods sold $0.00 $0.00 -
Telephone $20.00 $20.00 0.0% Gross profit $12,870.26 $14,718.41 -12.6%
Printing and Stationery $173.80 $64.35 170.1% Expenses $11,871.18 $7,638.24 55.4%
Prepaid Expense - - - Other income $1,451.85 $3,091.00 -53.0%
2020 Christmas Party $2,790.00 - - Other expenses $144.96 $1,321.00 -89.0%
Total Prepaid Expense $2,790.00 $0.00 - NET POSITION $2,305.97 $8,850.17 -73.9%
Postage $247.00 $220.00 12.3%
PayPal commission $189.17 $197.02 -4.0%
Balance sheet
Office Supplies $31.46 - - VARI-
COMP
Miscellaneous $43.95 $651.31 -93.3% ACCOUNT BALANCE ANCE
BALANCE
(%)
Insurance - $75.89 -
Stamp Duty $55.09 $55.09 - ASSETS
Premium $556.50 $556.50 - CURRENT ASSETS
Policy fee $50.00 $50.00 - Bank - BOQ Premier Investment Acct $20,352.43 $20,000.00 1.8%
Insurance GST $78.26 $78.26 - Bank - BMWMCQ Cheque Account $11,754.40 $7,470.86 57.3%
Brokers fee $176.15 $176.15 - Accounts Receivable - -$310.00 100.0%
Total Insurance $916.00 $991.89 -7.7% TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS $32,106.83 $27,160.86 18.2%
Government Charges $141.00 $55.35 154.7% TOTAL ASSETS $32,106.83 $27,160.86 18.2%
Computer costs - $89.00 - LIABILITIES
Software Expense $843.00 $1,001.20 -15.8% CURRENT LIABILITIES
Internet Services $184.67 $152.90 20.8% Club Event Payments $2,640.00 - -
Total Computer costs $1,027.67 $1,243.10 -17.3% TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES $2,640.00 $0.00 -
Club competition $750.00 - - TOTAL LIABILITIES $2,640.00 $0.00 -
Bank Charges $10.00 - - NET ASSETS $29,466.83 $27,160.86 8.5%
Australia Post / Post Box $201.00 $195.00 3.1% EQUITY
Rent Retained Earnings Surplus/(Accumu-
$27,160.86 $20,726.46 31.0%
Auditors Fees $660.00 - - lated Losses)
Affiliation Fees - $238.00 - Current year earnings $2,305.97 $6,434.40 -64.2%
TOTAL EXPENSES $11,871.18 $7,638.24 55.4% TOTAL EQUITY $29,466.83 $27,160.86 8.5%
8 DECEMBER 2020 Committee Reports
Tony Gray Secretary’s Report
W ow have we really got to December and the end of a tumultuous year that
was 2020? Your Club along with the rest of the country and the world has had
to do things differently this past year. At time of writing I have just watched the last
MotoGP race of a shortened 14 race calendar (another great 2nd place podium to
our Jack Miller) and the MotoGP franchise put out a short but heartfelt video from
the riders thanking their fans for their support - they could not see us in the empty
grandstands but could feel our support in their hearts. I would like to borrow that sentiment to thank
you, our members, who have continued to support and stick with the club even when riding and social
gatherings were curtailed. At the Committee level we could feel your support.
That Club support was clearly evident at the farewell to our much loved member George Rafanowicz.
The turnout from the club at a very hot and dry Wallangarra Cemetery was a tremendous support for
Maggie and a fitting farewell to George. I know there were many more who through circumstance or
commitments were unable to attend but were able to pass on their condolences to Maggie in many
other ways. I tip my cap to you all, very well done. A very nice touch at the Service was some beautiful
words spoken by Sarah-Jane who is the young lady who purchased Maggie’s cake business at Mitchelton.
Sarah-Jane made a BIG batch of BMW rondel biscuits for all attendees in recognition of George’s last
biscuit run.
On the secretary front life goes on without much fanfare but I do continue to get a trickle of interest
from people with older bikes wanting to join the Club to allow ‘Special Interest’ vehicle registration for a
30+ year old bike or those interested in bringing life back to an old model that has been laid up for some
years. If you look back on the newsletters of the early years of the club last century (brilliantly researched
and digitised by life member Gary Bennett) you will see that personal knowledge and maintenance of
your bike was an almost essential element of bike ownership. Most modern bikes require a degree
in computer science to keep running efficiently but there is still a lot that an owner can do to better
understand their machine and save a few dollars along the way. The last Service Day at Rob Wynne’s
place was very popular and hopefully a precursor to what lies ahead for the club in 2021. Great also to
see another one of our lady members along – Jodie, Rosi and Ann have all attended recent service days
which is a step in the right direction in our all inclusive club.
Mount McKenzie overlooking Tenterfield
Committee Reports DECEMBER 2020 9
BMWMCQ Meeting Minutes 05 November 2020
Venue: Geebung RSL (also connected on Facebook Live)
Meeting Opened: 7.30 pm
Apologies: Maggie & George Rafanowicz, Bill Luyten, Mark Mustchin, Michael &
Ann Ahlberg, Anita Wyndham, Mark Gilbert.
Minutes of Previous General Meeting: Accepted: Geoff Hodge
Seconded: Gary Bennett
Number of Attendees: 28
New Members (Name & MC): -
Visitors: Noel & Michelle (R100RS 1979 being restored). Trevor Pedwell (former
President BMWMCQ now living in Victoria).
Returning Members: -
Treasurer Report: Not present. Report in journal.
Editor Report: Great articles in this month’s journal. Problem in the financials small
font size will be addressed.
Tools Report: 14 Nov is next service day at Rob Wynne’s place at Jimboomba. Please
advise if coming for catering purposes.
Regalia Report: Check sizes against the website. Need any help speak to Rosi. Can sup-
ply your own for $7 per embroidered patch.
Records Report: 234 Financial Members.
Events Report: Christmas Party numbers nearing capacity. Will close in about 10 days’
time as need to pay the venue. F&C ride this Sunday 2.30 for 3pm start
opposite Ferny Grove BP servo. German Club? Numbers small so need
to reconsider. Had to change to Thursday as not open on Tuesday due
to Covid restrictions.
Secretary Report: BMW Touring Club NSW newsletters received. Returned from Rock-
hampton member an exhaust collar spanner for airheads. Email corre-
spondence from club member seeking Special Interest Vehicle Rego for
a 1990 R80. Completed satisfactorily. Promote the Club Library - this
month featured book is ‘BMW Boxer Twins’ by Ian Falloon.
Dealer Liaison Report: Dealerships ticking along OK but shortage of stock is an issue. 40 yr
anniversary GS bike arriving in March 2021. Don took an R18 for a
test ride from M&W. Heavy bike but a lot of fun. Christmas catalogue
coming out soon so wait if wanting to buy some gear - may be available
on discount.
Vice President Report: Not present.
President Report: Photographers on the Mountains is still an issue. Causing some grief.
Police are also coming down hard on noisy exhausts. Gold Coast mem-
bers have been invited to join any of the BMWMCQ events.
Other Events/Buy/Sell/Swap: Cindy has a screen (little use) for a 700 GS. May fit other bikes. Paul has
an air-hawk seat.
Past rides: Don recommended some dirt roads around Blackbutt from Cooyar and
onto Esk. Roads are in excellent condition having recently been graded
by Council. PH had been into northern NSW. No problem crossing the
border at Numimbah. Rob Turton is still selling and fitting tyres at his
place between Tewantin & Cooroy.
General Business Lucky Door Prize of Club embroidered shirt: winner Stuart Wade.
Raffle winners; Rosi Johnson, Trevor Pedwell, Michael John, Mick
Stokes, Cindy Bennett.
Closed: 8.40 pm
10 DECEMBER 2020
Committee Reports
Greg Gaffney Records Officers Report
It was great to re-do the Sunny Coast ride to Gympie last November. This event
organised by Richard and Wendy experienced horrendous weather conditions.
We all got to Gympie on the day albeit by a shortened route. This time we got to
experience the excellent ride organised by Richard and had an superb dinner and
several drinks at the Australia Hotel. I was chuffed to get a very nice award from
Richard and Wendy for having the best story.
Greg Gaffney
Welcome to New Members :
records@
bmwmcq.org.au Naydene Barron THORNLANDS R1200GS
David Whybrew HENDRA G310GS
Doug & Julie Cameron THE GAP R1200RS
Marline Yager SURFERS PARADISE
Kim Richter & Gino Micallef SCARBOROUGH Tiger 800XRx and Tiger 955i
Noel Hartnett SHORNCLIFFE
Long distance legends Huw
and Liezel Samuel travelled
up to Cairns in November,
there were some great pics
on FaceBook
So that’s how the Jimboomba Crop Circles happened!Committee Reports DECEMBER 2020 11
Bill Luyten Tool’s Report
SERVICE DAY valves up to 4 cylinders)
• Clutch alignment shafts (3 sizes)
T he Club Service Day was held at
Rob Wynne’s place at Jimboomba
on 14Nov. Around 25 members met
• Compression gauge (cylinder pressure)
• Steering head bearing puller and seating
tool
up at Rob’s to enjoy a bit of hands on • Gearbox output flange puller
maintenance on their bikes • GS-911 Wi-Fi Diagnostic tool (Wi-Fi and USB
Version)
Thanks again to Rob for providing the great shed and a • GS-911 3 pin Diagnostic tool (for older bikes)
beaut place to meet. • Tyre Pressure Monitor Sensor (TPMS) tool
• Enduralast hall sensor tester
Steak sandwiches (thanks to Rob providing the delicious • Brake bleeding tool (suction bleeding via the
steak) and drinks were sold for lunch ($71 was raised brake caliper)
and will go to the RFDS). • Compression tester
• Optimate 4 Desulfating Battery Charge/Test
Recent items added to the club tool kit is Optimate Maintainer
4 Desulfating Battery Charge/Test Maintainer and • Motorcycle Battery Tester (Tests State of
Motorcycle Battery Tester. Health of the bike’s battery)
Club Tool Loan:
Repair Manuals $50 deposit (refundable) for GS911: Tools
I have various Repair Manuals available to borrow and spares can be picked up at my place in
mainly for older bikes. Springfield.
Contact Tools Officer
Tools for loan Bill Luyten 0438 123 747
There are special tools available including the GS- email: spares@bmwmcq.org.au
911WiFi and 3 pin diagnostic tools.
Special Tools:
• Twinmax electronic carburetor balancer (Twin
BMW engines)
• Vacuumate (electronic synchronization of throttle
Rosi Johnson Regalia Report
H i all,
I will have a few sample shirts at every meeting
from now on to help you with the choices we have.
With the weather getting hotter every week there are
a blend of cotton & cotton/polyester shirts available on the order
form or take one of your shirts to the Shop in Brendale to have it
embroidered. Hats are a must as well. Keep hydrated and ride safely.
Cheers Rosi
regalia@bmwmcq.org.au12 DECEMBER 2020
THIS SEASON’S REGALIA
Lady Shirts
2LPS - $26 2LCP - $27.50 7LPI - $29.50 ICE Tee - $24.50
65% polyester 65% polyester 100% polyester Cotton
35% cotton 35% cotton
Bloke Shirts
210 - $26 2CP - $27.50 7PIP - $29.50 ICE Tee - $24.50
65% polyester 65% polyester 100% polyester Cotton
35% cotton 35% cotton “Best riding shirt ever, did Africa
Gender Neutral Hats & Bags and still going” - Dr D. Livingston
AH695 - $17 AH715 - $16 AH230 - $15 AH742 - $17 AH770 - $17
Bucket Hat Bucket Hat Cotton Cap 100% Wool 100% Cotton
Sandwich Design Beanie Beanie
(with trim)
Metro - black/charcoal or black/royal - Swiss charcoal- $35.50
$20.50THIS SEASON’S REGALIA DECEMBER 2020 13
Club order form for shirts, bags and hats
Send this form to daniel@goldstarembroidery.com.au or call Daniel on 0403 150 857
Name: ___________________________ Email address:_____________________________________
If delivery is required an additional fee is charged. Delivery required? Yes or No:______
Delivery address: ______________________________________________________________________
A minimum 50% deposit is required before the order is started. Payment in full is required if Gold Star
Embroidery is to organise delivery. An invoice will be emailed after the order form is received.
Shirts:
Shirt product code number Quantity Size Colour
Bags:
Bag product name Quantity Colour
Metro
Swiss
Headwear:
Product code number Quantity Size Colour
Cap AH230 - $15 each
Bucket Hat Sandwich AH695 - $17 each
Bucket Hat AH715 - $16 each
Wool Beanie AH742 - $17 each
Cotton Beanie AH770 - $17 each
There are also more colours, shirt styles and fabrics available through Gold Star Embroidery - check out the
website at goldstarembroidery and call Daniel - he knows all about BMW regalia!14 DECEMBER 2020 Committee Reports
Mark Mustchin Event’s Report
W ith 2020 fast drawing to a close I would like to wish everyone a Merry
Christmas and a happy, less stressful, Covid free new year.
Since the easing of restrictions the club has been very active, with all events
well attended. 2021 kicks off with the annual Jollys Lookout Breakfast Ride,
a Mid Week ride (destination TBA), Coffee Meet Up at Shorncliffe & a Lunch
Ride to the Tumbulgum Tavern.
We are always looking for new destinations for rides , venues for Coffee meet ups & lunch rides,
over night stays for Back to the Bush & weekend camps so if you have any suggestions or are
happy to organise something please let me know.
I’m looking forward to the Frigid Digit & Cane Toad Rallies, they are great club events and you
should definitely add these to your 2021 calendar.
Cheers
Mark Mustchin
Point Glorious, Sunshine CoastCANE TOAD 2021 DECEMBER 2020 15
16
BMWMCQ 2020 Events Calendar
DECEMBER 2020
BMWMCQ Club Events for
DECEMBER 2020
Datee Start Event Details Contact
Thurs 3 7:30pm Club General Geebung RSL Club, 323 President Paul
Dec. Meeting Newman Road, Geebung QLD.
Meals from 6pm
ALL WELCOME!
Sat 5 Dec. 6:00pm Christmas Bribie RSL Club - 99 Toorbul St Duncan & Cindy Bennett
Party Bongaree
See page further on for details.
EVENT FULLY BOOKED NOW!
Sat 12 8:00am Sunny Coast Coffee Club, Bullcock Beach Richard de Groot - Sunny
Dec. Riders Xmas Coast Riders
Coffee
Sat 12 9:00am Coffee Meet Up The Reserve, Anstead Mark Mustchin - Events
Dec.
Wed 16 9:00am Mid Week Ride Location TBA Mark Mustchin - Events
Dec.
Sun 20 12:30pm Club Lunch Destination is Killarney Hotel, President Paul
Dec. Ride Killarney
Thurs 26 6:00pm German Club Brisbane German Club Mark Mustchin - Events
Nov. Dinner
416 Vulture Street
East Brisbane
“Our Rally”
Get ready for
2021...BMWMCQ 2020 Events Calendar DECEMBER 2020 17
BMWMCQ Club Events for
JANUARY 2021
Datee Start Event Details Contact
Thurs 14 7:30pm Club General Geebung RSL Club, 323 President Paul
Jan. Meeting Newman Road, Geebung QLD.
Meals from 6pm
Sat 17 7:30am Club Monthly Jolly’s Lookout Breakfast Ride Mark Mustchin - Events
Ride
Jan Ride to a pub for lunch
afterward led by Paul H
Wed 20 9:00am Mid Week Ride TBA Mark Mustchin - Events
Jan
Sat 23 9:00am Coffee Meet Up Cafe on the Park - 6 Park Avenue Mark Mustchin - Events
Jan
Shorncliffe
Sun 31 12:30pm Club Lunch Tumbulgum Tavern - 124/136 Mark Mustchin - Events
Jan Ride
Riverside Drive Tumbulgum
Regular Meeting Places18 DECEMBER 2020
2020 CHRISTMAS PARTY
C ome join our 2020 Christmas Party on
beautiful BRIBIE ISLAND and join in the
good food and great fun with friends old and
new. There will be raffles and prize winners
drawn on the night.
SATURDAY 5th DECEMBER 2020
Enjoy a scenic ride of your choice around the
Sunshine Coast hinterland before arrival.
Venue – Bribie Island RSL, 99 Toorbul
Street, Bongaree
3 course meal @ $55 per head, cash bar.
We have exclusive use of the covered Terrace area which is weather proof. This well-organised establishment
also offers a breakfast café on site the following morning for those who would like to attend.
Accommodation selections are below. Please book your selected accommodation directly. Ensure you
mention you are attending the BMWMCQ Christmas Party to access any discounted rates.
Payment for the Dinner Function is by simple bank transfer - Please pay $55.00 per head to the BMWMCQ
Bank account:
BSB 124-001
AC 10243020
Please ensure to add in remarks your name, and the number of guests you are paying for.
Once you have deposited the correct amount, please EMAIL treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au stating details
of your deposit. This is an essential component of your booking.
Please book early as numbers will need to be limited to 60 people to suit the room size, and accommodation
may be difficult to obtain at late notice at least within walking distance of the Party.
Where To Stay Phone Offering Terms
Bongaree Caravan Park Cabins (approx 700m 3408 1054 $111 queen bed cabin Mininum 2
walk to RSL) nights
E: bongareecaravanpark@moretonbay.qld.gov.au
Bribie Waterways Motel (Ningi - 1km away) 3408 3000 $154 Queen or twin mo- Per night
www.bribiewaterways.com.au tel room, +$20 per extra
W: www.bribiewaterways.com.au body
E: reception@bribiewaterways.com.au $169 for studio with 2
beds and kitchenette,
+$20 per extra body
Bribie Island Caravan Park - Woorim 3408 1134 Cabins: $105 double, or Min 2
About 10 minutes drive $110 with extra bunks Nights
W: www.bribieislandcaravanpark.com.au
E: info@bribieislandcaravanpark.com.auFROM THE PEN OF JANE GRAY DECEMBER 2020 19
Farewell George
JEGNov2020
The BMWMCQ is in mourning this November
On Monday 9th Farewells were said to a very valued member
A cheery smile, a warm embrace, a Gentleman to the core
He’s riding now in Heaven with those who’ve gone before
George filled the world around him with kindness & good deeds
His legacy will surely be if kindness grows from seeds
With his beloved Maggie always by his side
They’ll always be remembered for their famous
“Biscuit Ride”!20 DECEMBER 2020 MAINTENANCE CORNER
torque the wheel we could not get it up to the
By Tony Gray, Member #3905 required 60nm without the torx bit slipping.
Merv had a top quality Snap-On bit that we
T he Club recently held another very successful were using. The bit was fitting quite shallow
service day at Rob Wynne’s place outside into the bolt head so I had a look at my mid-
Jimboomba. It was successful on several fronts quality Force bit and noted it had longer splines
including attendance numbers and enthusiasm, than the Snap-on (refer picture below).
jobs completed and new things learned. Here
are a few to share: When we used the Force bit it went
deeper into the bolt head and the wheel was
If removing your rear wheel on a shaft torqued up without a problem. Subsequently
drive bike then first mark the wheel position so Merv visited a mate of mine who works at
that the wheel is returned in the same location Warby Tools who stock an Aladdin’s cave of
on the hub. What difference will that make you top quality tools. They are at Rocklea and well
may well ask? Maybe none but maybe it will worth a visit if you want to stock your Christmas
affect the balance of the wheel/tyre on the hub. stocking. The advice Merv received was that
It costs nothing to do this and I have adopted it the Snap-on bit was the correct tool for the
as standard practice now. I learnt this one from job (Merv had a new replacement wheel bolt
one of many short maintenance videos on the to show at this stage) but just to give the bit
facebook site of BM Motorcycles in Ringwood an ‘affectionate’ tap with a hammer to get it to
Melbourne. Take a peek sometime, you may bite properly. Nothing too severe. Something
learn something? for you to remember.
A Torx bit is a Torx bit right? Well so I Those of us old enough to have owned
thought but not always. I was assisting Merv Japanese bikes in the 1970s (or still do) would
Bone who was undertaking a Final Drive service remember how difficult it was to remove the
on his 2012 GS 1200 Camhead. I noted one of Phillips headed bolts/machine screws that held
the T50 Torx headed wheel bolts was slightly everything together. Some affluent souls of the
rounded – Merv said this had resulted from the day (not me) replaced every bolt with socket
over enthusiastic use of a rattle gun by the tyre headed allen bolts. An impact driver was/is an
tech installing a new tyre. With care we got the essential tool to have in your toolkit. One of
bolt out OK but when it came time to refit and these is cheap to buy and will last a lifetime –MAINTENANCE CORNER DECEMBER 2020 21
Merv and I have agreed that our particular
Vessel units are each over 40 years old. If you
didn’t have an impact driver or the screw head
was already a bit rounded then an effective
‘bodge’ to get the screw out was to use some
grinding paste on the tip of your screwdriver. This
paste is designed to bed the exhaust and inlet
valves into the valve seat when reconditioning
an engine. It is very ‘gritty’ which makes it ideal
to help the screwdriver head bite into the screw
head. Many years down the track I learned that
it wasn’t necessarily the poor quality metal
of the screws in these Japanese bikes that
was the problem. The screws they were using
were manufactured to the ‘Japanese Industry
Standard’ and required a JIS screwdriver to
remove them properly. The screw head design
is slightly different to a standard Phillips head.
I do not remember that JIS screwdrivers were
ever available in Australia back in the 1970s so
we all just cursed the quality of the screws. The
following link explains it all far better than I can.
Click link below and be enlightened:
htt ps : / / w w w. m o to rc yc l e . co m /a s k- m o -
anything/difference-between-japanese-jis-
phillips.html22 DECEMBER 2020 FAREWELL TO GEORGE
Here is Jane’s wonderful poem from last year’s biscuit ride, re-run as a tribute to our much loved club
member and friend George Rafanowicz.
BISCUIT HEAVEN
JEGAug2019
We’ve all come prepared
With our water, cup & spoon
If you’ll please excuse us
We’re all set to swoon
Coffee, tea & biscuits
Watch our waistlines balloon
This annual event
Can’t come around too soon
We’ve come from all over
We just can’t resist
Even though you’re out country
We’re glad you persist
Assorted great flavours
Try them all, we insist
“Doggy bags” to take home
Arms don’t need a twist
A cold ride to Wallangarra
31 bikes a-revvin’
43 overnighters
Day trippers 8 or 7??
Many thanks George & Maggie
We’re in Biscuit Heaven
Who could believe it?
Famous Biscuit Ride #11FAREWELL TO GEORGE DECEMBER 2020 23
24 DECEMBER 2020 OFF CENTRE TEASER
Here is a teaser for a “Blast from the Past” story put together by Lyn Dyne for Rob Wynne
and his mates back in 1994 and revamped this year and run in the Gold Coast Club magazine.
We are currently sourcing some photos from Rob, so stay tuned for the full article in the
February edition of our Journal, but in the meantime here is the start of the tale....
‘Off Centre Run - Mt Dare Homestead’
The story of 3 of our members and their 3 mates in 1994
It was 3.30am on Friday, 5th August when a group of six intrepid souls with overloaded
machinery underneath them ventured out from Kevin’s place to commence a great adventure
which would take them across some of the most inhospitable areas in this country.
Months of preparation and planning had gone into this trip by the ‘Boys’ and now the time
had come.
The group consisted of Rob Wynne R100GS, Kevin Devine R100GSPD, Wayne Roberts
R100GSPD, Graham Watt R80, Peter Malouf (Lennie) R100/7 and Peter Day R100GS.
Going back four years, on the 7th July 1990, Lennie Pascoe (NSW Club), Trevor Dean and
myself (Kevin) headed west on a six week trip to Mt Augustus in far off Western Australia.
We had planned a different route through the Simpson Desert over what is called the
“French Line”. Having been harassed by the police officer at Birdsville for trying this crossing,
we were informed that if we failed, no rescue would be available and a spell in the cells
would be guaranteed. Without adequate background information and not being properly
prepared, we were in trouble at the first dune. 50 litres of petrol, 12 litres of water, too
much gear and the wrong tyres led to our defeat after only 4-5 dunes into the desert. After
some soul-searching, it was decided a tactical withdrawal was necessary. There is no more
bitter pill to swallow than defeat, so like General Macarthur, we would return one day for
another attempt.
The landscape around Mount Dare (mtdare.com.au)BMW CLUBS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2020 25 by John Eacott, BMW Clubs Australia Delegate BMWMCQ Delegate’s Report The various lockdowns around the country have continued to play havoc with many BMW Motorcycle Clubs and their plans, not least our unfortunate fellow riders in Victoria. Their good news was the lifting of restrictions during this month, and already the BMW MCC Vic has leapt ahead with events and rides within their Social Distancing plans. We shall (no doubt) welcome our own opportunity to venture south across our border from the 1st December as well as welcoming any BMW Club members who are now able to come our way. Overall we have been remarkably lucky in our ability to keep riding throughout most of the year, especially those in the Border Bubble having a few more choices to explore. BMW Clubs International via BMW Clubs Australia have advised that all Club Badges worldwide must change to conform to the new BMW logo, hopefully a painless exercise Photo of John’s K1600GT #5, 2 weeks old and only since BMW Clubs Australia will submit on our 2,750km. He needs to try harder..... behalf (and other clubs who are choosing to keep their current signet) and we expect to have our new badge before the end of this year. Not a huge change, but the new club badges will be recognised by horizontal lines above and below the signet instead of the current vertical lines either side. Once we have the new club badge then we will have to incorporate it into letterheads, Website, Facebook and club stickers/shirts/ awards/underwear etc, so get yourselves ready for a bit of a change!
26 DECEMBER 2020 A LONG QUICK GLANCE
A QUICK GLANCE has become the Journal the latest G 650 GS’s.
tradition to go back in time and pull out The ride began in London 93 days prior but
interesting bits for a while, although as we are that is another story; we pick up the expedition as
lazy we didn’t bother to find out precisely how it crosses the Lena River and begins the ride on the
long “a while” is. This year we decided that 10 M56 Kolyma Highway otherwise known as “The
Road of Bones”.
years is a good rewind - plenty of people who
are still around will remember the snippets
and hopefully it makes their Journal read a
bit better. Besides, showing us newbies what
utterly insane law-breakers BMWMCQ people
were in the 2010 olden days with their trimmed
moustaches and thick gold chains nestled in
a shock of chest hair is inspirational. And the
blokes were even worse.
This month we were doing the re-read of
the December 2010 Journal and swooning
at the usual then-President Richard Maher The road ahead, Mongolia
We left the luxury of the Tygan Darhan
shenanigans, and discovered a write-up of the
Hotel; Yakutsk’s finest, knowing it would be a while
very first Compass Expeditions Road of Bones
before we had any more small comforts. With our
expedition. We were supposed to do this tour BMWs fully prepared for the ride ahead we crossed
in 2020, but Compass have closed their doors the Lena once more on the ferry in light rain and
leaving us as Adventure Orphans. So to read freezing temperatures. The road was deserted
about the first was quite moving, and hence we and we felt reassured to have Leo in the Toyota
offer up the Road of Bones section in A LONG Landcruiser support vehicle always at our rear.
QUICK GLANCE.....
By Mick McDonald, Compass Expeditions
I n the 1930s Joseph Stalin took control of the
largest country on earth, Russia, and embarked
on an amazing feat of engineering that also became
infamous for its inhumanity and cruelty, thus the
Road of Bones was born. This 2,000km long track
from Yakutsk to Magadan, through some of the
wildest country on earth, took a massive toll on
the Gulag prisoners who built it with an estimated
two million dying, either shot for not working hard Compass Support Vehicle
enough or perishing due to the intense cold. It was well into autumn and the countryside
was aglow with the brilliant yellows and reds of the
September 2010 saw a group of adventurous Taiga forests that disappeared off into the distance.
riders tackle the Road of Bones with Compass We were soon into a good rhythm but freezing
Expeditions, the first tour group ever to ride this cold and promptly stopped at the only café we saw
route. Every rider was on board a BMW from the since leaving Yakutsk. A wood fire was raging inside
GS range, from the old Dakar’s and R1200s up to and a wonderful hot Borscht soup did the trick for
lunch. The café was owned by an elderly coupleTHE FIRST ROAD OF BONES DECEMBER 2020 27
who lived there, it was amazing to think that they us by the ferry Captain.
spent winter there in such a lonely isolated spot,
their world and way of life could not have been
more removed from ours if they tried.
Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil
The 1½ hour ferry ride downstream was
wonderful under a huge blue Siberian sky that was
Roadside Cafe interspersed by white clouds that reflected off the
We rode for the remainder of the day as slow moving river, the region had an incredible
the temperature struggled to get over 5°C, finally sense of remoteness about it. Refuelling at the
calling it quits late afternoon and before riding decrepit village of Handagar we quickly rode out
into a fierce looking snowstorm that consumed into the wilderness again. The altitude began
the valley ahead of us. As we erected our campsite to ascend now and the temperature descended
the sun finally broke through, setting the forest correspondingly, at around 1000m we reached zero
ablaze in a dazzling light and then treating us to a degrees by mid afternoon. The scenery however
magnificent Siberian sunset. We huddled around was epic and took us all by surprise with its beauty.
a raging campfire, drank soup, and ate a fine stew The road followed a winding path through looming
analysing our first day on the Road of Bones. snow capped peaks while silt laden rivers roared
by under rickety old wooden bridges that looked
as if they were about to give up and collapse.
Camp at Sunset
The following morning started off with a
flat tyre on Pat’s bike causing us to just miss the
Aldan River ferry, the next one departed three
hours later. The Road of Bones is dissected by the
mighty Aldan River and the tortuously slow ferry is
the only link. We fitted a new Heidenau rear tyre
to Pat’s bike as we waited while others wandered
around taking photos and eating dried fish given to Bridge at Kuyumbe, Road of Bones28 DECEMBER 2020 A LONG QUICK GLANCE
The bright yellows forests provided a wonderful mountain passes were no more than narrow tracks
contrast to the intense white of the surrounding that clung precariously to the sides and were barely
snowy landscape; we all agreed that this was some wide enough for our support vehicle. I thought of
of the finest riding we had ever experienced. We the incredible effort it would have taken to forge
decided to camp at an impossibly scenic spot on these roads by hand, through these mountains in
the banks of one such river in the shadow of a the frozen winters of the 30s and 40s. We were
huge snow capped range that seemingly barred now riding in a region known as “the pole of cold”
any progress forward. with the lowest temperature ever recorded for an
inhabited area of a staggering -72°C taken just a
few years ago, Stalin’s gulags prisoners certainly
wouldn’t have had the luxury of warm clothing as
we did.
F800GS Sunset
The weather had turned against us overnight
and light snow had begun to fall as we left our
campsite. It wasn’t long before a number of us
were lying on the road with our bikes in a snow Finding a line through the snow
bank; we had hit ice on a small incline that we had Camping 20km before Ust Nera we made it
barely noticed, with the snow getting heavier it over one final pass riding through deep icy slush,
became a priority to get off the mountain and fast. “tomorrow morning this would be unrideable” we
Staying upright while sliding down the mountain all agreed. A warming campfire was soon underway
on ice was proving difficult and a couple more falls to be shortly followed by a warm hearty soup and
ensued, we were never so happy to see mud and main course. We were in an incredibly wild region
slush; at least we had some form of traction again. but still the camping was a wonderful experience
although we were wary of the presence of bears,
especially considering the fresh bear tracks we had
seen earlier.
Single lane bridge
The day was spent again riding through
magnificent scenery amongst the mountains and
valleys of the Sakha region of Siberia. A number of The Road of Bones in AutumnTHE FIRST ROAD OF BONES DECEMBER 2020 29
Fine weather greeted us the following We returned to the Road of Bones and
morning as we rode into Ust Nera to stock up became instantly concerned that Leo still hadn’t
on fuel and food. Our presence at the one and arrived in the support vehicle. We decided to turn
only fuel station caused the usual pandemonium back and try and find him and Carmen, who had
amongst the locals; they always displayed a mixture been his passenger since Europe. After twenty
of bewilderment and amazement at our presence. kilometres we found him on the side of the road
We departed the Road of Bones to check out an and the scene was instantly recognizable, the axle
abandoned city slowly being engulfed by the stud had broken again, an agonizing 800km from
weeds. The city was amazing with twenty story Magadan, it had started to snow and the light
high apartment blocks, the main street lined with was fading, my mood could not have been worse.
shops and offices and everything one would expect Incredibly a local Russian van stopped and two
to see in a city except people, not a soul remained. burly Russians swaggered over to help, even more
It was as if the inhabitants had gone in the middle incredibly one spoke English. It was quickly decided
of the night fleeing some terrible disaster. It was to remove the axle, place it in the Russian van and
a surreal experience to be riding down the main drive to a nearby gold mine to have it welded, but
street in this ghost city. Apparently Lenin had first the Russians, Andre and Sasha, insisted on a
“relocated” a city full of people to this region to round of Vodka and some dried fish.
support the unsustainable Soviet industries, with
the fall of Communism every man woman and
child departed and returned to their hometowns
across Russia.
Going, going, gone.
When Leo returned with the Russians two
hours later and told us that all the welders were
drunk and it wouldn’t be until Monday my heart
sank, I hadn’t counted on the resourcefulness
and generosity of the Russians though and their
“can do attitude”. Andre decided to drive Leo to
Sussamam 150km away to try and find a welder
and also a truck to collect our trailer, and with that
the trio roared off into the night along the Road of
Bones toward Sussaman, as snow continued to fall.
The following morning the snow had set
in and it looked like winter had arrived and we
would be going nowhere until the following April.
We decided to pack the luggage into the support
vehicle and leave all other supplies, including a
Compass Expeditions bike, in the forest and ride off
toward Sussaman. We had only been on the road
Lena Highway, Siberia for half an hour when a grinning Leo nearly fell out30 DECEMBER 2020
A LONG QUICK GLANCE
of the small crane truck coming the other way as he Our final day of the expedition had arrived.
flagged us down, I had never been so happy to see We again rode out in brilliant sunshine but the clear
him. The riders continued on, with directions to a blue sky also meant frigid temperatures. The Road
hotel in Sussaman, and I returned to help load the of Bones was in a varying state of great 80kph dirt to
trailer onto the truck and ride the remaining bike. A crawling though deep mud holes and frame smashing
blizzard had sprung up and it was virtual white out potholes, all the while the scenery remained the
conditions as we loaded the truck. same, epic.
Ice is no good for riding, even on a 1200GS
Icy bridge on the RoB The going was slow, slower than anticipated
Eventually arriving in Sussaman we stopped and as we neared another pass the majority of us
at the local mechanics workshop and first warmed came off again, myself six times. It was impossible
up. A Russian axle had been cannibalized for parts to to get the R1200GS over the pass with me riding it.
make ours serviceable again. We fitted the axle and The combined weight of bike and rider meant that it
against our better judgment spent the remainder of either bogged in the snow banks, where I generally
the evening drinking vodka and eating an assortment ended up, or slid out on the ice, I had to idle it over
of fish, cheeses and breads and generally enjoying and down with me running along beside it, it was
the company of these wild yet wonderfully generous exhausting but at least warming. We had lost a lot
and friendly Sussaman locals, the offer for us to of time and the light faded and the temperatures
return next year and go bear hunting with them was dropped even lower, freezing everything, so it was
a genuine one. decided to camp for one last time in the snow on top
of a 900m plateau.
Siberian sunset
Russian back roadsTHE FIRST ROAD OF BONES DECEMBER 2020 31
Little did we know that within 20km of our and proved why they are such a big seller. Lesser
night’s campsite in the snow the road descended bikes would have fallen to pieces, I am confident
three kilometres out of the snow and ice zone and of this.
onto a paved road for the first time in 3,300km. We chose the Heidenau’s K60 as our tyres for
We rode on toward Magadan, elated, through the this expedition and they performed magnificently.
diminishing mountains as we neared the coast; Although a little disconcerting in the wet on paved
we knew we had done it. Arriving at the Magadan roads that wasn’t really an issue as we spent so
sign emotions ran high as a few tears were shed much time on dirt. Their wear characteristics are
and a lot of sincere congratulations and hugs were amazing and I still have at least 10,000 ks left on
given. Only a handful of bikers each year make the rear tyre of my R1200GS, they have already
this arduous yet exciting journey and we were the accomplished 15,000km, curiously though the
first group ever to have accomplished this, we all wear rate of the 130’s is terrible as opposed to
felt justifiably proud. After 101 days and 28,000 that of the 140’s.
kilometres since leaving London we had ridden the
epic Road of Bones. We had ridden “into the wild”
and we had made it.
The BMWs performed magnificently non
stop for over 100 days. We had issues, mostly with
fork seals and head stem bearings, however it was
Mongolia and the Road of Bones that exacted the
highest toll on the bikes. One rear shock blew on
the G650GS as did a radiator, but this was due to a
small rock that lodged itself between the radiator
and the frame eventually wearing a hole in the core.
The bikes went and went and went across some of
the most inhospitable and wild regions on earth Three of the best
Entering Magadan32 DECEMBER 2020 TIRED OF TYRES?
By Duncan Bennett, Member #4171 have more subtle differences than motorcycles so
Google Images doesn’t help much either, brand A
A s everyone would expect, this will definitely have
an adventure riding flavour so may not have
much nourishment for the BMWMCQ road warriors.
has grooves that are 12.2mm deep and run at 77.3°
to the rim while brand B grooves are 26.4mm apart
and have compound X up the middle to increase life.
Those of you who continue to read, and yes I know What on earth does this mean when planning a ride
your name, will hopefully get something out of this around Australia? Does it scream like a cheesed-off
opinionated treatise on motorcycle tyres. Banshee when running on the highway? Not only
There are two periods of intense learning in does it take a while, but it can involve a lot of tyre
the motorcycling life journey. The first period for purchases until you get it right. And even if you
everyone throwing the leg over is learning to relate miraculously get it right first time you won’t know
motorcycle model numbers, ultimately without you got it right first time and so will then buy worse
including the hint of the manufacturer’s name, with tyres the next time.
what the motorcycle actually looks like. A recent
example of how far I have to go was reading BMW
model C 400 X in a list, and assuming it was a re-
birthed hyper-cool Dakar Enduro racer until the
photo revealed it was a scooter. Oh, that’s right, C
is scooter in BMW world, still lots to learn. XR, SV,
GSX, GS, GT, GTL, R, K, F, XC, ZV, RS, CRF all mean
something but it takes a while to become confident
you aren’t about to head over to inspect a scooter
in your motocross gear. Thank heaven for Google
Images, in a few browsing moments you’ll be all over
it. The second period is learning about tyres, so to
hopefully save the adventure riding oriented punters
some time, here are my personal top 5 countdown
with Number 1 the best:
Tyre Number 4: Continental TKC80 – great grip,
short life, and yes, I knocked him over
A good place to start is think what sort of
riding you do or want to do, with a large But applied.
Hard experience involving bone breakage applied
the But. Adventure tyres are given an On road:Off
road ranking, for example a 90:10 tyre means it
is “designed” for 90% on-road riding and 10% off-
road riding. This is a bit like giving a rifle a Sitting on
The Rack:Shooting at a Charging Buffalo ranking. A
90:10 rifle will have no stock or sights because they
aren’t needed on the rack and it will still fire one
round so you should be right on the rare occasions
you need to drop that maddened buffalo. But.
Tyre Number 5: Shinko E805 (Rear) E804 (Front) – In other opinionated words – I select tyres
good grip, good life, very stiff for my “reasonable” worst-case farm road scenario,
Reading tyre reviews doesn’t help much, rider which doesn’t mean a Toby Price worst-case
A says they nearly died every time they went around scenario on the second last day of Dakar. 50:50’s or
a corner, rider B says they stick to all road surfaces thereabouts are the ideal for our type of riding – lots
like the proverbial baby pooh to a blanket. Tyres also of bitumen but occasions and even hours of looseTIRED OF TYRES? DECEMBER 2020 33
gravelly stuff, rocky stuff, sandy stuff, boggy stuff, allows for big trips. This puts Continental TKC80’s
and slippery stuff. The learning has been that I don’t out of the picture tragically – they are soft so have
need Marc Márquez performance on the bitumen great grip but 6,000km is a stretch.
and 50:50 tyres simply need some scraping of pegs
avoidance when it is wet, otherwise at my level I
just don’t notice.
Tyre Number 2: Metzeler Karoo 3 – okay life, great
grip, quiet, look very cool
We first met the Mitas E-07 in Africa, we’d
started in Cairo with Heidenau K60s and changed
Tyre Number 3: Heidenau Scout K60 – long life, them over in Nairobi. Did pretty much all terrain
good grip although not so great in the wet nasties south of there including slippery and sand.
So the usual trade-off ultimately still applies; Lots and lots of sand, full days of sand. They had
performance versus life, with a small allowance for 11,000km on them at the end, and did another
road noise – you can always ramp up the Boy George 10,000km over the home soil on return. Excellent
volume on the headset. For someone who does on the bitumen as well, They have changed to the
lots of bitumen and lots of kilometres, 10,000km is E-07+ without the centre strip on the rear, which I
probably a minimum as it aligns with services and think gives slightly better off-road grip but slightly
less k’s. Regardless hard
to beat, but then again
those other cool looking
ones I haven’t tried yet
might be even better….
Tyre Number 1:
Mitas E-07 – great life,
fairly quiet, and great
grip*
*Manufacturer’s
warning: Only if in
contact with the ground.34 DECEMBER 2020 MID WEEK RIDE FUN
Here was the goal destination for the day’s ride - the end of the road at the Lost World Valley.
No coercion from the ride leader but everyone volunteered to negotiate the last section of dirt
road to get to the end of the road. Thanks to all for your company on a very enjoyable ride day.
Lunch at Darlington Park
Return to childhood for Steve...GOMA - THE MOTORCYCLE DECEMBER 2020 35
THE MOTORCYCLE
DESIGN, ART, DESIRE
28 NOV 2020-26 APR 2021
This world-exclusive exhibition, only in Brisbane, will showcase the art, design and history of one of the most icon-
ic objects of the last 150 years, the motorcycle.
Featuring more than 100 innovative and influential motorcycles from the 1860s to present day, it will consider the
iconic vehicle from the perspective of social history, popular culture, design and technology
The exhibition will tap into the appeal of this enduring object of design and art, looking at the motorcycle’s past,
present and future.
Highlights of the exhibition will include:
• An 1871 Perreaux, the first steam-powered velocipede and oldest known motorcycle in the world;
• The earliest Australian-designed and built machines, including a Spencer produced in Brisbane in 1906;
• The 1951 Vincent Black Lightning that set an Australian land speed record in its day and more recently a world
record for the highest price paid at auction for a motorcycle;
• Symbols of speed including the 1930s Triumph Speed Twin, the 1970s Ducati 750 Super Sport, and the 1990s
Britten V1000;
• Off-road motorcycles highlighting a rich history of bikes built for dust and dirt;
• Customised motorcycles at the intersection of art and design;
• Ultra-modern electric motorcycles, demonstrating the future of transportation in the age of renewable energy.
https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/the-motorcycle36 DECEMBER 2020 EFFIN’ C V
By Duncan Bennett, Member #4171
N ovember’s Effin’ C (Fish & Chips) 2020 was ride
No.5 of the series, which puts it past Toy Story,
sorry for that Tom Hanks. Look out Fast & Furious,
we are coming for you.
Purple Tree rhymes with Mt Mee
such thing as email in the olden days, and
unbelievably mail was actually written or typed on
bits of paper and placed inside packaging or other
bits of paper (reference; Wikipedia). Postmen
and mailmen in the olden days loved the shortest
distance between point A (a Post Office) and point
B (a different Post Office), so roads like Postman’s
Track near Maleny, The Suicide near Witta, and any
number of Goat Tracks were the result (mail was
often carried in mesh bags slung between trained
Gearing up for the off in Cassimaty Park
goats – reference; StuffIMadeUp.com). Luckily
As per tradition, the Effin’ C V was an
Mailmans Track is now a classic in prime bitumen.
afternoon affair as oysters and potato scallops
may be attractive as morning tea for some, but
most prefer evening. 2:30 for 3:00pm at Cassimaty
Park in Ferny Grove, with the temptation of illegal
crossings of the median strip, U-turns, and entry
to the car park via the exit withstood by most.
As Einstein theorised, time shortens before
a BMWMCQ ride and although we arrived at
2:15pm, we were only able to admire everyone’s
bikes and farkles for 3½ minutes before it was time
to go. The briefing droned on about ride minutia,
Campbells Pocket Road
unfortunately missing the only important thing
Onto Bunya Road, we pushed through to
which was to alert the first corner marker about
Eatons Crossing Road and over the top of Clear
where to mark the corner into Bygotts Road.
Mountain – as always free of traffic so loaded
The important details neglected, we
with fun. Right on to Winn Road and around
headed toward Samford and turned right up
Lake Samsonvale, once again ignoring the GPS’
Bygotts Road, apologies to Rosi who managed
call to take a short-cut over the dam wall – well
the corner marshalling well in spite of the Ride
most of us did. The slightly tedious Dayboro
Leader’s inadequacy. If you have never powered
Road negotiated, we pulled into Dayboro for the
up Bygotts Road over your life journey it is highly
well-deserved break. An upgrade to the Effin’ C
recommended unless you have a luncheon in
tradition is the catering, with Cindy baking some
Samford as you are going to bypass that. It quickly
custard shortbread biscuits and dishing out bottles
becomes Mailmans Track, and on our reconnoitre
of water – not enough time for people to wander
ride this name caused us major concern. It is hard
off to get coffees with the strict timetable.
for we young people to realise that there was no
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