16
s s , d s e t , SEPTEMBER 2011 Member of the International Council of BMW Clubs
on levels
members returning the form, it still did
the views of people that it
aimed at,
SEPTEMBER 2011 Member of the International Council of BMW Clubs
BMWTCNSW Newsletter September 2011 2
OFFICE BEARERS PRESIDENT Mick Moriarty 0427 018 715, 0263 321 576 [email protected] VICE-PRESIDENT Paul Evans 0411 738 267, 0296 742 361 [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Mike Day 0412 599 950 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Alan Peters 0414 660 890, 0298 293 950 [email protected] TREASURER, Dave Povey 0408 517 469, 0245 732 374 [email protected] BMWCA DELEGATE Trevor Dean 0409 407 409 [email protected] EDITOR Ian Horsburgh 0428 693 151 [email protected] REGALIA Sandra Gluck 0419 022 025 [email protected] ASSETS and ARCHIVES Mal Cattermole 0419 179 419 [email protected] PUBLIC OFFICER Trevor Dean 0409 407 409 [email protected] SPARE PARTS/CLUB TOOLS Rob Edgar 0408 161 107 [email protected] MCC NSW DELEGATES Bruce Campbell 0296 297 624 Warren Buffett 0411 076 941 [email protected] NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION Tony Conliffe Andrew Watson WEBMASTER John Visser 0412 105 300, 0297 447 726 [email protected] Club Website: www.bmwtcnsw.org.au Club Yahoo Email site (members mailing list - voluntary) : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bmwtcnsw www.bmwclubs.asn.au www.bmw-clubs-international.com
ACT Dave Ramsay
02 6278 3895 [email protected]
Hunter Mark Vane-Tempest
0409 064 328 [email protected]
Mid North Coast
Lin & Pru van Coppenhagen
0417 098 255 or (H) 02 6582 5931 [email protected]
South Coast Lex Welham 0427 319 906 [email protected]
Central West Patrick & Deb Dwyer Daytime 0418 403 438 or AH 02 6335 6264 [email protected]
South Coast Peter Holcombe 0416 213 616
North Coast Damien O'Toole 0419 296 939 [email protected]
Central West Don White 02 4821 2816 [email protected]
Sydney – North
Craig Hancock 0419 557 014 [email protected]
Sydney - South
Graham Johns 02 9731 0934 [email protected]
Monthly Club Meetings
Held at 7:30pm at the Andrew Cook Hall, Toongabbie (corner Targo and Toongabbie Roads) on the last Wednesday of each month (except for December)
Sydney Social Sip
Held at 6:00pm on the last Wednesday of each month. Members gather at the Toongabbie Hotel for a chat and something to eat before crossing the road to attend the club meeting.
South Coast Social Sip
Held anytime after 6pm on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Members gather at the Berry Bowling Club 140 Princes Hwy, Berry, for a chat and something to eat.
Newcastle Social Sip
Members gather anytime after 6pm on the last Friday of the month. at the Hexham Bowling Club for a chat and something to eat.
North Coast Social Sip
8:30 Breakfast at The Sandbar Café, North Haven. The after "breakfast ride" to be determined over breakfast.
Organise a Ride or Event 2
Attend a Social Sip 2
Attend a Social night (Restaurant night, party, etc) 3
Attend a Maintenance Day 2
Attend a Day Ride 6
Attend a Weekend Run or Rally 10
Attend a Long Weekend Run or Rally 12
Self written Newsletter article 4
Attend a Club Meeting – City Member 4
Attend a Club Meeting – Country Member 6
Attend a Night Run 6
BMWTCNSW Newsletter September 2011 3
PRESIDENT’S REPORT I apologise for last month,
I wrote a report, but
somehow it didn’t make it.
Being a country member
with a very ordinary
attendance record, I was
initially reluctant to put my
hand up for a committee
position, especially a
position on the executive.
When the club was about
to head off into the next
twelve months without a President or a Vice President,
I felt that a president with some challenges would be a
better bet than no president at all. I put my hand up
and Paul Evans volunteered for the position of Vice
President (thank Dog!). Having said that, I am now
quite excited by the job and will do my best to get er’
done!
I would like to thank the outgoing committee for their
efforts over the past year (and beyond in some cases). I
would also like to thank them for the excellent
handover which has got us off to a flying start. I would
especially like to thank Marie Pennykid for her efforts
over the years. She joined the club when she was ten
apparently and has spent all but three years of the past
two decades as a committee member. Marie was my
first contact with the club and was always my first
contact when I couldn’t work something out. As far as I
was concerned she was Ms BMWTC. Thanks for your
help (and patience) Marie.
I started riding as a young man of 20 odd. I was a very
ordinary rider (clueless) and my lid skidded many
times. Somehow I managed to survive. I was away from
motorcycles until the early 80s, bought a new part
knocked down Dnepir 650 in a crate from Capitol
Motors. The mufflers rusted out and I left it in a shed
for a few years, restoring it in the mid 80s and then
sold it to buy a Suzuki 650 four cylinder bike. I had
matured somewhat, had a decent bike at last (well, it
cost me $1000, was ten years old and had 90,000+ kms
on the clock). I rode 60kms each way to work every day
and finally learnt to ride properly (still no Christian
Pfeiffer!). A stay upright course went down well and
made me wonder how I ever survived. The Katana was
sold to feed children or something like that.
A career in Corrections and an eighteen year break
from motorcycles saw my love of motorcycles re-
emerge and I found myself in Brisons in Broadmeadow.
I came within a spit of buying a new GS Adventure. I
panicked and backed out thinking that I didn’t even
know if my back, etc could handle riding again. A
$30,000+ motorcycle was not the steed to experiment
with. A 1983 R80ST saw me back in the saddle and I
joined the club some three years or so ago. The airhead
was followed by a succession of bikes over the next few
years and I ended up with an R1150GS. Now I could see
what the fuss was about. Short of winning the lottery,
the big old GS will see me out.
I am now set up with a trailer (two old farts need a bit
of extra camping gear!) and a friendly pillion. It is time
to tour and camp (well as soon as the frosts stop!).
Mick.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- EDITOR’S RAMBLINGS
Woz advised that in the last issue, in the list of club
award winners, the 2010 Most Active New Member
was wrongly listed. The winners were Patrick &
Debbie Dwyer.
The records have been corrected and apologies
tendered to Pat & Deb. Our immediate past President Wato & wife Bec have a new
daughter, Alexandra, to be called Lexie. Born 29/7/11 at 7.28pm. Weight 3.772kg. Length 51.5cm
We’d all like to wish congratulations on your new arrival!
Did you get your new Membership card? It should be in with this newsletter in the
plastic bag. If not, contact membership
Secretary Alan Peters at [email protected]
Or on 0414 660 890, or 0298 293 950
BMWTCNSW Newsletter September 2011 4
September Upcoming Rides!! Contact
Thursday 8th
South Coast Social sip – Berry Bowling Club from 6pm. Bowling Club is located at 140 Princes Hwy, Berry.
Lex Welham 0427 319 906
Sat 17/18th
Far Cairn Rally. Meet at Tottenham. See separate page for details.
Paul Evans 02 9674 2361
Sun 25 th BMW Club Show of Excellence 2011 – This year, Show of Excellence will be on Sunday 25th September in Silverwater Park. This is an early reminder for all the members with classic BMW restoration projects, and special vehicles to get that project ready for this Show.
Ian Ramsay 0414 746 992
Wed 28th Club Meeting 7:30pm. – You are also invited to meet for dinner before the meeting at the Toongabbie Hotel from 6pm.
Mick Moriarty 0427 018 715
Thursday 29th
Social Sip. Ride to Alex Hotel Leura. Meet there at 6.30/7.00.pm for dinner and drinks Paul Evans. 9674 2361
Friday 30th
Hunter Social Sip- Meet at the Mozie Club (Hexham Bowling Club) from around 6pm Mark Vane-Tempest 0409 064 328
October Upcoming Rides!! Contact
Sat 1st – Mon 3 rd
ROONKATREFFEN – The BMW 0wners Club of South Australia invites all motorcyclists to attend our rally to be held at the Roonka water activities centre approx 7km from Blanchetown on the banks of the River Murray. Camping, bunkhouse accommodation and powered sites are available as well as kitchen facilities. Please post entries to P0 Box 193, North Adelaide S.A. 5006 no later than 7th September.
Friday/ Saturday 8th and 9 th
Thunder Rally at Sheba Dam, Nundle NSW Adventure Route via St Albans, Broke, lunch at Gundy. Then via Barry (18 creek crossings) through to Nundle and out to the site at Sheba Dam. Meet at McDonald's McGrath’s Hill 8:00 am Saturday.
Tony Conliffe 0418466399
Thursday 8th
South Coast Social sip – Berry Bowling Club from 6pm. Bowling Club is located at 140 Princes Hwy, Berry.
Lex Welham 0427 319 906
Saturday 15th
Bushwalk and Brekky – 7.30 am Bush walk and Breakfast at Parramatta Lakes. (Access from Bourke St in North Parramatta.) There is a 3.5 km bush walk around the lake that is just spectacular. Get the heart rate going and then either cook your own breakfast on the BBQ's or get food from the Gourmet Cafe. Then just sit around and chat with friends. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Paul Evans 02 9674 2361
Saturday 22nd
Jaffle run to somewhere . Meet at Pirate Petes at Round corner Dural for an early coffee and ride details. Bring food and a chair.
Paul Evans 02 9674 2361
Wed 26th Club Meeting 7:30pm. – You are also invited to meet for dinner before the meeting at the Toongabbie Hotel from 6pm.
Mick Moriarty 0427 018 715
Friday 28th
Hunter Social Sip- Meet at the Mozie Club (Hexham Bowling Club) from around 6pm Mark Vane-Tempest 0409 064 328
November Upcoming Rides!! Contact
Thursday 10th
South Coast Social sip – Berry Bowling Club from 6pm. Bowling Club is located at 140 Princes Hwy, Berry.
Lex Welham 0427 319 906
Saturday 5th & 6th
Camping at Halfway House on Putty Rd . BBQ food for dinner and breakfast plus soft drinks and coffee. Or BYO. Camp fees apply. Dave Thurston is the proprietor. More details to follow.
Paul Evans 0411738 267
Saturday 19th
Bushwalk and Brekky – 7.30 am Bush walk and Breakfast at Parramatta Lakes. (Access from Bourke St in North Parramatta.) There is a 3.5 km bush walk around the lake that is just spectacular. Get the heart rate going and then either cook your own breakfast on the BBQ's or get food from the Gourmet Cafe. Then just sit around and chat with friends. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Paul Evans 02 9674 2361
Sat 19 th TEMORA Major Air Show 2011 – The Temora Aviation museum is having its major Air show for 2011 on Saturday 19th November. Great opportunity to take a closer look at the most diverse range of vintage aircrafts. Perhaps we can make a ride out of this event. Watch out for more details as we get closer to this date.
Ian Ramsay 0414 746 992
Friday 25th
Hunter Social Sip- Meet at the Mozie Club (Hexham Bowling Club) from around 6pm Mark Vane- Tempest 0409 064 328
Friday 30th
Club Meeting 7:30pm. – You are also invited to meet for dinner before the meeting at the Toongabbie Hotel from 6pm.
Mick Moriarty 0427 018 715
BMWTCNSW Newsletter September 2011 5
NEWCASTLE BRANCH
2011
DATE cat TRIP DETAILS CONTACT
Sunday 11th September
D B M
Day Ride: Long Way over the Tops – leave from Raymond Terrace then via Gloucester along dirt loop around the Barrington Tops. A great GS ride not to be missed! Meet at Raymond Terrace Maccas Sat: 8.30am
Mark Vane-Tempest Mob: 0409 064 328
30th September Social Sip Hexham Bowling Club from 6.00pm onwards for dinner at the bistro at 7.00pm
15th & 16th October
W B E
Riverwood Downs – “GS 30th Anniversary” first Anniversary Rally – Friday 14th as well- if you can have the day off Why don’t we celebrate the 30th anniversary every year with a camping weekend away!
Mark Vane-Tempest Mob: 0409 064 328
28th October Social Sip Hexham Bowling Club from 6.00pm onwards for dinner at the bistro at 7.00pm
25th to 27th November
D S
Sydney Bike Show – Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre
December
W B E
Nundle via Tamworth Motorbike museum
LEGEND
U - unsealed, S - sealed, B - both, D - day ride & W - weekend trip. E – easy M-medium H-hard (note: it is unlikely we will tackle H rated rides)
BMW Show of Excellence. On Sunday, September 25th our city cousins (the ones with 4 wheels and ashtrays) are holding a show and shine type day at Silverwater Park. There’ll be some hot looking BM’s there and an opportunity to show off yours too. Whilst there is no particular category for us who can stay upright on 2 wheels, there are a couple of categories you could enter your pride and joy in – should you wish. Judging starts at 11.00am so maybe I’ll see you there. Would be nice to see a few bikes amongst the cages. Further details on their website - http://www.bmwclubnsw.asn.au/calendar/view/267/d
ate/2011-09-25.html
Ian RAMJET Ramsay
Anniversary Camping weekend.
Yes, we are celebrating the fantastic weekend we
had last year in July for the GS 30th Anniversary.
Rob Tiedman & Jenny Banks, with the help of
others put together a fantastic celebration last
year and I thought it deserved a tribute rally.
This time it will be similar to the Frying Pan Creek
Rally, as it is camping only. The accommodation is
fully booked out for a wedding so no formal dinner
for us.
So bring your camping gear and swimmers.
There are some great rides in the area to be
experienced so don’t miss out.
Saturday/Sunday 15th
& 16th October
If you can get an early mark and be there Friday
14th, then all the better. See Riverwood Downs
Website for more information on the venue and
how to get there
http://www.riverwooddowns.com.au
ANYTHING TO SELL?
Ian Horsburgh [email protected]
John Visser [email protected]
BMWTCNSW Newsletter September 2011 6
Vice Presidents Report
August 2011
My month has been the most stressful I can remember
as I’m moving house and have to either pack or discard
30 odd years of precious artifacts and junk.
Being a hoarder has taken its toll because I can’t throw
anything away as I know I’ll need it someday. My
sensibility tells me that if its not clearly labeled and
packed away where you can put your hands on it
straightaway it may as well not be there at all.
It’s amazing what I found under my house that I could
have used had I remembered I had it so I’m making a
concerted effort to throw out rather than hoard again.
Josh has been a great help in that way. He talks me into
throwing stuff out but after he leaves I somehow find
some fantastic use for it.
We will arrange some fun camping weekends at our
new pad in Galston Gorge just as soon as we clear the
bush area a bit to make it bike friendly so please do
come and celebrate our move with a big fire and nice
camping spots. Date TBA.
I’ve arranged for another campout at the Putty Road
Halfway House with the new owner Dave Thurston, on
5th and 6th November. The last time we camped there
we had such a great time it deserved another go. It’s a
great spot and Dave makes us feel really welcome.
You should take a look at his web site and read some of
his trip and moving notes. He’s a very inspirational guy.
www.thurstontables.com/about.php
There’s always lots of talk about our dwindling number
of runs and events in the calendar and I suppose it will
be that way when they put that last shovelful on top of
me because as an aging club most of us have been
there done that and are happy just to sit back and have
someone else think up runs and things to do so we can
simply pick what we want if the weather suits us and if
we are at a loss as to how to fill in time. Simply fact I
reckon and part of human nature and normal.
Al Peters came up with a great idea of having every
member pick at least one event for the year and have
their name against it as a contact and who would send
the attendees list to the VP.
We will talk more about this suggestion at the next
meeting.
We are working together to have the country groups
ride details within our city ride calendar so just as soon
as I work out a new format and how to do it expect
many pages of runs.
Please send in your attendee’s lists to me by email if
you wish to have the points entered for the yearly
awards.
If anyone has access to a Rally calendar I’d be glad to
receive his or her list so we can list it in advance.
That’s all from me.
Cheers
Paul
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bathurst Shooting Weekend By Mick Moriarty
Earlier this month, the club were guests at the Sporting Shooter’s Association of Australia’s target shooting range at Mt Panorama, Bathurst. The usual suspects and a few fresh faces rode to Bathurst via different routes, descending on the Showground for a pleasant night’s camp. Jianping cooked some of her Northern Chinese dumplings which were enjoyed around a roaring fire. Sunday saw an early breakfast at the range followed by a Firearms Safe Handling Course and completion of mandatory identification checks and declarations which saw thirteen keen young (?) men and several spectators eager to start the much anticipated activities. The shoot was held over two adjoining ranges. The theme of the day was traditional firearms and a selection was available, including a number of black powder firearms. These consisted of single action revolvers and a lever action rifle (cowboy movie style stuff) on one range and on the main range there was an assortment of Black Powder handguns and rifles, including a muzzle loader and a replica of the rifle used by Custer’s troops at the Battle of the Little Big Horn (and by the Indians, immediately afterwards!). I was on the smaller range and was so busy, I didn’t have time to check out the action on the other range. I had no trouble hearing the noise over the mound though. A big round of thanks goes out to John Pelepczuk and
Al Meade from the SSAA Bathurst Branch for their running of the Black Powder section of the shoot. Firearms used on
the day where supplied by John, Al and the writer. A great day was had by all. I was useless for two days afterwards I was that tired. Thanks for coming and sharing my sport. $100 was raised for MARI. This would have been much higher, but as stated earlier, the amount of black powder and associated caps, balls used was incredible! Mick.
BMWTCNSW Newsletter September 2011 7
17th & 18th September 2011
The BMW Touring Club of NSW proudly hosts the 4th Far Cairn Rally in aid of fund raising for MARI. A back to basics rally held at Tottenham Race Course and Showground in the centre of NSW. Tottenham is approx 120kms north of Condobolin and 120kms west of Dubbo. The Centre Cairn monument is located 33kms out of town near Five Ways and marks the centre of NSW. Erected in 1988 as part of our Bicentennial celebrations, it stands 2m tall and is made of slag taken out of one of the local copper mines. The rally has the Lions Club cooking the BBQ on Saturday evening and there are limited meals available at the pub and café. There are loos, showers, undercover seating and sleeping plus plenty of room for camping. No fires on race course grounds, but OK outside. Limited accommodation is also available at the Tottenham Hotel. No PULP and limited fuel in town on Sunday. The entry fee of $25 includes the Rally badge and sausage sizzle for Sunday breakfast, and Rally awards. All proceeds to MARI – Motorcycle Accident Rehabilitation Initiativ e. The locals are looking forward to the Far Cairn Rally as much as we are. Please remember we will be the guests of the Tottenham community – at all times please respect the township, its speed limits, showground property and the community amenities. The Far Cairn Rally is open to all motorcyclists who enjoy a relaxed ride into country NSW. Tottenham is accessible by sealed roads, as well as dirt roads for off road riders, from several directions. Please send entry in by Friday 2nd September 2011 Visit www.bmwtcnsw.org Entrants Full Name: Pillion/Partner: Address/Contact details: Club (if any): Entry fee/ person (includes a Badge & Sunday breakfast) $25.00 $ Rally Tee Shirt – Size …………Colour ……………….. $25.00 $
TOTAL $
Please make cheques/money orders payable : BMW Touring Club of NSW PO Box 53,
Rydalmere BC, NSW, 1701
For more information – Andrew Watson – 0419 255 290 or Sandra Gluck – 0419 022 025
The BMWTCNSW presents the
Far Cairn Rally
BMWTCNSW Newsletter September 2011 8
FRONT COVER In the car world, you often see “murdered out” vehicles, painted completely black for a sleek and sinister look. You occasionally see it in the motorcycling world. “Great Escape“, is a 1963 BMW R60/2 customized by Blitz Motorcycles of France. Hugo, Léo and Fred have restored this 594 cc (36 ci), shaft-driven Boxer twin, powdercoated the frame, fork and handlebar in matt black, and then used high-temperature black for the engine. The R60/2 was completely rewired, stripped of its fenders and fitted with 18” Mitas Enduro tires. ----------------------------------------------------------------
From last month’s Cover Did you know who that was?
Yes, of course! It’s Paul Evans, on his white
’70 model R60. On the Alpine rally at the
Yarangobilly camp site in the early 70s.
-----------------------------------------------
Do you know this person opposite? Photo was taken in England about 1970.
He is a club
member, but
any more clues
would make it
too easy.
If you have old
snaps of
yourself , or
other club
members, send
them in & we’ll
try and suss
out who they
are.
Who?------ Next month.
--------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL RIDES
Club Members Please Note: Join the Yahoo e-group
as there are more ad-hoc day/weekend/Jaffle rides
and runs organised at short notice.
These are over and above the events planned in
the ride calendar.
BMWTCNSW Newsletter September 2011 9
MOTORCYCLE SICKNESS By Josh Evans
In a September blog post, Guy from the UK’s Greasy Culture Magazine, mentioned I “was in hospital suffering from the
motorcycle sickness”. It was a term I’d never heard before and it gave me a good laugh. It also got me thinking what
exactly is the motorcycle sickness. (TMS)
One thing is for sure, I definitely have it, and I have the x-rays’ to prove it. But is it more than broken bones and gravel
rash? Because I feel like my busted up knee is a small fraction of what I am going through, I suspect the motorcycle
sickness is a whole lot more complex.
For those who missed September’s newsletter I was on my way to the OCR at Wanaaring with my Dad and 2 mates when I
crashed and broke my leg, or as the radiologist in Broken Hill said ‘ Oh my god, you’ve smashed it!’ The orthopaedic
surgeons in Adelaide were more pleasant, ‘you did a very good job’. I needed a skin graft too which looks horrendous, but
I could have lost my leg due to swelling, so it was a fair trade – leg for big surgical cuts and skin graft.
A good sign I had TMS was when I had to make that terrible
phone call to my wife after threatening the staff to not call her
first, and she handled it well but insisted that she or my Mum
or Dad were coming over from Sydney to be with me.
Naturally I said ‘ Honestly I’m fine, I don’t need anyone here, I
am under good care, I am staying positive, please tell them not
to come, I would feel too guilty’. Denial - classic TMS.
I’m 40, and after riding for 34 years this was my first big crash,
and only minor spills before this all on mud and snow. I was
full of confidence and quite stoic in my demeanour. What
about this situation couldn’t I handle? It will be too easy.
So my Mum and Dad came over to Adelaide in stages to keep
me company and make sure I was ok mentally. I had loads of
phone calls from friends and family, some surprised at how chirpy I was. We were making a motorbike documentary and I
think continuing to film in the hospital-helped separate myself from what was going on.
But one day when I was by myself, Mum and Dad were back in Sydney, it hit me like a tonne of bricks, emotions. The
pressure slowly builds and suddenly without any resistance breaks through the barriers, the manly armour cracks away
revealing under developed mechanisms for coping with life’s basics. Crying is a rare thing for me, funerals usually,
occasionally chick flicks will get me, but the flood of emotions that had a grip on me was merciless. Guilt, regret, anxiety,
gloom and isolation amongst many others. Talking was impossible. I tried desperately not to think of anything, just to stare
off into the distance at nothing like the other patients in the ward with broken hips and ages approaching a century.
There was no mistake now TMS had me by the throat and it still does 6 months after that horrible impact with the rock
hard Darling River silt. The toughest parts were under doctors orders to ‘get comfortable on the lounge and watch TV for 3
months’ easier said than done. 3 weeks in hospital on my back, hardcore. Knowing I had
at least another week (after 10 weeks) with no weight on my right leg and at least 2
months more of crutches to deal with along with painful physio to try and get my knee to
bend past the 45 degrees the doctors were expecting, crikey, it’s enough to send you
mental. Naturally week-by-week I see improvement, with my old self appearing more and
more, usually when people pop over to say g’day. But by myself I lay back and think of this
TMS, this unwanted interruption, this stranger that I am slowly getting to know and the
things I am learning from it, what is it really, can it be a good thing, have I always had it?
One thing is for sure the current symptoms can be traced back to one thing, a split second
of not concentrating on the road. Admittedly I was mucking around with a camera remote
control, that was a mistake, but I thought I had it in me to do it safely. Was it over
confidence? Could over confidence be TMS?
Well after all this time I haven’t managed to quite figure out TMS. I know it has its bad
side, busted bones being one thing, but I think most motorbike riders who swing their leg
BMWTCNSW Newsletter September 2011 10
over a bike have it and riding a bike relieves the symptoms like paracetamol relieves a head ache, how else could riding
feel so good? TMS is probably life itself!
TMS has had other benefits for me, the main one is I now have empathy. I have never really understood injured people. I
thought they’d hopefully heal well and just get on with life as best they could with whatever limp or restrictive movement
they had, but when it happened to me, wow, different story.
Scarily, I now understand people wanting to die went they’re old. Euthanasia makes sense too. I am not sure how long I
will get it, as I get better I am sure it will fade. It’s hard to think of shivering in the snow when you’re sweating in the sun
on the beach.
I just hope I keep the right amount of empathy, enough to reach out to someone to let them know I understand and am
ready to just sit there and listen, not try to solve problems like I used to do, not say it could have been worse, not say it will
be ok, but just to be there.
Having gone through the worst of this motorcycle sickness, for me it is enough for someone to just sit and be there and I
feel very lucky, not to have come through this relatively unscathed but to have people visit and family who are there for
me. That is the luckiest thing.
It’s been 6 months now and I am a lot more mobile, Christmas day was my first day out and about with no crutches, which
was an incredibly liberating day, carrying my own breakfast from the kitchen to the dining table, ha ha, brought such a big
wide eyed smile to my face, my crows feet got deeper that day. I haven’t ridden a bike yet; I have 100 degrees movement
in my knee, not enough to ride but close. If carrying breakfast cereal was a big deal, riding again will surely BLOW MY
MIND!!
See you all on the road….
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes of Far Cairn Rally Committee
Meeting held 17th August 2011 Present : Mike Day, Warren Buffett, Paul Evans, Ian Horsburgh, Andrew Watson, John Rayner, Dave Povey & Sandra Gluck � Presentation – Ian and Mike attended the Northern Beaches Ulysses Meeting and advised the presentation
went well - sold 7 MARI supporter badges, � Badges – Woz has picked up the rally badges and they look great. Woz also picked up another 50 MARI
Supporter badges. George has sold 10 – to date 31 sold. � Projector and laptop – Bala may not go this year so we will need to organise another laptop and projector.
Woz will ask Ian Berry re a projector and Ian has the Club laptop. John has some DVD’s and Woz to chase Dr Faux for an updated message from St Vincent’s.
� Float – Dave will organise a float tin and change for the Rally as well as raffle tickets. � Raffle – Andrew is donating 3 subscriptions to BM Motorcycle Magazine. Andrew will go to Motohansa and
purchase some additional raffle prizes. BMW Clubs Australia has donated Tshirts, a BMW backpack, coffee mugs, caps, etc., as well.
� Club Flag – Mike to bring Club Flag. � Locals – Paul has contacted most of the locals in the last week. � Trophies – Woz has the finished trophies at the meeting.
BMWTCNSW Newsletter September 2011 11
BMWTCNSW Newsletter September 2011 12
NEWCASTLE BRANCH BREAKFAST RIDE 31st July 2011
Hi All,
another great day was had today with breakfast at 2300 Newcastle. Then a great ride after to Broke &
beyond with 7 riders and all being 7 BMWs ! Yes - I
have been a member of the club for 7 years but now I have finally "joined the club". I am now on an
awesome F800GS and loving it. Don't expect to see me on anything else from now on.
Mark Vane-Tempest.
----------------------------------------------------------
Minutes of General Meeting 27th July 2011
27 July, 2011 Chairperson – Mick Moriarty Meeting opened – 7:57 PM Apologies – Sandra Gluck, Pat Dwyer, Chris Huddy Visitors – Bob Williams (BMW Car Club), Peter & Mark from TC Communications Previous Minutes – Acc – Ian Horsburgh Sec – Hans Correspondence – • Magazines from BMW Club: UK, NZ, ACT, VIC, BMW
NSW Car Club • St George Bank Statement June 2011 • Westpac Bank Statements June 2011, both accounts • Westpac document re unpaid cheque advise • Westpac re Account signatories • Westpac re password for Allan Peters • Holroyd Council rental for 6 months on the meeting room • RFDS subscription renewal • New Member Applications x 0 • Membership Renewals x 38 • Far Cairn Rally applications x 0 • Awards Night Dinner payment Adrian Selwyn Smith
President’s Report – • The Awards night was successful and there was a good
turnout • The President thanked the previous committee for their god
work and Marie Pennykid for her 23 years in the club (20 of which have been on the Committee).
• John Visser has done a wonderful job on taking over as Web-master and in re-vamping the Club web-site.
Vice President’s Report – • Thanks to the previous VP (Bala) for handing over a neat VP
system. • The Awards night was great. • From now on the details of Rides will be on the Web-site and
only a brief summary in the Magazine Ride calendar. Secretary’s Report – • See minutes • There was a surplus on the Awards Night of $460.00. It was
put to the meeting that we refund approx. $9 to each participant or donate the $460 to MARI. The meeting voted that the funds be donated to MARI. A cheque to Woz to deliver to the MARI administrator.
Treasurer’s Report – • The Treasurer reported that the Club has $24K in the bank. • The raffle at the awards night contributed $210.00 Membership Secretary – • The system that Marie handed over is very good, it works well. • Renewals are being processed. • Membership cards will be sent out with the September
Magazine. The September Mag will have to be bagged by us so we can add the Membership Cards.
Editor – • The latest Magazines are now all on the Club Website, thanks
to John Visser for his efforts. • Question to Woz re status of Far Cairn Rally presentations. Regalia – • Nothing to report. Assets & Archives – • Nothing to report. Clubs Australia – • Nothing to report. Webmaster – • The Web Master would like feedback and constructive ideas to
improve the Club Website. • There is a plan to put up some galleries for photos and some
commentary. Watch this space. MCC – • Bruce Campbell reported that there is no news from the MCC
Committee, only rumours. • The current MCC Takeover situation is akin to a business
trying to take-over an organisation. Past Events – • The main event was the Awards Night. See comments for
President and Vice President. Coming Events – • Bush Walks x 2 in August. • Shooting weekend at Bathurst. Shoot costs $25.00 per head,
Camping at the showground $12.50 per head. Breakfast on Sunday will be provided.
• TTT Rally in the usual location. General Business - • Mark and Peter from TC Communications displayed their
offerings re Satellite Communications. They provide all possibilities from Voice to Data and computer networking. The price they have provides a satellite phone at a cost under $700 for the hand-piece and a plan that has no connection fee and you only pay for the calls you make. This is a considerable cost saving over the competitive arrangements. For those interested in remote communications, phone Mark or Peter on +61 2 9648 0946.
Meeting Closed : 9:25 PM
BMWTCNSW Newsletter September 2011 13
Lin & Prue van Coppenhagen’s USA trip (1st instalment) Dear Fellow BMW Riders,
Prue and I are now 19 days into our 11 week USA adventure on a 2007, K1200GT. The June weather has been dry and
clear and cooler than usual which has made for fantastic riding conditions. We spent the first 12 days riding with Mike
and Kit Lynch who we first met in Italy in 2001. We have had many riding adventures together in the USA, Europe and
Australia. Mike is Sales Manager for BMW Motorcycles in San Diego and he arranged the bike for me.
After leaving San Diego, the first day’s 780km ride took us to
Sedona, Arizona where we spent 2 nights with friends – just check
out the astounding scenery surrounding this town on Google Earth.
Meteor Crater was next and then the night at the iconic Arizona
National Monument – Wow!!!
Next day up The Moki Dugway (an audacious dirt road pass) and on
into the State of Colorado, that riding Mecca where the great Rocky
Mountains have 55 peaks that rise above 14,000 feet (over 4,300
metres) – The European Alps have fewer. Unusually massive
amounts of snow last winter has caused all the rivers to be in flood
with the spring melt. A park ranger told us it was the biggest flood
in 200 years.
The roads are excellent and the passes high. Check out the pic. below of my GPS
reading 14,153 feet – the highest I have ever been – let alone on a bike. Temperature
was minus 5 with a further minus 15 wind chill factor. Warm riding gear saved the day
but back at 10,000 feet in a warm lodge, a cup of hot choc thawed us out and outside it
was a rideable 16 degrees.
The contrasts in Colorado and
Utah between verdant snow
capped mountains with cascading waterfalls, wild flowers and a
profusion of butterflies and then the stark and striking dry rock
formations of National Parks like Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef,
Arches, Canyon lands, Escalante, Colorado National Monument
need to be seen and ridden to be believed and appreciated. Go
see these places before you depart this planet!!
While in
Colorado
we spent
8 nights
with more
BMW
friends (met in Europe) who have a “Summer Lodge” close to the
ski resort of Vail. This is a great place to do day rides from and is
within cooee of many of the major passes. Tom and Sybil Roach
were gracious hosts and Tom is a hell of a rider having been State
Dirt Racing Champion for 3 years and still races his Porsche. He
has 9 bikes in his garage.
Spent last night in a genuine Cowboy Bar. There was line dancing, a great
band, everyone in boots and hats, GREAT steaks and lots of cold beer. ($2.00
a Pint glass). Tonight we are in Wyoming, heading for Sturgis, Mount
Rushmore and the Devils Tower. Tomorrow night in Deadwood where Kit
Carson met his untimely end in the No.10 Saloon. Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeha !!!!!!!!
We’ll present another instalment of their journey next month.
BMWTCNSW Newsletter September 2011 14
Mudgee Trip Report – weekend 20 & 21 August By Mark Vane-Tempest
The forecast was for coastal flooding and torrential rain. Do I cancel the ride? Mick Furchert & the central coast riders
were keen as Cheryl Clarke from Newcastle group. By Friday night things looked better. So from Hungry Jack’s
Beresfield, six of us set off in dry weather. Up through the back roads of Kurri Kurri, Lovedale, Pokolbin and to Broke.
From there, across to Milbrodale (a beautiful area to ride through) then up the Golden Highway to Jerry’s Plains. Here
we took the back roads and enjoyed the twisty country farm roads – all sealed roads. We did hit a short unsealed
section of about 400m and that was it. Then the awesome Bylong Valley way. What a great bit of road riding this is. I’ve
been through here a few times, mostly in the car and always love the scenery that goes with a road such as this. The
“boys” wanted to head off which was
fine, as I stuck to the speed limit and
stayed with Cheryl so she wasn’t left
behind. That suited me as I was
running in the bike anyway. We then
stopped at Bylong for lunch and what
a peaceful little village that is. Also a
fuel stop but hey, what a great
toasted Turkish bread chicken & salad roll I had. Highly recommended.
After lunch, we headed over the last mountain range where we did get a few spits of rain and the temp got down to
nine, but that was all good as we descended into the valley for our
next stop at stop Lue train station for a photo shoot. Then a short ride
into Mudgee.
Another mate of Mick, John with a 1200GS, joined as at Mudgee to
make seven all up. That night we hit the town and found a fantastic
bistro back at the Oriental Hotel the other boys were staying at.
Most of us stayed at the Lawson which you see on your left as you
ride into town. Also a good place to stay. Some partied on but I
wanted to rest up for the big ride home. On Sunday morning we met
at the Butcher Shop Cafe for breakfast. Again – highly recommended
if you’re in Mudgee.
The Cheryl & John decided to head back the way we came, while the rest of us continued the big loop and south
through Lithgow. Just west of there, it hit seven degrees with dark cloud and I thought we‘d get snow! Still dry, we
continued along the Bells Line of Road, up the Putty for a short way before turning off to cross the lower Portland
before hitting the Wisemans Ferry.
Once across here, we parted ways as the guys headed to the central coast and I continued along the Wollombi Road
after dodging all the Horse Convention at St Albans! This is a beautiful ride through the valley – on a dry sunny day.
Today was not and the previous rains had flooded the lower area of the valley. No warning signs that the road was
closed due to flooding. Now most 4WD’s could get through ok, but I could only see the top half of those white plastic
road markers. The rest of the view was no road – just a lake. So I aimed for the middle of the white markers and off I
went. I just wish I had the GoPro Helmet Cam with me to video it. Wow, the water seemed to get deeper but the bike
kept going. I went around a bend not knowing what was ahead, but luckily the road went up hill and I eventually
surfaced like the Red October submarine. Even though I stopped further up the road to warn two guys on sports bikes
(would you believe?) I never turned off the ignition until I arrived home. No worries though, the bike was serviced today
and is perfect after a 720km round trip. I guess that’s what a GS is all about eh.
Now for the next ride to Barrington Tops!
G'day fellow BMWTCNSW members,
I've decided to forgo my membership with the
BMWTCNSW. It's been a year since my last accident,
and I'm unlikely to ride again. The club formed a
major part of my life, as Editor, President and
Membership secretary in that order, and I have made
so many friends as a result. I do intend to keep in
touch with those who have become close over the
period of my membership.
I wish you all happy and safe riding, keep the BMW
marque at the forefront!
Regards,
Rob Milton, RideRageRadio, 2RRR 88.5FM Tuesday's
5-6pm. www.riderageradio.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------
St John's first Aid Survey St John’s is conducting a survey of motorcyclists
and first-aid.
Please go online at the address below & complete
the survey as it is important to St John's and
riders in general.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TFHNT86
This survey is extremely important to get some
really good insights for both motorcycle first aid
training and kit. The more people filling it out the
better!
Everything else can wait. Learn first aid today.
To know more visit www.stjohnfirstaid.com.au or
call 1800 ST JOHN.
BMW R1100R 1999 75
th Anniversary model -- all special books are
available -- black with white hand done pin stripping --
22,000kms --- panniers -- heated hand grips -- screen --
crash bars -- tool kit -- alloy and wire wheels -- as new
condition -- concourse winner --
$11000.00 ono -- contact Colin Mc Nally 02 6238 1060
BMW R65 1984 model
Silver --- excellent original condition --- panniers crash
bars -- screen -- alloy and wire wheels --
29,000kms - concourse winner --- all books and tools
$ 9000.00 ono contact Colin Mc Nally 02 6238 1060
Bungendore NSW 2621
For Sale R1200GS
Blue, spoke wheels, panniers, tank bag, dealer
serviced, factory alarm, heated grips, ABS, Touratech
head protectors, headlight protector, 106,000km, in
excellent condition, just returned from 20,000km trip
to USA & Canada, rego to Nov 2011. $11,990
Tweed Heads
Contact Ian on 0428 678 664
I have a Full BMW Belice Suit as described on the internet
“The Belice suit has been especially designed for women by
women. This touring suit is feminine and fashionable in
appearance, able to meet women rider's needs in terms of
design, colour, materials and fit.
The jacket is built using the "onion" principle: where by the
several layers of the jacket can be used as temperature
dictates. Size Small – 38 ) is colour co-ordinated in grey/blue
with dark grey trousers. Also available BMW gloves and a
warm fleece liner jacket.
The gear has hardly been worn, approximately 100 hrs and
presents in ‘as new’ condition.
Asking price $1100 ono
Also full set of men’s gear available.
Jacquie Leabeater 11 Centennial Drive Park Central NSW 2560 Mobile: 0417 6888 10 Phone: 02 4626 8893 ( after hrs ) [email protected] Non-member Jacquie has contributed to MARI
A 1985 PARIS DAKAR, full engine rebuild buy motohansa
including siebenrock 1000cc upgrade, (only few
thousand km's completed since rebuild) new 320mm
disc, new tyres, new battery, new fork seals, new
headlight, pannier racks ( no bags )
stayintune stainless pipe, all mechanics great just in need
of a shiny coat of paint if you so desire or ride as is and
have great fun!!
very reliable! NSW rego just expired.
Asking price $7500 Call Andy 0420758476
If undeliverable return to : BMW TOURING CLUB OF NSW P.O. Box 53 Rydalmere BC, NSW 1701 Australia BMW TOURING CLUB OF NSW NEWSLETTER
Print Post Approved PP 297537/0044
POST
PP 297537/0044
POSTAGE PAID
AUSTRALIA
Watch out for
17 –18 September 2011 Far Cairn Rally
25th Sept 2011 BMW Car Club Show of Excellence
1-2-3 October 2011 Roonkatreffen
8 – 9 October Thunder Rally
15 – 16 October Riverwood Downs GS 30 th Anniv.
23rd October Pink Ribbon Ride
30th October `Breakfast Torque
19 – 20 November 2011 Temora Major Air Show
25 – 27 November 2011 Sydney Bike Show
