TWEED HEADS MOTOR CYCLE ENTHUSIAST CLUB INC.

Sponsor: TWEED ENDEAVOUR CRUISES, Ph: 0755 368 800 2 River Tce. Tweed Heads www.goldcoastcruising.com

May 2016

THE RIDERS REPORT THMCEC CONTACT DETAILS:

Club Mobile: 0404423317 Email: thmcec@yahoo.com.au Facebook: thmc Ec Web Site: THMCEC.org.au

POSTAL: PO Box 6142 South Tweed Heads NSW. 2486.

THMCEC COMMITEE CONTACT DETAILS: President: Harry Lente 0418 885 582 hlente@bigpond.com Vice President: Peter Bale 0457 663 479 peter.a.bale@gmail.com Secretary: Linda Bale 0428 791 489 emusing@bigpond.com Treasurer: Mark Phippard 0755 995 299 Committee: Andy McDougal, Tommy Patterson, Rod Hall, Tony Bruggy, Derek Hinde, Lindsay Saunders

THMCEC CONTACT DETAILS: Public Registrar: Harry Lente 0404 423 317 hlente@bigpond.com Vintage Registrar: Harry Lente 0404 423 317 hlente@bigpond.com Editor: Lindsay Saunders 0412 111 816 editorthmcec@outlook.com Web / IT: Jeff Kleem 0439 310 398 everycorner@bigpond.com Tony Ball Caterers: Phil Atkins 0409 834 969 and 'Side-kicks' Justin & Katherine Events Contact: Garry Caldwell 0412 766 246 Events Committee: Garry Lamb (Vintage) Andy McDougal Rod Hall Merchandise: Peter Williams 0424 187 041 peter.williamson6@bigpond.com

Be aware that Club Committee members have work and business commitments and may not be immediately contactable.

CLUB PATRONS:

Col Serone (Foundation member); Grahame Young (Foundation Member); Harry Lente.

The objectives of the Club shall be: To Foster the cause of motorcycling and preserve the history of all classes of motorcycling. To encourage the collection, restoration, and maintenance of motorcycles. To collaborate with authorities and other bodies to bring about a greater understanding of the Club and

enable the Club to carry out its objectives. To have a good attitude, show and hold respect for and towards our Members, our Guests, the Club and to

foster and further these relationships. To welcome riders & like-minded people to the Club and our events. CLUB EVENTS, RIDES AND MEETINGS ARE ALL NSW (DST) TIME UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED

MONTHLY GENERAL MEETINGS: Are held on the FIRST MONDAY of the month Starting at 7:00 PM. (7:30 PM during DST) If this happens to align with a public holiday, the meeting shall be on the FOLLOWING Monday. Meetings are held at The Ivory Tavern, 165 Wharf Street Tweed Heads NSW 2485. Near Boyd’s Bay Bridge. Phone 0755 069 988. Please Contact any committee member if you are unsure.

RAFFLES: THURSDAY night Raffles are from 6:30 PM, QLD (7:30 PM DST) held at KIRRA SPORTS CLUB (Appel St Kirra) SATURDAY afternoon Raffles from 1:00 PM QLD (2:00 DST) held at COOLANGATTA HOTEL (Marine Pde. Coolangatta) RIDE RAFFLES are held on the majority of organised rides. All Members and their guests are invited to Raffles. As a bonus, each week there is a THMCEC members draw, and the only way to get the cash is to BE THERE!! Kirra jackpots weekly, starting from $50.00 until won, Coolangatta is $50 every week, with attending members $20 draw

VINTAGE RUNS: Please remember to contact Harry Lente (0418885582) BEFORE riding your Vintage / Historic registered bikes outside of club events. Raffles and meetings are CLUB EVENTS and Vintage bikes can be ridden to these venues. All events organised by the events committee have a backup trailer for breakdowns. ALL SUNDAYS are VINTAGE RUNS as per club rules. 2 or more current members MUST ride together, so get 'em out there!!!!!

All submissions, Information & Pictures for news must be in before the 20th of the month

Sponsor: MASTER MEATS Tweed Mall Ph: 0755 363 881.

Sponsor: COOLANGATTA HOTEL Ph. 0755 896 888 www.cooleyhotel.com.au Marine Pde Coolangatta 4225

THMCEC UPCOMMING EVENTS FOR 2015.

1st May Mystery Run Don’t even know who’s organising it let alone where we are going 28th 29th May Overnighter Off to Woodenbong, $50 per head includes bed and breakfast. 12th June Swap Meet Time to drag out last year’s crap again, double the price and take half. 26th June Old Boys Run Every year, same thing, old boys don’t run, they ride, keep up youngster 10th July Black Cat Ride Black cats riding, what’s next, dogs in space, monkeys on bikes? 7th August Byron Breaky Run After bacon, eggs, Phil’s special road kill and a cuppa, I aint going no where 28th August Feeling a bit tough? Boys wearing apparel that’s an intermediate colour between red & white.

Contact EVENTS or MAIN committee for more Run Info

Other things on THMCEC's calendar that may interest you.

22nd May Ray Owens Concourse Canungra Show Grounds $5.00 entry. Food and swap meet. 29th May Reliability Trials Club Brisbane (RTCB) Endurance event at Beaudesert Track http://www.rtcb.net/

INFO FOR RIDERS. 1. All Runs are $5.00 EACH for members, $10.00 EACH for Non Members, (not per bike). Kids are welcome and are free. 2. Runs LEAVE Kirra Sports Club at 10:00 AM NSW (9:00 AM Qld) Time. Runs will CONCLUDE officially at Kirra sports Club. 3. Unless otherwise stated, all rides are brilliantly catered for by Phil and Justin, and included in the run fee. 4. A back up vehicle follows all runs to ensure we all arrive back at Kirra safely and not left beside the road. 5. Check the web for the latest on a ride. The mag will also have the newest info available at time of publishing. 6. Prior to events, a Text message is sent to members, if you are not receiving them, please contact Harry.

*******To help with sign on, please try and bring correct the money, smaller notes or coins*******

Back up Vehicle / THMCEC Mobile Number: 0404423317. Please save this number to your phone.

Sorry, but that was just the most pathetic joke I have heard in a long time

My wife and I were sitting at a table at her high school reunion, and she kept staring at a drunken man swigging his drink as he sat alone at a nearby table. I asked her, "Do you know him?" "Yes", she sighed, "He's my old boyfriend. I understand he took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear he hasn't been sober since."

"My God!" I said, "Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?" And then the fight started….

This is a true story: it actually happened in the UK Military An Infantry Major was about to start the morning briefing to his staff. While waiting for the coffee machine to finish its brewing, the Major decided to pose a question to all assembled. He explained that his wife had been a bit frisky the night before and he failed to get his usual amount of sound sleep. He posed the question of just how much of sex was "work" and how much of it was "pleasure?" A Captain chimed in with 75-25% in favour of work. A Lieutenant said it was 50-50%. A 2nd Lieutenant responded with 25-75% in favour of pleasure, depending upon his state of inebriation at the time. There being no consensus, the Major turned to the Private who was in charge of making the coffee. What was his opinion? Without any hesitation, the young Private responded, "Sir, it has to be 100% pleasure." The Major was surprised and, as you might guess, asked why? "Well, sir, if there was any work involved, the officers would have me doing it for them." The room fell silent. God Bless the lower ranks.

In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many freighters carried iron cannons. Those cannons fired round iron cannon balls. It was necessary to keep a good supply near the cannon. However, how to prevent them from rolling about the deck? The best storage method de-vised was a square-based pyramid with one ball on top, resting on four resting on nine, which rested on sixteen. Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right next to the cannon. There was only one problem...how to prevent the bottom layer from sliding or rolling from under the others. The solution was a metal plate called a "Mon-key" with 16 round indentations. However, if this plate were made of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make the mon-keys from brass. Few landlubbers realize that brass contracts much more and much faster than iron when chilled. Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far, the brass indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannonballs would come right off the monkey.

Thus, it was quite literally, "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey”. And you thought this was a quality publication……

Pearls of Wisdom from the Editor: “People have completely destroyed my ability to tolerate idiots”

TWEED HEADS MOTOR CYCLE ENTHUSIAST CLUB INC.

Sponsor: TWEED ENDEAVOUR CRUISES, Ph: 0755 368 800 2 River Tce. Tweed Heads www.goldcoastcruising.com

ON THE ROAD:THE RIDE REPORT.10/04/16 Mini Poker Run The mini poker run is often a sedate, easy day, with a smaller attendance. Cancel the small turn up, it was “Full House”, 60 odd hands dealt and 56 in bikes attending. Clouds roamed the sky, yet no chance of the Southern Run’s deluge, and decidedly cooler than the previous day. Gary C was run ragged, with scarcely time for an amber. He organised the route, dealt cards, captained the run and provided counselling for the downcast whose feeble grip could only manage a pathetic 3

instead of an ace (i.e, “suck it up….next”). Sign on and first card, as status quo, happened at Kirra Sports, where quite a few new members and new attendees got to meet our longer term veterans. We deliberately kept some down wind or out of sight as to not frighten them too much. Peter W had the merch on display, getting it out there. New lots of club stuff will be hitting the stands soon. Back to the story….We managed to get away nearly on time, and headed along the old highway through Currumbin valley, Tallebudgera and the side roads to Wallaby Bobs at Mudgeeraba. Nice place to have a chat, draw card no 2 and build up steam for the next leg up the mountain. Calls to

move on out echo through Bob’s, the stay is over. Mudgeeraba to Springbrook is a top run, despite the Sunday drivers pottering along in their A/C’d tin tops, happily sitting on 20 k’s per hour. Some do have the decency to pull over, allowing safe overtaking. Just got to love those nice tight switch back corners with short but sweet straights. Past the great little fudge shop that is a tempting

stop, bugger it, next time. As Legionnaire take a Centurions orders or Lemmings jump off a cliff (take a choice) a line of bikes saw more of the region than was covered under the itinerary. It was nice, and Phil was not quite ready anyway, so all’s well. No blame on corner markers this time Gary! All good for a laugh. Thirsts need quenching, and Seth and Kathrine became inundated and the esky rapidly emptied. Should have waited until AFTER eating to drink. Phil knocked up sinus clearing curry, with some wasabi, chilli, Cajun, cayenne and oxy acetylene for added zing. The Stroganoff was A-ok as well. Few happy snaps, Rick in particular wanted one to prove he was with us. (Don’t remember him being there before or after though. Does anyone else?) Chriso had an overheating problem on the GPZ900, blaming slow cars, good call, they cause all the

worlds woes. Billy in in the bike ambulance required some first aid, burst radiator pipe. Some friendly travellers provided some assistance, Chriso provided a solution. Billy one again became mobile. Draw card number 3, pull some raffles out of a bag, bit of a yarn, pack up gear, and we are on the road again. Trailing behind Gary (yep we’ll trust him again!) the trail lead us down from Springbrook, through Numinbah, Natural Arch, uphill down dale, completing the stage on the welcoming steps of the Chillingham Store, where card 4 revealed its tricks. Tradition should dictate a choc cote banana + Bundy Ginger Beer be a Chillingham mandatory, best snack ever.

Sponsor: MASTER MEATS Tweed Mall Ph: 0755 363 881.

Sponsor: COOLANGATTA HOTEL Ph. 0755 896 888 www.cooleyhotel.com.au Marine Pde Coolangatta 4225

Time for a group happy snap out the store front, then ding-ding, gloves on. Several people bid us adieu at this time, leaving a smaller group to rally together, heading for home port. Before too long, traveling on more major roads and the Highway, the road trip terminated. The Day was, however not over. 1 important part remained. Get a good seat, grab a beverage, then get into the gritty blues of The Mason Rack band. What a way to see the arvo out. Oh yeah, if you care, Kevlar toped all with 7 Aces of Spades. Strange how his deck was blue with only 1 card and everyone else used a red one with 52. Any way good on ya Kevlar, scoring $250 for the best hand, which was (for real) 4 Aces. Special mentions to Phil, Justin, Kathrine and Seth as always for setting up the catering, food preparation, and serving, as always, a massive effort. Billy for doing the backup, a very important job with big groups of riders. Gary for organising the routes, dealing cards, it takes a lot of work and time. All the masses who assisted packing up the catering gear, top job. Thank you to all who attended, it is each person who attends that makes the day. To

first time attendees, THMCEC hopes that you felt included and welcome, and we extend an invitation to tag along next time.

A.S.I.O. Brief: The Classifieds

To place a 'bike related only' advert, please email pictures and description to Lindsay: editorthmcec@outlook.com (Club members only) FOR SALE

2012 Harley Davidson

XL1200cc Sportster NSW Rego to Nov 16, Comes with sportster

seat, TTS race tuner, tuned suspension with

gold valve progressive springs, sports air filter,

exhaust system, regular services, well cared for.

Very Low 23,000 Kms. $11,000.00 o.n.o.

Call Rick Pittard on

0266 722 553 or 0447 837 306

FOR SALE: A pair of medium RST wet weather inner liner and winter liner. $20.00 Lindsay 0412111816

WANTED: PREFERABLY ALIVE

Some members to do RIDE reports for the newsletter during the year. Write something down, or email me. Don’t have to do pics, or be perfect, just another view of the run. Any member’s submissions? Been for an adventure? Rode some interesting tracks? Exotic new bikes? Anything.??

WANTED JUST AS MUCH, DEAD OR ALIVE

MEMBERS BIKES (vintage through to new) or PROJECTS, especially ones in progress that we can do a finished feature on at a later date. Most members like to read the members featured bike bit, yet no one seems to want to give me anything to put in. or say they will and never do.

Quite a few have told me time and time again that they will and do absolutely nothing about it, so hurry up and get it done.

RATTLE THE TIN: THE RAFFLE RAVE. 1st week: Noel & Harry; 2nd week: Peter W & Derek; 3rd week: Lindsay & Mark; 4th week: Daren K & Rod M; 5th week: Mick, Gus & Jennifer D.

THURSDAY NIGHT MEMBERS DRAW AS of #### IS NOW ###, BE THERE, IT COULD BE ALL YOURS. WON $100

EVERY SATURDAY THE COOLANGATTA HOTEL DRAW IS $50.00, IF THAT DON’T POP, A $20 FOR A PRESENT MEMBER!!!

WON $20)

TWEED HEADS MOTOR CYCLE ENTHUSIAST CLUB INC.

Sponsor: TWEED ENDEAVOUR CRUISES, Ph: 0755 368 800 2 River Tce. Tweed Heads www.goldcoastcruising.com

A Reminder for the Mother’s Day Raffle Tickets: All Tickets, sold or unsold, must be returned to Harry, Mark or Linda on or before the 3rd of May, by 6:30 PM.

You can post to THMCEC PO Box 6142 Tweed Heads South, although posting of cash Is not recommended. The committee thanks everyone who sold some tickets for their efforts.

The Annual Swap Meet is on again, Helpers Needed SATURDAY(11th) JUNE, EVENING from 4:30 PM: Members are needed to assist with the setup, mark out sites, set up the

kitchen areas and arrange gates, cordon areas, and traffic access signs and parking areas, hang banners.SUNDAY (12th) JUNE, MORNING from 4:30 AM: For entry gate, traffic control, parking, vendor stall allocation, food stall, general helpers. Volunteers will be placed on a roster to suite them and their arrival and departure times. We need to know when and what you will be available for. The roster will be drawn up with names, times and locations to make the day run smoothly. It will be on the web site and in the news. This is always a very big day, many hands are needed to make light work and to have a well organised event. It would be good to see members other than the “Usual” few who always turn up when there is work

to be done, as every member benefits from the proceeds. Contact Harry and Mark.

IN A MINUTE: THE MONTHLY GOINGS ON. Minutes April 3rd 2016 Ivory Tavern

Rider safety linked to Criminal behaviour, By Mark Hinchliffe, Motorbike News, 14/4/16 Below: WA Police Minister Liza Harvey with Road Safety Commissioner Kim Papalia and WA MRA president Dave Wright

It seems riders will continue to be treated as criminals in the name of road safety and research, after the latest study includes questions on criminal behaviour. The current West Australian government study into motorcycle safety asks questions about criminal behaviour which is not included in any road safety survey of other motorists as far as we can attest. It follows a 2015 Queensland University of Technology study which found repeat high-speed offenders are more likely to hold a motorcycle licence and have a criminal history. It also follows the discovery that of the 25 motorcycle deaths in Victoria so far this year, there is a disproportionately high rate of unlicensed riders and stolen bikes involved. And the WA survey and study of the road toll from 2010-15 has found that “a

significant proportion” of riders involved in crashes were unlicensed, driving out of class, 20% had excessive alcohol in their system and most riders killed had accumulated infringements. Now that links have been “discovered” between criminal behaviour and the motorcycle toll, it seems inevitable that more attention will be diverted to research and policing of criminal activity of riders. In fact, WA Police are setting up a section to specifically target motorcyclists. WA Motorcycle Riders Association president Dave Wright says the WA Government Review into Motorcycle Safety conducted an in-depth study of the people involved in fatal and serious motorcycle crashes including their traffic infringements. “They also expanded that to include criminal records as there seemed to be a growing trend of the riders’ involvement in long-term criminal behaviour and this was thought to follow through to their riding behaviour,” he says. “Really, (they were) looking if there was a large representation of riders involved in crashes who don’t care about the law or rules and will break them regardless of what any safety measures put in place. This was done so that the police could identify this group of people and use targeted approaches. “In my role in reviewing all fatal and serious motorcycle crashes in WA there does seem a number of crashes that fall into this basket.” In the wake of the survey, the WA Government is proposing a zero BAC limit for a learner rider, tougher alcohol restrictions for probationary riders, improved public awareness campaigns, enhanced training and the introduction of competency-based practical assessments, instead of the current “error-based” test, where riders are marked down for mistakes. Dave says the majority of the review recommendations are “common sense” and he expected they would have the support of a “vast majority” of riders.

This article taken from Motorbike Rider web site and is unaltered in content, I thought that this was very interesting showing opinion and outlook of the road “safety” departments, researchers, law implementation and finally enforcement. LS

Cynical summary: in your car you are an upstanding law abiding citizen, hop on your bike and you are akin to Chopper Reid.

Bike safety Gear tips: CE jacket ratings: look at the tags and how they protect you. CE ratings can apply to certain parts,

e.g. shoulder, back and elbows, or even only the inserts, excluding the jacket. Some items have these ‘limited’ ratings, yet have zips and vents in open areas, like arms, easily ripping in an accident, leaving body parts exposed. Other items have a very comp-rehensive CE rating for the whole item. The tag indicated what parts of the gear has been tested, read different tags for different items, there can be a big difference. CE gear is very regulated in Europe, and is mandatory in many jurisdictions’. Over here too, there have been instances where CE labelling is faked. ABC TV Quantum programme recently covered this issue, and another rather alarming issue is the lack of climate protection that much CE items afford Australian riders, particularly in relation to heat and dehydration, and the research is showing these stresses are contributing to accidents. Researchers are looking at more Aussie based certifications, more suited to our climate and roads. The eye opener came when several fabrics were tested to CE standards, and how little there truly is between your skin and the road. In Vic, in 2013 an at fault driver managed to win a case against a motorcyclist. The damming issue: the bike rider considerably contributed to his injuries by not wearing protective clothing. Some states are investigating the legislating of CE gear and the mandatory use, as bike related accident costs rise.

Sponsor: MASTER MEATS Tweed Mall Ph: 0755 363 881.

Sponsor: COOLANGATTA HOTEL Ph. 0755 896 888 www.cooleyhotel.com.au Marine Pde Coolangatta 4225

National Disability & Insurance Scheme and Registration.

The NDIS set up by the Federal Government is basically designed to provide a “State” owned system to assist with people who have or may acquire disability or injury, and

provide a financial base to draw upon. Its funded through industry, commerce, private insurance, taxes, amongst other sources. The one that will affect us as Motorcyclists and

Motorists, is the additional costs that will be added to CTP and other insurances like compressive. Queensland vehicles are looking at an additional estimate of $76, dependant

on vehicle. There are also provisions like a “not at fault” scheme that could lower this added cost to approximately $60. Queensland’s proposals make it one of the cheaper

states. Victorian motorists are looking at an extra $110.00, South Australia could be over $80.00. The reconstruction of the NSW CTP, Workers Compensation and public insurances system in early 2015 has given them an edge, with possible added cost being as low as $45.

The NSW melding of the separate state managed insurances created the largest single insurer in the Southern Hemisphere, with SIRA and NSW iCare having availability of around 80 Billion Dollars in various forms available. This is just a little on what happening, bottom line, expect a registration, CTP and comprehensive insurance costs to nudge a little deeper

into the bank account starting from mid-2016. The good side to this is that any motor vehicle accident victims will have more surety of improved care and compensation well

after the event and the initial hospital treatments. The actual cost on society and tax payers as a whole should be reduced, providing for improved health care systems.

Prezidents Report The prez has advised that the report is coming, tomorrow, or the tomorrow after

tomorrow’s tomorrow. When it does arrive, it will be an engrossing literary marvel of 1000 pages, well at least enough to fill a book mark that can be used in the novel. It appears that Harry had better things to do, like take a few days off to go fishing and

camping. Half his luck, life is at tough life at the top Women riders set a new word record; Babe Raid 2016 2014, 284 women rode to Ballina, just down the road for an event named the Babe Raid. Records officially set the record at 221 women on 190 bikes. Last year, British women thought they could do better, with 661 riding to the famous London Ace Café, leaving the Aussie girls gathering like a small pick nick. Now both Records are completely smashed! Organiser Debb Dagger, said the record was “Awesome, it was an amazing effort from every woman who attended. I’m exhausted. More turned up than pre-registered”. 1002 women riders from all over Australia attending. Ages ranged from 16 to 74. For 30Km long stretch through the streets of Dubbo, the bikes paraded, many decorated, flag waving, dressing up, making a spectacle for the local community, and injecting a much needed funds into the rural community. Debb also organises annual Babe Raids at Byron Bay (9-12 Sept 2016) and Echuca in Victoria (4-7 Nov 2016) and plans to add a Qld event in 2017. Only 10% of all riders are female, the raids hope to encourage more girls to ride and enjoy 2 wheels.

For more info, here is the website: 2WheelBabes Babe Raid

Mem #

First Name

Surname

1 Graham Young

5 Janette Lloyd

6 Todd Serone

7 Dave Baker

8

24 Bernie Shailer

26 Lance Krestenseon

30 Rick Pittard

32 Pat Pittard

37 Rod Hall

38 Roy Smith

40 Tiboreous Ursula

42 Gary Case

47 Michele Preston

54 Martin Ford

60 Dave Cutter

64 Kerry Atherton

70 Chris Willey

71 Gary Lamb

74 Shantal Russell

76 Gary Caldwell

77 Marie Krestensen

78 Billy Budd Cobden

85 Christine Breteler

89 Marty Staplyton

91 John Skinner

92 Lex Greenwood

94 Greg Humphreys

95 Jennifer Johnson

96 Cec Brims

97 Deborah Humphreys

99 Emily-Rose Russell

102 Dean Price

104 Jane Yeoman

119 Justin O'Rielly

120 Kathryn Tully

126 Kevin Dyson

134 Samantha Staplyton

147 Robert Phillip

Are you on the list below? If it is then you have not given us a 2016 membership form.

After this month I will be deleting all old and temporally updated email and post out lists I have been using. In September 2015 the committee agreed that ALL MEMBERS will have to complete forms for 2016 due to large amounts of incorrect details not updated by members. It is a member’s responsibility to ensure their details are correct, not THMCEC’s. If I have no Members Form, and cannot ensure CORRECT details. Existing details will not be transferred to the final members list. If you need new forms, ask Harry, Mark, Linda or check the THMCEC web site. For members that are not receiving the newsletter, especially by email, contact Lindsay. Also, some email addressed are not easy to decipher off the forms, as a result I have entered them incorrectly, so emails fail. Contact me via email if you if you want the news emailed, editorthmcec@outlook.com Thanks Lindsay

TWEED HEADS MOTOR CYCLE ENTHUSIAST CLUB INC.

Sponsor: TWEED ENDEAVOUR CRUISES, Ph: 0755 368 800 2 River Tce. Tweed Heads www.goldcoastcruising.com

A bit of Local History, post cards from paradise

Here is a bit of history from WW2 era. Thousands of US & Australian troops came to Coolangatta / Tweed for R & R. Murwillumbah and other local towns ‘advertised’ to troops, distributing post cards that promoted and encouraged tourism. In the Tweed / Coolangatta area, houses were requisitioned for lookout posts, radar station, accommodation, even for an MP’s lock up. There were thousands of surf rescues, hundreds of drownings inexperienced US troops, many who had never swum at beaches or been in the sea. Local SLSC clubs, with support from the US military brass, trained hundreds of US soldiers in surf rescue techniques. These men returned Stateside and either started or retrained their local rescue groups using the learnt Australian methods. Back to the post card, apparently the favourite way to get to M,bah was to ‘acquire’ a jeep or motorcycle. Is this why the Tweed is still so popular with two wheel enthusiasts? I found this card in perfect condition inside an old book in a M’bah second hand shop. Not sure on the year, make and model of the bike (or the girl either), but the Military Policeman definitely looks pissed off.

Here’s a Question, are “Scramblers” really Scramblers?

Scramblers of old were stripped down, light weight, modified for serious dirt activity machines, usually 500cc or less. Modern “scramblers” are built to provide a sense of nostalgia, cashing in on the past, chasing the financial tail of the road raging café racer. They would be ungainly on a track, are usually big bore sizes, (e.g. Triumphs 900cc or BMW’s R Nine T) and are packed with road going technology. Scramblers are not these trendy, designer usurpers, but the likes of Yamahas YZ465 or TT350 newer YZ450F or KTM EXC300, serious dirt bikes. Ok, you may say, the old ‘65 BSA would not land an 80ft table top, but neither would the modern scrambler. In their day, the boys riding these machines evolved them to handle big and better jumps, climbs, grit, mud and big hits. In the 70’s the scrambler gracefully bowed out and the son took over, the motocross bike, and now the grandchild, super-cross bikes. Now some of these imposters do look good, very good, and some may even have some vague dirt abilities, but none are scramblers. Buy one, find a MX track and try it out. You’ll only scramble yourself and most likely the “scrambler”. Debate started!

Scrambling…………………..Really mad Scrambling……………..“scrambled” identity………

Thanks to Jeff and Allison Kleem from “Every Corner” Jeff Kleem kindly donated some shirts, patches, stubby coolers from his “EVERY CORNER” clothing range to raffle at the Mini Poker Run. A big thank you for these items. Hit Jeff’s web www.everycornerhasastory.com and ‘like’ him on Facebook. You can swap bike stories, tee up a ride and buy some of his clothing. Jeff also helps out the club by keeping our web site and Facebook page up current, so is a very active supporter. Thanks also to Chris from BAMBOO STYLE also gave me some shirts and jocks on the run as well. They are the most comfortable jocks, socks and shirts you will wear, ever, especially under a heavy hot jacket. Give these guys a yell and support their businesses.

SPONSORS, SUPPORTERS & OUR CHARITIES

Bernies Fuel Tank Repairs & Linings

Adverage Price $200 Plus GST Includes: Internal Clean, Internal Rust Treatment,

Smaller Holes Repaired. Tank Lining,

5 Day Turnaround. Call: 044566570 (gentlemans Hours Please) 14 Valley View Pl. Terranora NSW 2486

There is not enough room for everyone, so Cards and ads will be cycled through, as required, to allow

all members to have a fair chance of having a go. All ads are free, business card size, send to the editor

Sponsor: MASTER MEATS Tweed Mall Ph: 0755 363 881.

Sponsor: COOLANGATTA HOTEL Ph. 0755 896 888 www.cooleyhotel.com.au Marine Pde Coolangatta 4225

Old Time Blasters, Yesterdays Bikes: Bultaco Sherpa 250T

A couple of our more senior members that did not mind messing it up with some dirt work rode a legends of legends in the trail and trials events, the 248cc Bultaco Sherpa 250T. British singles, especially Ariel, ruled the grit & mud in the 50’s and 1960’s. Multiple Champion, Ariel factory rider and designer, Irishman Sammy Miller, had good ideas, but upper management would not listen. The Spanish offered Sam the chance to design an all new bike, and the Poms were later left to lick their wounds. Compared to the existing heavy, (often modified road bike based designs) 4 stroke 250 to 500cc Brits, the light weight 2 stroke 250 T demolished the field from its first big trials event in 1965, the Scottish Six Day. By 1966, it was the bike to beat, and had a large number entered across a range of events, types of rides and by a variety of well-known riders. Sammy won world championships and many titles on his creation, the bike won many, many more in the hands of others. The Sherpa boosted the popularity of trials and trail riding worldwide, especially in the USA. It was the bike to own, and the competition brands suffered. Bultaco did not rest on the Sherpas laurels, it was developed, evolving and become one of the most specialized trials bikes to ever exist in its day. The late 1970’s introduction of bikes like the Yamaha TY, hurt Bultaco. Japanese production costs, quality and output could not be beaten. From Bultaco’s birth 1958 to its death in 1983, the Sherpa 250T is a crowning jewel. Now, If Ariel had listened to Sammy, would the Sherpa and Trials history be different?

Screen Shopping, what’s up for sale on the net:

This tied old Douglas came up on eBay. A very rare 1925 2 speed 350cc model, 80% complete and some extra spares. The cases all have matching part numbers, and are all ’25 parts, same year as the frame, as close as you will ever come to a full matching numbers bike. Even the oiling pump, brake parts and other often long lost bibs and bobs are there. Tyres, cables, magneto, stand and a complete updraught carby are needed. Part of a well-known collector in southern stares, Kevin Cass, his estate is gradually being sorted, with parts being matched to bikes or just being sold off. His stable included some very rare and even unique specimens.

CLUB MERCHANDISE FOR SALE Men’s Short Sleeve Shirt $25.00 Ladies Short Sleeve Shirt $20.00 Men’s Long Sleeve Shirt $30.00 Ladies Long Sleeve Shirt $25.00 Men’s Flame Sleeve Shirt $35.00 Ladies Flame Sleeve Shirt $30.00 Sloppy Joe’s / Jumper $35.00 30th Anniversary Shirt $30.00 THMCEC Patches $10.00 THMCEC enamel Badges $10.00 Key Ring Enamel $10.00 Stickers $ 2.00 Enamel Belt Buckles $20.00 Stubby Coolers $ 5.00 30th Anniversary DVD $ 5.00 Old Poker Run T Shirts $10.00

Contact Peter Williams to arrange any club merchandise on mobile 0424187041 or email peter.williamson6@bigpond.com

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