EDITORIAL OCTOBER 1979
Well, this is my first attempt for a few years at bringing out the club mag.
As you know Jude has gone away for 3 weeks, so any articles that you have could
you send them to me at.
GREG
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OCTOBER RIDES.
SUNDAY 7. Tonimbuk & Museum. K.B.C.P 10AM.
WEEKEND 13&14
SUNDAY 21 Upper Yarra Dam B.B.Q K.B.C.P 9.30am (Lilydale pick-up)
SUNDAY 28 Licola K.B.C.P 7.30am Hallam 9.00am
NOV. FRI. 2nd. General Meeting. 8.15pm SHARP.
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RAFFLE RESULTS
1ST. PRIZE PUMP,
2nd. PRIZE TYRE GUAGE was won by a prospective member, Mick Stoltenberg.
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SEPT. MEETING. CLUB MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD.
Bruce Higgs an old club member gave a very interesting talk on past club activities, and presented the Club Member of The Year Award to TOM SAVILLE. Congratulations Tom!
Also the Sports Day Trophies and Economy ride trophy was given out. Many thanks to Bruce. The trophies were as follows.
Sonia Evans Musical Bikes.
Greg Smith Musical Bikes & Footballs in bucket race.
John McKenna Footballs in bucket race.
Mick Fagan Fast & Slow Weaving & Trial.
John McKenna Economy Ride Z.1R 79.9 M.P.G.
XMAS. PARTY
The Xmas Party is on the 8th & 9th of Dec. We thought we would have
something different this year and it has been met with enthusiasm. We will be
leaving SAT. lunchtime for a club ride to Jamieson,
then evening meal followed by Xmas festivities. Motel or Cabin accommodation
will be available. Then breakfast and a ride home on Sunday. Members can make
their own way up if more convenient. The price will be approx. 20 dollars with
a 10 dollar DEP., to be paid before the DEC. meeting. You will have to see me
soon as the rooms are filling fast. Once there fill up the only other
accommodation available will be the
MOTEL
There are 3 rooms with 2 single beds.
1 room with 3 single beds.
3 rooms with 1 double & 1 single.
CABIN
2 rooms with 2 singles
3 rooms with 3 singles.
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XMAS HAMPER
We would like everyone to donate some article, be it tins of food or drink, or whatever. These will be put in a big hamper and will be raffled off at the Xmas Party. Everyone who donates an article will be given one free ticket. Tickets will cost 25 cents or 5 for $1. Articles must cost over $1. Remember all money raised goes to aid club funds. We are trying to raise enough money to buy a typewriter for the Mag.
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ELEPHANT STEW
Take one elephant, cut into bite sized pieces. This will take about 3 months. Cook with 10lb of salt & 5lb of cracked pebbles and cook over a kero stove for 46 hours or until tender. This will serve 3,800 people. If not quite enough you can add 2 hares, but try to avoid this as people don't like finding hare in their stew particularly if they are old, as it brings back memories.
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Sing a song of acid,
Tripping on his bike,
Topping off at 90,
Headed down the pike.
Forty miles away from home,
But back he had to hike,
Cause suddenly it hit him,
That he'd left without his bike.
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PRESIDENT'S REPORT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1979
Well, it is now the end of another year for the club and I ask myself did the club go forward or backward? I thought about it for a while and came up with a few things worth mentioning.
The enthusiasm of the members is high! People seem to have a sense of the club going somewhere and doing something for them. In talking to the people who make up the club I've found that their apathy seems to have gone and they are now actively doing something in the club which is very gratifying.
We are about half the size that we were in the early to mid 1970's yet we are now getting almost the same number of people on rides and functions that we had then. There are a number of reasons for this in my book. First and foremost is the slight upsurge in motorcycling in general, coupled with a mild winter. The change of winter rides from two shorties and then a long one to three or four short late starter type rides, coupled with BBQ's, and actually having the BBQ's regardless of how many had meat, sandwiches, etc, then having a medium type ride with a moderately early start. The advertising campaign coupled with the club name change raised the morale of the members by bringing new active members into the club, which is vital for its survival in the long run.
This year the club member of the year award got started. Its presence was already evident about halfway through our year, with people realising that you don't have to be anything special in the riding department to win it, you just have to be an "overall" active club member to win it. Its contribution to the club will, in the next year will be even greater, especially now that people know what it's all about.
Fortunately there have been no accidents of any serious nature during the past year (at the time of writing this anyway) which, when you add up the collective kilometerage of the club says something of how good our club members are in the riding department. It also reflects on the organisational capabilities of our two captains, Tom and Brendan, who have had an extremely hard job and done it well.
This year our poor treasurer, Keith, has had the oil account we have with Castrol added to his workload. We had our teething problems with the oil account, but we appear to have solved them now. At the moment we have outlets (for want of a better word) in the Eastern, Northern and Western suburbs which is a good distribution set-up for a club of our size.
Whilst on the financial side of things we had a sub-committee during the year, whose purpose was to raise money for a replacement printing machine. It was one of the few sub-committees that I've know that didn't actually forget itself or its purpose. Spearheaded by Greg Smith they slowly but surely raised a considerable amount of money for a new press. As luck would have it, we acquired a new, second-hand press which is far better than we dreamed of getting for the price we paid. The old press which was giving our editors much trouble will eventually be sold.
As most of you know, being editor of a club magazine usually entails searching for the promised write-up (similar to looking for the Holy Grail) without much luck, getting stencils set up, printing the damned thing, often into the small hours of the morning, stapling the pages and one's fingers together and then giving it out at the meeting whilst at the same time having to listen to some members rubbish this or that article or alternatively the whole mag. It's often had me puzzled why there hasn't been a murder in the club before today!!! We have been fortunate with Tom and Jude, our co-editors who have been editing the magazine for the last six months. Their combined efforts in conjunction with a better printing machine have lifted the magazine to heights that it has only rarely obtained over the time I've been in the club.
Socially the club has never been a roaring success. I felt sorry for poor Smithy! He had the unenviable job of getting motorcyclists (who joined the club to ride bikes) to go out and enjoy themselves in an atmosphere other than bikes, which is almost an impossible task. On top of that he organised the suppers at all the meetings and the other things that go with it.
The committee you elected has done
a very hard job well and all in harmony to boot, which by the way is no mean
feat for eight different people over a year. The committee has worked so well
together that even with our secretary (the position which so often in the past
has held the club together) moving in February to
Lastly I would like to thank Leslie who was the background prime-mover in virtually everything the club was doing. Also, knowing that he was always there to run the show when I wasn't around and that the club members as well as the committee and myself, have complete faith in him and his ability to run the club, what more could you ask for of our Vice President.
It's been a good year folks, we didn't go backwards!!!
I'm happy to say that the previous paragraph is really my President's report.
Mick
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M.T.C.V VICE-PRESIDENT'S REPORT '79
Oh! What a year it was, it really was!
Organising a club for motorbike riders is akin to administering a social club for hermits.
We are by nature loners, precarious individualists, cantankerous sods even. But were that not so, we'd all be driving station wagons and living in Glen Waverley.
Aware that a massive re-structuring was necessary, the present committee could be accused of having thrown out the baby with the bath water.
Tender toes have been trodden on, noses put out of joint and sacred cows desecrated.
But let's not forget what it's all about. Pull on your helmet, get on your bike and ride - with the Motorcycle Touring Club of Victoria.
Les.
SOCIAL SECRETARY'S REPORT
Well, another year has passed, and I have really enjoyed being Social Sec., but I will be standing down to make way for someone else as I have taken on the Editors job with Jude. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves with our Social events over the last year. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the various raffles, progressive dinner and the Auction night.
A first for this year was our monthly door prize, we also had some great raffle prizes this year. (especially the tool kit, which I am still using) The money raised by that was $22. For those of you who were fortunate enough to go, the Progressive Dinner was a huge success. Many thanks to the people whose places it was held at. Money raised $29.50.
Not all ran at a profit, the Xmas Party lost $22, but a good time was had by all.
The raffle for the Driving Lights was won by Joy, that was the best boost to the money box, raising $65. And the last raffle for the year, a Pump and tyre repair outfit, $50.
I would like to thank all people who donated articles for the Auction night, it was one of the best ever nights out, thanks to Bob Evans, Auctioneer we raised $105.
I hope you enjoyed the suppers over the year and I was sorry to have to put the price up to 50c but I guess that is inflation. But I'm sure you'll all agree that it’s been worth it.
I have really enjoyed being on the committee again, there have been quite a few changes in the club since I first joined 13 years ago and I hope whoever takes over from me, gets as much enjoyment out of it as I have.
Greg Smith
CLUB CAPTAIN'S REPORT
Another year has past. Another year of successful rides. We have had a few accidents, fortunately, nothing major. I've enjoyed the year and hope you have.
Generally over the year, the standard has been good. I have noticed an improvement in the riding standard of the majority of our riders. I would like to think that the variety of roads has contributed to this.
One of the main functions of the Captain is to pick the rides for the itinerary. I have tried to include a variety, perhaps too much dirt for the comfort of some. But if you feel you would like a different emphasis, or if you would like to go somewhere special, have a talk to the Captain or bring it up at a meeting. Or perhaps you personally would like to plan out a ride and lead it.
Remember that it is YOUR CLUB. If it is to satisfy your needs, we must know them.
Tom Saville
VICE CAPTAIN'S REPORT
It's been a good year with the number of active members increasing and a greater interest in the club by many members. Number could increase a long way, though, doing only good.
We've had many good runs particularly those which departed a little from the norm, like the Christmas trip, the water sports weekend at Welshman's Reef and our recent gliding weekend.
On the road there has been few incidents, although one member seemed to be endeavouring to set an all time record for falling off. Where incidents have occurred a contributing factor has usually been failure to stick to club rules or road rules. I would suggest to the incoming Captain and Vice Captain that they always make their little speech on road rules prior to a run, as the time its not done turns out to be the time a new rider doesn't know the rules.
Bearing that in mind one must also remember Vic.'s road rules like not stopping adjacent double lines, blind crests, etc.
I wish the new committee well in keeping riding enjoyable and safe.
Brendan Gleeson
SECRETARY'S REPORT
Dear members,
I have thoroughly enjoyed my term as Sec. although I have not been able to
do justice to the job due to my transfer to the country. I have missed out on a
great deal that the club offers and regret that I have been unable to attend
more runs. I have however, in a small way been helping the club in it's efforts to rejuvenate. It has been a fairly quiet year
Secretary-wise as we have had no plans for large adventures such as a three
week jaunt around
It is pleasing to note that many of the people who have written to me are now riding with the club and it is good to see the numbers and enthusiasm of the members increasing steadily towards 1980.
I am hoping that the state of the economy with regard to petrol prices etc. will have many beneficial effects on our activities in the future. I hope that bikes will be ridden to work and for pleasure more often, thereby having less 4 wheel monkeys on the roads for us to contend with. Our club’s prospects look good. I wish our new Sec. and Committee every success for their term and look forward to many more years of safe and pleasurable touring.
Yours in motorcycling.
GREG MOORE
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Did you hear about the Irishwoman who had an accident while ironing the curtains?
She fell out the window.
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Or the Irishman who took his car for a service, but couldn't get it in the church door.
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COAL CREEK HISTORICAL PARK 9.9.79
We rose around eight, I then checked the skies, to find it was a brilliant blue. It gave one the feeling that today's ride would be good. I wheeled the Yam. out of the garage and fired her up. Aboard we climbed and down the road we motored, towards Tom & Jude's or Jude & Tom's (for those liberated ladies) as we had arranged to meet Chris (Gold RS) and then head into the city. On arrival Chris had decided to accompany Tom & Jude, and Gary on his new S1000 to the pick-up at Cranbourne. (Such an enjoyable thing is sleeping in on Sunday mornings. Ha! Ha!)
We reached Cranbourne to find the rest of the chaps and gals had arrived. The usual regular faces; Peter P. (750 Honda), Smithy (750 Honda), Keith (100/7 BM), Fagan (100/7 BM), Ian Taylor (90S BM), Frank Bloxham (750 BM), Ted Marshall (900 Darmah), Laurie Hartwick (Gold Wing), Lindsay Roberts (380 Suzuki), Peter Dwyer (CX 500), Peter Miller and Kathy (Triumph 750); plus a new one Phil Brumley (Yamaha 750).
Time to depart, Tom leading with the CX500 as rear rider.
Heading down the
We all arrived safely at Korumburra where we stopped for tucker. Then we
proceeded just down the road to
We departed from Coal Creek and found we were back on mountainous dirt roads mixed with tar.
A quick trip up a No Through road, found us winding our way towards
Warragul. We then did a short trip up the
CRAIG (500 Yam Twin) Thanks to Lloyd for introducing us to a great club.
A GASTRONOMICAL BEAN STORY
Once upon a time there lived a man who had a maddening passion for baked beans. He loved them but they always had a very embarrassing and somewhat lively reaction on him.
Then one day he met a girl and fell in love. When it was apparent that they would marry he thought to himself, "She is such a sweet girl and will never go for this type of thing." So he made the supreme sacrifice and gave up beans. They then married shortly after.
Some months later his car broke down on the way home from work, and since they lived in the country, he called his wife and told her that he would be late home. On the way home he passed a small cafe, and the odour of freshly baked beans was overwhelming. Since he still had several miles to walk, he figured that he would work off any ill-effects before he got home, so he stopped at the cafe.
Before leaving, he had eaten three large orders of baked beans. All the way home he putt-putted and after arriving felt reasonably safe that he had putt-putted his last. His wife somewhat agitated and excited to see him exclaimed delightedly, "Darling, I have the most wonderful surprise for dinner tonight".
She then blindfolded him and lead him to the chair at the end of the dining table. He seated himself and just as she was ready to remove the blindfold, the telephone rang. She made him promise not to remove the blindfold until she returned, then went to answer the phone. Seizing the opportunity, he shifted his weight to one leg and let go. It was not only loud but as ripe as rotten eggs. He took the napkin from his lap and vigorously fanned the air about him. Things had just returned to normal when he felt another one coming on. So he shifted his weight to the other leg and let go again. This was the prize winner. Whilst keeping his ear on the conversation in the hall, he went on like this for ten minutes until he knew the phone farewells indicated the end of his freedom. He placed the napkin on his lap and folded his hands on top of it, smiling contentedly to himself, was the very picture of innocence when his wife returned, apologising for talking so long, she asked him if he had peeped, and he of course assured her he had not.
At this point she removed the blindfold and there was his surprise:
Twelve dinner guests seated around the dinner table for a Happy Birthday Party for him.
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BENALLA GLIDING WEEKEND. 15th 16th September
Friday night saw us leave fairly early up to
We warmed up the next morning push starting the BM and then we were on our way. Soon after stopping at Yarck, John Jarrold and Bill (500 Morini) joined us. What's this, no Kevin! Well, after some discussion we decided onward to Benalla. The weather was sunny and warm. Roll on Summer.
Brendan was leading as we turned at the Benalla turnoff, just past Bonnie
Doon. Unfortunately, because of a combination of unfavourable circumstances saw
John Jarrold sliding down the road. Les rode into
So we left John in capable hands at the hospital while we continued to Benalla. Had lunch at Benalla and made our way to the airfield, where the gliding was well underway. Mike Davis was also on the airfield waiting with us for our ride in the glider.
Noelene was the first off in the glider, followed by Mike, Greg, Bill, myself, then Judy, Bren, Tom and Les. My turn came, and was directed to the front seat of the glider, strapped in, then given a rundown of the glider's controls. The gliders waited in a line, solo and two seater's as the ex-cropdusters towed them up into the air. We glided in the sky for approx. 20 minutes. The sky was clear as the snow fields in the distance were seen. The glider was very sensitive to the controls as we circled around, dived and soared in the sky.
5.30 pm saw us heading to Eldorado. Mick and Joy had already set up camp,
together with Keith Harris and Greg Smith. Big D was here also. The tents went
up quick smart as darkness set in. After tea, we sat around the campfire and
had a bit of a yarn. Not far from the camp a floating dredge sat. Built in the 1920's,
it was used to dredge for gold. This huge dredge, 200 ft in length, ran on
electricity and the noise that was made from crushing the rock could be heard
for miles. There were several of these dredgers in the state, some of which are
now in
The following morning we decided to go our separate ways. Some fishing, touring or straight home. We visited relatives in Wangaratta and rode home, trying to keep out of the road of weekend skiers.
Sally ( ) - watch this space!!
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GLIDING WEEKEND. (OUR RIDE)
Craig, Christine and Chris were unable to go on Saturday as we were all working.
We left
Just outside Wang. ran into the club returning
from gliding. We continued to Wang. and stopped for an
early lunch. Craig and Chris (boy) decided to take a scenic route back to
Back to the Eildon turnoff and through more windy roads and dirt, lots of
dirt. Fantastic views of Jamieson and
Through the Black Spur where Chris decided to show a Commodore V8 just how
fast a BM can go. But the car dropped so far behind that he slowed down. Stopped at Healesville to fill the Yammy
again (BM had just about run out by then.) Craig decided to take the
easy way home and Chris (boy) being a fool decided to blindly follow
(forgetting Craig was a dirt rider). Back road to Yarra Glen,
25K corners then onto
Following Craig over a small rise Chris was confronted by an absolutely enormous hill (dirt) that went straight up. He closed his eyes, prayed, and opened them after he got to Chris and Craig's place. Very interesting road. Craig and Chris provided dinner and entertainment. We covered 580k of very enjoyable road.
Craig & Chris. (Yam. 500) Chris ( R100RS)
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Overheard at ELDORADO
Did you hear that
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CATHEDRAL LANE. 23.9.79
About 15 bikes turned up at K.B.C.P. We left there at 10am with Keith
leading on the R75/7 and Geoff on the Leadwing as
rear rider. We went via the freeway to
A little way along this road we hit a real rough stretch. It had big pieces of rock sticking out, pot holes, you name it, it had it. Then we cam to a tree which blocked the road. One end was on the ground, the other was about 4 ft off the road. We managed to get 14 bikes through without any problems, the 15th was the Leadwing. Then the fun started.
Some of the guys started to dig away the side under the tree. We then turned the sidecar around and tied a long piece of rope to it and pulled it through with just enough room to spare. We then proceeded to Marysville for afternoon tea.
After everyone had had their fill we started the journey home, which was uneventful, and a happy ending to a pleasant days outing.
Signed OIL LEAK. (Peter Triumph 750)
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After breaking a primary chain and pushing his bike a mile down a hot, dusty road, the biker went into a bar to have a cold beer. Slurping the brew and thinking about the bike he got cheesed off. The more beers he had, the more cheesed off he became. Finally he stood up on the bar and shouted. "Everyone on the right side of the room is a bastard!" He waited for someone to challenge him, but no one did, so he sat down and had a few more beers. After a few more beers he jumped on the bar again and shouted. "Everyone on the left side of the room is a Queer". Suddenly a guy on the right side stood up, and the biker sneered. "Well are you going to do something about it." The guy answered, "Heavens No!, I'm just on the wrong side of the room."