ITINERARY MAY
1985
5th WINTON
RACES
9.00
KBCP
10.15
Lilydale
12th JACK’S
JACOSE JAUNT east of Melbourne
an in Jack’s words this could
9.00
KBCP mean
south east or north east
weekend BANKCARD
TOUR Port Campbell,
motel accommodation. Must be
18 – 19 booked
through Vince Green
26th ROBIN’S ROUTE MK.II north/east area
9.00
KBCP
10.30
Yarra Glen
____________________
EDITORIAL
Firstly an
apology to all those readers of last month’s excellent report on the Perth
trip, written by Peter Dwyer. I’d
inadvertently omitted the last page of Peter’s article. (you will find the
missing page at the back of this issue).
Sorry Pete.
And now for a
little “biting” and “slightly bigoted” editorial comment. I can’t help but get the feeling (form most
of the annual reports) that the committee members are being somewhat negative
in their appraisal of both themselves and the club as a whole. I realize that self praise is no recommendation,
but I feel they should give themselves a collective “pat on the back” for all
their individual and combined efforts over the past 12 months.
Having a little
more space to fill I thought that I might waffle on a
bit and enter into the spirit of things and write an annual report, even though
this is only my 11th magazine.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time (most of the time) as editor of “GOOD
VIBRATIONS” and look forward to your continued support in the coming months.
KEITH
____________________
ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS 1985/86
The following
nominations (nominated and seconded) were received up to 19.4.85;
PRESIDENT Keith Finlay Vince Green
VICE-PRESIDENT Hans Wurster
ASSISTANT SECRETARY Tony Gustus
TREASURER Goeff
Webb
CAPTAIN Ben Warden
VICE-CAPTAIN Ken Wurster
SOCIAL SECRETARY Janet Towns
____________________
WHO’S NEWS
Not
a lot of gossip this month, so I have included an article submitted by Geoff
Webb, “which” sums up how travelling on a bike feels” (his words, not mine). The extract is from a book entitled – ZEN AND
THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE.
“You
see things vacationing on a motorcycle in a way that is completely different
from any other. In a car you’re always
in a compartment and because you’re used to it, you don’t realize that through
that car window, everything you see is just more T.V. You’re a passive observer and it is all
moving by you boringly in a frame.
On
a cycle the frame is gone. You’re
completely in contact with it all.
You’re in the scene, not just watching it anymore and the sense of
presence is over whelming. That concrete
whizzing by 5 inches below your foot is the real thing, the same stuff you walk
on, it’s right there, so blurred you can’t focus on it, yet you can put your
foot down and touch it anytime, and the whole thing, the whole experience is
never removed from immediate consciousness.”
____________________
MOTORCYCLE TOURING CLUB OF Victoria
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS
1.5.84 TO 30.4.85
Comparison 1984/85
1983/84 RECEIPTS $
625 Membership 620.00
239 Supper
Proceeds 212.70
138 Raffle
Proceeds 539.30
28 Oil
Products Sales 38.57
125 Christmas
Party 12.00
257 Auction
receipts 336.77
40 Cheque
and Term Deposit Interest 15.96
210 Sale
of T-shirts/wincheaters 28.00
179 Sale
of badges and stickers 96.50
20 Christmas
camp fees 13.00
250 Term
Deposit Transferred -----
----- Sundries 7.75
2110 1920.55
----- 207.15
2110 2127.70
PAYMENTS
403 Printing
– itineraries 313.40
84 Magazine/stationery 163.30
120 Hall
hire 120.00
130 Supper
Costs 174.90
67 raffle
Prizes 236.69
39 Oil
Products purchases ---
28 Door
Prizes 34.00
42 Postal
Expenses 32.00
90 Christmas
Party 102.60
200 Auction-sellers
proceeds 282.50
20 Christmas
Camp fees 91.00
292 Purchase
T-shirts/windcheaters ----
362 Purchase
badges ----
----- Trophies 55.36
----- Duplicator
and accessories 309.00
----- Transfer
to Term Deposit 200.00
40 Sundries 12.95
1917 2127.70
193 Surplus ------
2110 2127.70
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
400 Cash
Book Balance 30.4.84 343.03
(includes
Term Deposit $50)
2110 Receipts 1920.55
1917 Payments 2127.70
-250 Term
Deposit Transfer 200.00
Cheque duplicated
(1983/83) 38.57
343 Cash
Book Balance 30.4.85 374.45
(includes
Term Deposit now $250)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TREASURERS
REPORT
Our financial situation has changed little
over the year – in fact, our cash balance has increased by $31 to $374,
although in examining the year 1984/85 alone, there was a deficit of $207. This is not as alarming as it seems, as we
were able to place $200 in our term deposit and purchase a duplicator and
accessories for $309. The extra funds
were generated by our hard working raffle ticket sellers and we owe them a vote
of thanks for their efforts. Tickets
sold this year were $539 and only $138 the previous year. It was certainly
regrettable that about $80 of our funds were lost
through members not using the on-site vans (as they had earlier said they
would) at the club Christmas camp. In
future, there must be a policy of no cash, no booking.
The annual membership of $10 is still
sufficient to meet the club’s normal operating expenses; however, the
suggestion has been made that where members do not attend a meeting, the
magazine would be posted out to them, the object being to keep them informed
and hopefully to participate in club activities. To post a magazine would be around 70c and as
somewhere between one third and half of our members attend meetings, the fee
would need to be raised to around $15 for all to meet the cost. A further suggestion was that the magazine
could be upgraded certainly a worth aim, but do our members justify it and
there is a general reluctance to contribute articles, not to mention the cost
of more sophisticated equipment or commercial printing.
Our membership remains static at 64,
plus 8 life members. This appears to be
satisfactory, but in fact only a minority attend functions on a regular
basis. It has always been my view that
existing and potential members are discouraged by unexpected difficult rides. They may not admit this due to peer pressure,
but if there is no logical reason for travelling over mud and rocks when there
is a perfectly good alternative then why do it?
By all means have such rides for those that like them but clearly
identify them in advance. This raises
another matter for consideration – arranging for the club to become registered
under the associations Incorporation Act 1981, which protects the members from
liability for possible damages claims.
At present, there is no protection, despite the clause “at your own
risk” appearing in some of our publications.
This is another reason for more careful choice of route for club rides.
After three years in the position of
Treasurer and having gained an insight into the detailed operation of our club
in that time, I can assure you that even the most mundane things do not just
“happen”. Although the Treasurer’s job
is not especially onerous, other committee positions require dedication,
sacrifice of time and even personal financial cost. Thus, it is disappointing when the odd
instance of destructive criticism occurs, especially when those concerned
carefully avoid nomination to any position.
It was my pleasure to be associated with the various committee members
over the three years and I wish my successor and other appointees every success
for 1985/85.
Peter Dwyer
Treasurer
30.4.85
____________________
VICE
CAPTAIN’S REPORT - a few
highlights from a memorable year. 2.5.85
After being elected May 1984 to the
position of Vice Captain, I promptly disappeared for the month up the East Coast
to Cairns and back on the 550(9,000 almost trouble free km). It was great.
I missed the Cathedral Lane mix up (some went down the lane, some did
not) and the following three rides arriving back for the Apollo Bay Mini Golf
ride (Canberra previous day) to be
embroiled in a club rules dispute. Yes,
I was missing a rear blinker and my rear tyre was very bald. The real issue was whether the Eildon pub
should be an itinerary destination, considering the consumption of alcohol is
prohibited on club rides. I missed a
fiery meeting where the BMW club’s trophy took flight and much banging took
place.
Political stirrings seemed to gain
momentum when the club ended up at Calder rather than Tatura. Ted bought a Charade.
Verdon’s Vroom (Steve
got married – I miss the way he used to throw the big Eleven around) was a ride
to remember – if you stayed upright. I
almost begged him not to take that muddy track.
As it was, six or the eleven bikes were dropped, most more than
once. Another fairing we’ll never see
again.
Polly McQuins
resulted in one cosmetically wreck Katana – rider error. Towing with ocky
straps was fun. Flagged down guy towing
bike trailer at Yarck who live a couple of streets away in Melbourne. Transported the bike home
that night, the rider checking out okay at the hospital.
The Auction Night went well, but not so
the infamous Bass Ride. Lets hope a similar situation
never occurs again.
Simpson (other side of the Otway Ranges)
proved popular to Colac where the rain set in and half the riders left. Darryl provided the epic write up – which
took three people to decipher – but was well worth it. (He left his chain lube at home and the big
Suzy did not like it).
The Treasurers Tasteful Trek returned
down the Western Highway, and near Ballan a gale tail wind was blowing. Time for a top speed run on
the 550 – chin on the tank, eyes flitting between tacho and speedo. I pleaded boredom and the police let me off
with a $90 on the spot fine. How can yu pass a “double bubble” at 9,500 rpm (without seeing it)
and get away with it, I left the others wondering?
Only Big D, Jack Youdan
and I made it to “Mini-ha-ha- falls via Hiawatha” on October 14th. There was not a map between us – ironic for a
touring club. At Foster we checked out
the local map. The weather turned sunny
(and hot? – you were going to write this up Jack) and we had a very pleasant
day all round. Vince never did catch us,
even with only two hours head start on him.
Oh, and I was running –in the 900.
Mic Fagan was
bemused by the ratio of Kawasaki’s to his lone BM: nine to one at the Route Two
BBQ. It has often been remarked that
this is the Kawasaki Club.
I led the Mt Leura ride: Great Ocean
Road to Port Campbell to Ballarat to home (750km). It was a tip ride, the weather fine, the
roads dry. There were two new riders who
stayed to become members, Geoff and John.
High Altitude Cricket was a highlight
amongst highlights. We played the Four
Owners Club at the Walhala oval. The walk up was enough to have everyone
panting. The match was a laugh a
minute. There were easily enough people
to fill two cricket teams, bikes everywhere on the raods. We ended up losing by one wicket.
Whroo Caves saw us
stumped by the lack of equipment. Ten
out of ten for endeavour though. We dept
discovering more caves. A pity there was
no water at the park. It was very hot
and dusty.
I took the long way to Licola – lost at
Drouin. Some people expected lunch to be
at the destination and, if we had travelled all highways we would have made Licola
by lunch time. But who wants to travel
on highways where they are avoidable?
One and a half
hours and seven kilometres later.
Riding to the Break-Up Barbeque near the
Yellow Peril saw me deck the 900 avoiding a car doing an illegal right hand turn
(insurance quote $2071 – I’m still waiting!).
I arrived late, but still enjoyed myself. Great food but a biting
wind. The tyre raffle was drawn.
Gary was otherwise engaged and unable to
lead the Short Captains Ride. It was a toss up between Mt Donna Buang and the beach. Luckily ‘the
riders’ won. I took all the back roads
to Warburton where Phil, family and sidecar departed. The mountain was clean and sharp. Mic Fagan was in
good form.
Ben’s twisties
MK IV was all over by 2pm in time to be home for the bike races. The usual 300km round trip is a lot quicker
in the dry. This time no one was caught
embarrassingly unaware of the stop sign at the Yea – Toolangi – Yarra Glen
intersection. The Reefton Spur was in
the best condition for a long time – no leaf litter, dry and fast.
We counted 26 past or present members at
the Clubman Rally. A day trip to Tumut
via Khancoban and Kiandra provided enough twisties
for a month. Watching tow guys fall
through the roof at the Jinjelic Pub, the spunky
woman doing burnouts on a Lawson replica 1000Jin the main street in front of
three or four hundred drunken spectators was the alternative
entertainment. Sunday’s air bed race was
exhausting. Johnny K did well. at night we enjoyed
Vince’s hospitality – table, chairs, umbrella, light, kitchen sink. Macho man Hans slept on the bare ground
because he ‘enjoyed it’. (Not that he
could feel it!)
I purposefully missed the night
ride. Why increase the risk? People fall off on night rides.
Lederderg Gorge was hot. Most of us didn’t walk far enough upstream to
the large swimming hole. And who was
that energetic climber?
Danny (long time rear rider) has joined
the Ulysses club and was unavailable to lead Danny’s Dilemma. Phil led on the CX650 and dropped it in a creek. A week later John Droppit met the same fate in the same creek. It was kinda funny.
Simpson Revisited was long and
fast. Gary seemed to enjoy himself
remarkably. It was a tough ride for my
pillion though. I hate being passed.
I hear that Geoff and Rhonda were the
true winners of the treasure hunt. They
didn’t combine their answers as the other pair did.
The food and company at Gary and
Brenda’s engagement party was suburb.
But ‘Shepparton via Tolmie’ the next day proved a little less appetizing
for John. His CX500 picked up a nail in
the rear tyre and eventually he left the bike at a friend of Keith’s house,
somewhere between Yea and Whittlesea. We
missed reaching Shepparton turning south at Benalla instead, due to the
lateness of the hour. Also
bumped into Mark Sulot at Benalla.
The Sports Day took its usual toll on
blinkers, the Wursters once again excelling
themselves. Spin the broom produced the
most laughs and the slow race the most competitors. Most people seemed to enjoy themselves.
Geoff’s ride was interesting. We went out the Eastern Freeway and returned
the Western Highway – a big loop. After
a week of rain it was still surprising to see so many riders, with three first
timers attending. Keith failed to catch
the ride, after eventually locating a wandering screw driver blade jamming up
his throttle linkages.
Looking back over the past year’s
itineraries, I find that I have ventured on 38 of the Sunday rides. No wonder the old 550 (looks as battered as
it does) has 85,000 km on the clock and the 900 25.000km. to me, the Sunday
rides are the most important part of the club. They provide an organised way to
travel and see much of Victoria in good company, and have fun while doing
so. I used to think a Sunday ride pulled
me through the week. Hope I’ll be on
many more.
Ben (GPz900R)
____________________
PRESIDENT’S
REPORT
Another year over already hardly seems
like a year since we were elected (abandoned?) to office.
There have been a few ups and downs over
the past 12 months. Some
incidents best forgotten and others that will be hard to forget. I didn’t attend that many rides during the
year, but I can honestly say that I enjoyed every one!
I would like to thank everyone on the
committee for the effort they have put in over the year, especially Peter
Dwyer, who had done an exemplary job as Treasurer, efficiency on legs, that ‘s
our Peter. Also deserving of special
thanks to Garry and Brenda, thanks fellas. Thanks also to all those members who have
supported the committee and come along to rides and social functions; I had a
good time and I hope you did too.
Well, good luck new committee
Phil Duffy.
____________________
CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT 1
For the second
time since I joined the club, I find myself giving to sit down and collect my
thoughts and recall the year that has just past and to submit my report as Club
Captain. Unlike my first committee
report I have to say that this year has been very discouraging. The committee has seen very little return for
the work put into making the club worthwhile for all you members.
It seems to me
that the only function that was well attended was the Christmas B.B.Q. on the
banks of the Yarra, where it was good to see a lot of families come along. The treasure hunt, which was organised by
Ross Bradshaw, Brenda and myself, was only attended by
5 riders. This sort of thing doesn’t
give you much encouragement to organise anything for anyone.
There seems to
be a total apathy among some of the members towards the club and I hope that
the new committee can find a way to overcome this and bring a new enthusiasm to
the whole scene.
I would like to
acknowledge the efforts of a handful of people who have, through their efforts
made the year possible. Firstly to an
unsung hero, Peter Dwyer, who for the past 3 years the clubs financial affairs
in perfect order.
Secondly to Phil and Robyn Duffy and Brenda Pollet
who along with myself have put on every social
function that came into fruition. Lastly
to Keith and Teddy Finlay who have done a Stirling job of the club magazine, if
the editorials have been a little bitting at times.
Finally I wish
the new committee all the best for their inaugural year.
GARY LLOYD
____________________
SOCIAL SECRETARY’S REPORT
Well yet another
year has flown by and it’s time to hand over to someone else. During the year we have done a few things
differently, some of you folks like and others?
Well...you didn’t turn up, so I can’t say if you would have liked them
or not. We had the progressive dinner
that wasn’t due to lack of interest in people putting on courses etc, so we had
a Chinese banquet instead. The bowling
night didn’t go that well either because of rain and lack of interest from the
club. High altitude cricket was a great
success, even though we didn’t win. Our
Christmas turn went without a hitch, with the help of a very few. The Christmas camp was a bit of a fizzer
because of the miserable weather. Since
Christmas we haven’t done anything socially worthy of a report.
During the year
we have tried to raise a few bob by running a few raffles and the profit went
straight back into the club, that’s why the Christmas turn was FREE. There wasn’t much support form members when
you were asked to help with little things throughout the year. I only hope the members will lend a little
more support to the new committee and get off their bums when asked for some
help. Also while I’m having a whinge,
how about a bit more help when it’s time to do the dishes, at the last meeting
I had to badger 2 members to do them. Anyway enough of the gripes.
I’d like to wish the new Social Sec all the best for the coming year and
may they get a lot of support from the general members.
ROBYN DUFFY
____________________
ASSISTANT SECRETARY’S REPORT
Yes folks it’s
that time again. Time
to put in the annual report for the club. I must say I have enjoyed my role as
assistant secretary, taking the monthly minutes etc. But as they say, all good things must come to
an end. After 2 years of being a
committee member I am handing over the position to another club member who will
bring in new ideas and a new approach to the role of assistant secretary. I would like to wish him or her best of luck
and also to offer my help or advice if it is needed. As with all clubs there seems to be a fair
bit of gossip, innuendo and bickering going on between various club
members. This situation seems more
prevalent this year than last year but I hope this can be eradicated in some
way in the next year. I hope the new
committee will maintain the standards set by the outgoing committee and that
new ideas flourish.
I would like to
wish the incoming committee all the best of luck and even though I am resigning
my position on the committee I will continue to support the club in all
aspects. I would like to thank a few
people who without their help and support the club would cease to function.
Firstly
to Peter Dwyer for his monetary knowledge and wisdom and for his tremendous
support to the position of treasurer for the last 3 years. You will be greatly missed.
To
Phil and Robyn Duffy for their concern and support of the club in all of its
functions over the last year in such things as the club camp, the Christmas
party and the sports day.
To
Keith Finlay in taking over the big job of publishing the club mag and improving the standard, though some of his
editorial documents were slightly bigoted.
To Gary for
organising the club rides such as the economy ride and the sports day.
To Ben for
leading so many club rides, but honestly Ben did we have to go to Licola via
Sydney?
To Ross for all
the junk mail and the letters sent out to people.
To
Vince for taking over the position of vice president half way during the year.
And lastly to
those members who wrote articles for the club mag and
those who offered their help at club functions.
To all those
members who didn’t, here’s a big SCROFULUOS turkey
Brenda Pollet.
____________________
JOHN’S JOLLY JUNKET 28th April ‘84
ROLL UP: John – GPz1100 (leader), Danny – Z500, Jack –
Honda 1100, Tony, Peter & Ross – GT750’s, prospective new members Phillip –
GPz500 & John – Honda 500.
With the promise
of 25º for the last Sunday in April, 8 bikes arrived at KBCP by departure time
of 9.30. We waited an extra 5 mins with
the thought that some others may arrive – not so. Leaving KBCP at 9.35, John (GPz1100) as
leader – after all it was to be his junket – I thought that was stuff on ate
for dessert – and Peter P (GT750) as rear rider, we undertook a circuitous
route with Seymour as our first stop.
Out
along Hoddle St, Heidelberg Rd, to Fairfield – past the club hall onto Plenty
Rd, thence Bundoora and Hurstbridge. Lots of bends on the section of road between Hurstbridge and St.
Andrews. From St. Andrews the
road is very narrow and winding, sealed for most of the way with a few K’s of
new work covered with fine gravel. After this a few more K’s of corrugated
gravel then back onto the bitumen en-route to Kinglake, Kinglake West,
Flowerdale and Strath Creek.
From Strath
Creek we headed north and encountered a couple more K’s of dust which I’m sure
has been retained to slow the pace on an otherwise good road. We arrived at Seymour at noon – time for a
Kit-Kat, cherry ripe or mars bar and to relieve the straining bladders. From Seymour to Tooborac where Peter P
departed as he had another engagement for the afternoon and I took over as rear
rider. At Heathcote we stopped for
petrol, and then continued onto Bendigo via Eppalock Weir wall.
Arriving at
Bendigo at about 1.00, a suggestion was made for lunch at the “shamrock”. (Could be an idea for another bankcard
weekend), however not on this occasion, so it was sandwiches and pies in the
elegant surroundings of the new Bendigo Mall – very civilized it was too. After a stop for an hour we returned via the
same route, continuing onto Kilmore from Heathcote, across to Wandong and
Whittlesea, form where we went our separate ways, after a round trip of approx
420km – GOOD RIDE JOHN
ROSS KING GT 750
____________________
Bit of space to
fill, so this is a one liner........Ed.
____________________
TREASURE HUNT 3rd March ‘85
Out of the
possible 126 points, these are the scores.
RK.362 – Bob 113 points
CY.126 – Mick 111 points
RB.187 – Geoff 103 points
PO.884 – Ray 101 points
RK.398 – Vince 97 points
The Treasure
Hunt was through the Dandenong's and surrounding areas with only 5 members
competing. The winner was Bob Steclengerg with a score of 113 points. I am told that certain members helped each
other out with some of the questions.
There’s nothing like a mate. One
member, who shall remain nameless was given some incorrect information and got
lost for a short time.
Bob will be
presented with a trophy at the May meeting.
I would like to thank Ross and Jenny for their efforts in working out
the route and the questions for the ’hunt’ and everybody who attended, who I
think thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
BRENDA R65
____________________
SIMPSON REVISTIED 24/2/85
On a cold and
windy Sunday morning a small group of bikes arrived at the KBCP for what was to
be the second attempt at the Simpson ride.
If you were not fortunate enough to have been on the previous attempt
then I will summarise the main events for you.
It was so wet
that most of us turned back to Colac.
This day didn’t look much better but we set off towards the Laverton
pick up point under the continuing threat of rain. Kenny Wurster
joined us a Laverton and Ross preceded down the highway to Geelong. The ride had gone smoothly up until this
point but suddenly something very unusual went wrong. “A Kawasaki broke down” A new rider with the
club, whose name escapes me, did a coil on his 750 and rode back on tow pots.
The corner
marker system worked this time and nobody got lost as we went on through
Stonehaven and Gnarwarre to the princes highway and on into Colac for a bite to
eat. Colac also happened to be the
destination for the Sidecar Club of which our own President is involved
in. After lunch and a bit of a chat we
headed for Carlyle River along some very windy but very rough roads. From here it was onto the thriving metropolis
of Simpson. Mick Fagan went off to the
general store for a drink while the rest of us cleaned our visors and stood in
the sun waiting for him. The weather had
really changed to give us a fine and sunny afternoon to ride home along the
Great Ocean Road.
I led the ride
back along the cliffs as Ross didn’t want anyone up his tail and I was in the
mood for a bit of a fang seeing that my bike was back in form. Before today’s ride I was riding around with
fork oil in only one leg. It makes a
difference when you fill both legs up.
Once near Geelong the ride disbanded and we all went our separate ways
after a long day’s ride. When I put the
bike away in the shed I had done 590kms, but it was a good day.
Noddy Z1100
____________________
THE 1985 MTCV SPORTS DAY
It’s 6.30 on a
cold and windy Sunday morning and Brenda and myself
are on our way to make the arrangements for the annual sports day. A brief stop off at the Finlay’s to pick up
the witch hats and signs and then up the highway to Heathcote. The weather was not looking too promising but
we started to set up the hats, get the fire going and lastly set up the trials
course. Phil Duffy came along to lend a
hand and we put our minds to devising a challenging but not overly hard
course. Once this was done we sat in the
car in the rain wondering if anyone would turn up. The club arrived a little late and there were
more new faces than club members, which is good in one way I suppose.
The results for
most of the events are shown overleaf, but some of the events had no winner,
such as SPIN THE BROOM. It you haven’t
seen this event yet you’ve missed out on a laugh or two. The idea is to hold a broom above your head
and spin around 12 times, put the broom down and jump over it, something not a
lot of people could do but very entertaining.
The last event was the broken shock absorber throw which went to Kenny Wurster and Christine Young.
To finish up, I
would like to thank Keith Finlay for securing the property for the 2nd
year running and for arranging the hats and street signs and Phil Duffy for his
help in setting everything up.
Garry Lloyd (Noddy) CLUB CAPTAIN.
____________________
SPORTS DAY RESULTS
OBSERVED
TRIALS COURSE Points Lost:
Entrant: Bike: (Fwd. Rev.) Time:
Hans Wurster GPz 900 2 0 -------
Keith Finlay Z 1300 0 0 51.30 sec
Peter Philferan CB
750 5 5 -------
Ken Wurster GPz 900 0 2 -------
Ben Warden GPz 550 0 0 41.00
sec
Geoff Webb Z 500 5 - -------
Michael 5 - -------
Mark CB 900 5 0 -------
Shawn K 100RS 5 2 -------
Janet Towns GPz 550 5 - -------
The winner of
the trials after having cleared the course in both directions, without loss of
points, was Ben Warden with a time of 41 seconds.
Keith also
deserves a special note for completing the course in both directions without
loss of points, on a bike twice the size and twice as heavy as any other
competing. Well done Keith. Janet is worthy of note for her courage and
determination to carry on complete the course after having a nasty fall. Good onya Janet.
SLOW RACE
Winners:
Heat
1.
Mark CB 900
Heat
2.
Phil Duffy XT,LC,TT
550
Heat
3.
Wayne Pope VF 1000
Heat
4.
Shawn K100RS
FINAL Phil Duffy
STACK THE HATS
1. Ben and Keith
(WINNERS)
2. Geoff and
Jessica
3. Wayne and
Sandra
4. Mark and Paul
5. Phil and Sue
SLALOM RACE
Winners:
Heat
1.
Phil Duffy
Heat
2.
Mark
Heat
3.
Ben
FINAL Phil
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GEOFF’S GENIAL BAMOL 21/4/85
After a week of
rain, the sight of clear sky on Sunday morning was too much to resist. Pushed the missus out of bed to get me some
breakfast and proceeded with the familiar task of putting on the mountain of
clothes.
Arriving
at KBCP just in time to join the admiring crowd around Hans and his sparkling
new red K100, only 465 K’s up and blowing fuses already. A casual look around the bikes waiting to
leave confirmed that this club should be renamed the Kawasaki Owners Club.
Eventually we
headed off towards Whittlesea via the Eastern freeway, Templestowe, Eltham and
lots of other strange places. Quite an
original short cut to Whittlesea from the city, Geoff, I must remember it.
Struck
a little traffic on the way to Whittlesea but once through town nothing but dry
road, blue sky and lots of twisties. Had a top run through Kinglake and on up to Yea where we stopped for a welcome morning tea break. We had morning tea, Ben had lunch.
By now there was
almost some heat coming out of the sun, so we headed off again towards Seymour for
some fuel, and eventually Heathcote for lunch.
Ben had lunch again. The pace
must have been getting a bit rugged, because round about now the only two
Yamaha’s and a couple of BM’s dropped out, must have been getting dirty or something.
I think it was
somewhere around here that I obtained a set of brown underpants. Came around a blind corner
perfectly lined up with a pile of gravel on the road. It’s amazing what antics a bike can get up to
when the front and rear wheels go in different directions. I am definitely going to pay more attention
to roadside signs in future.
From Heathcote,
up to Kyneton, and across to Daylesford the weather slowly deteriorated, so
that by the time we arrived at Ballan there was a stampede to the shop for some
hot coffee. Ben had some more
lunch. As it is just a quick zap up the
freeway to Melbourne, the ride broke up at Ballan.
Good to see some
new faces on the ride, sorry I can’t remember your names fellas,
there was a GPZ550, GPZ750 and a CX650. All up it was a good day. 14 bikes and approx 429 kms.
Ray GSC 750
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So.....was it
all worthwhile? Certainly, although it
will be a few years before I would want to return (you mean, they have long
memories there?) and there are a few observations I would pass on to
prospective travellers:-
-
The
distances between substantial towns in WA are vast and lonely, maybe 300 – 400
KM. Don’t believe the numerous towns
shown on the map, as many are just properties.
Watch your fuel stops.
-
The
glossy brochures are definitely over – optimistic and unless you are keen on wheat
lands and Mallee scrub, keep to the coast. If I went again, I would go straight to
Perth, then Albany and return to Perth.
I found the rest dead boring and unpleasantly hot. Many tourist attractions listed are trivial
and not worth the enormous distances.
-
No
trouble with accommodation (at least, small groups) – the natives were
friendly, so presumably the ‘ugly bikie’ syndrome has not reached WA yet. We used van parks, cabins, hotels and even
the occasional upmarket motel. Counter
meals were good and we did little self catering.
-
Unless
you are partial to long, long rides and stupefying boredom, take the
train. It is expensive, but I would
rather forego something else than to have to ride that 2000km to
Kalgoorlie. There are
el – cheapo seats or sleeper and you get a 25% rebate on bike freight
(now).
Finally, thanks
to Allan and Tony for their pleasant and agreeable company on the trip. Whether there will be another of these grand
safaris remains to be seen, so possibly we alone among the MCTCV membership
will have had this unique experience.
Peter Dwyer
GS1100G
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