Who’s News                September 2009

Trevor Rolf Harris’ mother passed away last week and Trevor and Barb have flown back to New Zealand to attend to funeral details. The Committee, on behalf of its members, extends its sincerest sympathies to Trevor and Barbara at this sad time. Our thoughts are with you.

The Club web site at www.melbsportsbike.net.au accumulated 612 hits during August, down 70 on last month. Total visits are 53,803 since April 1996. The counters on the other pages after another month indicate that the 2009 Calendar page took 560 hits (total 4680 since 28th October 2008) and Great Roads totals 144 hits (total 1666).

Seen at the Social Sip at Mark’s Place, Thursday 6th August: Trevor and Barbara Rolfe Harris, Ben and Julie Warden, Tony Stegmar, Dennis Lindemann, Ha Du, Damien and Fiona Denny, Peter Fisher, Graeme Tattersall, Ron and Julie Johnston, Ian Payne, Dave Ward and Bronwyn Manifold, John Irvine, Kurn Bridgeman, Mark Rigsby, Renzo Cunico, Jacinta Thomas, Peter Philferan and Tim Emons. 23 people including 19 members

The Club Participant of the Year is based on aggregate points accumulated at 1 point per ride, an extra point for leading or being rear rider, and 1 point per magazine article (maximum 2 per magazine). Attending one or more days of a weekend event scores 3 points for leading, 3 for rear riding duties and 2 points for participating.

The count is for the 2009/10 year ending the ride before the 2010 AGM in July. After two months, the top ten count is Ben Warden (15), Ha Du (15), Ian Payne (13), Pina Garasi (12), Dave Ward (10), Dennis Lindemann (10), Paul Southwell (8), Ron Johnston (8), Cliff Peters (8) and Misho Zrakic (7).

Front Cover:  taken at Kinglake West after the Strathbogie ride. Back row: Cliff Peters, Willem Vandeveld, Trevor Rolfe Harris, Ha Du, Ron Johnston, Dave Ward, Chris Pointon, Ivan Radywonik, Ern Reeders and Ian Payne.  Middle row: Rob Jones (basket case), Danny Hawker, Rob Langer, Tony Raditsis, Pina Garasi and Geoff Jones. Front row (kneeling) Tim Emons, Brett Richards, Misho Zrakic. Ben behind the lens.

November Melbourne Cup weekend. The Club has booked three different motels for Sat 31st October at the Orbost Country Motor Inn, ($90), Sun 1st November at the Adaminaby Tanderra Lodge Motel ($70)) and Monday 2nd November at the Mt Beauty Snow Gum Motel ($95).  We have booked six rooms, all twin share, so nominally twelve people. To reserve a bed pay $130 into the Club coffers (Club makes $2.50 out of you) asap, first in best dressed.

The exact route is being discussed but we plan to do most of the good roads in the Snowies as far east as Eden, as far north as Tumbarumba, and as far west as Tallangatta. We will try out the recently sealed Falls Creek to Omeo road, completing a great loop around through Hotham. You will need near new tyres and be prepared to carry everything on your bike – you’ll need a rack.  The ride is obviously for seasoned riders, not first time riders. It’s not open to non-MSR members at this stage unless bookings are slow – most unlikely. Book now! Cliff has already put his money down.

Club Christmas Camp, December 26th 2009 to Jan 1st 2010. The Mt Buffalo Caravan Park are now sending out reminders to regulars to confirm their bookings. Telephone 5756-2235 for a powered camping site or to book a cabin. Let Ian Payne know if you want an unpowered site.

Email from Ron Johnston:  I have just sold the VFR 800 and bought a brand new Honda CBF 1000 (black) I will pick it up Saturday morning. I have had the VFR 14 weeks and its done 8000 kms in less than 3 months. I had to change bikes because the ride position was killing me. Ride on Sunday, chiropractor on Monday. I kept putting my neck out and it is hard on my hands since the accident I had on the Warragul/Korumburra road about 18 months ago.  It’s a shame because I really liked the bike.  

Email from Dave Chisma: In the news (http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/con...9/s2649206.htm) are reports of engine failures from tainted petrol. According to TV reports this morning, it sounds like some independent and major fuel brands are affected in Melbourne and parts of Gippsland. The fuel is allegedly tainted with silicone oil, and many motorists have had severe engine damage as a result. If you live in or near Melbourne, I'd avoid filling up until more details are known. I've been overseas for the past three weeks. I guess I picked the right time to be away.