• To promote the usage, awareness and safety of motorcycles and motorcycling.
• To create a greater awareness and understanding of trends toward global harmonization and its possible effects on Australian consumer/rider groups and the local motorcycle market.
• To create an awareness of the benefits in establishing an informed united body to speak with one voice to Government on motorcycle issues and to represent Australia on the International motorcycling stage.

The first such conference was held in Melbourne in August 1998 with MTCV member Lyn Duncan attending as our delegate. Unfortunately for the 1999 conference, Lyn was unavailable, but with some prompting by the Victorian Motorcycle Council the MTCV Committee agreed that someone should attend and that I represent the MTCV at the conference. (As it transpired I would also represent the VMC due to their inability to send a rep!).

The conference was scheduled to be held on Saturday, August 21, at Rydges Hotel in Parramatta. Therefore it looked like a weekend stay in Sydney. Some of the other Victorian delegates were riding up on the Friday but the thought of droning up the Hume for all those hours sounded like physical suicide, not to mention the tyre wear! Others were ‘training’ it on the XPT (express passenger train) which didn’t sound too bad as they had a "licensed buffet car" on the train!

Carla and I left Melbourne on the train at 8 pm on the Friday night and, with ‘aircraft’ type seats, it was quite comfortable, once you got used to the rocking motion. Dinner was served, and, as we left the suburbs behind, the speed increased. Very pleasant so far. After lights-out at 10.30 pm we settled in for some shut-eye. Unfortunately we were positioned quite close to the amenities which had a steady flow of visitors throughout the night!

After a less than satisfactory nights sleep we were woken at 6 am for the final run into Sydney. After a check of the map we decided to disembark at Strathfield then catch a local train and taxi across to Parramatta, arriving at about 7.30 am. After booking into our accommodation, a quick shower and change of clothes, it was nearly time for the conference to begin.

The start of the conference was a bit of a media circus with Jackie Kelly (Federal Minister for Sport and Tourism) and Ross Cameron (Federal member for Parramatta) arriving on bikes. Also in attendance were David White (Motorcycling Australia Executive Director), Ray Newland (FCAI Motorcycling Manager — Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, represents all the motorcycle manufactures), Stuart Strickland (Honda Aust. CEO and FCAI Chairman) plus about another 40 people representing the industry and riders clubs. Not a bad start with representatives from the Federal Government, the National Sporting Body, the Motorcycle Retail and Distribution Industry and the many other diverse groups that represent motorcycle riders.

The conference proper began with an impressive speech from Jackie Kelly (a genuine motorcyclist) confirming the Government’s support for the conference and her own encouragement for the formation of the joint lobby group. Then Ross Cameron, who, apart from informing us "that if you think Jackie looks good in leather you should see her in lycra bike shorts"! went on to explain that he’d had first hand experience of what hazards we motorcyclists must deal with, as an errant motorist cut them off while he was being pillioned to the conference!

After a break for coffee the talkfest continued with statistics indicating a resurgence in motorcycling with 3,000 new racing licenses issued in the last 18 months and, for 1998, just over 60,000 new motorcycles were sold. Issues also touched on included Government funding for bike racing, compulsory rider training, grey imports, cheaper registration/third party insurance, TV commercials, Global Harmonization (world wide standardization of designs), and accident data collection.

Two contentious issues were the new Green Slips (NSW rego) that were $100 cheaper BUT in the event of a serious accident you only received a compensation payout if you were 10% or more permanently disabled. Secondly, Victoria and NSW are contemplating allowing anyone with a drivers’ license to ride a motor scooter. The scooter would be limited to 50cc engine capacity, weigh up to 80 kg, and be capable of no more than 60 km/h. The rider would have some minimal training, be required to wear a helmet, but not be able to carry a pillion. Much debate over this one!

All the above, including lunch, took until 4 pm. Then it was time to form a Steering Committee and set some objectives for the next 12 months. A three-member committee comprising David White, Ray Newland and Greg Hirst was formed. It will be based in Melbourne and may co-opt others to help as needed.

The main objective of the Steeering Committee is to devise a methodology for collecting motorcycle accident data because there is no formal procedure for collecting this information unless a fatality occurs. As accident statistics can influence government policy, the need for accurate data is important. This is quite timely, as Greg will be in France during October at an FIM conference where this topic will be discussed.

Finished at last and not a moment too soon as brain fade had started to set in. Time for a quick shower, some drinks at the bar, and then the conference dinner. It was very enjoyable after such a long day.

Some of the local riders had planned to take us ‘interstate’ delegates for a ride around Sydney on Sunday but after witnessing the alcohol consuming ability of these riders we diplomatically declined the offer. Instead Sunday was spent sight-seeing around the Harbour City. Then it was back to the railway station for the journey back to Melbourne.

Sleep was easier on the return trip as we were seated mid-way along the carriage. We arrived back in Melbourne about 6.30 am and home a little after 8 am. Fortunately I had taken Monday as a leave day so crawled into my own bed for a few hours shut-eye.

All things considered I felt the conference was a success and one I would advocate we continue to send a representative to in future. A full set of notes covering the conference is being printed and once the Club receives a copy they will be available for members to peruse.

Ian Payne — President

After the promise of a fine day, Sunday was wet. Still it was better than Saturday were it had bucketed down for most of the day. According to the Weather Bureau it would progressively fine up, but all this did was create a bit of a dilemma as what to wear. I eventually decided on the Tiger Angel leathers with my wet weather oversuit thrown in ‘just-in-case’.

Ben rang to say he could not attend as his car had sprung a major oil leak and he had to fix that. No worries. Off to the City with the weather looking even more promising. Arrived at KBCP which was ominously devoid of any bikes. Hmm, maybe as it was a little after 9.30 am and they had already left and proceeded to Hallam by themselves! Wishful thinking on my part because when I eventually arrived at the Hallam servo there was only one bike there to greet me. Thanks Tim!

Tim Walker had also thought the weather would improve making for a good day’s ride but with only the two of us in attendance, we decided to call off the ride, and, if possible, reschedule it later on in the year.

What has happened to our Club? Have we become a bunch of fair weather riders? When I first joined the MTCV we rode rain, hail or shine, and, although nobody really enjoys riding in the rain, it does give you valuable experience in coping with adverse conditions. It also forces you to adopt a smooth riding style.

Anyway, after the disappointment of another cancelled ride, (Les Leahy cancelled the Economy ride one week earlier due to a similar lack of riders) I had to decide what to do with a free Sunday. I still felt like a ride so it was off into the hills for a run through Upper Beaconsfield, Cockatoo, Emerald, Monbulk and Olinda. Then down into Ringwood to check out the new location of Nova Honda. Now what? I know, into the City to inspect some pubs that may be suitable for our new Social Sip venue.

After doing the rounds of the Richmond/Abbottsford area it was back east for a run up to Mt.Dandenong, Olinda, and Monbulk before stopping at the Emerald bakery for a bite to eat. Just on 200 kilometres traveled and no hint of rain. Back on the bike for the short run home, into suburbia and down Heatherton road where a gaggle of slow moving cars jostling for position require an overtaking move. But that parked car looks suspicious. Too late, it does have a camera! What speed was I travelling? Not sure: 70, 75 kays tops. Bugger. Now for an anxious couple of weeks waiting to see what the mail brings.

I know we all have many other things vying for our time but the lack of riders for this and the Economy Ride is concerning. Is it just a coincidence, the weather, the destination or something else? If you have any thoughts on this lack of attendance please let me know.

Ian Payne (RF900)

Should we have a central pickup? 19 yes, 2 no.

Where should the pickup be? McDonalds Victoria Street, just up from the Social Sip: 6, KBCP 3, Hoddle Street Servo 3, McDonalds City Rd 2, Shell Servo/Hungry Jacks 1 (didn’t say where), RTA Car Park 1, St Kilda Esplanade 1.

Should we leave the secondary pickup points earlier? 6 yes, 8 no

What time should we leave secondary pickup points? 4 people said 10 am everywhere, one person said 10 am Yarra Glen and Hallam, 9.30 am Whittlesea and Laverton.

My conclusion would be, yes, we keep a central pickup point, but try somewhere like McDonalds in Victoria Street instead of KBCP. Leave the secondary departure times as is. Thanks to members who responded.

Ben Warden