August Who’s News  2003

 

The MTCV Home Page took 257 hits during August and has taken 17,133 since April 1996. We continue to generate new members via the web. Our ads in the bike magazines are also doing well. Note: unless you are a financial member, you will not have access to the Member’s area. The password has changed. Contact any of the Committee if you require it (and are financial, of course).

 

The Club, responding to members’ demand, has advertised the Superbike School Phillip Island Ride Day, November 24th, as suitable for members who wish to ride in the company of other members. Cost $149. Ring Mandy or Sue on 9792-1322 to reserve a place. Already 5 members have signed up. Be quick.

 

Seen at the August Social Sip: Ron and Alistaire Johnston, Ben and Julie Warden, Wayne and Joanne Nimmo, Allan and Inga Zimmer, Pete Weyermayr and Liz Oliver, Greg Hales, Ray Walker, Di Welsford, Craig Morley, Will Tran, Will Surtida, Mario Ibeas, Peter Philferan, Bruce Saville, Mark Easterbrook, Daniel Kosinski, and Ian Paye. 22 people, excellent for the middle of winter

  

The Points System. 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). It runs till the May AGM. We are already four months into the 2004 points and at the end of August the top 10 points earners are: Ben (29), Pete Weyermayr (15), Paul Southwell (14), Ian Payne (14), Rob Langer (13), Mario Ibeas (13.5), Greg Hales (13), Kate Stewart (11.5), Liz Oliver (11), Martin Hastie (10), and Geoff Jones (10). See elsewhere for a complete table.

 

I received this email from Damian Czarnecki recently: I just wanted to let you know that the regulator on my blade has gone kaput for the second time in 8 months.  Had it replaced 8 months ago and it's just happened again.  The story is that they fail not only on the blades but the VFR's as well.  Honda should have done a recall but didn't. There is no warranty on the product either. I've had a lot of commitments lately and haven’t been able to come out for a ride with you guys, but will have some time soon and am looking forward to it. Damian

 

Walwa Resort, Melbourne Cup Weekend     Saturday 1st   to Tuesday 4th, November

Those on the Melbourne Cup weekend away last year will know just how good a location the Walwa Resort is. Unfortunately Saturday night was completely booked out for a wedding. So I have booked 3 new units at the Jingellic Pub for Saturday night and two double-storey modern cottages sleeping between 4 and 6 people (6, if couples) comfortably for Sunday and Monday nights, at the Resort. The Resort cottages are fully equipped – all you need to bring is yourself. The cost is $115 per cottage per night (3 nights) per couple, then $10 a head. It works out at around $40 per head per night. The cottages are very widely spaced, offer spectacular views across the Murray River flood plains and far off mountains. The resort is part of a Dutch owned winery. Kangaroos and bird life abound. There are two swimming pools, canoe hire, bush walks, games room, and on-site restaurant This venue is suitable for our other halves – lazy days by the pool or river, bushwalking, sight seeing, etc.

 

The plan is to ride up on Saturday leaving Yarck at 9.30 am. Alternatively, trailering your bike up is another option. Ride around the hills Sunday, Monday - some of the best riding country in Australia, if not the world - then head home Tuesday. Otherwise, spend a day enjoying the facilities at the Resort. Lots of good options.  Deposit of $50 payable to Ben as soon as possible to confirm a bed. Preference will be given to members.

 

I have collated 20 years of Economy Ride data for the readers’ enjoyment. See table elsewhere. What’s missing form the table is the amount of good natured controversy associated with some of the earlier trials. When I first joined the Club in 1982 the fuel tanks were drained and exactly 2 litres was then tipped back in and you rode until you ran out – at any speed you wished. Of course, the slower you went, the better the economy. It took all day at 30 - 40 km/h, coasting down hills, etc. Or people would ride a friends 250 … deadly serious stuff. What we have now is a much more sanitised and safer version.