August 2006 Who’s News 

The MSTCV Home Page at www.mstcv.net.au took 638 hits during August (up 200 or so from last month, probablt due to the 50th celebration) and has taken 31,319 since April 1996.  I have added a lazy 80 or so "best of" 2006 up on the Members section of the web page.  There are some ripper photos and they are in full resolution (well: small, medium, large - just click on the photo to increase the resolution). Don't bother with dial-up.

If you were at the 50th MCG shindig, your mug has been captured. These photos are a mixture of the ones taken by Tom Reynolds, the professional photographer on the day, and Ben Warden. There are also photos of the Flowerdale Pub ride, Cape Liptrap, Lavers Hill, etc

Secondly, the next few months (Oct, Nov, Dec) of the itinerary are up.  Check out your ride details (if you are leading) and confirm they are correct. January to go up soon.

Seen at the Social Sip at Mark’s Place on Thursday 3rd August: Martin Thompson and Donna Gibbs, Ian Payne, Ben and Julie Warden, Dave Moore, Trevor Harris and Barbara Rolfe, Breht Emmerson and Libby O’Neil, Ron Johnston, Vittoria and Stoimen Stojanov, Jacinta Thomas, Paul Southwell, Jason Peters, Peter Feistl, Joel Haley, Brett Stuart, Peter Philferan.  20 people

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.  See attached sheet for your score. Any discrepancies let the Editor know.

The point scores after four months of the 2007 count are: Ben Warden (34.5), Ian Payne (25.5), Paul Southwell (24), Joel Haley (20), Breht Emmerson (20), Lyn Duncan (17), Ern Reeders (13.5), Trevor Harris (15) and Ron Johnston (15) and Cameron Stevens (11). The top 9 were the same people though Cameron moved into tenth position after attending most rides. A big month for Ian and Ben who accumulated a considerable 9.5 points with various additional leading and rear riding duties.

Email from Mark Rigsby: Ben, I finally got my bike on the road last week. It has been a bit of a saga but it is all over. I have changed my insurance to Shannons from Swann - cheaper premium and Swann took forever to approve and finalise the claim which was half the problem. I have two very busy weekends coming up but hope to be on a ride in early Sept.

Dave Ward heads overseas on Saturday 9th September mixing business and pleasure. Along for the ride is partner Bronwyn. They plan to travel around with Darryn Webster and Julieanne Randell on BMW1200GSs for a couple of weeks. Their itinerary reads something like Dubai 2 days, France, Italy, MV Augusta Factory, Ducati Museum, Venice, Ferrari Museum, England for 3 weeks including Isle of Man, back to Munich for Bread Show, Nuburgring. Darryn and Julieanne are heading for Tuscany for 2 weeks.  Sorry this info is vague as it was written on a scrap of paper in the pouring rain last ride.

Front Cover: Strathbogie Ranges ride, Sunday 13th August, Merton servo, morning tea/fuel stop. Back row: Lyn Duncan, Ian Payne, Paul Southwell, Breht Emmerson, Dean von Schill, Cameron Stevens.  Front row: Dave Ward, Ern Reeders, Chris Pointon, Joel Haley, Tony Raditsis. Ben behind the lens.

Email from Stoimen Stiojanov:  The MotoGP is coming up mid September. If anyone is interested in the best seat in the house ie a rack marshall, get in quick. The organisers are always looking for new people. I have even got my wife Vittoria participating this year! Contact: PI Operations Pty Ltd on 03 5952 2710 or email [email protected] or (ii)  Motorcycling Australia Ltd on 03 9684 0500 or email [email protected]

Ben Warden has swapped his 194,000 km old 929 for a newer model 954, as per the emailed ad.  It took a bit of persuading by Julie, but ultimately the fit was too good to miss, what with a spare 954 wreck sitting in the garage including a 6,000 km motor. Some front suspension tweaks, a new chain and front sprocket and swapping of the Ohlins rear shock sees the 954 handling well and already on a couple of Club rides. A full article will follow next magazine with useless facts like 61 rear tyres and 41 fronts on the 929.  The only regret is not seeing out the 200,000km mark on the 929, a small price to pay for a “new” bike.  It is blue and white and matches his leathers, almost.

 

Towong Melbourne Cup Weekend, Saturday 4th to Tuesday 7th November, 2006

The Committee has booked the spectacular "Snowy Mountain Holidays" house and two cottages accommodation package, on the Murray River at Towong, 11 km out of Corryong. As usual, the Melbourne Cup holiday falls on the first Tuesday of November giving us the opportunity of a 4-day weekend and allowing us to take full advantage of the great location.  The plan is to ride up Saturday, ride around the hills Sunday and Monday and return to Melbourne on Tuesday. This means three nights accommodation. You'll need to take annual leave for the Monday. See past years' magazine articles for daily ride routes.

As usual, this is strictly first come, first served, with any overflow into either The Ridge or the Corryong pubs. Preference will be given to members. A $135 deposit is required. The deposit buys you three nights accommodation. All you need is your toothbrush, a change of clothes and near new tyres, or a method of replacing them.

There are NO places left. Alternative accommodation can be provided at The Ridge. Contact details are Sharon and Mark on 02-6076-8252, or at the Pinnabar Motel in Corryong.

 

Tasmania  – (proposed) leave Sat 3rd  – return Mon 12th March, 2007

Tasmania is motorcycle heaven: few people, fantastic roads and scenery, relatively cheap accommodation, and the locals speak the same language and love tourists. As per last time, we will set up base camps and do day trips, moving every few days to a different location. Whether you attend an organized day ride or follow your own itinerary is up to you. Usually we meet each night over a meal and share the day’s experiences.

The plan is to go for 8 days leaving on a Saturday and returning the following Labour Day Monday. This was the successful formula we used in 2003 and 2005. We usually have a couple of cars to act as mules to carry the luggage, allowing us to ride unencumbered. The first week in March avoids the school holidays and has the greatest chance of fine weather and adequate day light hours. 

The plan is to travel during the day for $228 per person return. Check out the prices at: http://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au as they fluctuate quite a bit. Car $138 return. These prices are current as of 6th September, 2006.

Last time we had 18 people, 15 bikes, 3 cars and travelled between 2,500 and 3,600 km each, and had fantastic weather for 85% of the time. 

The trip is a goer! Sufficient interest has been shown.  Deposit ($228 plus $90 = $318) into Club bank account with YOUR NAME if you and bike. If car and driver, then (228+138=366). Legging it: $228