November 2002 Who’s News

 

The MTCV Home Page has taken 356 hits during November and 14,165 since April 1996. We continue to generate new members quite a bit of email via the web. Our adds in the bike magazines are also doing well. Check out the Visitor’s Page to keep track of the latest information

 

Seen at the November Social Sip: Bruce Saville, Lisa Croucher, Ray Walker, Mark Easterbrook, Pete Weyermayr, Liz Oliver, Daniel Kosinski and Monica Hasnat, Ruth and Robert, Ron Johnston, Phill Richards, Matt Clark, Jon Riddett, Ian Payne, Craig Morley, Bob Fothergill, Ben and Julie Warden. A total of 19 members and friends, an excellent turnout after only 12 the month before. Martin Hastie sent his apologies – he was taken to hospital and diagnosed with kidney stones, since removed.
 
Congratulations to Daniel Kosinki and Monica Hasnat on their engagement.

 

Darryl Otzen continues his recovery and his enthusiasm for Supermotards after his recent crash and had this to say: I know this is a bit late notice, but maybe you could email club members about the SuperMotard World Championship races to be run at Broadford this weekend, 16/17th November. It's highly unlikely that I'll be able to survive the trip to the circuit, so I would love to hear from someone who actually saw the action in person. There is a press release about the event at the official SuperMotard GP site, http://www.youthstream.org/supermoto/frame_s1.html under the news button. The local site, http://www.supermotard.com.au/supermoto.htm has further details, entry list, prices, schedule, etc. If you can afford the bandwidth (and time) there is a full Quicktime video of the Italian S1 GP that you can download from the first site. It took me over an hour on a cable modem, the remote site seemed to be running at about 30 kbps ! Maybe I should burn off a few copies for anyone interested, its 250MB. This stuff has to be seen to be believed.   …Dicky. p.s. my bike started first try, after I taped the switch guts back together...)  p.p.s. my back hurts.

 

Phill Richards has traded his CBR1000 for a new TRX850. Any moment now he is going to come for a ride on it! That’s what I wrote last month. He did go for a ride, but not with us! He crashed his new blue TRX850 on Saturday 16th November between Marysville and Lake Mountain, not far from where Dicky crashed. Phill sustained a broken collar bone and the bike about $3000 in cosmetic damage after it took out a street sign indicating a corner! Both Phill and bike expect to make a full and complete recovery. Phill and daughter were seen at Hallam at the start of the Tarra Bulga National Park ride, arm in a sling, traveling by 4 wheels. He seemed in good spirits. We wish him a full and speedy recovery.

 

Trevor Harris emailed me on the 29th Nov. with this impressive statement: “I'm about to replace the chain and sprockets on the FJ12 after four years and 69,000 km.” But then again, he expected to get 20,000 km out of a front tyre before he started riding with us. Now he complains about getting only 3,000 km! We’ll see what he gets out of his next chain.

 

The Points System. The Club Participant of the Year is based on aggregate points accumulated at 1 point per ride, extra point for leading or rear rider, 1 point per magazine article (maximum 2 per magazine). It runs till the May AGM). The top points scorers are: Ben Warden 49 (Blade), Ron Johnston 34.5 (Bandit 1200), Rob Langer 34.5 (BM1150GS), Pete Weyermayr 30 (Blade) and Liz Oliver 28 (Blade), Ian Payne 24.5 (Blade), Geoff Jones 19 (R1), Mark Easterbrook 20 (Ducati 750SS) and Greg Hales 14 (TL1000S).

 

 

Received via email after Pete Weyermayr’s Lavers Hill  ride from John Scholes, a first time rider:

Hi Ben, received your information package, thank you very much. I had a great ride last Sunday although a little stiff and sore next day. What a great bunch of people.  Look forward to getting out with you all again probably 8th December ride; away on business until then. I see a serious learning curve ahead and looking forward to this even more.  Kind regards, John Scholes.  What a fantastic letter… Ed.

 

 

November 2002 Who’s News cont.

Thanks to Mathew Clark and former member Mick Bosworth who organised to lead the Reefton and Black Spurs ride, November 3rd. There seems to have been a breakdown in communications about who was leading.

 

Email from Nigel Bickerstaff  on Thu. 21st November commenting on the wire barrier protest ride:

The protest this morning went very well. Well over 100 riders, possibly nearing 200 when you consider the number of riders who made an appearance then pressed on to work. Sadly I missed the speeches at the accident site, but I understand they went well. The TV news crews tried to get interesting footage

 

We then rode en-mass up Burwood Highway to the SE freeway, our destination the ABC in Southbank where Peter Batchelor was being interviewed.

 

John Karamouche joined the 'on air' interview and asked the minister what he planed to do to make wire rope barriers safer for motorcyclists. The minister’s answer was 'research', and 'continued consultation with the motorcycle community'. We should take heart; it’s far easier to do more consultation with the motorcycling community than to do less! He also pointed out the recent death was caused by inexperience. It would seem that death is a suitable punishment for inexperience.

 

We have been saying wire rope barriers are deadly for years, it seems, but in Europe there are companies who make special padding to protect riders from the narrow posts. Yet Victoria still needs to do more research to determine if there is a problem or not.

 

After the news both the minister and the opposition member came out and spoke to us. The Liberals promising to solve all out woes, and Mr Batchlor continuing his rhetoric promising to do more research and seek further consultation. His repeated comments about the inexperience of the dead rider were a vain attempt to allay the blame for an avoidable fatal accident. These comments in particular brought shouts of derision from the crowd, a well engineered excuse to leave the 'rowdy mob'. Pathetic, Peter, pathetic.

 

All up, a well run statement about a long running but very serious issue. Lets see what the Libs do if they get in the hot seat.    …Nigel Bickerstaff

 

 

Tasmania Trip is a goer!  I have booked 10 return seats leaving Saturday 8th March and returning Sunday 16th March, daylight crossings. This period includes Labour Day holiday on Monday March 10th and hence only 4 days off work. I have firm bookings from 7 people: Tim Walker, Rhys Willimas, Orlando Iluffi, Martin Hastie and Carmen DeBono, Ben and Julie Warden. Deposits of $40 must be received by December 5th and the remaining $160 by February 1st. Total cost for boat is $200 per person return. Pub/cheap motel accommodation and itinerary will be organised shortly. Preference will be given to members. See Ben with your deposit.

 

For sale: ex-race tyres, Dunlop Sportsmax 208 G, rear 180-55ZR 17, front 120-70ZR 17

$160.00  pair  Phone Ron Johnston on 03 9725 7303. 

 

New road rules from Vic roads:  “ A driver or motorcyclist must not overtake on the left of a moving or stationary vehicle in the same lane, or on a road without marked lanes.” I think they are saying lane splitting is illegal.

 

 

November 2002 Who’s News cont.

“Motorcycles and other vehicles must not travel in the right lane of a multi-lane road with a soeed limit over 85 km/h, or where there is a Keep Left Unless Overtaking sign, except when overtaking, turning right or making a U-turn. This rule does not apply if the traffic is congested, or if the driver is avoiding an obstruction.”

 

Xmas Camp, Mt Buffalo Caravan Park, Porepunkah

Wednesday 26th December to Tuesday 1st January 2002

 

Christmas is all but on us and it is time to make bookings at our favourite Xmas Camp destination, Mt Buffalo Caravan Park. Situated on the fork of two rivers it offers a fantastic range of activities including swimming, fishing and bush walking. Close by is the Smoko Fish Hatchery, various berry farms and an Alpaca farm. Great road and dirt riding country abounds. Mt Buffalo offers a sensational 25 km climb to the scenic Chalet and lookout. Nearby are good half-day rides to Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Dartmouth Dam or full day rides into the Snowy Mountains and some of the best roads in the world. Who can forget Tawonga Gap? On the flip side there are lots of fire trails and mountain tracks offering spectacular views of the surrounding alps, most of which can only be reached by 4WD or dirt bike. So, bring your road and dirt bikes, the missus and kids, and the 4WD. Supermarket shopping is available at Bright, 6 km away.

 

The Club has booked three unpowered sites. Last year a few couples rented log cabins for the week, another good option. Ring Kelly on 03-5756-2235 to secure a cabin or powered site. Otherwise tell Ian Payne of your intention to camp with the group. Do it now. And organise your annual leave. At least 12 people have already booked!

 

Walwa Resort, Australia Day Weekend

Friday 24th to Monday 27th

 

Those on the Melbourne Cup weekend away will know just how good a location the Walwa Resort is. I have booked three double storey modern cottages sleeping between 4 and 6 people (6, if couples) comfortably. The 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, on site restaurant ($20 for a three course meal). 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 Friday leaving Yarck at 2.30 pm. Alternatively, trailering your bike up after work Friday is another option. Ride around the hills Saturday and Sunday - some of the best riding country in Australia, if not the world - then head home Monday. Optionally, 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.

 

Welcome to the following new members: Andrew Symes (RF900), Phill Richards (TRX850), Stewart Lens (Bandit), Darryl Chivers (R1100S) and most recently Mario Ibeas riding an R1. He has been on a couple of notorious rides (Licola, Mt Baw Baw). Even after three crashes in a day he wanted to fork over the dollars and sign up. Mark Easterbrook has brought some colour and movement to our rides: riding a red Ducati 750SS with lots of kilometers on it. A nurse by profession, he has also been a valuable asset on rides, which Dicky will attest to. And keen? He is bolting up the points table. He even contributes to the magazine occasionally; a real bonus. Ask him about his international riding in Africa. He has plenty of stories. The Club wishes all our new members safe and many happy riding experiences with the Club