July 2005 Who’s News 

 

The MSTCV Home Page took 333 hits during July and has taken 24,792 since April 1996.  The login id and password have changed to the Members area. If you are not financial, then you will not have access. If you require the password, email or ring Ben. Over the past month, more photos from recent rides and lots from 2004 rides have been put up on the page, some quite amusing. Check last week’s ride. I am still bedding in the format of the photos – simple php or Jalbum. Don’t forget to look in both places, though Jalbum will probably be the application of choice for the near future. You should be able to view about 270 photos.

 

WANTED: Members who are willing to ride hard, have fun and sleep in a strange place. Volunteers need to be able to ride most of Saturday (10th Sept) and most of Sunday. You will be riding through some of Victoria's sensational high country, staying in very affordable accommodation, having a few laughs, just because you can. If have the right attitude please ring Paul Southwell (0438 775 267) and confirm that you are willing.

 

The weekend ride to Dargo via Licola is planned for 10th and 11th September and bookings are essential. The plan is to book two log cabins behind the local pub. The cost is $60.00 per head which includes a two course dinner at the pub, a bed (with linen) and a cooked brekkie. Each cabin has two bedrooms and sleeps four. The cut off date is Thursday 11th, August.   If there are any late comers than there is the local motel at $78.00 per room/double.

 

Seen at Mark’s Place at the Social Sip:  Ian Payne, Ben and Julie Warden, Peter Feistl, Paul Southwell, Ron Johnston, Bronwyn Manifold, Stoimen Stojanov, Jacinta Thomas, Kate Stewart, Bill Wee, Peter Philferan, Nigel Hellyer, Jason Peters and Heidi Johnston, Breht Emmerson and Libby O’Neil and Danny Hasnat. 18 people.

 

Next month there will be a General Meeting at the Club Hall, no Social Sip. Club activities take place in the Theatrette on Inglesby Road, Camberwell, Melway’s Reference 59J2. Typically a formal meeting takes place followed by supper and socialising. We are looking for a guest speaker, otherwise photos from recent rides will be blown up onto a big screen for the patrons amusement.

 

For Sale: new set of Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, 180/55 rear, 120/70/17 front. Suit all sports bikes 600cc and greater. $370 the pair. Ring Dave Ward on mobile number 0413 624 598 but not before 11 am as he works night shift.

 

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.  After three months of the new year the committee is going well: Ben Warden (26), Lyn Duncan (20), Ian Payne (20), Paul Southwell (13), Joel Haley (11.5), Ron Johnston (11), Martin Hastie (10) and Breht Emmerson (10). Ian put in a blinder of a month with 10.5 points with lots of rear riding, courtesy of his chronic neck and shoulder problems.

 

Email from James Melford, received 16th July: Hi Ben, remember me? I had a VFR800, now sold, due to a move to Boston, USA. I’ve been reading all the adventures on the web site.  Not much riding around here.  Roads are terrible and drivers are not motorbike aware.  Riders all get around on a mixture of cruisers and large sports bikes and all wear tee shirts and open face helmets that look like a sun hat. Even the coppers ride on the "CHIPS" look a like Harleys. I’ve been trying to hire a bike for a few days of out of town exploration but the only bikes on offer are Harleys and I don’t think that includes Buells. Anyway, I found a crash test comparison of a few DOT and Snell approved helmets that tends to say in the type of accidents we have, a Snell helmet can do more harm than a lower standard such as DOT. Here is the link: http://motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/hatz/

 

Front Cover:  taken on Eildon Ride, Sunday 31st July, Shyline Road overlooking Fraser National Park. Back row left to right: Simon Trubiano, Ian Payne, Breht Emmerson, Mark Hooper, Anders Plenge, Paul Southwell, Joel Haley, Martin Hastie, and Lyn Duncan. Front row left to right: Peter Feistl, Ern Reeders, Jason Peters, Renzo Cunico and Alistair Thompson.

 

Email from Peter Feistl after Sunday’s Eildon ride: “I’m impressed at the speed which our MSTCV site is updated! The electrical tape even got a mention. Amazingly, the tape witnessed by the group at Healesville, lasted all the way to Vermont – probably 70 kilometres at cruising speeds of 60 – 70km/h. (Minimum acceleration and front brake only).” Peter is referring to the electrical tape he applied to the 12 inches of canvas showing on his rear tyre, possibly as far back as Taggerty. …Ed.

 

The tape was Nitto Electrical tape and applied as 5 to 7 layers of about 30cm in length, covering the canvas. The tyre rubber was fairly sticky, so adhesion was good.  The initial attempt was tested at 2 km intervals and looked ok for speeds of 60 km/h, but being on the open road, 100 km/h was more desirable. At this speed the tape lasted around 7 kms. Heat is not desirable! Just as well the day was cooler.

 

The tape applied at Marysville before descending the Spur got quite warm through cornering even though the surface temperature was cold.  Joel and Ian caught up with me about 10 km before Healesville and saw me applying the tape for the final time. So I suppose I achieved 80 km on the last tape application, driven mainly on straight roads in traffic at about 60 - 70 km/h.  I was very surprised and relieved at the result myself!

 

To ward off the threat of a fee rise next year, please encourage people to advertise their business in the magazine. Our cheap rates are:

  • $100 / half A4 / 6 months  black and white
  • $200 / half A4 / 12 months  black and white
  • $200 / full A4 / 6 months black and white
  • $400 / full A4 / 12 months black and white.

 

Art work is supplied by the advertiser. Coloured pages can be appended to the magazine at $30 per month; at least 80 pages must be supplied.

MotoGP in Malaysia on September 25th, 2005. Those interested should make a commitment now and discuss with Jacinta Thomas who can be reached on 0411-359-998 or email  [email protected]

Towong, Saturday 29th October to Tuesday 1st November. The Committee has booked the spectacular "Snowy Mountain Holidays" house and two cottages accommodation package, right on the Murray River at Towong, 11 km out of Corryong. 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 would be 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, so book your leave now. See past years' magazine articles on the web page for daily ride routes.

Cost is around $35 person, per night. Note: accommodation payment is by cash only. A $70 deposit is required to secure a berth, payable to the Club. Note: a number of people have indicated that they plan to attend but have not made paid the deposit. Their position is in jeopardy.  See discussion on web page under Holiday Planner. Ten people have indicated they wish to attend. If we get many more people interested I will investigate additional accommodation.  Otherwise make your own arrangements.