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Wing Notes |
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Newsletter
of the |
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February
2006 |
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Understanding
Q-Ride |
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3 3 3 4 4 7 10 11 |
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www.auswingriders.com |
Australian Wing Riders Association (Qld) Inc Ashgrove
Qld 4060 |
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Wing Notes |
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OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF THE AUSTRALIAN WING RIDERS ASSOCIATION QLD INCORPORATED |
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EDITOR:.............Bevan Bradford Phone: 07 3822 3512 Mobile 0408 714 000 E-Mail:
mail @ auswingriders.com Wing Notes is produced with the
object of keeping members informed about matters of interest to AWRA members. A electronic copy of each issue is
available to every financial member of the AWRA. Copies are also distributed to selected
motorcycle dealers in the greater |
Submissions for inclusion in Wing Notes should be with the Editor no later than the Friday following the monthly meeting, i.e.: Friday after the 1st Monday of the month. DISCLAIMER: Although Wing Notes will
endeavour to reproduce submissions in their original form it reserves the
right to edit submissions as it sees fit.
Views expressed in contributed articles in Wing Notes are not
necessarily those of the AWRA or the Editor.
Wing Notes is produced with care, in good faith and from
sources believed to be accurate at the time of writing. |
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Management Committee: |
Meetings: |
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President E-mail: |
Meetings are held on the 1st Monday
of every month |
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Vice
President Rob (Bear) Harriss 0409 052 218 E-mail: RHMRS @ bigpond.com.au |
Next meeting: |
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Secretary Val Thomas (07) 3848 0498 E-mail: secretary @ auswingriders.com |
Pineapple
Hotel |
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Treasurer Eric Madjeric (07) 3886 9845 E-mail: magic @ auswingriders.com |
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Special
Notice |
Upcoming
activities: |
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Membership Renewals All
members are reminded that memberships are due at the end of this month. Renewal
forms are to be completed by ALL
members and forwarded with renewal fees to the Treasurer. |
19th February Casino Honda Museum 25th February Vic Ride over Reefton Spur Qld
Social night ride 6th March March General meeting |
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Easter
prank After the egg hunt on
Easter Sunday, the young farm boy decided to play a prank. He went to the
chicken coop and replaced every single egg with a brightly coloured one. A few minutes later the
rooster walked in, saw all the coloured eggs, then stormed outside and killed
the peacock. |
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The President Speaks…. |
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The Secretary’s Desk…. |
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G’day everyone I don’t know about you, but it’s funny how you look
at things and how you can see similar things in a different light. I ride to work every day and ride most weekends for
one reason or another. I have a policy
of always wearing boots, jacket and gloves just in case “it” happens. You never can tell, but I feel better using
maximum protection than I do taking chances with the minimum. I just cannot understand the riders of
bikes and scooters I pass each day who wear sleeveless shirts and shorts. I’ve been thinking about bike safety and home security
the last few days and I have realised they are similar. Sure, you can fit security screens and lock
up the house every time you go out, but is that enough or is it just the
minimum? Like just wearing a helmet? A couple of years ago, my neighbour’s house was
broken into and she subsequently fitted an alarm system. I thought about it as one of those things I
should/would do “one day”, but it did not figure high on my priorities. Why not?
Just like the scooter riders, I guess I had an “It won’t happen to
me:” mentality. Well, it has.
Did the screens and locked doors help?
No, that was a basic security blanket.
How many times have you heard that locks only keep honest people out? Things have changed, just like they did the first
time I fell off without gloves or a jacket and lost heaps of skin. One thing is for sure, next time the
bastards try it, they certainly won’t do it in the undisturbed peace and
quiet that they had this time. Be warned, break-ins, like all crime, are becoming
more prevalent. Unfortunately, it
probably will happen to you even if you do take all possible
precautions. But like me, if you
haven’t put the jacket, boots gloves and helmet on, you will wish you had. Happy
reading. Bevan |
Hi all, Well I’ve not been riding for the last couple of
weeks due to a problem with my left shoulder.
All courtesy of a very stiff gearbox in a Mack truck we were
brake-testing. The Pro Ride day was
quite agonizing for me (but I won’t use it as an excuse for failing) and I
haven’t ridden the sports bike since.
We have been for a couple of rides on the GoldWing though, with it’s
much more comfortable upright seating position and wide handlebars, there is
a lot less demand on the shoulders and arms. However I am improving all the time, thanks to some
very expensive physiotherapy work, and will be fine for the trip to This is also my excuse for next week’s Club Ride
being only a Sunday ride rather than a weekend run as promised. We will still be visiting the Casino Honda
Museum though and lunching at a hotel there, just we will be travelling over
well-known roads as I haven’t reccied the trip at all. However the See
you there. Clint |
Hello everyone, Two
Main Events coming up:-. First
– Committee Nominations – please consider who you would like on YOUR
committee. I can only reinforce
Clint’s comment – it is fun. We only
oversee what you the members want or need.
This is such a great club, but we do need some guidelines – eg.
Committee to organise our interesting past-time. Secondly
– Book into the North Star Resort for our A.G.M. 5th/ It
has been very quiet for me/us at this desk, and luckily I say, as my
brother/wife and family have been staying with us for the past 2 weeks before
they head back overseas. It was just
lovely to have them, but boy – can the teenagers eat. Nothing was safe, the
fridge, pantry, cake tins, biscuit tins, freezer – they even found my secret
stash in the saucepan drawer!! I had
truly forgotten how much boys can devour in a day. We girls are much more considerate. That
is it for me, looking forward to the ride on Sunday, See you there. Ride
safely – love ValerieandThommo |
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BREKKY RIDE DECEMBER 18, 2005 How long do you think things stay really clear in
your head? I am here to tell you that
not really as long as you think. Ride
reports should be written the same night, or notes taken I am sure. Not, quite a few weeks later. And
especially with so much other exciting stuff happening - Christmas, holidays,
back to work - ye know....more good stuff. It was great to see so many arrive at BP Blacksoil,
as we were there starting with the panics, maybe no one was coming. The day started off as they do these days, coolish
then hot! No in-between but we know
what is coming. Everyone all fuelled up and ready to go we headed
straight up the highway for breakfast at the Plainland Hotel. We were all our usual high spirited selves
during our lovely brekky and I am sure there is a big lull whenever our
little group vanishes; we had been there quite a while. 25 bodies in all including
some new local faces. Lionel and Mary joined us at the Hotel after we had
been there a little while. From the hotel we headed along Laidley/Plainland
Road, through Laidley out to Laidley West along Blenheim Road and turned
right again (us overshooting around the corner - motocross skills can be
useful, Wing fine a few deeps breaths and we were on our way again) through
Forrest Hill then out the Crowley Vale Road to meet the Highway again at The
Big Orange (fruit shop). |
Traversed the Warrego highway up nearly as far as
Withcott and turned left to head up the range via I made a quick apology to the ladies about landing
on their doorstep with our rent-a-crowd and no warning as we had not really
planned a stop here, but the day was going really well, and hot (as usual)
and a drink was definitely needed. The
service was very prompt all the same with our rent-a-crowd. I could not help myself and had to send them a
Christmas (thankyou) card for their hospitality. Here is where the day ended in high spirits again...
of course! We were pretty pleased with the day as our first as
ride leaders and hope everyone enjoyed their day as well Thankyou all for your company. Bear and Jayne |
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I am writing this while
still in a state of euphoria. “Wow, what’s she on?” you may well ask. Well it
was just so much fun leading a ride that so many people seem to have enjoyed;
that I’m feeling elated enough to write the report soon after getting home.
Lionel certainly enjoyed himself today. Thommo reminded me only
this morning that once we led a very hot ride to Bjelke-Petersen Dam one
summer and that was probably why we were determined to at least end up with a
cool breeze blowing on us for lunch. A short ride home after lunch was
another factor we considered. Then of course lots of twists and turns make a
ride interesting, so, with all this in mind, we planned today’s ride. We were pleased to see sixteen bikes there for the
ride and only sad when we realised Bear and Jayne weren’t actually continuing
for the ride. Bear is to have an op, but wasn’t it great that they wanted to
ride down from Rosewood to say “hello” to us all. |
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You know the feeling of
camaraderie is so strong when we all meet up for a ride that it has to be
what belonging to A.W.R.A. is all about. I just hope new members feel this
too. So at this stage “Welcome to Bob” who rode with us for the first time
today. Using my trusty purple
whistle, I deafened everyone and Lionel gave the run down for the ride. You
were all concerned that Lionel and I were having a disagreement about a short
stop at Landsborough, but when the iceblocks were handed out you understood
why. After Landsborough, it was a pleasant run through the green hills up to
Maleny and on to |
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A very short distance out
of Thanks everyone who came
and helped make it another great day for us lucky Gold Wing Owners. Mary
and Lionel. |
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Well, the whole idea was to show the AWRA members
exactly how serious Pro Honda is about their Q-Ride commitments. A few
members had voiced the opinion that the new Q-ride system of obtaining a
motorcycle license was practically a farce with people able to get a bike
license in one day, even if they were terrible riders. A disappointing number of AWRA members turned up at
Pro Honda on Saturday 21st January to be shown the real situation is quite
different. Only nine riders and several partners were there, |
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managing to stay inside the lines of the figure
eight, albeit with John yelling at us to “look at me, look at me”. Something I normally try to avoid. A little shower of rain came over and the spectators
ran for the shed, but we were having so much fun we kept going until John
called us over to some shelter until it passed over. Then back for more. We had such a good time that we ran short
of time to try out the CB600s sitting in the shed. Maybe another day. But John had another challenge in mind for
us. While
we were having fun on the 250s, Steve was |
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but we sure did have some fun. The day started off
with John Petersen, the owner of Pro Honda, introducing us to the course and
two of his staff who had come in from their rest days and even holidays to
assist. Many thanks to Steve and Karen
for your assistance and expertise. After
a look through the classroom, where a Q-ride session was underway, we were
taken out the back to Pro’s large training area, almost the size of a
football field. Here Karen
demonstrated on a CB250 what we would be expected to do if we were to undergo
the Q-Ride course. She rode it
expertly. The 2 slaloms, the slow
section, the |
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counter-steering obstacle and the dreaded
figure-eight. All done without a wheel
out of place. We were then invited to
do likewise. We started up the mighty 250cc
machines and proceeded to have heaps of fun trying to emulate Karen’s riding
ability. Most of us looked pretty
funny on these little bikes.
Especially when we are used to seeing each other on the much larger
GoldWings. All
in all we didn’t do too bad, most of us even |
backing
four CT110 postie bikes out of the container.
The cones were set up and the challenge issued. We were to try to complete the required
course for Posties. Again,
Karen showed us how to do it, never putting a foot, or wheel wrong. The course consisted of a slow section,
closely spaced slalom cones, three U-turn bays, then another even tighter
off-set slalom, then a figure eight so tight the little 110s could hardly be
walked around! |
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What is this obsession with figure-bloody-eights? Who ever does figure eights in the real
world? Of course it demonstrates fine
control over the motorcycle. Control which, I might add, hardly any of us Wing
Riders had over the little CT110s. In
fact the only rider to manage the course was Winston, who ground our noses
into the dirt by doing three consecutive figure eights, just to prove it
wasn’t a fluke. We then had a go at the
original Q-ride course with our own bikes and everyone was pleased to find
the |
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GoldWings were surprisingly easy to manoeuvre around
the course, with Phil doing heaps of figure-eights with aplomb. A couple of prizes were given out, with Winston
winning the ‘Best Rider’, being the only one to complete the postie bike
challenge. And worst going to Rob,
rider of blue GL1800, mainly because he spent most of his time on the CB250
going the wrong way. We expressed our thanks
to John, Karen and Steve for giving up their time for the afternoon and all went
back to |
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Then came the final riding challenge of the day –getting
up our driveway without banging the undercarriage or stalling on the
climb. Some managed quite well as they
have had practice. Some didn’t. A jolly good evening was had by all, even
if the old wood-fired barbie was a bit smokey. I think those who turned up,
learned that Q-Ride is |
not
as easy is it sounds. We can rest
assured that those who pass the course certainly enter the motorcycling world
with more skills than those who got their license the old way. And as for those who were too chicken to
go, we might just do it again sometime soon to give you one more chance Clint |
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AUSTRALIAN WING RIDERS ASSOCIATION (QLD)
INCORPORATED
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Date |
Destination |
Ride /
Social Event |
Ride
Leaders |
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19 February Ride |
Casino Honda Museum |
Meet BYO Morning Tea at Kyogle.
Visit Casino Honda Museum and lunch at a Casino Hotel |
ClintandCharleen |
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25 February Social |
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Night ride Meet at BP Stanmore at |
BillandMary |
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11and12 March Ride |
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Extra ride for those not attending the Ulysses AGM Contact RobandJane Harris for details |
BearandJane |
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19 March Ride |
TBA |
Meet BP Stapleton
at 8.30 for a |
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25 March Social |
RayandVal Thomas’s house |
Bar-B-Q at Ray
and Val Thomas’ home. BYO everything. Address on AWRA members website. Leave
early if you haven’t been there before, (has been known to fool some GPS
devices). |
RayandVal
Thomas |
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8and9 April Unofficial Ride |
Aratula Pub |
Charity pub ride thru record attempt.
Gala event with lots of entertainment. Free camping over night. Fund
raiser for arthritis foundation. |
Ken Tacon |
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16 April Ride |
Toowoomba |
Meet BP Blacksoil at |
Jason King |
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22 April Social |
TBA |
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5and6 May AGM |
North Star Resort |
AWRA AGM. North
Star Resort Brunswick heads. Come down Friday night – meet All types of
accommodation available from camping to 5 star, BUT YOU MUST BOOK YOURSELF! Quote AWRA for a 10% discount |
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20 May Ride |
St George |
St George Weekend |
Des and Joan |
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27 May Social |
TBA |
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GeoffandJulie
Sheather |
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22/23 September Social |
Biker’s Dream |
Weekend at
Biker’s Dream; Bunkhouse has been booked for the group. Members contact Bevan for bunkhouse |
Bevan and Therese |
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Ride
Coordinator - e-mail: bill_mary @ hotkey.net.au Bill’s a/h mobile 0428
248 160 RIDE DATES;
Unless otherwise arranged, rides will be on the 3rd Sunday of the month, and
Social rides, the following weekend, with other social events as announced
through the year. ** Ride Leaders:
Please check the details of your ride and let me know of any changes.
Ride leaders are also asked to organise 2 raffle prizes for their ride.
Suggested value approximately $10.00 each. Raffle tickets will be made
available from IMPORTANT: Even
if you have not finalised the details of your ride, just supply the start
timeandlocation, the general direction of the ride, and the meal
arrangements. *** Ride Leaders:
Please provide a short pre-ride briefing that outlines the basic safety
precautions that we in the AWRA like to observe when riding in groups, and a
little about the ride and the rest stop locations. |
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PERSONAL
RESPONSIBILITY ON RIDES: ·
Each motorcyclist is responsible for at least
the following; ·
The roadworthiness of your vehicle (including
trailer) ·
That you are in a fit condition to control the
vehicle, (including trailer) ·
Make sure you have a full tank of fuel before
departing on a ride. ·
That you obey all the traffic rules and ride
in a safe manner. ·
That you ride in a considerate manner that
does not endanger, or unnecessarily inconvenience other road users. ·
To be correctly attired for safe motorcycling. ·
To have fun and enjoy the day, and the
company. Thanks for all those that have offered to organise rides
and socials, that is what makes this club so great. If you are yet to conduct a ride or
organise a social, please start to plan something so that when your turn
arrives you will be ready. You don’t have to wait to be asked, just let me
know. |
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AUSTRALIAN WING RIDERS ASSOCIATION (QLD)
INCORPORATED
VICTORIAN RIDE and
SOCIAL CALENDAR |
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Date |
Departure Point |
Ride Details |
Ride
Leaders |
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19th February |
Shell Service station on the northern side of Lilydale |
Over the
little top ride, This year we will do the little over the top tour
the other way from Melbourne (SP) to Yarragon, Trafalgar to |
John G |
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10th March |
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Dinner
location (maybe drive in picture theatre)?? |
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19th March |
Mc |
Gippsland
Gallop. (Because this was such
a good ride last year thought we would do it again only in better weather)
Pakenham (SP) to Yarram (lunch at the Paul the Pie man
Commercial rd Yarram) then up Turra Bulga National Park break at the Turra Bulga National park
office and onto Traralgon(FP) and
then home. |
Brian |
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?? April |
Reg Jeffery Ferntree Gully |
Reg Jeffery
Ride TBC support Reg and the boys as they support us |
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7th April |
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Dinner
Location (Western side of Melb) |
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Notes: ·
Note: Rides depart ·
Social Dinners are also
held around ·
If interested in coming
for a ride then turn up on the day and ride as a guest of the AWRA if you
like what you see then join AWRA to enjoy future rides ·
Rides during the winter
months will depend on the weather |
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Ride Coordinator: e-mail: mywing @ optusnet.com.au |
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Each motorcyclist
to be responsible for the following: 1.
Your bike is to registered and roadworthy including
trailer 2.
You obey all traffic rules and ride in a safe manner 3.
You are in a fit condition to control the bike
according to state road laws 4.
You be correctly attired for safe motorcycling 5.
You ride in a considerate manner that does not
endanger other road users or other riders 6.
You have a full tank of fuel before departure on the
ride Remember to have fun and enjoy the ride
and the company |
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