WING NOTES

Newsletter of the

June 2003

Australian Wing Riders Association (Qld) Inc.

P O Box 652, Ipswich

Queensland  4305

Wing Notes

June      2003

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE AUSTRALIAN WING RIDERS ASSOCIATION (QLD) INC.

EDITOR:.............Clint Lovell

Phone:  07 3398 3437

Mobile 04 1819 2040

E-Mail:     clint@lovell.com.au

WING NOTES is produced with the object of keeping members informed about matters of interest to AWRA

members.  A copy of each issue is sent to every financial member of the AWRA.  Copies are also distributed to selected motorcycle dealers in the greater Brisbane area.

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.

What’s Inside

Clicking on any of the Logowings will return you to this menu

The Editor Writes…..

Hi All

Good to see a couple of new prospective members at the meeting last week.  It seems a few late bloomer riders are beginning to arrive.  I’m one.  20 years between when I sold my commuter CB360T and started out on the ‘Wing.  It wasn’t as bad as I thought, but it still takes a lot of practice.  I get out whenever I get the chance (probably more than most) and just ride.  Charleen is doing the same, riding the 600 to work every day.  I’m finding that now we are riding as a team much better.  Probably a combination of old skills returning and the passenger being more aware, but the corners are happening a lot easier.  I even tried Turbo’s figure-8-in-second-with-one-hand trick and only took up a small carpark.  I’m convinced that the best way to learn to ride is to Ride.  Lots.   Let’s get out there.

Contributions for this magazine can be emailed to info@auswingriders.com or posted to 47 Breslin St, Carina, Qld 4152.  Photos and slides can be scanned and returned.

Clint

             The Secretary Notes…..

             Not a lot to report this month, the attendance at the AGM was pleasing, as was the evening festivities.   Regrettably I could not stay overnight and headed back to the big smoke later in the night.  

It is rather unfortunate that I haven’t been able to attend the last few club meetings due to personal family commitments.   I have also come to the agonising  decision  of selling my beloved ‘Wing” due to a new business interest which requires capital investment.  This also means I will be standing down as Secretary of the AWRA.  So if anyone is interested in taking over, please advise Bevan or me.    I will give all the necessary assistance required to the new Secretary to keep things rolling.

    Brent

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The President Speaks……                                 

It has not been the best of weeks.  First I get an apology from Donna that Andy and she cannot attend the meeting due to Andy’s hospitalisation. Not a good thing but she assures me he should only be in for a few days for tests.

Monday night’s meeting goes well but there are some unhappy feelings floating about when ride briefings are discussed.  This sort of discussion doesn’t make for joy all round but some are concerned it requires discussion, and action in the future.  All this is forgotten when Donna phones and tells us that Andy will be having heart surgery the next morning.

Two phone calls on Tuesday night.  The first lets us know that Therese’s uncle has passed away, the second, to Donna, finds that Andy’s situation is not as expected.  Makes one stop and think, doesn’t it?  What are the real priorities in our lives, how should we approach what each of us and others try to do?  It reminds me of the half a glass of water question.  Is the glass half full or half empty?  The response can be an indication of how you look at life.  Do you look for the best in situations or the worst?

Therese’s uncle was a man who always had a smile on his face.  He had worked hard on his farm since the age of 14, 65 years, and through everything life threw at him he was still a happy and generous man.  The following was his favourite poem and was read as part of his eulogy.  I thought I’d share it with you.

THE WAY YOU LOOK AT THINGS

It's just the way you look at things that makes them good or bad,

It's just the way you look at men that makes them sane or mad;

Life's just the way you think it is, it sings if you will sing,

The thing itself is nothing much, the view is everything.

It's just the way you look at things, and why not with a grin?

It's mostly just your own darned fault if times seem sometimes thin;

For never comes there trouble that can live with cheerful hearts,

but once you start to think you're stiff, it's there the stiffness starts.

It's just the way you look at things. That chap that you despise

Because of something that he does that's wicked in your eyes,

May think the same as you, you know, for what you do not do,

And p'raps to other people he's a better man than you.

Don't judge too quickly; try to see the other fellow's side;

Too many, as it is, there are among the great one‑eyed.

It's just the way you look at things that makes them wrong or right,

It's just the way you live your life that makes it dull or bright.

Keep a positive attitude and the shiny side up,

Bevan

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RIDE REPORT
 

“Eddie’s Run”. ASSASSINATED. (Turbo’s run #2)

We did it again folks, we assassinated another one!

10 people, 1 trike, 1 white Goldwing, & 4 red ones. (yes!!!)

We all met at BP Blacksoil and set out for a very smelly, farty ride to Spring Bluff Railway Station. Wendy was leading, (‘cause Turbo didn’t know how to get there), and blew a fuel hose connection around Gatton & everyone got a good whiff. 

While the others were having a look around, Turbo tried valiantly to fix my steed. With some help from Chris and a piece of fuel hose, no fuel filter, & 1 hour later, we set off for Goombungee. OOPS! Not going to happen Jan!. Blew the fuel hose again, going up the Bluff.

Swapped bikes & headed for Chris’s (Darkwing’s) place in Toowoomba, to drop off my bike. Everyone decided to follow us instead of continuing on the run, & I thank everyone for sticking with us. It’s nice to know your friends are there & willing to give support in times of (assassination?) need.   

We were supposed to go from the Bluff to Goombungee, Acland, Jondaryan, then on to Aubigny for lunch. Instead we just went straight to Aubigny, for one of the nicest pub meals I have had in a while. The pub does not usually cook on Sundays, but because they knew we were coming, they were quite willing to open the kitchens for us.

As per usual with a Turbo’s “Assassinated” Ride, we all had a discussion on the best way home- (no 2K of dirt this time). It was supposed to be via Ma-Ma creek, but some one needed to get home before their visitors, so we decided to fuel up at Allora, & come home down the (cold hole & whose idea was it anyway?) Cunninghams Gap road.

Gecko & Kay, Chris (trike), & Clint & Charleen peeled off and left us at the Yamanto exit, while Larry & Annette came back to our place for coffee.

All in all we had a marvelous day, with great company, good food, & fantastic weather.

A really enjoyable assassination.         

PS. If anyone knows of anybody (Eddie?) who needs a really good, interesting ride idea for when their turn for coordinating a ride comes around, tell 'em Turbo's got one that hasn’t been done yet. (again!)

Thanks for the company, till next time,     Turbo & Wendy.

Ahh - the wide open spaces

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TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

1. What is the real name of rhythm and blues musician Fats Domino.?.
2. Jack the Ripper murdered London prostitutes in the 18^th Century. True or false?
3. Name the capital of Norway.
4. Who wrote “The Water Babies”.?
5. In which bet must a punter pick the first six place getters of a race in the correct order?
6. The mythological ‘Hall of Immortality’ for the souls of slain battle heroes is known as what?
7. Informally, what was a Confederate soldier during the American Civil War called?
8. Which narcotic alkaloid is used as a local anesthetic?
9. What is a cliff with a vertical overhanging face?
10. Who was the youngest US president ever to be elected?

Answers

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PROFILE
Who is this man?

So where should I start, Born Winston Lionel Whitfield Axel Jones (laugh and I’ll kill you) on the 4^th June 1966 in Withington Hospital Manchester, England. Youngest of 4 Children and the only boy, hence the issues. Spent my childhood pushing the limits of every crazy sport that came along, skateboarding, Ice Hockey, BMX Freestyle, at which I turned professional and ended up touring most of Europe, the US and Abu Dhabi. Through freestyle got an introduction into the stunt world, spent a few yrs doing summer tours of the U.K. before at the age of twenty, packing up and moving to Tenerife, the Canary Islands, Spain

It was there where I bought my first motorbike, a Yamaha RD250, after a time on that bought a 1979 GL1000 KZ, which I spent all of my hard earned money doing up and customizing. Whilst working as a on call police diver for the Guardia Civil and a maintenance and security manager for a hotel, I had a brain fart and bought myself a ZZR 1100! After scaring myself silly and surviving my time on that I went back to the trusty GL1000. In the twelve yrs I lived in Spain I managed to juggle several jobs, Safety officer for a tourist submarine, diving instructor, a sport that I’m still heavily involved in and a military career that I’d have to kill you if I told you about! Lol.

In 96 came to Australia on holiday for 6 wks, had such a great time, made the decision to move out here and 8 months later, out I came. I’m now a self employed computer technician and auction agent specializing in looking after small business and sourcing used high end IT and Office equipment for both business and individuals. Since my GL1000 was getting a bit long in the tooth and to be honest, decided to spoil myself (No wife, no kids, you can do that,) Four months ago I bought myself a red (what else) 1500SE which I covertly named “Sniper” which is bringing an immense amount of fun and satisfaction.

Once I’d made the jump to the big guns, John Spick insisted I come to a club meeting and the rest is history. Through the club I have met some interesting people and enjoyed there company immensely. I’m a great fan of Sushi, Thai, and Indian food, still love to push the limits sports wise, you can find me down at Kangaroo Point with the other crazy’s rock climbing whenever I get the chance, Still dive and fly the odd paraglider when the wind is blowing in the right direction. There’s a few sayings that I tend to live by, “Improvise, adapt and overcome,” meaning anything that stands in your way, there is usually a way around it, never give up, give in or lay down. The other, “If you’re not living on the edge, your taking up too much room.” Well that’s pretty much self explanatory.

Well what of my political views. Well I think anyone who wants to become a politician should never allowed to become one, (Quoted from Billy Connolly, never a truer word said than those in jest.)

 I think .what we call democracy if far from being that, and you don’t want to get me started on smoking!

Well too much information can get you in trouble so I’ll stop there and finish by saying Do ask what your country can do for you but how and where can I put another piece of chrome!)

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RIDE REPORT

May Night Run

Well it was a quick decision on Charleen’s part.  There was a TBA in the magazine for the May Social and we didn’t particularly want to ride that far.

Fish and chips is nice and we had previously enjoyed Sam’s on Suttons’ version a few times.  So we slotted the run into the magazine to see who reads it and would turn up.

Seems a lot read it because we had 10 ‘wings, 1 trike and Anne’s Honda VT (Spicky was hungry and wouldn’t wait for Anne to finish work).

We arrived early to ‘reserve’ a table but were beaten by Chris and Sheryl.  We waited for a little while until a few more showed up and went over to the shop to order our meals.  More people kept arriving and we soon had three tables full of people, seafood, chips and drinks, all noshing away.

Once we were all done it was decision time as to where to go for coffee.  We had decided it was just a little cool for ice-creams.

We mounted up and following Eric, headed down the foreshore, over the Hornibrook Bridge, watching out for pelican poop.  The pelicans tend to roost on the overhead street lighting – maybe for the warmth – and riding underneath is fraught with danger.  Luckily the pelicans were all asleep.

We found a coffee shop on the waterfront at Sandgate and did the usual table re-arranging.  Luckily there was just enough tables for all of us as well as the other few people already there, so we didn’t have to chase them off.  Coffee and cakes were ordered and we sat back, relaxed and chatted while the poor staff coped with the rush.  They got most of the orders right.

Time to go home and we stayed together until the Gateway where we split into three and went our separate ways.  All except Turbo, who lost an important part off his bike (a Buddha statue) then found his way out under direction from Eric on the radio.

Thanks all for a very pleasant night.

A Gentle Reminder

Now, I know we are all law-abiding people, and would never get caught speeding, but,  just in case, this is some interesting information for you to digest.

Info courtesy Turbo and Wendy

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Shame File

Most people have their seats bolted on.  It saves from unscrupulous people stealing it at service stations

Answers to this month’s Quiz :

 Back to Questions

New location - 65 Jalomy St.  Boondall   Qld  4034

Please ring for an appointment

As this is a private residence - NO cold calls at premises please.

Australian Wing Riders Association (Qld) Incorporated

Ride / Social Calendar

SOCIAL COORDINATOR – Wendy Beddows - Ph. 3812 4166

e-mail nnikki@optusnet.com.au  Turbo’s mobile: 04 2130 4144

Ride Dates:  Unless otherwise arranged, rides will be on the 3rd Sunday of the Month, and Social Rides the following Saturday

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

It is the personal responsibility of each motorcyclist to be responsible for at least the following:

Ø       The roadworthiness of their vehicle, (including trailer)

Ø       They have a full tank of fuel before departing on a ride

Ø       That they are in a fit condition to control the vehicle, (including trailer)

Ø       That they obey the traffic rules and ride in a safe manner

Ø       That they ride in a considerate manner that does not endanger, or unnecessarily inconvenience other road users

Ø       To be correctly attired for safe motorcycling

Ø       To have fun and enjoy the day and the company

WOO’S WOES:

Thank you to all who contributed to the Ride Calendar at the last meeting.  The Calendar looks good.

BUT   to all who have ‘not yet’ had the chance [he-he-he] be afwaid, be ve-e-e-wwy afwaid.

We’s a huntin’ future ride leaders, and destinations, so put the thinkin’ caps on

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MAN  vs.  WOMAN

A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he wants

A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item she doesn’t want.

A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.

A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.

A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

Married men live longer than single men – but married men are a lot more willing to die.

Any married man should forget his mistakes – there is no use two people remembering the same thing.

Men think they wake up as good looking as when they went to bed.

Women think they somehow deteriorate during the night.

A woman marries a man expecting he will change but he doesn’t.

A man marries a woman expecting that she won’t change and she does.

A woman has the last word in any argument.

Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

There are 2 times when a man doesn’t understand a woman – before the wedding and after the wedding.

To be happy with a man you must understand him a lot and love him a little.

To understand a woman you must love her a lot and not try to understand her at all.

Anonymous (he wasn’t game)

Andy and Donna as we want to see them soon.  Get well Andy

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 June Meeting Minutes (Members only)