INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP OF MOTORCYCLING ROTARIANS
May 2013 Edition
President’s Report
Autumn in Victoria is a magic time for motorcycle riding, usually with clear skies and temperatures in the 20°C range, but sometimes quite windy, and whilst I have not been able to get in any long rides I have had several short trips of around 300 km.
On Easter Saturday Jim and Franz and I headed north to do a circuit of the "Golden Triangle" taking into account towns like Maldon and Moliagul and back via Maryborough and Creswick. This really is gold country and only a couple of months ago a lucky prospector found a magnificent nugget weighing several kilograms. The area is noted for its many small towns of that era, particularly Maldon, but as the whole of Melbourne seemed to be there on that day we rode on to Dunolly (only two cars in the main street) and had excellent coffee of the local bakery.
Also early in April I rode to Drysdale on the Bellarine Peninsula to set myself up as a one-man Fellowship exhibit at our District 9780 Conference, and on the weekend after Anzac Day I journeyed back to Maldon to attend the All British Rally. The main street was packed full with an estimated 1800 British motorcycles; quite a sight to see.
I am now looking forward to the Swan Hill Meet-and-Greet on 18th, 19th May
The riding and fellowship was most enjoyable and a very pleasant contrast to the activity that has taken most of my time during the past several months which can be best described as interfering with the politics of our international Fellowship. Suffice to say that by writing to all the Chapter Presidents and our International President and pointing out a few issues that are causing concern, I have successfully established dialogue between all the Chapters and our International President which I believe will result in much closer relationships and better understanding of each other's concerns.
International President Adilson has responded to the need to establish and maintain regular communication with the Chapters and he has just produced a chart showing the details of all the Chapters. It is interesting to note that of the 18 established Chapters, two are inactive (South Africa and Central America) and there currently are a total of 2082 Rotacyclists, 150 in Australia, but 662 in South America, 400 in Austria-Germany-Switzerland, and over 200 and North America and Northern Europe. The UK has 126 Rotacyclists and the remainder vary between 19 and 42.
Finally, I have very exciting news regarding our AGM at Horsham on 25th-27th of October: we will have a very special guest speaker and a very special motorcycle at the Friday evening event. Look for further information in this newsletter and make sure you are in Horsham on the 25th.
Robin Nuttall A full electronic copy of this publication is available on IFMR President, 2012-13 Australia Website www.ifmraustralia.org
Current Board 2012—2013
President Secretary Robin Nuttall Claus Weber [email protected] [email protected] 0353413490 / 0427413490 0885227565 / 0419984714
Treasurer Newsletter Editor Franz Van Der Ploeg Beverley Weber [email protected] [email protected] 0353424902 / 0417123738 0885227565 / 0421879781
——————————————————————————————- State Vice Presidents
The role of these VP’s will be to seek opportunities within the Districts in their States to promote the Fellowship, encourage riding activities, and to increase membership.
Western Australia : TBA
Victoria/Tasmania: Lance Deverson Ph: 03 93780103 Mob: 0400476409 Email: [email protected] Queensland: Peter Brown Ph: 0428987287 Mob: 0428987287 Email: [email protected]
Sth Australia: Ian Chase Ph: 07 3241914 Mob: 0409700904
Email: [email protected]
New South Wales: Andrew Irvine Ph:02 69215645 Mob: 0437694010 Email: [email protected]
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
It gives me great pleasure to be able to again welcome Rotacyclists who have joined our Fellowship since the publication of our last Newsletter. Every 3 months brings an increase in Members but there are still many Rotarian motorcyclists who for some reason are not aware of IFMR so I urge you to talk to your colleagues and spread the good news !! So, a special welcome to:
Michael Dodd from Salisbury SA, Member of the Salisbury Rotary Club & rides a Harley Soft Tail Classic and David Jones from Norwood SA, Member of the RC of West Torrens & rides Yamaha FJR1300 / 1967 BSA 650
Welcome Michael & David. Enjoy the opportunities our Fellowship can provide. Ride often and stay upright!
2013 AGM UPDATE HORSHAM, Vic: 25th, 26th, 27th OCTOBER
Arrangements for the AGM are progressing very well, thanks particularly to the Horsham Rotary Club IFMR Members..
The Friday night program will be different to the past several AGM’s as we are privileged to have very special guest speaker and we will have a combined Rotary Clubs dinner to which we are inviting other motorcycling groups. See “VERY SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER FOR 2013 AGM” article on next following page of this News- letter.
We are anticipating a large gathering on Friday night so make sure you register for the dinner and are in Horsham on Fri 25th...... you won’t want to miss this event.
On Saturday there will be excellent riding in the Grampians area with stops for refreshment, followed by the AGM and a B B Q dinner at the home of IFMR Member, Neville Thomas, which is situated a short distance out of town. Here you will be able to view and investigate Neville’s extensive collection of motorbikes and other vehicles and enjoy the expert catering by the Horsham RC members. Those of you who attended the IFMR International Tour will know exactly what I am talking about !
As many of you will have long distances to travel on Sunday we have decided that a “long break- fast” will not be appropriate and that you should be left to your own resources, however we will also source a suitable breakfast venue for those with time to gather for a chat.
Horsham members will be available to act as pilots for the first part of your journey west, south, east, or north rather than riding boring highways.
More information will be distributed to you as it becomes clear but full details of times, venues (maps), costs, and registration will be include in the August Newsletter.
In the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.
Robin Nuttall President
VERY SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER FOR 2013 AGM
Many of you Rotacyclists will be familiar with that iconic British motorcycle, the Vincent-HRD. And many of you will also know that in the 1930s through to the late 1950s these magnificent V-twin machines were designed by the late Australian engineer Phil Irving OBE who was Chief Engineer for the company from 1931 until their demise in 1955. The Vincent Rapide was the fastest road going motorcycle of its era, developing 45 bhp and reaching a maximum speed of 110 mph.
Just as an aside, in the 1960s on his return to Australia Phil Irving was
Philip Edward Irvin OBE, consultant to the Repco company in the development of the engine of the Repco-Brabham Formula one racing car.
Around this time Phil Irving became friends with the Horner brothers who were successfully racing Vincent powered sidecar outfits, and who established a very successful firm, KE Equipment, manufacturing precision engineering equipment for mining and oil exploration, and for V8 Supercar teams. As part of their drive to demonstrate their engineering skills they chose motorsport and particularly racing motorcycles.
So in 1999 Ken Horner took the basic engine and motorcycle design of the Vincent Rapide, redrawing all the components, and applying modern technology and improvements which resulted in achieving a staggering 165 bhp. This was a three-year project which culminated in a superb machine having all the classic good looks but with modern race-winning performance.
In recognition of the origins of the modern version these beautiful bikes have been christened the Irving-Vincent.
The Horsham Rotary Club are hosting our AGM and on the evening of Friday 25th of October we will have a dinner meeting of combined Rotary and other clubs at which Ken Horner will tell us of the journey of developing and racing the Irving-Vincent at that Mt Everest of events, the Daytona Battle of the Twins Championship. Ken and his team took on the world's best and won!
Ken's presentation will be complemented by being able to get up close and personal with one of the actual race bikes.
So this is an event which should not be missed - start your planning now and be sure to be in Horsham on the evening of 25th of October.
I have seen these bikes in the "flesh" and their performance is nothing short of mind-boggling.
Robin N.
Irving Vincent Motorcycles - Ken Horner (Horner Race Development & Engineering)
KHE is proud to present the Irving Vincent, an Australian-built prestige motorcycle with stunning performance and classic racing lines. The new Irving Vincent is based on the 1946 Vincent Series-B Rapide, the fastest production bike of its era, and has been re-engineered from the ground up to create a truly superb machine.
Fresh from its remarkable victory in the 2008 Daytona Twins Championship, the Irving Vincent is now greatly respected by motorcycling enthusiasts.
In 1936, talented Australian designer Phil Irving went to England to work for the Vincent Motorcycle Company. He introduced many design innovations in his pursuit for racing excellence, including radical frame arrangements, new suspension systems and improvements to engine components.
Many of these developments later became standard on racing bikes. In 1999, KHE's Ken Horner and his brother Barry began work on an updated, improved and more powerful version of the Vincent classic. The basic engine and motorcycle design was taken from the original 1946 Phil Irving design. Then the engine and all components were fully redrawn by Ken Horner applying modern technology improvements which amounted to an increase of over 120 brake horse power from the original design. KH Equipment produced everything except the brakes, wheels and suspension.
It took three years of re-engineering, CAD drawing, pattern making, casting and machining to complete this superb machine. The Irving Vincent's classic good looks and race-winning performance have proved it was time very well spent.
The Irving Vincent models now shown are the result of their vision, supported by the most advanced modern racing technology and the unmatched precision and reliability of KHE's engineering, producing everything except the brakes, wheels and suspension.
The race-winning Irving Vincent brings a legend to life once more. Its classic looks will turn heads; its power and handling will take you on the ride of your life.
Irving Vincent Aussie Flag Irving Vincent Classic Racer Irving Vincent Daytona 1600 1600 No.1 Specifications: Specifications: Specifications: 1600cc 1600cc 1300cc V Twin Air Cooled Push Rod 2 Valve V Twin Air Cooled Push Rod 2 Valve Bore: 92mm per Cylinder per Cylinder Stroke: 97.7mm Bore: 100mm Bore: 100mm Compression Ratio: 14:1 Stroke: 100mm Stroke: 100mm Compression Ratio: 11:1 Compression Ratio: 11:1 BHP: 165 at 6500 RPM BHP: 165 at 6500 RPM Torque: 130 ft lb at 5800 RPM Torque: 130 ft lb at 5800 RPM
Swan Hill Meet and Greet
After months of emails, and organising, finally Saturday morning on the bike down to the Gawler petrol station and there was Ian Chase waiting for me. Topped up with fuel and we headed for the hills, instead of going through the city. The morning was refreshing and slightly overcast eventually we arrived at Murray Bridge, on to the South Eastern Freeway to Tailem Bend.
We met the Guest Speaker Mike Hampton at the Tailem Bend roadhouse. More petrol and off we went sitting on 120 cruising along, between Peake and Lameroo about 40 k’s there are nice bends all the way, mostly 85 k corners, and the speed crept up to 130. Soon we arrived at Pinnaroo, it was just 12 o’clock, midday a bit early for a lunch snack. Top up the fuel and head into Victoria towards Ouyen, we should have slowed down but it did not happen, we were very lucky, little traffic and no police.
Toasted cheese and tomato sandwich and a drink and we were on the road again to Swan Hill, the road damp in places but we never saw any rain, time was getting a little tight for me to get things organised for the evening so the speed stayed the same.
Mike and I stayed at the Country Club accommodation very nice, we arrive about 4.00pm so a quick shower and change of clothes and I was off to the Club reception to organise the bus driver for the pick-ups, only 1 mistake, Ian was left behind at the Ibis, some else had the list of people who had to get on the bus.
Slowly people started arriving and the room started to get noisy as everybody was having a chat, which was the whole idea of the evening. We had 38 Members, Partners & friends turn up from at least three different States and as far away as Adelaide, Philip Island & Wagga Wagga, they all had a good feed a few drinks and great fellowship.
President, Robin had his speech to the membership and I gave out a few trophies, only 1 female rider this year Kim Black and longest distance went to Carron Burke. Then Mike the guest speaker gave his presentation of his life with bikes and the current motorcycle industry, all very interesting.
After Mike presentation people started to leave but the Moto GP practice was on from France Le Mans so I sat there with Mike drinking beer watching the racing, it was very enjoyable. It was around 11.00pm before we left the club a short refreshing walk to our rooms.
Soon the alarm went off and into the shower, pack the bike, and put all the gear on, the mobile phone displayed 3 degrees and it felt like it, we rode to Spoons to meet everybody for breakfast. Mike ordered a Spanish Omelette and when it came out it was huge, we were all impressed that Mike ate it all. I must admit my belly was a little under the weather so to speak, I ate a bit but struggled with the coffee, I felt ok just the belly. A few photos and we headed off, top up with fuel and headed down the road just cruising along at 110 all the way to Ouyen, a quick stop to toilet and more petrol and off to Pinnaroo, It was still very cool and again little traffic but the semi-trailers coming the other way the wind buffeting was huge.
Pinnaroo was a lunch stop just a sandwich, Mike ordered a coffee that took forever to arrive but that was ok we had time. Mike and I did not fill up at Pinnaroo thinking at we would get to Tailem Bend, but as we arrived at Lameroo I realised that it would be very close call for me if I would make it to Tailem Bend, I decided to chicken out and get fuel at Lameroo. A nice ride through the bends to Peake, and then on to Tailem Bend. We stopped at the roadhouse and said our goodbyes.
It was a good weekend, 1100k’s, it was good to see everybody.
Tasmania Trip with Claus & Beverley
• 7 people • 6 motorcycles • 4000 k’s • 14 days
The 7 of us met each other waiting at Melbourne to get on the Ferry for the Bass Strait crossing to Devonport. A cool morning greeted us was we rode through Devonport, our first stop was Latrobe for coffee and break- fast, a ride along the back roads was lovely in the brisk sun shine, pretty countryside, cows in green fields but there was a lot of dead animals on the road.
Through Launceston and towards Scottsdale, and a quick stop at the Siding lookout. The corners became very tight through the forest areas and we suddenly where in St. Helens our 1st overnight stop. Great fish and chips with a few beers that night for tea. St. Marys pass tight and twisty, Elephant pass tight, twisty, rough, no lines, very difficult. Bicheno, coffee break and motorcycle museum, along the coast towards Hobart open plains good roads and little traffic, detour to Richmond to check out a very old bridge.
Hobart, Cadbury chocolate factory tour followed by a ride to the top of Mt. Wellington, quite cool at the top, great views, Cascade brewery tour after lunch, that evening some of us went to a Rotary meeting at the Claremont club. The next day we headed towards Queenstown on the Wild West Coast and it rained a lot and even more, wet clothes. We for a ride on the Mountain steam train and then rode to Strahan, a river cruise the next day in Macquarie Harbour and up the Gordon River, an enjoyable day.
Through Zeehan and a quick stop at Waratah, lovely waterfall opposite the pub, then we rode on to Stanley. The girls went looking at the shops and the boys took the chairlift up the Stanley Nut, a short walk, 2.5k’s around the top of the Nut. Then we rode along the coast road to Devonport and down to Launceston. Lovely cool Guinness at the pub. Bob Sydes met us the next day and took us the back way to Beaconsfield where we did the mine tour, from there to Beauty Point and a look at Seahorse World and the Platypus House. We rode over the Batman Bridge on the way back to Launceston.
Wednesday morning pack the bikes for the last time in Tasmania and ride to Devonport the back way, main roads are too boring. A short and sweet ride.
Rotacyclists promoting IFMR at Rotary Conferences, District Assembly’s & Ulysses AGM throughout Australia..
Rotacyclists (PDG’s) Bill Seelis & Rob Wooley promoting IFMR at District Assembly, Canberra
IFMR Secretary Claus Weber promoting IFMR to Rotarian Elizabeth Briggs (Gawler RC), Rotary District 9500 Conference Bendigo..
State vice President QLD, Peter Brown flew the IFMR Banner at the ULYSSES AGM Rally IFMR President Robin Nuttall Promoting IFMR at Maryborough QLD.. at District 9780 Conference
For more information regarding the tickets etc please contact I FMR member Gabe Oldenburger at [email protected]
President Robin Nuttall is looking for a new three wheeler, one of the possibilities?
WANTED INTERESTING ARTICLES for Newsletter & Website Do you have anything that you feel could be of interest to other members which can be included in this Newsletter or Website ??? If so, please email to [email protected]