Dear Reader,

Please join me in welcoming our newest members Bob Eccles, Dave MacKenzie and Darren Burggraaff to the Club.  In Bob's case, he visited us for the January Club meeting, joined us for the GS Breakfast Ride-2-Bredbo and sold his BMW R65LS on the ride making great use of the Club and his membership.

Current members will have received an invitation to renew your membership in early February and expires at the end of the month and Club financial year.  For those that have paid in a timely manner, Treasurer Bob and I send our thanks as it makes his life easier in preparing the Club financial statement and AGM.  For those that haven't paid, expect a reminder shortly and if unpaid your membership will lapse in March 2017.  If your life and riding circumstances have changed and you choose not to renew, can you please email Membership Sec Martin (membership@bmwmccact.org.au) so we can remove you from the automated follow up and future emails.

Life Members and those who joined after December 1 2016 have an automatic renewal to 1 March 2018.

Membership Sec Martin (K75C), Hoss (R1200GSwc), me (R1200ST) and two of Martin's mid-week riding friends (Triumph X800xc and R1100S)  travelled to the AMCN Island Classic at Phillip Island ~Australia Day.  Some other Club members also went but not seen over our 3 days at the Island.  Whilst Phillip Island was full on the last week of Victorian school holidays, the track & event has a relaxed feel with open entry to the pits and ability to ride your bike around the ~6km track perimeter.  Crowds have been steadily building in my 3 years of going and with 3 days of bright sunshine and a race every ~15 minutes what more reason do you need to go.   What's more I had a great ride there and back via the Snowy Mountains; Cabramurra self serve PULP was $1.36 litre!

On the GS/TS front, 10 riders fronted up for our Ride-2-Breakfast in Bredbo with 7 choosing the GS option including Greg Barber on his R1150RTP.  I was pleasantly surprised to see little wild life other than an escaped mini Staffordshire make a good pace running down Billilingra Road;  others however had a good run of kangaroos crossing the road, a large (presumably) brown snake, a goat and other creatures make their ride more exciting.  Even the Bobeyan Road - that favourite of the 4WD Fisher brigade was lightly travelled.  Greg had the misfortune of puncturing a rear tyre that despite the application of 5 plugs still refused to seal, made it to Bredbo before returning home on a NRMA tilt tray. Look for some pictures on the website.

As a financial member you have access to Club subsidised first aid and rider training.  Under its current format this is a member driven activity; but following some recent comment and questions on a 'group' training opportunity I have created two separate events to gauge member interest.  These are non-binding and indicative only dates:

• First Aid Training.  This will be an accredited one day course that will include motorcycle specific injuries and delivered both in the classroom and at road side (or track) scenarios.  That's right you get to ride your bike to a (safe) venue to enhance the training experience.  The cost per member will be ~$60 (TBC) and the Club may benefit form a NSW Government grant for NSW resident members or members who live in the ACT but principle place of work is NSW.  You can read more and register your expression of interest here.
  

• TS or GS Rider Training.  Typically TS or advanced road craft rider training is delivered over 1 day and GS or off-road skills training delivered over 2 days (weekend).  Each course can cost ~$200 or more without the Club subsidy and subject to location will include a self-funded travel component.  You can read more and register your interest here.

If either or all of these training opportunities are of interest, then please use the non-binding registration as group training by its very nature requires a longer lead time and organisation.  You can of cause choose to arrange your own training with the 'how to' details here.

At the end of last year Wild Apricot our membership software platform provider recommended customers change their website security settings from http:// to https:// to meet some increasing security protocols by search and service providers; this change resulted in some members and public seeing a security certificate warning due to two addresses going to the same website http://www.bmwmccact.org.au and https://www.bmwmccact.wildapricot.org.  Your site is still secure and the resolution is work in progress.

I'll close out by thanking you in advance for renewing and continuing your membership with the Club, encourage each of you to actively participate in Club activities and look forward to seeing you at an event or on a ride.  Remember the most up to date information, including changes to events the night before, can be found on What's On and event registrants can be emailed updates directly.

Enjoy the ride,

Garry Smee
President
President@bmwmccact.org.au

Ken Keeling has provided his story on 58 years of motorcycling throughout Australia and PNG.   He also has two bikes looking for a new home.  enjoy the read, Ken Keeling - The First and the Last.pdf.

Dear Friend of the Club,

I trust you had a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas and welcome you to the Club's 2017 year and look forward to seeing you on a ride or at an event.  More so to our newest member Iain Noble for those who missed December's email.

I went to the New Year's gathering at Wee Jasper with 30+ other riding enthusiasts - not a rally, so you can car it - for a relaxing couple of days swimming and sitting under the 'Tree of Knowledge' along with getting in some other rides around Canberra.  What about you?  If you have a ride story or pictures, then why not release the hidden journalist within and post your story to the Blog or picture sections of the website.  If you are on Facebook then look up the Club and share your story there.

The Club's first 'offical' event was the January monthly meeting that after a slow start saw 12 members and a couple of visitors enjoy breakfast and talk on first aid kits at Scrivener Dam under clear and warm skies.  With various other commitments, there were no takers for a group ride after the meeting with everyone heading off.  Thanks to those who shared their personal first aid experiences and remember the Club subsidises first aid and rider training for financial members.

The Committee met last week and 1st for 2017, and whilst it is some way off, looked at the 2017-18 AGM.  I have been on the Committee in various roles for ~8 years and others have served shorter or combination of various committee roles.  With 2+ of 5 members looking to move on, it is important for the Club and Members that we see some renewal.  So if you're willing to give up some time to take on a rewarding role by standing for election then contact one of the current Committee on the various roles and functions.  More on the AGM next month and as a heads-up, your invitation to renew your membership will be emailed for payment by end of February 2017 and Club financial year.  Please bear with the Committee as we process payments as you may get a courtesy reminder email between your paying, Treasurer stamping and Membership Secretary approving your electronic renewal.  Some of us still have to fit the day job into our riding schedule and Club commitments. 

Another topic was monthly vs. quarterly meetings with additional rides filling the spare weekends.  From last years member survey we have also mixed some Saturday rides and events into the calendar.  As always check What's On as your source of the most up to date information and please use the registration option if listed; this greatly assists the event organiser to plan the actual event and pre-warn the venue of expected numbers.  Some members have arrived at a meeting point only to be disappointed to find a ride was cancelled as 'no one' had registered or expressed an interest in going.

Not seeing a ride or event you like?  Then let me or Committee know with as much notice as possible.  Whilst the calendar is updated in real-time, this requires a Committee Member (administrator) to see and act on your email.

Some other members and I will be at the Phillip Island Classic Races this Australia Day long weekend (okay, actually after) and if you have never been to one well worth a look.  I particularly like that there is a race every 15 minutes; that's right, riders are coming off the track into the pits as the next race is starting.  I'll then be at the BMWTCNSW Karuah River Rally past Dungog NSW and Club ride to Blue Waterholes at the end of February.  My R100RS will then be out for its 3 months of annual redgo, so look for the 'air-head invitational' plus friends on What's On. 

Lastly, member Robert (Bob) Berry had a coming together with a car (SMIDSY) and taken up temporary residence in The Canberra Hospital Ward 5B; I am sure Bob would like to see a friendly face if you are in the area. 

Enjoy the ride,

Garry Smee
President
President@bmwmccact.org.au

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For those who own or have had 'issues' with their G650, BMW have issued a recall inviting owners to contact their local Motorrad dealer.  More info is here http://www.productsafety.gov.au/recall/bmw-group-australia-bmw-r13-g-650-gs-g-650-gs-sertao.

Dear Reader,

As the Club year draws to a close, I hope you found time to ride or enjoy your Clubs activities and continue to do so in 2017.  You will receive by email an invitation to renew your membership in February and your membership lapses 1 March 2017.

I would like to welcome our newest members Ray Berketa, Kevin Denman and David Whyte to the Club and look forward to meeting you on a ride or event; please make them welcome.

The Club Awards & Christmas function again drew a good representation of members, partners and friends of the Club for a catered lunch at Rodney's Pialligo and opportunity to wear something other than bike jackets & helmets.

For those that couldn't make the awards lunch, I'll re-congratulate our 2017 Club Person of the Year David Morgan as the member having attended the most Club events through 2017 and Upside Down Award recipient Bob Ellison (a previous recipient) for a most impressive dismount in Cooper Creek far north SA having attended the Off Centre Rally at Mungerannie SA.  Bob enjoyed the hospitality of the RFDS, the rally's charity, and I am pleased to say is much recovered although his bike remains somewhat worse for the experience.  Bob was not the only recipient of RFDS support or rode the only bike that returned in a manner other than it and its rider left home to the rally.

Historically Club events planned for December and January garner little member interest, but that is not to say formal or informal rides do not occur.  Check What's On for planned rides and if you are thinking of an ad-hoc ride or event and would like to invite other members, please send an email to rides@bmwmccact.org.au with the planned date, departure time and location, destination and basic details and your contact telephone number or email.  Whilst events can be posted on the same day, this will only occur if an administrator sees your email and your best chance of attendees will come with longer notice.

Your Committee will increasingly using the registration feature of Wild Apricot to plan, vary and update rides and events through 2017.  For events not requiring pre-payment, registration is non-binding and allows more accurate planning to occur and registrant emails to be sent with late changes and minimises SPAM for those not interested in that ride or event.  I encourage and ask each of you to use this feature, noting you can select the non-public disclosure at time of registration.  Your name and contact email is visible to event administrators.

Finally I thank the Committee and your support through 2016 and wish each of you and your family the very best for the festive season and look forward to seeing you all on the road or at an event in 2017. 

Enjoy the ride,

Garry Smee
President
President@bmwmccact.org.au

BMWMCCACT Incorporated
BMWMCCACT@bmwmccact.org.au 

Dear BMW Enthusiast,

The weather is warming up so we all have less of an excuse not to be out riding and enjoying your Clubs activities.

I would like to welcome our newest members Bill and Roslyn Looyen to our Club and look forward to meeting them on a ride or at an event.  Please make them welcome.

Despite the Alpine Way being closed due to landslip forcing a late change in location to Jounama Creek the Clubs 2016 Kosciuszko Rally was a success with over 70 attendees from as far afield as mid-north NSW, Adelaide and Melbourne.  Saturday night's dinner Kransky's and Sunday morning's egg & bacon rolls with espresso coffee again proved popular.

With BMW Group Australia supporting the raffle major prizes of ProWinter and ProSummer gloves plus other goodies, the Club has been able to donate $1000 to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.  Well done and thanks to each of you who came along for a fun weekend in the Snowy Mountains.

25 of 108 or 25% of members completed the Club survey during September.  Whilst not a large statistically valid poll, I have chosen to take the optimistic view that the majority of members are happy with the direction the Club is going and the rides and events are meeting your expectations.  I'll briefly mention some highlights:   

• BMW R-series remain the preferred majority model bike.  I apologise for omitting our Urban Mobility aficionados; an error corrected for 2017.

• There is a slight preference for riding sealed secondary roads, but nothing that would seem to stop us riding other road types.

• A significant proportion of the Club identified as 51-65 years of age.  And nobody responded as <40 years, so spread the word or buy an aspiring motorcycle rider a BMW and Club membership for Christmas.   

• There was a good response to our open questions inviting feedback and suggestions.  The Committee response along with the survey summary can be read here.

Rides & Events.  Please remember to use the non-binding registration for 'free' events as this helps organisers work out how many to cater for in start times and location or seating at stops and eateries.  And for those attending the monthly Club meetings in the Park, please bring the correct change in Australian currency ($5ea for egg & bacon roll + coffee or juice, and $2ea extra drinks).  Treasurer Bob wont take last months payment in Euro's and I don't do enough international travel to put it in the airport donation box.

The BMWMCCVIC are hosting the 2016 BMW Motorrad National Rally in Bright over 11-13 November.  You can still contact the organisers for a ticket to Saturday night's dinner and supporters package but will have to arrange your own accommodation; check the website.  While I'll be tenting, Martin Robertson has a spare bed in his centrally located luxury bungalow and can be emailed membership@bmwmccact.org.au. 

Arrangements for the Club Awards & Christmas lunch are being finalised for Saturday 10 December 2016.  So mark the date in your calendar and look for the email invitation and details including how to book and pay. 

Enjoy your ride,

Garry Smee
President
President@bmwmccact.org.au

Dear Reader,

Welcome to a wet and hopefully drying Spring and onset of great riding weather.  Our recent influx of new members has flattened out and what better welcome to the Club for John Howell than winning the German Autoday organising committee's 'Best Bike in Show' last weekend.  Despite the regular rain showers and occasional heavier fall, those that made the trip were well rewarded with in our case a mix of bikes and a smaller than usual but nonetheless exotic array of new, current and old cars.  Shannons Insurance had Jim Richards and his Porsche GT4 on hand, whilst Rolfe's lent a new R nineT Scrambler and C650GT Urban Mobility (scooter) to our line up.

You will have received an invitation to complete the BMWMCCACT 2016 Member Survey and your chance to nominate the rides and events you would like to see in the calendar.  The club exists for members benefit so I encourage all of us to complete the voluntary short survey before the end of September and look for the results next month. 

Your Club's 35th Kosciuszko Rally is over the weekend 8-9 October at Geehi a comfortable day ride from Canberra or fantastic overnight camping spot.  Don't like camping?  Well accommodation is available in nearby Khancoban or Thredbo.  With over $500rrp of raffle prizes on offer and for sale Kransky Salad Rolls as Saturday nights dinner and egg 'n' bacon rolls and espresso coffee on offer Sunday morning what more enticement do you need.  Money raised from the rally goes to the Royal Flying Doctor Service; $500 in 2016.

The Committee needs some members to step up and assist over the weekend, so please email me if your available or we run the risk of volunteer committee burnout and losing this rally.

Upcoming bigger events include BMW Safari (October) the National Motorrad Rally (November) and Club Awards & Christmas lunch (December).  These all require pre-registration and most likely closed for Safari and Motorrad Rally whilst other events have optional registration; a feature that makes an event organisers life so much easer.  Check these and other events out on the What's On page of the website. 

Enjoy the ride,

Garry Smee
President
President@bmwmccact.org.au

{Organization_Name}
{Organization_Contact_Email} 

Dear Reader

I take this opportunity to welcome our newest members Monny Adato, Brad Cain, Jonathon Gray, Damian Hennessy, John Howell and Rob Jackson to the Club and look forward to meeting each of those I haven't already on a ride or at an event.  I also thank those members who attended the Club's celebration of BMW 100 year anniversary of manufacturing last Sunday with a group photo on Rond Terrace overlooking Lake Burley Griffin and Parliament House, followed by a ride to the Bushranger Hotel at Collector for lunch and smaller group returning via the Cullerin Range (home of my nemesis bees) and Gunning for coffee.  Our contribution will be included to BMW Ag social media platform and history.

Mid-August saw Martin Robertson, Bob Ellison, Dave Morgan and me ride the ~2500km to Mungerannie SA and Off Centre Rally.  Notwithstanding the earlier rain in northern South Australia, a combination of sun and wind ensured the Birdsville Track was in great order attested to by the many 4WDs and Vans seen on the road piloted by 'frost dodgers' or more commonly known grey nomads.  The 200 odd riders at the rally raised $2500+ for the RFDS on Saturday night and ensured Mungerannie Hotel publican Phil went to bed a happy man.  2018 OCR will be in Forrest Western Australia, ~120km north of Eucla and only a 'short' ride over the sand from the preceding weekends Border Run.

September means Spring and with the countryside green, clear skies and warming weather you shouldn't need much encouragement to get on your bike.  The What's On calendar is a member driven activity so if your not seeing a ride or event of interest to you or other members, let me know and the Committee will find a spot in the calendar or at least share the information.  Of particular interest to our Club and members next month is the German Autoday on Sunday 18 September on the west lawns of Old Parliament house.  In recent years we have not attracted too many members or their bikes which is a pity as owners of the only (current) German motorcycle manufacturer.  Your Club will pay the $10 registration fee for each financial members bike, so make sure you get a 'display permit' or run the wrath of NCA Parking Inspectors patrolling the lawns and surrounding streets (watch were you park).  Walk in entry is free to members and public alike.

Club events on What's On include a registration tick box.  Unless there is a specific cost associated with that event, these are non-binding but nonetheless critical to the event organiser to email last minute changes, know who is/may be coming and to notify the venue for staffing, seating and so on.  Nobody wants to be disappointed in finding a ride is cancelled or start point moved or get to a venue and find there is no seating or a long wait.  All problems easily resolved by simply ticking the registration 'box'.  What's more by registering you score points in the Club Person of the Year award.

In past months members suggested a Saturday or Sunday social coffee meet.  Despite my encouragement and having a number of venues put forward and advertised, nobody suggested others or advertised events attract many members so this concept has been parked for now.  Look for the 2016 member survey in your inbox and have your say on future Club events and planning for 2017.

Finally, as a member you can access and post to the Club Blog stories and/or pictures to the website for other members viewing.  The Club Facebook page numbers are steadily growing and provides a more user friendly platform to share your story; so why not check them out.  

Enjoy the ride,

Garry Smee
President
President@bmwmccact.org.au

Dear Reader

I take this opportunity to welcome our newest member Jenny Carlin to the Club and look forward to meeting her on a ride or at an event.  The Club is there for its members, so let me or the Committee know if you're not seeing or want a particular ride or event.

Have you been riding?  I have managed the Alpine (unusually warm; usual off camber mud slope out), Casper (good snow on Friday, otherwise cold) and Winter (now that's a bonfire) rallies over the last month+ along with some other club members and day rides in between.  Returning from the Casper Rally I stopped by the last Club Meeting at the National Portrait Gallery to see a good turnout of members on what was another cold day - well it is winter.  July's meeting is next door at the National Library Bookplate Cafe from 1300, so why not come along.

Next month sees Martin Robertson, Bob Ellison, Dave Morgan and me head off for the biennial Off Centre Rally at Mungerannie SA.  VP Dave Prest will be the Committee in our absence.  Our return coincides with the BMW Clubs Worldwide 100 year Celebration (Club Event), part of the global celebration of BMW's first 100 years with a group photo on Rond Terrace and backdropped by Parliament House to provide a unique Canberra perspective.  Martin has arranged a professional photographer to capture the moment, so please come along and join us for the photo and ride to a pub lunch after.  This will be a group photo rather then a bike & rider photo to fit us all in :)

Whilst the What's On page lists upcoming events, have you looked at the BMW Clubs Australia National Motorrad Rally 2016 (Club Event) yet? Another biennial event and alternating with the BMW Car Clubs Nationals, the Victorian's have planned an extravaganza in Bright Victoria over the weekend 11-13 November.  Check out the website as you will need to pre-register for the main event - Saturday night dinner and entertainment and other event and accomodation options.  Cannot make this one, then what about Queensland in 2018 and the BMWMCQLD 60th anniversary; details to come.

You will see the website has a changed layout, this will be more noticeable to mobile users vs. desktops, but the features remain the same including the Member Blog and Photo pages.  Fro the more adept, Facebook users might like to join the Club's Facebook group.

Many Club events include an option to pre-register, unless there is a payment required these are non-binding and intended to help the organiser to (1) confirm interest, (2) plan the event, including advance notice to venues and (3) provide updates to registrants.  Please use this feature and avoid a surprise in finding the event cancelled or no allowance made for you at the venue; an outcome nobody wants.

Enjoy the ride,

Garry Smee
President
President@bmwmccact.org.au

BMW Group Ag celebrates 100 years of production in 2016.  To mark this kilometrestone BMW has a major event planned for 9-11 September 2016 in Munich Germany.  To assist your travel plans check out:

• BMW Group event website https://www.bmw-festival.de/en, and
• BMW Group newsletter https://mail.bmw-dialog.de/go/wwxd5j80/hcb2c7j9/347.