Edition 2013 THE SUMMER 2014 EDITION

www.wmcc.org.au
Edition 2013
THE SUMMER 2014 EDITION
Jan 2014…Year of the IRON horse ☺
Prez Says Jan 2014
The President’s Ride was really great way to start the year. Bright is such a fantastic place with lots of
attractions, great food and some awesome roads. The heat was on again this year (low to mid 40s) so
leaving early on Friday was the go. We all enjoyed the weekend and can't wait till next year’s event. Hope to
see some more members participate.
Bikes by the Bay is another must do. If you've never been, what better way than to volunteer to be a helper.
Bruce Howlett is the BBTB Coordinator so let him know.
That's about all for this issue. Keep up the good work. I better go and service those rear brakes on the 748R.
(more on that…next issue – Ed)
Ride safe
Sandy Ellul
We’re back – roll the presses! (oh that’s so last century). We will be
offering the usual mix of sex, drugs, and rock n roll, and if we can fit it in,
something on motorcycling.
The WMCC Editorial Staff ☺
Page 2 of 18
FOR SALE
FOR SALE – HARLEY SPORTSTER 883 (1995)
36,700kms - $7800.00 excellent condition
Includes trickle charger, hydraulic stand and cover
Contact Leigh Heath 0418 392 494
Motolug
The Motolug trailer is lightweight, space-saving and a very robust
collapsible motorcycle trailer that can be easily stored, carried from
your shed, assembled and your bike loaded in a few minutes and
you’re off. When it’s not in use, the trailer can be packed away just
as quickly and stored in the boot of your car, in a cupboard, under a
bench or even hung on a wall.
Contact Paul Michetti
T: +61(0)3 9391 1183
E: [email protected]
M: +61(0)434 334221
W: www.motolug.com.au
Page 3 of 18
Ride Reports
President’s Ride Take 1
AFK
Ride crew ready for the 07:00 off
Our road trip to Bright in an air conditioned car..... after enduring a week of excessive heat, my brain & body were
telling me riding my bike would not the best idea that I would have for the year. Late Thursday a quick phone call to Jill
& a seat in their limo was assured. Much to Norm’s disappointment an earlier bike incident had put him out of action &
he had to surrender to 4 wheels & 3 women for this trip... locked in a car for over 3 hrs.
Pick up was 9am, then on to Yarraville to collect Margaret, then office works at the base of the mighty bridge
added Penny & Ross. 2 cars and not a bike in sight.
I know, at this point in time you are all feeling sorry for Norm, 1 car - Norm driving - 3 female passengers... all
with the ability to talk under water. What is not known to the general public is that Norm learnt the technique of
selective hearing long before this road trip & be assured he put it to good use and just maybe ... had the added benefit
of ear plugs, cleverly concealed from the naked eye.
Onto the freeway & up the Hume, such a boring road & not the way we would have gone on 2 wheels. Lucky
for us we are good talkers & we were never short of a conversation topic. We solved the problems of the world going
up that highway.
Our first stop was Jumbuck Jack Cafe @ Euroa, coffee & a delicious Lemon Tart.
Back onto the freeway we go, although it was 45 degrees in the shade Penny was hunting out a heated
vest... go figure... but being the supportive crew that we are are, we stopped at a bike shop in Myrtleford to check out
the merchandise.
Mansfield - parking near the infamous WMCC Bin
My body was reckoning the outside temperature was around 50 by this stage. Country town, you got it...out to lunch..
to fill in time a rest room was hunted out by all except me, I sat under a tree to wait. When they returned there were 2
missing, Jill & Margaret found some clothes shops. Finally the bike shop opened & heated tops we went a hunting.
Penny had no luck, the small swam on her, it could have fitted 2 of her in it, so no luck, the search continues. Out the
Page 4 of 18
front while we waited for the 2 shoppers to meander back, a familiar looking group of bikes passed, lead by the
President, those that had the strength to do so, waved as they passed through.
Our accommodation was the Bright Velo, a sought after venue for those with unpowered 2 wheels. Central,
clean, neat, air conditioners, very friendly & yes Andrew great coffee.
Dinner was at the Ginger Baker a short walk from the Velo, next to the river or creek whichever you wish to call it.
Have no idea what their coffee was like but the wine went down a treat. Surprise visitors for dinner, the Wadworths in
their camper.
Next morning after
breakfast, the bikers took off
to enjoy the roads that
surround this magnificent
town, and we went exploring.
What a wonderful place to
holiday, great little gift shops,
galleries, crafts, eateries & a
market, always good for a
browse. Bargain find of the
day..neck coolers...one each
Bright Velo "bike park" on Saturday morning
thanks.
There was no cool
change in Bright, the heat continued, those that were brave enough & had been vaccinated against every deadly
disease known to man, cooled off in the creek, the others simply rehydrated
themselves at the local ..water of course.
Dinner that night was at the Bright Brewery, it was so hot the wine was
warm before it got a chance to touch your lips. Because of this dilemma we came
up with a master plan to manufacture coolie wine glasses, we were rich beyond our
wildest dreams... that was until Richard googled them.. yeah someone had already
thought of it.. then came the scotch rocks.... Jill miss-pronounced scotch ... I’m not
even going there in the newsletter... but can I tell you the amusement it created
amongst us putting together slogans for our new product. We are such an inventive
bunch & so easily amused. But sadly no richer for our thoughts.
A group of ladies were having a hens night and took a liking to Philip, now
known as the Maltese Falcon, & forced him into having a photo taken with the bride
to be, who was attired in a life savers hat & red veil, the Maltese Falcon was quite
red faced after putting the young lady back onto the ground, was the cause of this
...embarrassment or the strain of weight lifting. Either way well done Philip, you
made a young girl & her mum very happy.
Sunday after breakfast we left Bright & headed to Yea for lunch, we meet
the Willy crew that had ridden up...all 3 of them.. from there it broke off into groups
to go home.. the quickest way or the windiest way.. or the car way, yep back along
the Hume for us.
Phil’s new friend ☺
Once again we had a great weekend away, great company, good rides,
heaps of laughs, all shared with good friends. All returned safe & sound, thats what we are all about. Thanks for the lift
Norm & Jill. Thanks to Sandy & Andrew for your organizational skills
Top of Tawonga
Gap
Page 5 of 18
Presidents Ride to Bright – one perspective
PK
Attendees via: Voiture (car)
Van (camionette) Moto (motorcycle)
Vélo (bicycle) Other
via Voiture
Penny & Ross, Norm Jill, Ann & Margaret, Bruce & Michelle, Ray with trailer
via Moto
Andrew, Sandy, Angela, Greg & Ross B, Mike & Marlene, Richard, Phil, Chris S, visitors – Ron & Bob
Although this is a motorcycle ride, a variety of
modes was used during this overheated trip to
the north of Victoria, mid January having taught
us last year that mid-summer is getting
consistently hotter.
The heatwave of four days over 40c and the
forecast of high 30s for the weekend in the north
was enough for this rider writer to forego the
usual pleasures of the alpine twisties on two
wheels as there was far too much flattish,
straightish way-too-hot stuff to negotiate in
anything but air-conditioned comfort (aka:
survival).
There were a few partners unable to attend
The Bright Brewery
(and probably not so fussed not to make it as
the heat threatened to make things uncomfortable) then there was our walking wounded stalwart winner of countless
dirt-bike toughness awards whose healing arm was instead put to the job of steering the 4-wheel vehicle with Jill, Ann
and Margaret on board. Then there was Ray G who trailered up to stay on and do some more riding later, while
Michelle and Bruce brought their campervan and 4WD and vélos to add to the variety. Sandy brought his van as a
back-up vehicle which Ross B offered to drive up and Angela drove back. Oh yeah, and then there were some
hardened warriors who actually did ride all the way up, round, and back!
In the usual fashion, and long heritage of the club, various individuals formed various small groups and set out from
various points for a variety of accommodation in Bright on Friday. Along the way, I understand that the variety of
routes taken varied somewhat from
the various original intentions but
we all eventually came together to
drink and eat and drink in Bright on
the Friday night before returning to
our various sleeping quarters in the
sweltering heat but with air
conditioning to look forward to. I
don’t know what it is with the food
venues that we patronised in Bright
but both of them seem to have
ignored the booking details that
Andrew made and did cause some
confusion and annoyance so I’ll
Ginger Baker: Margaret, Phil, Marlene, Mike, Ron, Greg, Bob
give them a miss next week for
sure.
Friday night, beside the park and creek busy with holidaymakers, we trickled into Ginger Bakers to try their tapas-style
menu sweltering al fresco under the trees and trying to avoid the late afternoon sun by finding tables further down the
slope in shade, but a long way away.
Saturday was performed in similar fashion to Friday in terms of it variety for all participants. Some keen riders took off
after breakfast for Tawonga Gap and various other destinations, others went shopping before a long refreshing soak in
the river to relieve the 38c heat. Others took their bicycles (vélos) for a ride along the rail trail, while others again hired
tandem vélos to try out - a bit too much of a pillion experience for me, despite the benefits of: a backup peddler if the
heat got me, hands-free option, and a helmet you can pour water through the top of to cool the head down!
Page 6 of 18
It’s worth noting that, since the world
found cycling, Bright has become
another town that now eats, sleeps
and breathes cycling and lycra
throughout summer – we’re due back
the following week to repeat the visit
without motos but with vélos. We
even drove up to The Horn above Mt
Buffalo to do a rekky for next week’s
ride and climbed the horn (fantastic
view) where you could feel the
temperature drop another degree with
each couple of steps higher.
Some of the group stayed at the
accommodation known as Bright Vélo
Greg practises the Monster ride position in prep for Sunday’s
so there were pictures and
ride home
paraphernalia covering every wall of
the place that involved cycling, ie, bikes minus the motor! The proprietor is a past world championships participant
and has ridden a number of big European events in the past hence the theme, he was very welcoming and, yes, the
coffee is good – they can make it just the way I like it too! The cafe meals were good and the atmosphere suits two
wheel riders – with or without engine - as it is veeeery relaxed, and has a great deck under gum trees and ferns for
breakfast as a meeting point which can take bigger numbers of people and gear like us.
Saturday night at the Brewery in the main street was a noisy hot affair and as described earlier, they stuffed up our
booking by splitting us up unnecessarily. Not to say it’s easy catering for large groups but when a second table should
have been provided, they split the group further by sticking them on a further two high tables with only stools.
Needless to say club members came to the party and between Phil’s antics (there are photos!) and Jill and Ann’s
entrepreneurial meanderings to name just two, we were highly entertained and enjoyed a fun time despite its
drawbacks, especially with a stroll to the ice-cream shop included.
Sunday morning was cooler, so after marshalling at Bright Vélo for breakfast under the trees everyone headed off on
bikes, in vans and in cars via varying routes once again to meet up for lunch at various venues in Yea where we met
up with the Sunday regular ride contingent led by Bruce H escorted by Wayne H and Goff who apparently incorporated
a little dirt-bike riding in their trip up to meet us.
The departure on the last leg
of the trip for home saw a
further uncoupling and
regrouping of participants in
various combinations taking
their various modes of
transport via various routes
back, with one outcome
being that my cheery face
and waving hand was seen
by a number of riders as we
merged after the Broadford
entry ramp and headed along
the Hume. Yes, that was me
guys and gals, hope I didn’t
scare you!
PK ☺
Ginger Baker: Richard, Ross, Peter, Chris, Bruce, Sandy, Ange
On two wheels: Andrew P. - BMW F800ST, Chris S. - Yamaha FJ1300, Richard W. - Honda CB600RR, Mike T. –
Yamaha Fazer & Marlene D. - Kawasaki Ninja 300, Phil C. – Yamaha FJ1200, Peter R - Honda VFR., Sandy – Ducati
748R & Ange - Ducati 600SS, Greg B. - brand new Ducati Monster and Bob and Ron on their Harleys.
On four wheels: Anne K., Norm & Jill T., Margaret C., Ross & Penny K., Ray G. towed his Ducati Monster and Ross
B. carried his Ducati Monster in Sandy’s van – he swapped roles with Ange for the return on Sunday.
Page 7 of 18
Yea Ride Report
Bruce H.
Sunday 19 January
After a quick pit stop at the Coles Express, Spotswood, where I ran into Ray and Suzie Lindner, I was the first to
arrive, latish, around 9:50. I was half hoping to have the ride to myself as I knew most of the usual ways we get from
Willietown to Yea would only take about an hour and a half, which would get us there way early. By the time I had my
helmet off, Goff Mameli turned up, followed very shortly by Wayne O’Halloran. Goff with a minor issue with an indicator
trying to detach itself from the bike. We had a quick discussion on options and decided that my idea of experimenting
with a new route (which I hadn’t travelled over
before) was worth trying. After all, we had
plenty of time to get to Yea.
Shortly after 10:00 we decided we had given
anyone else who wanted to do the ride a fair
chance and headed off via Goff’s place for a
quick indicator repair then it was on to the
Westgate to the Western Wrong Road. We
followed the WRR as far as the Tulla (I was
determined to avoid the Ho Hum Freeway at
all costs), then up Mickleham Road. Traffic
was light and we managed to avoid getting
separated at all the traffic lights, so progress
was good.
I had observed that in all the WMCC rides (or anyone else’s rides for that matter) that no-one uses the Old Sydney
Road to get further north than Kalkallo. So, with this in mind and no desire to spend any time in the plethora of 80
zones on the way through Whittlesea, we skipped the right turn at Donnybrook Road and ventured north along Old
Sydney Road.
All went well for a few kilometres, then I found out why no-one
uses this route – gravel road. Not bad gravel road, but 60 a
kph limit (not that there were likely to be any wallopers looking
for hoons) which was about the maximum speed a sports
oriented bike was comfortable. There ended up being about
15 kilometres or so of gravel road over two stretches, not too
bad and shouldn’t be a barrier to those with an appropriate
machine (I’m talking to all you BMW GS riders) when looking
for a more interesting route north.
At the end of the dirt we found Wallan, then headed on to
Kilmore where we stopped for morning tea. After a fortifying
snag roll for some and a bracing dose of caffeine for the
addict (me) we headed on through Broadford to Strath Creek
then Yea. The lovely twisty roads between Broadford and Yea
sort of made up for inflicting the 15 kilometres of dirt on Goff and Wayne. We arrived just after the main group of riders
from Bright.
After lunch, Wayne and I headed back through Strath Creek and Broadford, where we split from the group led by
Andrew, then Kilmore, Darraweit Guim and Bolinda before heading down the Lancefield Road. I don’t know about
Wayne, but I had a little bit of a start between Broadford and Kilmore when I realised the car coming in the other
direction while we were overtaking the dawdling dweeb in a ute was a police car. We mustn’t have been far over the
limit as the police car just kept heading in the opposite direction.
We parted company at the end of Lancefield Road, with Wayne heading back to the Tulla and Western Wrong Road
and me turning to ride through Sunbury, then down past Diggers Rest and home to Hoppers from there. For me, a bit
over 300 kilometres for the day and home early enough to keep SWMBO happy. Brilliant weather and a good day’s
riding.
Riders:
Goff Mameli – Suzuki GS500
Wayne O’Halloran- Kawasaki 1400
Bruce Howlett – Honda VTR1000F
Page 8 of 18
Norm’s final word on the President’s Ride 2014!!
Classics
Ian Lihou
Remember that if you are in the mood for a ride on any first Sunday of any month it may be worth calling past Cafe
Cirino.
Upcoming rides for the Classics are varied:
March 23rd
Bikes by The Bay
March 30th
The Vincent HRD Australian National Rally at Marysville Victoria.
Page 9 of 18
Miles for Smiles
Ray Lindner
I am off on an Adventure for a
this with you all.
I would have preferred to have
personally or to send a
time does not permit as I have
departure at the end of
great cause and I want to share
the time to either call you
personal email but unfortunately
a lot to do to get ready for
January.
OK: It’s time I got to the
point!
I am joining 3 guys on a
motorcycle ride through 8
countries over 50 plus days to both fundraise here in Australia and to promote awareness of the great work carried out
by “Interplast” (a Rotary initiative) an organisation of medical teams who carry out operations on operable deformities
throughout areas where people do not have the privilege of the medical support that we have here in Australia.
We plan to create a documentary which will allow the work of Interplast to be ”showcased”.
Please refer to www.milesforsmiles.org.au and the attached presentation document.
This event is being led by Peter Jones a member of the Rotary Club of Southbank in Victoria and this is within
district 9800 of Rotary International.
We leave Australia on 29th January and return to Melbourne via Perth 2 months later.
You will see from the web pages that we will visit Nepal, India, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Myanmar
(Burma).
The following is a brief overview of Interplast:
For nearly 30 years Interplast Australia & New Zealand has been sending volunteer teams of fully qualified, plastic and
reconstructive surgeons, anesthetists, nurses and allied therapists to developing countries in the Asia Pacific region to
provide surgical treatment and training to local medical partners. Their volunteers provide free treatment to people
living with a disability due to congenital conditions such as cleft lip and cleft palate, or acquired conditions such as
burns scar contractures. Treatment is
targeted to people who would otherwise
not be able to afford or access these
services, and the majority are children.
Interplast works closely with local
partners. Interplast has worked in 25
developing countries, sent over 600
volunteers, provided over 32,000
consultations, performed over 20,000
life-changing operations and trained
countless medical staff. The need is
great - help us to do more.
There are ways in which you can assist,
firstly to Interplast and secondly our ride.
The web
site www.milesforsmiles.org.au includes
a “Donate now” link.
If you could make a donation it will be
greatly appreciated and you may be
assured that as Interplast is a registered charity you will receive a tax deductable receipt.
As the “Donate Now” link provides us with a listing of donors I will be able to contact you to give my personal thanks.
Please help us to raise the funds needed to continue the work of Interplast.
Page 10 of 18
Our bikes have
been repainted
in colours that
will identify
them as having
strong ties to
Rotary &
Interplast.
These can be
viewed on the
web pages and
presentation
document.
Obviously
there is a
significant cost
to the 4 team
members who
have in part
been
supported by a
logistics fund.
Any donation
to our logistics
fund would not
be tax
deductable and would require bank account details to be sent to you which I would be certainly very happy to do.
Our bikes will be flown from Melbourne to Kathmandu and from Bangkok to Perth and this alone represent a
significant dollar amount
To assist our ride we would greatly appreciate support from other motorcyclists on our travels.
This could be in the form of accommodation or even joining a part of the ride when we return to Australia when we will
ride from Perth to Melbourne.
Let me know of anyone who may have interest in doing this.
Ray's Enfield.
Packed for the
ride!!
Page 11 of 18
Norm
Page 12 of 18
HELMET LAW CONFUSION
From our Ride Captain, Andrew
The following article is re-produced with thanks to Synapse. Synapse is an Australian non-profit organisation
dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with, or affected by an acquired brain injury.
While recommending particular brands of helmets is beyond the scope of this article, it hopefully provides pointers in
maximising your safety when it's time to buy a new skid lid. If you ride, be sure to share this article with your mates.
Choosing the best motorbike helmet can substantially reduce your chances of acquiring a brain injury in a crash.
Wearing motorbike helmets can reduce the chances of death by 42 per cent and the chances of a brain injury by a
huge 69 per cent.1 With figures like that, every motorbike rider should be aware of the helmet standards, new research
and proven innovations in helmet design.
Lack of research & old standards. There is surprisingly little research or consistent effort to improve helmet design.
The few rigorous research reports that exist can be up to two decades old. Why? Helmet manufacturers generally feel
all they need to do is meet the required helmet standards. The helmet standards are mostly set by government
departments, so there is little motivation to update and improve the standards they have set.
Smaller helmet manufacturers occasionally put forward new designs for improved safety. However, the question then
is whether the designs are tested by qualified independent researchers, how rigorous their methodology was, and
whether the results are published in a peer-reviewed journal - the gold standard for quality research.
If all of this sounds like glum news, it shouldn't be. A comprehensive European study in 1996 called COST 3274 found
that a wide sample of helmets complying with various safety standards all consistently did a good job. How good a
job? There is room for improvement. The study suggested a possible 20 per cent improvement if standards were
revised to include design features for improved helmet safety. Here are some key considerations next time you buy a
helmet.
Improving Helmet Safety
Dual density liners. The foam lining in your helmet is the main key to
protecting your head. Recently, some manufacturers started using a
second softer layer of foam for comfort and a better fit, especially for
heads a bit differently shaped to the norm.
A lucky potential spin-off is improved helmet safety. The COST 327
study10 found the existing single density of foam used in helmets
works well for major impacts but is not very effective for lesser impacts
that can still cause a brain injury. A 2001 Australian study5 showed that
using a second layer of a specific density allows effective absorption of
both minor and major impacts. This does not, however, necessarily
prove the effectiveness of all dual density liners. The report stressed
the second layer needs to be a specific density, and would need good
quality control to ensure consistency during production.
Rotational injuries. Brain injury research increasingly shows that many brain injuries occur due to the sudden rotation
of the brain (or angular acceleration), as well as the direct impact itself.6 This is relevant to motorbike riders as often
the head hits the road surface at an angle. A USA study has confirmed this kind of injury among football players.7 The
COST 327 study concluded that helmet design should insist on a minimum tendency to induce rotational motion by
minimising external projections from the helmet shell (e.g. air vents).8 Mills, et al speculate that increasing the ability of
helmets to absorb direct impacts should also reduce rotational effects.
Currently there are two developments that claim to protect against
rotational injuries. The first uses a gel coating on the helmet that moves
when hit at an angle to reduce rotational forces. The second approach
incorporates a kind of suspension inside the helmet shell to dissipate
rotational forces from an oblique impact on the helmet. In both cases,
the helmet manufacturers have contracted independent researchers to
run tests, but the full reports are not available for scrutiny, and also have
not been published in peer-reviewed journals.
Page 13 of 18
It is interesting to note that many riders are now attaching small video cameras to their helmets to film their ride. There
is no research yet to see how much this increases the chances of rotational injuries, but logic suggests it could have a
bearing in some impacts.
Flexible outer shell. Only a small number of motor bike accidents result in
penetration of the outer shell of the helmet. The COST 327 study found that
most helmets are too stiff and only absorb impacts efficiently at levels that are
not survivable. Currently the European helmet standard is the only one that
requires the helmet shell to be flexible (ECE22).
Full face helmets. Most head injuries are sustained at the front of the head,
with more than two thirds of skull fractures involving chin impact12. While open
face helmets are seen as stylish for scooter riders, and some riders find full face
helmets claustrophobic, a full face helmet does reduce the chances of head
injury. The chin guard reduces forces transmitted along the jaw that can cause
a lethal base-of-skull injury (where your brain stem connects with your spinal
cord), and also reduces rotational forces that can lead to a diffuse brain injury.9 It
is important that the chin guard not be too stiff, and it should also be padded to
reduce the chances of brain injury.12 Currently only Snell and the European
standards test the chin guard.
Helmet fit is everything. It is critical for a helmet to fit snugly. Accident statistics
reveal that in roughly 10 per cent of motorbike accidents the helmet does not stay on the rider's head.10 This can be
due to a helmet that is too large and/or not doing up the helmet strap sufficiently tight. A good check is to simply push
upward with force against your helmet from various directions and see how far it moves - the results can be disturbing!
Never buy a helmet you haven't personally tried on your head to ensure the correct fit, no matter how cheap online
shopping may be.
Buying a Helmet in Australia. Helmets from large international companies who make and market their own helmet
are generally very reliable, arising from an internal safety culture - no amount of certification can add quality to a
helmet if the manufacturer didn't build it in. Large production runs usually ensure the required density of the foam
remains at a consistent level to best protect your head.
Any new helmet used on the road must comply with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1698:2006, but Australia is a
very small market so many manufacturers don't bother getting compliance for their helmets here. Some riders may buy
a helmet from overseas (e.g. one that complies with the more comprehensive European standard) and risk the chance
of a fine should the police inspect the helmet. The largest risk is buying a helmet that has poor quality control in
production. Why? Manufacturers usually only do short production runs to service a unique standard, such as the tiny
market of Australia. There are definitely problems with reliability of helmet Certification in Australia.
Which helmets are legal in which states? Another problem with
helmet certification in Australia is the States have their own
requirements that often clash. A key problem is that many
organisations are involved, but there is no overall coordination by
one governing body to ensure consistency across Australia. The
Australian Consumer Law 2011, requires that any motorbike helmet
supplied to the market must meet the Commonwealth mandatory
standard (Consumer Protection Notice No.9) which is based on AS
1698-1988. However, Road Rules around the country now require
that when using roads, a rider must wear a helmet in compliance with AS/NZS 1698:2006, a completely revised
Standard with different test methods. Road Rules in some areas also include requirements for a "sticker" to aid Police
enforcement.
Northern Territory & Queensland simply require "compliance with AS/NZS 1698:2006" but with no additional
"sticker" requirement.
New South Wales Road Rules were changed without warning in February 2010 and now demand that an approved
helmet complies with at least one version of AS/NZS 1698 and also "has an identifying mark from a body accredited or
approved by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand certifying compliance with an above
Page 14 of 18
standard". As a result, the helmets of thousands of NSW riders were made retrospectively illegal on NSW roads on
February 2010.
ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia & Western Australia: A helmet that is legal for road use under the new
NSW Road Rules is illegal to use in these States according to their State laws! Police in the ACT are instructed to look
for a helmet that "has applied to it the certification trade mark of which the Standards Association of Australia". In
Victoria, the police are told to look for a helmet that is "marked with an official standards mark certifying compliance
with the relevant Standard". In Tasmania, the helmet must bear "the Australian Standards Mark", in South Australia
the helmet must bear "the certification mark of the Standards Association of Australia", and in Western Australia must
carry "a sticker issued by Standards Australia".
The problem? None of these exist! Standards Australia was broken up and sold to
private buyers in December 2003 and has not issued any stickers or markings since
then. Technically, it is impossible to buy any helmet you can legally use on the road in
these States. This only touches on some of the inconsistencies with ensuring a helmet
is legal. For a more comprehensive list, visit www.roadrider.com.au/specialfeatures/state-of-helmets and read "State of Helmets". Written in 2011, many Road
Rules have changed since which have further confused the situation. The ACCC has
recently commenced a Review of the mandatory Standard in addition to managing
recalls from the Australian marketplace of a number of helmets Certified by JAS-ANZ
accredited certifiers.
Which is the best helmet standard? This is a valid question. Regarded by many as
the gold standard, the Snell helmet standard was criticised after claims that Snellapproved helmets were far too stiff in the outer shell and could cause more brain
injuries as a result.11 Generally, helmet standards do a reasonable job of protecting the
head, both in rich and poor nations.13 But none of the standards are up-to-date with
current research, and few have incorporated recommendations that were made more
than a decade ago.
In the course of writing this article, we spoke to Guy Stanford, the Australian Motorcycle Council Helmets Committee
Chair. He believes the European motorcycle helmet Regulation is definitely a cut above the average, because it's
motorbike-specific, has higher impact attenuation, a valid chin-bar test and an oblique impact test. The problem in
Australia is finding a European-approved helmet that complies with the Australian standard too.
The first critical step is to achieve one consistent national standard across Australia for motorbike helmets. Synapse
has started an on line petition please sign the petition and pass it on to others. Hopefully we'll see a less expensive
and wider range of helmets with consistent standards in the near future.
What can you do? Sign the on line petition www.change.org/en-AU/organisations/synapse
Want to know more about Synapse? www.symapse.org.au
References and further information1. Liu, B. C.; Ivers, R.; Norton, R.; Boufous, S.; Blows, S.; Lo, S. K. (2008).
Helmets for preventing injury in motorcycle riders. In Liu, Bette C. "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews".
Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2. Susan Wells et al. (2004). "Motorcycle rider conspicuity and crash related injury: case-control study". BMJ.
Retrieved 2 September 2007. Abstract, Quick summary.
3. "Table 5.5: Predominating PTW colour". MAIDS (Motorcycle Accidents In Depth Study) Final Report 2.0. ACEM, the
European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers. April 2009. p. 47Australian standards
4. "COST 327 Motorcycle Safety Helmets", European Cooperation in Field of Scientific & Technical Research, 2001
5. www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/safety/publications/2001/pdf/helmet_liner.pdf
6. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7159060
7. www.smf.org/docs/articles/hic/King_IRCOBI_2003.pdf
8. "COST 327 Motorcycle Safety Helmets", European Cooperation in Scientific & Technical Research, 2001
9. P. Corner, C.W. Whitney, N. O'Rourke, D.E. Morgan (1987) Motorcycle & Bicycle Protective Helmets: requirements
resulting from a post-crash study & experimental research. Federal Office of Road Safety.
10. Ms Kim Thai. Effect of motorcycle helmet size and adjustment on helmet stability, E MBiomedE, University of New
South Wales.
11. http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Articles/MotorcyclistHelmets.html
12. Dr. T. J. Gibson K. (1998) Helmet protection against basilar skull fracture, Thai Human Impact Engineering.
13. T.A. Smith & J.W. Zellner (2008) Comparison of Motorcycle Helmet Standards in South East Asia. Dynamic
Research Inc.
Page 15 of 18
Club Meeting
Show and Tell
One of the interesting parts of our monthly meeting is Show and Tell which gives our members a chance to
drag something out of the shed and amaze the rest of us
Most of the time Show and Tell is about complete bikes but it could be about bits of bikes, something
specifically motorcycling or something non motorcycling but still of interest to our members.
If anyone has a bike they would like to bring to Show and tell
this year let Ian Lihou know and he will put you on the roster.
Upcoming Show and Tell at General Meetings:-
March
Ken – Kawasaki
Ian Lihou - WMCC Classic Bike Coordinator
0411985812
[email protected]
Contact details for WMCC
Committee
Email:- [email protected]
WMCC Executive Committee
President – Sandy Ellul - - (04) 1838-9791
Vice - Ian Lihou - (04) 1198-5812
Secretary – Anne Kennedy 0412 899 265
Treasurer - Ray Glenister - (04) 1833-5043
Ride Captain - Andrew Percy - 0409 409 737
WMCC Committee
Social Co-Ordinator –Judy Sultana 0422 005
579, John Sneddon 0412 736 229
Membership Officer - Jill Taugge –
(04) 1322-3410
(Database held by Club Secretary)
Classic Bike Co-Ordinator - Ian Lihou –
(04) 1198-5812
Classic Bike Scrutineers - Bill McNama –
(04) 4835-2741
David Kelly - (04) 0907-9089
Merchandise -Vick and Teresa Mierzwa
9391 9675, 0408373011
Web Master - Tony Tralongo - 0423 306 840
Librarian - Ross Kennett - (04) 1045-4726
Editor - Richard Whiting - (04) 3759-2794
Bikes By The Bay Co-Ordinator - Bruce Howlett
0414 873 836
Page 16 of 18
MERCHANDISE
ORDER FORM
Name
Contact No
Delivery
□
YES
□
□
□
Pick up
NO
(from me)
Address
Next Meeting
(Local Only)
Other
Arrangement
□ NO
□ NO
YES
YES
Fill in your details, delivery instructions, and the number of merchandise items required.
Return this form to Vick, at the meeting, by e-mail, fax, mail, even phone orders are welcome.
LINE
ITEM
SIZE
ITEM DESCRIPTION
S
M
L
XL
2XL
3XL
$
COST
EACH
1
T SHIRT - BLACK Short Sleeve
15
2
T SHIRT - WHITE Short Sleeve
15
3
T SHIRT – BLACK Long Sleeve
20
4
WINDCHEATERS – BLACK
30
5
POLO SHIRTS - BLACK – Embroidered WMCC
30
6
POLO SHIRTS - WHITE - Embroidered WMCC
30
7
BEANIES - Embroidered WMCC
15
8
CAPS - Embroidered WMCC
12
9
STUBBIE HOLDERS
5
10
WMCC Stickers – Old Style
1
11
WMCC Stickers – New Style
2
Comments / Special Requests:
$
SUBTOTAL
TOTAL
$
Paid
Delivered
Contact: Vick Mierzwa
Address: 36 Begonia Ave, Altona North, 3025
Mobile: 0408 373 011 Fax: 9329 6838 Email: [email protected]
Page 17 of 18
CALENDAR
CLUB MEETINGS
The first Tuesday of each month. 7:30pm at the ‘Customs House Hotel’, Nelson Place, Williamstown. The
“Show and Tell” is worth the trip!!
The next meeting is March 4th 2014!!
CLUB RIDES
The third Sunday of the month. Every month except January.
Club rides meet at ‘Café Cirino’, 133 Nelson Place at 09:30 for a 10am departure. Full tank of petrol please..
16 February – Ride to the Otways and west coast. Apollo Bay for lunch.
16 March – Avoca. We haven’t been there for some time.
20 April – Easter Sunday. No ride. Watch Facebook for a ride that may be run.
18 May –
15 June – Memorial Ride to Trentham.
CLASSIC RIDES
Classics Meeting are held on last Tuesday of the month.
Rides are nominally the first Sunday of each month, but watch this space and your text messages
The Classic calendar is by no means set in stone. If you have a favourite ride or venue let the
Classic Co-ordinator know and he will be pleased to incorporate it into a ride
Please note that the Classic Rides depart from Café Cirino, 133 Nelson Place Willy at 09:30 for a 10am
departure..
SOCIAL EVENTS
Feb 2014 22nd. Blues Train - Queenscliff. See page 2.
LOOKING WELL AHEAD
Our Bikes By the Bay fund raiser is set for Sunday 23rd March 2014…don’t say you weren’t warned!!
Easter Sunday 20 April: No club ride will be organized by the Ride Captain.
The annual Easter Tassie Tour. Talk to Ross Kennett.
OTHER EVENTS (non-WMCC)
21 to 23 February 2014 – World Superbike, QBE Round at Phillip Island.
http://worldsbk.com.au/world-sbk-home
30 March 2014 – Vincent HRD Owners Club (Vic.) Rally in Marysville. More info here:
http://yarrarangesulysses.forumotion.com/t513-vincent-hrd-owners-club-vic-section-rally-30-march-2014
25-26-27 April 2014 – All British Rally. Organised by the BSA Club. Keep an eye on their website.
http://www.bsa.asn.au/html/calendar/index.html#now
Next Issue
Expect lots of reports about your great rides over the summer and new motorcycles purchased (Greg B.).. ☺