Tag Archives: What’s on/clubs

Are motorcycles a work of art?

We riders reckon motorcycles are a work of art and this Gold Coast artist agrees with her “Cruising Chrome” exhibition.

Artist Sonia Farrell, whose exhibition is on display at Creative Hearts Art Gallery in Australia Fair, says she is inspired by motorcycles.

“The way light bounces off burnished chrome and beautiful paintwork is very inspirational for me,” the artist says.

While Sonia doesn’t ride, her husband used to ride and has many motor industry connections in her family.

“I appreciate the beautiful lines of motorbikes, especially the chrome,” she says.

“The idea of adventures, breakfast runs, long roads and the friendships formed are very appealing and are thoughts that have been going through my mind as I painted the artworks.

“I enjoy creating art that helps people celebrate what they love and appreciate in life.”

The Cruising Chrome exhibition was to end this week, but has now been extended to 3pm on Wednesday 23 October 2019, so get in quick!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Calling all riders for Aussie Ride Sunday

All riders on all types of bike are invited to take part in the third annual Ride Sunday on 10 November 2019 to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s mental health.

The event has been held in winter the past couple of years and had been scheduled for June, but it now moves to November which is apt since funds are collected on behalf of charity partner, the Movember Foundation.

The inaugural 2017 event, initiated by Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) founder Mark Hawwa attracted 1883 riders in 62 countries and raised more than $US65,000 for 55 charities.

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride founder Mark Hawwa ride sunday
Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and Ride Sunday founder Mark Hawwa

Last year, the event attracted 1300 riders to 239 events globally and raised almost $200,000 in funds for 59 charities.

Ride Sunday Pty Ltd kept 22% of donations as income in the first year, reducing to 0% over five years.

This year it focusses all fundraising efforts on the November Foundation and seems to be limited just to Australia.

Ride Sunday trebles charity funds
2018 Ride Sunday in London

DGR praise and criticism

DGR has been immensely popular, raising more than $US25m for Movember since it started in 2012 and this year attracted 115,000 classic and vintage styled motorcyclists in 678 cities.

However, it is not without its critics who claim it is elitist because it restricts the types of bikes for the event, although many organisers still allow them to ride.

So the organisers started Ride Sunday which allows riders on all types of bikes to attend.

Riders can either join one of the flagship rides, host their own ride, or joining an existing group ride via www.ridesunday.com.

Participants can use the Ride Sunday peer-to-peer fundraising platform to connect to local dealerships and riders, to create, share, and view ride maps, and join fellow riders.

Ride Sunday incentives

There are also significant prizes such as a Yamaha R1 for the best fundraising participants.Ride Sunday

Mark claims Ride Sunday helps to “positively change the global perceptions of motorcyclists by uniting motorcyclists around the world to collectively take to the streets for motorcycle awareness”.

He says the event “taps into the Australian passion for riding and is aimed to motivate those who own a bike to ride for a change”.

“Motorcycling is in our DNA. There is nothing else like it. No matter what riding niche you fall into, Ride Sunday is a day for you,” he says.

“Our vision is for every street in every major city to be packed with motorcycles. For one day, I want riders to be impossible to miss. For everyone in Australia to see our numbers, to notice us, and to see that there is more than just a rider beneath the helmet.”

To register to ride and make a donation, please visit the Ride Sunday website.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Holy Harley auctioned for charity

A Harley-Davidson signed by Pope Francis is the holy highlight of the Bonham’s Autumn Stafford sale in the UK on 19-20 October 2019.

The 2016 Custom Cycle “White Unique” is estimated to fetch up to $A180,000 when it is offered for sale on 20 October, 2019, with all proceeds to be donated to charity.

White Unique was created at the suggestion of Dr Thomas Draxler, founder of the Jesus Bikers group in Austria, as a fundraising vehicle, to be donated to the Pontifical Mission Societies (Missio), the official support for Catholic overseas missions.

Pope with holy Harley custom for auction
White Unique

Bavarian-based Harley Davidson dealer, Würzburg Village, supplied the Softail and collaborated with the Jesus Bikers on its customisation.

As the name suggests, the machine is finished in pearlescent white, with Chicano (Mexican American) style detailing, numerous gold-plated components, a Dorne wreath ornament, a sunken cross and Pope Francis’ signature on the tank.

The Harley Davidson was unveiled to the public in Würzburg on 29 June 2019 before being accompanied by the Jesus Bikers to the Vatican, via Assisi, where the ‘Pope Bike’ was handed over to the Vatican at a ceremony with His Holiness in St Peter’s Square on 7 July.

Holy bikes

Pope Harley
Holy Softail

The holy Harley is the latest in a short succession of holy motorcycles and cars donated to the Papacy and sold on for charity.

In 2014, a Harley-Davidson owned by the previous Pope sold at a Paris auction for the “bargain” price of $67,700.

The Harley Heritage Softail was one of two Harleys gifted to Pope Benedict XVI to celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 110th anniversary in 2013.

When he resigned, Pope Benedict was replaced by Pope Francis who decided to sell the bikes for homeless charities in Rome.

Pope Francis with the Harley Dyna expensive motorcycle holy
Pope Francis with the Harley Dyna

The first bike, a Dyna Super Glide, sold for $364,476, while a Harley leather jacket also sold for an astounding $86,829.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Industry boss is learning to ride to work

Putting his body where his mouth is, Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries boss Tony Weber is learning to ride in time to take part in the third annual Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week (7-11 October 2019).

When it was announced earlier this month, Tony said “we are traditionally a country mad for motorcycles”.

Yet, he admitted he is not a rider: “When the motorcyclists I know start explaining their love for it, I have to admit I am tempted to ask for lessons.”

Learning to ride

Tony is certainly a man of his word with his first training session at motoDNA Riders Academy, Sydney Motorsport Park.

“I was hesitant at first, but I got a feel for it quickly. I must admit, now I see why my colleagues and motorcycle industry members get so excited about motorcycle riding,” he says.

“It’s one of the great experiences – it’s just so enjoyable! I can’t wait to take it to the next stage.Tony Weber prepares to learn to ride

“Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week is a brilliant opportunity for riders to share their passion and make sure their bikes are prepared for the summer.

“I would encourage anyone to get out there and have a go, take your first steps as a rider. It’s just magic.”

MotoDNA founder and CEO Mark McVeigh says Tony took to the bike quickly.

Tony Weber prepares to learn to ride
Mark and Tony

“He was unassisted in under an hour. Initially he was a bit nervous, but once he got a feel for the bike, I could see him falling in love with riding, just like I did, just like everyone does when they try it,” Mark says.

We suggest riders encourage their friends to start learning to ride during Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week which also corresponds with the NSW Motorcycle Awareness Month

Ride to work

Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week aims to unite riders, celebrate taking the ‘long way home’, and showcase the small moments in a journey only riders notice.

The event is an initiative of the FCAI, supported by Aprilia, BMW Motorrad, Can-AM BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husqvarna, Indian Motorcycles, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa and Yamaha.

To support the week, a selection of Australia’s motorcycle dealerships will offer a free Ride-Thru 10-point inspection of their bike to make sure it is safe and road ready.

Riders are also encouraged to share their favourite sections of their long way home on FacebookInstagram and the official website.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

On Any Sunday director bikes on sale

Motorcycles belonging to the late Bruce Brown, director of perhaps the greatest motorcycle film of all time, On Any Sunday, will go on sale next month.

Bruce died of natural causes, aged 80, died in December 2017, but his legend lives on in his Academy Award nominated 1971 film.

Now you can own a piece of Bruce Brown history with the sale of his  1967 Triumph T20 Mountain Cub and a 1970 Husqvarna 250 Cross.

They go up for auction at the Bonham’s sale at the Barber Motorsports Museum in Alabama on 5 October 2019.

Brown’s Triumph was his first real motorcycle after he traded in his Honda step-through scooter to help with the purchase.

Bruce Brown director of On Any Sunday
Brown’s 1976 Triumph T20 Mountain Cub

It opened the door to a friendship with Hollywood actor Steve McQueen, which led to the making of On Any Sunday. It’s in original, unrestored condition, with matching numbers and low mileage.

Brown’s Husky was given to him by Edison Dye, the then exclusive US importer of Husqvarna.

In a now famous gesture of brilliant product placement, Dye donated several 250 Cross models for the film.

In a letter dated 21 April 1970 from Dye to Brown, it says that this bike is “for your use of your filming of your new motorcycle movie”.

Film favourite

The director filmed many documentaries, but his iconic bike film kickstarted millions of riders in the ‘70s, including this scribe.

It is still a favourite for its coverage of contemporary flat track racing, desert racing and the playful final dune scenes with McQueen.

Bruce Brown On Any Sunday
Bruce (right) with cast and crew including Steve McQueen (second left) on  Huskies

The final scene was filmed at sunset at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

“I figured there would be no way to get approval to film on the Marine base,” Bruce said.

“Steve McQueen said he’d see what he could find out. The next day he called and was told to contact some General and the next thing you know we are shooting the beach sequences. It was pretty amazing the doors he was able to open.”

Director gets funding

McQueen gave the director more than $300,00o to film the documentary after receiving a “cold call pitch” from the filmmaker.

Brown is also well known as the director of 1966 surfing documentary Endless Summer.

After On Any Sunday, Bruce went into semi-retirement, restoring and racing cars, playing the stock market, and deep-sea fishing.

In 1992, he returned with a lacklustre Endless Summer II.

Brown was born in 1937 in San Francisco and at the age of 10 his family moved to Long Beach where he developed an interest in surfing.

Bruce caught the riding bug in the early 1960s after visiting Japan.

“I remember going to Ascot Park and watching the dirt track races,” Brown says on his website.

“I met a few of the racers and was struck by how approachable and how nice most of these guys were. It wasn’t at all like the image a lot of people had about motorcycle riders in those days. I just thought it would be neat to do a movie about motorcycle racing and the people involved.”

Bruce’s son, Dana, has carried on the documentary tradition, with his 2003 surfing documentary Step Into Liquid, his 2005 Baja 1000 documentary Dust to Glory and his 2014 On Any Sunday sequel.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Jessica kickstarts affordable rally

She dropped her bike before she had even paid for it, then rode it across two continents; now Jessica Zahra is sharing her adventure riding passion through her Open Roads Rally next month.

The 29-year-old long-distance adventure rider and Royal Enfield ambassador from Melbourne has launched the affordable rally from 18 to 20 October 2019 in Gippsland, Victoria. Tickets cost from just $7.42 for kids to $74.94 for the three days.Open Roads Rally Jessica Zahra

She expects up to 350 participants to try their skills on three tracks ranging from beginners to intermediate.

Riders navigate via a digital road book to find checkpoints. Other activities include an enduro course, barrel racing, presentations and live music.

“I started my journey around the world when I was 24,” Jessica says.

“My first bike was a Honda 125. I owned this bike for two months while I learned to ride.

“Then I flew to Europe and bought a BMW 650GS Funduro. It was a bargain, but I had no idea what I was buying. I didn’t realise how heavy it was.

“I dropped it outside the shop – before I had even paid for it!”

Jessica encounters dramaOpen Roads Rally Jessica Zahra

Her Funduro took her to almost every country in Europe over two years, then to Morocco and down the continent of Africa.

“Then my personal life was turned upside down,” she says.

A family member passed away and my relationship went south. Grief was hard on the road alone. So, I turned home.

On my way to the airport, I slipped on an oil spill at 100km/h and fractured my back.

“I picked myself up, fixed my bike and carried on. It’s important to always cry after, not before, you fix the problem. One of the many lessons I learned the hard way during those years.”

Since then, Jessica has ridden through America, Australia, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka.

Open Roads tours

She is still riding around the world and documenting her experiences or her guided tours through her Open Roads business.

Her first documentary is due next month and she is hosting a 35-day, free tour of India in November that anyone can join.

Next year, Jessica returns to lead tours in a new area of Nepal, plus Colombia, Mongolia, Canada, Kenya, India and Vietnam.

“Somehow, in between all of this, I will start preparing to enter the rally racing circuit in Europe,” she says.

Jessica will pass on some of her travel tips at the OpenRoads Rally for men, women and kids.

She kickstarted the rally because she found there were no affordable, convenient events for intermediate riders in Australia.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite or Facebook.Open Roads Rally Jessica Zahra

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Blood Bikes Australia to the rescue

The Blood Bikes volunteer rider movement delivering blood to hospitals has spread to Australia and the co-ordinator is now calling for more volunteers.

Brisbane rider Peter Davis says he first heard of the service from a friend involved in Blood Bikes Scotland.

“I thought we should have that service in Australia,” says Peter who has started a service in Brisbane is now looking for back-up riders and volunteers in other states to start their own branch of the service.

It all began in 2011 with Blood Bikes Manchester in the UK.

“It was started because there were circumstances when a motorcycles can be a lot faster than a car in making urgent deliveries of blood to where it is required,” Peter says.

He found a similar service in Perth called AusServ, but efforts to contact them failed and the group’s charity registration was voluntarily revoked.

Blood Bikes Australia

Blood Bikes Australia Peter Davis
Peter and his “blood” bike

“So I decided to start a Blood Bikes Australia service in Brisbane,” says Peter who contacted the Mater Hospital pathology section.

“They immediately saw the need and advantage.”

Peter is now the central co-ordinator of Blood Bikes Australia. He has fitted a weatherproof box to his Honda cruiser and organised a hi-vis vest with an embroidered logo based on the British service.

“We have now made our first whole-blood delivery from Mater Pathology at South Brisbane to Mater Private Hospital, Redland. Whole blood,” he says.

“It took just over an hour from call to delivery.”

Blood Peter davis
Peter makes his first delivery

Mater Pathology delivers blood to Mater Springfield, Canossa Private Hospital Oxley, Mater Private Hospital Redlands, and Mater Pathology Chermside, all from Mater Pathology South Brisbane.

“We are only just starting and are still in the learning phase,” Peter says.

“So it’s just me but I already have a guy interested in Sydney, so I have started communication and inquiries about Sydney pathology requirements.

“I also need one Brisbane volunteer to take my place while I’m away from 18 October to 12 November.”

Mission statementBlood Bikes Australia Peter Davis

Peter has prepared a mission statement and some guidelines, including the note that while the service provided is urgent, riders must ride within the road rules and their bikes are not official emergency vehicles.

“As time goes by I am sure we will get more volunteers and more health care facilities on board,” Peter says.

“My plan for Blood Bikes Australia is to dovetail in with normal scheduling procedures the healthcare facilities have.

“Blood Bikes volunteers will become another option to call on when appropriate.”

Peter has established a Blood Bikes Australia Facebook page to communicate with volunteers.

Volunteers are not paid for their time, fuel, motorbike or embroidered vest.

“They will be required to form a relationship with one or more health institutions and communicate to those institutions their availability,” he says.

“It’s all about providing a service to the community.

“It does not need any infrastructure as the service of delivering blood is already offered. Blood Bikes just offers another alternative when required.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Ken and Chloe join Black Dog Ride

Veteran dementia charity fundraisers Ken Eaton and his dog Chloe joined the recent 10th anniversary Black Dog Ride around Australia that raised more than $60,000 for depression and mental illness.

BDR manager Richard Brown says 100% of funds raised will be given to community based groups and not-for-profit service providers via their new Community Grants program.

He says there will be about $150,000 in funds available and he invited groups to apply for grants of $1000 to $5000.

Ken and Chloe

Meanwhile, Ken says he excited to be able to share his experiences with other mental illness sufferers and survivors and help the Black Dog Ride.

Ken Eaton, of Joondalup in Western Australia, and Chloe have ridden about 200,000km on their BMW R 1200 GS raising money for dementia research through their Ride With Chloe To Fight The Black Dog.  

“My motorbike travels started after losing my wife, and Chloe’s mum, to younger onset dementia 12 years ago after a downward spiral that lasted six years,” Ken says.

“After my wife Sue passed away, my daughters gave me an option of either buying a motorbike, a lifelong passion of mine, or getting a girlfriend. I bought a motorbike.

“I would miss Sue’s little companion dog, Chloe, each time I would ride so quickly developed a little travel pod for her and we have travelled the roads together ever since.Black Dog Ride, depression, dementia, mental illness, suicide, motorcycles, charity

“Motorbike riding is a wonderful place to reflect, and along with involvement with the fantastic group of the Ulysses Club, I have happily survived a dark period of my life.

Ken and Chloe also host a travel blog and have published a book, Who Are You – reflections of a dementia survivor.

Black Dog Ride

Black Dog Ride, depression, dementia, mental illness, suicide, motorcycles, charity
Riders at the end of the Around Australia ride in Busselton, WA

Richard says this year’s BDR around Australia was a celebration of 10 years since Steve Andrews did his solo lap of the nation to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.

“Ride groups engaged in conversation about mental health through pre-organised community connection events, and impromptu gatherings,” he says.

“One example of a pre-organised community connection event was our Black Dog Ride stall at a market in Broome on 24 August, which gave our Around Australia Riders the opportunity to meet locals and talk about mental health.

“Typically, when people see our banners and our mascot, Winston, many people stop to ask what we’re all about.

“It’s hard to put a figure on how many community members we talked to about mental health, but between all our ride groups this year we stopped in over 250 towns across the country.

“With a mixture of large, pre-planned, community events and the impromptu discussions, it’s likely that we have reached many thousands of people through our long distance rides this year.”

Win a Bobber

Indian Scout Bobber roadside chloe
Indian Scout Bobber

As part of the BDR mission to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, and raise funds, BDR is this year raffling an Indian Scout Bobber valued at $19,950 ride away.

Click here to enter the draw.

  • If you are experiencing feelings of depression, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 131114.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Hollywood star motorbikes for sale

Imagine how much you would make the ladies swoon if you turned up for your Sunday morning ride on the bike Hollywood star Richard Gere rode in An Officer and a Gentleman!

The bike is one of several included in the Icons and Legends of Hollywood sale on 25-26 September 2019 which also includes hundreds of props, costumes and items from Hollywood movies and TV shows.

The 1978 Triumph Bonneville ridden by Richard Gere is one of two used in the 1982 movie.

It was bought from Dewey’s Cycles in Seattle, Washington, and is expected to sell for up to $US30,000 (about $A43,700).

However, it’s not the most valuable motorcycle in the auction.Hollywood star motorbikes for sale

That honour goes to the 1988 Ukranian Dnepr outfit ridden by Harrison Ford and Sean Connery in the 1984 film Indian Jones and the Last Crusade.

It was painted a vintage olive colour to appear like a German WWII BMW military motorcycle.Hollywood star motorbikes for sale

The outfit was used in the opening screens where the pair are chased by Nazis on motorcycles along the Austrian/German border. (Click here for the top 10 movie motorcycle chases.

It was one of three bikes used in the film and is expected to sell for up to $US60,000 (about $A87,400).

Other notable motorcycles in the auction include:

  • The Kawasaki 1000 police motorcycle ridden by Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon 3 is valued at up to $US3000 (about $A4370) and includes an intentionally broken windscreen; andHollywood star motorbikes for sale
  • A “Kawasaki” V-tw2in custom bike ridden by Wesley Snipes in the 1998 movie Blade, valued at up to $US30,000 (about $A43,700).Hollywood star motorbikes for sale

Other Hollywood vehicles

There is a host of Hollywood memorabilia from Harry Potter’s glasses to Star Wars spaceship models.

The most valuable item in the action is the moon buggy driven by Sean Connery as 007 in the 1971 movie Diamonds are ForeverHollywood star motorbikes for sale

The unique buggy, dreamed up by Academy Award-winning production designer Ken Adam and built by California custom-car legend Dean Jeffries, has an estimated value of up to $US600,000 (about $A875,000).

Other vehicles include the Dragula dragster, created by “King of Kustomizers” George Barris for Grampa Munster to race in The Munsters TV show and subsequent movies. 

The gold coffin-bodied racer is valued at up to $US120,000 (about $A175,000).

Hollywood star motorbikes for sale
Dragula

Another of Barris’s custom cars in the auction is Jed Clampett’s jalopy truck from the 1993 movie spinoff of The Beverly Hillbillies.

Hollywood star motorbikes for sale
Jed’s jalopy

While not the truck from the TV series (which Barris also built), it’s still totally recognisable, especially with Granny’s rocker perched up top. 

The auction company expects it to bring up to $US50,000 (about $A73,000).

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Third Ride your Motorcycle to Work Week

The third annual Australian Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week is on from 7-11 October 2019 and once again double Dakar Rally winner Toby Price is the event ambassador.

According to the official Ride to Work Week press release, Toby says:

When you ride, you’re living a little more!

No one should go through life without knowing the joy of riding a motorbike.

Easy parking, lane filtering and the freedom and feeling of two-wheels. How could you have a bad day at work if it starts and ends with a ride?

No matter what you ride, this a week for us all to come together and enjoy taking the long way home!

Free inspections

The event is an initiative of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, supported by Aprilia, BMW Motorrad, Can-AM BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husqvarna, Indian Motorcycles, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa and Yamaha.

To support the week, a selection of Australia’s motorcycle dealerships will offer a free Ride-Thru 10-point inspection of their bike to make sure it is safe and road ready.

Riders are also encouraged to share their favourite sections of their long way home on Facebook, Instagram and the official website.

According to the press release, FCAI CEO Tony Weber says the goal is to get current riders riding and make prospective riders curious:

We are traditionally a country mad for motorcycles. This event gives riders an opportunity to share their love for bikes with their colleagues and prepare for summer.

When the motorcyclists I know start explaining their love for it, I have to admit I am tempted to ask for lessons. Bringing a group with so much passion together, making them more visible on the road … it’s a great opportunity to get back on the bike, or take your first steps as a rider.Sydney traffic congestion motorcycles lane filtering planning forgotten work week

Our view

Anything is better than nothing and I will do my best to support this initiative (even though I work from home!).

However, I believe this is another opportunity lost.

As usual there will be no single event planned to hook the mainstream media.

Overseas, similar events are held on one particular day. That focuses the mainstream media on one event and attracts a lot of attention.

There is also nothing planned to highlight to the public how many of us ride and how our lives matter.

It would be great to see the media getting the message that lane filtering is legal and to leave a gap for our safety and for their expediency.

roadside lane filter filtering ad sign billboard work week
Here’s a sign we’d like to see in Ride to Work Week!

Instead, this is simply a commercial initiative driven by dealers and distributors to get riders into their shops.

That’s fine and certainly needed as sales continue to spiral downward.

We admire and respect Toby. In fact, after his second Dakar Rally win this year, we launched a petition to have him recognised with a national award.

But we wonder if a rally rider is really the right ambassador for commuter riding?

We would have included a nice photo of Toby riding to work, but the FCAI didn’t provide one and probably doesn’t have one.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com