Tag Archives: What’s on

Head-on crash leads to Careflight rally

Without CareFlight, Tracy Jackson might not be here, so now she and husband Todd are paying back with the inaugural Roll On In Rally at Jindabyne, NSW, next month.

The Snowy Mountains rally on 13-15 March 2020 will be two years since Tracy was involved in a head-on crash with a distracted driver on the NSW Central Coast.

“She was on the roadside for an hour while the paramedics tried to stabilise her; I think she took seven units of blood,” says Todd.

CareFlight to rescue

Todd and Tracy Jackson raise funds for Careflight with Roll On In Rally in JindabyneTracy’s wrecked Harley

“Careflight were called and flew her to Royal North Shore. After eight long hours of surgery the surgeon came out and told me they had saved her life. We would know about the leg in the next week or so. The list of injuries Tracy suffered is long.”

After 10 surgeries, Tracy is still in rehab and yet to return to work but that hasn’t stopped her desire to give back to CareFlight through the rally.

“We are raising funds for CareFlight, by using silent auctions, show ’n’ shine entry fees and we have CareFlight attending selling merch and taking donations,” Todd says.

Tracy says the first person who stopped and helped save her life on that day had completed a MediSim course with CareFlight.

“It was this training that put me in a position to be here today to talk about and help raise awareness of the amazing work CareFlight do and the effectiveness the MediSim training program has in situ when needed,” Tracy says.

Rally for all riders

Todd and Tracy Jackson raise funds for Careflight with Roll On In Rally in JindabyneMagnificent riding in the Snowy Mts

The rally is designed for riders on all types of motorcycles to explore the picturesque region and also give back to local communities hit by recent and ongoing bushfires.

Todd confirms the Snowy Mountains event will go ahead, despite bushfires. Click here to read our bushfire survival guide for riders.

“If the fires are still around there may be a few roads that are not accessible, but there are great roads down there, so we will still be spoilt for choice,” Todd says.

“At this stage, road conditions and closures change week to week.

“Last weekend was pretty nasty, but things seem to be mildly better.”

Tickets and accom

The event is being held 4km out of Jindabyne, at the Station Resort with more than 1000 beds, bar, restaurant, etc.

Tickets to the event which includes live music are $49 and do not include accommodation.

Riders who book accommodation from $109 a night at the Station Resort can get a special rally deal that also includes a welcome barbecue and house drink on Friday night, breakfast and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.    

There is no camping at the resort, but there are plenty of accommodation alternatives in Jindabyne.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Indian Motorcycle rally eyes world record

A planned rally in the NSW outback this May hopes to break the world record for the most Indian motorcycle riders at one event, set in the USA with 651 bikes.

Organiser Chris Keeble says they already have more than 280 registrations for the rally on Saturday, 9 May 2020, at Silverton, the site of Australia’s only museum dedicated to Mad Max 2.

Click here to register.

Indian Motorcycle company support

Chris says the rally will not be affected by Indian Motorcyle Australia’s shock decision this month to close its company owned stores in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and seek independent dealers.

“I understand why they are doing it and there are some positives to this new model of independents,” says Chris who rides a 2017 Vintage Chief called Calamity Jane.

Chris Keeble and her Indian Chief Vintage Calamity JaneChris and Calamity Jane

“Many independent dealerships are working really well such as in Tamworth and Wollongong, so it can work.

“But I’ll miss the signature dealerships — they were great to visit — and now I need to find someone to service my bike.”

She says Indian has been supportive of the rally and supplied access to their customer data base to alert owners to the event.

“They are also shouting all registered riders to a free barbecue breaky on Saturday morning put on by the Lions club,” she says.

“The company have been great to deal with. The previous management team were all supportive and from what I gather so is the new team. I’m yet to meet the new head guys.”

Breaky will be followed by a parade through the town. There are no other formal festivities organised.

Record attempt

Chris Keeble and her Indian Chief Vintage Calamity JaneChris

Chris says the parade and rally will be the first Indian-only event in the Southern Hemisphere.

“The world record would be icing on the cake,” she says.

“We have riders from all over Australia gathering in one iconic Aussie location to meet fellow enthusiasts who share a passion for the Indian Motorcycle brand.

“This is about camaraderie and community, just as much as making and breaking records.”

Indian Motorcycle Chris Keeble SilvertonChris is welcomed by a local Silverton dog

She says Silverton, which is only 15 minutes west of Broken Hill, was chosen as an “historical Aussie backdrop” with a “good infrastructure of hotels and eateries”.

“If it isn’t on your bucket list to visit, it should be, and this event will tick a few boxes for many folk.

“Plus, it is taking traffic out to the country regions that need support for both morale and the economy. Short of doing a rain dance, country Australia and locals are very appreciative of these events.”

The event now has the sultry catch phrase of “C U N Silvo”.

Chris hopes the event will become annual.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Riding course free for returned riders

Returned and mature-aged riders are invited to attend a free Back on Your Bike riding course based in Newcastle.

The course on Friday 14 February 2020 is the idea of local rider Chris Tola who ran a similar course in 2015 which was a finalist in the National ACSR Road Safety Awards.

Last year Chris noticed there was funding available in the NSW Community Road Safety Grants to run safety focussed events, so he wrote up an application and was granted $4500.

“So, with the help of friends and family, we’re staging Back on your Bike 2020,” Chris says.

“We’re hoping for around 60 attendees.”

Some quote statistics that show returned riders have the highest proportion of representation in motorcycle crash statistics.

However, Australian Motorcycle Council secretary John Eacott disputes the figures.

He says returned riders are not the major safety risk they have been labelled and is concerned that road safety initiatives are directed to the wrong group.

This Newcastle course is also open to those thinking of becoming a rider.Riding course free for returned riders

Free course

The free one-day Back on Your Bike course is based in Newcastle, but open to any riders who can get their by 8am on the day.

It consists of five sessions focussed on creating greater awareness in road safety, active conversations in best practice motorcycle riding and the sharing of experiences.

There will also be a motorcycle display by Brisan Motorcycles of Newcastle and a short ride to Grahamstown Dam for lunch.

Registrations through Eventbrite are essential as breakfast, coffee and lunch will be provided at no cost – and numbers will be limited.

All participating riders must have a valid licence and a registered motorcycle. Non-riders and pillion passengers are also welcome to attend.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Cruise takes GPZ900R for ride in Top Gun 2

A second trailer for the Top Gun 2 movie confirms that Tom Cruise takes his old Kawasaki GPZ900R for a ride as well as a new supercharged H2R Carbon.

The first official trailer for Top Gun: Maverick showed Tom’s character Maverick pulling an old tarp off a dusty old GPZ900R.

However, when he reprises the famous scene where he races a jet, he’s riding the H2R Carbon.

However, the second Top Gun 2 trailer shows that he takes the GPZ, made famous in the original 1986 Top Gun, for a solo ride in the desert.

He also reprises a pillion ride, originally with Kelly McGilllis, this time with Jennifer Connelly, and this time on a H2.Top Gun 2

Top Gun 2

Work on Top Gun: Maverick started in 2010 with Tom joined by his original Top Gun co-star Val Kilmer.

The movie will hit our screens in June 2020.

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Bike fan

The motorcycle fan recently rode a BMW R  nineT Scrambler in the Mission Impossible: Fallout movie and is known to request a motorcycle scene in most of his movies.

Tom began riding at the age of 10 and owns several motorcycles including a Vyrus 987 C3 4V worth more than $100,000.

His first movie role with a motorcycle was Top Gun where he rode the Kawasaki Ninja GPZ900R.

Tom and Kelly McGillis in Top Gun
Tom, GPZ900R and Kelly McGillis in Top Gun

Since then he has ridden in many movies including Oblivion, Knight and Day, and Edge of Tomorrow.

Kawasaki power

But the GPZ900R is a long way from the H2R he rides in Top Gun 2.

The GPZ900R was made from 1984 to 1996 and had a 908cc transverse four-cylinder engine capable of 86kW of power and 85Nm of torque for a top speed of 254km/h top speed.

By comparison, the street-legal Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon (about $A44,000 sprint away) has 147.2kW (200ps/197hp) of power at 11,000rpm and 133.5Nm of torque at 10,5000rpm, but the supercharger boosts that to 154.5kW (210ps/207hp) and 140.4Nm.

However, Tom is riding the powerful track-only Ninja H2R which has 228kW (310ps/305hp) at 14,000rpm and 165Nm of torque at 12,500rpm. With maximum ram air, power literally blows out to 240kW (326ps/321hp).

Top speed on the H2R is 400km/h which was claimed by four-time World Supersport champion Kenan Sofuoglu on the closed Osman Gazi suspension bridge, about 50km southeast of Istanbul in July 2016.

From the Top Gun: Maverick video it doesn’t look like Tom reaches anything near Kenan’s speed, but don’t discount some computer generate images to make him look a whole lot faster!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Last weekend for Christmas Toy Runs

After a lengthy period of toy runs in the lead-up to Christmas, we arrive at the last weekend for the charitable rides.

Toy runs do a lot of good for the community raising cash and donations (toys and non-perishable foods) for groups such as Lifeline, the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul.

Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in Christmas themes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.

Police warn that doing high-fives with bystanders and throwing lollies at the crowd could cause a crash.

They have told us that anyone putting themselves and other road users at risk at these events “will be dealt with accordingly”.

So, no impunity at toy runs just because they aid charity!

Toy Runs list

(Click on the place name for more details)

December 14

Christmas charity toy runs

Canberra: The 39th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House starts at 8am with a loop ride at 10am. Trophies for the club with the biggest attendance and the largest corporate group entry.

Sale:  The 22nd Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run starts at 9.30am from the Sale Clock Tower accepts non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.

Gold Coast: Gold Coast Cruiser Club is hosting the Cruizing for Cruz Toy Run from the Salisbury Hotel from 1.30pm and partying into the night.

December 15

ToowoombaMotorcycle Toy Run starts at various meeting points in Goombungee, Oakey, Nobby and Gatton at 10.30am and rides to Picnic Point.  All others meet at Picnic Point at 10.30am. Ride starts at 12.30pm and finishes at the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. All donations go to the Toowoomba Hospital and St Vincent de Paul.

Melbourne: The 42nd Melbourne Toy Run is a week later this year with starting points all over the city heading to MCAS 16A Keilor Park Dr from 9am to 6pm. All proceeds go to the Salvation Army.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Walcha Motorcycle Festival becomes annual

Despite last-minute financial difficulties, bushfires and road closures, the recent Walcha Motorcycle Festival was deemed such a success, it will become an annual event.

Walcha Tourism manager Susie Crawford says they have already set a date for next year’s event on 20/21 November 2020. 

“An estimated 700-plus attended the weekend (15/17 November 2019), with possibly everything thrown at us in the lead-up – fires, road closures etc, so we were over the moon with the attendance considering the circumstances,” she says.

“Thank you to the local businesses, community and to all the wonderful riders who made the weekend such a great success.

“It definitely will become an annual event.”

Festival background

The Walcha Motorcycle Festival was hastily organised to replace the Freak Show Festival of Motorcycles and national Harley Owners Group (HOG) rally which were axed at the last minute after the organisers went into administration.

Then, in the week leading up to the reorganised event, much of NSW was declared a disaster area with bushfires all around the town.

The main access to the town, the Oxley Highway, had also been cut off and still remains closed.

Walcha Motorcycle Festival
All videos and images courtesy of Walcha Tourism

Harley-Davidson Australia (HDA) had planned to have a presence but also pulled out because they couldn’t get their truck to the town.

However, they did sponsor shuttle buses from neighbouring towns and have reimbursed HOG members for tickets to the original event.

HDA have not yet committed to the 2020 event.

2020 Walcha Motorcycle Festival

Susie says next year’s event will have “a similar feel”, although hopefully without the thick blanket of smoke.

“We haven’t set out a program as yet but the skeleton program will feature similar events”

They include:

  • Farmers Markets
  • Billy Cart Derby
  • Rodeo
  • Show & Shine
  • Poker Runs
  • General entertainment at venues (live music)

    Walcha Motorcycle Festival
    Billy Cart Derby

2019 Walcha Motorcycle Festival gallery

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Triumph scrambles into new Bond film

Triumph has paid an undisclosed sum to feature in the 25th James Bond film, No Time to Die, but a Ducati Scrambler has stolen some limelight.

The price for product placement in a movie is up to about $A500,000, but for a Bond film it can be a whole lot more.

In fact, Heineken is believed to have paid $A65 Million to get Bond character Daniel Craig to sip their beer instead of a martini in the 2015 film, Spectre.

So we have no idea how much Triumph has paid, although boss John Bloor did confirm the partnership with the producers for No Time To Die, being released in April 2020.

The result is 007 riding a modified Scrambler 1200 in one chase scene.

Bond film No Time to Die
Craig’s stunt double on the Triumph Scrambler 1200

So why is a baddy riding an 803cc Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled in the same chase scene?

Bond film No Time to Die
Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled

Bond film espionage?

Has Ducati snuck in some free screen time in an apt case of Bond film espionage or did they pay, too?

Or is this a deliberate effort by Triumph to make their scrambler competitor look bad by being associated with buddies while their Scrambler is associated with the hero?

Bond movies are usually associated with exotic cars, but motorcycles have also featured over the years.

Most have been BMW vehicles, although there was a run of Ford-owned cars for a while, including Aston Martin.

Bond film No Time to Die
Good to see Bond back in an Aston Martin DB5 for No Time To Die (with a Ducati in pursuit)

Remember the BMW R 1200 C cruiser in the Vietnam chase scene in the Bond film, Tomorrow Never Dies?

Bond film
Bond slides a BMW cruiser

BMW has also dominated the Mission Impossible and Jason Bourne movie franchises.

Ducati is also not shy about product placement with the Venom and CHiPs movies.

And, of course, Triumph has probably the most memorable motorcycle scene from any movie.

Their TR6 was used as a Nazi BMW in the chase scene in 1963 film, The Great Escape.

Former TT racer and larrikin daredevil Guy Mart in plans to replicate that jump on a Triumph Scrambler 1200 this Sunday (8 December 2019).

Guy Martin practises Great Escape jump
Guy practises for his jump attempt

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rossi and Hamilton swap vehicles for race

Multi-world champions Valentino Rossi and Lewis Hamilton will temporarily swap vehicles on Monday (9 December 2019) when they take part in a promotional race at Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

But could the swap be longer term?

Rossi has long wanted to get into four-wheeled racing, especially rallying where he has already had some success.

And Hamilton is a longtime fan of motorcycles, particularly MV Agusta for which he is a brand ambassador and has put his name to four limited-edition models.

Lewis Hamilton with the MV Agusta F4 LH44
Lewis Hamilton with an MV Agusta F4 LH44

After winning nine world titles, Rossi has little to prove on two wheels and likewise six-time F1 champion Lewis has little to prove on four.

While Rossi is contracted to MotoGP for another year, he had a poor 2019 season.

Last month Rossi tested the Ferrari 488 GT3 he will race in the Gulf 12 hour endurance race on 14 December 2019 at Abu Dhabi.

He’s pretty talented on four wheels and has won rallies before.

In 2006, he tested for Ferrari and was just 0.7 seconds off the times set by Michael Schumacher who also tried his hand at motorcycle racing after his first F1 retirement.

Meanwhile, Hamilton is doing a swap of his own switching from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2021.

He’s long shown interest in motorcycle racing and crashed last Saturday at Jerez preparing for the duel with Rossi.

Their “race” has been made possible by their shared sponsor, Monster Energy.

We can’t wait to see the video next week!

As for who will win, it is interesting to check the lap times at the Valencia circuit.

The lap record is held by Jorge Lorenzo with 1:29.40 minutes in 216, while Rossi is the fourth fastest with 1:30.13.

F1 doesn’t race at the track, but has tested there.

The unofficial F1 lap record is held by Anthony Davidson, set in 2006 in a Honda RA106, with a time of 1:08.54, more than 20 seconds faster than the MotoGP bikes.

So that seems to suggest that Vale has the upper hand in the F1 car!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Do you love a parade? Check out these Toy Runs!

It seems a lot of riders love a parade.

This year a group of 3497 Harley-Davidson riders (pictured above) grabbed the world motorcycle parade record in Paris, Texas, breaking the previous record of 2404 in Patras, Greece.

Those records could be challenged by some of the biggest Toy Runs in Australia over the next couple of weekends.

Why do riders live a parade? They love to show off their bikes, make some noise, get involved and be a part of something big.

The greatest treat in riding in any parade is the smiles it brings to the faces of children … and many big kids!

Charities

Toy runs also do a lot of good for the community raising cash and donations (toys and non-perishable foods) for groups such as Lifeline, the Salvation Army and St Vincents de Paul.

Click here if your toy run is not on the list below. Please send full details and photos to us via email.

Please do not send details via any other message as they can get lost.

Make sure to tell us where and when it starts, where it goes, how long is the ride and what should riders bring as gifts/donations.

Safe toy runs

Ipswich Toy Run cops Grinch list christmas
Ipswich toy run

Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in Christmas themes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.

Lockyer Ulysses Branch which runs the Ipswich Toy Run warns riders not to throw lollies or high-five spectators as it could lead to a crash.

Police in several states have told us that anyone putting themselves and other road users at risk at these events “will be dealt with accordingly”.

So, no impunity at toy runs just because they aid charity!

Toy Runs list

(Click on the place name for more details)

December 7

charities toy run christmas
2017 Hobart toy run

Hobart: The 40th MRA Toy Run starts at the Derwent Entertainment Centre at noon and finishes on the lawn in front of Parliament House.

Gippsland: The 20th Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run starts at Bobber Dave’s Bike Shop, Nefertiti Court, Traralgon, from 9.30am for a departure at 11am. Ride ends at Old Gippstown, Moe, for lunch. Toys and gifts go to the Salvos and Vinnies.

December 8

Brisbane Santa Ride: Riders muster at New Farm Park from 7.30am. All proceeds this year go to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Ipswich: The Lockyer Branch of the Ulysses Club holds their 23rd annual toy run from 8am at Brassall Shopping Centre. Remember not to throw lollies or high-five kids!

Adelaide: The 41str Motorcycle Riders Association of SA Toy Run will be held at the Clipsal Track in Victoria at 11am Park, finishing with a fete on Callington Oval.

December 14

Christmas charity toy runs

Canberra: The 39th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House starts at 8am with a loop ride at 10am. Trophies for the club with the biggest attendance and the largest corporate group entry.

Sale:  The 22nd Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run starts at 9.30am from the Sale Clock Tower accepts non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.

Gold Coast: Gold Coast Cruiser Club is hosting the Cruizing for Cruz Toy Run from the Salisbury Hotel from 1.30pm and partying into the night.

December 15

ToowoombaMotorcycle Toy Run starts at various meeting points in Goombungee, Oakey, Nobby and Gatton at 10.30am and rides to Picnic Point.  All others meet at Picnic Point at 10.30am. Ride starts at 12.30pm and finishes at the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. All donations go to the Toowoomba Hospital and St Vincent de Paul.

Melbourne: The 42nd Melbourne Toy Run is a week later this year with starting points all over the city heading to MCAS 16A Keilor Park Dr from 9am to 6pm. All proceeds go to the Salvation Army.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Black Dog Ride marks 10 year anniversary

Riders will return to the Red Centre in 2020 to celebrate 10 years since the establishment of the first Black Dog Ride in 2010.

This year’s Around Australia Ride celebrated founder Steve Andrew’s solo ride around Australia in 2009 to raise awareness for mental health issues.

Black Dog Ride around Australia 2014 Steve Andrews founder boss FUTURE
Black Dog Ride founder Steve Andrews

His epic ride was followed in 2010 by the first Black Dog Ride to the Red Centre.

Limited registrations are now open for the 10th Red Centre ride.

Richard Brown of Black Dog Ride Australia says they are “focussing heavily on making sure that people who come on the ride feel very welcomed, and that they have fun”.

“Positive social connection/social relationships are very important when it comes to maintaining our mental health,” he says.

“We want this experience to be a good example of the spirit of mateship for all who participate.”

10 years onHOG Rally - Black Dog Ride

Brian says the 10-year celebration dinner in Alice Springs should be “a real hoot”.

He says they don’t have the money for a “lavish” dinner, but participants will feel “a great sense of accomplishment for having made the journey”, formed “some really nice relationships” and “feel part of something really special”.

The following ride groups will join the Red Centre Ride:

  • The NSW/ACT ride group will travel through inland New South Wales, south through South Australia, and up the centre to Alice Springs. 
  • WA and SA ride groups will both travel through their respective states, then meet up in Port Augusta to travel the rest of the way to Alice Springs as a combined group.
  • The Vic/Tas ride group will be travelling north through inland New South Wales and Queensland, then across to the Northern Territory and south to Alice Springs.
  • The Qld/NT ride group will travel through inland Queensland, then across to the Northern Territory, picking up Territorians before heading south to Alice Springs.

To register, go to the Black Dog Ride Red Centre 2020 page and click on the state or territory group you’d like to join.

Primary focus

Black Dog Ride indian scout bobber
Black Dog Riders head north

“Our primary purpose is raising awareness of depression and suicide prevention, so we plan to focus heavily on this,” Richard says.

“That means riding into towns and either attending a pre-organised community events, or simply parking down a main street and talking with community. Often people wandering by will ask ‘what’s this all about?’ or ‘what’s with the stuffed dogs?’

“So our participants literally get talking about mental health. Between all our state groups there will be just over 160 different town stops along the way.”

There is no fundraising target and participants are not required to raise extra funds.

Over the past 10 years, more than $3million has been raised by Black Dog Ride with finds passed on to organisations such as Lifeline, Mental Health First Aid Australia and the Black Dog Institute, as well as many many small community based volunteer groups and not-for-profits.

Richard says they have new destinations in mind for future years, so 2020 could be the last opportunity to ride to the Red Centre for several years.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com