Bonneville America Forums Forums General Motorcycle Forums Rides, Rallies, & Events Aussie BA.Com Meet

Hi all,

Recently I rode up to Queensland from where I live in Canberra (1367K via the inland route and 1177k return via the Pacific or coast Hwy) and like last year with the help of Benny (islandbum) we spoke to a few others and met for a beer at a pub on Bribie Island.

Last year it was me, Benny and Richard (Foglefar) where we really enjoyed each others company including the VB beers for me, and comparing bikes.

So I thought I'd post this photo (not that good a quality but whatever) of us taken this year.



Left to Right we have:

Joe-(FrankW's Wife)
Ken-(Kent1967)
Richard-(Foglefar)
Your's Truely Stacka-(Staffo)
Frank-(FrankW) and
Benny-(Islandbum).

We all rode our bikes to the pub so we could only have a few unfortunately but everyone got on brilliantly and I guess the only problem was we all had a lot to say and chat about.

I dunno but get Triumph riders together who love their bikes and it's like family. So much to discuss, mill over, debate on, you name it, it's chatterbox city.

Anyway, I'm not sure if there's ever been a photo of a group of Aussie BA.Com members posted before so maybe this is a first. Of course I know the boys (and girls) up round Brisbane way know each other pretty well but I suppose you get a bloke like me from a distance away and all of a sudden we have an Aussie meet .

One thing that was discussed was the possibility of us organising a weekend on the mid NSW coast round late July - August. Frank reminded me the other day when he sent an email so who knows, we may even have a first official BA.Com Aussie Meet over a weekend where most have to ride a distance to get there, so we can stay in one spot and chew the fat over a few more beers than last time.

If any other Aussie members are reading this and you like the idea of meeting up, email me and I'll keep you in the loop if this things a goer.

stacka

Sounds like ya'll had a great time!

Btw... it's not necessary to point out which one's Frank, we all know he's the shortest one!

I'd be interested in a weekend in winter at the mid NSW coast.

Hey do you mean the Central Coast or Mid North Coast? Either way I'm in. I was chatting with Frank and he said Central Coast, by the way barbie and drinkies at my place and on the way back we thought we could ride up North to say Nabiac which is Mid North Coast and we could do the Motorcycle Museum which is apparently very good. That way we get quality time and ride together. Hows that sound???

Central or mid-north - I don't really mind as long although if it's a 2 day journey from Brisbane it will require more days off and planning.

Stacka i think the pleasure was every bodies to all that turned up thank you it was great to catch up......
StevieB it would seem that the proposed meeting area is in your neck of the wood's....
you have any recomandtions for a good pub for a overnighter?
as for the Museum i'm in for that
Benny

I would love to put everyone up but unfortunately my place is a little small but I will put on a barbi and drinkies and there is a Motel called the Galaxy Motel which is attached to the Gosford RSL which is very handy. I think Frank is already looking into that. We should probally book early though as it does get booked out.

Hey Stacka - I forgot to say that I got a buzz from the meet on Bribie.

Steve - should we have any concern about bike security at the motel? Is the parking in view of the street and RSL? I will take a fork lock and/or a long locking strop.

I am guessing that this will be a 2 day ride each way (?).

The carpark is shared with the RSL but Motel visitors park along the Motel side of the carpark. You could probally request that you get rooms where you can keep a look out on your bikes. As with any pub or club there are sometimes unsavoury people around but I think they would leave bikes alone for fear of getting their butts kicked. I havn't driven to Brisbane for awhile but used to do it in one full day in the car. Depends how long you want to spend in the saddle.

Hey guys,

Count me in!!!

I've been chatting with StevieB.
Count me in. I'll be heading up from Penrith way (West Sydney).
Already have my leave pass signed for the weekend.
The National Motorcycle Museum is situated in Nabiac, on the mid-north coast of NSW. Nabiac is on the Pacific Highway 140 kilometres north of Newcastle & 28 kms south of Taree. A truly awesome spot for motorcyclists to check out the hundreds of machines and memorabilia on display. I can thoroughly recommend it.
web page
web page

It's nice to finally be able to put some of those itty-bitty faces in that picture with some of those rather large personalities we've come to know around here, Staffo!!!

Good to hear you folks had a great time together down there!

(...and that this may become a regular occurrence!)

For anyone needing to book the Galaxy Motel/ Gosford RSL Club the link to the site is here...
http://www.check-in.com.au/rg-2g-HotelDe...CFcQ3pAod2mZ-eA
Do we have a definete set of dates yet? I would suggest you book early as it does get booked out. Cheap meals are available at the club as are drinks etc.

Hi all,

Apologies for being a bit slow getting back and maybe even a bit of confusion. See my PS at the bottom for reason

I have come up with a weekend (dates) but want to speak to Frank first has he's been doing stuff behind the scenes regarding accommodation and we have sort have become the organising committee I guess. Not that there's that much to organised other than dates, location, bikes, bed, beer, bathing beauties (what bad Stacka) beer (sorry I said that), food mmm, anything else.

Anyway fwiw, I reckon for our first meet, the KISS or keep it simple stupid approach is probably the best way to go about this one.

So, Just to make sure this thing doesn't get confused with bids suggesting different this or that, like destinations or dates etc, please be aware that because the "Mother" of this idea started at our few beers on Bribie with those in the photo I posted. Hence their suggestion for the Central coast in Late July but I'll say at this time August, is what we are aiming for and unless by miraculous conception another idea completely different is hatched by said default "photo committee" , then that's what's happening.

I'll now contact Frank with dates and places and then we can announce details.

One thing though, we still have time and rushing is not the answer to good planning. So please have some patience perhaps just for a few days if necessary so we can make sure venues etc are good, and dates also.

cheers
stacka

ps: I originally posted the photo in the lounge section and wasn't even aware all this chatter was going on. Well done stack. Your da man ha ha Lucky Frank knows what's going on

It did occur to me that this photo looks suspiciously like a police line up and Frank looks like the one who did it!!

Nah, that fella second from the left, its him for sure.

In so Far.

Stacka(Staffo)
Frank (FrankW) + Jo.
Benny (Islandbum)
Richard (Foglefar)
Terry (Buckers)
John (Johnquinnel) + 2 Other.
Kent (Kent1969) ?
Stevie (StevieB)

Anybody who wants in, add your name to list and repost.

Gotta start checking on accommodation.

Hi all, the latest info for our meet is, we're focusing on finding good accommodation somewhere between Newcastle and Nabiac, with approx' dates probably within the first half of August.

Frank is busilly looking for good accommodation which will suit our needs but due to the Buladelah bypass, road workers are booking out many of the Hotels in the area so we'll still have to see.

Anyway, once we have the details we'll let everyone know and it'll be up to whoever wants to attend to then go ahead and book.

Stay tuned
Stacka

Hey ,
I'm in. I moved from Townsville to Newcastle. Took me 4 days via the inland route. Now enjoying the untropical weather and only just getting over winter. Still I will buy some warm gear and head south to a get together.
Anyone going to the Ulysses AGM?

I'm getting excited ... I pulled out my Australian Motorcycling Atlas and there are some 'must ride' roads between Brisbane and Nabiac ... including Lions Road which crosses over the Border Ranges from Rathdownie to Kyogle (which I've ridden and it's awesome) and Oxley Highway and Thunderbolts Way which also have great reps (but I haven't ridden them myself).

I am thinking of doing a slightly wandering route there and back taking in the best scenic twisties and taking two days each way so as to get the best riding in without the pressure of eating truck grit for 1600 kms.

It will be a longer route but will still only be about 500kms per day - but certainly far more enjoyable. Frank is talking about going down via the New England Highway and I may join him and return by a more circuitous route or vice versa.

I will share my route ideas after a bit more research. I would welcome route ideas - so don't hesitate to give your input anyone.

Hi Richard, having done my own fair share of riding over the dividing range between the coast and inland from Lower Victoria to Qld, I can safely say there are some simply just great twisty rides and then there are even better than great ones again. In other words we are totally spoilt for choice and which ones you do would depend on any number of factors that make little difference in the end.

I knew Frank and Joe were ridind down the New England and at some point crossing the range for the coast, but I wasn't aware you too were exploring your own options.

If the dates for our weekend fit within my own best case scenario time frame, I can't see why I couldn't meet you or / and Frank and Joe somewhere close to the border for the trip down.

I can't think of any ride crossing the range I haven't got excellent memories of, so if it works for you and you wouldn't mind me tagging along, I would just go with the flow cos in actual fact it just doesn't matter.

Of course sometimes people can prefer to chill out and enjoy their own company for a while and I respect that but if you are seriously considering a crisscross means of riding down to our meeting point, keep me in mind would you?

Hey Staffo - I have only just read your post here AFTER I already replied to your email. So I've only just read your question -- but in case I was a bit vague in my email, I would welcome your company on the ride.

Looks like the numbers of blokes (and girls) wanting to be part of our inaugural BA ride is building.

I know some of you are probably getting a bit toey not knowing exactly where and when yet but I'm sure Frank will be close to settling on a good spot for us to stay so shouldn't be too long now and we'll put you all out of your misery.

I'll try to ring you again tmw Frank ( no answer today ) to see how you are going and give you a hand if necessary.

stacka

Stacka, Check your emails.

Just a quick note to let you know Frank has come up with what I consider a really good spot for what we want.

We are now running past the details with the remainder of "The Bribie 6" (my maths was out before ), namely Benny, Richard and Kent, so provided they are happy we'll announce the dates and location then.

One final thing just to avoid any confusion. Because this meet has only been possible due to the existence of this website, only those who are members, or plan on becoming members who own Speedmasters, Americas or any of the Bonnyville Series (and their two up mate) are invited.

I apologise if anyone has thought differently however without this website and it's membership revolving around Triumph Americas and Speedmasters, (although we've made an exception to the Bonnyville series) we wouldn't be arranging this get together in the first place.

So there you go. We aren't elitist, just loyal to our allegiances.

stacka

Choco, you nailed it simply by saying you wanted to talk to other Owners of bikes like yours. Besides the ride there and back, that's exactly what this meet is all about. After all, isn't that what we do on this site but unfortunately without the ride and meet in person socially thing happening.

So an X America owner now an very happy T100 owner can come along then ?
It might be a good ride

Hmmmm ... I dunno ...

Boof, of course you can. In fact you are the reason we decided the meet would include not only SM and TBA's, but also other bikes from the Bonnyville family. I'm now in the process of posting the details of the OzBam Meet

stay tuned
stacka

OzBam 11 - (Ozzie - Bonnyville America.Com Meet)

Hi all,

Well “The Six Amigos” have discussed the various options about where and when we should hold our inaugural meet and greet and have decided the following destination and dates will give us a great weekend.

The dates chosen are: (drum roll please ha ha)

The weekend starting on Friday 5th August to Sunday 7th Aug 2011.

Of course not everyone can make the Friday but if you can then great. Saturday night however is our main focus for putting faces to names, sharing a few beers and a meal, and of course talking about one of our favourite topics.

The destination is: (another drum roll ha ha)

Bulahdelah

Of course we understand there may be some who would have preferred different destinations and dates however as has been mentioned before, we did have a committee (formally known as “The Six Amigos”), to debate the various pros and cons and everyone without exception believed this was the best time and place.

For those interested I’ll explain those pros and cons at the end of this post but more importantly, if you are wanting to attend as The Amigos are, now is the time to book your leave and accommodation, particularly if you want to stay at the pub.

Accommodation

Bulahdelah is a small country town but with quality yet cheap accommodation for our needs.

So basically your best options are either to stay at the great pub there, or one of the several well priced Motels in the town.

The two options we recommend are:

The Plough Inn Hotel



or

The Mount View Motel




Here are the details of both accommodation establishments we recommend to help you determine what may suit your needs best. Of course there are plenty of other motels etc so whatever floats ya boat.

The Plough Inn

Click Here to Look at the Plough Inn's Homepage

(IMHO, the pub is better priced for the single bloke, and the Mount View better priced for a couple, when you compare both places)

Tariffs are:

- $40 for a single person
- $60 dollars for a double for two people

If you want a big breakie instead of or as well as the included continental, it can be arranged provided you give them notice. Costs are a little pricey at between $15 to $20 but to anyone who may have partaken in that one extra beer, it may be worth every cent ha ha.

At last count There were 12 rooms left Due to myself, Benny (islandbum) and Richard (foglefar) having already booked. So if you want to stay here I wouldn’t wait too long. Yesterday when I was getting details, another riding group booked out the pub for the following weekend.

Bike Security

Bikes are safe as the backyard is locked overnight with a 2 meter tall chain wire Gate. It is opened at approx’ 6am by the caretakers of the pub living virtually near to where our bikes are parked.

A really good continental breakfast in the Bistro Room just off the accommodation area is provided as part of the tariff also.

All rooms downstairs are for blokes only, whilst rooms upstairs offer showers/ toilets for the girls and seperate showers/toilets for the blokes. The best rooms for the girls are rooms 6, 7 and 8 as they are closest to their showers. There are alslo a combination of various types of rooms ie double, single, single plus a bunk, double plus a single etc.

There is also an IGA supermarket across the road, but it will also only be 100m away from The Mount View Motel too.

The Mount View Motel

http://www.mountviewmotel.bulahdelah.net.au/index.html

Frank’s (FrandW) phone calls and internet research revealed the Mount View Motel was ideally located being only 150m from the pub. Tariff is $60 for a double and may even be reduced further depending on how many book in.

So, not wanting to influence where you stay cos that’s up to you but basically we are of the opinion between The Plough Inn and The Mount View Motel, and there very close proximity to each other, anyone who stays at one or the other will virtually have the game sewn up regarding a good quality digs.

Please Note:

The Hotel is very popular with bike riders and road workers on the Bulahdelah bypass. For instance, three weeks ago I landed on their doorstep at 5pm after riding all day and for the first time was told all 16 rooms were booked out. I also found out when booking my room, that an hour previously the entire hotel accommodation was booked out by another bike group for the weekend following ours. So I think you know what I’m getting at, book early or risk the chance of missing out of staying at the Plough Inn.

IMHO though, it doesn't really make any real difference to anything cos to be honest, it took me a lot of consideration to finally determine the pub was my preferred option. So that's not a bad way to be I reckon.

That Mount View Motel whilst I haven’t been through it personally, it looks pretty bl#ody good too.

Finally, Reasons for destination and dates:

Destination]





Firstly, both Frank and myself in our travels agree the bigger towns and cities sadly lack that quality small country town atmosphere such as offered by towns and their people such as in Bulahdelah for instance.

Not only do the bigger cities want too much money and many times offer little in the way of courtesies afforded by the smaller towns, my experience is they make the buildings exterior and main areas look fantastic but the rooms themselves are almost the opposite. Typical all talk but no substance in other words. Not all places of course but very obvious when you’ve been stung.

In fact the last Hotel I stayed at several weeks ago just down the road at Raymond Terrace after I couldn’t get into the Plough Inn, was seriously one of the dearest yet worst in all respects I’ve stayed at. Serious, and it merely verified my experience elsewhere.

Dates for our first Ozbam

Early August whilst it is still mid winter here in Aus, we are blessed we can still ride almost anywhere with the right clothing. Hey, I come from Canberra and I have no problem.

Bulahdelah in August has warm days averaging approximately 17 °c, with the nights only getting down to around 8 °c. So as far as I’m concerned my bones get warmed up quite nicely in these balmy climes.

The other reasons include, no public hols during that weekend which would make accommodation more difficult, not to mention more nutters on the road. Also, the dates do not clash with any school holiday period which again helps make the roads a bit more quieter and safer for our riding pleasure ha ha.

So in conclusion, Bulahdelah at this time of year should be brilliant provided the rain Gods have mercy. We the committee (The 6 Amigos) are all attending and we’re sincerely hoping as many of our BA.Com members can do the same.

Of course, the idea to organise Ozbam 2011 was only hatched three weeks ago believe it or not so as such the only structure of sorts is the 6 Amigos agreeing to have the meet and decide when and where to have it.

So in reality we are still evolving as a band of brothers however if this gathering is a success, who knows what the future may hold.

Clearly it’s all about having a good time with no expectation of anyone spoiling any one else’s fun time. Enough said of that

Finally, being so early in the piece we haven’t talked about the possibility of a ride together whilst at Bulahdelah but just up the road north is the National Bike Museum at Nabiac.

Click Here To View The National Bike Museum Home Page

Of course being a democratic bunch of like minded souls, any other suggestions will always be welcomed as the majority determine what’s what in the melting pot ha ha.

One last thing. We need to know who in fact is definitely attending. With this in mind I’m asking all riders to email me at stacka9@gmail.com, so I can record your username and name, your pillion's details also (if you have one), your email and mob phone number, which accommodation you're staying at and finally just in case, contact details of your next of kin. I will ensure any personal details remain private however we also need this info so we can reserve dining tables for instance.

So, there ya go.

OzBam 11 is underway

Ahhhh Stacka, I wish I could join you guys (ya know an American riding an America ). But I'll be "downunda" in June to early July (over in SA) and I've already checked to discover it's a pain in the arse to bring my bike in country.

Depending upon my customers final schedule, we might do a little holly afterwards. Having been to Birdwood before, I'm curious to now git over to Nabiac (although a bit of a road trip from SA).

I hope you guys have a great time in August and thanks for the tip about Nabiac. Good on ya mate!!

What a shame Steve, I would have loved to meet you in person buddy, share a few sherbets and show you some beautiful riding country. There's got to be another time.

You know, a dream of mine is to ride round the U.S. And meet all the blokes and girls for our own big meet. Now how good would that be hey, Also for you guys to come down our way for the same thing. Hey' all it takes is money and time. That's not too much to ask is it .

Anyway, the bike museum at Nabiac is a cracker. Doesn't look that flash from the outside but I swear once your inside, it's like going to "Heavensville". I'll be riding up there regardless during Ozbam.

Hey, what did you think of the name I called it? Suits me down to the ground cos it's wacky like stacky Seriously though, I had to come up with something catchy, easy to remember and write and something we could identify with. I suppose there will always be someone who'll not like it but as long as the majority do, that's all I care about.

hi all
sounds like a good week end , will check and see if i can make it