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Would be great if you could come along Derek.

Hey - big thanks to Stacka and Frank for their work in organising Ozbam 11.

I am already planning the trip and nutting out mods for the bike ride - namely custom made driver's backrest and mid-pegs (I haven't forgotten a peg bracket for you Frank).

Goodonya Richard and thanks for the sentiments. It was excellent to have you, Benny and Kent to run things by so Frank and I knew we were on track. I have made a few errors in my time thinking just because something sounded good to me, everyone else would too.


You guys made our job easy cos we we were all on the same wavelength.

While I'm at it too, I want to let everyone know who is contemplating coming to OzBam 11 that the Amigos aren't a clicky bunch of self righteous wankers but just people who want to meet with each other to enjoy the company of like minded riders and most of all, ride.

So please don't think we are a clicky group only interested in our own agenda or what have you. We as a committee and I use that term lightly, want everone to be part of the decision making process for any ideas or suggestions to improve the meet.

I just wanted to clear that part up so there was no confusion or thoughts that may make someone think otherwise. Yes, OzBam did need a structure otherwise a group of people who comes together can turn into a divisive rabble. So all the Amigos have tried to do is create a sense of stability which because we think similarly, ensures unity and harmony amongst us and subsequently, a solid platform from which there is the potential for an excellent first time meet and who knows, maybe future OzBams. Time will tell I guess.

Now it'll be interesting to see how many of our Aussie membership buddies intend on coming along. The best thing about it though is we know we'll get half a dozen or more which in my books for the first arranged meet will be great fun and subsequently a great success. Can't wait.

hi all
just booked my room at the mount view, so i will see you all there , i will be comming up on saturday

Excellent Derek. Don't forget to send me your details but only if you want. We're not running a military campaign but it's preferable that's all.

Good onya Derek, Jo & I have booked at the Mount View so has Kent.

Hi all, just to go a bit further on what Stacka said about not being a clicky bunch. We are the kind of guys that just go with the flow.

It is purely by coicidence that we all got together.

We all met as a group on Bribie Island Queensland.

My daughter lives on BRIBIE.

Stacka's daughter lives near BRIBIE.

Benny lives on BRIBIE.

Kent lives on BRIBIE.

Richard only lives a short bike ride from BRIBIE.

So you can see that it was a place that meant we could get together. I for one am really glad that we did, if we hadn't have had that first meeting as a group I don't thing this trip in August would be on the cards.

By the way it was all Stackas idea. As you can see we all went with the flow.

G'day all, I know it is still early days yet but just asking a question to the Queensland guys that are going to go.

Are you going to ride to Bulahdelah in one day or are you going to split up the ride and overnight somewhere, for me coming from Hervey Bay the trip one way is just under a Thousand Kms it's a long day in the saddle also I would like to ride with the members if I attend cheers.

Check your PM's.

At this stage we are thinking of taking the inland route.

Check with Benny, Kent and Richard, they might be taking the Pacific Highway all the way down.

Hi All

Just booked the Mountview see yous there.

Organizing to ride up with Derek, so if any others around Sydney/ Wollongong want to join in, contact us.

Good onya Bill.

This is our planned route down at present, but can change to meet up with other riders.

At this stage we will go from Bundaberg to Warwick or Esk. (stay Overnight)

Next day down to South of Armidale (either Uralla or Walcha) stay overnight)

Next day down to Bulahdelah. Via the Oxley and Pacific Highways or the Thunderbolt Way whichever is the better riding road.

Hi Bruce,

I am doing the ride over 2 days each way and going by scenic rural back roads where possible. Basically zigzagging down the ranges - not a direct route. My route and stayover each way is not yet defined. This is what I'm thinking:
- take the best twisty riding roads.
- get the best scenery.
- avoid routes with high volume traffic, trucks and motorways where possible.
- only do about 400- 500kms per day so the ride is enjoyable all the way and doesn't just become an endurance ride.
- really enjoy the ride there and back.
- I will join up with Frank and crew for at least part of their ride if they'll have me (probably on the way back).
- The route I am thinking includes the legendary Lion Road over the Scenic Rim, and meanders in the mountains and valleys between the Pacific Highway and the New England Highway. A bit of each main route will probably be necessary once south of Grafton. But the roads linking the coast and the NE Hway are legendary down there anyway. The route will probably include some big zigzags there!
- Staffo is considering riding up to Brisbane and joining me for the trip down. I don't know what Benny's up to but he's welcome.
- Others are welcome to join us. (BTW - I am not a slow rider, slightly aggressive but not recklessly fast either. Anyone who want's to race or to dawdle is advised to form their own convoy. No offense meant - it's just safest and most comfortable for everyone that way.)
- I plan to depart north Brisbane on Thursday morning 4th August arrive Beuladella Friday avo 5th August. Depart Beuladella Sunday Morning 6th August and arrive Brisbane Monday avo 7th August.
- Because the route is not yet finalised I have not booked places to stay on the 4th and 7th but will look for something quiet, secure and rural (motel, lodge or B&B) about halfway each way when the route is sorted. Being a Thursday and Sunday nights, booking accommodation should not be a as hard as weekend nights.
- I will probably vary at least some of the return trip to different routes than the southbound route.
- Ideas on the best riding and scenic roads are welcome.

Thanks guys for the infomation so far this ride does sound like it's going to be very interesting so I going to have to work out my costs yer I know money again it's a PITA but hopefully I can make it cheers.

Well Richard, no one can say you aren't making this most of this ride that's for sure.

You're right about the riding anywhere between the coast to the inland across the dividing range too. There are some better rides than others but geez mate, from what I've seen there's only a bees di#k in it.

I've done the Oxley with Thunderbolts(spectacular)
The Waterfall Way (spectacular)
The Gwydir (Fanstatic over the mountains)

Click here for a google maps look

Whichever way you go, they are all good really and I'd ride them again in a heartbeat, and we haven't talked about the Vic High Country which is a whole new ball game.

Hi all, just a quick one.

I've had a re-think and decided it would be best for all of us who have committed to attending OzBam, and after talking to Richard and trying to talk to Benny, us three have now booked into the Mountain View.

As much as I love staying at The Plough Inn, I thought it would be best if at all possible we camp (so to speak) in one spot. The thought of us and our bikes being in two different spots just wasn't working for me. I mean, I love looking at other bloke's bikes as much as I stare at my own and given it's a short meet, the only time this was guaranteed was at the Mountain View.

It will also be a great opportunity to chill out together with a coffee and a smoke (bad stacka) and do what we love doing and chew the fat about this bit on our bikes and that.

Those little occasions can be real special and now I've made the decision, I'm feeling a lot better about it. It just wasn't working for me the other way

Richard is happy and whilst I've had to make the decision on Benny's behalf cos he's on the road, he did tell me he was easy either way. Of course the $10 difference won't break the bank either.

So there you go fellow OzBam Bonnyville Series bike brothers and sisters, everyone so far is booked at the Mountain View

FYI, at last count from those who had confirmed their details with me, we have 7 units booked and 8 people total attending.

If I have missed someone it's only because I've rushed this post and/or I've forgotten to put you on the spreadsheet. , please don't take offence. It's just I'm rushing this one.

Finally, I can't remember being the one who suggested OzBam as Frank suggests. I may have but from memory the amigos sort of said it all at once. You know when two people talk exactly at the same time. Well I remember the six of of saying "how about we organise a meet" instantaneously.

It was bizarre.

There is no cure for Alzheimers.

OR have we been taken over by Aliens.

Maybe it was both. Anyway, I can't remember the last time I had bout of oldtimers

Just a quick one so there's absolutely no confusion but I asked Friar to change my user name from Staffo to Stacka.

Seemed logical considering that's what my nickname is.

cheers
stacka

ps: a big thanks to Friar for his help.

Well $ Blll, 23 yrs ago when I joined the brigade in Canberra, the Nickname stacka was indeed bestowed by one wag but of course it had nothing to do with stacking motorbikes, or even stacking fire appliances for that matter (well not quite). I haven't got time to explain right now but when I do it'll more than likely become abundantly clear to you how it came to be, probably having done similar drills in recruit college.

Also youl'll see why I didn't say anything at the time after all, stacka was music to my ears compared to others like loser, Dawk, precious, forest (gump), rowdy, farts. Need I go on.

Stay tuned for the exciting final conclusion of how he became 'stacka'. Hopefully tonight via keyboard and not iPhone.

-----------------------------------------------

Ok, I'm at work now and it's quiet.

DollarBill asked how I got the nickname stacka. Well it was like this. In recruit college one of the drills we were required to do once we had become more proficient in basic firemanship was to act as the officer in charge of the appliance and be in charge of a drill.

Well, the procedure required the delegated OIC to report to the instructor, receive a brief on what type of incident he was to encounter and to then relate instructions to his crew.

Of course to assist in making the drill appear as real as possible, the crew and I were to hop into one of our training appliances (fire trucks), drive out of the drill yard and then back into it with light and sirens activated blah blah blah.

Well after my brief from the instructor I informed my crew and we "mounted" as would sort of occur on station.

So the motor driver gets us rolling out the drill yard but there was one small factor I had forgoten to do.

When passing the main gate the door in the front seat I had not closed properly, swung open and bumped a portion of the gate and put a small dent in it.

I think you all imagine what's going to happen next but anyway, afterwards during smoko the aforementioned wag I was refering to previously piped up and said, you know Staffo... (Surname), we all saw what happened including the dent you put in the front door. So we (him) reckon you stacked the truck and will have to put in a report etc etc.

Now feeling more cocky the others were laughing in agreement with him, he then went on to say, "Yeah, Staffo... you stacked the truck.

Yeah says another goon, stack Staffo... stacked the truck. By this time all were pis#ing themselves and repeating the same thing.

So, from what was an innocent and minor error of judgment on my behalf by forgetting to close my door properly, ended by my initially being referred to as stack which quickly morphed into the present day stacka.

True story.
(what's my name again)

So what's your excuse DollarBill???

SH!T, Buladelah in the middle of winter!!!!!
I don't know if I have enough clothes to wear.
Count me in. I was up there yesterday. Lot of road works around there. Don't know how long for. I might have to change my Wilcannia ride.
Now where can I find thermal underwear?

I'm in!!!

Just saw the thread after some prompting from Satcka (cheers mate).

Leaving from Springwood (Syd West)

TB

Well Stacka,
When I was in the job there were several reasons they labelled me with that monicker.

Lets just say I wasn't short of a quid at the time.

I've been out for just on 20 years now.

Will elucidate further in August.

I expected something like that. So what do you prefer to be called. DollarBill is a long nickname to be calling someone face to face isn't it? I suspect the firies when they were referring to you called you that, otherwise it would have been an expletive or, lets see , maybe even Bill.

Me, I don't even think my work colleagues know my first name but then again, is rolls off the tongue easily. That helps

Anyway Bill, or whatever else you prefer to be called, we look forward to hearing the various times when you worked as a firie when someone decided you needed singling out

I didn't even think about the cold (bit of a foreign concept up here) but now I researching heated vests and maybe heated gloves. I like the look of the new micro carbon electric clothing - no wires and thinner, tighter fitting.

Hey Stacker
You can call me anything you like, except late for dinner.

In NSWFB, no one got singled out, it was fair game all around. Nearly everyone got a nicknname, some from the first day of college.

Like Yates, he was last on roll call list out of 73 trainees, his name was "slops" Then the guy who had always done more of anything, he got "One Up"

Thought I would post a quick reply to this thread as we don't want it to float off into oblivion between now and August.

Gotta keep it going for any new East Coast members who want to come.

Well Frank

We could ask the good Friar to put a "sticky" on it so that it remains at the top of the "Rides Rallies & Events" section.

Is this possible John?

Or just keep it alive by posting.

Hey Frank. What is your planned route and timetable?

I plan to take 2 days each way from Brissy to Bulahdelah with a night at Ebor one way - I haven't decided where to stay the other way - but maybe around Grafton. I will travel the Summerland Way or a variation one way at least.

If you tell me your route and timetable maybe I can ride with you guys part of the way. My route is flexible right now but will entail only 400-500kms per day.

I'm looking to book accomodation enroute shortly.

Haven't decided on a route yet.

We are undecided between the coast or the New England Highway. Snow in August is quite possible around Glen Innes. We are leaving on Wednesday the 3rd. I was waiting to see what Benny and Kent were doing also Bruce from Hervey Bay might be going. If we decide on the coast road we will spend Wednesday night at Bribie Island at friends.

I'm leaving Thursday - arriving Friday. Departing Bulahdelah Sunday arriving Brisbane Monday.

Are you thinking of doing Brisbane <-> Bulahdelah in one day?

2 days Brisbane to Bulahdelah.

hey guy's
to be honest other then taking 2 days to get their...
i havent given much thought as to which way to travel
tell ya 1 thing tho we're gunna have a fun time tho

Hey peoples, 2 bit Bill, sorry $Bill, has a good idea about asking the good Friar about organising for us either a list of the Aussie members or even better, dividing the user list into countries so we can contact all the Aussie blokes personally about OzBam. Ya never know.

The latter might be a bit too much to ask but no harm in trying.

So considering the merit of his suggestion, I asked him to look into it for us. No harm in asking?

Good idea about keeping the thread alive too cos like me I never really looked at the bike rides and events categoy much so maybe there's people who aren't even aware of OzBam?

As far as which route and when people are getting to OzBam, I've put it in the too early to decide yet and besides, I'm continuing on too Bribie ( well Ningi anyway) after our meet so for me it would be a lot easier to make riding back a feature.

I can understand most may prefer just riding back straight after though.

Now, like John Laws, lets "keep the dream alive".

Leaving Springwood early on Friday and taking my time via Putty Rd. Should get there about 3pm.

Well guys unfortunately for me it's looking harder and harder to make this ride finding the funds to go is going to be a PITA both car and bike rego falls on that month plus all the other usual bills as well.

I hope all the members that go on this ride have a fantastic and safe time and if you decide to make ths ride an annual event then maybe next year you could make the ride to somewhere in Queensland something like a State Of Orgin NSW one year Queensland the next anyway it's only an idea but as I said safe ride everyone cheers.