Moto Guzzi Appreciation Fraternity of FNQ

A ride this Sunday 20th November??

2011-11-17T07:40:00.000+10:00

Daz decided a run would be good this Sunday here's what he had to say about it:

Gday!

The weather is too good to waste! How about a ride on Sunday 20th november around the tablelands? We could leave the BP at Mareeba about 10.30 am, head over to the lookout at Milla Milla via Malanda, then either down the Palmerston, maybe take South Johnston bypass of Innisfail stop at Mena Ck pub for a beer or quick bite. Then back up highway, with a quick left option at gordonvale to rejoin at Mountview hotel, then partake in the mighty gillies. Course I am open to other options - except for being a pillion....

Well, thats the plan! My phone number is 0424977799, if you would like to join me, just feel free to ring to co-ordinate any meet ups - last minute is fine! I haven't been for a ride for 2 months, so if you are late at the BP you will be inspecting my fat arse disappearing up the road...

daz

Two Bike shows this weekend in Cairns!!

2011-09-29T19:42:00.002+10:00

Who would've thought this would happen??? Details in Comprehensive Social life Organiser

Anyone for an Incredible Inca's tour ??

2011-09-22T07:28:00.005+10:00

Dave, a fellow frat from Adelaide, contacted me and asked if I would post this here. He and some other Fraternity types joined Ferris Wheels for a tour of Bhutan by Royal Enfield a few years back (and they still haven't shut up about it...). Now they are doing South America and taking in all the sights in that country. They are 1-2 short in numbers to make the tour viable so if you're interested read on...

ARE YOU LIVING ON THE EDGE YET….

OR ARE YOU STILL TAKING UP TOO MUCH ROOM??

FERRIS WHEELS INCREDIBLE INCAS TOUR 08 to 28 SEPTEMBER 2012 (October and November tours filled)

Wanted

Males or females who would like to join 11 other committed participants to this tour. This is an additional tour and we need a minimum of 12 participants but can accept up to 22. If you are solo or have a group interested please join us. We went on the Bhutan Tour in 2008 and had a great time.

$8,000 rider plus air fares includes everything except drinks.

$7000 pillion or ride in back up vehicle plus air fares includes everything except drinks.

Everything is food, accommodation, bikes, backup vehicle and mechanic, fuel and tour highlights.

Experienced guide who is there to assist not hinder the experience.

www.ferriswheels.com.au/Incredible_Inca see photos and itinerary to whet your appetite.

Contact:

Vicki on 0418737835 or email David Rocklyn <rocky3@adam.com.au or go to Ferris Wheels direct.

Guzzi's are GO! wrap up

2011-09-01T20:35:00.001+10:00

The much anticipated Guzzis are GO! has been and gone. This year we had 10 Guzzi's show up (actually 11 but Derek only has special interest reg and so unable to come any further than the Gordonvale servo). Without doubt the most interesting machine was Kev and Karen's heavily modified Guzzi Spada otherwise known to us in this country as an SP. Anyway we all showed up on time, even me who discovered a flat tyre when just about to leave home. Never done one of those squidgy cord repairs before, what a great invention! We left Gordonvale more or less on time and the weather gods were kind with the temp being just right. First to Etty bay, a small cove near Innisfail complete with tame(?) Cassowary wandering about, Kurramine Hotel was our next stop where we all lined up for the Traditional foreshore shot.

All too quickly it was time to move on to Mena Creek Hotel for lunch before taking the Palmerstone Highway up onto the tablelands where some of us stopped at the Peeramon Hotel for a cuppa (?) while the rest of us flew down the Gillies to meet the Channel 10 crew waiting to meet Kev and Karen. (They spent a lot of time filming for a 2 minute slot on the National news and here's the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3kvXmsViP4) there's a few familiar faces on there hanging around but dont blink or you'll miss em...
Heres what Kev and Karen had to say on their blog http://guzzioverland.posterous.com/ leading up to Guzzis are Go!
All up it was a bloody great day and if you clik on this link it'll take you to a 100 or so pictures of it
http://www.flickr.com/photos/guzzis_are_go/sets/7215762744346956.

Looking forward to the next run. Anyone got one in mind? The next event in the "Comprehensive Social Life Organiser" is the Kuranda Bike Show which'll be good.
Hopefully there will be a catch up sooner than that...
Until then ABITE IN COLLES....

Guzzie Overland heading west....

2011-09-01T17:29:00.001+10:00

For those of you who turned up to Kevs place for the welcome BBQ and the swap meet and gave them such a hearty welcome at the Guzzis are GO! Kev and Karen Browne wanted me to pass on their thanks for the hospitality and warmth from everyone they met up here in FNQ. Currently they are about to hit Darwin after doing Alice Springs and Uluru. They talk about their travels on their Blog and posted pics and a blurb. Clik here to see what they had to say: http://guzzioverland.posterous.com/ Bookmark this link and follow their travels... It was certainly a pleasure to meet them, see their machine and help to make their visit a memorable one...

Sign the petition to legitimise Filtering

2011-08-18T17:21:00.000+10:00

All of us who ride can see the benefits of moving between lines of very slow moving or stationary vehicles to relieve congestion, Filtering.... (as opposed to lane splitting at higher speed between lines of moving traffic). Clik on the link to sign the petition if you agree: <a href="http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/define-and-legitimise-motorcycle-filtering.html">Define and legitimise motorcycle filtering Petition | GoPetition</a>

Kuranda Motorcycle expo October 1st 2011

2011-08-11T19:10:00.001+10:00

Hey Guys, this is coming up on October 1st. From what I hear there have been an awfully large amount of Harleys in the past. Do we need some more Mediterranean blood in there??? Note that there is a ride from Kuranda to the venue at Kangaventure departing at 1.00pm, an hour before the official opening time. Not sure what the go is with bike entry fees and what this entitles you to but I'll ask Carl and post more here. Alternatively you can ring Carl ya'self.....Check out the poster: clik on "read more"

Guzzie Overland heading this way

2011-08-02T19:52:00.004+10:00

Kev and Karen have done more than 50,000 km so far on their trip from the UK on a modified Guzzi Spada. "Modified" is an understatement, check out their website http://www.guzzioverland.co.uk/ and explore the links.
Recently "resting" in Mackay Qld after a "problem" with using E10 fuel, and another shorter rest after some ring disintegration problems in Airlie Beach they are on their way up the coast. They participated in the Australian Italian Festival in Ingham on Sunday (7th August) and arrived in Cairns last Friday 12/08/2011. On Saturday they hung around a bit sorting out washing, updating their Blog (follow links from their web page) and various bits and bobs before meeting up with Paul Naylor for a run up the Gillies as far as the tablelands before turning back to get back to Kev and Sharons place at Gordonvale in time for a BBQ greeting from every one.
Sunday was spent soaking up the sunshine at the Cairns swapmeet at the showground before a quick run up to Ellis beach. Keep an eye on the Cairns Post this weekend for some pics and I will add some pics and a story to a page in the "Stranger than Fiction" section soon.
Kev and Karen have now headed up the coast to Cape Trib, Cooktown and all points in between but will be back next week for the Guzzis are Go! run next Sunday the 21st August before they go for the run across the top end to WA.

Italian Vehicle Social Day August 6-7 2011

2011-07-18T19:19:00.008+10:00

Just Heard from Christian Smith (CD) in Townsville about the Italian Vehicle Social Day at the Australian-Italian Festival in Ingham and The Ingham Wings and Wheels Airshow on Sept 3-4th which will feature Italian aircraft as well as cars and motorbikes.

These two events will be good possible overnighters or watch this space for details of a Day run with early starts

Heres what CD had to say:

Can I suggest another couple of options for getting a few Guzzis together and having a great weekend at the same time?

The Australian-Italian Festival is on over the weekend of August 6-7. On Sunday August 7^th I’ll be leading “una giornata di avventura” (a day of adventure) which is an annual social ride-drive day for Italian vehicles “and friends”. It starts in Townsville but will meet up with northern participants at Forrest Beach Hotel before going on a leisurely cruise around the district and then on public display for a couple of hours at the Festival venue. I can send you a poster separately with more information.
(Ed; Can't seem to post the poster, please email CD for more details)

I’m also staging the Ingham Wings and Wheels Airshow over the weekend of September 3-4 at Ingham Airport. Given the strong Italian heritage of the Ingham area, I am particularly keen to have Italian aircraft, cars and motorcycles on display. Display participants receive free entry as long as the vehicle is on display for the majority of the day. We’ll also have several Ferraris, Maseratis and possibly a Lamborghini or two!

I hope to have a good range of Italian motorcycles there. One of my mates in Eagleby (near Brisbane) is talking about riding his Sport 110 up and Barry Lewis on the AIGOR list is also keen (if he escapes the wilds of Highland PNG!). Why not also schedule a NQ Guzzi run to the airshow and make a weekend of it? Camping is available at the adjacent Pony Club grounds for $10/site/night - basic amenities including toilets, one shower per sex and floodlighting, otherwise there are motels and a caravan park nearby.

You can e-mail me at coordinator@inghamwingsandwheels.com.au or mobile 0418 636727 - love to have a chat about the possibilities.

Regards, CD.

Christian D Smith

Townsville, NQ

Le Mans III

XS1100 x 4 = Collective Madness!

GL1800 Gold Wing = Just Excessive!

"Guzzis are go!" happening August 21st 2011

2011-07-11T19:33:00.007+10:00

This news came to be here here in true Fraternity style in a roundabout, forwarded to someone who forwarded it further to someone who posted it here. Originally from Jason, heres what he says:

Hello everyone

The sun is shining, the air is cool and bugger it we haven't got together
for a Guzzi run for far too long
So how about Sunday 21 August 2011?

Where to go? We we did this run in November 2008 and it was a good one:

Meet at the Gordonvale Servo at 9am for a 9:15am leave. (Ed : Am assuming its the one at the Gillies Highway intersection and not the new one next to MacDonalds). If you are running a
bit late no dramas as there will be plenty of chance to catch up.
Route to be:

* Gordonvale
* Etty Bay - short stop
* Kurramine Beach, King Reef Hotel - stop
* Mena Creek Pub via Silkwood - lunch
* Fuel at Wangatti if required (just past the turn off to head to the
Palmerstone)
* Palmerstone Range
* Peeramon Pub - chance to regroup
* Gillies, Mountain view? home

Sounds like a pub crawl but not the intent, basically only places open on a
Sunday and well spaced as a chance to re-group.

Open to any suggestions on route and date though - please do so by emailing
reply all. (Ed: or making a comment on this post which Jason will miraculously receive...)

If you know of any other Guzzi, Ducati bevel/pantah or Laverda riders out
there please ask them along. (Ed: let em all come, as long as they appreciate guzzis and can keep up)

Cheers

Jason

Ed: Kev Dunshea told me about the last "Guzzi's are Go!" ride he went on and tells me it was a great day and that it was pretty impressive seeing 17 or so Guzzis lined up in front of the Kurramine pub and later at the Mountain View.

Great opportunity to get some Guzzista together and see if we cant get the Fraternity thing happening with maybe some more regular rides to come. Heres some pics from last time:

Kurramine Beach Hotel

All Lined up at Kurramine Beach Hotel

How to leave a comment.... and other tips...

2011-07-03T21:19:00.005+10:00

A few people have asked how to "join" this Blog. Basically if you just want to leave a comment on any of the "POSTS" which is the main blocks of text in the centre of the page you clik on the link on the bottom of whichever post you want to comment on. Its the link which says "0 comments" or "3 comments" whatever. You can make any comment you want and clik on "submit" or "publish". You will be asked to "submit your comment as:" (as in, who ARE you?) and from the drop down menu you have to choose an option which (if you have "signed in" previously) will be your name or "anonymous" you will then have to decipher some squiggly letters and clik to submit. Your comment will appear as "anonymous says...." or "Joe Blog says:". If you don't do this or sign your name at the bottom we won't know who you are...

Now as for Joining...
(or "following")
Read on.....

1. "Joining" means that you will be listed as a follower. On the right hand side of the blog in the "FOLLOWERS" section you clik on the "join this site" link. If you have a Google, Twitter, Yahoo, AIM, Netlog or OpenID login you can use that existing choice and simply sign in with that. If you don't, you will have to create a Google account to login. It's pretty simple but some people may choose not to do this. If you do this you will be able to comment as yourself. The alternative to formally "Joining" is to:

2. "Follow by Email"
Again on the right hand side above the "FOLLOWERS" bit you will see the "follow by email" bit with a space to insert an email address. Simply put your email address in the space and clik submit.
You will be notified by email of any new posts or comments however if you make a comment you will still only have the choice of posting as "anonymous"...

The benefits of actually joining and signing in properly will be that it's easier to make comments as yourself and if you want to actually make a "POST" as opposed to just comments I can list you as an author and you can post about events coming up, edit stories, and insert pictures till the cows come home. (Just let me know if you want that option...)

Hope this all makes sense

One more thing...If none of the above works and you cant leave a comment or anything else you may need to enable "accept third party cookies" in whichever internet browser you are using.
any issues please feel free to call me and I'll try and talk you through it...

Sorry if it seems overly complicated, its actually a lot more easy than it seems...Have a go...

Nick 0428984835
nicko"at"nicks-place.net

Moto Guzzi Appreciation Fraternity of FNQ is born

2011-06-25T21:59:00.006+10:00

Fraternity (n) : 1/brothers; 2/association of like minded friends with a common interest; 3/ elite society protective of its members

WHO DA FRATS ??

A bunch of no good reprobates. The Moto Guzzi Appreciation Fraternity has no presidents, secretaries or committees. If you want to join, then you’re a Frat. Your only obligation is to show us your favourite roads. This is called “organising a ride”, which involves ringing someone on the list of fellow Frats, saying where and when we’re meeting and roughly where we’re going. It will miraculously appear in the next Comprehensive Social Life Organiser. (sent by Blog/email/FB/snail mail/SMS or whatever method works for most...)

Most of us Frats have Guzzi’s but some of us don’t. Most of us prefer a beer but some prefer Guiness. Some of us have a Frat patch (and didn’t have to do anything gross to get one). We all have one thing in common, the bond that comes through a shared love of the ride.

The Moto Guzzi Appreciation Fraternity was established in SA in 1992. The Frats first “meeting” was at the Cudlee Creek pub and the first run included the Gorge road, famous for its combination of tight twisty and long sweeping bends. It inspired the fraternity’s motto, “ABITE IN COLLES”, Latin for “Head for the Hills”.

Now spreading its Falcon wings to Far North Queensland, the Fraternity gets together at least once a month. It doesn't matter what you ride, how old you are or your gender, anyone who appreciates Moto Guzzis is welcome.

Its hoped that this blog can play a role in keeping us in touch and up to date but as we grow, a list of names and phone numbers will appear in our letterboxes or email inboxes. Someone tech savvy may even work out how to send group SMS's to remind us of upcoming rides.

The dry season is here, the roads are plentiful, there's plenty of pubs to stop at. What are we waiting for?

ABITE IN COLLES.....