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Information for Prospective Members
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Established in 1955, the Melbourne Sportsbike Riders is an
all-makes club for motorcycle owners. The rides are sport touring
oriented and cater for modern sports bike riders. The Club is
reknowned for its well run rides, excellent organisational ability
and depth of riding experience.
Rides are between 200 and 500 km long, every Sunday. Hence the Club attracts the more mature person, usually riding a big-bore sports/touring machine, who can afford his or her "habit". Of course new riders on smaller machines are well looked after, especially by using our corner marking system. Unnecessary dirt roads and major highways are avoided where possible. In an effort to cater for a broad spectrum of tastes the rides vary in length and style. Currently we include at least three short distance rides per itinerary, aiming for 4 hours duration or less. Occasional weekends away usually incorporate cheap hotel or B&B accommodation and tend to be in the better riding months of the year. Our favourite and regularly visited area is the Snowy Mountains region in southern New South Wales. Social needs are catered for by a monthly Social Sip at a centralised hotel, usually with an evening meal. An itinerary detailing the Club's activities for the next four months is produced in business card format for the members' convenience, or is available off the net. It contains a list of meeting times, dates, and destinations of future rides and functions, and other useful information. Rides depart at the times given on the itinerary. The times are strictly adhered to: being five minutes late may mean missing the ride. To save time, arrive with a full tank of petrol; we make appropriate stops en-route, and return late afternoon.
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Due to the distances involved, a reliable, roadworthy
bike (especially tyres), with the suspension set appropriately,
is highly desirable. Victoria's weather is at best unpredictable, so
wear, warm protective clothing. Carry wet weather gear. Sun glasses and
ear plugs help reduce eye strain and fatigue-inducing wind noise.
No liquor is to be consumed on Club rides. When riding with a large group of riders, eight hours abstinence seems reasonable and responsible in the light of the ever increasing drink/driving penalties. More importantly it offers the other riders a degree of security. Where deemed appropriate, and a Committee person is present, this rule may be waived. The Club seeks a sensible compromise. Three general meetings are held per year on the first Thursday of the months of February, May (the AGM) and September. The meetings commence at 8.15 pm and are held in the theatrette at the rear of the Camberwell Town Hall, off Inglesby Road, Melways Reference 59J2. These are run along fairly informal lines with supper provided afterwards. A monthly magazine is produced and available at the meeting, along with new itineraries, badges, and other Club paraphernalia. Magazines are also available at the Social Sips, similarly held on the first Thursday of the month. Prospective members must attend at least three rides before applying for membership. Full membership costs $40, Associate membership $20. New riders are very welcome, so come along and join us.
Originally written May 1993, last modified 10th May, 2007 |
