October 1998 Volume 79 Number 10 "serving the protectors"
SA POLICE MOTORCYCLE CLUB
By Jim Andrew, President

Affiliation a Reality

The SA Police Motorcycle Club committee was very pleased to hear from Motorcycling SA (MASA) regarding club affiliation last month. The club is now affiliated with MASA, which means that club members can now ride under our name in all open events, both in South Australia and interstate. I thank all those involved in helping with the affiliation process - it was well worth the wait.

Sponsorship

More good news is that Peter Stevens Motorcycles is again the club's major sponsor. And as major sponsor, the business happily handed over a cheque which helps affiliation and other costs. Also, the business continues to give substantial discounts to members on parts and accessories and motorcycles generally. I encourage all members to patronize it whenever possible.

Trail Tours

Operator of trail tours throughout Victoria's mountain country, Klaus Mueller, has plenty to offer those interested in dirt rides. He also operates the Australian Trail Bike Tours and is organizer for the Blue Light Rally in Victoria, which attracts about 1,500 riders.

Consideration is being given to getting a group together next year and attending one of his rides. They range from three to five days and, by all accounts, tour through some of the best country anywhere. Anyone interested should contact me for further details.

Hosting our own

In respect of the Blue Light Rally, the committee has always wanted to host a similar event here in our South Australia. It would probably require planning all through 1999 and be held in 2000. We hope to use the Kuitpo/Mt.Crawford Forrest areas and make the whole event a fund-raising exercise. We already have sponsors keen to get involved.

Family participation

The club's dirt riders had a great weekend at Coonalpyn in August. About 20 members and their families ventured down to this great new riding area which includes long fire trails and tighter tracks.

The accommodation ranged from pitching a tent to rolling out a swag in the old shearers' quarters. This is simply one of the best areas for dirt riding. We had our usual camp fire on Saturday night and tried to keep Harry Parsons and his family awake.

It was also great to see members' families getting around and enjoying themselves. Dave Roy and Dave Paxon's boys were having a ball showing their dads how to ride.

The Coorong is another great place to ride. And, it was the locale for just that on 19 and 20 September. Members enjoyed another great weekend in the huge sandhills. This is always a popular place for families to ride and throw in a line at the nearby beach.

Championships

A handful of members ventured over to the world 500cc championships at Philip Island on the October long weekend to see Mick Doohan try and retain his title. I hope to report on this event in future columns.

Social scene

Social secretary, Bernadette Reilly, has again organized another social night at the Brecknock Hotel for Tuesday, 3 November. It will begin at 6:30pm for dinner and be followed by videos.

Lester Martin (DTF) is organizing a "Poker" run for the roadies for 8 November. This is along similar lines to other clubs where members ride to various locations and purchase playing cards. After five stops, prizes are given out and a barbecue or something similar will be held at the end of the day.

Queries about joining the club should be directed to committee members.

Contacts:	PRESIDENT	Jim Andrew (Adelaide CIB)
		Ph: 8207 5128 or 015 717 360
	VICE PRES	Bud Abbott (NCA)
		Ph: 8217 6335 or 0419 860 549
	COMSEC	Damien Vears (STAR Division)
		Ph: 8207 4129 or 0418 799 006
	TREASURER	Greg Trickett (STAR Division)
	SECRETARY	Mick Klose (Parks)
		Ph: 8207 6515 or 0417 830 552
	SOC SEC	Berni Reilly (Transit Division)
		Ph: 8303 0500 or 0418 804 552