The night I froze my arse off.

[DJ Down Under]

Five years ago after buying my Roadster I joined the local BMW motorcycle club..I attend every monthly meeting..each year they talk about the Icicle ride.

It's an all night ride in the middle of Winter..and each year thought that it might be fun..and one day I'll do it.

Well this year I decided to do it..I was able to take a day off work and the weather forecast was looking good so I had no excuses..here's a link to the ride details.. http://www.bmwmccvic.org.au/index.php?option=com_events&task=view_detail&agid=59&year=2006&month=07&day=08&Itemid=31

http://www.bmwmccvic.org.au/images/stories/Events/icicle%20ride.jpg

After finishing my Saturday shift I had just enough time to get home..get into my gear..and ride off to the midnight starting point.

Here I am...10.30pm...Winter jacket..winter gloves..leather pants and heaps of layers underneath..I felt like the Michelin man but I hate being cold.

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The start was at a large petrol station on the outskirts of Melbourne..I parked next to another BMW.

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Inside I had to line up to pay my entry fee..and concider a last minute snack.

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One of the guys in front of me in the que had this hat with the last 10yrs pins on it...I thought..ooh..tonight I get my first one.

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Once I paid my money I got this envelope...only to be opened if you get lost... :shock: ...the ride always has a secret destination.

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I returned outside and ..OMG...there was bikes and people every where...now where did I park mine.

Offically they had 163 entries..but I'm sure a lot don't bother to enter..it seemed like hundreds of bikes.

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Next was a meeting to explain the rules of the ride..and a few jokes about getting lost..they offered a direction sheet on how to get to the next stop.

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Here I am just about to head off on my first Icicle ride..notice the time.

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We headed off and it was a perfect Winters night..not too cold..dry (for now)..and a full moon lit things up nicely.

It was a great sight seeing a long snaking line of red bike tail lights winding up the winding road ahead..the road was a beautiful twisty country road.

Our first stop was about 1.45am...a small country town...and bikes parked up and down each side of the road..something a small flash couldn't capture.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2542.JPG

Inside the local hall they were serving hot soup and bread to the riders.

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Outside there were half a dozen fires and riders everywhere scoffing down the soup and warming themselves near the fires.

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The soup was either tomato or beef and veg...I had the veg...it was nice and hot..I went back for seconds..and even thirds.

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After our soup stop it was time for another meeting to explain the next leg of the ride..and a few more jokes..and those hand out sheets with directions.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2546.JPG

We headed off for more great winding roads...the next and last stop was at about 4.30am for fuel..and munchies..the wind had picked up a little and felt like it was coming straight off the Antartica..I put my helmet back on just to keep my head warm..I had not got cold up till now and suddenly I was freezing.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2547.JPG

After another meeting it was off on our last leg..we were told the end and hot breakfast was at Frankstone Yacht Club..on the shore of Port Phillip bay.

Once on the road we started to get drizzle..and at speed felt like rain..it soon passed but I was starting to get cold..my brain was trying to turn off..and my eyes wanted to close...and the worst thing was my batteries died on my iPod..and I forgot my backup battry..oh no..no music...what torture...I was singing out loud in my helmet to keep myself awake..the odd slick wooden bridge also woke me up..but the last hour was not much fun...if I was in my car I would defiantly pulled over for a short nap because my eyes were giving up on me..anyway I made it to the finish.

7am..and just stating to get light...bikes parked everywhere at Frankstone Yacht club.

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Once inside I got my first Icicle ride badge...and by the way I felt..my first and last.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2550.JPG

I just wanted to get home..and into my nice warm bed..then I saw the food...scrambled eggs..mushrooms..bacon..tomato's...gotta get some of that.

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Next find a table.

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My nice little breakie..bacon 'n' eggs and juice...must have been an American cooking the bacon...only kidding.

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Back outside it was just starting to get light..the wind off the bay was freezing..I sill had another hour to ride home...and my eyes were so sore.

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9am I'm back home..did I have fun...I'm not sure...btw my eyes are red..and it's not just because of the flash.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2560.JPG

One last macro shot..I'm surprised how good this pic turned out for a quick snap... http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2561.JPG

My eyes just wanted to close..so I jumped into bed and did just that.

DJ

[Deans BMW]

DJ, don't know if you can get them down there but the Gerbings Jacket liner and heated gloves with their thermostat are the single best investment accessory wise in all my years of riding. Lots of hours at near and below freezing riding and toasty warm.

[GPM]

Great story DJ, and as always great pics as well. That's some mighty fine looking bacon you had there!!!

[TorqueMonsterMT-01]

Great write up DJ. Too bad you got cold and tired, but I'll bet you do it again next year. Take dean's advice and get some electric gear.


My nice little breakie..bacon and eggs...must have been an American cooking the bacon...kidding..

You don't have to joke about this. As an American, I like my bacon crispy. I can't stand the half cooked, slimey, greasy way you Aussies (and Brits) cook your bacon. That is one thing I am always on the lookout for here in Japan. A restraunt that actually cooks American style bacon.

Of course my Aussie friends get disgusted when Americans put eggs, pancakes (with syrup) and bacon on the same plate. It never ceases to freak them out. Then I start freaking when the Brits put the baked beans all over everything. (Although it is actually quite good.)

[Wild Will]

that was SOME rally you ventured out upon. I hate being cold. Sometimes in winter after arriving back home I strip my gear off and you can follow the trail all the way to the hot tub. Nothing (even THAT) feels like a hot tub when you're freezing!

When you get out here, I'll fix you some apple wood smoked thick bacon, and you'll immediately be hooked. Incidentally I visited an old friend yesterday; used to ride a Vincent until he got cancer. His sweet wife served us Italian prisciutto and fresh cantaloupe. The meat was mostly fat, but I ate it anyway; what the hell. It was surprisingly good, but nothing like that thick, perfectly fried bacon.

I'll bet Fabry knows a thing or two about Italian ham.

Good on ya, Deej!

[Ed K]

Thanks for sharing the pics.

I am with you DJ... not sure I would have enjoyed that type of riding either... but with that many showing up, it looks like an interesting experience.

Btw, we all know how meticulous you are with your bike, but how do keep the front inside sections of the cylinders spotless?

[marko]

DJ,
I knew there was going to be a full moon and the forecast was for clear weather for most of the night - but i only thought about it for a second.

Cold, darkish and maybe wet, not to mention losing your Sunday because you have to sleep.......
that equation will never add up for me and you will never see me on a mid winter icicle ride!!!
Maybe ten years ago, yes.

Well done - good to see another black 1150R next to you in one of the shots.
(Sunday morning 8am I was heading to Narre Warren and saw a few beemers coming the other way - obviously from the ride.
They did look like michelin men).

[BobFV1]

Icicle Ride! What a STUPID IDEA!

But, it also looks like great fun, in the vein of other stupid but fun ideas like running a marathon or riding a bicycle on a century ride.

I have Gerbings and whenever I use them, I just tell myself that I shouldn't be out onthe road at such an hour/time of year.

DJ - that is quite an accomplishment! That little pin would certainly take a hallowed position in my trophy cabinet! Congrats and thanks for the write-up!

[jamming]

DJ, I hate being cold!
I'm in Portland Oregon right now and its 61 degrees F. I'm freezing my ass off. Back home in in Phoenix its in the 90's. I can't wait to get home!

Good to ya for the run, looks like fun though.

Roger

[Pacific]

DJ,

Great write-up. It's the kind of adventure you have to take up once, just to assure yourself that you're not a pussy. Arguably, heated vests are for pussies, but I'm with Dean on that score. It's the best investment I've made. Last year, I'd bundle up early in the riding season and arrive at work (40 minute ride) chilled. Some mornings it would take two or three hours to normalize. With the heated vest, zero adjust time.

On the bacon issue, try this: crisp the bacon American style, spread peanut butter on a pancake, then add the bacon and another pancake. You will be amazed!

Great pics and great story, as usual.

[arkline]

DJ,

Great stuff. Great pics. You're a better man than I am, for sure. I don't mind being just a bit cold, but hate riding and driving at night anymore. Not enough carrots, I suppose. Sounds a bit more than a three dog night. Hope you got some well deserved rest.

[1MPH]

Icicle....aka.....DJ,

Great write up as usual. Really enjoyed the pictures. Isn't soup great on a cold night. Hope you are thawed by now. Was the pin worth it?

[DJ Down Under]

Thanks...I'm glad you guys enjoy my pics..sorry they're a bit dark and fuzzy this time.

Yes Dean...I must get some of that heated gear..I haven't seen much down under and it's very pricey...also it's not that often it's this cold.

GPM...Bacon...I have to admit I'd rather over cooked than under cooked.

TM...Baked beans...mmmm...sniff sniff....ok who farted..:003:..I can't help think about Blazing Saddles every time I think of baked beans.

WW...Hot tub....oooh..that'd be nice....you're a lucky man WW.

Ed...latley I've used a cheap kitchen spray cleaned as a mild degreaser..then a gentle wash..and spray with Mr Sheen..got caught in the rain today..now it's filthy.

Marko...where were ya...I was looking for you.

BobFV1...yes that pin kept me going near the end...I was going to split and head for home near the end..and then thought..geees..I've gotta get my pin.

also...Dieing for a piss for the last half hour didn't help either.

Jam...My gear kept me warm until the last stop and taking my helmet off...I should have taken a beanie to wear.

Pacific..thanks...Peanut butter...I love it on hot toast...I'll try it on pancakes with bacon one day..it sounds OK.

Ark...yes I've had a good rest now thanks...It was stupid to do it without a sleep before.

1MPH...Yes the pin was worth it...getting it kept me going...but I have to admit it will just be thrown in my sock draw and not be seen again.

BTW...I rode about 500 klms...the amazing thing is...not one bug..not even a mozzie...how is that possable?....and oh yeah...not one icicle..:003:

DJ

[Bill]

Looks like somthing I would like to do, I love riding when it's cold, just do not get many chances here in South Texas. I enjoyed your write up - keep em coming. Looks like good food! WOW what a reward.

[DarthRider]

Well I hate riding in the cold...a lot...!
But good on ya' Mate, it's good to do something stupid, painful & dangerous now and again. Kind of the story of my lfe!
Maybe Fabry in Milan will write sometime about going to the Elephantine Rally in Germany...in dead winter! Now *that* is some seriously crazy Mo-Fo's!

[Bones]

Only DJ can make me enjoy reading about two things I absolutely HATE: riding in large groups and being cold. Add to that, riding on an unknown course in the dark, and I know I would not have even thought about doing it. But, as always, great write up and good group of pics.

This proves, yet again, that people will do anything that can be done. A local aquaintance asked me last winter if I wanted to go camping. I thought he meant go camping in the summer when weather improved. He said, "no, I mean next weekend." It was about 15 degrees (F) and there was a foot or two of snow on the ground. Uh, no thanks.


Thanks DJ.

Jeff

[BobFV1]

Camping is for pussies. Real men stay in cheap motels.