Bits from 2 mails through the delegates list. THis from Damien Cognodotto: I just spoke to the Police Media Officer. The Media Unit does neither confirms nor denies that there will be plain clothes police on unmarked bikes mingling with the tourists. It confirmed that the antihoon laws will be enforced. For a definition of what hoon offences are go to [URL="http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/roadsafety"]www.justice.vic.gov.au/roadsafety[/URL] . My understanding is that offences under this law include breaking traction so monos and donuts and burnouts could concievably result in the bike being confiscated. The officer on the spot will interpret the rider's behaviour as hoonish or not hoonish. The issue of "motorcyclists not being granted entry to the snowfields" and being "asked to turn around" I'm assured means that if a road is closed to all vehicles or if the road allows vehicles with chains only to proceed then riders and drivers without chains will all be turned around. Simple road safety. Again this will be down to the officer on the spot to enforce. My feeling is that it's really cold in the hills this time of year. It would be smarter to avoid the problem and take the inland route or the coast road and forget the Alps. If you get to the start of the mountains then get sent back it makes for a long, long detour. What would be really good is moving the GP date back to March as in 1989. Brilliant weather that time of year and you can combine it with the car GP at Albert Park and the motor show and have a real speed week. That was an option the Melbourne Tourism Authority was very keen on back then. After talking to Police about Operation Gassit I feel better but not entirely at ease. I'll be sticking to speed limits religeously, even if the escort bikes on the MRA OZ GP RUN go over the limit again, I won't. I'll be avoiding anything that remotely resembles hoon-like behaviour and I'll be keeping an eye out for the undercover guys. To everyone heading to the GP, take it easy and have a safe trip. Damien Codognotto OAM ============== and this from the President of MRAA ABC radio today, I was interviewed by the ABC along with Police spokes person" Inspector Barry Macintosh" the police line is one of following" Force command" Our big gripe is there was no consultation with main stream motorcycling in NSW or Victoria , We Live in different world now with Internet being a major tool to provide Safety Information to those in our Community. The Media release was sent on the 1st September allowing very little time to communicate changed road conditions or list alternative routes. There is no list available as to what Roads will be Closed to Motorcyclist, Extremely poor communication! Now AGPC and the State Government moved the GP to the earlier date to secure tobacco sponsors which helps prop up this event. This intern forces riders to ride in less safe weather conditions, and yet they want to save us! Then they want us to see the tobacco advertising one last time at our GP correct me if I'm wrong But Smoking kills more Australians than any form of transport. A little hypocritical me thinks! Currently the snow season is over with No Snow reported at most resorts other than Man Made. DSE has hundreds of roads closed due to weather conditions that includes roads in the Wimmera, and Alpine areas , they don't alter their closures even knowing our State is in Drought. This would mean actually going out and having a look at the regions and that's costly! Meantime business in the Alpine Regions suffer twice once due to a Poor Snow Season, then again due to the lack of tourism due to "Road Closure" that should be accessed and lifted accordingly. We all need to work on the ONE PAGE Victorias State Government has shown no wish to acknowledge our "Two wheeled form of transport " The Brack,s Tax remains, no funding in any area. Time to change start listening and communicating with peak motorcycling groups We are at your disposal! Regards Dale Maggs President MRAA
