Page 26 - Exhaust Notes January 2024

January 2024 Exhaust Notes - Edition No 333 
Midweek Ride Ulysses Geelong 10th January 2024.

Focus MotoCAP @ Deakin University.

Ride Leader Sheryl T Report Stan Pics S&J

Nearly all the riders gathered at Waurn Ponds Maccas. Sheryl gave a ride briefing, Raff put his hand up for
TEC, and we were on the move towards Deakin University for a talk at MotoCAP, the motorcycle clothing
testing facility.

A few other riders joined us at MotoCAP. That brought us to a total of twenty-one riders!!

Professor Chris had our attention from the beginning. He demonstrated the abrasive machine that they use
for testing motorcycle fabric, and gave us some interesting information, on cost versus type of riding versus
riding surfaces. Which clothing suits what riding conditions. The most expensive is not always the most
practical. I was surprised that proper denim motorcycle trousers seemed to be more practical than textile
and leather. Leather is a very reliable protective material, but it depends on how the leather has been
treated (ie thinned and therefore weakened)
Then Chis demonstrated the impact on shoulders pads. The technology in design from manufacturers is
changing because of the work that is coming out of MotoCAP.

The third machine tested the integrity of stitching in the clothing we wear.

The fourth machine, I understood, was about waterproofing and water retention. We ride in rain. We
sweat. The way our riding gear repels water in the wet, or breathes when it is warm and dry is also useful to
riders, when deciding on what to wear, when riding.

So I would believe that everyone who left the building would have been thinking about their current riding
clothing and being a little more discerning when purchasing their future riding gear. Well done to Sheryl
for organising this visit.

Check out MotoCAP’s website. https://www.motocap.com.au It has some very useful information.
So Sheryl’s duties as ride leader continued towards Moriac. On exiting Deakin University, Phil W earned
himself a few points towards the Black Duck Award when he discovered that one of his panniers was
open. Fortunately nothing dropped out, and only a small amount of embarrassment, as he was close to the
back of all the riders, and most would have missed this faux pas.
A nice meandering ride into Moriac, and a break for morning tea. The staff at the Moriac Store did well
with the influx of motorcycle riders.

Sheryl then organised us and got us back on our bikes, taking us along roads less travelled, across to
Winchelsea then towards Eurack and on to Beeac, steering clear of the Princes Highway.
Lunch at Beeac was a choice of the pub or the corner store. Most opted for the pub, but thought the
fireworks were put on for them. No, it was a gas cylinder misbehaving behind the bar.
After lunch, the most of the riders dispersed in an easterly direction, which I assume was the end of the
Midweek Ride.

Marlene invited a handful back to Colac for a cuppa and a port.
Thanks, Sheryl for another very well organised ride. I have attended two of the rides when Sheryl has been
the ride leader, and she leaves nothing to chance. We have been fortunate, having Sheryl as Ride
Coordinator in the last 12 months.

Stan Kluzek

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