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RIDING ON TOO
NEWSLETTER OF
THE ULYSSES CLUB
CANBERRA BRANCH
PO Box 387
Curtin
ACT 2605
April 2015
Volume 30
Number 4
Newsletter 257
http://ulyssescanberrabranch.blogspot.com.au/
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Hi Everyone
I would like to start by thanking our current committee Chris Dietzel, Peter Thomas, John Meert, Maritta Heiler, Phil Nolan
and Lorne Thurgar for their help, support and service over the last twelve months. A few of our committee members will be
stepping down after serving our Branch. I would like to personally thank John Meert and Lorne Thurgar for their support for
the time they have served on the committee. We will be welcoming Kim Morley to our committee who will be helping out
with our social Secretary Maritta for our next twelve months.
I must also thank the dedicated group of members who support our branch using their skills and time to make our branch
such a success – many thanks to Chas and Jen Towie, Lyn Munday, Jan Wills, Gary McDonald, Leo Farrelly and Jen Woods. I
would like to thank Phil Nolan, Ian Paterson and the ride committee for the exciting ride they organise and lead for the
benefit of the members.
We have had a busy time undertaking a lot of different things including BBQ’s, rides and social outings. Our members have
had a mixed year with happy and sad events as the passage of life passes us by but we have a family with the Canberra
branch to support us over this time.
Wodonga - a large number of our members have returned from the AGM after having an absolute ball meeting and
greeting new and old acquaintances and taking part in the events and rides. We are looking forward to the next AGM in
Launceston in March 2016 - both Tracey and I have booked our accommodation and passage on the Spirit of Tasmania.
I would like to thank Fiona Sturman for coming to our part of the country to talk and help our members by answering their
questions about travelling to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania. We contacted all the branches in our region to attend and
we were happy to greet Dianne and Robin Silvester from the MIA Branch and Chris Chambers from the Snowy Mountains
Branch. About thirty local members also benefited from Fiona’s presentation last Sunday. Stay Upright kindly donated their
premises as a place for us to hold the event. To ensure you get special deals reserved for Ulyssians log onto
http://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/ulysses and make sure you stay on this page when booking online.
Club Ride to Mallacoota over the Queen’s Birthday weekend 6th - 8th June 2015 - I have updated the details for the
Queen’s birthday weekend in June and I have been in touch with the Yarra Ranges branch who are keen to join us in
Mallacoota. Please, if you want to come along don’t wait too long as the accommodation will be snapped up very quickly first in best dressed.
Don’t forget we will be holding our own branch AGM at tonight’s meeting and all positions will be declared vacant with
anyone welcome to put their names forward. The positions to be filled will be President, Secretary, Treasurer and four
normal committee members so if you feel you can contribute some new ideas please come and talk to the committee. I am
hoping to continue to serve our members for another twelve months in the President’s position. Please remember to bring
your Ulysses membership card ensuring you are a financial member to allow you to vote should there be a need.
I look forward to seeing everyone at our new home at the Deakin Football Club on Tuesday 21st April for our monthly Social
Meeting starting at 7.30pm. Come early - we will be there from 6.00pm to enjoy a meal or a drink in a great atmosphere
before the meeting. This month there is no guest speaker - instead we will be socialising after the meeting catching up and
chatting with everyone over a cuppa and bickies.
Keep safe until we meet.
.…………Mick
Canberra branch agm
The Ulysses Inc. Canberra branch AGM will be held at the conclusion of the monthly general
meeting on Tuesday 21st April 2015.
There are seven positions to be filled: President, Secretary, Treasurer and four ordinary committee
members.
None of these jobs is particularly arduous or time-consuming. In fact, serving on the branch committee is
fun and a great way to get to know your fellow Ulyssians better. You don’t have to be an experienced
rider or a long-time member – all that’s required is a small amount of time and enthusiasm. We are all
volunteers, so please consider lending a hand.
The Proprietors of Domaine Rogha Crois Wines, David & Lyn Crossley
have offered the members of the Ulysses Canberra Branch a special offer of a 20% discount when purchasing a
case of its award winning wines.
They have also supplied to our branch, at a discounted price, a mixed dozen of selected Domaine Rogha Crois
Wines as the prize for our heads and tails raffles at our Social meetings.
If you are looking for a special wine, either to enjoy yourself or to give as a unique gift, Domaine Rogha Crois
offers an exclusive range of premium cool-climate wines. From one of the highest vineyard sites in Australia,
located on the southern slopes of the Lake George Escarpment near Canberra, Domaine Rogha Crois is
renowned for its award-winning Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. With very limited production, and each crafted from
handpicked fruit, the wines truly reflect their ‘terroir’ and the seasons from which they come. Visit
www.drcwine.com.au
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Canberra branch committee
Our current committee is:
Position
Name
Contact
e-mail
President
Michael Winters
0412 134 376
[email protected]
Secretary
Chris Dietzel
0432 632 667
[email protected]
Treasurer
Peter Thomas
0431 698 130
[email protected]
Social Secretary
Maritta Heiler
0417 633 000
[email protected]
Committee Member
John Meert
0417 247 603
[email protected]
Committee Member
Phil Nolan
0405716852
[email protected]
Committee Member
Lorne Thurgar
041777 1703
[email protected]
Ride Coordinator
Phil Nolan
0405716852
[email protected]
Quartermaster
Jan Wills
0412 814 843
[email protected]
Safety & Web
Gary McDonald
0408 434 549
[email protected]
Welfare Officer
Chas & Jen Towie 0422 970 556 (C)
0407 586 439 (J)
[email protected]
Historian
Jen Woods
0418 215 336
[email protected]
RO2 Editor
Lyn Munday
0419 213 944
[email protected]
Canberra
motorcycle centre
fyshwick
OPENING HOURS
MON-FRI 8:30AM - 5:30PM
SATURDAY 8:30AM - 3:00PM
NOT OPEN PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
STORE ADDRESS
30 Ipswich St, Fyshwick ACT 2609
MON-FRI 8:30AM - 5:30PM
SATURDAY 8:30AM - 3:00PM
NOT OPEN PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Showroom (02) 6280 4491
Workshop (02) 6175 4402
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Canberra branch general meeting
Ulysses Canberra Branch
Social Meeting
Tuesday 17 March 2015
The President opened the meeting at 7.40pm, and welcomed us to our new venue – the
Deakin Soccer Club. Many of us had a meal in the bistro before the meeting, and we can say
the food is not too bad at all. Please note: the Club expects that to have our meetings here, we
are to become financial members of the Club (as are standard ACT Clubs rules). At only a
handful of dollars per year, this is quite reasonable. Needless to say, there was a bit of a crowd
at the reception desk when we first arrived, to get these membership forms filled in!
In Attendance: 52 members and visitors were in attendance.
Apologies: Jeff Heiler, Andrew Campbell, Suzanne Arday, Phil & Gillian Nolen, Rachel Crispin, Lorne Thurgar.
Visitors and new members: Welcome to the following Visitors and New Members:
Andrea Lanagan – rides a Suzuki Boulevard, and joined the Ulysses club tonight.
Maurice McCormack.
Bob Howie (a ‘returnee’) – Bobs been away for a while and has come back.
Rudi and Ingrid Krabbe – QLD Ulysses members, are down here being hosted by Mick & Kyla Harvey to travel to
the AGM.
Secretary’s report – Inwards correspondence:
* A few nomination forms for 2015/2016 Canberra Branch Committee positions (our own AGM being
next month).
* ACT Government-endorsed BBQ dates for the year – with an Information pack for ‘Temporary Food
Business’ (note to self; send BBQ dates to Lyn for RO2 publication).
* Note from nearby Branch: Brown Mountain road closure due to maintenance – through to end March.
* MIA Branch Newsletter February 2015.
* Wagga Wagga Branch newsletter December 2014.
* ‘All points’ email from President Mick – invite from Yarra Ranges Branch to join them for dinner during
AGM, and later this year for their sojourn to Junee in October.
* ACT Field Trials of motorcycling gear run by NEURA (the event was on the previous weekend to this
Social meeting).
* NATCOM February 2015 “Intercom” newsletter. All members should have received this (note, if you’re
not getting them, perhaps you haven’t identified change in contact details to Head Office?).
* NATCOM – Wodonga AGM Event Newsletters 10 & 11 (again, all members should be getting them).
* NATCOM – Special Resolution for AGM (to be held at Wodonga AGM) – discussing the new
Constitution.
* Treasurers Report (posted to RO2 this month) – Period 12 Feb to 3 March.
* Sapphire Coast Branch – advice of their web site for their monthly Newsletter.
Outwards correspondence:
* February 2014: Mailed 3 copies of the RO2 to the standard mailing list recipients.
Treasurer’s report: Treasurers’ Report to Feb15 is posted in the RO2; we are now running accounts only with
Bendigo Bank.
Rider Development/Webmaster: Gary was not able to make the March meeting – but has submitted another
snippet of good advice for basic bike maintenance so as to be able to better (and more safely!) enjoy your
riding; there are now 18 people registered to receive Blog update notification; if you wish to get these, register
your interest through the link on the Blog http://www.ulyssescanberrabranch.blogspot.com.au/.
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Canberra branch general meeting (cont)
Ride Coordinator: Phil Nolen was not present, so Ian graced us with another ‘true and original’ True Story, and
then reminded of us of the new Ride Calendar (it’s in the RO2).
Social Secretary: Maritta advised us that the Ten Pin Bowling night is coming up soon (Friday night 24 April –
RSVP Maritta ([email protected], 0417633000) ; we’re considering having a function to celebrate the 10
year anniversary of the Canberra Branch running the Ulysses Club AGM right here in our backyard.
Maritta also asked us what we think of the new venue. All seemed to agree it’s better than where we were, so
Secretary Chris will send a letter of appreciation to the Management of the Deakin Soccer Club before the next
Social meeting.
RO2 Editor: Another great read, Thanks Lyn – and it’s in colour (green – to represent that today is St Patricks
Day). Remember; get your submissions to the Editor ([email protected]) by Thursday evening of the week
before the meetings.
Guest Speakers: No speaker tonight.
BBQ Report: (From Leo) Last Saturday’s catering for the VVJMC (Vintage & Veteran Japanese Motorcycle Club)
Rally at the National Museum was a HUGE success, with no quiet moment during the day. Everything (and then
some!) got sold, and we made a profit of $1090.00. A new BBQ shelter is required to be purchased, as the
current is in a bad way.
Welfare Officer’s Report: Chas & Jen advise that Frank Wallace is doing very well, but on a sad note Kris
Jirasek’s mother passed away.
Quartermaster Report: Not much merchandise is in the shop, but will look at getting some more in after the
AGM, pending level of interest from Members. Jan advises her advertised ‘Ladies Only Ride’ to Gunning for April
has been called off till a future time (AGM in April means Jan isn’t about to lead it).
NATCOM/MRA Report:
MRA: Jen Woods discussed how the NEURA Motorcycle Gear Field Trials went last weekend;
NATCOM: The messages are “Register for the AGM”, and the importance of making sure your contacts details
are up-to-date at Head Office.
The Stay Upright MASTERS course is being booked well ahead. One is being run in May. Book now! - contact
Stay Upright.
General Business:
* Brown Mountain is closed this weekend.
* Peter Arday is again convening a Branch dinner at a venue nearby the AGM (the Servicemen’s Club) for
the Friday night of the AGM.
* Al Munday will enquire about next year’s VVMCC Rally.
* Peter Arday briefed us on a discussion as to whether we are still welcomed by the organising committee
of the Temora ANZAC Day service. The answer is a very positive YES. We will be doing this again this
year, departing on the ride at or around 7.30AM on Saturday 25 April. See the RO2 for details.
* Chris D described a new product ‘Mini Jump Starter’ – which can be sourced from Gaye McIntyre
(Earmold Australia ACT distributor, in Palmerston) – no bigger than your smart phone, it can turn out
130 Amps of cranking power, and can be used to charge your devices & run your laptop/tablet. The
bigger unit will run your car fridge overnight and can crank over V8 Diesel-powered cars.
Closure:
The meeting was closed at 8:30PM. The next social meeting will be held on Tuesday 21st April 2015 at 7.30pm
at the new location: Deakin Soccer Club.
5
6
The following dates have been allocated to us for Charity BBQ’s
Old Parliament House
Barton
09/05/2015
MRA Blanket Run
Canberra Motorcycle Centre
Fyshwick
01/08/2015
CMC
Canberra Motorcycle Centre
Fyshwick
07/11/2015
CMC
Old Parliament House
Barton
12/12/2015
MRA Toy Run
7
8
AUSTRALIA and AUSTRALIANS......!!!
The following is by Douglas Adams of "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" fame.
Australia is a very confusing place, taking up a large amount of the bottom half of the planet. It is recognizable
from orbit because of many unusual features, including what at first looks like an enormous bite taken out of its
southern edge;a wall of sheer cliffs which plunge into the girting sea. Geologists assure us that this is simply an
accident of geomorphology, but they still call it the "Great Australian Bight", proving that not only are they
covering up a more frightening theory but they can't spell either.
The first of the confusing things about Australia is the status of the place. Where other landmasses and sovereign
lands are classified as continent, island or country, Australia is considered all three. Typically, it is unique in this.
The second confusing thing about Australia is the animals. They can be divided into three categories: Poisonous,
Odd, and Sheep. It is true that of the 10 most poisonous arachnids on the planet, Australia has 9 of them. Actually,
it would be more accurate to say that of the 9 most poisonous arachnids, Australia has all of them. However,
there are few snakes, possibly because the spiders have killed them all.
But even the spiders won't go near the sea. Any visitors should be careful to check inside boots (before putting
them on), under toilet seats (before sitting down) and generally everywhere else. A stick is very useful for this
task.
The last confusing thing about Australia is the inhabitants A short history: Sometime around 40,000 years ago some people arrived in boats from the north. They ate all the
available food, and a lot of them died. The ones who survived learned respect for the balance of nature, man's
proper place in the scheme of things, and spiders. They settled in and spent a lot of the intervening time making
up strange stories.
Then, around 200 years ago, Europeans arrived in boats from the north. More accurately, European convicts were
sent, with a few deranged people in charge. They tried to plant their crops in autumn (failing to take account of
the reversal of the seasons), ate all their food, and a lot of them died.
9
About then the sheep arrived, and have been treasured ever since. It is interesting to note here that the
Europeans always consider themselves vastly superior to any other race they encounter, since they can lie, cheat,
steal and litigate (marks of a civilized culture they say), whereas all the Aboriginals can do is happily survive being
left in the middle of a vast red-hot desert, equipped with a stick.
Eventually, the new lot of people stopped being Europeans on 'extended holiday' and became Australians. The
changes are subtle, but deep, caused by the mind-stretching expanses of nothingness and eerie quiet, where a
person can sit perfectly still and look deep inside themselves to the core of their essence, their reasons for being,
and the necessity of checking inside their boots every morning for fatal surprises. They also picked up the most
finely tuned sense of irony in the world, and the Aboriginal gift for making up stories. Be warned.
There is also the matter of the beaches. Australian beaches are simply the nicest and best in the world, although
anyone actually venturing into the sea will have to contend with sharks, stinging jellyfish, stonefish (a fish which
sits on the bottom of the sea, pretends to be a rock and has venomous barbs sticking out of its back that will kill
just from the pain) and surfboarders. However, watching a beach sunset is worth the risk.
As a result of all this hardship, dirt, thirst and wombats, you would expect Australians to be a dour lot. Instead,
they are genial, jolly, cheerful and always willing to share a kind word with a stranger. Faced with insurmountable
odds and impossible problems, they smile disarmingly and look for a stick. Major engineering feats have been
performed with sheets of corrugated iron, string and mud.
Alone of all the races on earth, they seem to be free from the 'Grass is greener on the other side of the fence'
syndrome, and roundly proclaim that Australia is, in fact, the other side of that fence. They call the land "Oz" or
"Godzone" (a verbal contraction of "God's Own Country").
TIPS TO SURVIVING AUSTRALIA
Don't ever put your hand down a hole for any reason WHATSOEVER.
The beer is stronger than you think, regardless of how strong you think it is.
Always carry a stick.
Air-conditioning is imperative.
Do not attempt to use Australian slang unless you are a trained linguist and extremely good in a fist fight.
Wear thick socks.
Take good maps. Stopping to ask directions only works when there are people nearby.
If you leave the urban areas, carry several litres of water with you at all times, or you will die.
Even in the most embellished stories told by Australians, there is always a core of truth that it is unwise to ignore.
HOW TO IDENTIFY AUSTRALIANS
They waddle when they walk due to the 53 expired petrol discount vouchers stuffed in their wallet or purse.
They pronounce Melbourne as "Mel-bin".
They think it makes perfect sense to decorate highways with large fibreglass bananas,
prawns and sheep.
They think "Woolloomooloo" is a perfectly reasonable name for a place, that "Wagga
Wagga" can be abbreviated to "Wagga", but "Woy Woy" can't be called "Woy".
Their hamburgers will contain beetroot. Apparently it’s a must-have.
They don’t think it's summer until the steering wheel is too hot to handle.
They believe that all train timetables are works of fiction.
treasurer’s report
10
TREASURER'S REPORT
12 Mar 2015 to 10 Apr 2015
Bendigo 1
Opening Balance:
$ 5,299.48
RECEIPTS & EXPENDITURE:
RECEIPTS
Miscellaneous Income
Other Income
Amount this period
$ 55.05
$ 55.05
TOTAL RECEIPTS
$ 55.05
EXPENSES
Amount this period
Operating Expenses
$ 257.86
Consumables
$ 15.00
Postage, Freight and Courier $ 115.00
QM Order
$ 127.86
TOTAL PAYMENTS
$ 257.86
TOTAL RECEIPTS - TOTAL PAYMENTS
-$ 202.81
Closing Balance:
$ 5,096.67
OTHER ACCOUNTS
S1 balance:
INV balance:
Bendigo BBQ balance:
$ 112.50
$ 2,714.74
$ 2,478.89
"Want to receive a Blog update email?"
If you would like to receive an email whenever
the blog is updated have a look for this email
submission box on the bottom of the info strip on
right hand side of the blog.
If you submit your email address you will receive an email to confirm
your address is real and once you reply following the emailed
instructions you will be included in an email broadcast which will
give an extract of the update and a link to it which you can click if
you want to know more.
We have 11 in the list so far - join us, join us :-)"
For supply of the BBQ
gas.
RIDER DEVELOPMENT
11
A new opportunity dropped into our branch’s calendar recently. It's a first aid training course - one aimed at
motorcyclists, and focuses on the circumstances and injuries that a motorcyclist might suffer if the worst
happens. We've had one of these courses last year and from memory it was well received.
It’s on the 13th June at the Stay Upright facility in Queanbeyan and there are two sessions - morning and
afternoon - so there’s a good chance of taking a session if you are interested. There's a page on the blog, and a
mention in the "What's On" and also in this issue of the RO2, so the details will not be too hard to find.
The focus of first aid training is exactly that - to provide aid to the injured after making the crash scene safe for all
parties. Something as simple as a cleared airway, temperature stabilisation and the most basic care can make a
life-saving difference while emergency transport and high levels of care are on their way. So do consider taking
the training. You never know what circumstances you may encounter in life and this could even be a help in nonmotorcycling situations.
Motorcyclists along with cyclists and pedestrians are considered vulnerable when compared to other road users.
All the more reason to also keep a strong focus on the risk strategies that work to protect us, the skills and
attitude training and behaviours, the protective clothing, the maintenance and well-being of our bodies and our
machines.
As Ulyssians we do have the added benefit of life experience to aid us in enjoying the best of motorcycling and
not the worst. We are still vulnerable to that human bias of optimism, so we have to be on guard against the "it
won't happen to me" complacency.
So please consider this first aid training opportunity. Ours is an active branch with a ride on nearly every
weekend. While that may mean that our crash risk could be higher, it can also mean that we may have more
chance on finding someone else in trouble as we travel. It's a natural human trait to try to help, so it would be
very good indeed if we were equipped and confident to do so.
Far better of course to have a trouble free ride - long may it be so!
Safe Riding
Gary Mac
What’s on
Monthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday
of the month at 7.30pm at the
Arrive EARLY FOR Dinner with other members,
before the meeting, from 6.00pm
Next meeting Tuesday 21st April, 2015 - AT DEAKIN
Social calendar
24th April 15
10 Pin Bowls - 76 Colishaw St - Tuggeranong
Ph/text/email Maritta 0417 633 000
[email protected] by 12noon Wednesday 22/4/15
I am excited to inform you that our committee has chosen the Canberra
Deakin Football Club as our next home for our social meeting as of the
17th March 2015.
We are excited as they have welcomed and encouraged us to join and be a
part of their club.
Their meeting room can hold over three hundred people - it is away from the
kitchen. They have a nice bistro and the third Tuesday of every month is ours.
The joining fee is still only $5 per year.
The Canberra Deakin Football Club is located at: 3 Grose Street, Deakin ACT
2600 - just off Adelaide Ave down the road from the New Parliament House.
http://www.deakinsports.com.au/
Regards
12
Ride reports
13
A ride report from the Ulysses Club Germany - Ulysses Wintertreffen
12 February 2015
Ulysses Winter Meeting. I’ve received a newspaper article from our Ulysses friends in Germany.
Having succumbed to a long winter with lots of rain, a considerable many of their number braved
the weather for a late winter getaway. An article was published in their local rag, the ‘Eppelborner
News’ - following is a translation (from Gernot Minig, President of the Ulysses Club, Germany) of
their sojourn, and a link to their local paper.
We should not complain about our weather, nor about a bit of ‘doing it tough in a tent’. Check it
out! Some keen people among their number, and the sidecars help. Many of them put wheels on
their bikes from the ‘Smart’ car, with a little modification. The president, Gernot Minig and his wife
Waltrud, both have BMW GS’s with chairs attached, and often ride to work even through their winter.
Most of the Ulysses Club Germany members (about 100 strong) are from the Saarland area, of which Eppelborn is the
regional hub. This is on the western side of Germany, north-west of Bavaria and not far from the famed ‘Black Forest’ Schwarzwald. Not far away is the Rhine River and beyond, the beautiful vineyards of French countryside, which is where I
was lucky enough to get to with their Club, when I was there in 2012.
Translation of the story:
“A winter meetings as it should be.
Snow is simply a must for a winter meeting. We were hoping we would have some but we really didn't expect
that much of it.
After weeks of rain we had almost given up hope. The more enthusiastic we were when on Friday morning, the
first day of our meeting, we saw the first flakes, then there were more and more and eventually it did not seem
to stop snowing.
By Friday afternoon most of the roads were
covered deep in snow and that made it difficult
for us to reach our meeting place "Auf
Hochsten" in Lebach-Steinbach.
Although some of the participants were
deterred by the weather conditions, we were
able to welcome seven motorcycle sidecars and
two solo riders, who came even as far as the
Rhineland or Switzerland.
Other guests and club members were driving by car to our extraordinary Stammtisch (regular meeting that we
usually hold twice every month) on Friday night and another cozy evening by the campfire on Saturday.
On Saturday we had a ride-out with our guests on snowy roads where we could
show them the beauty of the northern part of the Saarland.
On Sunday morning, the tents had to be dug out of the snow first before we had
breakfast together, took the tents down and rode back home.
A big thank you to all volunteers from the Ulysses Club and to our hosts Axel and
Elke from the "Wurzelhannes" (name of the pub near which we had the
meeting) which made this 3rd winter meeting possible and who contributed to
its success.
If you are interested in the Ulysses Club of: WWW.Ulysses-Club.de”
For those that want to view it in German (perhaps test our language skills Andrew?) - The full article is at the link below
(sent to me by Gernot):
https://secure.wittich.de/nc/produkte/online-lesen/ihrmitteilungsblatt/detailartikel/titel/116/artikel/120201377162/ausgabe/15-7/ergebnis/4/
I’ve also had some news from Gernot that he and Waltrud (Wally) are planning a two-month trip to Australia as a present to
themselves after Gernot’s retirement from teaching this year, and they plan to bring their bikes and attend the AGM in
Launceston in 2016. Given their fantastic hospitality when I visited them in 2012, I can’t wait to repay that favour, if their
travels get them through Canberra.
Chris Dietzel
Ride reports (Cont)
14
Sunday 15 MARCH 2015
Chomp and Chat to Bushranger Hotel Collector
The Crew
Chas & Jen Towie
Wes Robinson
Trevor McLeod
Arthur McGlynix
Chris Dietzel
Andrew Campbell
Geoff Finger
ST1300
BMW1150
FJR1300
HONDA 650
GTR1400
GODZILLA ZX14R
NL750
Garry McCurley & Natalie TeBay
Ian Paterson
Genelle Mills
Jeff Jarvis
Andrea Lanagan
Kris Jirasek
VFR1200
GL1800
BONNEVILLE
TRIUMPH AMERICA
SUZUKI BOULEVARD
GSXR1300
With fine weather and a great crew Chas held a little ride update prior to departure and welcomed our new
guests for the day. Off we set up the highway turning off at the Tulip Farm and onto the old Hume highway. Here
we took the casual ride until we came to the Shingle Hill Way heading to Gundaroo. It was great to see the corner
markers taking up positions thus showing the way for our new riders to the club how we manage to keep
everyone together.
Apart from the locals at Gundaroo things were fairly quiet and we ventured on our way to Gunning. There was
very little traffic on the road which made the ride all the more pleasant. The country side continues to be rather
dry but one can expect this as the autumn season is upon us and all the leaves are in the process of changing
their leaf colour.
On arrival at Gunning there was no need to stop to regroup as everyone was comfortably travelling at an easy
pace, hence we pushed onto Breadalbane. Not much activity around this little place so onward to Collector. This
was a nice narrow little country road somewhat in need of new bitumen in places but as we know local councils
are a little short on money. We did encounter a Lone motorist heading in the same direction as us but that was
all.
On arrival at collector we all pulled into the
Bushranger Pub, ordered our food and drinks then
adjourned to the outside area for a chat. It was great
to see everyone telling a few stories albeit they were
all genuine. However Ian did not give us a rendition
of a true store. But I must add that Ian kindly took up
the position of Tail End Charlie for us and executed it
without a flaw. Thanks Ian.
Prior to our departure from BP Watson I managed to
call the proprietor of the Bushranger and let him know that about 15 of us would be there for lunch. During lunch
he thanked me personally as this allowed him to bring in some
extra help for just the period over the lunch hour.
With a variety of tucker consumed and more stories, tales, and
what have you, it was time to say cheers and head back down the
concrete for home. It was rewarding to receive compliments from
our new riders to the group that they enjoyed the ride, new roads
and company.
Jen and I thoroughly enjoyed the pleasant company and meeting
new members not to mention that a ride is always good. Thanks to
all the crew.
Cheers Chas
Ride reports (cont)
15
Club Ride To Ulladulla Via Nerriga
22 March 2015.
Garry Mccurley
Andrea Lanagan
Kristian Terebessy
Chas Towie
Cathy Walker
Honda VFR1200
Suzuki Boulevard
BMW K1200lt
Honda ST1300
Honda NT700V
Natalie Te Bay
Helen Dawson
Les Robinson
Mark Walker
Neil Goldfinch
Honda VFR1200
BMW K1200LT
BMW 1150GS
Honda NT700V
Honda Blackbird.
As the road to Nerriga is now fully tarred, it was decided to go to Ulladulla for lunch via Nerriga and then home
via Batemans Bay. In my trail bike riding youth while growing up in Goulburn, my friends and I often rode this
road when it was all dirt, bull dust, corrugated or slippery mud or carved up by a convoy of army trucks. As we
were on trail bikes it was great fun. So it's a bit of a different fun adventure to now ride the road fully tarred
and on a road bike.
The full ride route was - BP Watson - Bungendore for morning tea - Tarago - Nerriga - Nowra - Ulladulla for
lunch and fuel - Batemans Bay - Braidwood for afternoon tea and goodbyes - Bungendore -home.
Due to the current hot weather some had liners removed from their jackets and consequently found the trip to
Bungendore a bit on the cool side. After an enjoyable morning tea we headed off with greyish skies to the
wilds of Nerriga and the Sassafras area. However, just before leaving Bungendore we noticed a beautiful
Morgan car that 1 member of our group lusted after.
We stopped at Tarago to regroup before continuing onto Nerriga and a planned stop at the waterfall the other
side of Nerriga. The weather was OK but getting bit more grey in patches after leaving Tarago.
Also, after leaving Tarago we came across a fox having his or hers morning tea courteous of a dead kangaroo
on the road side. On seeing us the fox decided to scamper away by luckily running back into the bush and not
out on the road in front of us. The ride to Nerriga was enjoyable via crossing the Shaolhaven River at Oallen
Ford while passing through pristine rural and national park countryside.
As we approached the Sassafras and went past the spectacular pancake rocks, a heavy mist descended on us.
The mist shrouded the Pancakes rocks making the rocks and whole country side very beautiful and
picturesque. After the mist shrouded Pancake rocks we road onto the waterfall for a scenic look. Just before
arriving at the waterfall a yellow tailed black cockatoo flew overhead and disappeared into a misty
mountainous ravine. This whole area is very picturesque and worth a stop and look at.
After a break at the waterfall it was onto Nowra, leaving the mist behind us, past the Albatros Naval base and
onto the Princess Highway. The highway was quiet
busy and it took a few moments to actually get
onto the Highway.
Once on the highway it was a pleasant ride through
lush green countryside with black & white milking
cows with grass up to their knees, onto Ulladulla
for lunch at the fish Co-op were we very lucky to
find a vacant table that we all could sit at for an
enjoyable lunch of grilled fish, chips and salad.
After lunch some had a walk along the boardwalk
that ran along the shore line. It was then time to go, fuel the bikes and head off to Bateman Bay, up the Clyde
Mtn to Braidwood.
Again the ride to Braidwood was enjoyable with mostly a good run up the Clyde where some had a hot drink,
we said our good byes and rode home.
In summary the whole day was fantastic and as usual with a great bunch. I look forward to doing the ride again.
Garry - Ride Leader.
Ride reports (cont)
16
The Tawonga Gap Road
Friday 27th March 2015
Karen Clarke
Star Roadliner
Leo Farrelly
BMW R1200GS
Kyla Harvey
XVS 1100
Jeff Heiler
Rocket III
Jan Wills
DN01 Dino Superior
Robyn & Robert Tucker Spyder
Peter Thomas
BMW F800 GS
Bryson & Maxine Holden
FJR 1300
Mick Harvey
FJR 1300
Maritta Heiler
Vulcan 900
Darryl & Caroline Palin GL1800
Butch Wills
BMW K1100
Rick & Ronda
Goldwing Trike
Whilst sitting around our campsite at the Wodonga AGM one afternoon, Kyla mentioned she was having lunch
with her parents who live just across the ranges from Bright in Mt Beauty. So on a slightly chilly Friday morning,
nineteen of us gathered at the servo outside the AGM grounds in Wodonga. We headed south along the Kiewa
Valley Highway before turning off just past Bandiana for Yackandandah via Staghorn Flat then on to Beechworth
where coffees and lollies were to be had. It was a lovely ride though a tad cool at times. On our way through
Yackandandah, I happened to catch a glimpse of a two metre tall dragon and thought, “Nah!”
From Beechworth it was a lovely ride via the Buckland Gap to the Great Alpine Road and on to Bright.
Unfortunately, Mount Buffalo was completely obscured by low cloud and a light sleet started falling - along with
the temperature - but we made it to Bright. We paused for a while in Bright exploring the shops then on to what
is one of the best
motorcycle roads in the
area, the Tawonga Gap
Road. It was
magnificent. I lost
count of the bends,
curves and switchbacks
we encountered. After a brief pause at the Tawonga Gap lookout we switchbacked our way down to Mt Beauty
where Kyla’s mum had arranged tables for us at Treat’s Café.
After a lovely hot lunch, the party divided up. Some heading straight back to Wodonga while a few of us visited
Kyla’s Mum and Dad’s place where Don showed us his enormous collection of aircraft memorabilia. The party
split further when we left with Leo and myself stopping for petrol at Dedering along
the Kiewa Valley Highway again. There I saw an enormous steel sculpture of a
dragonfly. Things clicked together then and Leo and I headed back to Yackandandah
along some really lovely back roads.
There, outside the art gallery was the
dragon. It was brilliant. We took several
pictures and wandered around the town.
One shop was the most amazing tree hugging, new age, free love, hippy
crap shop I have ever seen. It was
magnificent.
From Yackandandah, it was a
leisurely doddle back to Wodonga.
I’d really like to thank Mick and
Kyla for inviting us all along and leading a fantastic ride.
Peter Thomas
Ride reports (cont)
17
The Wodonga AGM
23rd - 29th March 2015
Travellers
Mick Winters – Triumph Trophy - Ride Leader
Tracey Winters – Pearlwing (aka Blob) – Tail End Charlie
Sunday was overcast as we set off for Wodonga with no need for corner markers as the first left hand turn is
Wodonga. As per Canberra Branch tradition we stopped at Jugiong for coffee and cake. After leaving Jugiong we
joined a Porsche convoy - four lovely late models each a different colour stretching down the highway. After
following them for about twenty minutes during which time their speed went up and down, up and down,
Tracey got tired of this, deciding she couldn’t travel like this all the way to the AGM and gave the Pearlwing its
head, overtaking all five vehicles at once – pity she couldn’t see the look on Mick’s face as she went past him.
That was the most exciting part of the trip and we arrived in Wodonga around noon. We needed to be at the
AGM early to be given instructions on volunteering and what we needed to do when checking in other members
attending the AGM.
We were staying in a small cottage at the Baranduda Homestead property south of
Wodonga for the week. The other cottages were occupied by members of the
Mornington Wanderers Branch throughout the week. Early fellow travellers were a
couple called Michael and Tracey – so it was easy to remember their names.
Michael had just sold his BMW and Tracey had bought herself a Spider – currently
too large for her limited licence so Michael was the chauffeur. Michael reported test
rides taken on an Indian and a BMW through the week with the Indian performing
extremely well.
Monday morning found us volunteering at the Check-in site. We can both
recommend volunteering at an AGM (and will be doing it at the Launceston AGM) –
we met so many interesting people from around the country - each with their own
story to tell. Some we met later through the week at the AGM site and some on
organised rides. Who could forget 80 year old Chalky Bragg from the Orange Branch – makes the trip by himself
and attends every AGM. We finished our day with dinner at a local Hotel with the Yarra Ranges Branch – a great
excuse to catch up.
On Tuesday morning we were up early to meet at the St Ives Hotel for an
organised ride. Having a coffee before the ride we spoke to Victorians Rex
and Deb who had brought their car, caravan and bike to the AGM. The ride
was marvellous – our group of ten bikes top and tailed by the ride leader and
tail-end Charlie, both in fluoro vests. We travelled along country roads to Mt
Beauty for morning tea, to Tawonga Gap for a view of the valley and a group
photo and on to Bright for lunch at the Bright Brewery by the Ovens River
with the local European wasps. The highlight of this trip was the road to the
pinnacle of Mt Buffalo – a gorgeous twisty road with a new view around
every corner. From the top of Mount Buffalo you can see Mt Kosciuszko. Locals stopped
to talk to us about our reason for visiting Victoria and admired the bikes. After coffee and
cake at the Beechworth Bakery we left the group to travel back home via Yackandandah.
Our day finished with a four hour chat with new friends Michael and Tracey – dinner was
cheese, bikkies and red wine.
Wednesday was for celebrating Derek’s 60th birthday at the Blazing Stump Hotel. Dinner
was very yummy and very filling with enough space left to sample the six layered rainbow
birthday cake. We had a fabulous time catching up with friends and it was great to have
another opportunity for the branch to gather and have a party.
Ride reports (cont)
18
On Thursday morning we were again at the St Ives Hotel for a Hume Highlights ride. During the night a blustery
cold change had come through and we certainly felt it at the lookout at Kurrajong Gap overlooking the Hume
Weir. We stopped at the Ettamogah Pub, had morning tea at Howlong Bakery, visited a private museum owned
by a fellow who used to own his own garage (sheds and sheds full of car and bike memorabilia), the Woolshed
Falls and then lunch in Beechworth. There we spoke to some ladies from the Wagga Branch who were enjoying a
girls’ day out.
The spirit of being a Ulyssian was shown today. Our tail-end Charlie had stepped in at the last moment that
morning - and on the way to Yackandandah he stopped to help another in our group who had sustained a flat
tyre. Two strangers whose commonality is the Club and the reason for its being.
We finished our day with a night time tour of the Mayfield Lunatic
Asylum in Beechworth – sad but fascinating.
On Friday Mick attended the extended NatCom Meeting leaving me
free to spend some time (and money) at the site – Ulysses earrings, new
ladies club t-shirt, shoes etc. I also spent some time talking to members
from South Australia who were hoping to be granted the 2018 AGM –
one of these had won the previous year’s Adriatic Motor Tours trip.
Friday was completed with the Branch dinner organised by Peter at the
Albury SS&A Club. While the food was good and the company great fun
the whole night was like the Fawlty Towers veal substitute episode –
too many of us had ordered the roast pork with communications
between the kitchen and the wait staff needing some streamlining. Some of us got what we ordered, some of us
didn’t, some of us had two meals arrive! But the night, as is usual for anything organised by Peter, was a great
success – thanks to Mr Arday for arranging it.
Saturday dawned chilly (3 degrees) but fine for the much anticipated Grand
Parade. Only our second AGM, we think this is the highlight of the week – so
much fun with everyone together and locals enjoying the mobile bike show.
We gathered at Frayne College where
the P&C put on a very welcome hot
breakfast, coffee and cakes before
travelling to the Cube Wodonga
Courtyard to hear messages from the
(not Albury and) Wodonga Mayor and
our President Helena Gritton. As usual
the drawing of the raffle was a great disappointment – not only did we not
win, none of our tickets sold to friends were drawn either.
However this disappointment soon disappeared with the Saturday
night dinner. We don’t know the numbers but the tent was packed
with diners. Arriving late we sat with some of the Mornington
Wanderers enjoying the band, the food and the bonhomie.
Mexicans everywhere! Leaving, we found someone’s gloves on the
ground – I wondered how could anyone ride away not feeling the
cold with no gloves on? – Mick handed them in to Security.
(Turned out they belonged to Michael who retrieved them on
Sunday morning on his way home - what a coincidence!)
AGM highlights – the Porsche convoy, Tim Tam balls, volunteering, organised rides to see the local sights, Ghost
Tour, Derek’s birthday dinner, Branch dinner, Saturday night dinner and meeting and making many new friends!
Roll on Launceston! We’ve already booked to arrive early in Launceston keen to volunteer again!
Tracey and Mick Winters
Ride reports (cont)
19
Club ride to Taralga
5 April 2015
Being an Easter weekend, and the
weather not too nice, it promised to
be a small crowd. When we rocked
up at the BP Watson, the small
number suggested perhaps the above, but could it have
been the confusion of Daylight Savings having finished
throughout the night? Whatever the case, we’re up for it!
We headed off at about 0930, taking the scenic route of Shingle Hill Way –
Gundaroo – Gunning – Breadalbane (the mandatory detour to bypass the boredom
of the Highway). A morning coffee stop at the Big Merino Goulburn bakery, and as
we gathered at the exit we began to wonder where Steve had got to... Andrew
went back to the bakery, but no Steve. Strange, we were sure all had turned in to
the bakery area!
Not to be put off, we continued on our way (momentarily losing the Clarke’s as
Rob’s FJR threatened to not play ball due to a suspected dodgy battery). Just at the back roads of Goulburn
along the railway line, we saw a familiar FJR1300, with the occupants waving – I thought ‘that’s Alan & Lyn’ –
but they didn’t seem to be in a hurry to hunt us down. We continued the remaining 50km or so to Taralga – and
arrived at the pub for lunch to find that Steve had beaten us here and had already consumed a sizeable lunch of
Bangers & Mash. He wasn’t lost, just didn’t feel like joining the Easter rush at the bakery. And right then, Alan &
Lyn arrived to join us for lunch.
After eating & talking about whatever, we headed towards home.
Many of us filled up in Goulburn, while some headed straight for
home. The remainder of us looped home via Braidwood Road and
Tarago to Bungendore. A storm was brewing so it became every
(person) for themself – as it was, the rain began on my way up
Smiths Gap and was raining fairly steadily from Macs Reef Road to
home.
List of Riders:
Chris Dietzel
Garry McCurley
Mick Beltrame with Kipper
Steve Alford
Andrew Campbell
Karen Clarke
Rob Clarke
Manfred Halton
Al & Lyn Munday
Chris
Kawasaki GTR1400
Honda VFR1200 (with Natalie TeBay as pillion)
Victory XC
MotoGuzzi V7
Kawasaki ZX14R
Yamaha cruiser
Yamaha FJR1300
BMW1200R
Yamaha FJR1300 (found us in Goulburn and met us again at lunch)
WEEKEND RIDE Calendar 2015
20
This Ride Calendar covers weekend club rides only. For ride details, see the Canberra Branch Ride Calendar on
the branch website: http://canberra.ulyssesclub.org/ or http://ulyssescanberrabranch.blogspot.com.au/
Club Rides have a ride leader and may be longer rides on challenging roads suited to more experienced riders.
Chomp & Chats are shorter rides suitable for most riders with the added aim of having a relaxed lunch together.
Decide & Rides are informal rides in which the route and destination are decided by the riders on the day.
Chomp & Chats and Decide & Rides may not have an official ride leader.
Most rides start from either the Caltex servo outside EPIC on Federal Hwy, Watson; the Caltex Servo, cnr Monaro
Hwy & Sheppard St, Hume; or the Caltex Servo, cnr Curran Drive & O'Hanlon Place, Nicholls.
Please Note: Please Check the Ride Calendar on the Canberra Branch Website for the most current information.
Please be fuelled up and ready to leave at scheduled departure times.
Skill Levels (from National Site)
1 - Ride skill is un-defined.
2 - Long and difficult. Experienced riders only.
3- Medium length & not too scary. Suitable for most riders.
4- Short easy ride & easy day. Suitable for all.
IMPORTANT: Be at the departure point at least 15 minutes before departure time - refuelled and ready for
the briefing from the ride leader.
Please assess your own skill level and choose your rides accordingly.
Tue 21st at 7:30pm – Branch Social Meeting,
Deakin Football ClubThe Deakin FC, 3 Grose Street, Deakin
Dine with us from 6:00pm
Sat 25th – ANZAC DAY Ride to Temora (NB Saturday)
Skill Level: 4
Leave: Caltex Nicholls 7:15am for 7:30am
Lunch: Temora RSL
Leader: Peter Arday 0411 529 151
Sun 3rd – Club Ride to Crookwell
Skill Level: 3
Leave: Caltex Nicholls 9:15am for 9:30am
Lunch: Crookwell Hotel
Leader: Andrew Campbell
Sun 10th – Decide & Ride
Skill Level: 1
Leave: Caltex Hume 9:15am for 9:30am
Leader and destination: To be decided on the day
21
Sun 17th – Chomp & Chat to Tarago
Skill Level: 4
Leave: Caltex Hume 10:15am for 10.30am
Lunch: The Loaded Dog
Leader: Michael Winters 0412 134 376
Tue 19th at 7:30pm – Branch Social Meeting, Deakin Football Club
The Deakin FC, 3 Grose Street, Deakin
Dine with us from 6:00pm
Sun 24th – Club Ride to Adelong
Skill Level: 3
Leave: Caltex Nicholls 9:15am for 9:30am
Lunch: Royal Hotel Adelong
Leader: Ian Paterson 0427 291 728
Sun 31st – Decide & Ride
Skill Level: 1
Leave: BP Watson 9:15am for 9:30am
Leader and destination: To be decided on the day
Sat, Sun, Mon 6th, 7th, 8th – Club Ride to Mallacoota
Skill Level: 1
Leave: See end of Ride Calendar for more information
Lunch: TBA
Leader: Michael Winters 0427 291 728
Sun 7th – Decide & Ride
Skill Level: 1
Leave: Caltex Hume 9:15am for 9:30am
Leader and destination: To be decided on the day
Sun 14th – Chomp & Chat to Bungendore
Skill Level: 4
Leave: BP Watson 10:15am for 10.30am
Lunch: TBA
Leader: Peter Arday 0411 529 151
22
Tue 16th at 7:30pm – Branch Social Meeting, Deakin Football Club
The Deakin FC, 3 Grose Street, Deakin
Dine with us from 6:00pm
Sun 21st – Club Ride to Grenfell
Skill Level: 3
Leave: Caltex Nicholls 9:15am for 9:30am
Lunch: Albion Hotel
Leader: Chris Dietzel 0432 632 667
Sun 28th – Decide & Ride
Skill Level: 1
Leave: Caltex Hume 9:15am for 9:30am
Leader and destination: To be decided on the day
Mallacoota ride
June long weekend - 6th, 7th
& 8th June
Mallacoota Hotel Motel have accommodation available for the weekend.
We have invited Yarra Ranges Branch to join us so we will have company for that
weekend so don't wait as the hotel motel will fill quickly.
The weekend will be a Saturday ride to our destination with an organised meal at the motel for Saturday night.
The Hotel Motel has also offered to provide breakfast in their dinning room.
Bring your walking shoes as we will walk through some bush and along some of the beaches to take time to
unwind before heading back home again.
Please let Michael know you have booked your accommodation so we can
organise breakfast and meals at the Hotel Motel.
[email protected]
We can fine tune our activities as the date gets closer - if you have some
suggestions please let me know.
Mallacoota Hotel Motel 51-55, Maurice Ave, Mallacoota VIC 3892 (03) 5158
0455
(don't forget to mention you belong to The Ulysses Club as a 10% discount
for Ulysses Club Members is offered).
Some other accommodation in Mallacoota
The Mallacoota Blue Wren Motel is Located at 15 Maurice Ave, VIC 3892 (03) 5158 0544
Shady Gully Caravan Park Lot 5, Mallacoota - Genoa Road, Mallacoota, Victoria 3892 (03) 5158 0362