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Sapphire Coast Branch Issue 20, January - February 2014
1
Editorial Utterances
This is the New Year edition because I could not fit it all in the December edition!
2014 is looking like a changing year for the Sapphire Coast Branch. Our Branch President John Dean is stepping down to concentrate on world touring and while our Social Coordinator / Welfare Officer / Quartermaster is stepping down to have some time to herself.
Lots of interesting and challenging rides are in the planning stage. Watch your emails for updates..
Summer is here, and it looks as if it is going to be hot and wet. Don’t let that stop you getting the bike out on the road and join in the rides.
There is a great story about Rob’s Long Cruise in this edition, wish I could have gone. Ah well next time.
The Branch newsletter is continues to thrive but I need more articles and photos.
Thanks to those who have sent contributions.
Keep those stories coming in!
Read more inside!!
James Murray
Editor at Large
(Or is that Large Editor?)
ISSUE 20; Jan-Feb 2014 Page 1 – Editorial Utterances
Page 2 – John’s parting words
Page 3 – Monnica’s parting words
Page 4 –
Page 8 –
Page 9 – Progressive Ride
Page 10 – Thunder Rally
Page 11 – Branch Christmas Party
Page 12 – Gravel Ride No. 5
Page 13 – Committee Stuff
Page 14 – Ride Rambles
Page 15 – Branch Events October
Page 16 - Branch Events November
Page 17 – Event Details
Page 18 – End Polio Ride
Sapphire Coast Branch Issue 20, January - February 2014
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Branch President deposed! Well it wasn’t really like that, but it has got your attention.
The Sapphire Coast Branch has been in existence in its current form since 2005 and during that time I have had two stints as President, amounting to about five years, plus time as secretary, ride coordinator, newsletter editor and quartermaster, on occasion wearing up to three of those hats at the same time.
It’s time for someone else to have a go, particularly as I intend to do a lot of travelling during 2014 and a look at the calendar tells me I wouldn’t be around for most of the committee meetings next year anyway.
So your Branch Secretary, Kate Spears today agreed to take over as President and she was duly appointed by a gaggle of members who happened to be having lunch together today.
The editor of this dubious publication, James, has agreed to take over the role of Secretary.
Most of you will be aware that as we have an informally elected committee (as defined in the constitution of the Ulysses Club Inc.) committee members can be appointed, replaced or confirmed at any time by any gathering of members.
It doesn’t mean I won’t be involved in the Branch any more. Whenever I’m around I’ll be attending the rides, coffee mornings, monthly dinners, you name it.
I love this Branch and the diverse mix of people who are in it and it’s an important part of my life. When my travelling slows down a bit I might even be putting my hand up for a job again.
Have a great Christmas and I’ll see you around in 2014
Cheers everyone
John Dean - retired gentleman and trainee layabout
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Monnica is Pregnant!
Well I wanted to get your attention too! (heheheheheheeh John!) Next year is Year of the Horse and I'm making it Year of Monnica! I've enjoyed my time at our Branch/Family for many years now but feel it is time for someone else to have a go also. I do not make this decision lightly as these roles that I have undertaken have made up a large important part of my life for a long time and regard you, the membership as my lifelong friends!
I will continue to be here as a member/friend and attend Ulysses functions.......I hope I can be just a member....lol....have I really thought about this?
I had intended informing everyone at the December committee meeting/dinner but couldn't bring myself to do it in case I started blubbering in public, which in reality I WOULD OF DONE! Tas Harlow is recovering well from his triple bypass surgery in Canberra, with Margie by his side.
Gloria Pearce has had a fall leading to a visit to Canberra Hospital, thinking of you Gloriaxx
Mike Hourihan sends his best wishes to all and invites you to contact him at 5/ 108 Shepherd Street Darlington 2008 NSW (02) 96985709
Treatments of different ailments continue for many, keep smiling brave inspiring people! I wish Kate, as President and the new committee members to come (maybe YOU!) a wonderful time in their roles. It is very rewarding and I can recommend it to you all.
I have been Webmaster, Newsletter Editor, Quartermaster, Social Coordinator, Welfare Officer and assistant to Ride Coordinator(Gary) ...sheeesshhhhhhh WATCH OUT there is only a few other positions left, you never know I might be back in years to come! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you All Much Love... Monnica xxx
Sapphire Coast Branch Issue 20, January - February 2014
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ROB’S RIDE TO NOWHERE “IN NOVEMBER 8th ,9th , 10th ”by Rob Wright
Present for the ride “me” Rob Wright, John Dean, Kate Marshman Spears, George & Bev Parker, and Bruce Fenney.
First Day - Friday 8th November Destination Lake Tyers Beach, Victoria
Bruce, Rob & John started at Kiss’s Lagoon in Bega and were seen off by James Murray who kindly offered to take a photo of us.
George & Bev had to adjust the load in their camper because it wasn’t balanced properly.
All was good so we got away from Kiss’s at 10.00am and headed down the road to the Bega –Candelo turn off to meet up with Kate around 10.30am. Kate rocked up and we headed south for the border of NSW & Victoria we got as far as Eden and stopped for a toilet break.
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Then on to Cann river for lunch , the ride down was pretty good I was leading the pack, but in places the road had some massive potholes, I didn’t find out until we got to Cann River that Kate had hit a massive pothole and had injured her lower back, she was in a lot of pain, she was offered a kidney belt for the rest of ride which she accepted gratefully ,we had lunch and the flies nearly stole our lunch.
Kate holding back the pain..
Kate pushed on to Lakes Beachfront Holiday Retreat with us, but still in pain.
Our first night destination was at the , Lakes Beachfront Holiday Retreat 8kms before Lakes Entrance ,When we booked Trish & Craig the managers of the park we so happy to have our club come and stay with they told us they were massive bike people and would put on a BBQ dinner for us with sausages ,burgers ,potato salad & coleslaw ,true to their word we had a great bbq that
Sapphire Coast Branch Issue 20, January - February 2014
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night, But Trish & Craig couldn’t make it at the last minute they had to attend to something else , but I’m getting a little ahead of myself.
When we arrived Bruce got a cabin to himself while John and Kate split the cost on a cabin, George, Bev & myself were camping the whole trip. John and Bruce told me they were very happy with their cabins. George, Bev & myself found our camp sites and started to assemble our Camp .
Day 2 Saturday 9th November
George and Bev put on a fantastic Bacon & Egg BBQ Brekkie for us all.
George cooking up a storm yum yum....
George and John
Rob and John
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Ok now back to our trip, brekkie sorted, thanks to George & Bev , it was time to break camp and start Day 2,thank you to Lakes Beachfront Holiday Retreat for looking after us .
After brekkie, Kate told us the pot hole she hit on Friday on the way down had hurt her lower back and she was in a lot of pain and would not be continuing the ride.
We were all very upset that she couldn’t continue with us and worried that the ride for her on the way home would be to painful for her.
We heard later that day that she had made it home safely, but most of us throughout the weekend consistently said “Kate would have loved this ride”
Don’t worry Kate next year!...... We Left the park at 9.15 am destination Corryong, Vic 442kms away! 6hrs +. Via Bruthen we crossed some beautiful country that day.
Up the Alpine Way towards Omeo we travelled along a road built into a cliff face that mirrored the Tambo River, very beautiful past though a beautiful little town called Swift Creek.
Bruthen, Bruce & John topped their tanks up at the BP
Swift Creek then on to Omeo for coffee
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Twinkles at Omeo, John on the deck. Coffee on the way next , Mt Hotham
Omeo
Everyone told me I was the ride leader, so when we got into Omeo and I did not see the sign that was directly in front of me at the intersection that said town centre! to the left and I turned right ,they followed me blindly even though they later asked me why I turned right when the sign said to the left, so I’m a little dyslexic .... Anyway we had some good coffees at Twinkles Cafe.
Then John & Bruce suggested that George & Bev & I take off early and they would catch us up near Mt Hotham which they did.
Mt Hotham was beautiful and there was still a little patch of snow here & there but on the mountains not the roads, the only thing we had to watch on the roads were the silly men in lycra bike pants in the high country riding push bikes, I kept telling the bike riders as I passed them on the way down the mountain, that they didn’t have far to go to the top ,only it was like 15 km’s .
Harrietville
At the bottom of Mt Hotham the first little town you hit is Harrietville we stopped to stretch our legs,
and then the drive through was very beautiful with a canopy of trees covering the main road.
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Stretching legs at Harrietville
Bright
Heading towards the town of Bright, where we would stop to refuel and have some lunch.
There were people and cars everywhere; I didn’t know the Annual Hot Rod & Car Show was held in Bright this weekend every year!
When we left, George started up his Harley and the back pressure from his exhaust set a hot rods car alarm... it was so funny!
Leaving Bright we headed back the way we came then crossed over a mountain range towards Mt Beauty then turned left and headed north up to a point where we turned right then on to the Colac Colac ”Clack Clack” Caravan Park 8kms out of Corryong Vic where George, Bev & myself camped the Saturday night while John & Bruce roughed it in Corryong, at the Pub.
I won’t go into to much detail at this point as I think this story could go on for a lot longer, but the next day George and Bev headed for Albury to get the Harley a service and John, Bruce and myself had a great ride home. I’m pretty sure everyone had a great Ride and a Fantastic weekend away and we hope to do it again next year, look forward to you joining us as well
Rob Wright
Sapphire Coast Branch Issue 20, January - February 2014
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Photos from Branch Rides and Events
Sapphire Coast Branch Issue 20, January - February 2014
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Sapphire Coast Branch Issue 20, January - February 2014
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"Sometimes it takes a whole tank full of fuel before you can think straight"
President – KATE SPEARS ~ 0414 559 046 [email protected]
Secretary – JAMES MURRAY [email protected]
Treasurer – PETER FAULKS - 02 64932106 [email protected]
Webmaster – ROSS SLADE ~ 0407 651 417 [email protected]
Ride Coordinator – BRUCE FENNEY ~ 0419 316 612 [email protected]
Social Coordinator – POSITION VACANT
Quartermaster – POSITION VACANT
Editor – JAMES MURRAY ~ 02 6493 0415 [email protected]
Welfare Officer – POSITION VACANT
Historical Registration Examiners GARY & POSITION
VACANT
Branch Committee Contact details:
All Torque
Please send any contributions to:
Editor: James Murray #30054
PO Box 1163
Bega, NSW, 2550.
NATIONAL ULYSSES WEBSITE www.ulyssesclub.org
SAPPHIRE COAST ULYSSES WEBSITE
www.freewebs.com/sapphirecoastulysses/
Sapphire Coast Branch Issue 20, January - February 2014
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Ride Rambles; Being the ravings of the Ride Co-ordinator G’day Members,
Well, it has been a busy and at times tumultuous couple of months. The Long Cruise has been and gone, with numbers dropping off at all turns, only a hardy few made it to the end. For those of us who stuck at it, what a great ride! Thank you to Rob for putting in the time and effort to organise it. I hope that you managed to get an article in the newsletter.
There has been considerable discussion and angst regarding our regular meeting places. I had been asked a number of times to consider some venue changes. Problems raised have included: poor service, poor choice and bad coffee, lack of parking and just sheer boredom. Compliments have included great service, great coffee and fantastic food. As can be seen, there was some dilemma. As a former senior bureaucrat of some 27 years experience, I embarked on a plan of masterful inaction.
Unfortunately, I failed to account for the innate anarchism of the common motorcyclist. Some members decided to try a new venue for themselves. This raised several new cans of worms, such as our responsibility to the current venues and our need to inform them of the changes. Also, visitors from other branches looking at our web-site may be disappointed to find us absent. It was also pointed out that any former venue could be entitled to an explanation of why we have moved on.
The variation in the number of our members attending any of our venues or activities is enormous. I have been the lone member at Bemboka. At other times, I cannot get a seat. Neither the shop keepers nor visitors of other branches can realistically plan our attendance on a given day. While I do not see that we owe the venues anything, I accept that some consideration of their situation is sensible.
Therefore, assuming the concurrence of the members and the committee, I intend to vary the venue for our regular meetings A BIT. Apparently, the members have voted with their feet in regard to Sundays at Potoroo. They now attend the Stone-house at Merimbula. This change will be reflected in the calendar.
What I had in mind was that each week, one venue, out of four, would be changed. Therefore, one Wednesday, one Friday, etc, per month the meeting would be held at a new(ish) location. I would ask that our web master keep the site updated. This would increase the chance of other branch members finding us. It would also be reasonably simple to inform the shop keeper that we would not be “in next week”.
I hope this addresses all your concerns. I am open to suggestions and comments or even censure. I will be seeking suggestions as to venues.
Due to the large number of Christmas activities and the vagaries of attendees at this time of year, I have minimised the number of planned rides. Of course, on the actual day, those who are present are perfectly welcome to arrange an impromptu ride. As for myself, I am usually up for a ride at short notice, so don’t be shy.
Sapphire Coast Branch Issue 20, January - February 2014
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ANNUAL BD & SM ODYSSEY After some reflection, I have changed the venue for the BD&SM Odyssey. The caravan park in Jindabyne were going to charge $30-45 for a camp site and would not allow us to book a $90 van for only one night.
The new Venue is the caravan park at DALGETY. It has river swimming for the athletically enhanced (or is that mentally challenged?) and is a short walk to the pub and general store/cafe. Self-contained cabins are $80 for two people and $15 for each additional person. Camp sites are $10 per person and $10 for a powered site. They also have a large shed which we can use for undercover bike parking. Full details are available on their web site:
www.snowyriverholidaypark.com.au
email; [email protected]
Ph; (02) 6456 5000
Fax; (02) 6456 5100
Whilst they do not have many bookings yet, it is still school holidays and may fill up quickly. Get in fast and mention Sapphire Coast Ulysses. They will do their best to keep us together. MEMBERS ARE TO MAKE THEIR OWN BOOKINGS!!
Dirt Riders. The plan is that the dirty members will depart Delegate at 1000, after fuelling both bike and rider. The ride, via McKillops Bridge and Wulgulmerang to Dalgety, is approximately 255kms. There is no food or fuel until Jindabyne (232 km). There is no fuel in Dalgety. If you are worried about your fuel range, let me know as I have the ability to carry some spare. I will not be carrying if no one asks!
Road Riders & Drivers. Those going by bitumen will be leaving from the Bemboka Pie Shop at around 1100. As they will have plenty of time, it is suggested that they find a scenic route to Dalgety.
Sunday. I have asked the President to devise a suitable return route. John, if you don’t remember, it was on a night when you drank some red wine; you know the one, don’t you? Personally, I will be heading to Canberra for a service.
General. If anyone going by road has some spare space for camping gear or even a pillion with distaste for dirt, please let me know. If you are a dirt rider, and would like some help with gear or a pillion, then you can contact me too and I will try and help. My contact details are;
0419 316 612
That is more than enough for me. If you are not sure what is happening, READ the calendar. If you still don’t know, ask me.
Bruce By Appointment
Ride Co-ordinator to the Sapphire Coast Branch of the Ulysses Club
Sapphire Coast Branch Issue 20, January - February 2014
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Branch Event Calender – January 2014 Date Venue Comments Wednesday 1st NEW YEARS DAY Sea Whisper Cafe, Tathra 10am Coffee and Chat Friday 3rd Drovers Rest Bemboka Lunch 12 noon Saturday 4th Bemboka Pie Shop 10am Coffee and Chat Sunday 5th Stonehouse Merimbula 10am Coffee and Chat Candelo Market Ride for Historic Register Bikes
Wednesday 8th Sea Whisper Cafe, Tathra 10am Coffee and Chat Commercial Hotel Branch Dinner 7pm Friday 10th Drovers Rest Bemboka Lunch 12 noon Saturday 11th Bemboka Pie Shop 10am Coffee and Chat
Sunday 12th Stonehouse Merimbula 10am Coffee and Chat Wednesday 15th Sea Whisper Cafe 10am Coffee and Chat Friday 17th Drovers Rest Bemboka Lunch 12 noon Saturday 18th Bemboka Pie Shop 10am Coffee and Chat Dalgety Sapphire Coast BD&SM Odyssey Sunday 19th Stonehouse Merimbula 10am Coffee and Chat Wednesday 22ndd Sea Whisper Cafe 10am Coffee and Chat Friday 24th Wagtail Restaurant
Wyndham Lunch 12 noon
Saturday 25th Bemboka Pie Shop 10am Coffee and Chat 25th- 27th January Phillip Island Island Classic Races (including John
McInnis multiple IOM winner Sunday 26th Australia Day Stonehouse Merimbula 10am Coffee & Chat
Tuesday 28th Penelope’s Lunch Thai Restaurant (Bank Hotel) Wednesday 29th Sea Whisper Cafe 10am Coffee and Chat Friday 31st Drovers Rest Bemboka 12noon LUNCH
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Branch Event Calender – November 2013
Date Venue Comments Saturday 1st TOUCAN CAFE PAMBULA 10am Coffee and Chat Sunday 2nd Stonehouse Merimbula 10am Coffee and Chat Candelo Market Ride for Historic Register Bikes
Cann River Depart 10.45am
Wednesday 5th Sea Whisper Cafe Tathra 10am Coffee and Chat Dalmeny Depart 10.45am
Friday 7th Candelo Cafe (east end of the bridge)
Lunch 12 noon
Saturday 8th Bemboka Pie Shop 10am Coffee and Chat Mallacoota Depart 10.30am Sunday 9th Stonehouse Merimbula 10am Coffee and Chat Wednesday 12th Sea Whisper Cafe Tathra 10am Coffee and Chat Commercial Hotel Branch Committee Meeting
6pm & Dinner 7pm
Friday 14th Drovers Rest Bemboka Lunch 12 noon
Saturday 15th Bemboka Pie Shop 10am Coffee and Chat
Sunday 16th Stonehouse Merimbula 10am Coffee and Chat Lunch at Bombala Depart 10.30am Wednesday 19th Mr Jones Bermagui 10am Coffee and Chat Tomakin Sports Club Get those pensioners discount
Friday 21st Drovers Rest Bemboka Lunch 12 noon Saturday 22nd Bemboka Pie Shop 10am Coffee and Chat Narooma (Fish & Chips) Depart 10.30am
Sunday 23rd Potaroo Palace Merimbula 10am Coffee and Chat Tuesday 25th Penelope’s Lunch 12.30pm Ray & Trish’s Place Bega Wednesday 26th Sea Whisper Cafe 10am Coffee and Chat Friday 29th Drovers Rest Bemboka Lunch 12 noon
Coming Events
Gravel Travel – Wadbilliga National Park postponed until later
Bonang / Buchan Caves Ride in March
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Need new tyres? Want some advice about tyres, batteries or chargers?
BALMAIN MOTORCYCLES in Rozelle offer expert advice, good deals and if you say you're a member of Sapphire Coast Ulysses Branch and tell them Kate sent you, you may even get discounted delivery of your tyres, battery or CTEK charger :)
CALL 0425 286 700 for personal service from Madgy, the owner.
To check out the website visit www.balmainmotorcycles.com.au
Congratulations to the following members! Natcom has sent the following to the below members: - Allan Shaw Seventy Year Badge. Rod McLean Seventy Year Badge plus 25 year Membership Badge. Bruce Bearman (myself) 25 year Membership Badge
Hi All,
You are cordially invited to attend the Coffs Coast Branch - Coffs Capers being held again this
year on the 4th to the 6th of July 2014. There will be a Friday night BBQ, Saturday breakfast, a
ride, games and to top it off Dinner and Dancing. This year’s theme is a Bush Christmas in July
and breakfast Sunday morning before you head off. We look forward to catching up again with
old friends and hopefully meeting new ones too. Can't wait to see you there.
I have attached a copy of our flyer and registration form for your information and to pass along
to your branch members if they are interested in coming.
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kind Regards
Margaret Fairlie
Sapphire Coast Branch Issue 20, January - February 2014
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REGISTRATION FORM - COFFS CAPERS 2014
Coffs Harbour Showground – 4th
July – 6th
July 2014
Registrations close 29th
June 2014
Refunds – only in exceptional circumstances.
# Financial Members may sponsor one guest. Guest will use Sponsor’s Membership No. Guest is the responsibility of the sponsoring member
Surname First Name Member Guest Member No’s # Branch Name
Return Postal Address City/Town State Postcode
Phone
Rego No: Make Year
Registrations close 29th
June 2014 Cost Each $
Totals
REGISTRATION – Fee includes Coffs Capers metal badge. How many? $28.00 ea
Friday Night Welcome BBQ (5:30 – 8pm)(Freemason’s) How many? Pay at venue XXXXXX
Saturday Dinner (6-8pm) How many? $ 38.00 ea
Saturday & Sunday morning Breakfast (7-9am)(Freemason’s) How many? Pay at venue XXXXXX
Total Due $
PAYMENT Register and Pay by Mail Cheques, Money Orders ONLY. Do not Send cash through the
mail.
1. Cheques, Money Orders to be make out to: Ulysses Club Inc – Coffs Coast Branch
2. Send full payment and completed Registration Form to: Graeme & Vicki Herbert @ 54 Taloumbi Road Coffs Harbour
NSW 2450
3. Direct deposit – call Graeme or Vicki on 02 66526547 for bank details
SPECIAL NEEDS Names Additional information.
Special Dietary Meal Required?
Type – Vegetarian or Coeliac
Other – Please provide details:
ACCOMMODATION NO FREE CAMPLING - CAMPING AND ACCOMMODATION FEES APPLY
ADDITIONAL BADGES AVAILABLE AT EVENT
LIGHT REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE AT EVENT (TEA,COFFEE & WATER)
ALCOHOL BYO
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Thanks to everyone who supported the Toy Run, we collected over $2000 in toys and $2706.35 in donations.
