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June 2013 Volume 28 Number 6 Newsletter 235
Membership in the ACT Region: 700+
PRESIDENTMichael [email protected]
TREASURERPeter [email protected]
SECRETARYChris [email protected]
COMMITTEE MEMBERSRide CoordinatorIan [email protected]
John [email protected]
Maritta [email protected]
EX OFFICIO POSITIONS
BBQ CoordinatorsKevin & Shelley [email protected]
SOCIAL CoordinatorJudy [email protected]
EditorLyn [email protected]
HistorianTBA
QuartermasterJan [email protected]
WebmasterGary [email protected]
RIDING ON TOO
NEWSLETTER OFTHE ULYSSES CLUB
CANBERRA BRANCH
http://ulyssescanberrabranch.blogspot.com.au/
PRESIDENT’S REPORTWelcome Everyone
This is my first President’s report and I would like to thank everyone for their support. Ifsomeone had suggested I would be the president of the Canberra Branch of the UlyssesClub within two and a half years of joining I would not have believed them.
Before returning to bike riding I was talking to my brother-in-law and he told me that hewas enjoying going for rides with a local Ulysses Club. After buying my Triumph and startingto ride after a long break my first thought was survival. I also wanted to enjoy ridingmotorcycles and I wanted to join a group of people who shared a similar time in life lookingfor companionship, safety and training so I went to the Canberra Ulysses Club.
So I came to my first Ulysses meeting on my birthday just to check out who belonged to theclub. After joining I have found they are a great bunch of people. To fit into any group ofpeople you need to get involved - going for rides, joining in and helping where you can andall of a sudden you find yourself a part of the Ulysses family.
We would like to wish our club’s inspiration for longevity, Derek Holeoyke, a Happy 89th
Birthday on the 8th of June – Derek has also passed his driving/riding test again with aperfect score and is now able to drive and ride for the next two years - so watch out for thatorange Super Vespa.
Your new committee members are:President: Michael Winters Secretary: Chris DietzelTreasurer: Peter Thomas Committee Member: John MeertCommittee Member: Ian Paterson Committee Member: Maritta Heiler
We have already had our first committee meeting and everyone is really enthusiastic tomake 2013 - 2014 another successful year. We already have some great ideas to make thebranch more fun, interesting and exciting - if you have some ideas, please talk to acommittee member or ring or email me. The minutes of the meeting are in this edition ofRO2, as are some fascinating insights into the lives of your committee members.
Xmas in JulyDon’t forget:You don’t want to read in August RO2 how much fun you could have had so come to Xmasin July - it will be a blast. This year it will be held on the weekend of 27-28 July inMerimbula. Let Judy know if you are attending. Please contact her [email protected] as we need to know the numbers for catering.
Keep safe until we meet.
Mick
PO Box 387CurtinACT 2605
Canberra branch general meeting 2
Ulysses Canberra BranchSocial Meeting
Tuesday 21 May 2013
The President opened the meeting at 7.45pm with a ‘true story’, his last as President.
In Attendance: 51 members were in attendance.
Apologies: Margaret Titheradge, Peter & Kim Gibbins, Gillian North.
Visitors and new members:John Donnelly: Kawasaki ZX1400. Welcome John. Get out there on our Branch rides held most weekends!Secretary’s report – Inwards correspondence:
• 5 x 2013/2014 Canberra Branch committee position nomination forms received to 6/4/2013.• 1 x 2013/2014 Canberra Branch committee position nomination form received after the cut-off date of 23
April 2013.• Bendigo Bank Statement, January-April 2013 (handed to Treasurer).• MIA Branch – Newsletter May 2013.• VV&CMCC ACT Inc – May 2013 ‘Bike Torque’ newsletter.
• Email from Alan Pearce (President Hornsby Branch): A message of Branch, and particularly to Chas & JenTowie, for coming to the hospital to visit Alan and provide support, after his bike accident near Yass,during the period of our weekend ride to Mallacoota earlier this year.
• Snowy Southcare Hydro – A letter of thanks from the CEO (Owen Finegan) for the donation of $2000 fromthe Canberra branch.
• Temora Flower Centre – Invoice for $50 payable for the wreath purchased for the ANZAC service (ClubRide 25/4/13).
• Email from MRA ACT (Trish Holdsworth) – Thanks for the support provided by members on theMRA/Salvation Army Blanket Run.
Treasurer’s report: Treasurer’s report was posted in the May RO2.
Rider Development/Webmaster: Webmaster – nothing new to report, except to say that Gary urges all of us touse the web site & Blog, and welcomes comments for improvements.
Gary advises there is a link on the Blog to report road conditions, and there is also a means of reportingunfriendly road-use behaviors.
Ride Coordinator: Michael Winters advises the Orange ‘Gourmet weekend’ ride on 25 May has been cancelled(insufficient interest), and that the next 2 months’ club rides have been posted on the Web.
Social Secretary: Judy Perry advises for Christmas In July weekend (27/28 July) at Merimbula, Club Sapphire lookspromising. Book now! They have rooms available, and Main Course menus are in the order of $22.50pp.
A suggestion for Christmas function at the Arboretum has been proposed.
RO2 Editor: A huge thanks go to Lyn Munday, for another fantastic year of being editor for the RO2. The messagefrom Lyn is ‘keep the ride reports coming in’.
Guest Speakers: John Meert advises that at the June meeting, Anders from Eurotune will be speaking. At the Julymeeting, we will have Sarah Mitchell (from CMC) to talk about motorcycle insurance, for which CMC is an agentfor Swan Insurance and QBE. John is still seeking further suggestions for Guest Speakers.
BBQ Report: Kevin Shanley advises that $330 was raised at the BBQ breakfast held on the morning of the MRABlanket Run. Thanks for the support provided to Kevin for all those that assisted.
3General meeting (cont)
A reminder that the next fundraiser BBQ at CMC Fyshwick will be held on Saturday 15 June, beginning atapproximately 0930. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Quartermaster Report: Some second-hand riders gear is in the possession of the QM for sale. Come & have alook. Please keep the orders coming, and allow delivery time.
NATCOM/MRA Report:Congratulations to Jen Woods, as the new NATCOM Vice President.MRA: Has partnered with the Australian Federal Police, for the ‘Share the Road’ campaign. Jen Woods hasattended the ‘Black Spot Program’ meeting. Contact Jen for any details.General Business:Leo Farrelly advises the Ulysses name badges are now $13 each. Please place orders with Leo.A reminder by Ian Paterson that immediately following tonight’s Branch Meeting will be the Branch AGM, wherethe new Committee will be sworn in.Alan Munday raised a suggestion to those members who choose to ride to the meetings, to consider sharing carparks (putting more than one bike into a car space) while on a bike, as it could assist in promoting Ulyssians asgood ‘corporate citizens’.
Next social meeting will be held on Tuesday 18 June at 7.30pm at the Italo Club, Forrest.
Meeting concluded at 8:20 pm.
Minutes of 2013 agm 4
Ulysses Canberra BranchAnnual General Meeting
Tuesday 21 May 2013Italo-Australian Club, Forrest
Ian Paterson opened the AGM at 8.30pm.In attendance: 51 members.Apologies: Margaret Titheridge, Peter & Kim Gibbins, Gillian North, Judy Perry.Minutes of previous AGM: As published in RO2, May 2012. Moved that they be accepted – Chas Towie.Seconded Sylvia Sinfield.Moved that the President’s and Treasurer’s and Secretary Reports be accepted. Moved: Jen Woods; Seconded:Derek Holyoake.Ian as outgoing President, thanked all those he has worked on the Committee with over the past 5 years asSecretary (3 years) and President (2 years).Ian nominated Chas Towie as Presiding Officer. Moved: Derek Hollyoake; Seconded: Lyn Munday.Chas Towie declared all positions vacant.Chas welcomed everyone to the AGM and on behalf of members thanked the committee and all the volunteerswho have helped out in some form over the past year. You have all made this a wonderful club to be a part of.Chas declared there have been 6 nominations as follows and all are confirmed financial members:President: Mr Michael Winters (59095), nominated by Ian Paterson (42184), seconded Chris Dietzel (59093).Michael has accepted the nomination and position.Secretary: Mr Chris Dietzel (59093), nominated by Peter Thomas (52415), seconded by Jan Wills (15471). Chrishas accepted the nomination and position.Treasurer: Mr Peter Thomas (52415), nominated by Jen Woods (21395), seconded by Leo Farrelly (21630). Peterhas accepted the nomination and position.Committee member: Mr Ian Paterson (42184), Nominated by Peter Thomas (52415), seconded by John Meert(39283). Ian has accepted the nomination and position.Committee Member: Mr John Meert, nominated by Peter Thomas (52415), seconded by Michael Winters(59095). John has accepted the nomination and position.Ms Maritta Heiler (44790), nominated by Ian Paterson (42184), seconded by Andrew Campbell (43309). Marittahas accepted the nomination and position.Please welcome our new committee for 2013-14 to the table. To ensure our club runs effectively, remember togive your support to our committee for upcoming events.Meeting closed at 8.45pm. Next AGM will be advised in due course.
Name badges
Leo Farrelly is ready to take orders for Name Badges for those who require one - new orreplacement.
Magnetic badges are $13.50 and pin badges $12.80, including postage.The postage works on a minimum order of 5 badges.
If you would like to order a badge contact Leo at: [email protected] and pay on delivery at aBranch meeting.
5
Ulysses Canberra Branch Committee Meeting
1 June 2013
Meeting Opened: 10:20 AM Industry Cafe, Fyshwick
Attendance:Michael Winters [MW] (President)Chris Dietzel [CD] (Secretary)Peter Thomas [PT] (Treasurer)John Meert [JM] (Committee member and Guest Speaker Co-ordinator)Maritta Heiler [MH] (Committee Member)
Apologies:Ian Paterson [IP] (Committee Member and Ride Coordinator)
Michael, as the new President, welcomed the Committee.
Minutes from meeting 6 April 2013 were reviewed.Moved MW, second PT, that the Minutes as read be accepted.
Correspondence:Ø New Committee Branch Contact Form, for Head Office.
Secretary Report:Ø Nothing to report, except that the Branch Contact Form needs to be filled out.
Treasurer’s Report:Ø $289 in the General account.Ø $1389 in the BBQ account.
Social Secretary Report:Ø Christmas in July (27/28 July, Merimbula): 21 people are booked to date.
Ride Coordinator report:Ø Nothing to report (IP not present), except to say that 4 months of rides are ready to be posted on the Ride
Calendar.Speakers:We need to think ‘outside the square’ for invitations to speak (aspects that are not necessarily Motorbike related).Ongoing. Some suggestions: Health aspects for seniors (AIS Program ??).BBQ calendar:Ø Next BBQ planned for 15 June at CMC. Volunteers welcome!
General business:Ø Moved PT that MW becomes a signatory to the Bendigo Bank account & purchase a second token
from the General Account funds. Seconded JM.Ø Members to be asked what they would like to see on the Branch web site. In essence, this is what Gary
Mac has been asking all year.Ø At the next Branch meeting, members will be asked whether they will want their contact details posted
on the Branch web site.Ø MH suggested we set up a stall at major shopping centres advertising our Club & Branch, to raise our
profile. Interesting angle, and to be progressed.
Ø PT submits an apology in advance for the 18th June Branch meeting.
Next meeting: Saturday 3 August, 10:00am, at the Industry Cafe Fyshwick.
Meeting closed: 11:00AM
Committee meeting
6
FOR SALE
2008 Classic Mini Tourer Trailer: * with factory esky, * custom roof racks, * new tyres, * always garaged, * in excellent condition.
$2500. Rego til 11/13.
Camping gear also available if wantedPrice On Application.
Phone Mick Harvey 04017 047 500
Canberra BranchPresident
Hi, my name is Michael Winters. I am 59 years young have beenmarried to my wife Tracey for 33 years. We have three childrenaged 23 to 26 with two granddaughters. We live in a smallcountry town in New South Wales.I started riding when I was 18, owning many bikes and riding tillfamily commitments forced me, reluctantly, to stop. After manyyears stuck in a car I bought a Triumph Sprint in 2010. I joinedUlysses in March 2011 for companionship with like-mindedpeople who share the same time in life as my wife and I.I have found a great bunch of friends and twelve months ago Ijoined the committee to share the load. As President I hope to
guide the club for the next twelve months with the help andsupport of our committee and club members.
New canberracommittee member
I joined the National Ulysses Club some years ago as a juniormember in Mackay and served on the Branch Committee there forseveral years. As everyone does, who joins this great Club, I have alsoforged some great friendships and now as a "senior" I am still veryhappy to be part of this diverse group.I work in a Financial Planning Business in Griffith. My husband, Jeff,works at the Canberra Times in Fyshwick and we are graduallyrenovating our "new" digs in Karabar.My ride is the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Cruiser. I completed an AdvancedRider Awareness program not long before moving here. I enjoy thesocial aspect of this Club almost as much as the Bike.I am looking forward to helping out on the Canberra Branch
Committee.Maritta Heiler
7
Joe's Motorcycles Pty Ltd15-17 COLLIE STREET
FYSHWICK
ACT 2609
Contact
Ph:02: 6280 6223
Fax: 02: 6239 1442
www.joesmotorcycles.com.au
The website address iswww.canberramotorbikeparking.net
We hope you find it useful.
Safe parking,
Kate
The following was developed as a mental age assessment by theSchool of Psychiatry at Harvard UniversityTake your time and see if you can read each line aloud without a mistake.The average person over 50 years of age cannot do it!
1. This is this cat. 2. This is is cat. 3. This is how cat. 4. This is to cat. 5. This is keep cat. 6. This is an cat. 7. This is old cat. 8. This is fart cat. 9. This is busy cat. 10. This is for cat. 11. This is forty cat. 12. This is seconds cat.
Now go back and read the third word in each line from the top down.
8treasurer’s report
UlyssesACTTREASURER'S REPORT
12 May 2013 to 11 Jun 2013Bendigo 1
Opening Balance: $ 323.28RECEIPTS & EXPENDITURE:
RECEIPTS Amount this periodOperating Income $ 330.70
BBQ $ 330.70TOTAL RECEIPTS $ 330.70
EXPENSES Amount this periodOperating Expenses $ 364.70
BBQ Expense $ 330.70Printing & Stationery $ 34.00
TOTAL PAYMENTS $ 364.70
TOTAL RECEIPTS - TOTAL PAYMENTS -$ 34.00
Closing Balance: $ 289.28
OTHER ACCOUNTSINV balance: $ 2,381.64Bendigo BBQ balance: $ 1,398.99
For those members who are maybe not familiar with whatthe Canberra Branch has done for the past
few years
Over the course of the year, we ask that youput your spare change (5¢, 10¢ or even bigger if you like)
into a money box and at the end of the year Mal Garnerwill collect this money from everyone and have it counted
by the Bendigo Bank. If you do not have a money box, see Mal and he canarrange to get one for you.
The money raised in this way is then donated to the collection at theMRA Toy Run which is held in December every year.
Understanding EngineersThe graduate with a science degree asks,
"Why does it work?" The graduate with anengineering degree asks, "How does it work?"The graduate with an accounting degree asks,
"How much will it cost?" The graduate with anarts degree asks, "Do you want fries with
that?"
To the optimist, theglass is half-full. To the
pessimist, the glass is half-empty. To the engineer, the
glass is twice as big as itneeds to be.
RIDER DEVELOPMENT 9
I had a yarn with a friend of mine in the motorcycle industry the other day. Ihad noticed a number of machines were in, not for a tune but for crashrepair. I thought it pretty unfortunate on many levels, but what definitelysurprised me was the comment that the vast majority of the bikes in forrepair were there because the owner or rider had crashed them.
Conventional wisdom would have us think of a “smidsy”, the old “sorry mate Ididn't see you”. And while that certainly occurs, the on the ground, workshopassessment is that the majority in the workshop are there because of ridererror. That's a worry! Instead of being due to crossing paths with anothervehicle, the rider had simply got it wrong!
These are crashes because in varied ways the rider had managed to mismatch aspiration with ability, ormisunderstood the limits of tyre adhesion or the design intent of the vehicle and road.
Perhaps somewhere along in the rider’s experience the training has not stuck, or perhaps was never received ormaybe just forgotten. There's some other info out there which might shed some light on this. Last year’s crashstats show 288 recorded crashes. These are separated into 184 “Vehicle to Vehicle” and 104 “Single Vehicle”accidents.
The single vehicle crashes are separated into 13 main crash types. Only eight of these were “used”.The main ones were 43 “Overturned” and 22 “struck object” and 10 were “Fall from moving vehicle”. Seven were“Struck animal (not ridden)”, two were “Struck Pedestrian” and another 5 were a variation on “Struck Object” and“Other – single vehicle on carriageway”.
That's an interesting set, and unfortunately doesn't tell us enough details about each individual crash. To do thatwe would need to have individual interviews with each rider. That would give us a much better understanding ofwhat the true causes were. The Gear Study, which Liz de Rome ran a few years ago was done that way and yieldedall sorts of extra information.
However as experienced riders we could make some educated guesses on crash cause and prevention. Forexample, pedestrians and animals tend to have predictable territories. If you see them on or near the road, youcould slow, cover your brakes, perhaps sound your horn and prepare to brake or swerve. Animals can be hard topredict, but as we live in one of the best breeding areas for the eastern grey, we really should be very ready forthem at dawn & dusk, and certainly not be riding as fast as we can go at those times.
The “Struck object” type should be a little easier to deal with. If the object is stationary, good observation skillsshould have you moving out of the way. If there are vehicles ahead masking the road, you need more gap and lessspeed, and if you can't make out the road surface at night you need better lights (or perhaps, if your eyes are notthat good, better glasses).
Moving objects can be harder to predict. I've seen odd manoeuvres being performed to evade plastic bags. Thenastiest was a tradies ladder which had been thrown in the back of the ute but didn't stay there. The best advicehere is as soon as you see a loose load, make lots of space. If you can take a rego number safely, report them, butdon't put yourself at risk to get it.
Unfortunately most of the other crash types end up being due to too much speed at the wrong time, a failure toread the surface, a little distraction, a mix of these or just the classic fail to ride to the conditions. All preventableby making good decisions.
It all comes back to Roadcraft! Roadcraft! Roadcraft! …... Please consider!
Here's to enjoyable and safer riding. Gary Mac
WD-40 - A must read and share 10
Before you read to the end, does anybody know what the main ingredient of WD-40 is?Don't lie and don't cheat.
Who knew? I had a neighbour who bought a new car. I got up very early one Sunday morning and saw that someone had spraypainted red all around the sides of his car (for some unknown reason). I went over, woke him up, and told him the bad news. Hewas very upset and was trying to figure out what to do.... probably nothing until Monday morning, since nothing was open.Another neighbour came out and told him to get his WD-40 and clean it off. It removed the unwanted paint beautifully and didnot harm his paint job on the car. I'm impressed!
WD-40 who knew? 'Water Displacement #40'. The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser toprotect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its namecomes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation,thus WD-40. The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders)says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you... When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has evercleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your stove top ...Viola! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed.
WD-40 uses:
1. Protects silver from tarnishing. 2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings. 4. Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.5. Keeps flies off cows. (I love this one!) 6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.7. Removes lipstick stains. 8. Loosens stubborn zippers.9. Untangles jewellery chains. 10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill. 12. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.13. Removes tomato stains from clothing. 14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors. 16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.18. It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for that nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seemto harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you havea lot of marks.19. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.21. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers...22 Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open...24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles. 27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.31. Removes splattered grease on stove. 32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs. 34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).35. Removes all traces of duct tape. 36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.37. Florida's favourite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'38. The favourite use in the state of New York, WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaperthan the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or luresfor fishing are not allowed in some states.40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.41. WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls... Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturatethe lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!43. If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.
P.S. The basic ingredient is : FISH OIL…
What’s onMonthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday
of the month at 7.30pm at theItalo Australian Club, 78 Franklin St, Forrest.Arrive EARLY FOR Dinner with other members,
before the meeting, from 6.30pm
Next meeting Tuesday 18th June 2013
11
Saturday morning informal get-together
We’re trying out an informal gatheringplace for coffee and companionship!Drop in and give it a go.
Industry CaféCorner Barrier and Ipswich StreetsFyshwick (opposite Harvey Norman)From 10:30am (café closes at 1:00pm)Hope to see you there!
Ulysses Xmas in JulyClub Sapphire, 119 Main St, Merimbula
Saturday 27th July 2013Our ride leader will confirm departure time and place
Book your own accommodation at one of these motels within walking distance* BEST WESTERN Sea Spray Motel (473 mtr walk) 19 rooms available to date.38 Merimbula Drive 6495 3299 corporate rate $103-$154 Has guest BBQor* South Seas Motel (209 mtr walk) plenty of rooms available12 Merimbula Drive 6495 1911 $80-$125 Has guest BBQ
Let Judy know by Monday 22 July if you are attending [email protected]
Cost $28 will cover room hire, prizes and meal
Set menu with choices of main course
Each participant should bring a wrapped gift to the value of $20to play a Kris Cringle game during the meal.
Silly dress will be admired and rewarded.
12Ride reports
Have you ever wanted to feel as if you have achieved something forthe good of others? Having participated in the Long Ride 2011 toSydney, I once again took up the baton to raise awareness for theProstate Cancer Foundation through the Long Ride 2013 to Cairns.
For support I formed up with the Defence Riders of Canberra, both on the ride and for fundraising activities.Personally, my baking skills were put to the test as Isold cakes/ biscuits with the help of our graduateteam and sold raffle tickets at work to raise $3,035through sales and sponsorship. As a group we raised$55,391 through BBQ’s Trivia nights, Raffles whichwent a long way to the total of $230,000. Thefundraising is still open until the end of June.
First and foremost everyone is encouraged to raise funds for PCFA and secondly have fun and talk to people youmeet along the way about being aware of the symptoms for Prostate Cancer. Our final destination was Cairns,close to 3,000kms from Canberra. With over 350 registered riders we all leave at different times to meet up alongthe way, sometimes booking out all accommodation in the little outback towns in Queensland.
I depart on Saturday with Harriet looking lovely, shiny and red, and head for Gunnedah with over 42 ridersleaving from Russell offices. Such excitement keeps you alert as we tend to drift apart but head for Gunnedah forthe night. This is our longest leg of 666 kms and I am tired. Not having ridden long trips for awhile it took its toll.The roads were reasonable and on a whole in good condition through Cowra and Dunedoo area.
The Gunnedah RSL was the place to be as we joined up with the Sydney riders for a drink and dinner.Unfortunately they forgot to tell the caterers that approx 150 riders were hungry, so some of us went in search ofother eats. It was at Gunnedah I met up with my room mate – Kath from Swansea, riding her Spyder. We got onreally well, so it made for a wonderful trip. Never buy a new phone before you go on holidays. Frustration set inand I have hardly any photos to show for it.
Our next stop was St George in southern Queensland, via Narrabri. We stop for a media shot for the Basin Newsas Peter and Irwin join us. I met Peter on the 2011 trip – a recovering prostate cancer rider and a farmer fromWee Waa. At 67 Peter is inspirational riding his Harley. The landscape turns into cotton fields as harvesting is infull swing. Acres and acres of cotton plants in bloom and many have undergone harvesting as thousands of balesof cotton (these are huge semi trailer size bales) sit side by side in the fields ready for collection. I thought wewould be doing our own ginning but going by the size of the bales, it appears they are going straight to China forprocessing.
From St George we head to Charleville. Now the route was supposed to be via Cunnamulla, but after talking tothe locals many head north to Mitchell (this route not only a better road, as the Balonne Highway is reported asbeing very upsy downsy. We found out that someone actually came off on a big cruiser on this road.Mitchell has a bakery to die for with the best vanilla slices and pies, my waistline can attest to some greatyummies in Queensland. The road to Mitchell was lovely early in the morning, having to watch out for kangiesand pigs. We join the Warrego Highway at Mitchell and ride onto Charleville. This is the first time I have visitedoutback Queensland and the landscape takes me quite by surprise with thick bushland and red soil, this canchange within 50 kms or so. Absolutely beautiful!
Cairns, early morning
Launch at Defence
RIDE REPORTS (cont) 13
Charleville is larger than I expected and thankfully we get there around 4.00pm, just in time for Kath to noticethat her number plate departed somewhere along the road. Off to the RTA to report it and out with the DuckTape and cardboard. The Spyder once again has a numberplate - of sorts. All the riders meet up at the ‘BaileyBar’ for a drink and camp oven dinner. Luscious stew and damper with a local duo in the background made for agreat night.
Leaving Charleville we head along the LandsboroughHighway via Blackall to Barcaldine. The landscape is everchanging and reasonably green from what I recall. We areadvised to keep an eye out for the emus as there have beenmany on the roads of late, apparently a very good season forthem. We see several herds of them, but I am moreconcerned about the size of the wild pigs, absolutely huge,lying lifeless on the side of the road after a night’s run in withthe trucks. Kangaroos range from the big reds to the easterngreys again littering the side of the road. The hawks arehaving a whale of a time as they glean their meal from themiddle of the road. You need a load horn or a Harley todisturb them before you get there, otherwise you could end
up with a few on your lap. The Ducati’s termi’s just weren’t loud enough I needed an air horn! One rider had arun in with an emu, apparently ran right at him – guess he saw him as an adversary.
The Stockman’s hall of fame was on most agenda’s as we ride 106kms to Longreach. We spend approx 2 hoursthere discovering outback life. Well worth seeing again and spending more time there. We leave Longreach forWinton, made famous for the discovery of the Dinosaur skeletons. I loved the litter bins up there, green andyellow dinosaur legs……the kids love them. The road from Longreach was in very good condition and straight,probably because of all the grey nomads heading north for the winter. On a whole they were very courteous andthey must have wondered what was going on with so many riders on the road. I am sure some speed limits weretested out there! Unfortunately the road to Barcaldine was very rain/flood affected (or maybe it’s always likethis) with pot holes and some patches out of town being repaved. This wasn’t good for the bikes. In their lack ofwisdom the road builders created deep, rough detours consisting of loose red bulldust. Might be fine for someoff-roaders, but we lost 5 big bikes to the dirt before the police came along and reopened the road for us. I washaving a bit of anxiety myself trying to ride through the detours. The landscape turned into a flat low grassy,Spinifex plain, the road straight and Harriet stretched her legs.
Hughenden’s main crop would be cattle as the trucks rumbled by. Huge 3 carriage long trucks, which as I foundout for the first time, requires some twist of the throttle. Also when approaching from the other direction, sportbike riding comes into its own, crouching down low and waiting for the buffeting, not to mention the smell. Thankgod it wasn’t raining! At Hughie we meet at the Artesian pub opposite the Tree of Knowledge for a Hungi, put onby the town. There is a lovely coffee shop down the street that made special desserts for the riders and theywere yummy. (My pants are getting tighter). I cannot understand how the price of Premium ULP in the outback ofQueensland is the same as Canberra. In fact in all instances we paid less in NSW and Qld than at home.
Clouds are starting to gather as we close in on Charters Towers forlunch. About 80kms from Charters Towers the landscape changesagain as we come upon a plateau shrouded in some cloud/rain andthe greenery really is green. Riding through the first of the hills ofthe Great Dividing Range we have come to a curve….what’s thatagain…..a curve. After having ridden on so many straight roads, Ihave to keep my mind on the curves. Beautiful boulders andescarpments greet us as we enter Charters Towers, an old goldmining town. Chris Dunne is presented with a $500 cheque from thetown and I discover my Queensland heritage as I devour the BESTPie’n’peas on earth. Oh Heaven!! Onward to Townsville and the
Best pies n peas, Charters Towers
ride reports (cont) 14
weather is still very warm. Riding from 2 degrees to 29 degrees requires changing out of liners and room tostore them for the ride home. Townsville has grown immensely since I last visited 27 years ago. Verycosmopolitan with a beautiful esplanade where three of us met for a local newspaper interview. We bed downat campsites and the IBIS hotel which is inundated with bikes.
Overcast start to the day, as we gather along the street with the bikes ready for the TV crew. Well - we areheading to Tully – the wettest town in Australia. As you know Northern Queensland is still recovering fromseveral cyclones and with road works, comes detours and speed limiters. The Highway is littered with manydetours, but the work is proceeding well and of a better quality than Canberra fix ups. The little seaside town ofCardwell has the whole main street under repair. It appears to have lost 10 meters of ocean frontage as well.We head onto our overnight stop of Atherton and guess what ….. beautiful scenery, curves and most of all rain!No use stopping to see the waterfall, I am not getting off the bike dripping!!! At the motel we try and dry stuff,but end up sticking it in the dryer. At Atherton we meet up with the NT riders who have come across the gulfcountry. All riders meet at the International Club for dinner with the town, music and a silent auction. A greatnight!
From Atherton some proceed to Port Douglas viaMount Molloy and onto Cairns. After a late start withfriends we elect to go via Gordonvale down themountain. From what I noticed the speed limits on themountains are 60kms, but it’s still a good run down themountain with some interesting views. Our final meetup is the Cairns Showground for the combined run intothe Esplanade on Saturday. After 8 days on the roadwe finally make it. We are greeted by a brief showerjust to keep us on our toes as we park on the esplanade near the Rock pool. Just a wonderful site to see!
I never realised that Cairns has mud flats at the front and at low tideyou can see the baby mangroves growing. Our final night togetheras a group winds up with a dinner at the Pullman International. All Ican say is I love this ride for many reasons, one of them is meetingnew friends and the whole camaraderie which exists along the way.Thank you Chris and Gail Dunne and my sponsors.
Now you might think that is the end, but let me tell you coming backis another story.
CiaoMarilyn
Cairns showground gathering.
Finally home
15ride reports (cont)
Ride to Junee Chocolate and Licorice FactorySunday 8th June 2013
Michael & Tracey Winters Triumph Sprint 1050 David Robinson Yamaha FJR1300Alan Munday Yamaha FJR1300 Neil Goldfinch Honda BlackbirdGary McCurley VFR 1200 Peter Arday Honda ST1300Adam Higham 6SXR 1000 Michelle Mount Burgman 650Rob Lillie F21 Denis Wignell Yamaha FJR1300Rick Costan Ducati Monster Marilyn Starick Ducati MS 1100Chas & Jen Towie Honda ST1300
Riding out of Bungendore at 8.30 it was very foggyand I wondered why I hadn’t thought to put mywet weathers on – it was going to be a very longday if I had to keep on wiping my visor. We did geta few patches of sun along the Federal Highway butby the time we crossed the border the fog had setin again. We met everyone at Nicholls and werepleasantly surprised at the number of bikes arrivingout of the gloom. Some early arrivals had soughtwarmth in Maccas but we soon hauled them out.
Leaving just after 9.30 the fog continued to be a problem down theBarton and Hume Highways – very thick with poor visibility. But aswe turned onto Burley Griffin Way naturally the sun came out forthe Canberra Branch. We stopped at the Terracotta Café inMurrumburrah – although it had only been open for half an hour itwas already quite busy and we had our coffee and cakes outside onthe footpath.
We set off for Junee through Cootamundra and Bethungra. For anypotential tree changers the B&B at Bethungra is on the market – itwas formerly an historic hotel and would make an excellent place
for Christmas in July or a potential clubhouse.
On arrival at the Junee Chocolate and Licorice Factory we realised we had underestimated its popularity on along weekend - the chocolate factory was chockers with a one and a half hour wait for food. After making somehealthy purchases we decided to see where else we could find some lunch. But not before being approachedby a lady doing her Masters (in Photography?) who needed some photos of men looking angry – we couldcertainly oblige. Expect to see the mug shots of David, Neil, Peter and Mick adorning a thesis very soon.
We ended up at the Railway Café at Junee (where Mick’s grandparents met so that place has a lot to answerfor). Lunch here was also slow to arrive (I think they were still chasing the cow around the paddock to fulfil ourhamburger order) so some of the group took off early with an agreement to meet at the Dog on the Tuckerbox.Finally fed, and led by Peter we took the scenic route to Gundagai through Nangus. After refuelling with petrol,coffee and an ice-cream for Gary we pulled away from Gundagai just on 4pm. We passed Gary and Neil atMurrumbateman and arrived home, kangaroo free thanks to the new headlight bulbs installed only this week,at 5.30.
A great day’s riding made all the more enjoyable by the company and (eventual) food, not to mention myhoard of chocolate licorice.
Tracey Winters
Foggy start from Nicholls
Was that coffee at the Terracotta cafe,or the Post Office?
The Ulysses Canberra branch at play -working hard whilst collecting money for ourcharities.
We even had NATCOM’s Vice President JenWoods helping out. So at the next BBQ youmake sure you are there to share the fun.
16
Metro Petroleum
Supplier of gas for Ulysses BBQ
65 Tharwa Rd QueanbeyanPh: 6297 1471
WEEKEND RIDE Calendar 2013
This Ride Calendar covers weekend club rides only. For ride details, see the Canberra Branch Ride Calendar onthe 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 new Caltex servo outside EPIC on Federal Hwy, Watson; the Caltex Servo, cnrMonaro Hwy & Sheppard St, Hume; or the new 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.
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ULYSSES CANBERRA RIDE CALENDARSkill 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.
Sun 23rd June – Club Ride to YoungSkill Level - 3Leave from Caltex Nicholls 9.30amLunch and route to be advised.Leader: Trevor McLeod 0411 269 276.
Sun 30th June – Decide and RideSkill Level - 1Leave from Caltex Hume. 9.30amLeader: To be decided on the day.
Sun 7th July – Club Ride to CowraSkill Level - 3Leave from Caltex Nicholls 9:30am.Lunch to be advised.Leader: Alan Munday 0438 510 137.
Sun 14th July – Chomp and Chat and Rusty Riders, Loaded DogSkill Level - 4Leave from Caltex garage next to EPIC Federal Hwy Watson 10:00amLunch at the Loaded Dog, Tarago.Route to be advised.Leader: Ian Paterson 0427 291 728.
Sun 21st July - Club Ride to TaralgaSkill Level - 3Leave from Caltex Nicholls 9:30am.Lunch at the pub.Leader: Chris Dietzel 0432632667
27 – 28th July - Xmas in July -Leave from Caltex Hume. 10.00amRoute via Cooma to Merimbula.Leader: Michael Winters 0412 134 376Restaurant and accommodation - see “What’s On” Page 10
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Comments made in the year 1955!I’ll tell you one thing, if thingskeep going the way they are,
it’s going to be impossible tobuy a week’s groceries for $10.00.
Have you seen the new carscoming out next year? It won’tbe long before $1,000.00 willonly buy a used one.
If cigarettes keep going up in
price, I’m going to quit; 20 cents
a pack is ridiculous.
Did you hear the post office is
thinking about charging 7 cents
just to mail a letter.If they raise the minimum wageto $1.00, nobody will be able tohire outside help at the store.
I read the other day where some
scientist thinks it’s possible to put
a man on the moon by the end of
the century. They even have
somefellows they call astronauts
preparing for it down in Texas .
When I first started driving, who
would have thought gas would
someday cost more than 20 cents a
gallon.
Guess we’d be better off leaving
the car in the garage.
I’m afraid to send my kids to themovies any more. Ever since theylet Clark Gable get by with sayingDAMN in GONE WITH THE WIND,it seems every new movie haseither HELL or DAMN in it.
I never thought I’d see the dayall our kitchen appliances would
be electric. They're even making
electric typewriters now.
Did you see where some baseballplayer just signed a contract for$50,000 a year just to play ball?It wouldn’t surprise me if somedaythey’ll be making more than thePresident.
It won’t be long before youngcouples are going to have to hiresomeone to watch their kids sothey can both work.
I’m afraid the Volkswagen car
is going to open the door to a
whole lot of foreign business.
It’s too bad things are so tough
nowadays. I see where a few
married women are having to
work to make ends meet.
The fast food restaurant is
convenient for a quick meal,
but I seriously doubt they
will ever catch on.
There is no sense going on short
trips anymore for a weekend. It
costs nearly $2.00 a night to stay
in a motel.
Thank goodness I won’t live to
see the day when the Government
takes half our income in taxes. I
sometimes wonder if we are
electing the best people to
government.
No one can afford to be sickanymore. At $15.00 a day inthe hospital, it’s too rich formy blood.
If they think I’ll pay 30 centsfor a haircut, forget it.
Be sure to show this to yourkids and grandkids too!
