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Riding is all about the Journey

NO. 143 winter 2019

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Contents

Features

OUR COVER Fleurieu Branch Ulysses Club: Come the day, come the hour, It’s time to ride, forget the shower.The road ahead is paved with gleeThere’s soup at the end for you and meChris is making it, come and greet herA little rain will make it the sweeter ADMINISTRATION OFFICE:Ph: 1300 134 123 02 4647 7772Fax: 02 4647 7740Email: administration@ulysses.org.auPost: PO Box 3242 Narellan NSW 2567NATIONAL WEBSITEwww.ulyssesclub.org

NATIONAL COMMITTEE

National President – Jen WoodsEmail: president@ulysses.org.auMobile 0448 336 111 Webmaster webmaster@ulysses.org.auNational Vice President – Allan PrattEmail: vicepresident@ulysses.org.auMobile: 0408 807 579 Sponsorship LiaisonEmail: sponsorship@ulysses.org.auMotorcycle Liaison OfficerEmail: mcliaison@ulysses.org.au International LiaisonEmail: international@ulysses.org.au Mobile 0408 807 579National Secretary – Henry RokxEmail: secretary@ulysses.org.auMobile 0418 329 617National Treasurer – John OsborneEmail: treasurer@ulysses.org.auMobile 0429 002 411National Purchasing & Advertising Officer Dave WrightEmail: purchasing@ulysses.org.auEmail: advertising@ulysses.org.auMobile: 0418 954 424Membership LiaisonEmail: membership@ulysses.org.auChair, Road Safetyroadsafety@ulysses.org.auNational Rally Organiser Blue KnowlesEmail: nro@ulysses.org.auMobile: 0427 669 903Ulysses Club Arthritis Research Fund Coordi-nator Kim KennersonEmail: ucarf@ulysses.org.auMobile 0429 040 027MAOTY Liaison - Sharryn NankervisEmail: MAOTYadmin@ulysses.org.au Ulysses Club Plate Scheme FacilitatorMobile: 0417 355 326

National Committee Reports UCARF Report Permit Reports NEWS Letters to the Editor Upcoming EventsRidden On

The Journal of the Ulysses Club Inc.

Issue 143 Winter 2019

"Ulysses Club Incorporated accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any information contained in Riding On and readers should satisfy themselves independently if acquiring any items advertised or described in Riding On. Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth.) no part of Riding On can be reproduced without the written permission of the Ulysses Club Incorporated. The views and opinion expressed by the contributors to the Riding On are not necessarily those of the National Committee of the Ulysses Club, and may not reflect its policy or position.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS TO:Email: editor@ulysses.org.au or mail to PO BOX 3242 Narellan NSW 2567 Please ensure all photos and images submitted to the Riding On are of high resolution. All images must be 2MB or over. We cannot print low resolution images. Proof-readers: Colin Hook and Bryan Fricker.

CLOSING DATES FOR EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS:31st July for Spring (September) issue 31st October for Summer (Dec) issue 31st January for Autumn (March) issue 30th April for Winter (June) issue

Womens Riders World Relay...................................................23 Recipe for Roadkill.............................................................24-25 Scottoiler Product Review..................................................26-27 Ladies of Ulysses................................................................28-29 Boom Trike 2019 Review...................................................36-37

CLOSING DATES FOR ADVERTISING SUBMISSIONS: 16th February for Autumn (March) issue16th of May for Winter (June) issue16th of August for Spring (September) issue16th of November for Summer (Dec) issue

26 33

6 12

13-14 15-19

20 21-22 40-41

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e | president@ulysses.org.aum | 0448 336 111 National President’s Report

A recent article by the President of the Mornington Wanderers Branch caught my eye and it seemed that the core message would be relevant to other Branches and the use of Facebook. I have their permission to adapt and share the information. It’s in the realm of “something to think about”.

Many branches are using Facebook with great success and that’s great for members. As a social club, we need to ensure that all members feel

welcome and included. So private or semi private events hosted or organised by branch members which appear to only be open to some members, can cause angst. While recognising that new and old friendships develop and branch members socialise independently of the branch, there is some concern when the event is confused with an organised branch event. This can of course lead to some members feeling “left out”, as posts from Facebook friends or friends of friends can comment on a “great bunch of Ulysses Club members” which are well meaning comments and only relate to the private event, but they clearly have the potential to be misconstrued by other members to relate to a branch event to which they were not invited! It’s easy to see how well meaning and innocent actions can lead to misunderstanding and potential division of a branch or group of friends.

A simple fix is that members organising private functions via Facebook make it clear that their event is private in nature and not a branch organised event. It is also wise and courteous to NOT use the branch name in relation to privately organised functions.

The National Committee have held two meetings already and at the most recent meeting, were delighted to have dinner on Friday evening with members from branches in the Ballarat area of Victoria. Hearing feedback from members at occasions such as the dinner is informative and appreciated.

This new national committee is focussed on the year ahead and as usual we have a full program of work. We look forward to working with the three current National Rally Committees with Blue Knowles, National Rally Organiser providing the link between the rally teams and the national Committee. Blue’s organisational skills are invaluable in planning and implementing the framework for a national rally committee to deliver an enjoyable and successful event.

I am always on the lookout for content for the National website as well as the Facebook page and videos for our YouTube Channel. If your Branch is having an event or has had a ride to an unusual location, or even had a particularly enjoyable ride to one of the regular locations, or social occasion with other members, I’d love to hear about it – a paragraph or two, some photos will be welcome. One of the photos sent by Great Southern Branch was used as our Facebook photo recently, and the Branch appreciated that.

Jen Woods #21395

National President

Jen Woods #21395 National President

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PORTUGAL &SOUTHERN SPAINTOURHidden of the South

Oct 20 — Nov 03, 2019Feb 23 — May 08, 2020Oct 20 — Nov 03, 2019

Riding is not an activity, it’s a lifestyle!

A special thanks to Fleurieu Branch who organised this great photo on the front cover and wrote the ditty, at short notice. Well done

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Vice President’s Reporte | vicepresident@ulysses.org.au international@ulysses.org.aum | 0408 807 579

Since taking on the Vice President’s portfolio, I have enjoyed interacting with the various sponsors and motorcycle manufacturing companies that support the Ulysses Club. I have met with several representatives and am positive that a good working relationship with them can be reinforced and grown – a work in progress.

International scene Not long now until the 2019 International Gathering in the Vosges in France. I believe that there are a number of fellow Aussie Ulyssians also making the journey; I would like to hear from you if you are going, let me know your plans!

Savaugn and I intend to take part in an organised Trafalgar tour before flying into France. This is my first time in Europe and I am looking forward to it!

Great Britain has sent their Shining On magazine – a good read. This is also on the National Website. They have held their AGM in Hereford although new committee details have not yet been given.

They continue to be very helpful to Aussies wanting travel and insurance information. There has been success with travellers using Bikesure:

Bikesure have now established a Short-Term Motorcycle Insurance Policy including for UK Non Residents, however you need to provide a UK address. See the contact details.

Links: www.bikesure.co.uk/short-term-motorcycle-insurance.

php#&ts=undefined and www.visordown.com/news/general/bikesure-launches-short-term-insurance-cover

The Cuban LAMA /Ulysses Rally went very well, with Wolfgang very happy that the Ulysses Club name has been spread across the border. He has sent movies and photos to share.

John Kennerley is the new International Liaison for New Zealand, and I look forward to talking with him. The 2020 New Zealand AGM will be held in Blenheim, South Island, on the 14-15 March. The registration form is already available.

Lachie Cooper from Thailand reports that they currently have no elected President, but the wheels of the Ulysses Club keep going. They will not replace the President position until their AGM in August. A recent ride and photos regarding the assistance they gave a local school has been shared with Jen. Temperatures are extremely hot – 37-42deg and muggy, not a lot of rides taking place until the temperatures drop around October.

Knut Sven from Norway wishes to discuss advertising his bike tours in the Riding On and when we meet in France in September, we will be discussing the plans for the 2020 International gathering in Norway!

South Africa are also holding their AGM and Julian Middleton promises articles, photos and ride details once this is over.

Mark Salthouse from Zimbabwe continues to keep in touch, life is pretty tough over there with the financial situation. Sadly, this has caused a lowering of numbers riding. The Ulysses Club continues to support local causes, with Easter runs to children’s and aged care homes.

Al lan Pratt #9186 DM #21 Vice President

15years

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COUNTRY Italy

DURATION 15 days / 13 riding days

HIgHlIgHtsRome, Palermo, Valley of Temples, Mt. Etna, ancient cities of Taormina and Syracuse, Maratea, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii

TOUR DATE

OctOber 11 - 25

south of rome

& sicilytOur

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Vice President’s Report Secretary’s Reporte | secretary@ulysses.org.aum | 0418 329 617

To borrow a line from a popular TV show - “Winter is Coming”. The weather is getting colder and less appealing every week. This is the time that the southern branches will most likely be looking at more indoor functions, except for a hardy few.

On a more serious note, correspondence to the

National Secretary remains steady including requests for copies of our Public Liability Insurance certificate. Can those members that require a certificate noting a “person or organisation of interest” on the certificate, please advise at first application so I don’t have to process the request twice. It is time consuming and will delay the issue of the certificate. It is pleasing to see a steady stream of nominations for Telemachus Medals. Members are being recognised for the work they do to keep their branch going and that is a good thing. There are always those few individuals that go above and beyond for the good of their friends, their branch and the Ulysses Club.

At the other end of the spectrum it is disconcerting when we get emails and phone calls about members that treat fellow members badly. Some behaviour is just not acceptable. The National Committee takes all complaints about bad behaviour seriously, but we do have to investigate each report and act upon it within the constraints put upon us by the constitution. Everyone must remember that we joined this club, seeking friendship and fun and no one needs or wants to be abused. We are also mindful of the fact that some reports of bad behaviour are not necessarily true or accurate, so we need to treat each case individually and carefully.

By now we should all be looking forward to the next National Rally at Lismore. It may be nearly 12 months away, but the time will go quickly. The event is building up slowly and by the “buzz” around the place I think this will be a very popular event in a very pretty part of Australia. So book your holidays and your accommodation now and get ready. I am looking forward to both the rally and the ride to get there and back.

I urge all of our members to ride carefully during the winter months. The road toll, particularly in Victoria, is nothing to be proud of. So take that extra bit of care because we want everyone to come out of the other side of winter in one piece.

Henry RokxNational Secretary

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e | treasurer@ulysses.org.aum | 0423 379 848

e | treasurer@ulysses.org.aum | 0429 002 411

Treasurer’s Report

We now have a firm idea of the financial outcome for the 2019 Rally held at Mornington. There are only a couple of unpresented claims from suppliers to the Rally so I am estimating that the outcome will be a surplus of $9,500. As has been previously reported there were only 1,232 members and guests registered for the Rally. Of these

registrations 1,058 were for the full 7 day event and 174 folks only registered for 3 days. The final budget for registrations was 1,750, so it is like a ‘SCOMO miracle’ that we managed to turn a surplus overall. The attendance parameter which is very concerning is that the attendance represented only 9.2% of our financial membership at February – historically this ratio has been in range of 12.5% to 14.1%. What does this number mean for future rallies and their viability?

With the outcome of the Rally determined I have been able to present a reforecast budget to NatCom for their consideration and decisions regarding operating matters. Regrettably I must report that the Club appears to be heading for deficit on overall operation this financial year. I estimate we will report a loss of $25,000 (approx.) this year. As we all appreciate declining membership and no increase in subscription rates reduces our most significant source of income. This, coupled with low net revenue from the Rally, leads to a shortfall of income of $176,000 this year compared to 2018.

Your National Committee is concerned to keep our operations ‘in the black’. NatCom has systematically reviewed all cost areas seeking reductions and trying to match costs with declining revenues. This year our approved budget reveals our total operating costs at a level some $96,000 less than we experienced in 2018. Riding On publication costs will be down

$43k together with wages some $25k lower. Notwithstanding this belt-tightening we will operate at a loss. Our most promising area for cost savings is in the data processing and on-line web presence. We are launching a project to rejuvenate our web presence and explore further use of Facebook (and the like) to improve our communications with members and control costs.

On a somewhat brighter note I can report that our UCARF funds are in relatively good shape. We have over $40k in the bank to meet our commitment for donations later this year and $50k in term deposit to maintain our donations through 2020. Again I would like to remind Branches that money in the bank helps no one; please consider boosting UCARF with a donation of some of your ‘lazy funds’ just sitting in the bank.

John Osborne #41785 National Treasurer

2019 National Committee

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Treasurer’s ReportPurchasing Officer Reporte | advertising@ulysses.org.au

purchasing@ulysses.org.au roadsafety@ulysses.org.au membership@ulysses.org.aum | 0418 95 4424

Road Safety Committee Report

Advertising Liaison’s ReportPurchasing Officer Report

The Gear Shop E-Newsletters are now back on track and I am hoping to have one of each month emailed to you to highlight new and seasonal exclusive Ulysses Club products. More products available on our website Gear shop for you to view and order at any time.

Our website Gear Shop will be getting a makeover in the near future as some members have said that they have some difficulty

navigating the site. We have listened to your comments and will be making changes soon, this is only the first stage of the upgrades, and more improvements to our Gear Shop will be rolled out in the future.

I have been working with our graphic designer to have the Gear Shop returned to our Riding On magazine, this will be a one page promotion of some of the products available to you and will change each issue of Riding On.

Savaugn Pratt has put together a great layout of all the Gear Shop merchandise photos, along with a separate price list for the Quartermaster at her branch. This makes choosing and seeing a product a lot easier for the branch members, we hope to sent this out to all of our branches soon.

I would also like to thank Savaugn for this work.

Advertising in Riding On and our website seems to be steady at the moment, we do however ask that you try to support the businesses that support us, as this greatly helps us to run our club. If you know of any business that may benefit from advertising with us, then please let ne know or approach them yourself.

We are now working to send you a monthly E-Newsletter from your Ulysses Club Road Safety Committee on a rider safety topic. You would of received one recently on star rated motorcycle clothing www.Motocap.com.au

If you have any issues that you would like raised, please contact me.

It was suggested at our Mornington AGM by Andy Luck that we use any and all of our social media contacts and groups to promote the Ulysses Club and encourage new members. I believe this is a good idea and would encourage each individual member to consider this.

I would also like to challenge each of our members to join up at least one new member in the next twelve months, I would think this would not be too difficult and has the potential to greatly increase our membership.

Dave Wright #51871 Advertising Liaison , Purchasing Officer and, Chair Ulysses Club Road Safety Committee

COUNTRIES Thailand, Laos

DURATION 15 days / 13 riding days

HigHLigHTsSukothai (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Phu Rua, Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Mountains to Oudom Xai, Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle, Mekong River, Road of 1,864 curves, Long Neck Hill Tribe, Doi Inthanon

TOUR DATE

NOV 24 - DEC 8

15years

adriaticmototours.com

Thailand & Laos

Dinner with members in the Ballarat area

RIDING ON 10

e | mcliaison@ulysses.org.aum | 0428 246 175

e | treasurer@ulysses.org.aum | 0423 379 848

National Rally Organiser

Welcome to the Winter edition of Riding On, welcome to the new members of this great Ulysses Club.

It is with great pleasure that I announce that the successful bidder for the 2023 Ulysses Club National Rally is ???????. and like the 2022 successful bidder Warwick the bid was submitted on behalf of a number of Ulysses Club Branches.

I know that the words above are a little early as the 2023 National Rally successful bid will not be announced at the 2020 National Rally – Lismore Extended National Committee Meeting. However, now that I have your attention I would you to start thinking about submitting a bid for the 2023 National Rally.

In 2014 I was given the honour of being appointed Director of the 2015 AGM Event Albury Wodonga (now known as the Ulysses Club National Rally). I had been on the Secretary of the AGM Event prior to being appointed Director. Whilst I acknowledge that there is a lot of work in running a successful AGM Event/ National Rally the team that you gather to coordinate all facets of the National Rally is of paramount importance. The satisfaction for this team at the conclusion of the National Rally cannot be underestimated.

Most Rally teams are from multiple branches and in some circumstances across many of the states and territories. Many of these coordinators have been involved in multiple AGM Event/ National Rallies and can bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to your team.

The journey begins approximately 4 years out from the National Rally when a small team prepare a submission to National Committee. After the successful bid is announced approxrimately 3 years out from the National Rally the recruiting of your team of managers and coordinators commences. The intensity gradually increases in the final year culminating in a great Ulysses Club National Rally.

Along with the rest of the National Committee I am always on the lookout for a great location for a National Rally. If you have a suitable location I would welcome a call on 0427 66 9903 or email nro@ulysses.org.au to discuss the possibility of running a National Rally in your back yard.

I look forward to receiving your submission for the 2023 Ulysses Club National Rally If you are thinking of running a National Rally, please contact me and I can assist with the submission.

Blue Knowles #33140 National Rally Organiser

e | nro@ulysses.org.au m | 0427 669 903

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MAOTY Liaison and Minutes Secretary

e | MAOTYadmin@ulysses.org.au m | 0417 35 5326

It’s been a very busy time for me since the National Rally with two NatCom meetings already under my belt. I am amazed at the number of topics which are covered in one day at each NatCom meeting. The NatCom team is very enthusiastic and I am thrilled to be able to contribute.

It is also exciting hearing all the plans for the 2020 National Rally in Lismore NSW in May of next year. I am beginning to plan my trip and I hope you are too.

Historic Plates/Club Plate Scheme –

Do you own a bike that you want to register with club plates? And, do you know who to contact in your state to do this?

In NSW your Club Plates Scheme contact is Phil Whitton #3437 (0404322139) and in Queensland your contact is Ross Atkinson #57470 (0403742573).

In Victoria, there are still some members trying to send emails to Kevin White, the previous administrator, while others are asking who the contact is now.

The contact is Paul Butler #17758 and his email is ulyssescps@gmail.com.

If you live in Victoria you will find the information is always included in the Victorian Information Bulletin (VIB) which is emailed monthly to all Victorian members.

On the subject of information bulletins, if you live in Victoria, have an email, but don’t receive the VIB you can let the admin office know and you’ll soon be on the list and receiving information on all the rallies, events and interest items around you. The state Information Bulletins are a great source of information for what is happening in your area.

MAOTY – Talking to various members over the past few weeks it seems that many do not know what the MAOTY scheme is.

MAOTY is the acronym for Motorcycle Apprentice Of The Year and is an motorcycle apprentice competition hosted by Ulysses Club Inc. each year, culminating in the major award at the National Rally. The Australian adjudicator is Chris Collins #59097. During the next few months TAFEs and Registered training organisations will be putting forward nominations for 4th year motorcycle mechanics who they consider are excelling in their training. All these apprentices will then be interviewed at length and zone winners will be announced. From this group a National winner will be selected and announced at the National Rally in Lismore NSW. That apprentice will receive a Suzuki motorcycle as their major prize.

Sharryn Nankervis #36204

ULYSSES CLUB UNITED PETROLEUM COMMUNITY CARD.Want to get a discount on fuel and donate to UCARF at the same time?

In conjunction with United Petroleum, the Ulysses Club Inc has signed up to be a member of the United Petroleum Community Rewards Card. The benefits of the card to Ulysses Club members are when purchasing fuel from a participating United Petroleum outlet, show your Community card when paying and you receive a 2 cents per litre discount to a maximum of 150 lt from the pump price.

Additional to your discount, a further 2 cents per litre is directed to UCARF (Ulysses Club Arthritis Research Foundation). United Petroleum is available Australia-wide and this offer applies to all types of fuel sold at United service stations.

To sign up for this deal go to: http://new.unitedpetroleum.com.au/ulyssesclub/

It only takes about 60 seconds to apply, and the rewards card will be mailed to your nominated address. Start saving on fuel costs and raise funds for UCARF.

Visit to St George Sutherland Branch

RIDING ON 12

Committee Report e | mcliaison@ulysses.org.aum | 0428 246 175

e | treasurer@ulysses.org.aum | 0423 379 848Winter 2019 UCARF Report

At the 2019 Mornington Peninsula Rally we were visited by Professor Eric Morand, Director of Rheumatology, Monash University and Monash Health. The Ulysses Club is a strong supporter of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) research undertaken at the Monash centre.

When I first me Eric approximately 10 years ago, he was an active motorcyclist and a Ulysses Club member and, after visiting the rally, he has promised to renew his lapsed membership. Both Eric and Michelle expressed a strong interest in securing a pillion ride in the Saturday morning grand parade and we arranged this with the assistance of Hills branch to whom I am most grateful.

In the case of Michelle, the club sponsored some of her early studies many years ago and she has not forgotten this, nor her pillion ride in the parade at that time.

Both the researchers loved the ride and wished it could have been longer. Eric was an invited speaker at the AGM and gave an inspirational account of aspects of research development.

I may be biased, but this was truly a speech to remember, giving attending members a much better understanding of RA research and progressive improvements, with regard to which we have played a significant role. Prior to his rally attendance, Professor Morand asked the Monash University finance department to check their records and establish a monetary value of contributions the Ulysses Club has made to the research.

We have raised and contributed sponsorship funds over an approximate 10-year period to an amount of $370,000.00. I described this revelation as staggering; however, this goes to show what an cumulative effect we have had on RA research.

The Civic Welcome Ceremony is conducted at the conclusion of the Rally Grand Parade. This is where, amongst other formalities and presentations, we announce the winners of the prestigious Jo Dearnley Memorial Award and the Good Joint Award 2018.

I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Jo Dearnley Memorial Award is Lockyer Branch and the winner of the Good Joint Award is the Wellington members of the Dubbo and Western Plains Branch. Alexa Brown, daughter of our founding member, the late Stephen Dearnley, presented the Jo Dearnley Memorial Award. This award is in honour of Stephen’s wife and Alexa’s mother, Jo, who lost a 20-year battle with this insidious disease. Professor Eric Morand presented the Good Joint Award.

Lockyer Branch raised and donated a very impressive $6,263.00 and the Wellington guys followed up with a very big sum of $5,000.00.

I cannot praise these generous efforts enough and plan to visit and thank the contributors in person, starting with Lockyer Branch in early April.

A special thank you to all other donating branches during 2018, as it is the cumulative effort that enables us as a club to play our important role in this important scientific research.

The National Biennial UCARF Raffle was concluded at the 2019 Mornington Peninsula Rally. At the Ulysses Club formal dinner on the Saturday evening, we drew the three prize winners. The first-place winner (ticket # 01385) of the Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT is member, Craig Garden. The second-place winner (ticket # 01333) of the two general admission tickets to the 2019 Australian Moto GP is member, Keith Wellfare.

The third-place winner (ticket # 00910) of the Indian leather jacket is Steve Longworth. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to the sponsors, Suzuki Australia Pty Ltd, QBE Insurance, Transport Accident Commission, Victoria and Polaris Sales Australia. Additionally, I wish to thank former national treasurer and life member Mike Abberfield for administration of the raffle. The raffle was very successful and raised approximately $27,000, from which the club has an expense of $5,500 for an upgrade of the motorcycle. Thank you to everyone who has had input for your support.

The following donation acknowledgements have been received since the last recognition in the Autumn 2019 edition of Riding On: Sale and Districts Branch $1,000.00, Newcastle Lower Hunter Branch $2,000.00, Sydney Branch $1,500.00, Adelaide Branch $1,000.00, Shearwaters Branch $1.500 and $1,120.00, Coffs Coast Branch $116.15, Mandurah- Murray Branch $500.00, Orange Branch $850.00, Westgate Wanderers Branch $200.00, Suzuki test ride donations $110.00, MIA Branch $1.000.00, North West Coast Branch $500.00, Julie Rock $200.00, Port Stephens Branch $274.29, Noel Carney $64.00, Mallee Branch $250.00, Mornington Wanderers Branch $700.00, Central Highlands Branch $300.00, Yarra Ranges Branch $1,000.00.

Apologies to the Lower Murray Branch for a $1,000.00 donation acknowledgement that should have appeared in the Summer 2018 edition of Riding On. Lower Murray is a small branch with a big heart that managed an impressive donation due to the efforts of a sausage sizzle at the local Bunnings store, as well as various raffles.

Bunbury branch have a very impressive history of supporting UCARF. The following list of award recognitions speaks for itself:

Jo Dearnley Memorial Award Bunbury Branch 2010 Bunbury Branch 2012 Bunbury Branch 2014 Good Joint Award Bunbury Branch 2011 Bunbury Branch 2015

Keep in mind that between this list of award-winning dates there have been other significant donations. The word ‘’Champions’’ comes to mind.

I have lived up to my promise of a visit to Lockyer Branch in Queensland to thank them in person for their generosity and continuing support for UCARF over a number of years. I also took an opportunity to speak about UCARF and its humble beginnings and history.

Not surprisingly, I found the branch and its members to be down to earth and a fun-loving bunch of people. The branch is true to Ulysses spirit and being led by a top-notch president in one Ian (Foggy) Winter.

To top off a great evening, I walked away with an unexpected gift of a customised cheese board to remember them by.

I will leave you with another rheumatoid arthritis quote for some thought –

“RA: you don’t get it, unless you’ve got it.” Andrew Gardiner.

Kim Kennerson, #6929 LM 14 UCARF Coordinator.

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Committee Report e | mcliaison@ulysses.org.aum | 0428 246 175

e | treasurer@ulysses.org.aum | 0423 379 848Winter 2019 Victorian Club Scheme

The Victorian Club Permit Scheme

The Victorian Club Permit Scheme; colloquially known as Red plates is administered by VicRoads and Victoria Police ensures compliance with the scheme. The Ulysses Club (ulyssescps@gmail.com) administers this scheme (in Victoria), on behalf of Ulysses members to enable the use of older motorcycles as per permit regulations. The Club Permit Scheme applies to motorcycles 25 years of age or older as from the date of manufacture.

The scheme allows members of the club to make limited use of historic vehicles on the road network.

Club Permits are issued for 12 month periods but can only be used for either 90 or 45 days, as requested by the permit applicant. A log book is issued by VicRoads for the permit holder to record details of each driving day. The vehicle can be used for any purpose, except commercial use, on these days.

The fee is $150.40 for 90 days usage per year or $77.80 for 45 days usage, compared with up to $800 for normal registration. You cannot drive your vehicle for any period longer than the permit allows (90 or 45 days). Vehicles are issued with a specific club permit plate and label.

Driving on a club permit:

A Club Permit vehicle may be driven by anyone (including learner permit holders) who hold the applicable licence category for the vehicle, unless legally as a ‘driver under instruction’. For Motorcycles, the E licence condition for LAMS restrictions applies.

Victorian probationary licence holders may drive a vehicle on a Club Permit provided that:

The vehicle has not been modified to increase the vehicle’s performance (other than a modification made by the manufacturer in the course of the manufacture of the vehicle);

The probationary licence is applicable to the category of vehicle.

A logbook must be carried on the rider (in the case of motorcycles), at all times the vehicle is in use. On each day of use, a logbook entry must be made PRIOR to the vehicle being used (unless the vehicle is within 100 metres of the garaged address).

When utilising the Club Permit vehicle, the rider must carry proof that they are a current financial member of the club authorised to display the Club Permit Number Plates. i.e. Current Ulysses membership card.

Ensure that the Club Permit number plate(s) and label as issued by VicRoads are correctly displayed on the vehicle at all times.

Used outside the above conditions the vehicle is UNREGISTERED.

Towing a trailer with a club permit:

Vehicles being used on a Club Permit may tow a trailer/caravan, providing it is registered, or operating on its own Club Permit or unregistered vehicle permit. All normal towing limits and restrictions apply (i.e. Towing restrictions for P1 probationary licence holders or motorcycle licence holders within the first three years of holding the licence). VicRoads may suspend or

cancel a permit if the permit holder fails to comply with the permit conditions or engages in conduct which threatens public safety or undermines the integrity of the permit scheme.

Club Permit vehicles can be used at any time for any purpose other than for the carriage of goods or passengers for hire or reward. Permit holders are not restricted to club sanctioned activities when using their vehicles. They are subject to the remaining days available on their permit only.

This bit is Really important.!!

Vicroads does not alert the administrator (Ulysses admin of the scheme), (me), of any alterations, such as, address, email address, phone number, or any other changes by the permit holder. These must be notified to the admin (ulyssescps@gmail.com) by the permit holder. Not doing so puts your permit use in jeopardy, as details conflict.

At the moment, according to the database there are approximately 50 permit holders, whose permits have expired, (or whose memberships have expired, which makes the users permit invalid immediately).

I am required to notify VicRoads immediately upon permit holders expiry, as this renders permit invalid. This a requirement of the scheme which allows us to use it, not my personal view. Thus, any members who allow this to happen, have to start from the beginning again. This means, new application, RWC etc. (Much easier to stay financial).

If anyone has any questions, don’t hesitate to email me with them.

Paul Butler. #17758. ulyssescps@gmail.com

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Committee Report e | mcliaison@ulysses.org.aum | 0428 246 175

e | treasurer@ulysses.org.aum | 0423 379 848WINTER 2019 Nsw Plate Scheme

Histerical registrations (NSW) et al

Now that the system with the Log Book (sheet) has been in operation for a few years, we have over 320 bikes on the Register, from a Honda 50 through to Ducati, Moto Guzzi, all the usual Triumphs and even a couple of Vespas.

As the increase in numbers has grown, there are now twelve regional authorised checkers who can stamp the forms and do the inspections. Contact me for the details of your authorised checker in your area.

Over the time there have been a few knockbacks due to poor maintenance or just plain laziness in keeping the machines up to scratch. If you want to impress the checker, at least give him the courtesy of cleaning the machine and run through the checkpoints like lights, horn, blinkers etc.

As I’ve pointed out on several occasions, check the running BEFORE taking off on a ride and when you get home, wash the bike to check for lost bolts, oil the chain ( BMW’s excused here), oil levels, tyre condition, leaky fork seals (especially the occasional weekend ride bikes) and all the little other things that can go wrong on a ride.

I recently had to do a fork seal clean and replace when the owner rode some distance and wondered why the front brakes weren’t up to it. The caliper was soaked in fork oil. Yet he thought it was OK to ride. Like the Harley that had the battery connector fall off yet it kept going till he stopped, or the Triumph that had the rear bulb fall out and break, or the

beautiful fully restored Norton with loose headstock bearings…….I’ve even had a Velocette with Burt Munroe’s old tyres…..

Tyres go hard so check the date. If over 5 years replace them, likewise helmets.

Change brake fluid every 2 years depending on the environment, likewise oils and filters. Oils with high sulphur content will attack bearings and with the fuel, drain it if storing or use a stabiliser and check the tank cap cork/rubber for condition.

For NSW the bike has to be 30 years from manufacture. That doesn’t seem long as I still have my Munich delivered K100RS.

For Victoria it’s 25 years…….

As an update the Club is still in the process of getting SA approved, however Paul Butler is in Victoria (with 480 bikes) on 0438551450, Bones (Ross Atkinson) in QLD 0403742573, and I’m in NSW (along with others.)

If you change your details: address etc please notify your State Registrar.

As we are volunteers and like to provide this service, please include a stamped envelope with your renewal.

Phil Whitton #3437 0404322139

Central Victoria Ulysses Branch

at the historic TARNAGULLA RECREATION RESERVE

Friday 27—Sunday 29 SEPTEMBER 2019

Amenities on site. Showers. Ample camping space. Bands Friday and Saturday nights. Bonfires (weather permitting). Bar and food on site. Coffee van on site. Raffle prizes and awards. Saturday group ride.

Entry: $20 pre-paid, $25 at the gate. Badge for first 200. Day pass $5

Direct Deposit:

BSB 633 000 AC # 107992083 Central Victoria Ulysses Group Enter Ref: GDR plus your surname

Cheques:

Central Victoria Ulysses Branch PO Box 736 Bendigo Central 3552

For information phone Mel on 0499 766 470 or email Sue at secretary@cvub.org.au

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Nsw Plate Scheme

ECHUCA BRANCH – CAMPOUT AT TREETOPSThe Echuca Branch of Ulysses recently held a campout at Treetops near Cohuna.

Treetops is situated on the banks of the Gunbower Creek. There are fish in the creek, although they are notoriously hard to catch.

Treetops is a very basic scout camp. It has showers and toilets with nice hot water and a huge kitchen stocked with plenty of cutlery and crockery. Fridges and stoves are there, along with stainless steel benches and sinks. The only thing required by campers is accommodation, i.e. a caravan, tent, or people can throw a swag down in the building itself. There are 2 fireplaces outside in the grounds, and a large open fireplace in the main building which has a separate room for sleepers.

The town of Cohuna is 10 k’s away and has an IGA that can supply everything required. On the Saturday night we had a ‘potluck’ tea. Everybody supplied a dish to share. This made a wonderful dinner for all that attended.

I have attached some pics of the site, buildings and the happy campers.

The word was put out to other branches, and a few different branches either came along and camped, or called in for a visit through the weekend. We had Echuca, Central Vic (Bendigo), Geelong, Central Murray (Swan Hill) branches there at various times.

The weather was just right for the weekend which was themed Christmas in July. (Just dress ups, no presents). Everybody seemed to have a good time, the only complaint was that they had to go home. We had about 40 people overall at lunch on Saturday. We may do it again next year, watch this space.

Paul Butler #17758 Sec.

Echuca Branch Ulysses Inc.

On Sunday the 7th April, the Blackall Range Branch (Nambour) hosted the combined branch Bar B Que, held at the Woombye Pub, with branch members attending from Glass House Mountain, Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Burnett, Fraser Coast and Bundaberg. With around 90 members attending, it was another success for the branches to get together and socialise. This was the first time in years that the Blackall Range Branch has held a function like this. Great work by the members. We are now looking forward to attending the next function, which will be held by the Fraser Coast Branch. Special mention must go to Ros Rees of the Fraser coast branch for starting this initiative and keeping it going to promote the Ulysses Club and members.

Steve Thornhill #62862 Branch president Blackall Range (Nambour).

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Thank you from the ULYSSES CLUB Inc - LOCKYER BRANCH - TOY RUN CommitteeFrom the TOY RUN Committee, we would like to say to every single person who contributed in any way to our 2018 Ipswich TOY RUN, a massive THANK YOU. From the Riders & Pillions to the Businesses (small & large) and the General Public, without whom we could not make this event the spectacle that it is. Kudos also must go to all the Lockyer Branch members who work hard and with dedication that made the 2018 Ipswich TOY RUN another successful event.

The Toy Run begins at 5.00 am for us with the setting up of tables, roping off areas, the Salvo cooking station and signage. We are eternally grateful to the BRASSALL SHOPPING CENTRE as we take over the entire Centre and car park for a few disruptive hours on the Sunday morning. We might only be there for five hours, but we completely fill the carpark allotted in the front of the Centre with around 700 BIKES, TRIKES, SPYDERS, MONKEY & POSTIE BIKES alike and then with still more turning up we proceed to use the parking behind the Centre. The 2018 Toy Run had 720 confirmed 2 and 3 wheeled vehicles, which was a little down when compared to the previous five years, which have easily exceeded 800 each year.

Along with these 720 riders, we estimate another 600 (80% of bikes on the day do have pillions) in the parade, which brings participants to a figure of 1300. With all these people congregating at the Shopping Centre, it becomes very crowded and, adding on to this already large number, we have the IPSWICH residents coming to marvel at the massed collection of machines and riders. It rivals any other event that I am aware of that brings so many different people together and is for the sole purpose of charity and goodwill. There are no First Prizes; there is no Glory for the entrants; just a satisfaction in helping causes that desperately require help.

Through our support of the Salvation Army, the Lockyer Branch is able to bring smiles and a little joy and comfort to the marginalised children & families around Ipswich during the festive period when, for many, it is the hardest time to cope. Our other fiscal support is the preferred charity of the Ulysses Club Inc. Many years before, our founder and member #1, Mr Stephen Dearnley OAM, proposed an idea that the Ulysses Club fund research specifically targeting a cure to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). It is simply known as UCARF (Ulysses Club Arthritis Research Fund). Please do yourself a favour and buy The Ulysses Story (2018 edition) which is just $20 from the Gear Shop and have a read. P.S. - you may notice the branch shirts on the cover look a lot like ours!

Our TOY RUN route is 21 kilometres long and winds its way through the populated areas of Ipswich. At 10:30, the call goes out to start the engines and, leaving Brassall, we pass hordes of spectators in the suburbs of One Mile, Leichhardt, Churchill, Flinders View, Eastern Heights and Raceview, all under full Qld Police Escort. This enables us a continuous ride (no stopping) finishing at the Ipswich Showgrounds, where we try to have all the bikes assemble on the central oval. After this 45-minute ride, the TOYS and other gifts from the riders are given over to the Salvation Army. Some years the furniture truck hasn’t been

big enough to hold all the goodwill, but we will never say NO to a donation; we will always find a way of getting that gift to the right people. For those who do register for the event, this is when they could see if they have been lucky in ‘winning’ one of the perpetual draw prizes. It always amazes me how many of these prizes find their way into the back of the Salvo truck. These prizes are given generously and donated by local businesses or individuals.

All this hard work, countless hours of preparation, along with months of planning the whole event is done and dusted in a short eight hours.

The Lockyer Branch Toy Run has, for the past number of years, not only averaged approximately 800+ bikes for the event but also manages to raise in excess of $20,000.00 for charity. The funds are disbursed between the Salvation Army and UCARF. We are extremely proud to say there are no funds “kept” for use by the Lockyer Branch or its Members; it is truly a labour of love. The TOY donations etc. are looked after by the Salvos directly and passed on FREE to the needy of the Ipswich District. It is all about CHARITY and doing something for those who truly need a little help. Our rewards range from complete exhaustion, sunburn and stress, all the way through to the grateful smiles we know we caused.

The Lockyer Branch is rightfully proud of being the recipients of Ulysses Club Awards for donations to UCARF. We have been awarded two Jo Dearnley Awards and four Good Joint Awards. I am sure we could have a few more but with the good-natured competition of other Branches, it sees others working hard to ‘beat’ us. It is gratifying to see this as Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers are going to be the ultimate winners. So, the challenge is there from Lockyer Branch. Try and beat us and, if you do, we will honestly applaude your efforts and immediately challenge you to do it all over again. We have been doing so for the past 21 years!

Written for and on behalf the Lockyer Branch (Qld) by,

Ian ‘Foggy’ Winter UC# 53026 TM#59 Branch President & Toy Run Coordinator (2018)

Toy Run Committee 2018: Gary Boyd UC# 64651, Neil ‘Binge’ Jeffery UC# 57534, Alan ‘Mousey’ Gray UC# 11713, Peter ‘FiM’ Bailey UC# 60950, Gavin ‘Woody’ Lind UC# 65629, Gary ‘Chad’ Hardwick UC# 33264, Grace ‘Ms Prissy’ Domingo UC# 57879, Sharon ‘Show Pony’ Bailey UC# 60951, Janelle ‘Skittles’ Lind UC# 65630.

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“RELAY FOR LIFE” – SAT 4TH MAY, ‘19Well… Here we go again to support one of the best charitable organisations in Australia – ”Relay for Life”.

We are just a few motorcycle guys and girls (about 13 turned up), supporting a very worthwhile charity. “Relay for Life” is a massive Cancer Care Organisation across the Nation, working in many Towns and Cities to support the survivors of cancer and carers of cancer patients. It is by becoming activists, and caring participants of such a worthy cause that we can all excel.

“Relay for Life” is just not at Wanda Beach Cronulla, N.S.W., but all over Australia to support those suffering, and those caring. It’s an amazing organisation, supported by thousands to walk, run and care for those less fortunate than us.

It is our pleasure to support such an amazing Organisation.

We do very little. Just a couple of old guys, running rides for pillions from Cronulla to Kurnell. But the conversations begin on many a topic. We don’t talk about suffering and pain; just “how ya goin’?” – “So good to be on a bike etc.” Many of these guys and kids are just enjoying the ride.

I took a young guy as a pillion, who kept saying “Kids be careful – He isn’t that Old”. Na, he was their Teacher from Bosko’s at Engadine. Leon told me stories of how his “kids” were asked to support the organisation by raising $90.00 to participate. One hundred and thirty-seven kids did. The entry fee was $30.00 and they paid it all. We later spoke about how they were going… “Well we ask Years 11 and 12 to donate at least 30 hours each year to Community and Social Services. “Many exceed this amount.” My Comment was “What a great resume item”.

The day went well. Many a pillion, had a good ride. We spoke when we could, and talked about the Shire and Kurnell,

Whale Watching etc.

The weather, started inclement, but subsided. “The Weather Gods were kind”.

We arrived at about 10:00 and started taking pillions to Kurnell, Silver Beach, etc.

All good. The “Relay for Life Guys” looked after us as usual – so good, coffee, drinks, lunch, cakes etc. etc.

So many Ulysses Clubs should also participate in this fabulous cause around Australia.

It was amazing that last year a woman asked me, “who pays for your fuel?” “Well if you don’t know, who cares!!!” Some people just don’t get it! “If you don’t care, you just don’t get back what you deliver” – “it ain’t about money – it’s about caring”.

God Bless “Relay for Life”. They are an amazing organisation, probably raising over $400,000 this year alone – Just from Cronulla.

How good is that?

Thanks, Monkey, Ride Captain

To our Dear Mates at Ulysses St George Sutherland,Thanks so much for spreading the word. That’s a fantastic report and I will try and turn it into a JPG file so I can add that to the Ulysses album on our Facebook page. Can I have your final version once it’s no longer draft?

One correction - I disagree that you do very little. Your generosity in spirit and thoughtfulness for the Survivors and Carers is wonderful to see. We love that you unconditionally return every year to make light shine in the eyes of those who have been doing it tough.

BTW, Sutherland Shire Relay is the BIGGEST Relay for Life event in Australia, and last year we raised the highest amount in Australia - $408,000, and we’re looking to beat that this year (well crossing fingers and toes).

BUT, more excitedly, last year we were the ninth biggest Relay IN THE WORLD!! Relay For life is a global organisation with events such as ours held in many, many countries overseas (it started in the US).

The dollars we raise at our Relay go to NSW Cancer Council. Every dollar raised goes towards funding Cancer Council’s vital research, prevention and support programs, many of which help people in our community every day. The Cancer Council is the only organisation that works across every area of every type of cancer: research, prevention, support and advocacy.

Can’t wait for next year!!! Lorraine Donne & Kathleen Perry

“Relay for Life”.

RIDING ON 18

SUNSHINE COAST BRANCH JOURNEY TO MORNING-TON PENINSULA.Sunshine Coast Ulysses was well represented at the Rally at Mornington Peninsula February / March 2019. We had elected to have Warwick as our branch starting point, as Sunshine Coast is quite a large area and members start from many different places. At least we knew that Warwick was to the South, thus in generally the right direction!

Rudi and I had agreed to travel together as we are both “Senior” riders, with recent histories of serious illnesses. We figured that we both needed to have a “wingman” to the other in case of the unexpected which, of course, happened almost immediately, when Rudi’s battery decided that Day-2 would be a fine time to expire. After calling RACQ, buying a set of jumper leads, etc. it became plain that he needed a new battery. So, we departed from the rest of the group, to travel via Tamworth and buy a new battery from the Harley Dealership there.

This split the group and it was three days on the road before we assembled again, at the Victorian town of Yea.

Yet we got split up again when we arrived at Melbourne and some turned East and some turned WEST! to find Mornington… (hello Hoddle St!)

So, I found myself, all alone, quite some hours later, riding the M11 heading down the Mornington Peninsula. And it was there that I learned yet another lesson in survival.

Riders will be aware that Victoria has introduced a new road rule that requires riders/drivers to slow to 40kph when an emergency vehicle, signalled by red and blue flashing lights, is sighted. While this is fine in theory, it requires some fancy driving or riding to slow from 110kph, without adding to the accident toll.

Because I did, in fact, see those flashing lights and slowed, if not as slow as 40kph, then at least a large drop from normal motorway speeds. I also pulled well to the left into the breakdown lane. As I did so, five cars blasted past, not slowing at all! And, yes, there were coppers there, pulling people over. This is a dangerous rule. I was OK because I could get off the

road to the left. But what if???

And so, I arrived at the venue, relieved to find Rudi already there, having turned EAST with the sensible people…

Others have written about the Rally Week, so I will jump ahead to the journey home.

My GPS had failed on the second day, but never fear, maps were still around, and I settled down to write myself a “cheat sheet”; a list of all the required roads to get us clear of Melbourne and on the M31 Hume Motorway home.

Two problems emerged almost immediately: the first was my assumption that all motorways will have big green story boards towards the end which will give travellers instructions how to move to the next motorway. Not always the case…

And the second was that Rudi and I got separated almost immediately. Again, my fault, I should have prevented that, and established a backup plan to re-establish contact. My wife, Jill, and I have travelled so much together that we barely need to make such a plan, but at least it should entail stopping at the next servo and phoning or, better still, sending a text.

So it was that we both, having followed motorway signs, finally ran out of them. And found ourselves in Slumland, asking directions from people who did not speak English!

But since the time was now late morning, and the sun was high in the sky, we both decided, though separately, FOLLOW THE SUN! Gotta lead North.

Then, on a pure whim, I turned into a tiny inner-city servo, and THERE WAS RUDI! Divine Intervention? We thought so.

Yes, he had again stopped for directions, and the Indian guy operating the keyboard had not only given him directions, but had written them out and taped it to his tank! I have often said that the worst navigation system you can have is a friendly local, but there is no doubt about the helpful intent.

So, back into company again, and still not knowing who was the wing leader, and who was the wing man. We had a pleasant enough two more days on the road and no more adventures!

Rob Hall #38660

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF WORLD ON WHEELS!World On Wheels ran a competition at the recent Ulysses Club AGM in Mornington Peninsula – to celebrate 25 years of being in business. Not a bad achievement for an Australian business on the global stage!

They are delighted to announce the winner of this competition is Esther Mauger from Deakin ACT. Esther is the winner of a World On Wheels Motorcycle Safari to a destination of her choice, a prize valued up to $12,000. When Esther was notified of her win she said “I am beside myself! I have never won anything before!” An avid motorcycle traveller, Esther is currently working out where she will go with World On Wheels in the next 12 months - Morocco, the Indian Himalaya, Iceland, South Africa, the Dalmatian coastline, Nepal and Bhutan, the Andes…?! Congratulations Esther and thanks from World On Wheels for helping celebrate 25 years of offering adventurous and exotic motorcycle safaris around the !world!

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EASTERN CREEK BRANCH – UCARF DONATION AND AWARDSTuesday night 28 May 19 was a great meeting. As President I was honoured to donate a cheque for $1,000 to the UCARF charity, on behalf of the members of the Eastern Creek branch. Kim Kennerson received the cheque and thanked the branch for their generosity. Kim then joined with myself in presenting a 20 years of membership badge to Lyn Leslie. We were then charged with presenting the first 35 years badges to Ian Hurley #18 and his partner in adventure Val Walsh #19. It was a great honour to be involved in awarding these great people with their badges. After the meeting closed we all enjoyed some celebrations and cake.

Tim Shelton #58221

TELEMACHUS AWARD #92At the November Branch meeting, John Tout was presented with Telemachus Award #92 by fellow Telemachus Award recipient John Harkin, Grampians Branch.

John Tout, member #42398, has been an active member of the Ulysses Club since 28th December 2005.

He has served on the Committee of the Westgate Wanderers Branch for 10 years and only resigned due to the work load involved with being Treasurer for the 2019 Ulysses Club National Rally. His roles on Westgate Wanderers Branch Committee are as follows:

2006 – general member 2007 – 2016 - Treasurer Other roles within the Ulysses Club: 2017 – current – member of the organising Committee for the 2019 Ulysses Club National Rally – most of this time as Treasurer. 2017 – current – offers guidance to current Branch Treasurer and the Committee

John has been a diligent Treasurer over the times he has served on the Committee, providing a high level of accountability around not only Branch Funds but all aspects of

the Branch administration.

John has worked with five different Presidents and supported them in ensuring the Branch is conducted under the Ulysses Guidelines. He is the one who knows the processes and procedures and keeps us all on track, even though now he is not currently on the Branch Committee, his advice is often sought.

John implemented a sound stock-taking process for Branch Merchandise and ensured that annual stock-takes are undertaken and all Branch property properly accounted for. These processes continue to be used despite his stepping

down as Treasurer. It has only been the past two years that he has not stored all the Westgate Wanderers merchandise and assets at his home.

In addition to his official roles, John has been actively involved with the Branch by working with the Social Committee for more than 10 years. The annual Christmas Event has been supported and, in many cases, organised by John – hosting the event at his home on several occasions. John also organised a Touty’s Tallangatta Tour (TTT) for several years. This was a two-night ride to the Tallangatta Caravan Park, with an egg and bacon breakfast the next morning at his van, before a ride through the hills of the area and returning to Werribee on the third day. A long weekend was the excuse. Unfortunately, the Caravan Park got rid of its cabins and accommodation became an issue, so no more TTTs.

For the past five- or six-years, John has organised the Westgate Wanderers’ group bookings at the AGM events. He organises the members from the Branch, who are camping, and books the sites. He then ensures he arrives early so that he can welcome all to the group site and set up the Branch gazebo, where many a story, drink and nibbles have been shared. Committee, Westgate Wanderers Branch

RIDING ON 20

UCARF ReportLetters To The Editor

Hi, John Baker, who I don’t know at all but here’s saying how much I identified with your Riding On story about adventure bikes too heavy for real adventuring. Spot on. My nearest town is Dungog and these beasts are lined up in the main street most days with me wondering how many of them have riders game to hustle them up a dirt track. If they were perfect for doing that their riders wouldn’t spend a couple of hours over lunch - they’d swallow a pie and head for the bush. So, I absolutely agree, a light and simple machine is what inspires confidence for off-the-beaten-track adventures - and there’s lots of that stuff where I live.

John, I have a ‘92 Honda Dominator and it fits your prescrip-tion quite well at just under 180 kg wet. I can load it up for

camping and it’s comfortable to ride all day. Of course there’s no ABS.... But would I risk it on a fire trail? Actually no - it’s too heavy for this lightly built rider. Hence my assertion that my relatively recently acquired KTM 200 Duke is (for me at least) far more suited to adventure. To each his own! Your contribu-tion is a long overdue critique of a long out-of-control fashion fad that is sucking in hordes of followers like sheep. Now we wait to see in the next issue if there’s an indignant letter or two denouncing our opinionated twaddle!

Cheers, Ken Rubeli Member #61309

John Baker is absolutely right about the weight of ‘Adventure’ bikes. And the cost. And the complexity of the electronics. With luck Suzuki may just see the light and apply some emissions know-how to the venerable DR650. There are at least a thousand sales per year at stake here in Australia.

Peter Whitaker Member #36978

Hi, Thank you for the copy of Riding On No. 142 – Autumn 2019.

The Ulysses Club magazine is always a good read and well received at Kawasaki

Kawasaki may have missed passing on some information to the Ulysses readers in the last few months.

We read the article, starting on page 26, by John Baker (mem-ber # 40633). On page 27, right hand column, second para-graph, John comments that Kawasaki has announced the end of the KLR650. This is not true for the Australian market. In Australia we are not subject to the same rules as other markets. The KLR650 is a part of the current Kawasaki line up and new KLR650 are available in dealership around Australia.

Please let your member know that this well-proven and beloved Kawasaki model is still available in Australia.

This is the link to the KLR650 on the Kawasaki Motors Australia

website: https://kawasaki.com.au/shop/motorcycles/tour-ing/2018-klr650/

We encourage the members to get out to a local dealership and test ride the best value, dual-purpose bike on the market.

If you need any more information on this model or the newly released Versys 1000 SE (https://kawasaki.com.au/shop/motor-cycles/sport/2019-versys-1000-se/) or the W800 Café (https://kawasaki.com.au/shop/motorcycles/sport/2019-w800-cafe/) please contact the Marketing Team at Kawasaki.

Regards, Gina Costello Marketing - Assistant Manager Kawasaki Motors Pty Ltd M: 0424 162 880 costello_g@kawasaki.com.au www.kawasaki.com.au

www.slowcruzetours.com

phone: Colin Leahy 0264935123email : slowcruzetours@aapt.net.au *Airfares included

Myanmar 2019

OCTOBER 2019 - 21 days riding the mountains of the northern frontier $6,000.MARCH 2020 - 26 days South to North ride $6,800

AUGUST 2019- 14 days Central Explorer- from thecentral highlands to Ke Bang National Park $5,000

20 years experience travelling in VietnamAustralian, Vietnamese and Burmese tour guides

Vietnam 2019

September 2019- Highlights ofMyanmar - 14 days Bagan, Pindaya,Taunggyi, Inle Lake and Mandalay $7,000

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GLEN INNES BRANCH : CELTIC CRUISERS: ULYSSES CLUB INC.2019 ANNUAL MEET & GREET. WE ARE VERY PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT THIS YEAR WE HAVE A MAJOR SPONSOR. THAT BEING THE GLEN INNES JOCKEY CLUB. THIS YEARS EVENT WILL BE HELD AT THE GLEN INNES RACECOURSE 1ST - 3RD NOVEMBER 2019. FOR MORE PARTICULARS & COPY OF ENTRY & INFORMATION FORMS: PH: NEIL 0408669856 OR EMAIL; nellemlocks@gmail.com

CHRISTMAS IN JULY – ULYSSES CLUB REDLANDS BRANCHThe Ulysses Club Redlands Branch invites you to join them at the Tenterfield Bowling Club, NSW for their Annual “Christmas in July” Celebrations. DATE: July 20 2019 TIME: 6pm onwards DRESS: Loud Christmas shirts/outfits welcomed! Enjoy great company, lots of laughs and $30.00 per person (Paid on the night). Secret Santa gifts – boy brings for a boy, girl brings for a girl - $15.00 limit. Santa, Music, Games and Lucky door prizes. Raffles with funds raised going to UCARF. Sunday Breakfast at the Club 7.30am to 10.30 am - $20.00 a head. To book your seat at the table please contact Marilyn: 0417 419 619 RSVP by 13th July 2019

ADVANCE NOTICE OF 21ST MELBOURNE BRANCH ODYSSEY After some seven years at Nagambie we are planning to celebrate the 21st Melbourne Branch Odyssey back where it all began – Mansfield. So we’ll be in Mansfield from 18 to 20 October 2019. Come and join us. It will be at a different park and registration details and prices are still to be finalised but put this date in your diary now. We plan to keep the format the same:

• Casual BYO drink and food BBQ on the Friday night • Saturday ride followed by catered dinner on Saturday night Details will be updated on Melbourne Branch website. See: https://ulyssesmelb.com

SYDNEY BRANCH – 29th ODYSSEYThe 29th Sydney Branch Odyssey will be held at Tumut over the October long weekend, from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th October, 2019. More information to follow in the next edition of Riding On. In the meantime please contact the Secretary Phillip Motbey via scrtysydneybranch@gmail.com for any more information.

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25th ANNIVERSARY – SHEARWATERS BRANCH

The Shearwaters Branch would like to invite you to join them at the Cranbourne Golf Club, Vic for their anniversary celebrations. Date: October 5th 2019 Time: 7pm Enjoy a 3 course meal Dress: Semi formal , dancing, lots of tall stories and laughs. $55 per person, drinks at bar prices. Door prize/raffles. To book your seat please contact Wendy 0438 251 155 or Kylie 0401 760 396 RSVP BY AUGUST 14TH

JOIN JAN HYSTEK ON HIS 90TH BIRTH-DAY RIDE AROUND AUSTRALIATamworth Ulysses Branch member Jan Hystek is celebrating his 90th Birth-day by riding around Aus-tralia on his 650 V Strom.

Jan is leaving Tamworth on the 10th of September to ride in a clockwise direction around Australia with his first overnight stop in Port Macquarie. He is inviting Ulysses members to ride with him into and out of their town and assist with accommodation if possible. The trip is proposed to take seven and a half weeks and the route is as follows:

Date Town Depart Town Arrive Distance 10-Sep-19 Tamworth Port Macquarie 240 11-Sep-19 Port Macquarie Sydney 413 12-Sep-19 Sydney Bega 422 13-Sep-19 Bega Yarram 465 14-Sep-19 Yarram Yarram 15-Sep-19 Yarram Geelong 293 16-Sep-19 Geelong Mount Gambier 461 17-Sep-19 Mount Gambier Adelaide 434 18-Sep-19 Adelaide Port Augusta 305 19-Sep-19 Port Augusta Port Augusta 20-Sep-19 Port Augusta Ceduna 470 21-Sep-19 Ceduna Nullabor RH 297 22-Sep-19 Nullabor RH Madura 368 23-Sep-19 Madura Norseman 529 24-Sep-19 Norseman Norseman 25-Sep-19 Norseman Ravensthorpe 392 26-Sep-19 Ravensthorpe Albany 300 27-Sep-19 Albany Bunbury 368

28-Sep-19 Bunbury Perth 180 29-Sep-19 Perth Perth 30-Sep-19 Perth Geraldton 424 1-Oct-19 Geraldton Carnarvon 481 2-Oct-19 Carnarvon Nanutarra RH 370 3-Oct-19 Nanutarra RH Karratha 329 4-Oct-19 Karratha Karratha 5-Oct-19 Karratha Sand Fire RH 457 6-Oct-19 Sand Fire RH Broome 285 7-Oct-19 Broome Fitzroy Crossing 400 8-Oct-19 Fitzroy Crossing Halls Creek 290 9-Oct-19 Halls Creek Kunnunarra 314 10-Oct-19 Kunnunarra Kunnunarra 11-Oct-19 Kunnunarra Katherine 556 12-Oct-19 Katherine Darwin 320 13-Oct-19 Darwin Katherine 320 14-Oct-19 Katherine Daly Waters 270 15-Oct-19 Daly Waters 3Ways 373 16-Oct-19 3Ways 3Ways 17-Oct-19 3Ways Mount Isa 635 18-Oct-19 Mount Isa Normandton 381 19-Oct-19 Normandton Mount Surprise 450 20-Oct-19 Mount Surprise Gordonvale 310 21-Oct-19 Gordonvale Gordonvale 22-Oct-19 Gordonvale Townsville 308 23-Oct-19 Townsville Mackay 388 24-Oct-19 Mackay Mackay 25-Oct-19 Mackay Rockhampton 333 26-Oct-19 Rockhampton Maryborough 383 27-Oct-19 Maryborough Ballina 459 28-Oct-19 Ballina Port Macquarie 240 29-Oct-19 Port Macquarie Tamworth 240 Total Distance 15253

We invite members to contact us prior to leaving Tamworth to indicate the level of assistance available regarding accommo-dation and those interested in shepherding Jan into and out of your town or city. You can contact Jan on 0427 159 637 or j.hystek@bigpond.com or Richard Procter on 0429 603542 or richardprocter@people.net.au

Richard Procter

ECHUCA BRANCH – TREETOPS GET-TOGETHEREchuca Branch is holding another get-together at treetops in Victoria, near Cohuna on 19th, 20th and 21st of July 2019. All Ulysses members are welcome to attend. There is virtually no limit to the number of campers. There’s five acres of camping area. Christ-mas in July will again be a feature. (No pressies, just maybe dressup for the occasion). Hope to see many there. Any queries people are welcome to contact the Club Secretary at ‘pbutler8@hotmail.com’. Or go to the Echuca Branch website on the Ulysses webpage.

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Women Riders World Relay

Have you seen that over 17K women have saddled to support the world’s largest motorbike relay! The global launch of Women Riders World Relay (WRWR) to Mark ‘International Women’s Day was on’ 27th February 2019. WRWR is a global female biker relay, covering even the remote and vast parts of our world which involves women passing a baton via “legs” of a journey across the world. What started as the brain-child of Macclesfield-based Hayley Bell - to attempt a relay around the world led by women on motorbikes - has now fledged into a global movement since August 2018. At this moment, over 17,000 women motorcyclists worldwide have responded to her call to show the industry the riding force behind the female biker market. In over 90 countries across the globe - from Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Asia to South and North America - increasing numbers of women are signing up to carry the baton across the world

“Women Riders World Relay is a chance to celebrate and give light to women riders globally, while also highlighting their increasing numbers as the fastest growing market in the motorcycle industry.”

Her goal was to WOW the industry into realising, “Jeez...There’s lots of women bikers out there! I wanted to ignite a global sisterhood of inspirational women to promote courage, adventure, unity and passion for biking from all corners of the world and do something that’s never been done before to this scale. My aim is to WOW the industry into realizing the global market for women in Motorsports and to inspire women worldwide. Going into motorcycle stores and seeing a lack of choice, combined with stereotypical pink and being told “there just isn’t the market for women”, highlighted to me just one small element of a much bigger picture around women in Motorsports. I want to show the industry the force behind the market that is so blindly overlooked.

I am doing this because WOMEN BIKERS CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN.” – Hayley Bell, Founder -UK

Our vision is to be the global “eye-openers” of women in Motorsports.

Be adventurous. Be courageous. Be inspiring. Be united.WRWR launched a Facebook Group in August 2018 to coordinate women riders across the world to take part in the relay. When we celebrated our 1-month anniversary, the group reached a massive milestone of 10K members from 80 countries. We are now over 17,000 women from over 90 countries and the group has blossomed into something much more than we expected.

The Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/WRWRgroup Website: www.womenridersworldrelay.com Email: pr@womenridersworldrelay.com

The relay started on 27th February from John O’Groats, Scotland and ends in January 2020 in UAE. Founder, Hayley Bell, has created a team of enthusiastic female riders from different countries who share her passion for WRWR and are working tirelessly in the background to ensure the event will go down in history. This includes Ambassadors and State Reps., where needed, from each country who are planning out routes and organising events in their countries. WRWR starts it journey in Australia on the 25th August.

Riders will be able to register as a ‘Guardian’ or ‘Companion’ to carry and protect the baton for a full day’s ride from start to finish.

There are two ‘Guardian’ registration options - £25 (or equivalent) which includes a Guardian pack of goodies, certificate of participation in this epic event as well as a unique t-shirt designed especially for Guardians to wear with pride. There is also a £5 (or equivalent) option that includes a digital copy of the certificate only to make the relay accessible to across the world. Men can register as a companion to a Guardian and their £5 (or equivalent) registration will go towards scholarship of a woman riding the relay.

All costs associated with the days ride are the responsibility of the guardian, including but not limited to gas/fuel, food, lodging/accommodation, border crossing, tolls and ferry.

We will also be supporting the organisation of Ripple relays are extensions of the WRWR relay. This is to help include women who are not near the relay route itself. Ripple relays will be organised and communicated in Facebook groups and will be organised by WRWR members themselves with support from WRWR Ambassadors.

WRWR arrives in Perth, Australia on the 25th August. It will then travel around most states in Australia before leaving form Sydney Australia to go to New Zealand and beyond. To find out when it will be in your area please head to www.womenridersworldrelay.com

Follow the WRWR journey on social media via #WRWR2019 Instagram: instagram.com/womenridersworldrelay/ Facebook Page: facebook.com/WRWR2019/ Australian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/617722938690408/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/304018553619081/ Twitter: twitter.com/WRWR2019/ WRWR QLD Representative.

Janelle Lind #65630 Lockyer Branch QLD

Women Riders World Relay

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It’s been a long time since I crashed a motorcycle. 45 years? Something like that. I’ve ridden tens of thousands of kilometres with the occasional scary moment, or stationary dropped bike, but I’ve been lucky enough to avoid crashing. It’s hard to claim that it’s all good management or skill. Luck plays its part as well, up to a point. All good things must come to an end eventually.

I do a lot of big-distance miles on my bikes. Always have. I ride a lot at night or in the early hours or late evenings. I accept the risks that are part and parcel of doing that and try to prepare for it in the best possible way. Good bike, good tyres, good lights and good riding gear are a natural function of endurance riding. So is fatigue management and ride-time selection, and even the choice of lower-risk roads when I can. It’s a system that has worked for me for many years. That is, until the sunrise hours of Sunday 7th April.

I took an early start out of Mansfield, Victoria with the intent of riding home via Wagga for a happy birthday lunch with my daughter. The temperature was pleasant-enough. The road was smooth but narrow and walled with scrubby trees and high embankments scattered along its path. There were light patches of fog and the sun wasn’t quite fully up. I safely negotiated the first twenty or so kilometres from Mansfield to the B300 Midland Highway and the road to Benalla. It was getting light around dawn and my spotlights were becoming less-effective. No big deal. The sun would be at full brightness soon. I had already recognised the ‘critter-potential’ and had washed ten to fifteen kilometres off my speed in the 100 zone.

My LED spotlights were effective in the pre-dawn light as the intense white light tends to ‘light-up’ the shiny fur of all-sorts of critters, but particularly the kangaroos and wallabies that invariably stand a bit taller than the wombats and foxes. Deer are a problem on the B300, so I was extra-wary of them as I peered into the cone of light and prepared to brake for anything that might step out into my path. My secondary LED lights shine to the road verges, so I was well covered for visibility ahead.

An on-coming vehicle way off in the distance was generating its own cone of light in the now faint morning mist. Another set of good spotlights coming my way. We both dipped our lights to avoid blinding each other as we approached, but the lightening sky would soon make our auxiliary lights redundant. The road was fairly straight with a slight rise in the middle and a gentle corner at each end. The verge was narrow. The embankments beyond the verge sloped gently upwards on both sides of the road. I was in a miniature valley but felt comfortable with the view ahead.

Perhaps I should have left my spot-lights on a little longer. Perhaps, but I didn’t want to blind the on-coming driver. The large buck kangaroo appeared in front of me in an instant. It was clear he had come down off the scrubby embankment at full speed. It was clear that I had not seen him coming. It was clear that my failure to keep my lights on high for that one or two more seconds might now work against me. My later review of the scene indicated that I had done everything right and reasonable. Sometimes, that isn’t enough.

I saw the Roo directly in front of me and within touching distance on the other side of my windscreen. It was a split-second of awareness that this wasn’t going to be a good outcome. My life didn’t flash before my eyes. It didn’t happen in slow motion. The brightly lit tan-coloured hide shone glaringly against the BMW’s LED low beam, but only for a brief moment in time and space. The Roo was looking where he was going. The other side of the road must have been inviting or maybe there was a pack of Dingos on his arse. He was moving at full hop. I was moving at almost 90 kph. The collision was inevitable.

There are times in your riding life when you have close calls. Near-hits or near-misses. Call them what you will. I call them ‘Oh-shit’ moments. I didn’t have the time to say or think the ‘O’ in this ‘Oh-shit’ moment. The impact was more audible than visual. I heard the thud of the muscular body against my bike. I heard the shattering of plastic as the bike disintegrated in front of me. I heard the heavy crunch of the bike as it hit the road. I heard the grinding crash-bars as the bike spun away from me. My visual senses returned as I slid to a halt behind my now quiet bike. I had a flash-back of the last metre or two of the big BMW sliding down the road, pirouetting on its now well-worn crash bar. I remembered looking up while sliding on my back. The sky was getting quite blue now, but stars were still visible.

I lay there for a moment and then stood up. The medics would say that adrenalin kicked in. There was no pain, and nothing appeared to be wrong with me. I was still on the road. The bike was half-on and half-off the road. We had crossed to the wrong side and that was disorienting for a moment. The scratch-line of metal crash-bars was clearly visible down the road. The road was covered in pieces of plastic. Big panels and shattered remnants. We had only slid ten or twelve metres. The impact with the Roo had washed off an awful lot of speed. I saw him limping away at the top of the slope he had come from. ‘Bastard Roo’ I said to nobody.

The truck that I had dipped my lights for shot past as I waved him down. He slowed and turned around and came back. I was thankful for that. A young lady in a small car also stopped. I think she was in more shock that I was when she realised that the dark shape on the

edge of the road was a motorcycle. Together we righted the bike. The truck was a Tip-Top Pantech and the contractor had a large hydraulic lift platform at the rear. We rolled the bike on, lifted it up and rolled it into the back. I collected the shattered remnants of my bike and joined him in the cab for the drive back to Mansfield. It felt good to talk about ‘lucky-escapes’.

It was clear that I had missed seeing the kangaroo. It was my fault. The claim would be ‘At-fault’ as far as insurance goes. You can’t sue a kangaroo. The scrubby slope down to the road didn’t help. The narrow verge of clear ground didn’t help. The reduced speed of travel didn’t help. My thoughtful dipping of high beam and spotlights didn’t help. The speed of the Roo didn’t help. In the world of risk management, we talk about ‘consequence’ and ‘likelihood’. The treatment of risk is a function of treating one or both of those things. I could have reduced the likelihood by staying in bed a little longer. I could have taken a different road. I could have travelled even slower. I could have travelled faster and not been at that place at that time. It is what it is. I was there, and it happened. The likelihood was high, and I accepted the risk. We all do.

The consequences, however, were envisaged and even planned for. I wear good gear when I ride. As the adrenalin hit wore off, I started to feel the soreness growing in my hand, wrist, elbow and hip. The impact with the Roo had been hard. The impact with the road had been hard. Why was I still around to talk about it? I looked at my riding gear after returning to Mansfield and parking the bike in front of the Police Station. I was hoping that they would have a compound where the bike could be stored until collected. It was interesting to note that they didn’t care about my accident and had no need to log a report. Single vehicles, no significant injuries and no other persons involved don’t rate a mention in the statistics. They were happy that I was ok, particularly given the state of the bike and my riding gear.

It became clear in subsequent days that ‘luck’ had played a part in my accident. The bike had taken the brunt of the hit of a very large Roo full on at the headlight. His shoulder had smashed the plastics, framing and spotlights forward of the headlight and then the headlight itself. His head had taken out the screen and instruments. His lower body and legs had stripped the forks of the fork-covers and mudguard. Part of him also took off the right-side tank covers and flicked the wheels out from under me. The hard hit with the road destroyed the right-side crash-bar and pannier bag. The initial impact had obviously jarred my right hand, wrist and shoulder. They were sore from the deceleration loads against the handle bar. The road impact was mostly taken by my right elbow and hip. Both were bruised and sore.

The consequences of the road impact were only reduced because of my gear. My gloves stayed on. My boots protected my ankles. My lovely BMW jacket was shredded and torn at the right elbow. The quality elbow armour had a small hole worn through it, but it had done its job in the hit and slide and I had no bloody grazes. Thankfully, the armour also stayed in-place at my elbow and had not moved inside the jacket. My BMW pants have hip armour. It’s a must. It stayed in place and allowed the outer material to shred on the coarse bitumen but protected my hip. Bruised and sore? Yes. Broken skin? No. The impact protection provided by quality gear cannot be underestimated.

I spent just enough time sliding on my back to tear some small holes in the rear of my jacket and to graze the back of my helmet. Back-armour saved my spine. The helmet would be throw-away regardless of any visible impact. I could do little to change the likelihood of this occurring, but I could do an awful lot about changing the consequences if it did happen. I walked away from a 90 kph hit with a kangaroo that stood as tall as my screen and weighed anything from 100 to 120 kilograms. I am under no illusion that a less-central impact with the bike may have had a much more damaging effect for me.

More importantly, I am comfortable in the fact that I spent a lot of money on quality gear that saved me considerable pain and suffering as a consequence of the impact with the road. Luck plays a part. I was lucky that the road was relatively straight, and I didn’t slide into Armco fencing or trees. I was lucky that there were no on-coming vehicles close enough to hit me as I slid across the wrong side of the road. I was lucky that I was wearing gear that did what it was supposed to do. No, that wasn’t luck. That was planning for the accident that could happen any day I get the bike out.

The initial impact with the kangaroo did an awful lot of damage to the bike. That in itself may have been enough for a write-off. The kicker was that a frame bracket that holds all the front-end bits in place was bent in the initial impact. The secondary impact with the road was taken mostly by the crash-bars. They did their job and saved the engine. Unfortunately, they also transferred the impact loads to a frame mounting point and bent the frame in a second place behind the engine. The bike is a total loss. The jacket, pants and helmet I was wearing are also write-offs. I’m stiff and sore, but ok. I’m sad that my lovely bike is no more.

Footnote: So, what’s the ‘Recipe for Roadkill’? There was a very large and very dead kangaroo beside the road near my accident spot when I went back to Mansfield to collect the bike two days later. He was a big buck. He was relatively fresh. He had significant facial damage and body cuts. Roos hit by cars will often wander off and die of shock and internal injury later. They don’t wear good gear with crash and impact protection. That could have been me. Wear good gear people. It may save you from serious injury or worse.

Mick Beltrame Member #35918

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Automatic Motorcycle Chain Lubrication System

I don’t mind getting down and dirty but as a weekend rider I sometimes feel that I spend more of my time on my knees cleaning my chain than I do riding.

I have met a few bikers on my travels that have fitted an automatic chain lubrication system called a Scottoiler so I bit the bullet and decided to give one a try on my Triumph Bonneville. Scottoilers have been around for 30+ years and are very popular in the UK where they are made as well as the US and parts of Europe. They are even an approved BMW accessory.

There are 3 Scottoiler Systems available, the vSystem (vacuum operated), the xSystem (Electronic and powered from the bike battery) and the eSystem (Electronic) which has a touch screen to control everything from the

handlebars. I opted for the vSystem and found the best price at Scottoiler Depot who are an on line Australian retailer for all things Scottoiler. (www.scottoilerdepot.com.au)

Common to all the Scottoiler Systems is the oil reservoir which has a metering valve inside that automatically feeds oil to your drive chain as you ride.

Fitting the vSystem was pretty straight forward and the kit comes with clear and concise generic installation instructions. In addition Scottoiler Depot provided me with a bike specific installation guide for the Bonneville as well as a number of other guide sheets which certainly helped to make the whole installation that much easier.

Preparation is the key to getting the installation right and I found It really was worth spending the time to familiarise myself with the process and working out where I wanted to position things, especially the tubing etc. So my top tip is to familiarise yourself with all the components, read all the guides and pre-plan the job.

My other tip is to clean the chain before you start the installation!

Installation is a simple 3 step process the first of which is to find a position for the reservoir (Scottoiler also call this the RMV). This can be mounted anywhere between horizontal and vertical and the suggested locations are under the seat or attached to the frame. Under the seat is not an option on the Bonnie and I wanted to keep the frame clear so I found a place for it behind the LHS cover. I then located the vacuum feed and connected the reservoir/rmv to it. The vacuum take off on the Bonnie is on the throttle body, simply

remove the rubber cap and connect. On other bikes it may be from a spare plugged outlet on the manifold or by inserting a T piece into a vacuum pipe. The kit includes everything you will need to do this.

Oil is fed from the RMV along plastic tubing via the swing arm to the dispenser nib. Running the tubing is the second step and is probably the hardest part of the install simply because I wanted it to be as discrete as possible. The neatest run would have been through the hollow space of the swing arm but sadly that’s not an option on the Bonnie as there is no easy access hole so I ran it

12

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RIDING ON 273underneath using the clips supplied in the kit taking care to ensure the tube stayed clear of any moving parts etc.

The last step is to mount the Dispenser Assembly which feeds oil onto the rear sprocket and chain. To ensure that the dispenser nib maintains the correct position reliably, it must be securely attached to the swing arm. In order to do this, a number of mounting options are supplied. There are two Dispenser Plates provided in the kit for either mounting on Paddock Stand bobbin bosses, chain / sprocket guard mounting bolts or, as in my case, the rear wheel spindle.

With everything installed and connected I filled the reservoir with oil (It comes with the kit) and set up the flow rate to 1 drop every couple of minutes. At this rate a full reservoir is good for up to 2000km of riding.

I’ve been using the vSystem now for 4 months and I’m really happy with it. It’s a quality bit of kit (Comes with a 2 year warranty) and my chain is looking good and not covered in waxy gunk like it used to be between cleans. I’m also told the chain and sprocket life will increase so the Scottoiler should pay for itself over time as well as save me the time I used to spend on chain maintenance.

For more information visit www.ScottoilerDepot.com.au.

Quentin Satchwell #64772

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CLAIRE KEELING #2518 MEMBER SINCE 11/89

I lived up Woronora River near Sutherland N.S.W, which meant rowing 3 miles to the bus terminus, then to Sutherland Railway. At 16 my Dad taught me to ride on Old Menai Rd. which was dirt, long before the Nuclear Reactor was built. I had grown up with bikes, my Dad had a lot. At 16 and 10 months I had my permit and my license at 17.

The bike I started out on was a little Ami scooter, with small wheels which caused the spark plug to silt up. Whenever it stopped a clean spark plug would go in and I would have to clean the dirty one at home ready for next time.

I travelled a lot around Sutherland Shire and became known as the girl on a bike, no helmets then, and riding in what ever I was wearing, full skirt tucked in. I had a lot of Funny and scary experiences, that little bike covered a lot of miles.

One time I when was about 17, I was pulled up by a police car at Tom Ugly’s bridge on my way home from St Peters, where I was working at the time, my tail light was out. They gave me a friendly warning and sent me on my way to meet friends at the movies, met up in the local café and low and behold, guess who, the same 2 policemen !!! [Did you fix your tail light?] [Um! no I broke my nail file trying to undo the screw]

Next bike was a BSA Bantam 123, I did a lot of miles on that baby, the longest trip was from Sydney to Canberra RAAF base, I was a WRAAF. By this time, I had my drivers license.

I married in ’57 and sold my little Beeza, but 25yrs later with no nagging husband I renewed my riders license [By then both licenses were one] and bought a Honda CB 250, but finances were a bit tight and it had to be sold.

I remarried in ’88, my husband did up a BSA so for a while I was pillion, and enjoyed it, we joined Ulysses Kiama Branch and had a lot of rides with them, we

went to our first AGM in Jindabyne in ’92. We came home via Goulburn and had to stop I was frozen.

I bought a Honda VTF 250 which took me to Alice Springs AGM ’94, my first solo with some friends from Kiama. I was awarded the trophy for smallest capacity on distance, I danced all over the place. Kiama had a lot of good rides and we had the best Xmas parties ever. Our meetings were held in Kiama Leagues Club. Good venue.

After a lot of bullying I talked him into Wagga Wagga AGM ’97 and had a good time.

We set out for Toowoomba AGM. With about 6 others, coming down off the range I came down and smashed my left thumb [Have you ever tried changing gears with your left thumb ? not so easy]

The ride into Scone was a little hairy, what with pain and alone, the others had gone ahead and not being sure of my destination, luckily they were all waiting at the first service station. Scone Hospital set my thumb in the victory sign. Had a lot of fun with that ????

The rest of the group went on, Ken and I stayed a day or two, organized the bike’s return to Kiama and then I rode pillion home, was NOT a pleasant ride.

Bunbury AGM next’98 , the most memorable of all with a group of guys [one with a sexist attitude [he stated that

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he wouldn’t be going back for anyone that went down]. I made it to S.A. just west of Ceduna, my little bike just died, Geoff Akers set me up on roadside and chased the others. I lost count of the number of bikers that stopped to make sure I was ok, one couple on an outfit stopped and insisted on feeding me and stayed until the truck came for me and they were not members, there are some great people out there.

Back in Ceduna plans were made for the bike to go back to Kiama, just started making plans for me when Geoff and Sam Waugh appeared and also a couple with a caravan arrived and took my gear on and we continued on, Ulysses members stick together. We met up with the others and enjoyed the AGM. Larry loaded my gear and some of Sam’s and I came home with Sam. Just shows the camaraderie in this club.

The next bike was a Kawasaki 550 took me to Cairns AGM’99, with Sam, husband stayed home. This was my last ride with Kiama Branch, I moved to Tamworth, alone.

Gold Coast AGM ’01, About seven of us, was a good ride and the weather was good Mt Gambier AGM ’02 with about 5 others, beautiful country, but I have admit the ride on the coast road was a bit hairy, scary. We came home inland.

Geelong AGM ’04 with 4 good friends, loved all the bollards in the park, most of all number 1’s.

Canberra AGM a bit restricted because of gang threats, we could not wear our colours. This was my last AGM.

In ’07 a friend set out from Tamworth for Coffs Harbour AGM, with plans to continue on around Australia BUT plans do come astray, as we were leaving Uralla Service station I came down, would you believe I was going

too slow and the bike and I just fell over, put my foot out and my knee fractured, and that was that, off to Armidale Hospital and ended up with a plate and 6 screws in my right leg. Terry later did the ride.

Armidale Hospital was great, they looked after me well and then sent me back to Tamworth Hospital where they organized home care for me, which was great as I was a little useless living on my own.

I sold the Kwaka and healed about a year later I bought a Suzuki Marauder 900 a very comfortable and easy ride, I loved it. Joined in on rides with the club and enjoyed the company. I found I tired easy and my balance wasn’t good so with sad heart I sold it, and moved to Old Bar, I missed the ocean and I still miss riding, I see a bike and drool, even being pillion would be great, I will dream on.

Well that’s my story hope you enjoyed. Please see attached photos.

Regards Claire Member #2518 30th year coming up.

y plane touches down at Chiang Mai airport. At last I am back in Thailand after an 8 year absence. The previous time I was here I took part in a motorcycle tour that was both fun and exhilarating. I have returned this time with 5 mates for a 6 day motorcycle tour of the north western mountain area of Chiang Mai known as the Mae Hong Son Loop. I look at my mates standing in the arrival area of

Chiang Mai airport and wonder if they will get the same buzz from this tour as I did previously.

Our tour leader Miles and his wife Bpuk meet us at the airport and we load our suitcases and gear into the back of his Chev pickup truck, climb aboard and head through the traffic for our hotel accommodation. We check in then wander around the old city of Chiang Mai taking in the sights and smells then exchange some aussie dollars for Thai baht.

Next day begins with our tour leader Miles conducting a light hearted briefing session on motorcycle riding and etiquette in Thailand, and then it is off to pick up our tour bikes. On this occasion we were lucky enough to be upgraded to Kawasaki Versys, 650cc twins and BMW 800GS. So after a quick walk around the bikes, we saddle up and are off for a half day ride west of the city into the mountains known as the Chiang Mai Rim, for Miles to assess our riding competency. The pace was

MOTORCYCLE TOURINGup immediately as we rode up into the mountains and it wasn’t long before we were into plenty of corners which included some tight left handers with 1st gear steep climbs. A couple of rear brake lockups on a few right hand corners due to our disrespect for the slippery smooth bitumen mountain roads quickly brought the group back sharply back into focus and we rode on but with self-preservation uppermost in mind. Our first stop was for much needed hydration and spectacular mountain views. Everyone was sweating freely either through excitement, the high humidity or a combination of both.

We continued on into the mountains getting more confident in the road conditions and the capabilities of our motorbikes which translated, meant the pace was willing. Next stop was an orchid farm and then across the road to the Mai Rim snake farm. Very entertaining show with cobras and other snakes although some of the group were not impressed by the lack of safe work practices (read: being approached by a man holding two angry cobras about 2 meters away was a bit daunting to say the least).

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MOTORCYCLE TOURINGThailand Styleglorious road. Late in the afternoon we arrive at our overnight eco accommodation. Not just your average accommodation as an old photo at reception indicates Brad Pitt and Angela Jolie once stayed here. At night we are driven into the town of Mae Hong Son for dinner. After dinner we purchase the obligatory t shirts to commemorate the 1,864 curves we had conquered over the previous two days.

DAY 4 – On the loop again. This time from Mae Hong Son to Mae Sariang. This road continued to live up to its reputation for being one of the best motorcycling roads in the world. The road still demanded respect as we peaked over the mountains and began our descent towards the Thai-Myanmar border reaching our accommodation for the night.

DAY 5 - To Chom Thong. Still plenty of curves to satisfy everyone. The road surface was good, the traffic not bad and a few tight corners that quickly gave way to frequent brilliant sweepers. Stops were made for lunch with the locals and to visit a crystal cave. On the way to our accommodation in Chom Thong we experienced a two lane highway heavy with trucks and cars. The only way to keep up with our tour leader Miles was to twist that throttle and work our way through the traffic. At one point we overtook an ambulance with its emergency lights operating. We arrive at our accommodation exhausted and thirsty. Suitably hydrated we jump in to the pickup truck and are driven to a massive temple complex in the main city followed by a drive up into the mountains to see a huge reclining budda statue and various other statues overlooking Chom Thong.

DAY 6 – This was the last day on the motorbikes and our thoughts turned to self-preservation again (we’ve come this far don’t stuff it up now). We head out to ride up the highest mountain in Thailand – Doi Inthanon at 2500metres. The road didn’t disappoint again. After a brief stop to pay an entry fee into the national park we are off riding those abundant tight corners and sweepers. First stop is a majestic waterfall followed by a 30+kilometre run to the top of the mountain where we pause for photos and coffee. Heading back down the mountain we stop at two huge temples with their own escalators dedicated to the King and Queen of Thailand. About halfway down the mountain we make a left turn for a short cut to Chiang Mai. The road was very narrow and provided plenty of tight corners and steep climbs and eventually changed into a concrete roadway which provided a few thrills for the unwary rider. In due course we reached the main road to Chiang Mai and settled into the usual manic ride through the traffic back to the tour leader’s house where we exchanged our bikes for the back of the pickup truck and headed for our accommodation.

The riding was over but what a ride we had.

Lester Martin #22403

We rode on weaving our

way through the mountains

then turned towards Chiang

Mai proper and entered a four lane highway. Even

though it was a Sunday, the traffic was considerable

and only increased as we neared Chiang Mai

city. The pace stepped up considerably to a point where I wasn’t

game to look at the speedo and it turned

into a keep up or get left behind situation. We

dodged and weaved through the traffic and soon we were back at our hotel to cool down and have a few beers to supress the adrenaline still charging through us.

DAY 2 – This was an early start to avoid morning peak hour in Chiang Mai. Full of confidence from surviving the previous day’s ride we set off north following the main road alongside the ancient moat that surrounds the old city. Again the pace was brisk and everyone clicked into survival mode playing bluff with trucks and large buses trying to keep up with our tour leader Miles. Staying as a group necessitated flaunting the speed limits and red traffic lights and using the engine power of the Kawasaki Versys and BMW 800s to carve through the numerous scooters, cars and buses. We eventually turned off the main highway to begin the Mai Hong Son loop. And what a road. We climb into the mountains and the fun begins. Corner after corner (about 800 in fact) with a break every hour or so to take in a waterfall or coffee shack. We arrive at our overnight accommodation at Pai. Settle in then head off for a bareback elephant ride which includes a trek into a river. Then it’s back to Pai for dinner and a stroll through the many stalls selling food or clothing.

DAY 3 – Back out on the Mai Hong Son loop and straight into the cornering and climb into the mountains. What a ride. Local traffic is minimal except in the townships and villages. Overtaking at speed on the bigger motorbikes was easy but you had to take your opportunity when it was presented. A lunchtime stop at the LOD Caves provided a break from the concentration and adrenalin overload build up. Back on the motorbikes after lunch for another exciting session on this

UK MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES

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Twelve months after my New Zealand motorcycle adventures I had saved enough to fly to London and then purchase a motorcycle and continue riding around the UK and Europe. I had met a friend in New Zealand whose family lived in Blackheath with a bedsit I could rent. First job was in Deptford in an organisation similar to our Centrelink. The job lasted about six months till it drove me crazy as the “refugees” from West Indies were always able to access funds to purchase cars, etc. and then come back for more money that was supposed to be for housing and obtaining employment while the elderly English residents (Anglo Saxons) applications for meals on wheels or other support requests were pushed around the system and often never actioned.

My next job was at Federal House in Fleet St in the heart of London. I had purchased a Honda CB400 at a good price and often rode it into work. There was a large motorcycle carpark right next to Federal House which was very convenient until one afternoon I jumped on my bike to head home and went to change gears only to find the entire gear lever had been removed. Evidently someone was looking for a particular brand of lever and thought mine would be perfect.

Pushing the bike home to Blackheath wasn’t an option so I bribed the security guard in Federal House to let me park my bike in the foyer overnight. In the meantime, I located a motorcycle mechanic that had a spare gear lever that would suit my bike perfectly. The next day I took a lunch break and headed to the garage.

While I was waiting to be served, I started reading a local motorcycle newspaper and there was an “All-female motorcycle stunt team looking for a mechanic.” This one line in the article drew my attention; “Before you gorgeous males start packing your bags and telling your boss to shove it, the motorcycle mechanic must be a female!” Well…….. I was always having to fix my motorcycles and often friends’ bikes, so I thought, why not apply?

I wrote a quick resume and soon had a reply. The stunt team were doing a show in Stevenage would I like to come, meet the girls and have a chat. Stevenage was around an hour and a half from Blackheath so I headed up there early Saturday. I spoke to the boss Joe and looked on while the show was in progress. Joe was in the show on a small Garelli tiger mki 49cc bike as he was the clown in the show. During the show it broke down so Joe quickly ran the bike over to me and said, “Can you fix it?” and rushed off to continue with the show. Yippes, this was a magneto flywheel bike, I had never fixed one of these but I pulled the cover off, the spring flew out and I was looking to

see how quickly I could make a fast exit without anyone seeing me but no chance so I put the wire back in and sealed her up again and what do you know it started up with one kick, I raced the bike out to the middle of the arena for Joe and, you know, that bike didn’t break down again for over 12 months. Someone upstairs must have decided that I needed this job really badly.

Got the job, packed up, give in my notice, said goodbye to my friends and headed to Leicester where the headquarters of Joe’s “Multi-hire Entertainment” business was located. The female motorcycle stunt team was called the “Motobirds” and there were several other stunt teams that were all part of the two-hour show, The Precision driving team, The Destruction stunt team, Mud wrestling team and a Human Cannon show.

Stunt shows were held through the summer months at local shows and Bank Holiday Steam shows and anywhere else where they wanted us to entertain them. During the rest of the year Joe had a hire service that worked in conjunction with a company called Brown Brothers. Brown Brothers hired out very large marquee’s for weddings, engagements, birthday parties or whatever. They would put up the marquees and we would add silk linings inside, standard lamps all around the edges, Chandeliers, decorated chairs and dining tables, dance floors and space heaters etc.

As I wasn’t always fixing the motorcycles I was employed to assist with bumping in and bumping out all this equipment. Just the job for an Aussie that wants to explore England, Wales and Scotland and get paid to do it. Most of the time I was driving a Bedford van but on weekends when there were no shows I was exploring on my motorcycle.

After a couple of weeks working with the shows Joe decided that as I was the most experienced rider in the group that I would be the clown for the Motobirds and would also part of the destruction squad. Most of the girls in the stunt team were hired for their good looks and not for their riding skills. So long as they could start the bikes and ride in a circle or straight line without falling over and be able to stop easily then they became part of the team. I did a lot of coaching with the girls to provide quite a few more necessary motorcycle riding skills that they felt they needed, and we were always improving the stunts and trick riding in the ring. As a clown I was the one that would

UK MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES

UK MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES

RIDING ON 33

have to jump through a hoop, lose the bike, and come out the other side unscathed, or ride through a plate glass window, a fire wall, hold up a ramp while the rider went over me and other crazy stuff.

Performing in the Destruction Squad was a lot of fun as well. We would drive cars through furniture vans and other similar vehicles either as one car going up a ramp through the back of the truck and smashing out over the top, at the front of the truck or then putting two ramps up to both sides of the truck and two cars aiming to hit the truck at the same time, destroying the truck and avoiding a head-on with the other car.

Yes! I was fired out of the cannon for a couple of shows. It looks worse than it really is, as in most stunts. We were jumping over the River Avon. The public were hoping I would make it over to the other side, but we really knew that the distance was too far for our cannon and that I would land in the water. Prior to the shows we had already cleared out all the dumped cars etc. from the river and checked the depth, so the landing wasn’t a problem. My first jump bought all the local newspapers out and the pictures and stories went around the world. A couple of days later I got a phone call from my parents. Now they didn’t often call due to the expense and I hadn’t really got up the nerve to tell them exactly what I was doing in England, but now they knew! Ooops. I had some explaining to do.

I sustained minor injuries along the way. A reasonable cut on my arm when going through one of the plate glass windows and burns on my ankles when I was on the hood of a car that sped through a burning wall of fire. In fire related stunts we would have helmets, fire suits, fire socks and boots. The first time we tried this Wall of Fire stunt the bales of hay were damp making the stunt UN-spectacular. The second time we got really dry bales of hay. I had to quickly change from my clown costume into the fire suit etc. and because the first attempt was really feeble, no heat and very few flames, I didn’t really worry that I had forgotten to put my socks on. Well the fire the second time was ferocious and the strips of skin from the end of my suit to my boots was bare, hence good blistering burns. Rushing back to change into the clown costume and more riding stunts I didn’t really notice the burns till we finished. Luckily it was our last show for that weekend.

The girls had a bit of a 40 year reunion a couple of years back so if you want to check out the YouTube video, here is a couple links. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-35934501 and https://youtu.be/FlJt8KKFpzU

The money for each 2 hour show was worth 20 pounds, my weekly wage was 20 pounds so on some weekends we would do up to 4 shows. A massive wage at the time. This allowed me

to upgrade my bike to a Norton Commando, a very bright yellow one.

If the weather was good and I had a long weekend free I would ride down to Dover early Friday afternoon and get on the ferry to Calais and ride around France. Rode with some friends to the Isle of Mann to watch the TT races. You got to ride the race route and then pick a spot to watch the race, Awesome! In the winter months there were no stunt shows and not a lot of work available I would head down to Spain and the Mediterranean coast and ride. Accommodation at Youth Hostels was very cheap. I would pack lightly, drying my undies on the handle bars and sleeping on my jeans overnight if they needed a wash. Other times I would head for Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Switzerland. After a couple of years with Joe and the stunt team my friend Lynette from New Zealand eventually joined me and we travelled through the UK and Europe on our bikes, working along the way.

It was nearly six years later when I decided to head back to Australia, I had a little sister 21 years younger than me that I had never met, and my Mum needed to have an operation that would make it difficult for her to look after my little sister. I put my bike up for sale. I should have put a few more pounds on the asking price as everyone that rang wanted me to drop my price. I listed it at 200 pounds because that was how much a flight to Singapore and a bunk on a Russian merchant ship to Perth was going to cost. Eventually I found a buyer who sympathised with my need to get to Australia and paid me the 200 pounds.

In Perth I waitressed for 4 days and nights to get enough money to ride the train from Perth to Melbourne. All I wanted to do on the train was sleep but I had a conductor on our carriage that must have had a peep hole to my cabin, and he was always knocking on my door to tell me to put the bunk up during the day. I was not into looking at the scenery all the way home, after all it was only the Nullarbour.

Surprised my family when I finally arrived as they were not expecting me to come home. It wasn’t long before I bought another motorcycle. This time it was a second hand BMW and so heaps more riding in Australia. Eventually met my husband to be. Tried to take him out on my motorcycle but he would always panic that his knees would be ripped off when I lane filtered through the Melbourne traffic. He is very special as he doesn’t get upset when I take off on some weekends to check out the highways and byways. 41 years later and he still smiles and waves goodbye when I feel the need to ride!

Jay Mair Ulysses Club Member #52901

UK MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES

The Victorian Breakfast Club celebrated its fifth birthday in January this year. It started from an idea YIO (Dean Wells) Kimi (Max Vulling) and me (olfrt) had, that we should copy the Sydney group that met once a month for breakfast. Their group is called the BBC, for Brooklyn Breakfast Club, they meet regularly at the Brooklyn marina cafe.

We started organising a meeting point, and shamelessly copied the Sydney group’s name, but being in Victoria we thought it could be in Melbourne, and we found a nice restaurant on the edge of the city called the Rickett’s point teahouse, in Beaumaris. Thus, making the name, Beaumaris Breakfast Club.

Despite putting the word out via the Ulysses forum, (which was fairly active at the time), and telling everybody we could, only the three of us turned up. We had a chat about it and decided to try it in a different location each month, thus allowing different Branches and members to attend. The second meeting we organised was at Yea, central (ish) Victoria, and easy to get to. YIO was the only one who attended that one, Max was somewhere else, and it was just too hot to ride from here, (Rochester, Vic) over 45c. Deans excellent report on the meeting is still on the forum page under Rallies and Get Togethers, and tells his story.

The following month’s meetup was at Seymour, where we had about six members turn up. Shortly after this, Dean went to his warmer climes for his annual pilgrimage, and Max went overseas for a touring holiday of the USA. I decided to keep it going and see what eventuated.

From there, it has continued to grow, getting up to seventy members at a small country town called Rushworth, near Shepparton. It now gathers about an average of sixty members to each breakfast.

Some branches now use the VBC as their branch monthly rides, but there is still a lot of members that just like to ride for breakfast with some people that they don’t know yet. The most successful ones seem to be in smaller towns a bit off the beaten track. Case in point, In August we had a brekkie at Boort, it was a drizzly winters Victorian day, yet 40 plus people turned up for a bit of brekky, a chat, and to meet others of the same mindset.

Another one that started a bit of a trend was held at Lalbert, near Swan Hill. Because it was so out of the way, I asked the shop owners if they knew of a campground in the area. People had started to head to the VBC’s on Friday arvo, thus reducing the distance for early morning rides. The shop owners offered the use of the yard out the back of the shop, and mowed it, levelled it and put on a Friday night BBQ for early arrivals. They also put a couple of caravans onsite for people to use at no cost. We expected maybe 6 people for the BBQ, and maybe 20 for Saturday, Lalbert being so out of the way. Friday night had

people from Stawell, Ballarat and Echuca stay, about 12 all up, luckily there was enough food for us, and over 40 turned up on Saturday (including 3 from South Australia). It was a terrific success.

There has been a couple held at Branch Saturday meeting places, but these artificially inflate the attendance. It does give members the opportunity to see how it works though, and invariably some come along to the next one. I always say it’s the quality of the people that turn up that makes it, not the quantity.

The Friday night’s prior has now become almost an event on their own. We are now getting up to 25 at a dinner at a pub or caravan park close to where the brekkie will be. (I prefer the cook ups at the caravan parks).

January this year was the fifth anniversary of the beginning of this great event. I decided we should celebrate it at the same cafe that it had started at. I rang the cafe and asked if they would be able to serve brekkies to about 60 odd (some very odd?) people. He was happy to do it. Quite a few of us organized accommodation in the area and met up for tea at Antique Motorcycles (in nearby Cheltenham) on Friday night. I took a wild guess and booked a table for 15, and that is exactly how many turned up.

On the Saturday morning my wife and I arrived right on 9.30 starting time and were absolutely gobsmacked at the amount of people already there. We ended up with 103 members from all over Victoria, and our constant South Australian attendees.

I try to promote the idea that these are for members and their friends and families, many bring along extras, some use the brekkies as an excuse to visit relatives either on the way to, or from VBC’s. There are no rules. Sometimes we raffle a bottle of wine, which is meant to be replaced and offered at the next one, hopefully a different bottle, although one appeared to be the same at a few different meetups.

It’s just a good excuse for a get together and a good chinwag.

In January this year, the VBC celebrated its fifth birthday, here is a pic from the beach behind the cafe, right on the beach.

The VBC meet on the second Saturday of every month at a difference location each time.

Somewhere in Victoria

Details are published in the Victorian Information Bulletin, (VIB). Check out our Facebook page, Victorian Breakfast Club.

Paul Butler #17758 Sec. Echuca Branch Ulysses Inc.

The Victorian Breakfast Club

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During the recent National Rally at Mornington, many of those who attended, contributed to this project by placing plastic bottle tops in the containers around the site. Thank you.

Since the Rally I have had several enquiries as to how people could continue to contribute to this project.

The project I collect for is based in Werribee, in the west of Melbourne. I am aware that there are other projects in other states but do not have information on these.

Envision Hands is a project that is supported by Coca Cola (helped purchase crushing machine), Rotary, Lions Club and people in the community. The collected bottle tops are crushed and made into plastic ribbon for 3D printers that then make prosthetic limbs and usable household items. As part of the e-NABLE project, Envision Hands aims to make 100 prosthetic limbs for disadvantaged children and communities throughout India and other Third World Countries.

These devices allow young people to undertake basic tasks such as picking up a cup, holding a fork to eat food, and clapping hands. The long term goal is to have communities, schools, etc making the hands thus being able to help more young people.

Get in Touch If you want to get involved or are keen to learn more then we would love to hear from you. Find out more at envision.org.au/, follow our campaign on our Facebook or get in touch with the team directly.

Sean: 0413 003 795 Joe: 0402 813 690 sean@envisionemployment.com.au Joe@envisionemployment.com.au

There are numerous drop off centres around the country.

https://envision.org.au/bottle-top-drop-off-locations/

I hope this helps those who want to continue collecting. If all else fails send them to me at PO Box 2043 Werribee 3030 and I will drop them off.

Lyn Tout

Member #42397

FROM BOTTLE TOPS TO PROSTHETIC LIMBS

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A good friend gave me a great T Shirt, it says “I’ve spent time behind bars”. And, for the last 45 years I’ve had motorcycle handlebars in front of me on nearly a daily basis. For the last 20 years I’ve tested a lot of vehicles steered by handlebars - quads, outfits and trikes. The trikes have taken

many forms, from 2 wheels at rear to 2 wheels at front. Down through the years the most fun I’ve had on rear wheeled trikes, has been with Johann Kastner’s Oz Trike machines.

The German built Boom Trike has been on Johann’s sales list for many years now. He still markets his Chopper styled trike, along with servicing the original air cooled VW powered models.

In recent years we’ve looked at the Boom powered by various engines from 1600cc to 2000cc and usually with a manual transmission. Currently there is a changeover happening with the existing 2 litre powered Peugot, which has been discontinued. There were 2 Booms that Johann requested I look at, both replacements for the 2 litre. First up was the 1.6 litre again with Peugot engine coupled to an auto gearbox. Second was the Mitsubishi 1.6 litre turbo charged power plant with a CVT (constant velocity transmission).

Both machines have similar equipment levels. The orange coloured Peugot was a 2 seater, while the red Mitsubishi was fitted for a rider and 3 passengers. At this point I’d like to say that the turbo Mitsubishi wasn’t my cup of tea. Oh, it had plenty of acceleration and with the CVT was a very easy ride, but, I’m old school and like to use engine breaking. There was a “tiptronic” shifter on the left switch block which allowed me to shift 7 ratios, however, where I’d like to have used it (i.e. entering and exiting corners) was a bit of a waste due to the aforementioned lack of engine breaking. Also, I’m not one who enjoys listening to a turbo ‘whoosh’ whenever the engine is revved. Interestingly, those revs change depending whether you are running along a flat or up a hill, this without moving the throttle (CVT again) and the idle needs to be gotten used to as it holds about 1800rpm for a few seconds after you pull to a stop. Like I said though, that’s just me, I know lots of other riders that would absolutely love the turbo engine and CVT.

Both machines had instrumentation with white fascias, which made the indicator and other warning lights hard to see during daylight hours. They were also, difficult to read at night under streetlights, but then, they turned out to be very good when there were no streetlights, as say on country roads. That said, I have the identical problem with my old ‘96 Honda Valkyrie, so there appears to be a choice by some manufacturers for these things to ‘look pretty’ rather than perhaps basic functionality. Oh, and those country roads at night? Not a problem with the headlights, they’re absolutely brilliant! High beam would singe the fur on a kangaroo at 100 metres!

The left hand grip has all the usual switches, however, these are set very close together and can be a problem hitting more than one with heavy gloves on. The emergency kill switch on the right switch block operates in the opposite direction to normal bikes, I got caught out by that one. There’s very little to operate, a single right pedal for all the braking and a simple motorcycle style twist and go throttle.

If there is one constant when riding/driving a Boom it would be the width of the rear end. The bum on this thing is as wide as a Ford Falcon and that can be a major concern if you forget this fact. I think lane splitting isn’t going to be an option for this thing!

Negotiating ‘speed humps’ and the like requires a bit of care as you sit very low in the trike. I scraped the heels of my boots a couple of times while heading through carparks etc. Sitting this low also means you have some difficulty in traffic, like seeing through a normal cars back window to view what’s in front of them. I also found it surprising that there was very little air buffeting, there was good protection from behind the large instrument cluster.

At something around 1000 kilograms, the ideal would be for 330kgs under each wheel. I placed a scale under the front wheel and got a reading of approximately 140 kilograms. This means that the Boom is pretty well balanced on the 3 wheels once the rider and or pillion are aboard. Obviously, with this in mind, front tyres will be changed out more often (at about

It is the night, My body’s weak I’m on the run, No time to sleep I’ve got to ride, Ride like the wind To be free again Ride Like The Wind by Christopher Cross - 1979

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25,000ks) than the massive rear ones. With a rear mounted wing/spoiler and a low centre of gravity this good front to rear balance means the vehicle is very stable during high speed cornering. The whole package gives confidence that would make many car drivers baulk, but then, that’s all you need to pilot a Boom in most Australian States, a car license. Unfortunately the Victorian State has a different view and there you will need a bike license, which is pretty silly seeing that it bears very little resemblance to riding a motorc

The Boom attracted attention wherever it went, parked by the curb or out on the highway (where car passengers snapped photos of us).

Comfortable, huge storage, safe and very stable, excellent fuel economy, what more could you ask for? You can even tow a trailer up to 325kg.

Yes, I’d love to own one. It would be an awesome super tourer. My favourite pillion agreed wholeheartedly and also loved her time behind the bars. My own view as pillion was similar to hers, very comfortable and enjoyable.

What would I like on my Boom Trike? Well, a screen might be good for winter, black or charcoal fascia on the instruments with white numbers, an extra set of mirrors at the ends of the light bar and maybe a cruise control.

If you aren’t convinced that a Chopper or Boom Trike is for you, then why not hire one for a day or 2 in order to help make up your mind ($340 per 24 hours mid-week or $630 from a Friday lunch time to Sunday night).

You can have the feel of a motorcycle with the versatility of a sports-car.

Starting prices are $34000 for the “old style” Chopper (1.6 litre rear engined, 4 speed manual), although the most popular optioned variant is closer to $37900. The base (1.6 litre mid-engined 4 speed manual) Boom Mustang is $46900. Go with the Mustang Advance and add options like automatic tranny or extra luggage frame and the price can climb north of $55,000.

You can contact Johann on 02 43721100 or visit at 6 Ainslie Close Somersby NSW.

I like going to the movies and if this Boom Trike was featured in a ‘flick’, then it’d be the star of the show. Give it an Oscar.

May Your Lid Never Skid. Ian Parks #11735

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Hello fellow members and fellow RVers...

My name Is Ken Tacon Ulysses #36130 and I am the New Australian Co-ordinator for the Ulysses RV Group. I have taken over from Rick Bedford.

To join the Ulysses Members RV Group, you simply need to be a member or previous member of the Ulysses Club Inc., or the spouse, partner or long-term companion of a Ulysses Club Inc. member.

The time is very fast approaching for out 12th A.G.M in Meningie SA in October from 14th to 20th.

The SA co-ordinators Max and Jackie and helpers have got an amazing program organised.

If you wish to attend, go to our website https://ulyssesrv.org and register.

We have had some amazing rallies including one down to Deniliquin organised by the Beechworth Bakery. A great time (thanks boys & girls)

We have had a lot of new members joining up and I welcome you and hope to catch up.

If you would like to join us at one of our Rallies head to our web page and click on Rallies to find one in your state.

Hoping to catch up with you all.

Travel safe and keep the sunny side up.

Ken Tacon #36130 National co-ordinator Ulysses Club RV members group Ken@ulyssesrv.org

MotocapRemember the ride in torrential rain when the new beaut gloves not only got soggy and swollen, but the runny dye left you with black-mottled hands for days afterward? Or the jacket with the tiny gap between the top of the collar and the bottom of your helmet, that managed to tangle stray hair into any exposed Velcro and left you with a sunburned hairline? Or the pants that are perhaps not the most refined in manufacture, with seams that leave blood encrusted welts on your legs, with knee pads so grand and thick they cut off circulation to everything below your knees when they grip the fuel tank? Or when the plastic and traditionally black oversized over pants had flapped their last gasp meaning, when touring, resorting to getting into and wrapping and taping over your saturated pants legs and hips the big dark green big rubbish bags to provide some protection in very nasty wet and cold weather (with the wet green plastic at 100 km/h flapping in rhythm to the pelting heavy rain?) Or the jacket with the elbow inserts that constantly work their way to your wrists, while the shoulder protection worked wonders

for feeling and looking like a hunchback? My stories of woe and misery associated with protective clothing stretch from the 70s, through the 80s, the 90s, the n00ghties and now well into the 21st century’s teen years ... labels, fashions, fabrics and fastenings come and go with mouldy remnants still crumpled in the dark dusty corners of the wardrobe with the mental note “don’t bother”.

Anyway, a consortium of government and private organisations across Australia and New Zealand has established MotoCap - the Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program. MotoCAP’s aim is to empower motorcyclists to choose the right gear to provide us with the best protection and comfort for the ride.

Most of the testing of protective gear to date is for the motorcycling male. However, the testing team is aware that women also ride motorcycles, and promise in time to test and publish results on women’s gear too.

Register for updates on the website: https://www.motocap.com.au/ Click on the name of a particular piece of gear for a very detailed report on each item, with ratings of “Good/Acceptable/Marginal/Poor” for different parts of your body.

Wendy Taylor #14921

Photo source: www.spokes.com.au Guide to buying motorcycle clothing

This article was first published in Women’s International Motorcycle Association (Australia Division) February 2019 newsletter

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GEARSHOPULYSSES CLUB INC. MERCHANDISE AND RIDE ACCESSORIES

For correct size, measure across the front of one of your good fitting garments from underarm to underarm. This is the cm measurement you use to order the correct size.

To order, visit the gearshop on our website www.ulyssesclub.org (you will need a login to order online) or call the National Administration Office on 1300 134 123

2018 revised edition of the Ulysses Story, learn about your clubs beginning from the first meeting up to recent times and the journey.

Cyan polo shirt in ladies and gents fit. Limited sizes available.

Light grey polo shirt in ladies and gents fit. Limited sizes available.

Pink stubby holders Polar Fleece Scarf for those winter days riding.

Sloppy Joe, fleecy lined with small Old Man Logo. Limited sizes available.

Riding Shirt, unisex, high neck and long sleeves. sizes XS to 4XL

Reversable Polar Fleece Vest, unisex with Old Man Logo. sizes Small to 4XL

Neck Wrap with old man logo, keep the cold wind out.

$20.00 $35.00 $35.00

$5.50 $14.00 $16.00

$47.00 $28.00 $40.00

NEW ITEM

NEW ITEM

price reduced

price reduced

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Ridden On

Alan Cubbadge Member #61155 2/09/1956 – 8/3/2019

Alan was a person that epitomised the term ‘A real gentleman’ and the members of the Joondalup Ulysses Branch will miss this gentleman, taken from us much too young after losing his fight with cancer.

Born in London, Alan emigrated from England to Australia with his family in 1965 and lived in suburban Perth. With grandfathers, father and uncle all motorcycle riders, (the family ‘car’ in England being a motor bike and sidecar) Alan grew up with an interest in motorcycles. He brought his first bike at 15 and remained a motorcycle enthusiast for the rest of his life, doing an advanced rider course at 16 and racing with the MCRC of WA from the age of 17, competing at the Wanneroo circuit and the quite dangerous regional circuits around WA during his racing years. Bike riding remained an important part of Alan’s life, both for commuting and enjoyment. He joined the Ulysses Club in 2012.

With a Degree in and Master of Science, Alan worked at Perth hospitals in Biochemistry Departments. Alan’s interests in life also included skiing, gym, music as an accomplished trumpeter, playing with groups such as the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and he had a love of cats. Each of Alan’s interest was carried out with upmost passion, especially his love of retro fashion and clothing, always being immaculately dressed, fully accessorised from shoes to hat. Even at our Saturday coffee meets he loved to attend, we could rely on Alan to show up in his pristine riding gear or fashion outfit if not riding.

He was a clever, well read, quirky, fun loving person that enjoyed telling friends interesting facts about all sorts of things. This Ulysses branch, along with family and friends will miss Alan, one of life’s real gentlemen.

Howard Hughes #66201 17/11/1958 to 01/03/2019

Howard joined as a member in March 2016 and had participated in Sunday rides and of late, camping trips organized by Terina. Sadly ‘Howie’ passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Friday 1st March while attending and volunteering at the Avalon Air Show. Prior to the Air Show, he had been enjoying Ulysses pre-Rally event rides with the ‘campers’, Terina and all.

Howard had spent his 43 years of working life with Australia Post and was relishing the thought of retirement later this year and planning his first big solo ride around Australia with the big Boulevard + trailer and spending more time with his son Kris and daughter Joanne.

‘Howie’ was always a gentleman, never an unkind word to or about anyone, just totally appreciative of opportunities in life.

Howard rode with our Ulysses Club Hobart Branch members as well as the camping enthusiasts. As well, he was a great supporter of our Tassie Black Dog rides around the State in 2016 and 2017; many of these riders were also Ulysses members.

A few additional words from Terina: I met Howard on the 2016 Black Dog Ride – he was a wonderful friend and gentleman with a great sense of humour. ‘Howie’ joined us on our camping adventures. His big adventure was to spend 8 days riding and camping in Victoria pre-Rally. He left the group at Healesville prior to heading on to Avalon. The ‘Ulysses family’ responded assisting with repatriating the bike and trailer back to Tasmania; special thanks to Kris (son), Ron from the Geelong Branch and many more. ‘Ride on Howie’ Terina Knight #422621

Now riding to eternity. Betty Parssey #10640 DM #48 Hobart Branch President.

Ron Johnston #16390 21/10/1955 – 15/03/2019

Ron loved motorbikes, most things mechanical and was a member of the Melbourne Sports Bike Riders’ Club and the Ulysses Club. His funeral was very well attended with members of both clubs there and many humorous tales were shared. Ron was an adopted child and his farewell ceremony was also warmed by tales of family reunions and trips back to his homeland in New Zealand. Ron is survived by his children Kelly, Daniel and Alister and six grandchildren. Ron had recently suffered way more than his fair share of hardship having lost his wife Julie-Anne in a tragic accident in 2018 and enduring health issues that had prevented him from riding for a significant period of time.

Rest In Peace Ron

John Cook – Melbourne Branch

Les Tapping #21354 13/09/1931 – 20/05/2019.

Member No: 21354 (that’s next to my number because we joined at the same time) passed away / ridden on last Monday 20th of May, 2019 at the RAH after a short illness. Les loved his Italian motorbikes, especially Moto Guzzi and French cars, namely Citroen and above all like-minded people. He was a sailor (big ocean-going ships), boilermaker, engineer. He also loved books, music, theatre and girls/women but never had the time or long and fast legs to catch and tether one. Goodbye mate.

Charlie Brown #21355

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Ridden On

Lucy M Freestone #55152 08/11/1962 - 04/04/2019

Lucy, also known as Lucretia, was a cheerful friendly member of the Macedon Ranges branch. Her personality radiated out to everyone around her making those people happy and relaxed. Lucretia’s presence will be missed. Her petite stature was stretched to its limit on her red Ducati Monster 696. She rode Daisy Duke everywhere, even on one very long section of gravel road in Tasmania where she earned the nickname Ms Grumpy. Early in 2018 she acquired an Indian Scout which she had been lusting over from the first time she saw it, from another branch member and rode it to many destinations. Not a committee member but always ready to assist with getting things done. Need to have a serious conversation with someone then talk to Lucy. Need to have some playful and engaging banter then talk to Lucretia. Start with one and end with the other, it mattered not. She was bright, thoughtful, helpful, talented, kind and easily moved among the conversations of friends.

Lucy is sadly missed by Mark, their families and her friends in Ulysses.

“I am not to speak to you, I am to think of you when I sit alone or wake at night alone,

I am to wait, I do not doubt I am to meet you again,

I am to see to it that I do not lose you.”

― Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

Farewell Lucretia, my friend,

Ken Hager #25809

Brisbane - DarwinOutback Adventure via Hells Gate

3500+km, on a small motorcycle? Riding north through the tropics the humidity builds, roads change from highway to single lane to wide red dirt. A serious adventure - remote country, small towns, bitumen, dirt, corrugations, bulldust, river crossings and crystal clear artesian water holes, make this a great adventure.

Entries open Aug 2019. Earlybird sale until 31/12/2019. NOW $4950 (was $5650): Incl bike, accom, meals, mechanics, spares, support vehicles and donation to community group(s).

www.postiebikechallenge.org Ph. 0411 090 891

September 2020

Earlybird sale! Save $700

Ron Weste #3181

11/07/1938–19/04/19

Ron passed away suddenly on Good Friday. He will be sadly missed by the members in our branch and the local community. Ron was originally a Melbourne Branch member. He joined a small group of Ulysses riders in the Sunbury area northwest of Melbourne and formed the Macedon Ranges Branch. He became the first branch President in 2001. Ron was a wealth of information and was a great person to talk to as he actually listened to what you had to say! On the other hand, he could tell you a good story. Not only was Ron a prolific rider, he was also a fantastic photographer who had books published containing his excellent photos of feathered birds and motorcycles. Ron also loved his bikes (at least 48 of them but not all at one time, a serial owner) and spent many hours during riding with his friends and family.

Ron’s legacy at our branch will live on.

Michael Bevan #50364 Macedon Ranges Branch

Gear Shop is accessed from the Members page – a member needs to login to access this page.https://www.ulyssesclub.org/Members.aspx

If a login is required, please contact Administration on administration@ulysses.org.au with name and member number

GEAR SHOP

INFO ABOUT YOUR CLUB

CLASSIFIEDS

CLUB CONTACT LISTING

WHERE TO ACCESS ONLINE CONTENT:

Members Classifieds is accessed from the Members page – a member needs to login to access this page.http://www.ulyssesclub.org/Members/Classifieds.aspxIf they need a login, please contact Administration on administration@ulysses.org.au with name and member number

Club Contact Listing. All Branch websites can be accessed from this page, including the updated Google Map which shows the details for every Branch and provides links to each Branch websitehttps://www.ulyssesclub.org/Branches.aspx

Info About Your Club. The same information is listed in the FAQs page, under the Members Page – a member needs to login to access this page.https://www.ulyssesclub.org/Members/FAQs.aspxIf they need a login, please contact Administration on administration@ulysses.org.au with name and member number

MEMBERS SNAPS

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Robert Rowe #56272 from his trip to Western Europe & North Africa last year.

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