August 2013 Volume 28 Number 8 Newsletter 237

Membership in the ACT Region: Approximately 700

RIDING ON TOO

NEWSLETTER OFTHE ULYSSES CLUB

CANBERRA BRANCH

http://ulyssescanberrabranch.blogspot.com.au/

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Welcome everyone,

I wish to start this report with an apology concerning the emails I sent the other day when I accidentally senteveryone’s email address out. As soon as I pressed the send button I realised what I had done but all I can do isapologise and make sure it does not happen again.

Unfortunately I was in Melbourne last week when Peter Arday called to let me know that Vic Lesslie had passed away onSunday 4th August 2013 at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Sydney. I am sad that a much loved member of the Ulysses familywill be missed by so many members. I was grateful that Peter Arday, Jen Woods, Daryl and Caroline Palin could representthe Canberra Ulysses members in my absence, attending the service and organising a wreath for the funeral held on Friday9th August at Pinegrove Memorial Park, Minchinbury.

Memorial Ride – Sunday, 8th September 2013 - this is our chance as the Canberra branch of the Ulysses Club to show oursolidarity by riding to Cordeaux Dam to meet with other Ulysses members to pay our respects to our family members whohave passed away and to show that they are not forgotten but are with us in our thoughts and memories forever. Pleasesee the ride calendar for details.

Wall to Wall Ride - Saturday, 14 September 2013 - the Wall to Wall Ride is run annually to commemorate and rememberthose members who serve as Police Officers in Australia and who have lost their lives on duty. The ride also raises funds fortheir families.  The ride will be attended by members of the Police.To register go to http://www.walltowallride.com

Reminder about a fund-raising trivia night for Snowy Hydro Southcare, to be held at The Rex Hotel, 150 Northbourne Ave,Braddon at 6 pm for 7pm on Friday 25 October. Tickets - $30.00pp or $270.00 per table (max. 10 members) - to registeryour team contact 02 5207 9923 or email info@snowyhydrosouthcare.com.au

Jan Wills wanted to notify the members that both she and Butch will not be at Tuesday’s meeting – therefore orders willnot be available.

I hope all are happy and well after another busy month with our Christmas in July at Merimbula. I would like to thank JudyPerry for another absolutely brilliant Christmas in July outing for our club. The weather was great and even the local councilresurfaced the road down to Merimbula - I wish she could talk to my council to give them a hurry up. The food was great,the group of Canberra members who went had a ball and even the breakfast put on by Daryl, Caroline and helpers wasamazing. I was impressed after all the hard work which went into another great Canberra Christmas in July the amount offun we have when we get together. For those who did not come you will only find out what went on - by making sure youdo not miss next year.

Thankyou

Keep safe until we meetMichael Winters

PO Box 387CurtinACT 2605

Our current committee is:

Position Name Contact e-mailPresident Michael Winters 0412 134 376 michaelianwinters@gmail.com

Secretary Chris Dietzel 0432 632 667 cdietzel@tpg.com.au

Treasurer Peter Thomas 0431 698 130 plthomas@grapevine.com.au

Committee Member Ian Paterson 0427 291 728 iansallypaterson@iinet.net.au

Committee Member Maritta Heiler 0417 633 000 maritta.h@bigpond.com

Committee Member John Meert 0417 247 603 gmeert@bigpond.net.au

Ride Coordinator Ian Paterson 0427 291 728 iansallypaterson@iinet.net.au

Quartermaster Jan Wills 0412 814 843 janw@bigpond.com

Safety Officer

and Webmaster Gary McDonald 0408 434 549 kurrajong@internode.on.net

Social Secretary Judy Perry 0438 511 991 judyperry@netspeed.com.au

Welfare Officer Chas & Jen Towie 0422 970 556 (C) 0407 586 439 (J) cjtowie@bigpond.com

Historian Vacant

RO2 Editor Lyn Munday 0419 213 944 RO2Editor@live.com

2Canberra branch committee

Canberra branch general meeting 3

Ulysses Canberra BranchSocial Meeting

Tuesday 16 July 2013

The President opened the meeting at 7.40PM.

In Attendance: 42 members and visitors were in attendance.Apologies: Peter Arday, Sharon Costigan, Margaret Titheradge, Jen Towie, Caroline Palin, Maxine & BrysonHolden, John Meert.

Visitors and new members:Arthur McGlynn: Nomad 1700.Terry Lock: Suzuki Boulevard.Welcome all to the Branch and Club. We also hosted Andrew Barber, from Canberra Motorcycle Centre.

Secretary’s report – Inwards correspondence:Ø Letter from Helena & David Gritton, expressing thanks to the Canberra Branch for the friendship and

assistance offered to Helena after her unfortunate ‘off’ returning from the AGM; the letter was read outby our new Welfare Officer, Chas Towie.

Ø VV&CMCC ACT Inc – July 2013 ‘Bike Torque’ newsletter.Ø NATCOM: E-newsletter #1 dated 12/7/2013; news: Looks like Ulysses Club in the UK is on the mend,

with a new club formed “Ulysses Club, Great Britain”; and a strong possibility of “Ulysses Club, France”,being formed.

Ø Flyer, Wagga Wagga branch; Club ride to Morundah, NSW, 4/8/2013. Copies on table at back of room.Ø CPS Credit Union – Bank statement (handed to Treasurer).Ø Correspondence from Bendigo Bank to president: confirmation of signatory to account.Ø Email from South Coast Branch: Advertising their upcoming ‘Meet & Greet’ weekend of 11-13/10/2013.Ø NATCOM meeting Minutes 18/5/2013.Ø NATCOM: Minutes of Extended NATCOMM meeting held at AGM 20/4/2013.Ø NATCOM: Minutes of AGM held in Maryborough, 20/4/2013.

Treasurer’s report: Treasurer’s report was posted in the July RO2: Main A/C, $289, BBQ A/C $1800, InvestmentA/C $2600.

Rider Development/Webmaster: Webmaster – advises the Branch ‘Twitter’ account has been created.For rider development aspects, “read the RO2”.

Ride Coordinator: Rides are posted in the RO2 until 29 September, and on the Web site. Don’t forget club rideto Merimbula, 27-28/7/2013 ‘Christmas in July’. Michael Winters leading, departing 1000 Caltex Hume.

Social Secretary: Reminder about the Christmas In July weekend at Merimbula. Accommodation bookings:Read this month’s RO2 for details, and email Judy confirmation of attendance (for booking the dinner venue).Bring gift to value of $20/person, wrapped, for ‘Kris Kringle’.

RO2 Editor: Thanks to Lyn for another awesome RO2. Same message – more ride reports please.

Guest Speakers: John Meert not present, so no advice available as to who is lined up for upcoming meetings asguest speaker. Tonight’s guest speaker is Andrew Barber (Canberra Motorcycle Centre).

Welfare Officer: Welcome, and thanks, to Chas and Jen Towie, into this new role. Branch contact list has beenupdated with this information to go to Head Office.

4General meeting (cont)

BBQ Report: Kevin Shanley advises that $424 profit was made at the fundraiser BBQ at CMC on 15 June. A greateffort, and thanks to all that provided their support and time to help on the day. The next BBQ will be held onSaturday 21 September. Please come along and assist.

Quartermaster Report: Please keep the orders coming, and allow delivery time. Come and check out whatmerchandise the Q-Store has in stock. This month: $50 denim Draggin Jeans, as new; a pair of pannier liners suitKawasaki Concours 1000 (GTR1000) $30/pair. There are plenty of Branch logo shirts for sale.

NATCOM/MRA Report:Jen advises upcoming events: MRA hosting Pink Ribbon Ride; Bikers Breakfast (for info, go to MRA web site). Jenwill attend the Australian Motorcycle User’s conference in July.Jen also advises MRA is requesting advice from riders as to vulnerabilities and issues we see and face on theroad, so as to allow a submission to authorities to ‘better our lot’ while on the road.

General Business:Mal Garner advises Toy Run is fast approaching; get the loose change & donations in to any fire station by thebeginning of November. Charity is St John’s Care.A question was asked by one of the members, “Now that there is competition on the CTP aspects of registration,will the prices of rego come down?”. Andrew Barber offered this observation – government has no intention ofchanging the rego fee, and since the underwriters of the 3 new providers are all Suncorp/Metway, don’t expectany change – there is still a gross lack of competition. The fees appear to be driven by wrongful ACT Governmentlegislation.Next social meeting will be held on Tuesday 20/8/2013 at 7.30pm at the Italo Club, Forrest.Meeting concluded at 8:20 pm.

Guest Speaker (Andrew Barber, Canberra Motorcycle Centre):Essentially, the message was ‘all Motorcycle dealerships are suffering, please support the local businesses’.Andrew ran a quiz of a few questions on what type of bikes are drawing the best sales, and some Ulysses Club-specific questions, with some goodie-bags as the prizes. Thanks Andrew.

Twitter is a short message service for the internet rather like SMS fora phone. Smart phones can send and receive tweets (messages) aswell.

Unlike an SMS a tweet can be more visible to the general community, and people can choose to receive your tweets andsend them on, attaching comments at a whim.

The result is that if even only one or two in a riding group have a twitter account and follow Ulysses Canberra(@UlyssesCanberra) then messages for the branch / riders can be exchanged quickly.

Messages (tweets) could be anything from general or emergency announcements, change of plan or a "wish you werehere".

Go here to sign up: https://twitter.com/ and create your account -  like a webpage it can be as simple or as complex as youwant. Follow Ulysses Canberra, or anyone else who takes your interest, or tweet what your doing if you want company or toarouse envy in those who didn't ride today, or sympathy when you've found your own special thunderstorm. CurrentlyUlysses Canberra is following the MRA ACT ‏ @MRAACT and Ulysses Club Inc. ‏ @UlyssesClubAustGo here to see our (Ulysses Canberra) tweets: https://twitter.com/UlyssesCanberra

Find a "How to" here: http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Twitter or google something like "twitter basics", "twitter help", "twitternewbie", "twitter primer" - for a deluge of information.

Tweet tweet!

https://twitter.com/UlyssesCanberra

5

Nominations are now open for theNational Committee 2014

Ulysses Club Inc.National Annual General Meeting 2014

Nominations for positions on the National Committee for 2014 must be received by the National Secretary byNovember 30, 2013.

Nominations should be addressed to the National Secretary and sent to:

Ulysses Club Inc. Administration OfficePO Box 3242NARELLAN NSW 2567

Please note that all nominations must be in writing and need to be signed by the Proposer, Seconder andNominee, who must all be financial members of Ulysses Club Inc.

To request a copy of the Nomination Form please email secretary@ulysses.org.au

Yours Sincerely,

John EvansNational SecretaryUlysses Club Inc.

Name badges

Leo Farrelly is ready to take orders for Name Badges for those who require one - new orreplacement.

Magnetic badges are $13.50 and pin badges $12.80, including postage.The postage works on a minimum order of 5 badges.

If you would like to order a badge contact Leo at: leof1@iinet.net.au and pay on delivery at aBranch meeting.

For sale2004 BMW R1150RS

$7,750 ono54,000 kilometers

Registered until November 2013.Excellent condition, a couple of minor

scratches.Comes with new battery, trickle charger,

tank bag, owners manuals, service history.Jeremy Thompson 0419286070

6

The Triumph Trophy SE 2013 - an unbiased opinion

I was given a great opportunity to evaluate my next steed when Anders of Eurotune in Queanbeyan offered to let metake the Triumph Trophy for a short test ride. I collected the bike on the Friday afternoon so we could lead theprogression of motor cycles to Merimbula first thing on Saturday morning for Christmas in July.

My first impression was that it seems twice the size of our Sprint butonce you start riding this impression diminishes. The lower seatingposition caters for my long lanky legs and the wide handle bars help tomanoeuvre the bike when needed. The bike is well balanced and copeseasily with any speed from pottering around to full throttle on the openhighway and you are confident that you are backed up by the stablerock solid feel of the Triumph brand. The brakes pull you up withouthesitation and using the rear brake pedal does not hamper the balanceas it is linked to one front disc and rear brake.

Tracey climbed aboard once we had packed all our gear into the largercapacity panniers and reported she was impressed with the ease ofembarking and the large soft comfortable seat (I’m hoping this is enoughto sway her to allow me to buy the Trophy – clever Anders). Aftermeeting up with everyone at Hume we started down the highway toCooma and I played with the cruise control, the screen and scrolledthrough the readouts showing tyre pressure, seating position, etc. I wassurprised to find the fuel economy was running around 4.5 litres per100klms giving you a 530kms ride before refuelling. We stopped atNimmitabel for lunch where we had to allow extra room to park the bikeas my long legs made reversing uphill a little harder. After lunch wetravelled down Brown Mountain where it was hard to let the bike flowdue to the four wheel vehicles hogging the road with nowhere to passsafely.

Arriving at Merimbula neither of us was achy or sore. Starting up on Sunday morning we headed to Bermagui via Tathraalong a nice twisty section of road but the suspension was possibly too soft for two up with luggage riding on the softsetting. We were able to change it at the stop at Bermagui to the normal setting which changed the handling more tomy liking. We rode through another lovely section of road passing water views and sleepy villages. I refuelled the bikeat Bodalla before stopping at the Dairy Shed for lunch which allowed the group some great food and a break beforeheading back home. Tracey and I travelled by ourselves back to Bungendore without stopping and even after I pulled aback muscle while packing I wasn’t uncomfortable travelling home.

The moment which made my mind up was when we rode up the Clyde Mountain as one with nature through theflowing corners letting the Triumph take control of the road as it unfolded in front of us. The windshield impressed meas it not only electronically adjusts six inches to suit you, but it also actually remembers its last position. So, when youstart the bike, you don’t have to waste time readjusting it. The nice thing is that we could talk to each other while ridingat lower speeds as it blocks out the noise of the wind.

I handed the Trophy back on Monday - it was a sad moment but I was very impressed with the bike. A special thankyouto Anders from Eurotune in Queanbeyan for allowing me to take the bike out for a real test ride. I walked outside toride my Sprint home and after riding the Trophy all weekend it seemed smaller than I remembered.

My final hurdle is to convince my wife to let me purchase our new champagne coloured Triumph Trophy possible in2014.

I hope you are listening Mr Triumph.

Michael Winters

Green shopping bags 7

Checking out at the store, the young cashiersuggested to the older woman, that she shouldbring her own grocery bags because plastic bagsweren't good for the environment.

The woman apologized and explained, "We didn'thave this green thing back in my earlier days."The young clerk responded, "That's ourproblem today. Your generation did not care enoughto save our environment for future generations."

She was right -- our generation didn't have thegreen thing in its day.

Back then, we returned milk bottles, sodabottles and beer bottles to the store. Thestore sent them back to the plant to bewashed and sterilized and refilled, so itcould use the same bottles over and over.So they really were truly recycled. But we didn'thave the green thing back in our day.

Grocery stores bagged our groceries in brownpaper bags, that we reused for numerousthings, most memorable besides householdgarbage bags, was the use of brown paper

bags as book covers for our schoolbooks. This was toensure that public property, (the books provided forour use by the school) was not defaced by ourscribbling's. Then we were able to personalizeour books on the brown paper bags. But too bad wedidn't do the green thing back then.

We walked up stairs, because we didn't have anescalator in every store and officebuilding. We walked to the grocerystore and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time wehad to go two blocks. But she was right. We didn'thave the green thing in our day.

Back then, we washed the baby's diapers becausewe didn't have the throwaway kind. We dried

clothes on a line, not in an energy-gobbling machine burning up 220 volts-- wind and solar power really did dryour clothes back in our early days. Kids

got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers orsisters, not always brand-new clothing. But thatyoung lady is right; we didn't have the green thingback in our day.

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, inthe house -- not a TV in every room. Andthe TV had a small screen the size of ahandkerchief (remember them?), not ascreen the size of the state of Montana.

In the kitchen, we blended and stirredby hand because we didn't haveelectric machines to do everything forus. When we packaged a fragile itemto send in the mail, we used wadded

up old newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam orplastic bubble wrap.

Back then, we didn't fire up an engineand burn gasoline just to cut the lawn.We used a push mower that ran onhuman power. We exercised byworking so we didn't need to go to ahealth club to run on treadmills thatoperate on electricity. But she's right; we didn't havethe green thing back then.

We drank from a fountain when we werethirsty instead of using a cup or a plasticbottle every time we had a drink of water.We refilled writing pens with ink instead ofbuying a new pen, and we replaced therazor blades in a razor instead of throwing

away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.But we didn't have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took thestreetcar or a bus and kids rodetheir bikes to school or walkedinstead of turning their moms intoa 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet ina room, not an entire bank of sockets to power adozen appliances. And we didn't need acomputerized gadget to receive a signal beamedfrom satellites 23,000 miles out in space inorder to find the nearest burger joint.

But isn't it sad the current generationlaments how wasteful we old folkswere just because we didn't have thegreen thing back then?

Please forward this on to another selfish oldperson who needs a lesson in conservation from asmart-ass young person.

8treasurer’s report

UlyssesACTTREASURER'S REPORT

12 Jul 2013 to 06 Aug 2013Bendigo 1

Opening Balance: $ 259.58RECEIPTS & EXPENDITURE:RECEIPTS Amount this period

Operating Income $ 39.20Newsletter $ 39.20

TOTAL RECEIPTS $ 39.20

EXPENSES Amount this periodOperating Expenses $ 27.60

Printing & Stationery $ 27.60Staff Expenses $ 33.56

Staff Amenities $ 33.56

TOTAL PAYMENTS $ 61.16

TOTAL RECEIPTS - TOTAL PAYMENTS -$ 21.96

Closing Balance: $ 237.62OTHER ACCOUNTS

INV balance: $ 2,381.64 Bendigo BBQ balance: $ 1,823.94

For those members who are maybe not familiarwith what the Canberra Branchhas done for the past few years

Over the course of the year, weask that you put your spare

change (5¢, 10¢ or even bigger ifyou like) into a money box and at

the end of the year Mal Garner will collect thismoney from everyone and have it counted by the

Bendigo Bank. If you do not have a money box,see Mal and he can arrange to get one for you.

The money raised in this way is then donated tothe collection at the MRA Toy Run which is held in

December every year.

The website address iswww.canberramotorbikeparking.net

We hope you find it useful.

Safe parking,

Kate

Metro Petroleum

Supplier of gas for Ulysses BBQ

65 Tharwa Rd QueanbeyanPh: 6297 1471

RIDER DEVELOPMENT 9

Reflections on training matters

Over the last few months I've been working with a learner rider again. Wehaven't had any new Ulysses learners for a while which is a little worry. Weused to see quite a few - perhaps we need a membership drive or maybe weneed to be a bit more "disgraceful". It’s good that the membership we havemaintains the standard and I gather provided an excellent turnout for theChristmas in July. Just the same it would be good to see a steady influx ofnew folk, and perhaps a few more to join the novice and Rusty Rider crew.

My current student is a highly motivated young fellow. It’s always gratifyingto see someone seriously working at improving their riding and working hard to be a better rider. Mind you,passing your MOST test is a big motivator. I do get the impression that this student won't just stop there. That’simportant because while the MOST is a useful demonstration of skills, they are still only the baseline, and wealways should be seeking to move on from there.

This training for L's and our P's carries so much value bundled up in it that I can understand many of our noviceriders may not take it all in at first. Just the same they are given enough of the handling and thinking skills toseriously aid their survival and hopefully help form good habits to base their safe riding lives on. They arecertainly better armed than I was, when I headed off to Sydney to take my first serious job many years ago.

I had some basic trail riding skills honed on coastal sand dunes and the south coast logging trails, but I had no realhigh speed cornering skill and my braking was beyond woeful. The first test after picking my trail bike up from atransport company  was dealing with heavy rain, oily roads and a lost driver who didn't think his Give Way signmeant that he had to give way to me. Less than an hour in Sydney and it wasn't looking good.

It did get better after that, and with a bit of guidance from Mr Atlee out at Amaroo , things started to tip in myfavour. There were a few more mishaps but no serious broken bones and very little in the way of abrasions ( I'msure skiing has hurt me more). Most knocks were more a matter of pride, and given my age at the time no realharm in hindsight. In this respect the current training system is a magnificent "legup" into a long safe ridingcareer than the adhoc self or mate taught system most of us started out with.

I don't always tell my students this, but I still take away a great deal of benefit for myself whenever I assist withtheir training. I get to refresh my teaching skills, my "patter" and new insights into the teaching and learningprocess. There's also a certain pride in my students as they strive to meet their challenges.

I'm always mindful of the Tennyson poem which was inspiration for our club (at the very least our name). The lastlines "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." It always resonates well. It has inspired me to try a few newthings outside my motorcycling life and there's been some benefits to stepping well out of my comfort zone.

Strangely enough, like the rider training, I have recently found that a fewtrades based courses are filling in gaps and fine tuning  my self-taughthandyman skills.

Who would havethought.......

Safe Riding and great rides!

Gary Mac

What’s onMonthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday

of the month at 7.30pm at theItalo Australian Club, 78 Franklin St, Forrest.Arrive EARLY FOR Dinner with other members,

before the meeting, from 6.30pm

Next meeting Tuesday 20 August 2013

10

Saturday morning informal get-together

We’re trying out an informal gathering place for coffee and companionship!Drop in and give it a go. Hope to see you there!

Industry CaféCorner Barrier and Ipswich StreetsFyshwick (opposite Harvey Norman)From 10:30am (café closes at 1:00pm)

Ulysses By Alfred, Lord TennysonIt little profits that an idle king,By this still hearth, among these barren crags,Match'd with an aged wife, I mete and doleUnequal laws unto a savage race,That hoard, and sleep, and feed, and know not me.I cannot rest from travel: I will drinkLife to the lees: All times I have enjoy'dGreatly, have suffer'd greatly, both with thoseThat loved me, and alone, on shore, and whenThro' scudding drifts the rainy HyadesVext the dim sea: I am become a name;For always roaming with a hungry heartMuch have I seen and known; cities of menAnd manners, climates, councils, governments,Myself not least, but honour'd of them all;And drunk delight of battle with my peers,Far on the ringing plains of windy Troy.I am a part of all that I have met;Yet all experience is an arch wherethro'Gleams that untravell'd world whose margin fadesFor ever and forever when I move.How dull it is to pause, to make an end,To rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use!As tho' to breathe were life! Life piled on lifeWere all too little, and of one to meLittle remains: but every hour is savedFrom that eternal silence, something more,A bringer of new things; and vile it wereFor some three suns to store and hoard myself,And this gray spirit yearning in desireTo follow knowledge like a sinking star,Beyond the utmost bound of human thought.

         This is my son, mine own Telemachus,To whom I leave the sceptre and the isle,—

Well-loved of me, discerning to fulfilThis labour, by slow prudence to make mildA rugged people, and thro' soft degreesSubdue them to the useful and the good.Most blameless is he, centred in the sphereOf common duties, decent not to failIn offices of tenderness, and payMeet adoration to my household gods,When I am gone. He works his work, I mine.

         There lies the port; the vessel puffs her sail:There gloom the dark, broad seas. My mariners,Souls that have toil'd, and wrought, and thought withme—That ever with a frolic welcome tookThe thunder and the sunshine, and opposedFree hearts, free foreheads—you and I are old;Old age hath yet his honour and his toil;Death closes all: but something ere the end,Some work of noble note, may yet be done,Not unbecoming men that strove with Gods.The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks:The long day wanes: the slow moon climbs: the deepMoans round with many voices. Come, my friends,'T is not too late to seek a newer world.Push off, and sitting well in order smiteThe sounding furrows; for my purpose holdsTo sail beyond the sunset, and the bathsOf all the western stars, until I die.It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'We are not now that strength which in old daysMoved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;One equal temper of heroic hearts,Made weak by time and fate, but strong in willTo strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

11Ride reports

Australian Motorcycle Council 4th Annual Federal Members and Senators motorcycle ride.25th June, 2013.

Tuesday morning dawned grey, wet and with gusty winds just to add to the enjoyment of riding motorcycles.I headed into Parliament House to meet the hoard of Ulysses riders waiting there - but I only found two hardyUlysses members who were prepared to support the motorcycle riders of Australia. We joined members of theMRA, Motorcycling Council of Australia and others.

We talked amongst ourselves and discussed motorcycling issues withlocal and Federal Politicians. We listened to Anthony Albanese speakto the media, and the Opposition’s transport minister read out a verysimilar speech in support of the measures, all looking to the future ofmotorcycling as a growing part of the transport industry – the fullspeech is on our blog.

Afterwards, we rode to Robbo’s and I would like to thank them for thefine spread of food prepared for our morning tea - we sat down to adiscussion about motorcycling and the possible outcomes of Anthony Albanese’s speech.

After saying goodbye to our group, I travelled back through Queanbeyan arriving at the roundabout atMacDonald’s where a truck using the roundabout was travelling in a wide circle - the driver was using a mobilephone in one hand and steering the truck with the other hand.

As I started to ride through the roundabout another driver turned left in front of me - reading a map or a bookand not even looking or noticing me on her right already on the roundabout.Half a kilometre away at the Yass Rd roundabout I was in the left lane, to head up the hill towards Bungendore,and already halfway across the intersection when the vehicle on my left entered the roundabout crossing mypath.

Now I know I am not invisible and I know this all happened in Queanbeyan, but they were not all NSW registeredvehicles, so don’t blame Queanbeyan. These are the drivers we all encounter on the road!The only thing I can say is thank God I spent the last three years regaining my riding skills. I took up the offer toparticipate in the Stayupright Masters riding course just after joining the Club choosing to take my time and totravel with experienced riders to gain new skills. We should never stop learning.

We MUST always BE AWARE of other road users making mistakes, being too aggressive or simply disobeying theroad rules – my goal is to survive and enjoy riding again.

Keep safe until we meet.Mick Winters

Joe's Motorcycles Pty Ltd15-17 COLLIE STREET

FYSHWICK

ACT 2609

Contact

Ph:02: 6280 6223

Fax: 02: 6239 1442

www.joesmotorcycles.com.au

RIDE REPORTS (cont) 12

Christmas in July – Merimbula27th & 28th July 2013

The 42 attendees (not individually named due to space restrictions) all had an absolute blast and the peoplewho did not come will have to imagine the great fun we had. We met everyone at Hume, test riding theTriumph Trophy SE 2013, which Mick had picked up from Eurotune the day before. The weather was glorious aswe all gathered at Hume with Mick ticking off attendees and Judy gathering funds for the dinner. The ride downthe Monaro Highway to the Nimmitabel Bakery was alternately sunny (relatively warm) and foggy (chilly). Webypassed Cooma taking the Polo Flat Road arriving at the bakery for an early lunch at 11.30. Tracey canrecommend the caramel and macadamia slice. Forewarned of the numbers expected the bakery coped very welland it was warm and cosy inside with everyone indulging in the culinary delights and coffee on offer.

We travelled along the Snowy Mountains Highway through Candelo seeingwallabies, hawks and an echidna on the way. Brown Mountain was fun on thenew bike although Mick was frustrated he couldn’t give the bike its head dueto the overly cautious car in front - we spent most of the time inhaling cookedbrake fumes. We arrived at Merimbula around 2pm with everyone checking in– except Judy who seemed confused over her reservation (which Motel?) andhad to resort to blaming her chauffeur for the mix-up. After an entertainingwalk on the Merimbula boardwalk it was time to get back to our rooms, getready, and meet everyone else at the Club Sapphire dressed in their Christmasfinery.

We met Leo first – he had come dressed as a present – sadly his suggestion toa lady that she might like to take him home and unwrap him was politelydeclined. After some pre dinner drinks we were herded into a room especiallyput aside for us. 42 of ussat down to a festive

dinner of soup, turkey with vegetables and plum puddingwith cream and custard. Then the real fun began with theusual Secret Santa mayhem – a bottle of rum proved verypopular changing hands many times, but the holder of thelast ticket decided to swap his gift for a jewellery box hiswife had taken a fancy to. Prizes were handed to the bestdressed for the night. While some danced or bingoed thenight away, we two and Judy were clever enough to catchthe club courtesy bus back to our lodgings where a selectfew were invited to a port party.

The next day dawned cloudy but this did little to dampenour enthusiasm for a BBQ breakfast – Darryl, Mike andCaroline excelled at cooking enough bacon, eggs andtoast to feed an army – thanks guys! Washing this downwith juice, tea and coffee it was a good chance to discussthe previous night and plan the trip home. We took theroad to Bermagui via Tathra encountering a few boyracers on the way (some were even ours and you knowwho you are). After coffee at the Sundeck Café at theBermagui Fishermen’s Wharf we travelled to the BodallaDairy Shed for lunch – again encountering a boy racer ona Ducati (another Sunday rider). Much time was spent

ride reports (cont) 13

(wasted) trying to convince Tracey to let Mick buy the Trophy (one bottom,one licence = one bike!) After lunch everyone staggered their departure andwe were almost the last to leave arriving home by 3.30.

Another fabulous Canberra Ulysses Xmas in July capably organised by Judy.While the weather was kind to us, the roads twisty enough and the test bikea joy, the success of this special annual weekend is due to the hard workdone by Judy in organising the whole event – the venue, the menu, SecretSanta and the suggestions for accommodation.

Many thanks to Judy from all who attended this marvellous event.

Tracey Winters.

Meet and Greet with the Foster Ulysses Club at their Christmas in July 20-21 July 2013.

Tracey and I were asked to come and share the Forster Ulysses Club’s Christmas in July at the Albert andVictoria Guest House in Mt Victoria close to Katoomba. We are connected to this group by Kris and PeterBentley who are Tracey’s sister and brother in-law and they are the reason I started looking at the Ulysses cluboriginally even before buying my Sprint. I met this group of friends two years ago when I took my first long rideafter twenty five years, travelling to visit my family near the Queensland border. I stopped off and stayed thenight with Kris and Peter at Wingham and joined them for a club ride to Kempsey. On the way back I was invitedto join them for their Christmas party so this was my first example of how big our Ulysses family actually is.Coincidentally we bumped into three of them while queuing for the Grand Parade at the Maryborough AGM.

Travelling via the Queanbeyan Aldi store to pick up somemore winter warmers in our new Pearl Wing we madeour way to the Goulburn bakery for a late breakfast thendrove through Taralga, Oberon and on to Mt Victoria. Wearrived at a building still in the 1920’s era with lovelystaircases and fixtures. We were greeted by the Managerand Chef and shown to our room where we rested untilthe main group of twenty two arrived from Taree. Aftersome brief introductions we moved to the Imperial Hotel,

14ride reports (cont)

opened in 1878, to start our Christmas celebrations in front ofblazing open fires. After a couple of hours we walked back to ourguest house to find a long table had been set with a Christmastheme in the dining room.

The food was delicious – smoked salmon with a savoury creamcheese filling lying on a rosti bed accompanied by grilled asparagus,pork and turkey with as many baked vegetable as you could eat,finishing with plum pudding served with berries and cream – allwashed down with mulled wine. The festivities went on with thenormal banter between members and their wives and a great nightwas had by all.

We woke to the sounds of practice for the Moto GP as members huddled in the upstairs TV viewing area. TheGuest House laid on a hot breakfast with individual tastes catered for served in the breakfast room – cereal,toast, eggs (cooked to your liking), bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes andjuice with coffee and tea on tap.

As the Forster bikes are more used to warmer climes, some sounded ablack ice alarm, even though they had spent the night safely parkedundercover, as the temperature dipped to below zero as they left thewarmth of the shed. After packing and loading the Pearl Wing andsaying our good byes we hit the road to Oberon where the temperaturedid not rise above 2 degrees. Snow had been forecast overnight andsure enough there was snow covering the ground and trees beside theroad all the way to the Abercrombie caves.

We thought we would meet up with the brave riders of the ACT Ulysses Club at Taralga Pub for lunch aftergiving the Forster group a hard time about their dislike of cold weather, but all we did was watch a movie withthe publican and some locals, enjoying a healthy meal of chips and gravy, before heading home alone.We considered this weekend a dress rehearsal for the main event – the Canberra Ulysses Club Christmas in Julyto be held at Merimbula and we’ve suggested to our in-laws that they come to our Club’s celebration next yearto see how much fun we have.

Mick.

I no longer have problems with road rage.You may not have known I had issues with road rage.However, since I picked up my new bike people nolonger seem to annoy me any more.Maybe I have mellowed.Just wanted to let you know I'm over all of that now.

15Ride reports (cont)

GRABBEN GULLEN RIDE4TH AUGUST 2013

Sunday’s weather looked not so favourable, however nine riders and one pillion arrived at Nichols and St. Pedrosaid that the radar forecast would be ok.

By the time 0930 arrived so did the light rain, this was no deterrent as we were determined to go for our ride.Heading out the Barton to Yass then onto Boorowa for morning tea saw us continually travelling through lightmisty rain and showers, then sunshine then light showers then sunshine, just like a normal day in Melbourne.

Trevor joined us at Boorowa then it was off to Crookwell via Rugby. Great piece of road and some nice corners toboot. However, all riders were shattered when an idiot in a very late model Range Rover decided to compromiseour safety by endangering each and every one of us overtaking on double white lines around completely blindcorners. It was suggested at our break that maybe he was a drug runner. Just the same we all were very lucky noone was coming in the opposite direction.

Crookwell saw the short ride to Garbben Gullen but the temperature dropped dramatically plus the winds pickedup and gave us a nudge or two just to keep the senses wide alert.

A few riders decided that the Seafood Menu for lunch might besomewhat dubious so they decided to travel onto Gunning.However upon viewing the menu those who stayed enjoyed quitea variety of well cooked food. A nice open fire and great countryhospitality the chef had a chat to all of us, he rides a Harley andwas interested in our travels.

After lunch the crew split up and headed home via various ways.

A shorter ride and another good outing and enjoyable company.

The crew were:Garry MCurley VFR1200 Richard May FJR1300Mick Beltrame R1150 GSA Mike Kelly DL650Arthur McGlynn Nomad I Think( sorry Arthur) Peter Arday ST1300Rick Costain Duc Monster Chris Dietzel and Daughter Cherita GTR1400Trevor McLeod FJR1300 Chas Towie ST1300

Cheers CT

After 3 years as RO2 Editor, I thought itmight be time to hand the reins over tosomeone else. If anyone is interested inhaving a go, please let me know.Regards - Lyn.

Contact: 0419 213 944

Or RO2editor@live.com

Ride reports (cont) 16

RIDE REPORT FOR 11/8/13.

Garry McCurley = VFR1200;Enricque Tidey = CBR1000;Kerry Clifford = Royalstar XVZ1300;Arthur McGlynn = Kawa 1700.

Before the ride started it was foggy at EPIC Caltex.

However, just as the ride started the sunny broke through, burnt off the fog for a crystal clear blue sunny sky day with alight breeze & a temp of 14 to 16 degrees all day - perfect day for a ride.

As the day was a "Decide & Ride" it was agreed by the riders that the ride day would be:

Canberra - Bungedore - towards Tarago - Currawang Road to Goulburn for morningtea at Trappers - Taralga for lunch at the pub - back to Goulburn for fuel - Range Roadto Grabben Gullen - Gunning for afternoon tea - Canberra.

Due to no published departure time we waited until 0940hrs before leaving EPICCaltex.

The day was very enjoyable, i.e. sun shine all day, no drizzly rain or wind & especiallyno black Sports Range Rovers - (Riders on previous Sunday's ride will know what thisall means).

Saw lots of beautiful scenery & had a great fun day's riding.

GarryRider Leader on the day.

INTERESTING OBSERVATION

1. The sport of choice for the urban poor is BASKETBALL.

2. The sport of choice for maintenance level employees is BOWLING.

3. The sport of choice for front-line workers is FOOTBALL.

4. The sport of choice for supervisors is BASEBALL.

5. The sport of choice for middle management is TENNIS.

And...

6. The sport of choice for corporate executives and officers is GOLF.

The higher you go in the corporate structure, the smalleryour balls become.

Who then plays marbles………..

WEEKEND RIDE Calendar 2013

This Ride Calendar covers weekend club rides only. For ride details, see the Canberra Branch Ride Calendar onthe branch website: http://canberra.ulyssesclub.org/ or http://ulyssescanberrabranch.blogspot.com.au/Club Rides have a ride leader and may be longer rides on challenging roads suited to more experienced riders.Chomp & Chats are shorter rides suitable for most riders with the added aim of having a relaxed lunch together.Decide & Rides are informal rides in which the route and destination are decided by the riders on the day.Chomp & Chats and Decide & Rides may not have an official ride leader.Most rides start from either the new Caltex servo outside EPIC on Federal Hwy, Watson; the Caltex Servo, cnrMonaro Hwy & Sheppard St, Hume; or the new Caltex Servo, cnr Curran Drive & O'Hanlon Place, Nicholls.Please Note: Please Check the Ride Calendar on the Canberra Branch Website for the most current information.Please be fuelled up and ready to leave at scheduled departure times.

17

ULYSSES CANBERRA RIDE CALENDARSkill Levels (from National Site)1 - Ride skill is un-defined. 2 - Long and difficult. Experienced riders only.3- Medium length & not too scary. Suitable for most riders. 4- Short easy ride & easy day. Suitable for all.

Sun 25st August – Club Ride GrenfellSkill Level - 2Leave Caltex Nicholls 9:00amRoute to be advised.Leader: Trevor McLeod 0411 269 276.

Ride Calendar September

Sun 1st September - Club Ride to UlladullaSkill Level - 3Leave from Caltex garage next to EPIC Federal Hwy Watson9:00am.Lunch fish and chips by the sea.Leader: Chris Dietzel 0432632667.

Sun 8th September - Memorial Ride to Cordeaux DamSkill Level - 3Leave from Caltex garage next to EPIC Federal Hwy WatsonBreak at BP Marulan for coffee.Leader: Michael Winters 0412 134 376.

Sun 15th September - Chomp and Chat and Rusty Riders, MurrumburrahSkill Level - 4Leave Caltex Nicholls 10:00am.Lunch at a local Cafe’.Leader: Peter Arday 0411 529 151.

Sun 22st September – Club Ride CanowindraSkill Level - 2Leave Caltex Nicholls 9:00am.Route to be advised.Leader: Ian Paterson 0427 291 728.

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Sun 29th September – Ride and Picnic lunch, Honey Suckle CreekSkill Level - 4Leave Caltex Nicholls 10:00am.Lunch at the Picnic grounds with public electric BBQ’s- so come prepared with your own food and drinks.Route via Coppins Crossing Rd., Uriarra Rd.Leader: Gary McDonald 0408 434 549

When we went to theMaryborough AGM earlier thisyear, we stayed in this B&B withJan & Butch and a couple we metwhen we travelled aroundAustralia 3 years ago afterattending the Albany AGM.

What a great place it was. Prueand Sennen were great hosts -nothing was too much trouble forthem.

If you are ever planning a trip upnorth and need somewhere tostay, get in touch with Prue andbook into her B&B - you won;tregret it. It has 3 double rooms,each with their own entry andbathroom. You can go as onecouple or as a group.

Alan and Lyn

Two Irishmen were waiting at the busstop when a truck went past loaded upwith rolls of turf.Jimmy said, “I’m gonna do dat when Iwin da lottery”.“Do what den?” asks Mikey.“Send me lawn away to be mowed.."