April 2017 Volume 32 Number 4 Newsletter 281

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

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Hi Everyone

This is my last President’s report so please don’t cheer too loudly. I would like to thank everyone in our branch for theirencouragement and support over the last four years. The committee’s work has been made easier as we can draw on thegreat depth of experience of our members to make our branch run smoothly.

This month sees our Annual Branch AGM and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our current committeemembers Kim Tito, Peter Thomas, Phil Nolan, David Formica, Andrea Lanagan and Jenny Carlin for their help, support andservice over the last twelve months. Phil Nolan will be leaving the committee to take up a more demanding position withthe SES – thanks Phil for the time and effort you have put in for the benefit of the branch.

I must also thank the dedicated group of members who support our branch using their skills and time to make our branchsuch a success – many thanks to Chas and Jen Towie, Lyn Munday, Ron Tito, Gary McDonald, Leo Farrelly and Jen Woods. Iwould like to thank David Formica and the ride committee for the exciting rides they organise and lead for the benefit ofthe members. And a special mention to Chas Towie who, with other experienced ride leaders, will be looking into a reviewof ride procedures to help our newer members gain the skills they need to lead rides.

The past twelve months have been busy for the Branch - attending the Blanket and Toy Runs, riding on the annualmemorial ride to Cordeaux Dam, Christmas in July at Yass, our annual Christmas party, weekends away, BBQ’s, rides andsocial outings. Many thanks to all who have contributed to the running of the Canberra Branch. I challenge our nextcommittee to keep the name of the Ulysses Club Canberra Branch on this year’s attendance trophy at the MRA Toy Run.

A large number of our members will be preparing to head off to our 2017 AGM next month anticipating another marvellousweek meeting and greeting new and old acquaintances and taking part in the events and rides. I hope that we can meet upat Port Macquarie and return home safely after sharing some tall stories.

Don’t forget we will be holding our own branch AGM at this month’s meeting and all positions will be declared vacant. Thepositions to be filled will be President, Secretary, Treasurer and normal committee members. Please remember to bringyour Ulysses membership card ensuring you are a financial member to allow you to vote should there be a need. A Mr IanPaterson has nominated to join the committee for the next twelve months in the position of President.

We have organised for our annual Christmas in July to be held at the Merino Café in Gunning on the 29th July 2017 - checkout the flier in the RO2 and book early to avoid disappointment.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the Deakin Football Club on Tuesday 18th April for our monthly Social Meeting startingat 7.30pm. Come early - we will be there from 6.00pm to enjoy a meal or a drink in a great atmosphere before the meeting.This month there is no guest speaker – the Social Meeting will be followed immediately by the Branch AGM.

Keep safe until we meet.

Mick

Committee members 2

Our current committee is:

Position Name Contact e-mailPresident Michael Winters 0412 134 376 michaelianwinters@gmail.comSecretary Kim Tito 0409 039 480 ulysses@lebouffon.netTreasurer Peter Thomas 0431 698 130 plthomas@grapevine.com.auSocial Secretary Andrea Lanagan 0421 901 960 andrea.johnston1@westnet.com.auCommittee Member Phil Nolan 0405 716852 nolefm@bigpond.comCommittee Member David Formica 0417 488 038 david.a.formica@gmail.comCommittee Member Jenny Carlin 0414 306 270 jcarlin@ozemail.com.auRide Coordinator David Formica 0417 488 038 david.a.formica@gmail.comQuartermaster Ron Tito 0408 697 289 canb_ulysses@optusnet.com.auSafety & Web Gary McDonald 0408 434 549 kurrajong@internode.on.netWelfare Officer Chas & Jen Towie 0422 970 556 (C) 0407 586 439 (J) cjtowie@bigpond.comHistorian Jen Woods 0448 336 111 jenwoods@internode.on.netRO2 Editor Lyn Munday 0419 213 944 RO2Editor@live.com

Canberramotorcycle centre

fyshwick

OPENING HOURSMON-FRI 8:30AM - 5:30PMSATURDAY 8:30AM - 3:00PMNOT OPEN PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

STORE ADDRESS30 Ipswich St, Fyshwick ACT 2609MON-FRI 8:30AM - 5:30PMSATURDAY 8:30AM - 3:00PMNOT OPEN PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Showroom (02) 6280 4491Workshop (02) 6175 4402

3committee meeting minutes

Ulysses Club - Canberra Branch Committee Meeting Agenda 21 MARCH 2017

Meeting opened @: 17:15

Apologies and Absentees : David Formica, Gary MacAttendees: Jenny Carlin, Andrea Lanagan, Phillip Nolen, Peter Thomas, Michael Winters, Chas Towie

Chas is here to assist us with his knowledge and experience around the AGM and other issues that thecommittee will discuss tonight. Gary Mac was also invited but was unable to attend.

Matters from previous minutes:

• Talk to Shannons and VVMC – to discuss in 2017Attending 21 March meeting – Steven Farmer. Closed

• Bombala Bike Show BBQACTION: PT – Waiting to hear back on Public Liability Insurance. Peter has a copy of the Vero Certificateof insurance – Kim to load onto Google Docs and backup drive. Jenny C to discuss with Leo and Jen.Closed

• Heart Kids – annual eventACTION: MW Approached event organiser – happy for Ulysses representation to continue this year.Closed

• Nursing Home visitACTION: MW Approach to members to be made at 21 March meeting for recommendations. Open

• Branch StampACTION: KM – 2 stamps ordered and collected. To be distributed at March meeting due to absence.Closed

General Business:

1. Current membership issues – resigning members, member complaints on Facebook and by email.Need to get feedback on why members are leaving. Kim to organise to get a list of Canberra Branchmembers to share with Andrea for management of the Facebook page from National Office. Open

2. Chas gave us a rundown on AGM rules and requirements. Nominations need to be in to the secretary28 days prior to the meeting. Can have many nominations for positions, or can just have a few. If thereis excess people can vote. Must have President, Secretary, Treasurer at a minimum. If there is nobodynominating for President at the AGM, can ask the financial members present if anyone would like tonominate someone for the role. If nobody nominates we advise the members that we don’t haveanyone to fill the position at his point. We will seek a nomination from members that may not bepresent this AGM and it must be ratified by Natcomm. Members must bring membership card.

- At the closure of business, all positions are declared vacant by the president.- Are members happy for (whoever) to be presiding officer

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- Secretary to take the minutes of the AGM, must have minutes from the previous AGM, 3 reports arepresented – President, Secretary and Treasurer.

3. Christmas in July – Merino Café, GunningFree parking for caravans, no alcohol available to be served but you can BYO. 20 odd rooms in the motelup the road and couple of rooms at the pub. 22 or 29 July date. AL to put to members tonight. Open

4. Ride suggestions, training etc. Discussion held at the ride meeting. Ride calendar has been done up toDecember. When there is no committee meeting we will hold a ride calendar meeting. Ride leadertraining – there is enough experience in the club to mentor others. Further discussion required. Open

5. UCARF raffle tickets Open

6. BBQ’s at Joes Motorcycles – dates Jenny C to follow up with Joes. Open

7. Free BBQ for members planning - Open

8. MW met with local member Andrew Barr’s assistant around Blanket Run BBQ. For further discussion.Open

Meeting closed 18:10

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING: Left open to next committee

SOCIAL MEETING MINUTES 21 MARCH 2017

No. of Attendees: 50Open meeting @ 19:40Welcome to our meeting of the Canberra Branch of the Ulysses Club, Inc.

Apologies: Jenny Carlin, Jen Towie, Melissa Davis, Gillian Nolen

Presidents Message Michael Winters (MW): Welcome everyone, good to see new faces and some that haven’tbeen here for a little while.

Visitors and New Members: Jeremy Rule – 10 months on a bike, street 500 Harley, member of CHOG – lookingto branch out and go on new rides. Steven Farmer – VVCMC / Shannons – owns a number of 50’s matchlessmotorcycles.

Secretary Report Kim Tito (KT)Inwards Correspondence:SNOWY HYDRO SOUTHCARE LETTER Helicopter (Charlie) is retiring, Toll Helicopters have taken over operationsof the helicopter and the SouthCare trust has fulfilled its mission and no longer requires donations. Thanks toUlysses for the funds they have raised over time.FIRST AID FOR MOTORCYCLISTS OFFER AT AGM

Committee and social minutes

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ZENITH MOTORCYCLE TOURSLADIES FIRST – HEAR THE ROADMIA BRANCH NEWSLETTERVINTAGE RIDESOutwards Correspondence: Nil

Treasurers Report: Peter Thomas (PT) Numbers are looking good – money in BBQ account and $3027 in mainaccount. More UCARF raffle tickets are available, will have some this meeting and at April but after that to goback to Natcom.

Rider Development / Webmaster: Gary MacDonaldA few years ago Gary was able to assist new and returning riders, now that he is back in Canberra he can takethat on again. Generates ideas for monthly articles on his own, but if you have something for Gary to put in theRo2, let him know.

Ride Coordinator Report: David Formica (DF) Absent – MW New ride calendar organized until end December.A few different destinations in the ride calendar and some new ride leaders nominated. Spreads the load ofleading rides a bit further.

Social Secretary – Andrea Lanagan (AL) Merino Café are willing to do a Christmas in July meal for us – all theusual suspects (glazed ham, turkey, gravy etc) on the menu. About $35 per head. Motel up the road with 22rooms, and a caravan park across the road with toilets and showers. Pub has a few rooms. Will be either the22nd or the 29th of July. Can people give us an idea roughly of whether or not they can come along. Andrea toput some information on Facebook.

Welfare Report: Chas / JenDo you know anyone that needs help? Contact any of the committee members, contact details on the website.Jen and I communicating with members throughout the last month – do you need a chat, cup of tea etc. If youneed someone to talk to Chas and Jen’s numbers are in the Ro2.

Ro2 Report: Lyn MundayThanks everyone for the material you sent us this month – needed to change computers. Club purchased anew version of the software. The Ro2 is only as good as the items you send to Lyn – happy to put anything inwithin reason.

BBQ Report: Leo FarrellyNo BBQ’s have been held lately, nothing to report on BBQ’s. Trailer is still at Leo’s house. New name badgedelivered to Kim to celebrate her wedding to the Quartermaster.

Quarter Master Report: Ron TitoIf you want to order anything let me know. Cards stamped with Ulysses address available for people to handout – come and collect them.

NATCOMM – Jen WoodsThank you to all who have been buying UCARF tickets. Presentation to MAOTY last Wednesday. Nationalwinner will be announced at AGM event. Hoping it will be Sid as he is delightful, clever and engaging. Goulburnand WA winner being presented this week. Off to Port Macquarie to view the site for the final time before theAGM. Contact the secretary at the Ulysses Club site if you would like to lodge a postal vote at the AGM.

MRA – Jenny Carlin (JC) AbsentBlanket Run – 13th May. Volunteers for BBQ at the run required – see Leo.

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General Business:

Daryl selling raffle tickets for Easter goodies. Doesn’t guarantee quality of the port –3 cases were donated froma long term member.Convoy for Cancer ride – shirts have been recalled because sponsors name is not clear. Shirts availableWed/Thurs this week. Meeting place for Ulysses is in Hutchison Circuit – behind child care centre. FRoC leavingMaccas at 7:45 am. Andrea and Daryl to sort out meeting point.

MW: Would members like to visit a nursing home – does anyone have info on people who would like a visit.Heart Kids Christmas party in December, so we should visit old people in June / July.

Heads and tails winner: Julie Hyland

Raffle winners:Andrea Lanagan (Easter basket)Kyla Harvey (Easter basket)Emma Campbell (Port)Andrea Lanagan (Port)

Guest Speaker: Shannons / VVCMCC – Steven Farmer

Insurance: Policy owners have the ability to choose repairer in the event of anaccident – no strings attached. Offers agreed value on all policies, so you know atany given time what your bike is insured for. With market value policies you don’tknow the value of your vehicle and what you will get in the event of an accident.Multi vehicle and multi policy discounts – the more you bundle the bigger thediscount. You also have the right to retain the salvage in the event of a loss. If lessthan 35 years old, there is a buy back basis, if more than 35 years old you get thebike back – means much greater likelihood that vehicle will end up back on the road (since it was lovinglyrestored in the first place). Windscreen cover available – also applies to motorcycle windscreens. Limited usageoptions available – if you ride each day there is an appropriate rate for that usage (on average usage). Once perweek – you can get a reduction on the insurance rate. Storage only insurance also available. Lots of options tosave money depending on how you use your motorcycle. Annual premium divided by 12 if you want to paymonthly. Clothing cover is additional to value of the bike. Pillions covered up to $1,500.00. Cars / bikes on racecircuits – only cars over 65 years old…parade laps etc.

VVCMC – Club has more members coming through with classic bikes. Affiliated with concessional historicregistration schemes. More limitations on how often those motorcycles can be used, but is an option. ACT isrestricted to club runs and maintenance runs within a 40km radius of your home address – battery maintenanceis a legitimate reason for a maintenance run. Many social rides, mid week ride once per month and at least oneweekend ride each month as well. Love to see more new faces coming along – if you have an old ride pleasecome along. Wealth of knowledge within the club, good vibe at Spanish club in Narrabundah for meetings, 15minute meetings with a bit of a yarn afterward. Annual rally held recently, runs get quiet over winter but pick upafter that.31 March 2017 – Machine Show at Braidwood ShowgroundCars bikes and Coffee at EPIC

Social Meeting concluded @ 20:30

Next Meeting (AGM) 7.30 PM Tuesday 18 April 2017

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Below is a list of scheduled course dates. There will be more courses scheduled so check the web site bookingpage regularly. www.firstaidformotorcyclists.com.au

Sessions in and around the ACT are:

Apr 23 GOULBURN $45pp - RMS/Council SubsidisedApr 22 CANBERRAJul 22 CANBERRASep 23 CANBERRANov 25 CANBERRA

The odds of someone arriving at a motorbike accident scene with these skills increases after every session andwith many local and state government organisations now getting behind it even more riders will have theopportunity to have access to the training.

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9

13 & 14 May Ride to Marlo

Accommodation Options

Here are some accommodation options for those who are planning on going on the Bonang Hwy ride to Marlo.

Marlo Hotel19 Argyle ParadeMarlo VICPh 03 5154 8201

Planning on having Saturday night dinner in the Hotel.

Marlo Caravan Park and Motel10 Argyle ParadeMarlo VICPh 03 5154 8226

Full range of accommodation options from tent to motel room and only a five minute walk from the MarloHotel

Marlo Ocean Views21 Marine ParadeMarlo VIC

Camping, onsite cabins and onsite vans and about a fifteen minute walk (about 1Km) from the Marlo Hotel

Kerry MulgrueGruemul@tpg.com.au

Gisborne Airport, New ZealandThis North Island airport is one of the few in the worldthat has a railway line running through its runway.Both the railway and the airport are active, so let’s hopethey are precise about their scheduling.

Barra International Airport, ScotlandBarra International Airport, on a remote northern island inScotland, has the only beach runway for scheduled flightsin the world. At high tide, some of the runways areunderwater.

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Some photos from the past -

Adrian Bader, David Robinson, ChasTowie, Alan Munday & Peter Arday- giving our Branch President (Jen)a bit of cheek.

11Treasurer’s report

CANBERRA BRANCH BLOG

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☺ If you would like to receive an email whenever the blog is updated, click on the abovelink and look for this email submission box on the bottom of the info strip - it’s on righthand side of the blog,☺Submit your email address,☺You will receive an email to confirm your address is real,☺Once you reply, following the emailed instructions, you will beincluded in an email broadcast,☺This will give an extract of the update and a link to it,☺Click on the link if you want to know more about the update.

We have 42 in the list so far - why not join us?

UlyssesACTTREASURER'S REPORT

12 Mar 2017 to 11 Apr 2017Bendigo 1

Opening Balance: $ 3,027.12RECEIPTS & EXPENDITURE:

RECEIPTS Amount this periodMiscellaneous Income $ 52.60

Other Income $ 52.60

TOTAL RECEIPTS $ 52.60

EXPENSES Amount this periodMiscellaneous Expenses $ 62.95

Donations Paid $ 50.00Other Expenses $ 12.95

Operating Expenses $ 177.97Computer Expenses $ 53.97Postage, Freight and Courier $ 124.00

TOTAL PAYMENTS $ 240.92

TOTAL RECEIPTS - TOTAL PAYMENTS -$ 188.32Closing Balance: $ 2,838.80

OTHER ACCOUNTSBendigo BBQ balance: $ 1,478.15

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Ulysses club canberra branch2017 Christmas in july

We are holding our gathering at the Merino Café in Gunning on 29th July

We will be starting off our festivities by having drinks at the Telegraph Hotel from 4 pm

Dinner will be served at 6pm, Merino Cafe 62 Yass St, Gunning NSW 2581 BYOG

TOTAL COST PER HEAD $35.00

The main meal will be a festive mixed plate of warm glazed ham and turkey served with

seasonal mixed vegetables, gravy and cranberry sauce.

Dessert will be an alternate drop of

Pavlova with fresh whipped cream and fruit or Christmas pudding with custard.

Tea and coffee is an additional cost.

Please notify Andrea via Facebook, Email: andrea.johnston1@westnet.com.au

or by text: 0421901960

By 11th July 2016

Accommodation

MOTEL GUNNING54 YASS STREET

GUNNING NSW 2581Ph. (02) 4845 1191Fax (02) 4845 1460

http://www.motelgunning.com.au/

Motel Gunning Tariff including GST

Single From AU $70DBL/TWN From AU $80

COT AU $10Seniors have a $5 discount all days

Or if you prefer to camp there is the free camping area across the roadBut remember it is July so pack your ice pick!

Barbour Park Rest AreaBarbour Park is ideally situated in the township of Gunning next to the picturesque Meadow

Creek. Barbour Park allows for free camping or a stopover for a maximum of two nights. Facilities include hot showers,

toilets…

Don’t forget to bring a Secret Santa Gift to the value of $15.00

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Next meeting Tuesday 18 April, 2017 - AT DEAKIN

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22 April, 2017 C.R.A.B., Cancer Research Advocate Bikers Bermagui NSWhttp://www.crab.org.au/

13 May, 2017 MRA Blanket Run Old Parliament Househttp://www.mraact.org.au/

20 May, 2017 Batlow Ciderfest Batlow NSWwww.batlowciderfest.com.au

20 May, 2017 Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. (B.A.C.A.)100 Mile Ride - departs Eaglehawk Tavern Sutton

https://bacaworld.org

22 - 28 May, 2017 Port Macquarie - Wauchope Ulysses Club AGM 2017agm2017.ulyssesclub.org

26 May - 3 June Magical Italy “Ladies First” Motorcycle Tourhttp://motorcycletoursitaly.com/magical-italy/

Various Dates Indonesia with a Royal Enfield http://www.vintagerides.travel/motorcycle-tour/indonesia

Various Dates Zenith Motorcycle Tours European Tourshttp://scottchaps.wixsite.com/zenithmctours

If you are interested in any of the above events, just follow the link to the relevant website for moreinformation. If you know of any other events that people might be interested in, please send me an email withthe appropriate information and I will be happy to add it to the list. RO2editor@live.com

Ride reports 15

Chomp and Chat to Tarago19 March 2017

RidersBarry Solley ST1300 Carol Solley Can AmAndrew Campbell ZX14R Trevor McLeod Yamaha FJR 1300Peter Arday Honda ST1300 Kim Tito F700GSRon Tito R1200GS Richard Hay R1200RTDarryl Palin Honda GL 1800 Michael Winters Triumph TrophyJoining us at the Loaded Dog for lunch:Tracey Winters Subaru Ian Paterson VWMike and Sharon Kelly BMW R1200RT Mark Mitchell Ducati Scrambler

I arrived at the BP at Watson as a great bunch of risk takers rallied for today’s quiet ride in the country side. Theweather report was for a chance of showers towards the coast and I only experienced drizzle on the way toWatson.

We set off to ride through Bungendore travelling along the Kings Hwy to the Braidwood - Goulburn Rd turnoff atManar. We had somehow lost Andrew along the way - he had texted me he was returning home due to wantingto keep his bike clean as a possible buyer was expected that afternoon. The group travelled along in heavydrizzle winding our way towards Tarago when we were surprised to find road works for about a kilometre. Wetraversed the rough dirt/muddy parts of the road along the section under repairs.

We arrived at Tarago, parking in front of the Loaded Dog Hotel before heading into the dining area where wehad reserved a number of tables for our group. We settled down to enjoy a great feed and a cool beverage witha mixture of true and tall stories being shared over lunch. We were joined by Ian Paterson who travelled outfrom Canberra to join us for lunch and Tracey who joined us on her way back from visiting her parents in theBlue Mountains for the weekend. Then we were joined by Mike and Sharon Kelly and Mark Mitchell who werereturning from the Black Dog ride as the weather down the coast was only getting wetter. We packed up andsaid our good byes and I waited for everyone to get going before heading off towards home. I would like tothank everyone who joined us on a great day out even though the weather let us down a touch.

Mick

Ride reports (cont) 16

Crookwell

26 March 2017

Riders

Chas Towie ST1300 Garry McCurley VFR1200Mike & Sharon Kelly Thunderbird 1600 Mick & Kipper Beltrame Victory XCIan Paterson GL1800 Neil McRitchie GTR1400Craig Fraser GL1800 Peter Arday ST1300Kris Jirasek GSXR1300 Clive King R1100RLes & Julie Robinson Trophy SE Trevor X R9TAndrew Campbell FJR1300

In the best tradition of excellent days, this day dawned bright and sunny (not that I saw the dawn, so this initialdescription is hearsay or indeed totally made up – but it was definitely bright and sunny later on when I got upand looked out the window).

I hadn’t been able to put boots on for more than four weeks after a high speed collisionbetween my toes and our clumsy lounge but I decided that today was the day. I had managedto wear shoes for the first time only a few days earlier, when I had to go to a work function atParliament House and didn’t want to go in my thongs because the steel bottle openers in thesoles would have set off the security alarms. The shoes weren’t comfortable but they werebearable.

I would love to report that in light of my obvious disability the bride would have jumped out of bed and cookedme a hearty breakfast to help me through a painful and trying day, but sadly this was not to be. Instead, I madeher a cup of tea and served it to her in bed, limping and hobbling my way backwards and forwards between thekitchen and the bedroom.

Ignoring a background of rolling eyes, I eventually managed to drag my boots on over my swollen, discolouredtoes and, emulating Elvis, left the room and, indeed, the house.

I arrived at Nicholls not knowing whether we would have a ride leader or not. A mere 18 hours earlier, Chas hadbeen too sick to come to afternoon tea at our place and there was every chance he was still knock, knock,knocking on heaven’s door. But there he was, risen from his deathbed and trying to appear as sharp as a Swissarmy knife. It was such a convincing look that nobody offered to take his place at the front of the pack. Besides,we were all firmly of the view that if he wanted to be sick that was his business and we shouldn’t interfere inwhat could turn out to be a tale of heroism, even if it meant taking a lead from Captain Oates who left the tentand “may be some time”.

Fuelled by copious amounts of paracetamol and pseudoephedrine, Chas ran through Plans A to about Q beforedeciding that in fact Plan N would probably be the most practical. This entailed us riding via Bungendore,Tarago, Windellama and Bungonia to Trapper’s Bakery at the Big Merino for smoko. Then we would proceed viaTaralga and Laggan for lunch at Crookwell.

17Ride reports (cont)

The sun warmed us as we rode and by the time we got to Tarago I had to stop to change my gloves to a moresummery variety. I signalled everyone else to keep going but a minute later who should turn up but Andrew,who had been noticeably absent at Nicholls. The late Mr Campbell and I took off after the pack but when wegot to Windellama, feeling a pressing need for caffeine, we turned left and headed straight to Goulburn andTrapper’s Bakery. The rest of the mob, who had travelled a more circuitous route via Bungonia, arrived shortlyafterwards.

Like the walrus and the carpenter, we spoke of many things as we sipped our coffee and ate our pies andsausage rolls. Garry wistfully reminisced about the good old days when everything was cut and dried, ridesalways followed a properly organised Plan A, and corner markers knew their proper place in the universe. Chas,meanwhile, was busily discarding the last remaining shreds of Plan N and had devised a new Plan R. Concernedthat it was getting rather late in the morning, he decided to take us directly to Crookwell instead of via themuch longer route through Taralga and Laggan.

As we rose from our tables and donned our jackets, wewatched as the mysterious Trevor X dashed across theparking lot, jumped on his bike and hightailed it out ofthere. Perhaps he was shocked that we were no longergoing to Taralga, perhaps we were riding too slow for him,perhaps too fast, perhaps we were too old, perhaps he justdidn’t like riding in a big group, or perhaps he just didn’t likeus. We might never know.

The rest of us, apart from Kipper who took Mick to a priorengagement, continued on, arriving in Crookwell just onlunchtime. Our first choice, the Crown Theatre Café, was full of ageing sports car enthusiasts so we walked acouple of hundred metres down the road and dined at the bustling Paul’s Café, although a few went across theroad to find somewhere quieter.

We rode home via Grabben Gullen and Gunning, where most of the crew stopped for afternoon tea. I kept ongoing and got home just in time to give the bike a quick wipe down and dash inside to watch the Melbourne F1GP. It had been another great day, joyous in its unpredictability and exciting in its drug-assisted, knife-edgeexecution. However, I hear that Chas is now fully recovered so, sadly, we might never see the likes of this again.

Ian Paterson

Ride reports (cont) 18

Sunday 2nd April 2017Club ride to Cootamundra

The Sunday 2 April was giving all indications that we would have good riding weather, after the previous twomornings of early fog, today was clear and if not exactly warm, it was dry and comfortable. Most of us hadarrived at the rendezvous at Nicholls service station in plenty of time in eager anticipation of the forthcomingride. Or it could simply have been because we all had an extra hours sleep the previous night due to the endingof Daylight Saving Time in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Peter Arday had valiantly volunteered to lead the group to Cootamundra. The intention was to have lunch atthe Globe Hotel, provided it was open.

Peter provided an excellent detailed briefing on the proposed route to Cootamundra. The decision was madeto stop for morning tea at Boorowa and the first decision made we set off.

The trip out through Murrumbateman onto the Highway was uneventful. Near the Yass Service Station exit awhite vehicle was parked in the dip between the north and south bound highway but as law abiding riders wewere all doing the right thing and we drove on (got to be lucky sometimes). We turned onto the Boorowaroad from the highway which is finally sealed after having been in a state of repair for a number of weeks.Riding along we saw a flock of small birds about 20 – 30 harassing a wedge tail eagle who was doing its best toevade the critters. It looked like it had something in its talons.

We arrived at the Café in Boorowa and after coffee and cake Peter gave a refresh of the route for some of uswith memory problems (me). At the café a couple of us decided to take an alternative route to Cootamundra.The remainder of us set off to travel via Young. The road to Young is currently being improved (I think that’sthe word) so we had several short stretches of dirt to negotiate however these dirt patches dry and compactedand there was very little traffic so it was easy riding.

We rode through Young and then I must admit had no idea where we were going other than seeing the sign toTemora and at one stage crossed the Olympic Highway. However the route that Peter had selected was verypleasant sealed roads with little traffic and pleasant meandering through the paddocks. We arrived atCootamundra and found the Globe Hotel. The two riders who had elected to travel the alternative routearrived at about the same time however they had both been subjected torandom breath testing as they entered the town. We never encounteredthe RBT unit on our route into the town.

Unfortunately the Globe Hotel was closed but as luck would have itacross the road was the RSL Bowls club so we all elected to eat there.

After lunch we all elected to return direct to Canberra via Harden. Theride was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The country is looking very green atthe moment. The weather was spot on for riding with a light wind atemperature between 18C to 22C for most of the trip.

RidersPeter Arday (ride leader) ST1300 Ian Paterson GL1800Neil Goldfinch GSX1300 Trevor Mcleod FJR1300Les Robinson Triumph Trophy 1215SE Peter Schreiber Boulevard M50Andrew Campbell FJR1300 Roger Lines Suzuki GS450SJohn Mellor BMW R1200R John Grace Moto Guzzi1200S

Les Robinson

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 BP on Federal Hwy, Watson; the Caltex Servo, cnr Monaro Hwy & Sheppard St,Hume; or the Caltex Servo, cnr Curran Drive & O'Hanlon Place, Nicholls.Please Note: Please Check the Ride Calendar on the Canberra Branch Website for the most current information.Please be fuelled up and ready to leave at scheduled departure times.

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IMPORTANT: Be at the departure point at least 15 minutes before departure time - refuelled and ready forthe briefing from the ride leader.

Rides will have approx. kms as a guide to the difficulty of ride.

Please assess your own skill level and choose your rides accordingly.

Date: 22nd April 2017 SaturdayDestination: 4 Day trip to Temora for Anzac DayLeave: BP Watson 9:00amLunch: TBALeader: Darryl Palin 0432 632 667 -– Peter Arday 0411529151Approx kms: 900kmNote: Overnight stays at Mudgee(2) Forbes (1)

See separate information page for further details

Date: 22nd and 23rd April 2017Destination: 2 Day camping trip overnight at Yadboro Flats

(a NSW Forestry campsite)Leave: Caltex servo at EPIC (Federal Highway, Lyneham) 9:00amLunch: TBALeader: Peter Thomas 0431 698 130Approx kms: 500km (100km dirt)

Date: 25th April 2017Destination: Temora Anzac Day RideLeave: Caltex Nicholls 8.00amLunch: Temora Servicemen’s ClubLeader: Michael Winters 0412 134 376Approx kms: 400kmNote: Wear your or your family’s gongs(medals)and ribbons.

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Date: 30th April 2010Destination: Decide and RideLeave: Caltex Hume 11.00amLunch: tbaLeader: tbaApprox kms: tba

Date: 30th April 2017Destination: Day RideLeave: BP Watson 9.00amLunch: Woods ReserveLeader: Kerry MulgrueApprox kms: Up to each rider (some dirt roads)

Date: 7th May 2017Destination: TaralgaLeave: Watson 9:00amLunch: Hotel or Twisted Vine CafeLeader: TBAApprox kms: 400km

Date: 13th and 14th May 2017Destination: 2 day overnight at MarloLeave: Caltex Hume 9.00amLunch: TBALeader: Kerry MulgrueApprox kms: Overnight at Marlo approx 700km

Date: 14th May 2017Destination: Chomp & Chat Leave: Watson 11:00amLunch: Rollonin CafeLeader: Andrew Campbell 0407 012 490Approx kms: 250km

Date: 21st May 2017Destination: YoungLeave: BP Watson 9:Lunch: Wilder’s BakeryLeader: TBAApprox kms: 400km

Date: 28th May 2017Destination: Decide & RideLeave: Nicholls 10: amLunch: TBALeader: TBAApprox kms: TBA

Date: 4th June 2017Destination: CanowindraLeave: Caltex NichollsLunch: Delice CoffeeLeader: Ian Paterson 0427 291 728Approx kms: 420km

Date: 11th June 2017Destination: Decide and RideLeave: Caltex Hume 10.00amLunch: TBALeader: TBAApprox kms: TBA

Date: 18th June 2017Destination: Chomp & ChatLeave: BP Watson 11.00amLunch: Gundaroo HotelLeader: Darryl Palin 0412 213 764Approx kms: 100km

Date: 20th June 2017Branch Monthly Social MeetingWhere: 3 Grose Street, DeakinArrive 6pm or so for a meal beforehandMeeting start 7:30pm

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Date: 25th June 2017Destination: Batemans BayLeave: BP Watson 9:00amLunch: Fish and ChipsLeader: Chas Towie 0422 970 556Approx kms: 300km

Date: 2nd July 2017Destination: MarulanLeave: BP Watson 9.30amLunch: Meridian CafeLeader: Mike Kelly 0416 291 996Approx kms: 320km

Date: 9th July 2017Destination: Decide and RideLeave: Caltex Nichols 10:00amLunch: TBALeader: TBAApprox kms: TBA

Date: 16th July 2017Destination: Chomp and Chat to TidbinbillaLeave: Caltex Hume 11:00amLunch: Moon Rock CafeLeader: Ron Tito 0408 697 289Approx kms: 150 km

Date: 18th July 2017Branch Monthly Social MeetingWhere: 3 Grose Street, DeakinArrive 6pm or so for a meal beforehandMeeting start 7:30pm

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Date: 23nd July 2017Destination: CootamundraLeave: Caltex Nichols 9:00amLunch: TBALeader: Andrew CampbellApprox kms: 360km

Date: 30th July 2017Destination: Decide and RideLeave: Caltex Hume 10:00amLunch: TBALeader: TBAApprox kms: TBA

Safety first……….…