Ulysses Club Inc. Upper Hunter Branch
Ulysses Club
Inc. Upper Hunter Branch
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Ulysses
Club Handbook for
Members
June 2010
The State of the Nation
Hi all, well my first official meeting and we had it completed in around half an hour ( That Simmo must of liked the sound of his own voice as they went for ages).What a crowd, probably the most amount of people I have seen out our meetings in the last couple of years. Thanks to all participants who came along. Some good things to come out of the meeting which was great (refer to meeting minutes)Thanks goes out to Mark Walmsley for setting up the new ride register on our web site, it should help with the rides & also may attract riders from different club who may be browsing through the web. Don't forget to get your name into Donna or Kerry for the Xmas in July which coincides with our next meeting. Congratulations to Freefall for reaching 50, I think it was a bit of an effort to get him to the party but a great nite had by all. Well I was already for a ride on Sunday morning & got Carole up very early for a shower & get organized only to find out about an hour later that my battery had dropped a cell, she wasn't happy when I told to stop getting ready as she isn't a morning girl, especially on Sunday.
Till next Time.
Regards,
Garry Knight
May 2010
The State of the Nation
Hi everyone, thanks for voting me in as president. I have big boots to fill after the Jim years, but I feel that my role will be to chair the meetings, try to add some value & humour and hopefully with everyone‟s ideas & help throughout the year, we can have some great rides & good times. It has been a slow start to the year, but looking at the ride calendar there are some good rides coming up, so let‟s get behind them. We have made a charity donation thus far this year & I'm pretty sure we have voted on the next donation but can't think of it at this stage. To all those that were nominated & have taken up positions within the club, thank you very much. I‟m sure between us all, we can keep within the salary cap. We keep talking about different rides or things to do throughout the year, but, a lot of it never gets bought up at meetings. If you have an idea to do something or a different ride in mind don't be shy & bring it, or pass it on to our committee or liaise with Graeme. Things that will be coming up in the near future will be the memorial ride for our members that have ridden on. Also start thinking of the local AGM next year, it will be upon us before we know it. If anyone wants to get involved in any way shape or form, I'm sure Lyn or Janet would only be to happy to help or give some advise. I will be in touch with the AGM committee & see if they can come & gives us an update in the near future. I'm looking forward to catching up with Ned & Bear about their trip. Should be some good stories. Till next time. Garry
February 2010
Bear & Ned's Update!
Guess who Loves Mad Max? Greetings from Whyalla. We have arrived safe and sound if not a little sun burnt & tired. Some lovely country has been travelled. Water to the edge of the tar on the way to Broken Hill, We had to ride through water to get to Silverton where this photo was taken The rest of the group are miss behaving & are in the Naughty Corner. ( as can be seen from this photo) Will keep you posted on our progress if you keep us informed as well. (That is when I can get the Computer to work properly) How did the Nambucca Ride go? Nothing heard yet!!!!
MEET TINY TIM THE TRAILER
Age dulls the enthusiasm for adventure and
discomfort, both of which seem to accompany minimalist motor cycle touring. So
when we started to look at the 2010 AGM in Albany, and possibly camping on
route, we accepted that we needed a trailer to carry our gear.
While there are a couple of mono trailers available, we decided to stay conventional and use two wheels. That left us with four options for non camper trailers;
1. An imported trailer,
2. A "Classic" fibreglass trailer,
3. An "Ali Lite" alloy trailer, or
4. A "Bandicoot" alloy trailer.
The imported trailers are the cheapest, (available for under $2000, but probably built in China), and use 12in wheels. They are heavy, around 90Kg, and are better suited to a large cruiser than a small touring bike. The „Classic‟ is a well proven trailer available in a range of sizes, but is heavier than the equivalent size alloy trailer. Of the two alloy trailers available the "Ali Lite" is the better looking with its curved profile, but is more expensive than the „Bandicoot‟. On cost and simplicity the boxy „Bandicoot‟ got the nod. It runs on 8in wheels, Holden hubs, has a steel frame, weighs 60kg empty, and has a GVM of 175Kg. It comes in a range of colour options.
We were tempted to order a red one, to match the Deauville, but then what colour will the next bike be? (Helmets on for a bike story; Those of you with a Christian upbringing will know that in 6 days God made Heaven and Earth and all contained within. On the seventh day he rested and hallowed it. While he was hallowing, Satan sauntered by and called out from behind his hand, "God, what colour will motorcycles be?". Where upon God became agitated and animated. After a few seconds he bellowed; „The bloody things will be black!‟ And so it came to pass. Alas today Gods word is not taken as seriously as it once was and motor cycles can be bought in a kaleidoscope of colours, the purchasers unaware of the satanic symbolism of such silliness. Helmets off). We choose black onyx with a silver lid. Our next bike had better be black.
Following the Dorrigo Xmas party we rode on to Samford near Brisbane to collect our trailer from the guy who builds them. He had ours all ready to go, it takes 10 to 12 weeks to get one built, and we hooked it to the towbar. (Helmets on for another story; I bought our towbar from Classic Trailers as they have a very extensive range, and offer a fitting service. But they do not fit towbars to a Deauville, too much work. So I had to fit it myself and it was a pain. The whole rear end of the bike had to be stripped down to the chassis, the support bars fitted then the bike reassembled. It took me three days! Even the fitting instructions for the Deauville quoted „Degree of difficulty – 9 out of 10. Helmets off). After testing lights and how things operated, we set off for Muswellbrook via the Sunshine Coast. The trailer looked so small we called it „Tiny Tim‟.
So how does it go? Very well! It tracks well, is stable in corners, and apart from having to remember that your rig is now longer and wider that the bike, it does not intrude. The Deauville pulls the trailer without protest but runs a tad warmer, and fuel consumption rose so we got 20km per litre rather than 23km. On steep hills (i.e. Ben Lomond) it is necessary to drop down one or two gears and sit in the power band. On flat road the Deauville and trailer will run at 110kph with ease. 3
The trailer swallowed all the gear we took north on the bike with heaps of room to spare. I did think of buying a slab of beer to weigh it down on the trip back, but in the end settled for our luggage and some shopping we did. When we arrived home and opened the lid, it looked like Tim had a tantrum on the way home and had thrown our gear all around the trailer. Packing things into zip up bags before putting them into the trailer will be the go. Will it do the job for the run to Albany? Tell you after the AGM. Are we happy with it? Yes, - despite the no frills look, it fulfils the intended function.
The Pleasant Pluckas.
August 2009
KARAOKE KORNER
I don't have much to contribute this month, with the exception that we are still waiting for a select few to reimburse the club the $30.00 per head for the no show at the July meeting/Xmas in July function. Admittedly we are still to get in contact with a couple of members, however some members have been contacted, you members know who you are, and most have been sent reminders, however we are still waiting for the monies to come in. To those members who have already paid I thank you for your promptness, and the realisation that you do not want to see the branch out of pocket. Ned sent me an e-mail which I circulated [via e-mail] about the Aldi supermarket chain, weekly specials, particularly motorcycle accessories. I purchased a G.P.S. for $199.00, which comes with all the necessary brackets fittings etc. to install it to your bike. Max Cherrie, told me it is very similar to a Tom Tom brand, and is loaded with features. So if you are interested you need to be quick, there is an extensive range of products, at very reasonable prices. You can also access the Aldi website to see what is available. From September on the weather will be starting to warm up, so we should be looking at re-commencing our brunch rides, and also once daylight saving starts in October look at a dusk ride to Say the Newcastle foreshore, for a feed, and then return home before dark. Have a think about what and where you would like to go, I know Keith Smith is always looking for ideas for the ride calendar. At our last meeting it was decided that the members data base spreadsheet be sent to members for updating and return, we have only received approximately 12 replies. Also I have had a problem with applying the returns to the data base, it must be my apple computer or something, So could all members that haven't yet sent there updated details please send them to me for inclusion. That's it for this month, stay upright, see you on the road. That's all for this month, until next time stay safe and never skid on your lid.
Simmo
June 2009
KARAOKE KORNER
At our monthly meeting held on the 4th of July, we also had a Christmas in
July night with an American theme. I would like to pay special mention to Garry
and Carole and Brad and Jo, for getting into the spirit of the occasion and
getting dressed up. These four people went to extraordinary lengths and expense
to get into the spirit of the night. To be honest I felt embarrassed that I did
not make any effort to join in the spirit of the theme night, congratulations to
those four mentioned above. Unfortunately there were a number of people who put
their names down to attend and partake of the Xmas in July dinner, and did not
show up.
The total number was 10 and at $30.00 per head this amount to $300.00 that we
the branch have to pay to the chefs at the Albion, as they catered for all those
who said they would be attending. At the meeting before dining, a motion was
passed that those who did not show up after saying they would be there on the
night are required to pay the $30.00 per head so that we the branch would not be
out of pocket. It was also passed that at all future catered functions a deposit
be paid by those who advise they will be attending. The 10 persons in question
will be receiving correspondence advising of the motion outlined above, and that
they are expected to pay $30.00 to our treasurer Kerry Solman. I received a
phone call from Chris Garrod Newcastle Lower Hunter Branch and 2011AGM
co-ordinator during the week requesting assistance from our branch, for some of
the many positions that will be required to be filled at the 2011 AGM. Chris is
particularly looking for experienced people to fill vacancies as directors in
Transport, Catering, Logistics etc. For those who are interested and believe
they have something to offer, Chris's details are available from the Newcastle
Lower Hunter Ulysses web site. Bear in mind that our branch has been volunteered
to do the registrations at the 2011 AGM, and that we will also be calling for
volunteers to man the registration tables during the AGM week. That's all for
this month, until next time stay safe and never skid on your lid.
Simmo.
June 2009
KARAOKE KORNER
Firstly Our Christmas in July/ American theme night. Numbers are required for catering please. If you haven‟t put your name down then could you Please let President Simmo know. 65732536
Gulgong weekend in August. Those that are going need to contact Simmo and pay for your Opera tickets As Soon As Possible. We are going to get first crack at the tickets but we need firm numbers & money. Well before the end of this month. Our Dorrigo Christmas function, If you haven‟t booked, you better be quick because there are only a couple of rooms left. Ring „The Lookout Motor Inn‟ at Dorrigo phone 0266.572511. ‘Tell them you are with the Upper Hunter Ulysses Club’ Snowy Ride in October, Accommodation is filling fast. If you think you might go, book your rooms now or sleep on the ground. No complaints will be listened too!
Sids & Kids update Hi Guys, Plans for the ride are progressing. The ride will
still be on the same date, that being the 8th of November. The finish venue has
changed from Maitland Park to Speers Point Park, which has far better facilities
than Rathmines Park. We look to be having bands again, plus a lot of other
supporters for the day. I want to more than double the number of riders this
year…. That would be around 140 bikes, I think we can easily manage that just
between Ulysses Branches, plus the general bike riding public will be involved
as well. The manager of SID n Kids Hunter Region was very impressed with what we
did last year…. And everybody was super impressed with how it looked with all
the bikes riding in at the venue. Around June, I will be looking for volunteers
to help me get support from the bike shops in the area to get us as much help
with prizes, donations and displays for the event. ANY help would be
appreciated, especially with the organisation of the event. I will forward on
any information as it comes to hand.
Thank you. Tony Hernando
May 2009
KARAOKE KORNER ( Rehash by Ned)
Donna has booked accommodation for
our Christmas function, which this year will be held at ‘The Lookout Motor Inn’
at Dorrigo phone 0266.572511. ‘Tell them you are with the Upper Hunter Ulysses
Club’ The cost is $130.00 per person which includes accommodation, pre dinner
nibbles, followed by a 3 course Christmas dinner. Live entertainment will be
provided, being a guitar playing singer. This cost also includes a cooked
breakfast on the Sunday morning. There are a couple of rooms left at this stage,
so you need to book if you haven’t done so. Snowy Ride in October, Accommodation
is filling fast. If you think you might go, book your rooms now or sleep on the
ground. No complaints will be listened too! 8th November 2009, 2nd Bikers for
Sids & Kids, Lets support one of our own, Tony Fernando, in raising money for
the Sids Foundation. Hopefully this year the weather will be kind and a good dry
day will again be had by all.
Cheers Ned
April 2009
KARAOKE KORNER (Presidents Report)
Penrith AGM 2009. On Friday the 20th of March a large contingent of us departed Singleton for the green pastures of Penrith to take part in the 25th Ulysses AGM. We welcomed Barry Thomas wife Karen who came along for her first ride with the club, she was Bear’s pillion down and back and from all reports had a great weekend. Rumour has it that she thought the Ulysses club was for men who ride fast, drink beer, fall down, then go home. I don’t know what Barry has been telling her about club rides, but we hope to see her again. After stopping at Colo Heights for a drink, coffee, and chat, it was back on the trusty steeds and into Penrith, to register and explore. The accommodation was perfect as was the location, everything was within walking distance from the Hotel. After checking in Kerry and I attended the Natcom extra ordinary meeting on Friday at 1:00 p.m. where amongst other things it was announced that Mildura will host the 2012 AGM, the other bidding branch was Lockyer near Ipswich in QLD. Friday afternoon was left up to the individual to decide what they wanted to do, until we met up at 5:00p.m. for the short bus ride to board the Nepean Queen paddle steamer, for a dinner cruise on the Nepean River. Some of us were even fortunate enough to take the helm and have a steer of the vessel, it made an old sailor feel very much at home. ( we nearly took out the bridge) A good night was had by all with plenty of Ulysses Club Upper Hunter Branch Newsletter 2 eating, drinking and dancing, the cruise was well organised and well received by all who went, thanks to Lyn for that. Our theme song “Hey Baby” was well received by those on board, even so that some members from other branches joined us on the dance floor to belt out our song. Annette Solman had a great night joining in the dancing and kicking her heels up, along with everyone else. After the cruise some of us made our way to the main tent where the Ulysses dinner was held, apparently there were some disappointed patrons there due to the fact that they had run out of Black and Gold beer, and wine by 9:00p.m. and the beer queue stretched the length of the marquee. Saturday was an early start as we had to assemble by 8:00a.m. for the parade so we mustered outside our accommodation at 7:00a.m. for the short ride to the assembly point. Everything was well organised even down to the quick service at the canteen for breakfast. The ride even though only 3 K’s long was perfect, Penrith city was holding their markets in the main street there were market stalls the length of the main street, people were everywhere and we were all well received by the general public. Saturday afternoon was a do what you like afternoon, until we met up in the foyer of the Hotel at 5:00p.m. for pre dinner drinks. Garry Knight and I had a game of Aqua golf where we had a longest drive competition, incidentally which I won. [He still owes me a beer] We had dinner at the Panthers club and on completion some went dancing, Colleen and I were sooo tired we just went back to the hotel and were in bed by 9:30p.m. Quite regularly plans are made as to what time we are heading home from weekend rides etc, only to find that most of the group has left at a time earlier than planned. This causes dissension amongst some members, particularly when we have arranged to leave at a certain time and there is no one there. Apologies to Kerry Solman, who showed up at Panther’s at the designated time only to realise that the majority had left at 7:30a.m. Had he known he would have left early with the rest of us. I believe that to avoid this type of embarrassment there should be two departure times, those wishing to leave early leave set a time and stick to it, and the same routine apply to those who wish to leave later. Times be set the night before departure, so you could say the early group leave at 7:30a.m. and the later group leave at 9:00a.m. We only had one mishap the whole weekend, on the way home on Sunday we decided to stop at the Halfway house at Howes Valley. Kerry Moffit dropped her bike in the loose gravel, no damage was done to the bike as it landed on Kerry’s leg, which suffered bruising, and a badly sprained ankle. Hopefully her injuries are not too severe and she will be on her feet soon. [No pun intended]
Simmo
March 2009
KARAOKE KORNER
(Presidents Report)2009 AGM. Those members heading down on Friday 20
th March, We will be leaving Singleton Macca‟s at 8am sharp. See you there. Members are reminded that we are putting our bikes on display at the Albion Hotel on the 28th of March from 8:30a.m. for their annual post splitting competition. We need as many bikes as possible to participate to show support to the publican and staff for their ongoing support to the Ulysses Club. I know we had a show of hands at our last meeting of those who said they would attend, but we need more bikes to show up. So those who did not make it to the meeting on the 28th of February, please try and make it on the 28th of March. I have booked the disco upstairs at the Albion for our Xmas in July function that will take place after our meeting on the 4th of July. Put your thinking caps on and try to come up with a suitable theme for this function, more info to follow at the next few meetings. Donna has booked accommodation for our Christmas function, which this year will be held at „The Lookout Motor Inn‟ at Dorrigo phone 0266.572511. ‘Tell them you are with the Upper Hunter Ulysses Club’ The cost is $130.00 per person which includes accommodation, pre dinner nibbles, followed by a 3 course Christmas dinner. Live entertainment will be provided, being a guitar playing singer. This cost also includes a cooked breakfast on the Sunday morning. We anticipate that the rooms will fill fast, so you need to book early. At our last meeting held on the 28th of February, subs became due. Secretary Bill, has a list of those who have paid, for everybody else, payment is now due. To arrange payment with treasurer Kerry please ring him on 0439712008 Cheers SIMMOFebruary 2009
KARAOKE KORNER
(Presidents Report)I would like to thank the outgoing committee for their efforts during (
Grumble Bum ) 2008. In particular our Secretary Graeme Lothringer, who for
personal reasons decided not to seek re-election this year, Treasurer Kerry
Solman, for being able to balance the books. Keith Smith who as usual does an
excellent job with the ride calendar. Thanks to Wayne Smith for the newsletter
editing, who keeps reminding us all that he is always seeking contributions and
photos. Mark Walmsley who is rarely seen these days but his web site monitoring
is first class, thank you for that. Thanks to Bear the archivist, who like Wayne
needs more photos for the albums. Garry Knight, thank you for your welfare
reports during the year and for introducing new members at our meetings. Lastly
the three committee members Keith and Garry who I have mentioned and Max Cherrie
for their input during the year.
Cheers SIMMO.