Moree Ride Report June 20, 2003
Whatever we did to deserve the
conditions we experienced going to Nambucca was turned around for our sojourn to
Moree this time. To say the weather was perfect is an understatement. Brilliant
sunshine and crisp air made the ride exceptional. Unfortunately for one crew the
police saw fit to accuse them of making too much noise an accusation costing
$200.00. then, he was confused thinking it was a Harley. Very poor judgement.
This before we left Muswellbrook.
Tamworth was trouble free only Jill didn’t want coffee and proceeded to
Manila, fortunately we picked her up on the way, talk about tough, we needed to
thaw and warm up but Jill just kept on keeping on. Dave and Oigy led me astray
once we left Manila and made me ride just a little over the speed limit to keep
up with the others, which we over took and waited for in Bingara. Oh the stress
of it all, the pressure we have to put up with. Thank heavens the cop we passed
was in a Toyota landcruiser, I don’t think he has made up his mind what it was
he saw going in the opposite direction, a little bit blurry I think were his
thoughts.
Lunch at Warialda was well received and appreciated in such short notice. We
must bear in mind that the pub does not normally do lunches and that this was
put on just for us and very nicely done too I believe.
Moree was wonderful again the spa’s hot and soothing. Dinner on Saturday night
was excellent and the company was as usual second to none. Some Ulysses friends
joined us this time from the Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, not sure, group and
chose to camp on site, cool eh! Little too cool for me, I’m not a happy camper
prefer a few luxuries like a gas heater. They joined us for Dinner and I’m
sure they enjoyed the weekend.
Most departed Sunday for what would have been a cool but enjoyable ride home.
Others stayed on for a little more of a soak and we all ventured downtown for
Chinese on Sunday night. Eleven of us trundled down the highway and one thought
it wasn’t cold enough and decided to take a dip in what was a flooded drain,
(due to a tap being left on full bore) in a council yard of a sort. Oigy spent
the evening with icicles forming around his right foot as he squelched his way
through dinner. Delightful meal and a great time had by all. Accountant Lyn made
sure we all coughed up sufficient cash to avoid doing dishes thanks Lyn. Though
the walk home was very cool. Oigy didn’t mind.
Thank you every one for another great weekend, look forward to the same thing
next year.
Michael.
Sydney Bike Show Ride Report
The inaugural Sydney Bike Show looks like being staged again next year due to
its big success in May 2003 with a reported gate of over 31,000 people. Five
bikes and 11 people made their way from the Upper Hunter to Sydney Exhibition
Centre, Darling Harbour on an excellent riding day. It had been a long time
since we had seen Stan Burns on his Harley. Now that he is off dogwatch and
retired, he should be out and about more often. The bike show was fabulous with
terrific displays of the latest machines and even the latest Harley clothing and
accessories being paraded. Tried hard to win the Sunday Telegraph prize of a BMW
Rockster 1150 along with thousands of others. The girls only wanted to look at
Keiran Perkins during his on stage interview. He is a serious biker as well as a
great swimmer. There was an indoor demonstration of Trials Riding ( the bikes
without a seat ). Those guys are really talented and held the crowd spellbound
while they leapt on and off ramps, cars and other large obstacles.
The Ulysses Club was well represented there in a large stand with photos of past
AGMs and a vintage bike up for raffle. They reported a huge response for new
membership as well as renewing lapsed members. As usual, there was not enough
time to see every little thing, but I can guarantee we will do it all again next
year.
Ron.
Tea Gardens Ride Report
We had a good roll up for the ride to Tea Gardens on Sunday 1 June. Must have been about 10 bikes, because I have banked $20 for the gold coin collection - good stuff! As usual when Ron leads the way, we become lost, he doesn’t. A muffin parlour in Glendale, I think - where else? We are going north? I never cease to be amazed by Ron’s grasp of Geography - he has got it! If you ride out past Williamtown Airport you can find Raymond Terrace. I just followed then northward and eventually we arrived in Tea Gardens. After negotiating the road works, that was! Anyway, a lovely day with our friends as usual. Nicco
Dave's Rendition of Mudgee
There were about 24 of us making the trip to the AGM at
Mudgee. Most of us stayed in Gulgong for the couple of days, although there were
some who camped on site. Maurie & Sue drove over with Kerry on his Harley as
back-up rider for the Ute! I have to admit, I thought that given the size of
Mudgee, and the expected 5000 Ulysseans converging on the town, it would be a
disaster. I was wrong, it was very well organised and all had a great time.
On Friday night in Gulgong most of us had a go at Karaoke, providing
entertainment for the locals and ourselves. Some suggested, rather cruelly, that
Albert and Dave needed a tad more practice with our version of Queen’s ‘Bohemian
Rhapsody’! We probably just needed a bit more throat lubrication (Jim Beam).
John McGee was so impressed he had offered to Manage us, should we choose this
as a new career.
Still we weren’t the only ones to ‘make a fool’ of ourselves.
Saturday was the Grand Parade with thousands of bikes parading through Mudgee,
the entire route was lined with locals. Then back to the Showground to have a
look at all the stalls and displays, most bike manufacturers had bikes there for
test rides. Yamaha had donated a bike to be given to one lucky attendee, and
Honda had donated a new Goldwing to be raffled.
Saturday night was the AGM Dinner, so Lyn and her cohorts decided that we should
‘stand out’, the boys had their hair coloured, the girls had multi coloured
wigs! There was no doubt, we did stand out.
Sunday was a quick trip home, no unexpected problems, and all had a great time.
Next year the AGM is in Geelong, accom bookings have already been made, Lyn says
that the Motel in Geelong now needs a deposit to hold rooms. So if you have a
room booked, get the deposit to her, or loose the room.
The 2005 AGM is scheduled for Canberra, some of us are thinking seriously about
doing a trip to New Zealand on our bikes instead. Watch this space.
Regards