Goulburn
Goulburn's Recycled Riders held their AGM in June under
the baton of Sue Harris. The 1996-97 officials sat with
us lesser mortals while the election of the current
leaders was conducted. Jim Micalef didn't reapply for the
president's chair. On behalf of the crew I would like to
thank Jimbo for his inspirational leadership and
friendship.
The following persons were placed in office for the next
financial year. Don White, president - Phil Tetley, vice
president - John Morris, secretary - Lindsay Harris,
treasurer - Sue Cramp, discipline (ride captain) - Peter
Kenny, lies.
Since the inception of the Goulburn Group, the Soldiers
Club has been a supporter of the Ulysses Club, and in
particular, our motley crew. Therefore, if passing
through Goulburn, drop in and see the friendly staff of
the club and enjoy their hospitality. Remember to support
the people who support us.
Quite a few of the local legends are training their
posteriors for the ride to Bunbury next year. One member,
who shall remain nameless, has already marked out the
distance between each pub that also supplies kerosene for
his Bavarian two stroke. I may not be able to join them
in their trek west as the movers & shakers who employ
me kindly gave me 5 weeks leave - commencing the day
after the AGM begins.
I'm working on them though. After all, the ride will
create many exaggerated untruths and
I want to enhance them.
A few brave souls continue to enjoy winter rides through
frost and fog, adding to their individual reputations of
seeking adventure. I must add that Suzuki riders take on
all weather challenges without heated hand grips...
In lieu of standing on street corners or commuting door
to door begging shekels for the Goulburn Smith Family
Christmas Appeal, our Group have been holding novelty
raffles amongst ourselves to raise money, with the winner
supplying the prize for the next raffle.
At the time of writing, mid July, a few of our members
are planning a route to the Silverton Ghost Rally in
September. I will definitely in on that one to make sure
our new vice president lives up to the Ulysses motto.
More lies... er... stories about that at a later date.
Until next time, keep smiling. It makes them wonder what
you've been up to.
Peter Kenny
Goulburn
Valley
Our Group recently had the pleasure of exhibiting some of
our machines at the Shepparton Dream Machine Expo. The
Shepparton Rotary Club puts the expo on each year to aid
'The Bridge', a local organisation devoted to helping
underprivileged families and homeless youth.
Even with a magnificent Ferrari F40 among the 4 wheelers
we stole the show, having 26 bikes on the Civic Centre
stage. From Brian's little Kwaka Z250 through to Murray's
GoldWing, we were able to show just about every class of
bike. These included two very rare machines, a Hesketh
V1000, and a 750 MV Augusta.
The Expo gave us excellent exposure to the public and
very favourable media coverage. We had members on duty
all weekend to talk about bikes, motorcycling, and the
Ulysses Club.
At our April meeting, Noreen Miles suggested that we run
a fund raiser for the Arthritis Foundation. She organised
a 'Guess the Membership' competition, with participants
paying into the kitty and attempting to guess the total
Ulysses Club membership on the 30th of June. Nearly $100
was raised, with Wayne Sperling the winner - 'onya Wayne!
Recent rides have been well patronised, with 25 bikes
going to Winton, near Benalla, for the Historic Race
Meeting. My son Andrew asked what the strange smell was -
it was Castrol aaaahhhh, sorry, 'R'. A great day out!
26 bikes went to Bendigo in bright winter sunshine. I had
organised an assembly place for us to meet after
exploring the city. We were met here by a large
contingent of Bendigo members, who made us very welcome
with hot coffee and a chat before we left for home.
Thanks Bendigo!
Our esteemed secretary, Max, became a senior member on
the first of July. Celebrations, cake and candles were
had on the previous Friday night when we held a Casino
Night. It has been rumoured that a Disgraceful time was
had by all, including Elvis.
Max will now require a Fire Brigade 'permit to burn off'
next time he lights birthday candles. When Max arrived at
the Civic Centre to help set up the Expo, several Junior
members rushed to help him off his bike.
'Bloody Disgraceful!' Regards to all.
Your 'Revered' scribe.
John Painter
The Goulburn Valley Group meets 1st Tuesday of the month
at the Overlander Hotel, Benalla Road, Shepparton. 6.30pm
for tea, 8pm meeting. We also meet every Saturday morning
at 10.30am for coffee and a chat at the Coffee Shop
beside Lake Victoria, Wyndham Street, Shepparton. For
information on future rides please contact John on 03
5825 3297.
Northern Rivers
Christmas in July. Bah! Humbug! This reality denial,
along with the flat earth theory, is growing legs, and
before long will be accepted as fact, especially once the
purveyors of meaningful gifts instruct their advertising
agencies to go forth and SELL (imagine what they could do
to your bank balance with an extra Christmas).
This preposterous notion has the smell of being conceived
by some homeless outcasts (Ural or MZ owners) with no
respect for tradition, or appreciation of being at home
in front of a fire on a cold winter's night. It's the
sort of proposition usually espoused at a rally (late,
very late in the evening), at wine bottling parties, hens
night out or fishing trips.
What next, Easter in October, Queen's Birthday in
February, Breakfast at Midnight, Sex with the Lights On?
Good grief, something must be done before tradition as we
love it becomes yet another, latest California flavour of
the month, casualty.
Christmas in July, along with Valentine's Day, Mother's
Day (get a gift version), Father's Day (get a bigger gift
version), Easter Egg Day, Doris Day, Have a Nice Day
should be erased from the calendar and replaced with a
National week ong Motorcyclists' holiday. Now there's a
good idea! Must remember to mention this at the next
rally.
As for Christmas, the government ought to do something
about it (do I hear an echo?). Legislation needs to be
passed prohibiting (here we go again) those over the age
of 10 from accepting gifts unless a psychiatric
examination proves beyond a shadow of doubt that you
still believe in Santa, or ride an MZ, or are totally
insane.
In which case you will also believe - the cheque is in
the mail - you'll still be respected in the morning -
they're from the government and are here to help - the
highway patrol are not tax collectors - your bike will
never break down - your bike will increase in value
(Guzzis too) - your bike will not fall over in a crowded
car park - you will not be on your bike should it desire
to fall over in a crowded carpark - your pillion will
lose her voice - your pillion will acknowledge your
thoughtful riding - your finance company will pay out
your loan - your insurance company will pay to insure
your bike - spare parts for your bike will not be on back
order for three weeks - euthanasia will be granted for
beemers wanting it...
Oh yes, the ride calendar...
Sept.
14 Bill's Ballina Brekky, 9am near Missingham Bridge.
Call Bill, 865 483 by 10 Sept. for catering.
Sept. 28 Rappville, be there or be square. Ballina 9.15,
Lismore 10.am. Sandra 291 356.
Oct. 12 Brunswick Heads, the long way. Ballina 8.45,
Lismore 9.30. Gary 802 198.
Oct. 26 Multi Group meeting, Yangan Hotel near Warwick
Qld, alternative ride TBA. Arnold 295 283.
Nov. 9 Navigation Trial, Ballina 8.45, Lismore 9.30am.
Ending as BYO BBQ, shop within 5ks closed Sundays. These
rides are fun and cryptic clues ensure the BBQ is never
overcrowded. Flat tyre Ken 293 327.
Nov. 23 Toowoomba, details TBA soon as Terry, 217541,
finds it on the map.
Dec. 7
Brisbane - North Stradbroke Island, poss. o/night.
Details TBA when Ted, 223 667, obtains passport and
learns how to swim.
Dec. 14 Christmas in December - Ballina Headlands Caravan
Park, Shirley 877450.
Ridden
On... Les Wilson...adieu!
Yuri
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