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BRANCH NEWS & CALENDARS |
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| Mildura Welcome to new members Tony Mandragona, Sue Watson and Bob Streeter. The Queen's Birthday weekend saw the inaugural running of the Wintersun Run. We had some early concerns that attendance wouldn't be high in the first year due to the fact that many people have the Queen's Birthday organised well in advance, but come the Friday night of the Rally, those fears were allayed. Over three hundred Ulyssians and others came to what most described as a bloody good event. It wasn't all smooth sailing, with some problems to be addressed with catering, but while they were annoying at the time they are easily fixed for next year. We advertised the best weather in Victoria that weekend, and delivered it in spades. Sunny and still days and comfortable nights meant that people were sitting around in T shirts in the early hours of the morning (as long as they were sitting near a fire). Desert climates are great in winter. The Gymkhana was a beauty, with a few events different from the usual ones, including the floppy-tube-toss, which seemed to appeal to the ladies - can't imagine why? Our major sponsor was RACV Motorcycle Care, who helped us get the rally off the ground. One visitor from South Australia was particularly happy they were involved, after having tyre problems about 80ks west of Mildura. A recovery vehicle was organised by the RACV in no time flat, and Mildura Motorcycles fitted a tyre for him on Sunday. Great stuff! The rally will be bigger and better next year. Why not put it in your diary now for the Queen's Birthday weekend. An added bonus is the observed trial which is held adjacent to the rally site on the same weekend. If you haven't seen what these people can do on those strange little bikes, you're really missing out. They are fantastic! The trials course is the only man-made one in Australia I'm told and is certainly worth seeing. A fortnight after the rally we had a fishing competition and campover at Sue & Bill Van Steens' ranch on the river. A great time was had by all. George Eastwood won the 'Big Fish' award after his only fish was run over by Stan 'Lots of Fish' Edwards, piloting the three wheeler. The bike stretched George's fish just enough to beat Stan's. Pretty funny at the time. Speaking of pretty funny, I'm glad there were no video cameras around when I had my first (and last) attempt at riding a three wheeler. What mongrel, bastard things they are! It doesn't matter which direction you point them, they just want to run straight into the Murray! Bugger that for a joke. A few of us went down to Wanbi for the Z Owners pub run. Another good time amongst good people, and the best pig-on-a-spit we've ever had. Last week was the gathering of the clans at the Ouyen pub. Tall tales and true were flying around the historic bar, and so was a fair bit of bullshit. A nice way to spend a weekend! Jack Andrews has a new T595 Daytona, and Jim Cartledge has a new Harley Ultra- something with the lot. Talk about chalk & cheese! Jack reckons if it has a pillion seat and rear footpegs it's not a real bike. Jim reckons it has to weigh over 300kgs to be in the game. See you at Silverton for the Ghost Town Rally. Geoff Miles Hi Ulyssians! Recently we
held our AGM and the elected officers are: Barbara
Richens - president, Peter Purchall - secretary, Kevin
Paulson - treasurer. |
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