Nepean
Probably the most significant change for Nepean since its
inception is Branch formation. This change of status was
formalised at the NatCom meeting of April 19th. Thank you
NatCom for your endorsement.
Nepean Branch is over 4 years old now and has grown from
strength to strength. At our June general meeting the
following Ulyssians were either endorsed to continue in
current positions or appointed to new positions.
Kim Kennerson - president, Steve Craig - secretary, Steve
Ray - treasurer, Rob Adam - quartermaster, and Ross
Menzies, Colin Smith, Terry Mansfield and Chris Vineburg
as run coordinators. What a team! A special mention goes
to Margaret Ray who has worked tirelessly to support the
Branch.
We have finalised Christmas party arrangements. The new
venue is Leonay Golf Club and the date is Saturday, 29th
of November.
We have booked an excellent disc jockey who will play
your choice of music from the 50s to the 90s. Tickets
will be available from the August meeting. Get your
tickets early as it is expected sales will be strong with
a very reasonable subsidised price of $20 per person.
Nepean has been invited to provide two bike displays, one
for Emu Plains Soccer Club Inc. on Sunday, 21st of
September, and another for Springwood Retirement Villages
on Saturday, 11th October. Any members interested in
showing their machines and chatting over coffee at one or
both of these events please contact Kim, 047 536 739, for
details. Meanwhile, a laminated certificate of
appreciation has been received from Warrimoo Public
School for a bike display at their recent Fireworks
Festival.
Run coordinator, Col Smith, led an April run to
Bungendore. 8 bikes and riders attended on a great
weather day and a good time was had by all. Bungendore is
a treat for those who love browsing through craft,
antique, woodwork shops and the like.
The May ride to the Australian Reptile Park at Gosford
was abandoned due to inclement weather. A few of us
chatted over coffee at Panther's McDonalds, including
Garth, with his white, 4 wheel, V6 motorbike which turns
up with monotonous regularity. The only disappointed
looking rider was Lyle Berry, who we think was itching to
try out his new BMW R80.
Terry Mansfield, who went to the Hervey Bay Odyssey, has
returned a report to Nepean in three words. Wet! Wet!
Wet!
May saw yours truly take a run to Cave Beach, near
Swansea. A very nice, fine day indeed for motorcycling.
18 motorbikes carrying 20 Ulyssians followed by Chris
Vineburg's family in a car. We ate a fine lunch at Caves
Beach Hotel and returned via Wisemans Ferry, some of us
stopping there for coffee.
In June, another attempt was made to rediscover the
Reptile Park and Gosford. Bob and Carol Priestley led us
to see some remnants of the dinosaur age. The day started
reasonably but progressed to be cold, windy, and
eventually, rainy. Eric the crocodile gave a
disappointing performance when being hand fed. Let's not
forget crocodiles are cold blooded, and so were we by the
time the weather changed. The white, 4 wheeled, V6
motorbike turned up again.
Wellington Caves was an overnight ride with 5 motorbikes,
each carrying two people followed by a white, 4 wheeled,
V6 motorbike. A great weekend was had by all. The
previous night's record frost saw some book a cabin and
pike out on the camping. One cheeky observer suggested
this looked like a Bob, Carol, Ted & Alice
arrangement. We all know who played the part of Bob &
carol, but who were Ted & Alice, and what about the
other couple?
We might try again in summer. Also, nice to have been
visited by the Dubbo Group, what a nice bunch of people
they were too.
On a final note, the Valkyrie cometh - the fat lady has
sung!
Kim Kennerson Meet 3rd Tuesday 8pm Glenbrook Bowling Club.
President Kim Kennerson 047 536 739. Ron coordinators Col
Smith 045 751 367. Ross Menzies 047 398 589, Terry
Mansfield 047 356 750, Chris Vineburg 047 353 213.
Sept. 7 Sun. Day ride v Putty Road to Wollombi. Dep.
McDonalds McGraths Hill 8.30am. Run cpt Chris Vineburg.
Sept. 21 Sun. Day ride to Abercrombie House. Dep.
McDonalds Blaxland 8.30am. Run cpt Col Smith.
Oct. 5 Sun. Day ride to Woronora Dam. Dep. McDonalds
Panthers 9am. Run cpt. Terry Mansfield.
Oct. 19 Sun. Day ride to Goulburn for Mystery Visit. Dep.
McDonalds Panthers 8am. Run cpt Terry Mansfield.
Oct. 24-25-26 Odyssey, Bathurst, make your own bookings
and registration.
Nov. 7 Friday Night ride to Harry's Cafe de Wheels for
dinner then ice cream at Bondi. Dep. McDonalds Panthers
7pm. Run cpts Chris Vineburg and Terry Mansfield.
Nov. 16 Sun. Day ride to Lucas Heights Reactor. Dep.
McDonalds Panthers 8.30am. Run cpt Steve Craig.
Nov. 29 Sat. Nepean Branch Christmas party, Leonay Sports
Club.
Dec. 6-7 Sat/Sun. Overnight ride to Trangie. Dep.
McDonlads Panthers 8am. Run cpt Col Smith.
Dec. 14 Sun. Day ride to Tallowa Dam for fishing and BYO
picnic. Dep. McDonlads Panters 9am. Run cpt Chris
Vineburg.
North
East NSW
A record number of 50 people on 40 bikes came out of the
woodwork to attend our ride to Nymboida via Copmanhurst.
A few road/trail bikes took an alternative route, meeting
up at the Coaching Inn. For quite a few, the destination
was a new experience, so no doubt the day was thoroughly
enjoyed.
Alternative Sundays are being picked up by those who need
a weekly fix, as 6 bikers departed Coffs to take a
devious route of 320ks north east of Grafton.
A run to Mallanganee on a partly damp pitch didn't deter
12 people. On the outward run we struck an unusual
occurrence on a small hill pass just before the village.
A member of the fuzz was directing traffic as it turned
out there was a neat hole in the road, about a foot in
diameter, just like a sink hole. Maybe Irish gold diggers
were busy under the road?
Our monthly meeting at the Greenhouse Tavern must have
caught everyone in town, as 45 plus members were in
attendance. Great stuff!
South West Rocks and Smokey Cape Lighthouse proved
popular destinations for a good crowd. Bob (not Coutts
Crossing Bob) may not have thought so though, as his rear
tyre turned magnet to two pieces of blue metal from a
recently repaired section.
There was no shortage of repair outfits and pumps on
hand, and when Bob had finally cut off the plug
remainders, he complained that the blade was dull. After
looking, one bloke said, 'The sharp edge is on the other
side, Mate.'
A 540k ride to Mullumbimby took in the beauty of the
hinterland north of Lismore. There are a maze of roads in
that area, with small villages everywhere. On the return
we came upon the proverbial showers that seem to be in
that area and down to Ballina.
At our AGM at the Coffs Deep Sea Fishing Club, a good
working committee comprising Barry Folpp, Tony Lawler,
John Dries, Beverly Smith, Rod Boon, Trevor Blay and Bob
Lenehan were elected. A social committee comprising Jan
Lawler, Gwen Dries, Margaret Hayes and Helen Goff saw the
girls becoming involved.
Seventeen riders made the trip to Long Flat. A warming
coffee at the Macksville Caltex sustained us for the
short return to Coffs.
A Charity Poker Run, open to all riders and in aid of the
Arthritis Foundation was organised by Trevor Blay and
Tony Lawler. About 110 people on 80 or so bikes took
part, enjoying lunch at the Valla Beach Hotel and dinner
at the Coffs Greenhouse Tavern.
I'd like to thank the following sponsors for their
generous support. The Valla Beach Hotel, Coffs Greenhouse
Tavern, North Coast V Twins, Coffs Motorcycles, Coffs
Motorcycle Tours, Wisemans Motorcycles, Grayson Sonter
Motorcycles, and all the members and others who donated
prizes and gave assistance , making the day enjoyable and
a huge success.
This bloke was very relaxed and mellow after dinner,
whilst sipping an ale in the company of good friends and
mates, after all, that's what we're all about, eh?
The social committee has selected Stetsons Steakhouse for
our Christmas party to be held on Friday, 5th of December
at 6.30pm. For a really fun Western Night, RSVP before
November 21st. For confirmation and details phone Gwen on
66526587, Margaret on 66532157, Helen on 66528469, or Jan
on 66512240.
Keep it up, right!
John Dries
Contacts: Barry Folpp 66521470, Tony Lawler 66512240.
Alternative weekend rides , Bailey Centre, 9am.
Sept.
28 Coutts Crossing. Bob Folpp 66538235. Dep. Bailey Cntr
9am. Mobil Grafton 10.30am.
Oct. 5 Jackajerry. John Dries 66526587. Dep. Bailey Cntr
9.30. Mobil Grafton 11am.
Oct. 12 Iluka Bowling Club. Rod Boon 66536748. Dep.
Bailet Cntr 9.30. Mobil Grafton 11am.
Oct. 17 Friday Social Night. 7pm, Greenhouse Tavern.
Oct. 24-25 Nanago Overnight Stay. Trevor Blay 66511445.
Dep. Bailey Cntr 7am. Copper Country Motor Inn, make own
booking 07163101
Nov. 2 Hat Head. Margaret Hayes 66532157. Dep. Bailey
Cntr 9am.
Nov. 15-16 Tamworth, o/night stay. John Dries 66526587.
Dep. Bailey Cntr 8am.
Nov. 21 Friday Social Night, Greenhouse Tavern.
Nov. 30 Copmanhurst. Barry Folpp 66521470. Dep. Bailey
Cntr 9. Mobil Grafton 10.30am.
Dec. 14 Soumeres Homestead, Armidale. Tony Lawler
66512240. Dep. Bailey Cntr 8.30am.
Dec. 19 Friday Night Social, 7pm Greenhouse Tavern.
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