The people at Buell were impressed. Roving reporter Ted Richards filled in at the Australian launch of the Buell motorcycle on a Thursday, and a report and photos were on our web page on the Friday.

Triumph Australia invited me to the New Triumph Rally in October. It was a great show and I couldn't help but notice quite a few Ulysses badges around. Got a big hug from Annie at Snow View, but I'll be all better soon.

I also sloped along to The Harley Davidson 'New Model & Fashion' launch. It was - uh? - interesting?

The Women On Wheels day at Amaroo was an eye opener. I took my best mate, who is also my long suffering wife Jan, along!

Jan has her riders licence but hasn't thrown a leg over for quite some years (a bike that is).   She kept shaking her wizened old head and muttering something about how she, 'didn't believe there were so many girl type people riding bikes'.

If all goes well. No major dramas with computers, etc. I should be getting away for a couple of days riding the high country around northern Victoria with Ol' No. 1.

When we get back, there's a surprise function being held to celebrate the old bugger's 75th birthday. There will be about 40, including Stephen's family, at the function and it was organised by Walter Penzias.

Walter did all the arranging off his own bat and has put in many hours of work. Good one Walter!

It's just a pity that everyone couldn't be invited but the logistics were impossible. Maybe you can give Stephen a big wet kiss on the ear at Bunbury if you think making 75 merits it!

Have a Great Xmas!!

John Miller

These started with the October Odyssey, sponsored by the Sydney Branch, attended by over 220 members, some from as far away as Queensland.

Then there was the Orange Group campout which accounted for another 100, unfortunately on the same weekend as the Odyssey, and the Police Charity Run to Tumut in November.

This event, although not an official Ulysses run, is always well supported by Ulyssians. As I write, this run is 2 weeks away, and Kate and I are looking forward to the pleasure of the ride through the NSW Alps, always a great experience.

For me, the experience this year will be heightened by the fact that I will be riding the first new bike I have ever owned, a BMW R1100RT.

For years I have promised myself that, one day, I would have the bike I really wanted - maybe when I retired or could better afford it.

But lately, I have come to realise that you can wait too long, and when the time finally comes around and you are ready, you can be too old or disabled to enjoy it. So I've bitten the bullet and I'm finally riding a machine that is just superb and I'm enjoying it immensely.

Now, if I could only afford to retire as well that would be perfect. Oh well!

Whilst on the subject of arthritis, let me thank all those Branches and Groups that have risen to the challenge and had an event during the year to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation of Australia.

As you know, this project is headed up by Ol' No. 1, our founder Stephen Dearnley, and Stephen has been delighted by the response which has raised over $2000 so far. Please remember, we recognise that Branches and Groups like to raise money for local charities, all we ask is that you consider one fund-raising event in the year for the Arthritis Foundation.

To encourage participation, NatCom have decided to present a trophy to the Branch or Group raising the most money each year for the Foundation. This very attractive perpetual trophy, which will be presented each year at the AGM, will be previewed at a private function to celebrate Ol' No. 1's 75th birthday on the 27th of November. We think that he will be pleased that we've decided to name the trophy in honour of his late wife Jo. Jo passed away earlier this year from one of the nastier forms of the disease.

There is still time before the next AGM for Branches and Groups to hold a function, so if you haven't held one yet, why not schedule one now?

AGM registrations are now in their hundreds, but we know that accommodation booking exceeds 1400, so it looks like another great AGM ahead, not to mention one of the great rides Australia has to offer.

The Club's rider training project has taken off, with over 600 expressions of interest lodged, and with nearly all those attending rating it as a very worthwhile experience.

If you haven't sent your form in yet, do so in order that we can schedule a date to suit you. Remember, the course will be delivered anywhere in Australia with the only proviso that 10 members are needed. It's also possible for non members to attend but they won't receive the $30 subsidy paid for members.

Ride safely,

Gary Vandersluis
National President

Go to the next page

Head back to the welcome page