Triumph Top Euro Brand: Triumph Australia is celebrating becoming the country's highest selling European road bike brand during 2003, with 1332 sales.

This represents a 17 per cent growth with the most popular models being the Bonneville America, Speedmaster in second, plus the Sprint ST and 955i Daytona equal third.

"We're very excited about this - it's a great pay-off for a lot of hard work from everyone including our dealers," said Triumph Australia Manager Gary McDonnell. "What we're really pleased about is that the sales are across a good mix of models, from cruisers through to sports bikes.

"With machines like the 2.3 litre Rocket III and the Thruxton coming on stream - both of which have scored a lot of customer interest - we're confident of an even better 2004."

Ross Clifford the Triumph UK Product and Racing Manager said, "In the nearly 12 years that Triumph Australia has been going, it has been one of the world's most enthusiastic and capable distributors. The figures prove that and we're very pleased for them."

The 2003 sales figures for the other major Euro marques were: Aprilia 358 bikes/ 269 scooters, BMW 1323 and Ducati 1018.

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Dave Milligan, (Ulysses member # 18339) of bike shipping fame, is available to attend branch monthly meetings to talk to members about the whole subject of taking bikes overseas.

Dave knows there are plenty of Sydney-siders keen to take their bikes to New Zealand, but the thought of bringing bikes to Melbourne for the loading has put some off the idea in the past.

A group from Singleton has half filled the first ex Sydney shipment in February 2005 so that shipment is a definite goer.
In the past 7 years since Dave started this business he has learned a lot from many helpful people and is happy to pass on the benefit of his knowledge to Ulysses Club members.

Any NSW or QLD group interested in having Dave come to a meeting need only call 03 9331 0947 or email: dave@getrouted.com.au

Naturally if he is to ride up (why would one travel any other way??) from Melbourne he would like to fit in several meetings each trip so would fit meetings into his calendar as appropriate to branches situated geographically reasonably close.

Dave will be at the AGM in Geelong and is happy to talk to members there. He will also be at the Sydney Motorcycle Show from 13 to 16 May.

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Speaking of young Dave Milligan... Dave has been appointed, by Craig Potton Publishers in Nelson, New Zealand, as the Australian distributor for the book "John Britten", by Tim Hanna.

The book not only traces the development of the Britten motorcycle but gives an interesting insight in to the character of John Britten and the many accomplishments of his short life.

The interviews with the many people who were involved in John Britten’s life, particularly the development of the motorcycle, are fascinating. The story that is hidden between the lines had me quite intrigued.

Get a hold of a copy, it’s well worth the money.
Dave Milligan will have a supply of the book at the AGM in Geelong. The Get Routed display stand will be inside on of the Trade Display buildings.

The book is also available from Get Routed (03 9331 0947 or dave@getrouted.com.au) at a cost of $49.95 plus Postage & Handling of $8.20.

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"The Gynaecological Cancer Guide - Sex Sanity & Survival" by Margaret Heffernan and A/Prof Michael Quinn has been written for women with reproductive tract cancers, their care-givers, family, friends and colleagues, and medical support teams.

It deals in an open, honest and non-technical way with the issues and challenges that these women face. The incredibly candid and frank interviews with cancer survivors who share with us every aspect of their respective journeys - from diagnosis to treatment and beyond - paves the way for easier communication and knowledge sharing between the patient, her care-givers, family and friends. A good life can still be had after treatment for cancer!

All proceeds from the book will be donated to the Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre (GCRC) at The Royal Women's Hospital to further research into gynaecological cancers.
Further information about the book can be obtained from the GCRC website at www.gcrc.cc .

The authors of the book and the GCRC would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support and assistance of Fran Kidd (member #15229, secretary of the Melbourne Branch and Macedon Ranges, and also a survivor of this dreaded disease) in promoting the work undertaken in both the Oncology Unit and the Research Centre."