Mick and Andrea have sent out reminders that the Branch Christmas Party is on the 10th December - but the bookings and prepayment must be made beforehand (the deadline is Thurs - 1st December)!! So if you plan to attend and have not yet paid - please read on!
"Hi Everyone
Christmas is just around the corner and so is our Ulysses Club Canberra Branch Christmas Party.
If you would like to come, payment is required to assure you a place at the dining table.We need to confirm numbers
Andrea has done a great job with this year's Christmas Dinner and payments are due.
Payment of $47.50 per person needs to be made before Thursday 1st December.
Please transfer payment to: Andrea Lanagan, NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK - BSB: 082-926 ACCOUNT: 81-245-9968, Include Surname in Remittance. Once transferred, please contact Andrea so she can verify the transfer on 0421 901 960.
Regards
Mick"
Ulysses Club, Canberra Branch Website
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Monday, November 14, 2016
Ride to Barneys of Bookham
A little shower in the morning may have been too much for the wet averse but by 11.00am there were seven seriously steeled riders ready to depart.We chose a route turning right off the Hume at Burley Griffin Way, towards Binalong, and then left on Illalong Road before crossing the highway again to reach Barney’s.
As we departed from Nicholls the gentle breeze and suckling sun welcomed us onto the Barton. We drifted into Murrumbateman and paused to let the group reform before continuing past Yass, onto the Hume and into Burley Griffin Way. Along the way we bumped into Sandy who joined the steely seven riders and destroyed any chance of continuing the alliteration.
The gentle breezes threw us from one lane to another and forced arms and neck muscles to tense a little but Lyn on the SRV250 managed to crack 90kph with Alan slipstreaming on the BSA. This supreme effort witnessed and excitingly reported at lunch by the trailing Steve on the Guzzi.The ride down the Illalong Road was uneventful except for an idyllic valley view with beautiful horses dappled around a large shade tree and scattered sheep in lush pasture filling most with pleasure. Garry asked Lyn about her recollection but it seems hanging on against the forces of the wind may have caused Lyn to miss the passing paradise.
We arrived at Bookham and admired the rusting collection of farm machinery which lines the main road into Barney’s. The food was good, the company exceptional, and we enjoyed a relaxing lunch in the sunshine.
Thanks to all for an enjoyable chomp and chat.
David Formica
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Coffee morning at Baffles, 12th November, 2016
Coffee morning at Baffles, CMC on Saturday morning 12th November, 2016 with prospective new member, Simon.
Ride to Bowral – 6th November 2016
This ride was my first ride since my knee replacement surgery three and a half months ago. The day started with blue skies and a little chilly wind coming from the snow caps. We gathered at the BP at Watson and it was nice to be back riding again with the branch. We had a short briefing before setting off to Bungendore travelling via Tarago and Windellama then onto the Meridian Café at Marulan for morning tea.
We then headed off to the Bowral Hotel for lunch via Bundanoon where we noticed an increase in the temperature travelling through the very green southern highlands to arrive on time at 12.00. We ordered lunch and drinks sitting down to some true stories from past adventures. Lunch arrived which was mostly chosen from the $15.00 specials menu.
After lunch we rode back to the highway to quicken our trip home, refuelling at the servo at Goulburn. A few of us lingered for afternoon tea at the Grit Café while the rest headed for home down the highway. We finished our coffee and then travelled home via Tarago to Bungendore.
By the end of the day some of the group were in bit of pain, but I am glad that I can start riding the Triumph once again with like minded Ulysses Club members.
Michael Winters
Riders:
- Michael Winters Triumph Trophy
- Mike Kelly BMW 1200RT
- Trevor McLeod Yamaha FJR 1300
- Neil Goldfinch Suzuki Hayabusa 1300
- Chas Towie Honda ST1300
- John Barratt BMW R1200GS
- Steve Hayes Suzuki V-Strom 650
- Les Robinson BMW R1150GS
- Vidas Sadauskas Harley Davidson Street Glide
Club Drive Report – Griffith with the Yarra Ranges Branch – 15-17 October 2016
The Yarra Ranges Branch had kindly extended an invitation to our branch to join them for a long weekend in Griffith, so we accepted that invite – but had to drive instead owing to a yet to be fully rehabilitated knee.
There had been weeks of rain out west, but we were confident (with Tracey receiving an “all clear” report from a workmate who lived at Narrandera) that we would have no trouble with flooded roads. Still, we left plenty of time to meet the Yarra Ranges at Darlington Point for lunch leaving home at 6am.
Along the Hume Highway near the Burley Griffin Way turnoff we spotted an RTA road sign advising that the Sturt Highway was blocked. Were we going through there? Not a clue. So on we drove stopping at Jugiong for a coffee.
Further south Henry Rokx from the Ranges called to advise of a road closure, forcing us to consult Google maps yet again to find a way through to our lunch stop. At Grong Grong we turned north to meet up with the Burley Griffin Way to carry us through to Griffith, there turning south to Darlington Point. Quite a lot of road was flood damaged with deep and wide potholes everywhere, water lying up to the shoulder of many roads. We arrived at lunch after six hours on the road.
After a very quick meal we followed the Victorian riders to the Waddi service station, there to be met by staff from the Altina Wildlife Park. They took us through the flood roadblock to the park. We were unaware of this privately owned zoo, but can recommend it as a destination for any future rides to Griffith. The zoo runs two tours a day, each with guides. After looking at some smaller animals, we were divided into groups of about a dozen to sit in open carts each pulled by a Clydesdale.
This part of the tour took about two and a half hours as we got to see all the various African animals. They even have some of the white lions from Mogo Zoo. They run quite a few successful breeding programs of some endangered species. All the animals look healthy with plenty of room to roam. The staff all seem very knowledgeable and passionate about the zoo and it’s care of the animals now and into the future. I’ve decided that I want a Maned Wolf as my next pet – gorgeous creatures! At the time of our visit they had just received two Rhinoceroses whose habitat was sponsored by a local firm – so no photos please.
The park also has some tawny lions, with our guide explaining that a few years ago the local dentist had been called upon to perform some dentistry work on one of them – the local vet being overseas at the time. Someone in our cart piped up that that dentist was a Ulyssean and was to be our ride leader the next day. We all looked forward to hearing his tale.
Our ride on Sunday was led by Andrew Raadgever, an MIA Branch member and retired dentist. He took us through all the highlights of the region including the Hermits Cave and Barellan, birth place of Yvonne Goolagong. A bus load of older persons had also stopped at the Cave and took great interest in the free bike show, some even scoring a sit on a bike. Again the roads were heavily damaged by flood waters. We arrived a little early in Leeton, so Ethel, Andrew’s wife, took us on a small walking tour of the town highlighting the art deco buildings, especially the beautiful Roxy Theatre. Lunch was pre-ordered so quickly served and consumed. With the weather looking threatening, we rode/drove quickly back to Griffith via Whitton.
Back at the Acacia Motel, the branch traditionally has a takeaway meal for their last night, with the Motel owner providing some entertainment with his beautiful singing. Tables were drawn up in a semi-circle in the carpark and we ate and chatted while our host sang some selections from Roy Orbison and other popular songs from our era. Unfortunately the threatening weather became a reality with thunder and lightning forcing us all to scurry to our rooms to finish eating. After the storm we regrouped to continue talking, drinking, and catching up.
Here we finally got to hear Andrew’s story about the lion. He had been contacted by the park asking for help. His research involved a YouTube clip of another large cat undergoing dental surgery, consultation with Mogo Zoo, and deciding which of his (human) dentistry instruments could be used for a lion. I’m not sure who arranged the anaesthetic, but there was a ranger on hand with a rifle. Andrew said that he was also a shooter, and joked that he had a rifle in one hand, and his instruments in the other. After the procedure his dentistry nurse couldn’t resist the temptation to take some photos of herself with the unconscious lion.
It seemed to rain all night and I was glad (coward that I am) to have a car to travel home in. It’s bad enough when the weather closes in during a ride, but it’s certainly no fun starting your ride in the rain. It was also a little chilly and quite windy. The rain cleared a little as the riders set off, but the roads would have been sodden. We left shortly after, travelling home via Temora, taking in the Lake George lookout for the rare sight of the lake with water in it.
The weekend was a great chance to reconnect with the Yarra Ranges after our New Year’s Eve trip with them to Jindabyne a few years ago. Old friendships were re-established and the years caught up with. We can recommend a trip with the Yarra Ranges branch as their weekend rides are well organised, well patronised (about 40 attendees), and the members always welcoming to new folk.
Tracey Winters
There had been weeks of rain out west, but we were confident (with Tracey receiving an “all clear” report from a workmate who lived at Narrandera) that we would have no trouble with flooded roads. Still, we left plenty of time to meet the Yarra Ranges at Darlington Point for lunch leaving home at 6am.
Along the Hume Highway near the Burley Griffin Way turnoff we spotted an RTA road sign advising that the Sturt Highway was blocked. Were we going through there? Not a clue. So on we drove stopping at Jugiong for a coffee.
Further south Henry Rokx from the Ranges called to advise of a road closure, forcing us to consult Google maps yet again to find a way through to our lunch stop. At Grong Grong we turned north to meet up with the Burley Griffin Way to carry us through to Griffith, there turning south to Darlington Point. Quite a lot of road was flood damaged with deep and wide potholes everywhere, water lying up to the shoulder of many roads. We arrived at lunch after six hours on the road.After a very quick meal we followed the Victorian riders to the Waddi service station, there to be met by staff from the Altina Wildlife Park. They took us through the flood roadblock to the park. We were unaware of this privately owned zoo, but can recommend it as a destination for any future rides to Griffith. The zoo runs two tours a day, each with guides. After looking at some smaller animals, we were divided into groups of about a dozen to sit in open carts each pulled by a Clydesdale.
This part of the tour took about two and a half hours as we got to see all the various African animals. They even have some of the white lions from Mogo Zoo. They run quite a few successful breeding programs of some endangered species. All the animals look healthy with plenty of room to roam. The staff all seem very knowledgeable and passionate about the zoo and it’s care of the animals now and into the future. I’ve decided that I want a Maned Wolf as my next pet – gorgeous creatures! At the time of our visit they had just received two Rhinoceroses whose habitat was sponsored by a local firm – so no photos please.
The park also has some tawny lions, with our guide explaining that a few years ago the local dentist had been called upon to perform some dentistry work on one of them – the local vet being overseas at the time. Someone in our cart piped up that that dentist was a Ulyssean and was to be our ride leader the next day. We all looked forward to hearing his tale.
Our ride on Sunday was led by Andrew Raadgever, an MIA Branch member and retired dentist. He took us through all the highlights of the region including the Hermits Cave and Barellan, birth place of Yvonne Goolagong. A bus load of older persons had also stopped at the Cave and took great interest in the free bike show, some even scoring a sit on a bike. Again the roads were heavily damaged by flood waters. We arrived a little early in Leeton, so Ethel, Andrew’s wife, took us on a small walking tour of the town highlighting the art deco buildings, especially the beautiful Roxy Theatre. Lunch was pre-ordered so quickly served and consumed. With the weather looking threatening, we rode/drove quickly back to Griffith via Whitton.
Back at the Acacia Motel, the branch traditionally has a takeaway meal for their last night, with the Motel owner providing some entertainment with his beautiful singing. Tables were drawn up in a semi-circle in the carpark and we ate and chatted while our host sang some selections from Roy Orbison and other popular songs from our era. Unfortunately the threatening weather became a reality with thunder and lightning forcing us all to scurry to our rooms to finish eating. After the storm we regrouped to continue talking, drinking, and catching up.
Here we finally got to hear Andrew’s story about the lion. He had been contacted by the park asking for help. His research involved a YouTube clip of another large cat undergoing dental surgery, consultation with Mogo Zoo, and deciding which of his (human) dentistry instruments could be used for a lion. I’m not sure who arranged the anaesthetic, but there was a ranger on hand with a rifle. Andrew said that he was also a shooter, and joked that he had a rifle in one hand, and his instruments in the other. After the procedure his dentistry nurse couldn’t resist the temptation to take some photos of herself with the unconscious lion.
It seemed to rain all night and I was glad (coward that I am) to have a car to travel home in. It’s bad enough when the weather closes in during a ride, but it’s certainly no fun starting your ride in the rain. It was also a little chilly and quite windy. The rain cleared a little as the riders set off, but the roads would have been sodden. We left shortly after, travelling home via Temora, taking in the Lake George lookout for the rare sight of the lake with water in it.
The weekend was a great chance to reconnect with the Yarra Ranges after our New Year’s Eve trip with them to Jindabyne a few years ago. Old friendships were re-established and the years caught up with. We can recommend a trip with the Yarra Ranges branch as their weekend rides are well organised, well patronised (about 40 attendees), and the members always welcoming to new folk.
Tracey Winters
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)