Stay Upright email seeking Instructors

Email just received from Stay Upright to El Presidente Ian Paterson; 
passed on for our consideration (note while the title is for Sydney the ACT/NSW centre at Queanbeyan is in the list):

  
Become a Stay Upright Instructor in Sydney!

From March 1, 2018 Stay Upright will expand its NSW licence training operations from five to nine sites, including four new Sydney sites – so we need more instructors! If you ever thought the idea of earning extra income in the motorcycle industry sounds beaut, then we have the job for you!

We have all sorts of professions instructing for us in the part time and casual ranks, using weekends to not only bolster their income, but to also enjoy one of the most rewarding jobs in motorcycling – helping people to learn to love bikes like they do! We have positions across Sydney and some regional areas:

East Sydney (Botany) Sydney Central (Clyde) Sydney North West (Rouse Hill) Sydney South West (Campbelltown) Penrith/Blue Mountains Canobalas (Bathurst) Queanbeyan South Coast (Bomaderry) Cronulla/Sutherland (Loftus) Sound like you? Or do you think a friend who loves bikes would enjoy this as a job? Come along to our FREE information session at Sydney Motorsport Park on January 8, or Hit the Apply Now button below or head to our SEEK ad for more information. It's a very rewarding job with a company that has been helping people love their bikes since 1981.

APPLY NOW

Working on two wheels sound good to you? This video proves why it should!

Ride Report – Club ride: Jindabyne 26 November 2017

Sunday 26th November. Weather was promising to be somewhat inclement when a small group of riders (4) turned up at Caltex Hume. Destination: Jindabyne. 

Andrew was ride leader today. After telling lies for a bit waiting for potential late starters (after 10 minutes over the prescribed 9AM start, it was clear there were not any.), Andrew gave us a short and concise briefing – south to Polo Flat Road, Nimmitabel for coffee, and then turn right on Monaro Highway heading toward Bombala. Sound like a longer route? – yes, but better than the direct route to Jindabyne. “Do we need markers? – everyone know the way? What’s the name of that road to Delegate? – Old Snowy something?” Yes, we all know it. Excellent – be mindful along the road to Bombala – Genelle got booked there last week! 

OK, briefing had, and all along the Monaro south I was taking more and more glances toward Jindabyne, getting darker and darker – today being the first day I haven’t had the wet weather gear along – and everyone knows what that means!

The Snowy River Way is a great run, nice scenery all the way, and with the rain we’ve had and the purple-grey skies toward Jindabyne, it looked wonderful. On we went past the “Boco Rock Wind Farm” and then Dalgety – can’t quite remember, where the road gets a bit more curvy and narrow. Andrew a couple of clicks in front, then Kris, closely followed by me and Mick as tail end Charlie.
 
Just as we began climbing the range not far from Jindy, where it does get tighter, the rain began (light at first – but as we pulled in to the BP servo at Jindabyne it got a bit heavier). 

We made a bee line for the Jindabyne shopping centre and got some lunch – and sat in the courtyard where this photo was taken. Damn – Kris has lost her Visa card – but after a thorough search, lo and behold, it was found, just not in its usual spot. We’ve all had these days!

So it was take it easy on the way home as it was now raining quite steadily just as we left Jindabyne.

We all made our own way home under our own pace – but despite the conditions (damp, and without wet’s I thought it was quite muggy) I think we had a good day. The weather cleared somewhat and by the time I got home I
was totally dry. A pleasant day with some lessons reinforced along the way.

Thanks for the day Andrew, Kris and Mick.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to you all, and look forward to catching up for some more rides in 2018. Stay safe!

Chris Dietzel

Riders:

• Andrew Campbell (Yamaha FJR1300)
• Chris Dietzel (Kawasaki GTR1400)
• Kris Jirasek (Suzuki GSX1300R ‘busa)
• Mick Beltrame (Victory XC)

Toy Run and BBQ reminder (volunteers?)

A note from our illustrious El Presidente to remind us of this weekends Toy Run and a final call for BBQ volunteers!

G’day all,

The annual Toy Run is on this Saturday, starting and finishing at Old Parliament House. We’re hoping for a great representation from the Ulysses Club, so please come along with a wrapped gift and/or a cash donation to help spread some Christmas cheer to those less fortunate in our community. See below for details.

Ulysses is also running the BBQ to help feed the hungry riders. BBQ Coordinator Leo Farrelly will be there from 7am setting up and we need volunteer helpers — a few early birds to help set up and others to help cook and sell later in the morning. Please contact Leo on 0430 581 672 or leof1@iinet.net.au if you can help out. No experience is necessary, and it’s a lot of fun!

Hope to see you there!

Cheers,
Ian

Ian Paterson
President
Ulysses Club Canberra Branch
0427 291 728
prez.ulyssescanberra@icloud.com

The Capital Rally is back

 At the November Branch meeting it was announced that after a break of a few years the Capital Rally is back on. Because we can no longer camp at Brindabella it has been moved to Stewart's Crossing. 

So ...All are invited to the revamped 2018 Capital Rally to be held at Stewart’s Crossing on the 12-14 January 2018 at Oallen/Charleyong bear Braidwood and Tarago. 

The Rally is a BYO event as there will be no catering. Cost is $20 to cover a rally badge and the hire of a toilet as there are no facilities at the camp ground. Any excess funds will be donated to the MRAACT. 

This will be a back to basics camping weekend and given the season it is likely a fire ban will be in place.

Nevertheless an esky, ice, beer and antipasta and some good company you won't go wrong. (bring your tent and a foldup chair)

Keep an eye on the MRAACT website/facebook etc . Any further updates to the branch will be linked to this page.


 Maps have been provided:

 

Eden via the Imlay Road , 5 November 2017

The forecast for the day was not all that appealing for Canberra or the coast, never believe the forecasters, the weather for the day turned out to be great for riding.

The first leg down through Cooma to Nimitabel was taken at a moderate pace due to the Snowy Ride being on the same weekend and not trusting the local constabulary. Morno’s were taken at the bakery in Nimitabel then it was off to Bombala and onto one of the nicest pieces of road in the area.

Into Eden for fuel and then onto the wharf area for lunch. 

Unfortunately John’s BMW failed to proceed from the servo and he missed out on lunch; sorry John. John’s SO came down from Canberra to pick his dad up and take him home. John returned to Eden on Mon with the trailer to retrieve the recalcitrant BMW, turns out the battery had decided to throw in the towel.

After leaving John in Eden it was then on up the coast past Bega then up the Brown with a catch up and goodbyes at Polo Flat then on home.

A great days ride with good company, thank you to those who made the ride.

Cheers..

DP

• Darryl Palin                GL1800
• David Dawson           R1200GS
• Hartmut Kehm          R1200GS
• Chas Towie                ST1300
• Les Robinson             Triumph Trophy
• John Mellor                R1200RT

ACT and Region, 37th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run

Yes, it's time again for the ACT and Region Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run. This is the 37th time we've done this - and this year the Toy Run will be held on the 9th December, starting at Old Parliament House. 

The ride starts at 10.00 but the volunteers at the BBQ's will be making Egg and Bacon Rolls from 8.30. Coffee will be available as well.

Please spread the word and let's make this a big event to raise money, and provide food and the very welcome toys for those less fortunate in our community.

If you'd like some ideas about gifts - Vouchers are fantastic, especially for teenagers, and some food ideas could be in the Christmas theme -

Christmas puddings, cakes and mince pies, long-life cream and custard, Snacks( e.g. lollies, biscuits, chips, chocolates), as well as Christmas table décor – bonbons, decorations, disposable plates etc.

If you have any queries, please contact MRA ACT committee on committee@mraact.org.au

Jen Woods
on behalf of the MRA ACT
0448 336 111

PS:  We’ll also need volunteers for the BBQ  We’ll need people from 7.30 onwards.

Vale Kipper

Mick Beltrame has let us know the sad news that his mate Kipper has ridden on.

 An able navigator, rider reporter and storyteller, Kipper shared many adventures with Mick and Canberra Branch. 

He will be remembered very fondly and will be much missed.

Ride On Kipper!

Motorcycle Show 'n Shine, 30 November (11am to 2pm)

A Motorcycle Show n' Shine will be held at Town Square, Brindabella Circuit, Brindabella Business Park on Thursday 30 November 2017 from 11.00am - 2:00PM . 

The event will be presented by Canberra Defence Riders in support of the Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia. See the flyer below for more details.

 

ACT CTP changes - Presentation at the October Branch Meeting

At the monthly October Branch Meeting we had an interesting presentation from Walter Hawkins, Principal/Practice Leader at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers in Canberra.

Walter presented on matters pertaining to proposed changes affecting CTP in the ACT .

A copy of the presentation is attached here: 
>>Proposed changes to ACT CTP<<

There are a number of suggestions in the document which you can follow up on if they concern you!

Judging from the number of questions Walter fielded on the night it might be worth another read through!

For example:

These CTP reforms impact all ACT road users, so it’s essential that your voice is heard on the issue.  

Here are some of the key issues you can raise:

•     The need for a fair and transparent citizen’s jury process with enough time to consider all aspects of this complex issue.

•     The fact that we do not accept that reduced CTP premiums can only be delivered at the expense of fair and reasonable benefits for those who are injured in motor accidents.

•      The importance of protecting the most vulnerable members of our community who must not be left to rely on Centrelink and their families when benefits are withdrawn.

•     And that we don’t want a system in which injured people are deprived of legal help when dealing with cashed up insurers during the claims process.

 There are a number of ways you can do this:

1)    Let your local parliamentary representative know how you feel about these changes. For a full list and contact details of ACT MPs go to: https://www.parliament.act.gov.au/members/current

2)    Contact your local print and broadcast media raising these concerns. For example write a letter to your local paper: letters.editor@canberratimes.com.au

3)    Visit actctp.org for more information and more ways to help and please sign the petition to protect your CTP benefits.

 Should you want to discuss this issue further, or if you have a story to tell that you think might be of benefit to the campaign, don’t hesitate to contact the
Maurice Blackburn Canberra office on 02 6120 5000 or email ACTCTP@mauriceblackburn.com.au.

The trip that did not make it to Oberon

Checking the BoM site as one does it was becoming obvious that Oberon might be a bit wet (something like Bathurst turned out to be). So I turned up on the same day as Bathurst 1000 not really expecting to be swamped by those wishing to travel to Oberon and back.

However six souls turned up to travel into the unknown. Which we decided would be Goulburn, Taralga , Crookwell and Gunning via a circuitous route. First stop was the Grit Cafe up in Goulburn near McDonalds and I feel that one thing McDonalds do well is carparks we had no trouble parking close to the Cafe. 

The ride up was uneventful until Peter's left Pannier decided open. However judicious use of Duct tape fixed this. The ride went via Currawang which was in good condition and worth the detour.

After Coffee and Tea we once more headed north into the gathering gloom. At Taralga we turned towards Crookwell. This road has recently been upgraded and has lovely sweeping curves and good road surface.

Through Crookwell, down to Gurrandah (?) Road where we took a detour via Breadalbane. The roads were generally in good shape and it was a pleasant diversion through the countryside. 

At Gunning some stopped for lunch, others head south hoping to miss the gathering rain. I can not speak for others but I arrived home mostly dry.

It was a small number but a pleasant ride and maybe another time to Oberon.



The riders were:

• Trevor McLeod    FSR1300
• Chas Towie     ST1300
• Peter Arday    NT700
• Gary Thomas    R1200R
• Kris Jirasek    GSX1300
• Jenny Carlin    GS700
• Mike Kelly    DL650

(No pictures were taken as we were having some much fun)
 

Motorcycle Awareness Week – Saturday 14th October 2017

Motorcycle Awareness Week begins Saturday 14 October with the launch of the MRA ACT Joe Rider and Share the Road campaigns.


MRA-ACT will launch Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week in conjunction with the Pink Ribbon Ride.

During the week they will have "JOE" riders going about their usual business while wearing the bright yellow "Joe" vests.

The aim is to stand out to other road users making them aware of our presence. 

Because everyone likes a reward,...for any members of the public that spots a "JOE" they can be in the running for one of the daily $50 vouchers by simply emailing joe.rider@internode.on.net and telling us "Where" and :When" you spotted "JOE".

Do you want to be a "JOE" rider? Send us a message via Facebook, or email: info@mraact.org.au 

Hosted by Motorcycle Riders Association - ACT
OCT14, Saturday at 10:00–12:30
Old Parliament House, King George Terrace, Parkes 2600 

Pink Ribbon Ride – Saturday 14th October 2017

With the current statistical forecast of 1/10 women being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, it’s a surety that we have all had someone close to us suffer this awful disease.

The Annual Pink Ribbon Ride is a chance for us all to band together to raise money and demonstrate support for those in need.

Hosted by Motorcycle Riders Association - ACT
OCT14, Saturday at 10:00–12:30
Old Parliament House, King George Terrace, Parkes 2600

Invitation from Chris Clarke from the Bowning Hotel

Correspondence just in: Chris Clarke from the Bowning Hotel has written to us to advise that he has taken the lease at the Bowning Hotel. 

He has said that they are a bike friendly hotel, and that when he had the Central Hotel in Moss Vale, the Campbelltown Ulysses club visited on a regular basis. 

Chris is hoping we will do the same and pay them a visit.

Chris can be contacted at the Bowning Hotel, Phone 0457116899, email thebowninghotel@gmail.com and address 2 Leake St, Bowning NSW 2582.

Website https://www.bowninghotel.com.au/

For consideration if you are traveling that way, or perhaps useful info for our Ride Co-coordinator.

Joe Rider volunteers for Motorcycle Awareness Week, 14 - 21 October 2017

We need riders to wear a JOE Rider vest and ride your normal routes all week, During Motorcycle Awareness Weekfrom 14 - 21 October.  

 

The JOE Rider campaign is to raise awareness of motorcycles and scooters on Canberra roads, and this year the campaign is again supported and being held by the Councils surrounding the ACT. 

 

The MRA ACT is supporting the rider awareness campaign by radio and media information, asking other road users to look out for and report their sightings of JOE, by emailing to joe.rider@internode.on.net all week. To run the campaign successfully we need your support to be JOE Rider - as before, all you need do is wear a JOE Rider vest.

We know many of you have the vests from previous years - please get them out of the shed and wear them for the 14 - 21 October. If you'd like a vest to wear for the week  please contact us on committee@mraact.org.au. We have a range of zippered (no more flapping) vests as well.

Please also promote the campaign by displaying the poster at work, on intranet sites, FB pages, websites etc 

Many thanks

Jen Woods

VP MRA ACT

 0448 336 111

jenwoods@internode.on.net

 

 

Funeral Service details for John McCauley

G’day all,

We received this email from Allison McCauley, whose father John McCauley died on the weekend. John was a member of Ulysses for many years. The funeral will be at Mitchell on Wednesday 4 October and it would be great if some Ulysses members are able to attend. Details are below.

"My Dad, John McCauley, was a member of the Ulysses Club for many years. Sadly Dad passed away on the weekend, and I wanted to invite anyone that knew him in the Canberra Branch to attend the funeral. Or in fact anyone that wanted to say farewell to a fellow motorbike rider. All motorbikes are welcome, I will be riding one of Dad's bikes. Now that I've moved to Canberra, I'll be joining up once I get my act together.”

Funeral Service Details
3.00pm Wednesday 4 October 2017
Norwood Park Crematorium
65 Sanford Street, Mitchell ACT 2911

Everyone is welcome to join us to celebrate and share stories of John McCauley following the service
4.00pm at Ainslie Football Club
52 Wakefield Avenue
Ainslie ACT 2602
Please sign in at reception and they will direct you to the function room.

Thanks,
Ian

Ian Paterson
Editor
Rural Business
Mob: 0427 291 728
Skype: iansallypaterson
Email: ian.paterson@iinet.net.au

National Memorial Ride to Cordeaux Dam - 10th September 2017

Only a small turn out for this year’s ride to Cordeaux for the Ulysses Club National memorial day commemoration.

Jenny only came to say hello and then headed home to recuperate after her visit to meet Vladimir and Uri.

The usual run up the concrete to BP at Marulan for morno’s, however Trevor peeled off at Goulburn.  Arriving at Cordeaux the numbers were down a little from other years, but still a good turn out. 

The service was very capably conducted by the President of the Macarthur Branch. The Ode was recited, one minutes silence observed, all to remember those who have ridden on before us.

After the service lunch was served, for a gold coin donation, courtesy of the Macarthur branch.

A big thank you to all the good people who make this day something special.    

DP

• Darryl Palin                  GL1800
• Garry McCurley             VFR1200
• Neil McRitchie               GTR1400
• Trevor McLeod               FJR1300
• Looch                           Triumph Rocket X
• Kim Nichols                  Tiger  1050
• Jenny Carlin                  (flying visit)

Vietnam Adventure (Kim and Ron)

Do you have a sense of adventure? Is your idea of experiencing a country one where you are up close and personal with the sights, sounds and smells and get to taste the dust (literally)? If that sounds like you, then riding in Vietnam with Slow Cruze Tours is the place you need to be.

Sue and Colin are fabulous hosts and tail end Charlie's and their Vietnamese team of River, Mr Tum and Jeow are excellent. River is the ride leader - a wheeling / dealing so called ladies man. Mr Tum drives the support vehicle and carries the cold beer, water and luggage. Jeow is their mechanic who can fix anything from a sticky throttle to a busted tyre. 

My bike was a 125cc Honda Master 3. Nice wide bars, electric start, 5 normal gears, nimble, shaky, filthy and plenty of rattles but nothing fell off - it's a Honda. Ron’s bike was a 150cc Asian made Benelli. Circular geared which took some getting used to - down down down but not so far down that you go through neutral and hit first from 5th (just sayin). Luckily, this bike also had a kick start so when the battery went flat (which it did) he could still get it going again. You could not ride in this country on a bigger bike - you need to be nimble and quick. At 60km/hr you feel like you are flying along anyway because you are going faster than everyone else (except the ruthless and selfish truck and limo drivers).

Let s start our adventure with the Vietnam Road Rules:
•    Keep right
•    If something pulls out of a side street or shop and they are in front if you, they have right of way - don't expect them to look - even if they cut you off
•    Beep beep beep - the Vietnamese only look ahead and listen behind so its customary and polite to let them know you are overtaking them, besides that they are usually on the phone, holding a baby or two, holding something larger than their bike, or having a smoke or a chat while riding
•    A beep behind you means you are being overtaken so hold your line
•    Approaching a blind corner - beep beep beep
•    Dog/pushbike/oxen/toddler - beep beep beep
•    If a truck/van/car is hurtling toward you on your side of the road - keep right
•    If a truck/van/car is hurtling toward you and they flash their lights - they aren't going to give way so be prepared to get on the verge, duck into a driveway or stop and have a minor panic attack as your life flashes before your eyes
•    If a storm is coming, it will be a short lived massive dump so just drive into someone's house to wait it out. No problem.
•    There is no wrong direction - just go. Stopped at an intersection? Just ride on the wrong side until you can cross over - no problem, just beep beep beep.
•    Do not assume you have right of way - there is no place here for road rage or attitude - leave it at home
•    Don't be timid or hesitate - trust your skills.
•    To quote our hosts - “roads in Vietnam are comparable to a river - always go with the flow for a safe and happy journey”
  

Do you like surprises? Vietnams got me!
•    potholes you could disappear in, on most roads
•    Roads made from slabs of concrete, with skatey gravel marbles on most corners
•    Water buffalo in the middle of the road
•    Brown cows, also in the middle of the road
•    People just wandering along
•    Dogs, chooks, ducks and small children running out at you
•    Ladies in long dresses and pointy hats on push bikes
•    Riders from all over the world that don't dress for the slide (because it's stinking hot and they are bulletproof - in Vietnam they remove gravel from wounds with a scrubbing brush after they give you just codeine)
•    Road works, road works and more road works - there's nothing like the smell of fresh tar being mixed in a drum over a fire on the side of the road
•    Cultivators towing trailers
•    Motorcycles carrying items that stick out, like panes of glass, rolls of carpet, gardening equipment, oxy acetylene bottles, livestock, laundry, and every possession the rider owns.

Do you like Asian food? The food in Vietnam is fragrant, cheap and fresh. Beer (advantageously spelt Bia in Vietnamese) is cheap (often just 15000 dong or 85 cents) and different from the south to the north - some we tried included Bia Saigon, Huda, Tiger and LaRue. If you love Beer, Baguettes and Pork, you'll be in your element.

The people are friendly (except for the crusty old bat that followed me down the street hitting me with a hand fan trying to convince me to buy it - or was she driving out an evil spirit, I'll never know) and honest and the kids will stop you to practice their English. The ravages of war are still apparent, extensive vegetation damage can still be seen, and birds were not often seen - the tragedy of it all and hearing of the rights and wrongs that occurred on both sides was chilling and sobering, and sometimes heart-warming.

Highlights - Hoi An Ancient City - food, shopping, luxury hotel, swimming pool. Lak Lake - stunning vistas, local show of Vietnamese customs. Cruising the Perfumed River in Hue, Phang Na / KeBang National Park - world heritage listed, amazing caves - worth the trip up the mountain if you are able by foot to the Paradise Cave and the River cave trip by boat is amazing. Fabulous mountain scenery along the road from south to north.

Lowlights - the humidity, the use of glossy, slippery tiles everywhere, unexpected ridges and items for you to stub your toe on, dust, crazy traffic - silver limo van drivers are the worst. 

Gary Mac once told me that the Ulysses Club is a broad church - and our tour group was an eclectic bunch. Most were smokers and big beer drinkers so that was something of a running theme each afternoon - we even had two blokes that had given up smoking take it up again! Of course we joined in on the beer to a degree - but this isn't really our thing so the advice here is do your own thing, and we did.

If you are a coffee drinker you're all set, but if you only drink tea bring your own tea bags and a travel jug. Get on the Chan Muoi - a salted citrus drink that is my new favourite flavour. Bring an old top sheet too - most hotels do not supply them. If you only drink wine, forget it. Personally I was looking forward to opening a nice Aussie Shiraz on my return home.  Ron and I spent $700 AUD for the two of us on this trip as most things are included, except for dinners and whatever you choose to do on the free days.

For us, this trip was a bucket list tick off. We had a ball and would recommend it to skilled riders with a few years riding under their belt - any off road skills you have will serve you well here, as we spent a lot of time up on the pegs - and those with a sense of adventure who aren't afraid of being dirty and sweaty every day. Remember there is a shower, air con (sometimes even a swim), good company, great food and a cold beer at the end of every day.

Kim and Ron Tito

Ride to Crookwell (or How I learnt to love the Wind) 3rd September 2017

Waking up to grey sky I considered a ride to Crookwell -  Home of the world famous potato festival or staying in bed.  After much procrastination I layered up, watched water fall from the sky & plotted a route north that missed all the rain clouds, arriving in time to hear the rider’s briefing. Well I would have except I still had my earplugs in.

So our small band or riders -  6 hardy souls - ventured north, picking up one near the bandit territory of Murrumbateman. Then a fascinating journey to Boorowa by which time the sun was out and it was quite warm. However the digital ordering system at the cafe was not working and the temporary analogue system (pen and paper) was not up to the task but eventually order was restored.

At this point Glorious Leader asked if Chas or I would write the ride report. We took pity upon GL as while the RO2 editor asks us once a month at the regular meeting where was the report, GL would probably experience a more daily interrogation.

Anyway I volunteered with the proviso that I did not have to use any facts. So we gathered again and headed into the long and winding road complete with 40+ kph winds, so dodging branches and movement of the bike across the road. The Rugby road is in reasonable condition and was an enjoyable ride and fortunately most of the wind was from behind.

Arriving in Crookwell we once again regrouped.  As the others entered the bistro, I decided to continue on and dodge the gathering dark clouds.

1230. End of time with group.

I did carry on to Goulburn and refueled at about 15 cents cheaper than ACT, and just dodged a rain cloud as I left. Overall except for the wind and threatening rain a nice ride. Was told that they also missed any rain, so luck all round.

Mike

• Alan Munday          FJR1300
• Les Robinson         Triumph Trophy
• Neil McRitchie        GTR1400
• Trevor McLeod        FJR1300
• Garry Cashmere     BMW K1300
• Mike Kelly              BMW R1200 RT
• Chas Towie            Honda ST1300

Ride to Moruya – 20th August 2017

It was a nice change to have the ride leave from the Bungendore Woodworks - the weather was cool but with the promise of warmer temperatures on the coast. 

Before starting off the group gathered for the ride briefing discussing the need to ride responsibly keeping within our abilities and to look after each other.  

Meanwhile, the Ulysses retrieval vehicle with Tracey at the control was sent out to help a broken down scooter that had failed to arrive at the ride starting point. Its rider was safely conveyed back home to collect car and trailer to recover the scooter.  

The Braidwood to the Bay leg involved traveling in a steady flow except for the occasional hold up with slower vehicles such as horse floats. Due to the increased policing on the Kings Highway we rode carefully towards our first coffee stop at Nelligen, where our group enjoyed the peace of the river while waiting for our food and caffeine hits.

We continued after the short break weaving our way down the road towards the Adelaide Hotel at Moruya. The rising temperature was adding to the enjoyment of a lovely stretch of road with a great selection of curves dotted along the way. 

We rode into the carpark at the rear of the Adelaide walking into the hotel to find our table reserved for us. Anticipating what was on today’s menu we started off with cold drinks to cool us down while listening to the diverse conversations, tales tall and true, over our lunch break.  

 We traveled back to Mogo via the coast road to stop and take in the sea breeze and check out the wild life from a coastal lookout. 

As usual for a Sunday we did encounter a great number of people traveling west with us, slowing the ride back to Braidwood. We stopped off at Braidwood to have a rest and a drink, saying our "au revoirs" before continuing on. Our journey from Braidwood to home was a less stressful ride as the slower vehicles were spaced out making it easier for the traffic to travel at a good pace.

Once again we had a great day out with fine food and friends - we hope to see more of you on our next ride. 

MW.

Riders

• Mike Kelly                   R1200RS
• Neil Goldfinch              GSX 1300RA
• Steve Hayes                V Strom 650
• Dieter Walter               Ducati Multistrada 950
• David Dawson             1200 GS
• Stephen Dably             1090 Brutale MV
• Garry Mc Curley           VRF 1200
• Natalie TeBay               pillion
• Chris Dietzel                GTR1400
• Kris Jirasek                  GSX 1300
• Michael Winters           Triumph Trophy
• Kim Nichols                 Triumph Tiger 1050
• Carolyn Hutton             Ducati 899
• Shaun Bennetts            R1200GSA
• Gary McDonald             Honda Scooter (nonstarter)

Canberra Branch XMAS Party 2017

This years Xmas Party will be held after the Annual Toy Run from mid afternoon until late. (9 December)

Dinner will be served at 6pm.

Buffet dinner done by Capital Roast

Location: Old Do Duck Inn, 23 Old Hume Hwy, Gunning
Cost: $40 per person
Payable by Tuesday 21st November, 2017

Accommodation available at Motel Gunning: http://www.motelgunning.com.au/
or Telegraph Hotel: http://telegraphhotelgunning.com/

Dont forget your "Secret Santa" gift up to $15 value

Facebook link

Ride Report Woodstock 6 August 2017

This was an interesting ride, partly because of the fun roads and expansive views but also because of a couple of brushes we had with modern technology that showed us how much things have advanced in recent years and how, sometimes, it’s all a bit baffling for we ordinary punters.

But more on that later. When I arrived at the Gold Creek servo at 9:20am (yes, I was late for my own ride briefing), there was nobody there. Sure, the weather forecast had been a bit dodgy but the morning was bright and sunny, not that cold, with only a light breeze. My first thought was: did the ride actually start at 9:00am and had everyone already left without me? But I had checked the details on the blog the night before so that was unlikely.

But then a tall, lanky stranger ambled over and introduced himself as André and said he had come along to see what Ulysses was like. As André ambled back to get his bike, Vidas pulled in and gave his Harley a drink. And there was a text message from Gary Mac promising to catch up with us in Boorowa or Woodstock. So I wouldn’t be Robinson Crusoe after all. 

First, we assigned roles – I would be ride leader and corner marker, Vidas tail-end Charlie and André would go in the middle. Then we hit the road, just a few minutes after the advertised departure time.
The first leg, to Boorowa, was a joy, with little traffic and sunshine that slowly gathered in strength. But it was a the Superb Café that we had our first encounter with modern technology and industrial design.
 
André ordered a sausage roll and sauce with his coffee. He’s an IT guru with a Significant Government Department and probably has a university degree but he seemed a little baffled when it came to getting the sauce out of the little plastic container (the one with two compartments that you squeeze together as you point it downwards onto your food). Tentatively he examined it, turning it in his fingers till finally he was holding it upside-down. Then he squeezed it and surprise! sauce sprayed up in the air and all over the table. A couple of drops even made it to my jumper, but not enough that it was worth wringing it out over my pie. 

After we all stopped laughing, André went to fuel up (his bike only has a 12L tank and was down to half empty – or should that be half full?) while Vidas and I swapped tales about delinquent daughters. 
We left Boorowa right on the dot of 11:something-or-other and headed out on the Crookwell road till we turned north on the Frogmore road. The countryside was already starting to green up after some rain in the previous week. The creeks and dams all had water in them, crops and pastures were sprouting and there were newborn lambs in the paddocks. The first part of the road didn’t have the best surface but by Frogmore it was wide and relatively smooth as it followed the valley of Hovells Creek down to the Cowra–Wyangala road.
 
We regrouped at this T-junction, turning right and riding through a short, winding section through steep hillsides peppered with granite outcrops and boulders till we crossed the Lachlan River downstream from Wyangala Dam and passed through the little village of Wyangala. Then we were on Reg Hailstone Way, which is a happy wonderland of steep climbs and descents, tight winding corners and wide, fast sweepers with spectacular views as the road twists along the top of a high ridgeline. By the time we got to Woodstock and pulled up outside the Royal Hotel at about 12:30pm we were very happy chappies indeed.
 
We populated a table right in front of the fire in the dining room and ordered steak sangers, burgers and chips. As I paid for mine, I came face-to-face with a technological wonder that I had never experienced before. I paid with a credit card, tapping on a device that looked like an iPad. The young lady at the cash register asked if I would like a receipt. “Yes please,” I replied, for I am always polite. 

“Would you like it emailed or texted?” she asked. Taken aback and a bit baffled, I opted for a text message and waited for her to ask for my mobile number. “I already have it,” she said. “It’s right here on the screen.”

“You’re in the big smoke now!” Vidas laughed, as I expressed amazement. Truly, I never knew this was possible. No doubt that little machine knew my email address too and possibly even the Goldwing’s odometer reading. 

As we scoffed our tucker, Gary Mac walked in, boosting our merry numbers by 33.3%. I think he paid cash for his lunch so he didn’t get to witness Woodstock’s technological wizardry. (On the other hand, those of us who are with Telstra had no mobile phone service.)

At the Royal Hotel, Woodstock. That’s André with the fire between his thighs.

 I got home at 4:30pm, as the sky was darkening and the wind was picking up, but an hour before the rain started. Perfect timing. As I greeted the bride she asked, “What did you spend $12 on at the Royal Hotel in Woodstock?”. The oh-so-smart system had texted the receipt to Sally’s mobile instead of mine. Take that as a warning, peoples.

Ian Paterson        GL1800
André Swenson    Ninja 650R
Vidas Sadauskas    Street Glide
Gary McDonald    BMW R100S

Ian Paterson

The Royal Hotel even has its own bus. No need to ride to Woodstock!

Fleet at rest

LONG RIDE 2017

Andrea has written to the President and Committee and presumably ourselves to advise us about an upcoming Long Ride event - the details are below:

 Dear President and Committee

I am writing on behalf of this years’ “Long Ride” participants who are putting on a “Show and Shine” to:

•     Raise funds for Prostate Cancer Research
•     Raise awareness of Prostate Cancer and Men’s Health

The event will be held on Friday 22nd September 2017 at Blamey Square – Russell Offices, Canberra, ACT from 9am – 1.30pm.
The Chief of Defence Force will be in attendance to judge the best bikes on display and to award the prizes.
So far, we have confirmed that one prize will be a $200 gift voucher for either Autobarn or Repco.

We will also be selling our raffle tickets which also has some great prizes up for grabs including:

• Hisense 55” HiDef TV ($1699)
• Hisense 435L Fridge ($1099)
• MONT tent and Sleeping Bag ($1089)
• Air Force Balloon Flight ($760)
• 2 x MotoDNA Training Days ($450ea)
• Green Machine Adventure Flight ($350)
• Pirreli Motorcycle Tyre Voucher ($300)
• HELD Air and Dry Gloves ($300).

There will also be local motorcycle retailers with a selection of their bikes/gear and other associated motorcycle, defence and military displays.

We would like to extend a warm welcome to your members to participate and show their bikes.
I have included our flyer to use in newsletters, displays and posting to social media and a Facebook link to the Event.

Long Ride 2017 Show & Shine

I look forward to meeting with your members and seeing their bikes on display at the Show and Shine.
For any further questions, please contact either myself, or Dion Isaacson on dion.isaacson@defence.gov.au.

Regards
Andrea Lanagan
andrea.lanagan@icloud.com
0421 901 960

 >> INFO <<

>> BACKGROUND << 

20th Golden Dragon Rally (Central Vic Branch)

Central Vic Branch have sent out a flyer to let us know that they are having their 20th Golden Dragon Rally (to be held over 3 days) at Tarnagulla Recreation Reserve, as it has for nearly 15 years.

They offer better than paddock camping facilities – Lions club food and beverages-  on site showers and toilets – plenty to see and do on the Grand Finals weekend.

All the details are in the flyer. (see below)

Campervans and caravans are welcome for those unable to make the trip on bikes.

and download the flyer >>HERE<<

Ride Report to Cootamundra 23 July 2017

Hi Everyone

I drew the lucky dip prize today to write up the ride report – yay! Anyway back to the conversation. We all met up at the Nicholls petrol station with a cold but bright sunny day. Andrew gave us the ride plan to get to Cootamundra and off we went. On the way near Yass, Carolyn and Shaun were so impressed by the group as we went passed, on our way to our first stop Boorowa, that they caught a ride on our slip stream and stayed with us.
 
We had a welcome, defrosting morning tea in Boorowa and then headed back out of town to explore Cunningar Road on our way towards Harden. From there we headed onto Jugiong Road and then onward bound to Cootamundra. From Boorowa though, Trevor had decided to go off on another tangent and met us back in Coota for the lunch feast. I suspect he went looking for his personal GPS which his doctors misplaced when they were giving him some medical treatment.

We arrived at Coota for lunch and most of us had an enjoyable Sunday roast which came with a complimentary dessert of rice pudding. One of the topics that came up at lunch was memory and it apparently changes with age. Does that mean we are all heading towards a fresh new start with each other? Will we get to an age that when we meet up for a ride, it will be like meeting up with a new group of friends each time? Will the corner-markers remember what they are waiting for and will tail-end Charlie remember why he is there? 

A smiling crew at Cootamundra

We finished our lunches, discussed who wanted to stop for fuel and where and then blasted back out into the country side to head home. Sorry, we left at the speed limit.
 
I had and enjoyable day out and assume everyone else did, but unlike some, it’s back to work for me on Monday. Heavy sigh….. Until the next ride, see you all later.

Kris J


The Riders were:

• Andrew Campbell FJR 1300
• Alan Munday FJR 1300
• Michael Winters Triumph
• Garry McCurley Honda VFR 1200
• Chas Towie Honda ST 1300
• Rod Horne BMW R1200 GSA
• Trevor McLeod FJR 1300
• Kris Jirasek Suzuki GSXR 1300
• Carolyn Hutton Ducati 899 Panigale
• Shaun Bennetts VStrom 650
• Marilyn Starick Multistrada 1200
• Ian Paterson GL 1800
• Gary McDonald BMW R100S