Our website: Bumper Christmas Issue!

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1 Our website: Bumper Christmas Issue! Ride Reports I can offer no explanation for it. These October ride reports were sent for the November newsletter, I formatted them ready for inclusion, and then must have simply forgotten to put them in!! My apologies to Ron, Hendo and Bob and Rosemarie. Don t let it put you off sending items in tho, they will get there eventually!!! Cathy Thursday 4 th October 2007 Eight (8) riders turned up for a ride which was intended to celebrate Ron s return to two wheels. Paul E, Neil, Lyn, and Keith joined Ron at the Café for a ride to meet Paul and Glenys, and Hendo at Gin Gin. At our meeting spot in Gin Gin, we were also welcomed by Steve to say g day. Off we went to Miriam Vale to make sure that Lyn got to enjoy her crab sandwich. With the cobwebs now out of Ron bike, and our morning tea over, we moved off to head around the loop to Agnes. It was not long after that Paul pointed out that Hendo and Paul E were missing! A quick backtrack located Hendo still in one piece resting peacefully in the hot sun by the side of the road with no clutch capacity - in fact no oil in the clutch cylinder. Paul E had headed off to the rescue to get some Dot 4 to perform some resuscitation. With the help of all, Hendo was soon on his way again leading the ride to Agnes. Lunch was soon ordered and appreciated before we refuelled and made our way back again with Hendo leading so we knew where he was! All of us had a pleasant ride and enjoyed each other s company as usual arriving home around 4.00 pm. Volume 3 Number 11 Friday 14 th December 2007 PO Box 4184 BUNDABERG QLD newsletter@rumcityriders.org Contact: Ron Henry Cathy Fritz Bill Lumsden These Thursday rides are pretty good fun. Thursday 11 th October Ron At 9 oclock Pete Litzow was about ready to go home as the rest of us started arriving at the Café. We were soon joined by Lyn, Paul E, Hendo and me, Ron. Our company was soon extended by the arrival of John Blaine and Heather. John and Heather were on their way to their boat to finally depart on their long sailing adventure. The high tide was in and they needed to get their boat out of the river and head south. After some fond farewells and usual Blaine conviviality, we said our goodbyes with some indication we may see both Heather and John in a couple of years time. Just as we were about to head off, we received a phone call inquiring if we were going on a ride. We agreed to meet our caller, Graham, at Bargara as we headed off to Woodgate. Morning tea at Woody s of Woodgate was fun and soon we headed off to Childers. Our intention was to have a short ride due to predictions of storms and rain. Hendo and Ron led all to the little café in the middle of Childers to lunch and some friendly banter. After waiting out some rain after lunch, we headed out and on to home with Hendo going north and the rest of us into Bundy. Again, a good Thursday ride with good company and our welcome new rider enjoying his day and looking forward to the next Sunday ride. Ron 1

2 Sunshine Coast Odyssey To the Sunshine Coast Branch a big thank you for your hospitality at this years odyssey. We had a lovely relaxing weekend the atmosphere camping is very friendly. Great venue, great food and bloody good company. a Again thank you very much we look forward to seeing you again next year. Bob & Rosemarie Constable Sunday 14 th Oct. The Ride replacing Bums on Bikes Ride. We met as usual at the Cafe Cruz with a cuppa and a chat before heading off on Hendo's Mystery Ride.We left at 9am with 10 bikes with a total of 15 people. We picked up Mick and Astra at Sharon (a new couple on their first ride), then Jim and Mel.Baker at Wombi Wines and last but not the least (the Vice Mayor) of Mt. Perry Peter Baker for a total of 13 bikes. After fuelling up we headed towards Eidsvold on a reasonably new piece of road with lots of bends, straights and hills and of course one scary cow on the wrong side of the fence. Once we hit the Burnett Highway it was clear riding all the way to the Mulgildi Pub which is about 12 klms. south of Monto. Its a great little place with plenty of atmosphere and a Sunday roast of pork or beef for only $4.50. After an enjoyable couple of hours we left the pub, fuelled up at Monto and headed home. Unfortunately Ian Lawley and H did a back tyre on the way out so they hobbled slowly back to town. Some one ran over a red-bellied black snake just as we turned onto the new strip of road towards Mt. Perry. Apart from that it was pretty smooth sailing. There were a few complaints about sore bums especially one bloke but he has a reason because after losing nearly forty kilos he has no padding left. Apparently a couple of Harleys set a record from Gin Gin to Bundy in 15 minutes - that s good riding. It was a great day and I would like to thank everyone for coming and I hope they enjoyed themselves. Hendo Thursday 8 November Some days That s how this story could start but we will get on with it. The day looked good and there were quite a few riders there at River Cruz to start the day and head off to Biggenden where lunch was sure to be good. After a little old lady trying to push Ron into the island in Takalvan Street the day began to get more interesting. Controlling his temperament, Ron offered the driver some positive advice on how use her mirrors. He also graciously accepted her apology. No harm done and the senses were a little sharper. The group was soon underway to Childers to meet Hendo and Mr and Mrs Crrrrrrossby ( they re grrrreat, mate ),John Feeney and Shoey. Just out of Biggenden, a slight mishap had a bike down and some oohing and aaahing and ouching! Bob C, being very resilient, was soon on his feet and dealing with a bike that was not exactly vertical. We are pleased to report subsequently that Bob is recovering well with some soreness but waiting for his bike to recover too. All the best, Bob. On to Childers where more problems beset our riders with Hendo experiencing clutch problems. Now, being who we are, a problem is just another opportunity to help your mates. So, as I understand it, John F and Shoey got their heads and hands around Hendo s problem and began the task of returning his bike to a reliable bike doctor. Shoey tells me he did quite few kilometres on bike and never ended up anywhere! His car and trailer needed an outing too. Ron rode quietly on to Biggenden by himself in time to join the others, enjoy a short lunch break before heading back. On the way back, we passed our companion, Ian Bloody L, riding the other way. He soon fixed that and was riding our way back to Wallaville. A short break at Wallaville, lots of laughs about a day of mixed fortunes and we were off to Bundy. That was not before Rob L decided to take a different track and join up later with Tailend Charlie. And then we passed Hendo and John F at South Kolan. At least, I know it was them now! Let s hope the days ahead keep us all safe and enjoying them in that safety. Ron Sunday 11 th November Club Ride On Sunday 11 th November seventeen riders were taken for a great ride to Toogum beach for lunch via Childers, where we picked up some of the Ulyssians then continued on to Torbanlea turnoff got onto the Hervey Bay road, then turned down Boral road and followed it all the way round to the Urangan beach front. The morning was perfect so we stopped at Shelley Beach and took a photo or two. After a few missed the turn to the servo we soon fueled up and within 10 mins we arrived at our destination. The weather stayed perfect, the traffic was minimum, all which added up to a pleasant ride all round. Thanks guys and gals for the day out. Lyn 2

3 Thursday 29th November -O.M.O Five bikes completed the return trip to Biggenden this overcast, wet day. With six people in all, Paul C. led this brave keen group from the River Cruz Cafe to Gin Gin, Booyal, past Paradise Dam turn off and onto Biggenden. We settled down for lunch and to wet our whistles. With more rain coming, we departed approx. 1.30pm returning home via Childers. A pleasant ride on a not so pleasant day. Paul C. Thursday 6 December Ten of us gathered at the River Cruz. Hendo was there on his new blue steed but it had gathered some dust. A Gold Wing with dust! Heavens above! You must be riding pretty often, Hendo. We headed off to enjoy a short ride to Mt Perry for lunch - Ron, Paul, Robyn, Bob, Heather, John C, Bruce, Hendo, Rob and John F as pillion enjoying Hendo being in control. It wasn t long before Rob experienced some blinker difficulties and decided safety first so headed home for a fix. At Gin Gin, Ron was provided the opportunity to lead for a little while with something special (for him at least) was about occur. The ride pulled over in the shade of tree as the reason initially unbeknown to others while Ron invited all to celebrate the appearance of the lucky on the speedo. Thursday 22 November We gathered at the Cruz Cafe a whole eight of us but we had to wait for the rain to stop which gave us time to have a cuppa and discuss wether we would go to Burrum Heads towards the on coming weather or take off in the opposite direction to Yandaran and also a visit to Miara. It was the first time 2 of the bikes had been ridden in the rain "now isn't that being spoilt". The weather turned out alright but after arriving at the Yandaran Pub and being told they only supplied food when prior arranged so we slipped down to Miara sat by the water, had a chat and some checked out the camping area which is really nice..paul and Glenys Crosby come here every year for fishing and crabbing..after about an hour the worms were starting to eat so we headed back to the Avondale Hotel where most of us had a tasty feed of flathead and chips, a couple of drinks and plenty of stories. It was great to see Heather and Bob Fleming joining the ride. We left about 2pm a great day was had by all, no speed records were created and I would like to thank everyone for a pleasant day. Hendo. There it was for all to see and for all to share some Chinese good luck. 9 is certainly a lucky number to some cultures. So there we were, under the tree, 15 kilometres out of Perry conducting a little good luck ceremony for here was a bike 99 model Roadstar now heading towards 9 years old with kilometres with 9 riders sharing the ride. We should win lotto with that kind of luck! Thanks to John C for the photo taking. Well, that didn t last for long but it was a bit of fun and celebrating and hopefully sharing the luck. While we were there Heather took an interesting photo of a tree. This is a bit of a puzzle really. It is called Find Bob and guess what he is up to? 3

4 He really is there! Lunch at the newly taken over Grand Hotel was just great. Very well priced and top quality. We will have to keep that in mind. NB: Wally and Heather of " Hervey Bay Trikes and Bike Tours" have offered fellow Ulyssians discounts on their range. Call in at Shop Esplanade, Scarness. They stock bike accessories, leather gear, jeans, T shirts, womens fashion, bike badges, flags, stickers, jewellery etc. The ride home was sedate and relaxed as our Thursday OMO rides tend to be. And we were then rejoined by Rob on his BMW with blinkers fixed and waiting at the Gin Gin servo. We enjoyed the break there with some of our country s defence force sharing the stop and soon headed off home. Another good day and good company. Ron We love a Christmas party! Fraser Coast Xmas Party, Woodgate Bowls Club Saturday 24th November On the morning of Saturday 24 th November, Paul and Glenys Crosby awoke to the sound of rain. Our first thought was No Way was the " Trumpy" going to get wet for any Xmas Party. Fortunately we had booked an on site van and ventured out in the Rodeo to Woodgate. By 5pm we found Bob and Heather, Bob and Rosemary, Mal and Ron. Having filled our bellies with fine food, all eight of us joined in the xmas festivities with approx. 45 F.C. Ulyssians. Good food, good music and good entertainment was enjoyed by all. Fraser Coast thanked the Bundaberg Branch for participating in their Xmas celebrations. Paul and Glenys Crosby Dec 8 th Colosseum Creek I have no idea what the mood was like at River Cruz before the ride left, cos I wasn t there yet. How can a brand new battery be flat? Start ya bastard!!! I was nearly an hour behind after having to leave the bike on the trickle charger for a while. The less said about efforts to clutch it, the better, thanks. Suffice to say, I checked the oil again! Finally on my way, well behind the group, I stopped for fuel at Gin Gin where Neil was waiting for me. You d think that 63km would see the battery charge fully restored. Start ya f****in (hey! it stands for flamin!) bastard!!! You have got to be joking! Again, multiple attempts to clutch it (not me this time, a couple of burly blokes). Start ya f****in bastard or so help me God its into the Trading Post with ya! Nope, no go. Wait for the RACQ man who said its not charging properly, you should take it home. A quick phone call confirmed that there was a battery and jumper leads available at Colosseum Creek. No way am I going back the way I came, I ve got a party to get to! And to a rousing reception we finally pulled in several drinks after everyone else. Must have been about 50 people there. 4

5 can only hope to achieve such an effort if I practice more. There was Christmas spirit aplenty, laughter, quite a few drinkies, lots of good food and great company. And the behaviour! Well, disgraceful is all I can say. You should be pleased that I didn t get any shots of some of the antics of our resident drag queen! Next morning oooh queasy don t feel so good. I definitely need to work on my technique for this drinking thing. Tasty hot brekky, group photos, and on the way at 9.30am. Bike started just like it should (I love you today little bike, I didn t mean any of that stuff yesterday, really ) I had a fantastic time, our hosts Trevor and Jan looked after us extremely well. Trevor clearly doesn t need sleep to function and very generously made us snacks at half past midnight and again in the very wee hours and was still there for brekky! Lyn, as usual, did a great job with the barbie and of course, the unofficial MC, Ron did the yelling. Apparently it was simply not enough for us to know he was wearing red and black undies! Greg even wrote a song for the night, delivered to the tune of Advance Australia Fair. I have copied the lyrics at the end of this report. A couple of raucous renditions of the tune ensued amid much laughter and frivolity. I gave up around 1am and wobbled off to bed, but some stayers went on until sunrise!! Impressive! I I am already looking forward to next year! Cathy Greg s Song: Grow Old Disgracefully Ulyssians let us rejoice for we are old and free we ride all day and party hard we re happy as can be with iron horses under us and fuel between our knees we ll ride around and make new friends and do what e er we please so in united voice let s sing Grow Old Disgracefully 5

6 Thursday 13 December 2007 The numbers grew as we waited at the Café and finally thee were 10 of us. Paul E, Paul C, Bob S, Peter L, Peter D, Lyn R, Bruce S, Graham W, Keith W and Ron H. An offer from Paul E was hard to refuse. How about we take a short ride and head to Bargara where Robyn and Lesley will have a BBQ lunch ready? Not a bad thought really considering we were watching the weather and ready to avoid any real heat of the day. A few shared thoughts and we decided that a few back roads to Moore Park and then return via Rubyanna to Burnett Heads and back to Bargara might do very nicely. Keith expressed some understanding of some sneaky back roads. Our leader was born. Keith took us out along Rosedale Road, along Moorlands Road and from there, who knows. But we passed signs to the Booyan boat ramp, Bundaberg Motormower Racing and Eden Farms. Oops! There was even a little bit of dirt. Bob got over that however. A stop at the Moore Park Tavern had us all congratulating Keith on taking us somewhere new that was interesting and fun. Lyn was looking forward to her smoko and we all enjoyed the chat about places new to us. Off we headed, with Paul C keen to see Moore Park for the first time and confident that Keith would find more new tracks. Back through town, down Gahans Road and on to the Port and then Burnett Heads. Oops! More dirt. Sorry Bob. We were to find out later when we stopped that even Keith was a little surprised and found a few tracks not even he knew. Then at the beachfront at Bargara, Robyn and Lesley were waiting with snags, bacon, onions and drinks all ready for lunch. Everyone tucked in and declared Keith a competent explorer. Thanks, Keith. Finished with lunch and shared stories we headed home bearing in mind that next week (20 Dec 07) we would try to explore some other places. A BIG thank you to Robyn and Lesley for preparing and cooking the BBQ for us all. Great tucker and to Paul for suggesting it. Many thanks. Ron Some Letters Hi its Greg Abel here just finally getting around to let you know myself and Jen have moved..., we are now at Burrum Heads, we are running the bowls club bistro, with many ups and downs, but more ups. Maybe one day we could organise a ride out here and lunch for you all. Unfortunately this business takes all our time hence the absence at your meetings, hope to catch you soon. regards Greg and Jen Dear Ron Greetings from South Africa. Please share the contents of this with your branch members. Ulysses Club - Motorcycle Touring - New Year Special 2008 Due-South Motorcycle Tours, a South African touring company offers Ulysses members the opportunity to tour South Africa on either our March or April 2008 tour at a 10% discount off the advertised tour cost. This offer is valid for only those designated tours. Please peruse the website for tour details, contact us on for enquiries and bookings. Tour Dates: March April Regards, Joe. JE Visser Due-South Motorcycle Tours PO Box 1500, Wilgeheuwel, 1736 South Africa Tel Fax Cell Website: The Mackay Branch is holding its annual Back to Bowen Weekend on the Australia Day weekend. We are inviting branches from near and far to come join us as a test ride for Townsville next year. Please contact me or our Pres' Jim McDonald for more information, registrations, frivolities, etc... a good long weekend. name: Swampy Waters-Marsh.RonaldCa@police.qld.gov.au Dear Cathy, The Eidsvold Musicians Muster Committee is once again holding its annual get together of local and visiting musos on 21 st to the 24 th of March This year we are including a section for Poets. The weekend starts on the Friday with a meet and greet social where we have music and poetry at the big hall at the Showgrounds from 5.30pm onwards. The Saturday starts with music and poetry at the showgrounds at 7.30 am and then moves to Apex Park for the Lions Easter Fair where there will be stalls, music, dance competition for the kids and, poetry. We then move to the Bowls Club for Dinner and music. Different bands also play at the local Hotel garden lounge in the afternoon The old time dance that night in the Shire Hall is one of the high lights of the weekend. Entry is free for the entire weekend except the ball where entry is a gold coin. Sunday starts with the poets breakfast this will start at 8.am through to 11.00am.and moves to the Bowl Club for lunch or you might like to stay at the showgrounds for more music. At 2.00pm we have the Talent Quest which continues at the big shed with prizes and trophies for the winners, after the 6

7 Talent Quest the Big Variety Concert and the Finals of the Talent Quest starts. We have top artists booked for the night time. Camping is free for the weekend at the showgrounds where there are showers and toilets provided. If you need further information contact Terry Haupt on (07) or The Meeting of the 4 th of December There were so many people we nearly ran out of chairs. The more the merrier, the better the socializing and the more everyone enjoys themselves. If you haven t been to a meeting, don t be fooled by the term meeting. it is much more about information sharing, socializing and having fun. As always a warm welcome to newbies and visitors this month Wendy and Sharon form UnZud. Apologies were noted. Correspondence was circulated letter of thanks from RFDS for the donation, the usual from NATCOM including a reminder re the need to send financial reports at the end of the year, and the Fraser Coast newsletter. Also a certificate of appreciation was received from the Blood Bank a timely reminder that we have not been giving as regularly in the last few months and so a donation was organized for early December Tiger Bath wrote to advise that he will no longer be associated with the Branch. His letter was read out and members expressed disappointment and hope that he reconsiders and returns at some time. We wish him well and hope to see him around. At the February meeting we will, as usual, discuss roles- does anyone else want to take on jobs eg main yeller, money abgs, paper pusher, newsletter slave. Does anyone want to help out with these jobs? Ron took the opportunity to convey the group s thanks to those who currently take on tasks eg John S, Hendo, Cathy, Bill. Thanks also to Ron for being such a great old yeller! Down but not out: Some heartfelt acknowledgement for those of us who are unwell or otherwise, ahem, indisposed. Dave is travelling OK, getting better all the time. Bob C had a bit of a lie down on one of the Thurs rides, bit of gravel rash, bit sore, but OK. Hendo feels bloody crook, so we did all we could to lift his spirits! New Rides Well, it was big and blue and very very shiny. Yes, another Goldie has joined the ranks and Hendo is the very proud and pleased owner. An absolute pleasure to ride. Harry The wrecker) destroyed his Yammie, is currently riding a 26yo CB750. Is planning to buy the bandit advertised here last month. Money, money, money Current balance is $ There may be an issue of a shortfall re the Christmas function at Woodgate Beach. All agreed that we would cover that rather than see Fraser Coast branch out of pocket. Newsletter subscriptions fall due in Feb next year. Still only $12 for 11 editions. If paying after May 30 th - $6. Time for a raffle with three prizes, the proceeds of which were donated to Hendo for Movember (as agreed last month) Third prize wine and sunglasses, donated by Blood Bank and Lesley won by Bill Second prize wine and a book donated by Paul E and Andrew, won by Cathy First prize wine and a book donated by Lesley andwon by Mick Thanks to all who donated and bought tickets! Polo Shirts Stock is currently available in small numbers of each size up to XXL. Don t forget the new prices: Sizes small to XL = $34.50 Size XXL = $35.50 Size XXXL = $36.50 Size XXXXL = $37.50 Website If you have some photos to be published, please send them to webmaster@rumcityriders.org. Items for the newsletter newsletter@rumcityriders.org Thanks Bill for your ongoing work in updating and maintaining the website each month. Ride Calendar/Events See the back page for details on up-coming rides. Mid week rides Old Man s Outing every Thursday, leave 10:00 am. Short rides, heavy on socialising and enjoying good company. Thursday Dec 20 th OMO will conclude with a barbie at Ron and Lesley s place, please let Ron know if you are coming along s third Saturday and fourth Sunday every month. Club Rides second Sunday of each month Christmas Lights tour no takers, traffic issues etc mean that we won t be doing one this year. Annual Mt Perry Pilgrimage 13 th Jan 2008 at the Bakers as usual. Leave River Cruz 9:00 am. Please let Hendo know. 19 th Jan 2008 stay over at Di Buchbach invites RCR members to ride to her place at 1770, stay overnight on the verandah, and help her celebrate her husband s passing. Leave River Cruz 12 midday. Out to the Hole in the Wall Sat night for great food, ride home Sun after BBQ brekkie. Phone Di on

8 26 th Jan 2008 Burnett Shire Oz Day Event, South Kolan Footy Club Hendo is the man to contact. Like this year, ride out, thrill the crowds, bit of a show and shine, say g day, stay a couple of hours. Leave River Cruz around 9am, meet others at the South Kolan Pub for the short ride to the footy grounds. Phone Hendo on 07 Sunday 10 th Feb 2008 first Club ride for the year Hendo will lead to Calliope Markets for some post-christmas shopping! Contact Hendo on 07, wish him a happy birthday. Sisterly Love meet up with St George Sutherland members Easter 2008 (21 st 24 th March). The proposal was discussed; those present were concerned about the timing and the weather. It was decided to go back to the drawing board and maybe choose a different time of year. Neil will let St George-Sutherland know. Weekend at Cania the Scotties have suggested a long weekender at Cania for 7 th 9 th March Always a great weekend. Phone John and Linda on Saturday Rides next year we will look at some more Saturday rides. John and Linda will kick off with some suggestions. Other Business: Birthday wishes to those recently celebrating including Lloyd who celebrated 75years! I won't be in Church this week!! Members are reminded that membership falls due Dec 31 st. If yours is due this year, don t forget to pay up! Christmas wishes to every one. Keep safe, have a great time, enjoy the Christmas spirit. See you on a ride over the Dec/Jan period, or see you for our first meeting 5 th February. Wot You Larfin At? As I walked down the busy footpath, knowing I was late for an important meeting, my eye fell upon one of those unfortunate, homeless vagabonds that are found in every city these days. Wearing what can only be described as rags, carrying every worldly possession in two plastic bags, my heart was touched by this person's condition. Some people turned to stare. Others quickly looked away as if the sight would somehow contaminate them. Recalling some long ago school admonition to "care for the sick, feed the hungry and clothe the naked, I was moved by some powerful inner urge to reach out to this unfortunate person. Yes, where some people saw only rags, I saw a hidden beauty. A small voice inside my head called out, "Reach out, reach out!" So I did... As Old as the Hills 'Hey Dad,' one of my kids asked the other day, 'What was your favourite take away food when you were growing up?' 'We didn't have take aways when I was growing up,' I informed him. 'C'mon, seriously. Where did you eat?' 'It was a place called 'at home,'' I explained. 'Grandma cooked every day and when Grandpa got home from work, we sat down together at the dining room table, and if I didn't like what she put on my plate I was allowed to sit there until I did like it.' By this time, the kid was laughing so hard I was afraid he was going to suffer serious internal damage, so I didn't tell him the part about how I had to have permission to leave the table. But here are some other things I would have told him about my childhood if I figured his system could have handled it: Some parents NEVER owned their own house, wore jeans, set foot on a golf course, travelled out of the country or had a credit card. In their later years they had something called a store card. The card was good only at Myers. My parents never drove me to soccer practice. This was mostly because we never had heard of soccer. 8

9 I had a bicycle that weighed probably 25 kilos (pounds then), and only had one speed, (slow). We didn't have a television in our house until I was 11, but my grandparents had one before that. It was, of course, black and white, but they bought a piece of coloured plastic to cover the screen. The top third was blue, like the sky, and the bottom third was green, like grass. The middle third was red. It was perfect for programs that had scenes of fire trucks riding across someone's lawn on a sunny day Some people had a lens taped to the front of the TV to make the picture look larger. I was 13 before I tasted my first pizza, it was called 'pizza pie.' When I bit into it, I burned the roof of my mouth and the cheese slid off, swung down, plastered itself against my chin and burned that, too. It's still the best pizza I ever had. We didn t have a car until I was 15. Before that, the only car in our family was my grandfather s Ford. He called it a 'machine.' I never had a telephone in my room. The only phone in the house was in the lounge room and it was on a party line. Before you could dial, you had to listen and make sure some people you didn't know weren't already using the line. Pizzas were not delivered to our home. But milk was. All newspapers were delivered by boys and all boys delivered newspapers. I delivered a newspaper, six days a week. It cost 7 cents a paper, of which I got to keep 2 cents. I had to get up at 4 AM every morning. On Saturday, I had to collect the 42 cents from my customers. My favourite customers were the ones who gave me 50 cents and told me to keep the change. My least favourite customers were the ones who seemed to never be home on collection day. Movie stars kissed with their mouths shut. At least, they did in the movies. Touching someone else's tongue with yours was called French kissing and they didn't do that in movies. I don't know what they did in French movies. French movies were dirty and we weren't allowed to see them. My Dad was cleaning out my grandmother's house and he brought me an old tomato sauce bottle. In the bottle top was a stopper with a bunch of holes in it. I knew immediately what it was, but my daughter had no idea. She thought they had tried to make it a saltshaker or something. I knew it as the bottle that sat on the end of the ironing board to 'sprinkle' clothes with because we didn't have steam irons. Jeez, I am old. How many of these do you remember? 1. Choo Choo bars 2. Drive ins 3. Lolly cigarettes 4. Soft drink machines that dispensed glass bottles 5. Coffee shops or milk bars with tableside juke boxes 6. Home milk delivery in glass bottles with foil tops 7. Party lines 8. Newsreels before the movie 9. Blue flashbulbs 10. Telephone numbers with 2 letters and 4 numbers 11. Peashooters Wash tub wringer RPM records 13. Metal ice trays with lever 14. Cracker night 15. Using hand signals for cars without blinkers 16. Bread delivered by horse and cart 17. Head lights dimmer switches on the floor 18. Ignition switches on the dashboard 19. Heaters mounted on the inside of the wall 20. Real ice boxes 21. Pant leg clips for bicycles without chain guards 22. Soldering irons you heat on a gas burner If you remembered 0-5 = You're still young If you remembered 6-10 = You are getting older If you remembered = Don't tell your age, If you remembered = You're old as the hills! For Sale: (Ed note: Once items are sold, please let me know, otherwise the ads will continue to run. Thanks Cathy) 2002 Honda 1800cc Cruiser km, unregistered, ex con. $13500 (neg) Santa Honda VTX 1800 V TWIN 12,000 klm, shotgun pipes, bags, back rack plus more. $15,000 XV ,000 klm $2,000 Ph. MIKE BRAND

10 Trailer - $600 Call Mick Saunders Camper Trailer - $3200 Call Mick Saunders Bike Maintenance News The views in this article are the views of the writer only, and are written to give members of the Club information that may assist them in the safe use of their motorcycle. The writer gains no benefit whatsoever from any product or business as a result of this article. The hot topic this month is tyres. There are two tyres currently on offer that I believe, are very good value for money: the Pilot Power 2CT from Michelin and the Metzeler Roadtec Z6. Both of these tyres have their own qualities and I have experienced exceptional grip on either wet or dry roads from both of them. The Pilot series come in two configurations Pilot Power and Pilot Road. Both are a Two-Compound Technology (2CT) tyre with a hard compound in the centre and a soft compound on the outside. 2CT : Two compound technology This produces good mileage when touring, with exceptional grip when cornering combined with excellent braking and very stable steering. In my view, putting this combo into a low profile radial has given the motorcycling community a great all round tyre. Metzeler s Roadtec is steel belted, low profile radial that also produces exceptional results on my bike. On the BM, it is brilliant in the dry and grips like dog poo to your brand new blanket in the wet. I achieved 18,000 kms on my touring machine from a rear tyre but I did keep the burn outs down. The front is a little different, with only 11,00 kms as I enjoy playing in the corners. It is a comfortable, stable tyre that performs extremely well under most road conditions (including dirt roads). Both tyres have one problem that I became very aware of. Neither the Michelin nor the Metzeler have wear indicators. These small blocks in the tread indicate when the tyre is reached the end of its safe life. With the Metzeler, there is no tread in the centre of the tyre, so I am very careful that I check the tyre regularly or I may end up riding on steel belts again, and I can assure you, that is not fun. There are two other points that need to be considered when talking tyres; one is tyre pressure and the other is balance. Air pressure affects every aspect of the tyre: safety, economy and riding enjoyment. The wrong pressure can degrade performance in all areas. Use the manufacturer s recommend as a guide and adjust the pressure up or down to suit your load, style and the road conditions. Tyre balance, like pressure also affects all aspects of tyre, and when you fit a new tyre it should be balanced, either electronically or at the very least, statically. In Bundy, this is a problem as the closest electronic balancing machine that I know of, is in Hervey Bay. The lack of balance in your tyre will cost you dearly in comfort, stability, wear and steering, so if possible do the job properly, get it electronically balanced. Stay upright, Ian L 10

11 Date Claimers Poker Run to Kin Kin 16 th 17 th February 2008 For those of you who attended our overnight poker run and party in 07 it is time to let you know that it is on again for 08. The 07 run saw the winning hand take away $500 and the losing hand take away $250. Our aim is to give the money back to those who take part in the run. So the more who turn up the greater the prize money. This run is open to all motor cyclists and all we ask is that you recognise that this run is on neutral ground. When: 16/17 February 2008 Route: From BP north bound Bruce Highway, Morayfield, Qld to Kin Kin Country Life Hotel with lots of good bike roads in between. Time: Meet 8am, leave 9am and arrive approximately 3pm and then party the night away with Pat the DJ the bike riders music man. Costs: Poker run only $10 / person. Poker run, camping and self catering $20/person Poker run, camping and catered meals Saturday night and Sunday morning breakfast $35/person Ian Janson Redcliffe Ulysses Branch Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, The good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference Glasshouse Mtns. Valley Rally 4 th 6 th April 2008 GLASSHOUSE MOUNTAINS BRANCH ULYSSES CLUB Come along and party AT OUR NEW VENUE KILCOY SHOWGROUNDS Bigger and Better camping area Bigger and Better party area On right just before the Somerset Dam turnoff on the left. Cost still the same $15.00 admittance & with badge. Gates will open from early Friday morning. Contact: Drums Home Mobile gke43391@bigpond.net.au gke43391@bigpond.net.au Ulysses Club AGM th May 1 st June 2008 Yes we are hosting the 2008 Ulysses Club National AGM and have already started working on the Nuts & Bolts of planning for your arrival. The venue is to be the Townsville Show Grounds located in the suburb of 'West End' with ample space for camping and the provision of many powered sites. This facility is within walking distance of a major shopping complex that has two Supermarkets as well as all manner of other shops and eateries, and all in air-conditioned comfort. The city also caters for those not disposed toward camping, with a large selection of motel/hotel/ caravan park accommodation throughout the area. Remember you are coming to the Tropics up here so expect temperatures to be in the mid to high 20's during the day and somewhere in the mid to low 10's at night. We are looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible up here in and will try to keep you updated as planning and time permits. Peter Morrison Coordinator pmo31829@bigpond.net.au Hosted by Townsville Branch (QLD) Refer to website: for more information. Some Others to Bear in mind for 2008 Kendall s Flats Bike Show Easter time MAY??23 rd -24 th MOREE MUSTER, MOREE, Cotton Country Cruisers, Cathy RUPTURED BUDGIE RALLY, Moto Guzzi Club, Mingoola NSW Friday 13 th June - Friday 13 th at Theebine - Wayne or wayne@flyfinshhownunder.co Bums on Bikes - October Ulysses Club Memorial Ride - September September 19 th International Talk Like a Pirate Day the Fritzes. Movember fundraising opportunity during November What about the regular blood drives every second month or so? Our Tennis Classic at Wimbledon time? 11

12 SOCIAL AND RIDE CALENDAR COFFEE GATHERINGS RIDES/SOCIAL EVENTS For Mystery Rides, contact Ron Henry in the first instance. MEETING PLACE RIVER CRUZ CAFÉ RIVERSIDE PARKLANDS 6.00 pm for 6.30 start Come a bit early, enjoy a meal and a chat at River Cruz Cafe. Tuesday 04 th December STARTING PLACE FOR RIDES RIVER CRUZ CAFÉ RIVERSIDE PARKLANDS Gather at 8.30 am (generally) to leave from River Cruz Café at 9.00 am with some exceptions noted Saturday 15 th December Sunday 23 rd December Mystery Ride Each Thursday Mid-week OMO, leaves 10am, contact No meeting in January Sunday13 th Jan 2008 Annual Mt Perry Pilgrimage at the Bakers as usual. Leave River Cruz 9:00 am. Weekend 19 th and 20 th Jan 2008 Weekender at Help Di celebrate the 10 th anniversary of her husband s passing. Leave River Cruz 12 midday. Contact Di Saturday 26 th January Burnett Shire OZ day event South Kolan footy grounds, contact Hendo Each Thursday Mid-week OMO, leaves 10am, contact Tuesday 5 th February pm gather for 6.30 start This is our first meeting for 2008 Tuesday 4 th March pm gather for 6.30 start Sunday 10 th February Club Ride to Calliope markets, contact Hendo Saturday 16 th February Sunday 24 th February Mystery Ride Each Thursday Mid-week OMO, leaves 10am, contact - Weekend 7 th 9 th March Cania, call the Scotties Sunday 9 th March Club Ride TBA Saturday 15 th March Sunday 23 rd march Each Thursday Mid-week OMO, leaves 10am, contact 12

13 D E C E M B E R J A N U A R Y F E B R U A R Y M A R C H Calendar of Events Mon 10 Dec Tues 11 Dec Wed 12 Dec Thurs 13 Dec Mon 17 Dec Tues 18 Dec Wed 19 Dec Thurs 20 Dec BBQ lunch at Ron s Mon 24 Dec Mon 31 Dec Happy New Year May 2008 bring you joy, happiness and plenty of great rides and great company! Tues 25 Dec Merry Christmas! Eat, drink and be merry with your loved ones! Wed 26 Dec Thurs 27 Dec Tues 01 Jan Wed 02 Jan Thurs 03 Jan Mon 07 Jan Tues 08 Jan Wed 09 Jan Thurs 10 Jan Mon 14 Jan Tues 15 Jan Wed 16 Jan Thurs 17 Jan Mon21 Jan Tues 22 Jan Wed 23 Jan Thurs 24 Jan Mon 28 Jan Tues 29 Jan Wed 30 Jan Thurs 31 Jan Mon 04 Feb Tues 05 Feb Meeting Night River Cruz Cafe, 6pm for 6.30pm start Wed 06 Feb Thurs 07 Feb Mon 11 Feb Tues 12 Feb Wed 13 Feb Thurs 14 Feb Awww, Valentine s day Mon 18 Feb Tues 19 Feb Wed 20 Feb Thurs 21 Feb Mon 25 Feb Tues 26 Feb Wed 27 Feb Thurs 28 Feb Mon 03 Mar Tues 04 Mar Meeting Night River Cruz Cafe, 6pm for 6.30pm start Wed 05 Mar Thurs 06 Mar Fri 14 Dec Sat 15 Dec Sun 16 Dec Fri 21 Dec Sat 22 Dec Sun 23 Dec Fri 28 Dec Sat 29 Dec Sun 30 Dec Fri 04 Jan Sat 05 Jan Sun 06 Jan Fri 11 Jan Sat 12 Jan Sun 13 Jan Lunch at the Bakers Mt Perry Fri 18 Jan Fri 25 Jan Sat 19 Jan Weekender at Di s at Leave River Cruz at midday Di Sat 26 Jan BSC Oz day at South Kolan, Hendo Sun 20 Jan Ride out to 1770 and escort the party people home! Sun 27 Jan Fri 01 Feb Sat 02 Feb Sun 03 Feb Fri 08 Feb Sat 09 Feb Sun 10 Feb Club Ride Calliope Markets. Hendo Fri 15 Feb Sat 16 Feb Mystery Ride Redcliffe Branch Poker Run to Kin Kin Sun 17 Feb Redcliffe Branch, Poker Run, Kin Kin Fri 22 Feb Sat 23 Feb Sun 24 Feb Fri 29 Feb Sat 01 Mar Sun 02 Mar Feb Fri 07 Mar Leave for Cania Gorge weekender, time TBA Scotties Sat 01 Mar Fun at Cania Gorge Sun 02 Mar Feb Cania Gorge weekender 13