March Poker Run This Sunday come enjoy the day. Details inside see page 8

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1 March 2017 Poker Run This Sunday come enjoy the day Details inside see page 8 1

Committee Members 2016 President Secretary Branch Information Les Paterson 0416494921 Debbbie Relf 0419353755 Postal Address: 2/39 Bottlebrush Blvd Fletcher 2287 Email:

We are proud of being the largest social club in Australia with around 137 branches and 2 Special Interest Groups right throughout Australia, so opportunity exists to make new friends as you travel

is a social club for motorcyclists over the age of 40 however the original suggestion for the club was for over 40's motorcyclists and was put forward in a letter by Stephen Dearnley published in the

This was done at an inaugural meeting in Sydney on 6th December, 1983 when the five founding members approved a basic constitution and the Ulysses Club was duly formed.

Additionally, the spouse or regular partner of a member, who has also attained the age of 40 years may also be admitted as a member upon application. Any type of bike is welcome.

30am from Hexham McDonalds Wayne Donald 0429646194 Committee Members Midweek rides meet at Hexham McDonalds and leave at 9.

2 Committee Members 2016 President Secretary Branch Information Les Paterson Debbbie Relf Postal Address: 2/39 Bottlebrush Blvd Fletcher Treasurer About us: The Ulysses Club, as a social club for older motorcyclists welcomes riders aged 40 years and over to join. We are proud of being the largest social club in Australia with around 137 branches and 2 Special Interest Groups right throughout Australia, so opportunity exists to make new friends as you travel around. Join in a local ride, or attend a social meeting in a different location just for fun! At the start Ulysses Club Inc. is a social club for motorcyclists over the age of 40 however the original suggestion for the club was for over 40's motorcyclists and was put forward in a letter by Stephen Dearnley published in the August 1983 issue of Bike Australia. This was done at an inaugural meeting in Sydney on 6th December, 1983 when the five founding members approved a basic constitution and the Ulysses Club was duly formed. Membership Membership of the Club is open to any person, subject to the National Committee approval, who has attained the age of 40 years and who holds a current motorcycle licence. Additionally, the spouse or regular partner of a member, who has also attained the age of 40 years may also be admitted as a member upon application. Any type of bike is welcome. We would like to remind our members that all official Newcastle Lower Hunter Branch rides and events are posted in our ride calendar and, unless otherwise stated, Sunday rides leave at 8.30am from Hexham McDonalds Wayne Donald Committee Members Midweek rides meet at Hexham McDonalds and leave at 9.30am (later than Sunday rides because we are very casual and avoid peak hour) and some rides also meet at Freemans Waterhole 10am. Check the ride calendar for ride details If members wish to have breakfast prior to the morning rides please ensure you arrive a little earlier to be sure you re ready to leave at the nominated ride times from Hexham McDonalds Kerry McLeish Branch Social Meetings are held at 7pm, 2nd Saturday of the Month Edgeworth Bowling Club, 1 Park St, Edgeworth NSW Dinner can be purchased in the club bistro from 6pm Ride Guidelines: Wendy Donald Peter Hill Newsletter Editor Vince Toonen Ph vatoonen@gmail.com Webmaster John Lind Ph ; johnlind53@tpg.com.au Arrive early and prepared: alert, check bike condition, fuel tank full. Riders ride within their own limits ("Ride Your Own Ride") and observe speed limits & other rules of the road. Do not overtake anyone on the left (unless in a separately marked lane). Tail End Charlie rides at a safe margin behind the slowest rider and indicates to each corner marker rider that they may continue with the ride. Riders inform Tail End Charlie if they intend to leave the ride. Visitors are welcome at Ulysses rides - please introduce yourself, and ask about our ride protocols. This newsletter is ed to members who are registered with the club secretary along with the latest news and ride dates. You can find the newsletter on the Ulysses web site, and on the Newcastle Lower Hunter Branch site. If you have any news or something interesting you would like to add to the newsletter, as a word document to the editor or the branch address before the third week of the month for possible inclusion in the next months edition Cover..Relaxing on the Oberon weekend away 2

Straight away we were busy, having to do a few major events including the Super Moto membership drive, memorial ride and the Xmas party, also the normal decisions of rides, coffee mornings and social

3 Presidents Report It has been a quick year and a busy year, but a very enjoyable year being President of the NLH Branch. I couldn t have been happier with the committee I ended up with, especially when Deb volunteered to be secretary, then Pete joining us to fill up the six person committee. Straight away we were busy, having to do a few major events including the Super Moto membership drive, memorial ride and the Xmas party, also the normal decisions of rides, coffee mornings and social events. We decided that we needed a variety of rides to cater for all members including longer rides, short rides and some weekends away. We had two weekends away Coolah where we had 21 people on the ride and Oberon where we had 16 people plus Helen in the car for the ride and also a long ride of over 500ks up through Gloucester, Nowendoc and down to Nundle for lunch then home where we had 13 riders, showing that these rides are sought after. Our regular shorter rides were also well attended and our the committed tried to provide a good variety of destinations. Our social nights proved popular with a regular attendance of around 40 people at most meetings making them very enjoyable and also a lot of new members contacting us and attending our rides and social events. We also started putting our newly formatted newsletter (thanks to a lot of hard work from Vince) out at all the bike shops, with about 50 disappearing in a month which may account for our new member interest. Meanwhile our midweek rides were going ahead with some great rides organised by Jen and Ken making it very easy for the committee. They do a great job organising the rides and the lunch stops. I would like to thank Deb, Wayne, Pete, Wendy and Kerry for making life very easy on the committee and I would like to thank every member of the branch for making my year a very enjoyable one. I am sorry to not be continuing for another year, but I wish Wayne a great year and look forward to a continuation of more varied and interesting rides and formats. Thanks everyone Les Paterson President. Happy birthday to- Carol Cameron Peter Harrigan Sue Hughes Jose Stokman Dallas Relf David Brown Stan Black Sue Ford and two omissions from January's Newsletter David Butcher Ray Jenkins Happy Wedding Anniversary to the following members and their partnersgary and Margy Hincksman 3

4 Ride Calendar Ride classifications: A Short distance. Around 200 kilometres B Moderate distance. Up to about 400 kilometres C Long distance, Over 400 kilometres D Multiple days Date Ride Details Grade Start Time Our Branch AGM 11th March Remember all members must have their membership cards present to vote pm Enjoy the company of members at our social meeting It is always a good night Arrive by 6pm for dinner or just come to the meeting Poker Run starting at Hexham Maccas 12th March Cards sold from 8.30 onwards cost is $10 a hand Travel appox 200kms through the Hunter Valley A 8.30 AM Finish with lunch at Edgeworth Bowling Club 19th March Coffee Morning make your own way to Medowie Macadamia Café 672 Medowie Rd, Medowie and join us for a coffee and a chat 26th March Ride to Gosford Car Museum via Budgewoi, Ourimbah and home through Mangrove Mountain 1st March Midweek Ride to Maitland via Wollombi, Bumble Hill, Broke Meet at Freemans Waterhole Morning tea Wollombi 5th April AM B 8.30 AM A 9.30 AM B 9.30 AM Lunch: Broke Midweek ride to Lake St Clair via Singleton Morning tea Bakers of Singleton George St Singleton, Lunch Lake St Claire Dam picnic shed with BBQs available Social Meeting starting at 7pm 8th April Enjoy the company of members at our social meeting It is always a good night Arrive by 6pm for dinner or just come to the meeting 7.00 PM 4

Branch Weekender to Oberon 25 & 26 February 2017 The weather forecast looked ominous but the day dawned only to clouds with the threat of rain hanging in the air.

5 Branch Weekender to Oberon 25 & 26 February 2017 The weather forecast looked ominous but the day dawned only to clouds with the threat of rain hanging in the air. Everyone who had booked to come congregated at Hexham Macdonald s as planned for a prompt 8.30am start. Waiting.waiting.waiting and at 8.29 ride leader Kerry and Les pulled into the parking lot. In total 11 bikes and 16 riders & pillions were ready to go. Mike and Jenny who were coming on a day trip changed their mind and raced home to get some gear after making arrangements to catch up with us at morning tea stop. A short ride briefing and then on with our helmets and jackets. We pulled out in an orderly fashion and with 430 kms to travel headed straight up the highway. To warm up for the Bylong Valley roads we took the back road from Jerrys Plains and pulled into Denman for morning tea. The weather was holding beautifully, everyone was rolling along at a nice pace, keeping in touch and having a great time. After a fairly brief but enjoyable morning tea and chat we regrouped to head towards Rylstone for lunch. Everyone was reminded to ride at their own pace, in front or behind the ride leader. We paused at Bylong to check in and then rolled on through to lunch. The roads were dry and the smiles were broad. President Les stayed on in Denman to wait for Mike and Jenny who arrived only about 5 minutes after the main group left. After also enjoying morning tea they took the back shortcut along the dirt road to catch up with the main group at Rylstone. The main street of Rylstone was packed due to the local show being on but we managed to find places to park the bikes. Lunch was at the Globe Hotel where we enjoyed some time catching up in the garden seating. The meals were reasonably priced, tasty and plentiful. 5

Heading out after lunch saw a change of ride leader from Kerry to Les.

Capertee Valley is the second largest enclosed canyon in the world. The clouds remained high and some were lucky enough to see the eagle soaring just off the lookout as we were leaving.

Next stop Little Hartley. Not much here, just a quaint little historical village in the Blue Mountains. Formerly a judicial and administration centre with a busy courthouse dating back to 1837.

gallery with handcrafted metal art which is definitely worth a visit. As a few drops of rain started materialising a few cut their tour of Little Hartley short and made a dash to Oberon.

6 Heading out after lunch saw a change of ride leader from Kerry to Les. The scenery was spectacular and although many had travelled this way before few had ever stopped to enjoy the 180 degree views from Pearsons Lookout over Capertee Valley and Pantoney s Crown. Capertee Valley is the second largest enclosed canyon in the world. The clouds remained high and some were lucky enough to see the eagle soaring just off the lookout as we were leaving. Through the mountains and Lithgow the temperature dropped to 15 and a few started putting liners in jackets and turning heated handgrips on but definitely still a pleasant ride. Next stop Little Hartley. Not much here, just a quaint little historical village in the Blue Mountains. Formerly a judicial and administration centre with a busy courthouse dating back to Little Hartley offers a coffee shop, is home to the historic Rosedale house and affords some historic walking tracks and buildings that are open to the public along with a really interesting art gallery with handcrafted metal art which is definitely worth a visit. As a few drops of rain started materialising a few cut their tour of Little Hartley short and made a dash to Oberon. Wasn t long and everyone was hightailing it. Through Hampton the mist was settling and roads were damp in spots but not enough to need wet weather gear. Arriving at Oberon those booked into the Tourist Hotel put their bikes safely away, a few in motels or the brave camper (well done Andrew) setup home also. Helen joined us here in the car after having to travel south for family commitments. Sandy at the Tourist Hotel was looking after us well and we had a long table nicely decked out to fit everyone in together. The beers were cold and hospitality warm. We enjoyed a lovely meal which was served promptly and most kicked back for a relaxed social night. The plan was to meet at the Long Arm Farm Café for breakfast at 8am when they opened to eat and review weather conditions and plan the return trip. With rain forecast through Lithgow and Wisemans Ferry the main group decided to change plans and take the 470 km ride around 6

through Bathurst, Mudgee and home. A brief stop at Ilford to stretch the legs, fuel at Mudgee and then leisurely lunch stop at Merriwa saw us home by 3 pm and dry.

They kept dry and I understand were home roughly around 3ish also. February Social Meeting February's meeting ended up being a great meeting even though the weather was extremely hot.

We had two Year Badges to hand out, Shannon Kinsella for 30 years and Ian Goodwin with 10 years of being members of the Ulysses Club.

7 through Bathurst, Mudgee and home. A brief stop at Ilford to stretch the legs, fuel at Mudgee and then leisurely lunch stop at Merriwa saw us home by 3 pm and dry. David, Ray and Trevor took a different route travelling 330 kms back along Bells Line of Road through Hornsby and along the Old Pacific Highway through Yarramalong and home. They kept dry and I understand were home roughly around 3ish also. February Social Meeting February's meeting ended up being a great meeting even though the weather was extremely hot. We had around 37 members along with some new/old members attending which was great to see. We also had Jill and Rodger from Lake Macquarie branch. We had two Year Badges to hand out, Shannon Kinsella for 30 years and Ian Goodwin with 10 years of being members of the Ulysses Club. A great time was had by all and Les and I would like to thank everyone for their wonderful company, friendship and fellowship. Riding with such a great bunch of friends makes the journey that much better. Following the wonderful interest and participation we have had on our long rides over the past 12 months, we both look forward to other long rides and overnight trips with the branch in the near future. Guzzi Girl Congratulations to both members. Kerry Advert 7

8 8

9 Midweek Ride to Maitland 1/3/17 The day dawned looking almost as badly as last month! The weather man predicted a ninety per cent chance of rain! If a person did not need to be at Freeman s at 09:30, a person would have stayed in bed. Jennifer had another appointment today and she was not getting on a motor bike! During a small break in the weather I rode off to see if anyone would turn up for the ride. I pulled in right behind Ted on his very handsome Africa Twin at the servo across the road where we both filled up our tanks. Ted had agreed to lead the ride if I was delayed returning from Phillip Island. Sitting at the table outside of the starting point, we looked out over the carpark waiting to see if anyone else would brave the elements. Some minutes later a Can Am Spider rolled in and it was ridden by Pat, a midweek regular. We three sat for half an hour till well after ten O clock as we pondered our next moves. Pat finally announced she would visit a friend in Toronto and if Ted and I decided to do the ride as prescribed, she would not then, hold us up on the wet road. We decided we may as well go for the ride. Down to Wyee, along the lovely Yarramalong Valley and up Bumpy Hill. At Jerry s Cafe we had a coffee stop and considered how lucky we were having not yet, been wetted by rain. We then travelled at speed limit pace all the way to Wollombi and without stopping, on to Broke. Passing through Wollombi I noticed a woman walking towards a parked motorcycle halfway between the shops and the pub.. When we stopped at the lunch destination, lo and behold, the woman in Wollombi turned up where we were and was accompanied by Garry and Elaine on the Vstrom. Julie being a friend of Elaine. Let s hope we may be seeing more of her in the future. Garry was not a real happy camper because he had gone off earlier to Hexham where he began to think maybe today's ride started somewhere else. Which it did. After a pleasant lunch break and talking about the apparent lack of rain so far, I was confident enough to leave Broke without putting on my wet trousers. As soon as we rounded the first corner on the way home we were confronted with the awesome sight of the approaching rain shower/storm. The valley in the distance, the direction of home, was as black as midnight and driven by quite a strong wind! I immediately returned to the comfort of the servo to pull on my wets. Waiting a few more minutes, the rain had almost stopped when I again set out for home. I enjoyed my day out with our little group and hope the others did too. You never know what the weather will do and sometimes, you can be very lucky. Hope to see you next month. Taylor. Ken 9

Classifieds These classifieds are for the benefit of the Ulysses members. The advertisements will run for 3 consecutive months or until sold.

. If any members, who own a FJR1300 would be interested, contact Graham Pearson 0402814628 $180 ono They were made at Mortels at Thornton 2008 Honda Transalp 650 Adventure Tourer, 48,000k's

00, 57,000Kilometres, excellent condition, New lithium battery, Michelan Road Commander 2's', approx.

.. your assistance would be greatly appreciated to assist with the branch BBQ s held 1st Saturday of the month at; Maitland Road Tighes Hill.

if you walk into the showroom or parts sections, you will get a good deal, so bring some spending money.

10 Classifieds These classifieds are for the benefit of the Ulysses members. The advertisements will run for 3 consecutive months or until sold...please notify us I have 2 piece seat of sheep skin seat covers in good condition which I am selling as I have recently sold my bike, and very unlikely to be getting another.. If any members, who own a FJR1300 would be interested, contact Graham Pearson $180 ono They were made at Mortels at Thornton 2008 Honda Transalp 650 Adventure Tourer, 48,000k's with12 months rego to Nov 2017, great bike one owner. Ken Taylor For sale, KAWASAKI NOMAD, $10,300.00, 57,000Kilometres, excellent condition, New lithium battery, Michelan Road Commander 2's', approx. 6,000k's, will do at least another 15,000 plus Detour camper 2004, single person set up, plus camping gear, fold up table, stove, etc.$4, Or both for $14, Attention all Members... your assistance would be greatly appreciated to assist with the branch BBQ s held 1st Saturday of the month at; Maitland Road Tighes Hill. Come along and help the branch out and demonstrate your BBQ skills, or be there to talk to members of the public interested in the Ulysses The BBQ gives a chance for members to meet casually and if you walk into the showroom or parts sections, you will get a good deal, so bring some spending money. If you can help out on any 1st Saturday of the month till about 1pm, please contact a committee member to register your days. John Beddoe Kerry McLeish Monaland Pty Ltd Gary Hinksman Bev Kevill Gold Financial (Financial Planning) Herron Todd White Independent Property Advisors Ph Greenslips and Roadside Assistance Contact Kevin or Deb Ph Mob : GIO Maitland. 378 High Street Maitland Ashley Slade Mannatech Associates Ashley Slade Mannatech Associates Contact Garry Hughes, , or garryhughe9@gmail.com 10

11 Anyone who stops learning is old, whether twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning today is young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young....henry Ford 11

Sparke Helmore Newcastle Triathlon 26 Feb 2017 It was a wet morning the 26th February when I got up at 5.30am to get ready to go to the triathlon to assist the officials during the bike course.

12 Sparke Helmore Newcastle Triathlon 26 Feb 2017 It was a wet morning the 26th February when I got up at 5.30am to get ready to go to the triathlon to assist the officials during the bike course. I got dressed in the wet gear and made the ride into Brewery at the Foreshore to hopefully meet up with Rodger Foster from Lake Macquarie Branch and Simon. The ride into Newcastle was dark and wet, and the closer I got to Newcastle, the rain got lighter and the cloud cover broke up. I met up with Simon and Rodger and then did the obligatory pre race ride around the course. The course this year was a lot tighter than I had previously done, because Newcastle Council has reduced the road width between Nobby's and Newcastle Beach making it one way traffic. The bikes travelled both ways along that stretch and it was determined that it was too dangerous for the motorbikes to return along that section with the competitors. Where the competitors turned up Watt St to head towards King Edward Park, the 2 lanes of road were also divided into 3 lanes which made for a very narrow course for the competitors and the motorbikes. On our pre-race observation ride, we had pulled up near King Edward Park to talk to an official, and turning my bike off was a mistake, as when I had tried to restart the bike, the battery said NO WAY! As my bike is always on a trickle charger at home when not being used this was a surprise. End result, the bike would start sometimes and not others during the day, and as there were only 2 officials conducting observations, I rode some laps around the course to keep up motorbike presence during the first races. Thanks to Rodger and Simon for volunteering their time and for safely carrying the observers around the course for yet another successful effort by Ulysses members Vince #33008 N E W C AS T L E L O W E R H U N T E R U L Y S S E S B R AN C H T H A N K S T H E FOLLOWING SUPPORTERS OF OUR POKER RUN AUTOBARN: Unit 4/ Hillsborough Road, Warners Bay NSW Ph: sales@warnersbay.autobarn.com.au BRISAN MOTORCYCLES: 250 Maitland Road, Islington NSW Ph: Fax: Website BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE: Corner and Munibung Road, T C Frith Ave, Boolaroo NSW 2285 Ph: Website: EDGEWORTH SPORT 1 Park Street, Edgeworth. Phone: AND RECREATION CLUB: Website GRAEME BOYD MOTORCYCLES Maitland Road, Islington NSW Phone: OF ISLINGTON: Website GRAEME MORRIS 4 Cameron Street, Broadmeadow NSW Phone: Fax: MOTORCYCLES: Website HOLMSVILLE HOTEL: 21 George Street, Holmesville NSW Phone: Facebook pages/historic-holmesville-hotel/ NEWCASTLE HARNESS Jackson Street, Broadmeadow NSW 2292; P.O. Box 149, RACING CLUB: Broadmeadow, NSW Phone: Fax: Website To show our support to these businesses, please give them the opportunity to fulﬁl your needs and let them know you are a member of Ulysses Newcastle Lower Hunter 12

Hi to all, Rides from 8.30 am unless otherwise stated.

Hi to all, Rides from 8.30 am unless otherwise stated. PO Box 131 Cardiff NSW 2285 n e w c a s t l e l o w e r h u n t e r. u l y s s e s c l u b. o r g newcastlelowerhunterulysses@gmail.com Hi to all, President Simon Clarke phone 4966 2509 Secretary Lynne