Saturday, December 24, 2016

Andrew Sees Rajasthan – December 2016

I’ve not long returned from a fourteen day tour of Rajasthan, India, which – I have to tell you – was the most memorable motorbike tour I’ve ever done. Now, admittedly, I’ve only done three but I’m confident this one will be hard to top.

I also wanted to give a plug to the tour company that provided the tour. The company is called Aboriginal Tours or Indian Motorcycle Tours. As value for money it was outstanding. I know there’s a high profile Australian couple that offer a similar tour but theirs is a lot more expensive and a lot more crowded (they had 27 on their last Rajasthan tour). I was on a tour with four others which was a small group, but the usual group size is around 12 – 18.
I won’t go through the itinerary day-by-day (click on the link below to see it). But I will offer the following.




The Sights
I had no idea that the fortifications (like castles) in Rajasthan would be so spectacular. Most of them were built later than their European counterparts and as a result seem in a lot better condition. They’re also invariably built on very high peaks that command a great view as well as making them very impressive on approach. There’s also a very rich history attached to the forts.



Accommodation
Excellent. All high quality resort style accommodation often with pool. As a bonus, this time of year is Indian wedding season, often held at the same accommodation resorts or nearby, so it’s very easy to end up as a guest of honour at an Indian wedding.



The Food
I was ready for my holiday to be a pseudo weight-loss program and to come home a few kilos lighter just in time for a Christmas binge. Sadly, not to be. I didn’t get sick and I vacuumed up food like a Biggest Loser contestant sent home early. 


In short the food was magnificent (admittedly I like Indian food). The restaurants (included in the tour) we visited were often rooftop style or otherwise spectacularly situated. Breakfasts were western/Indian if an Indian breakfast was a little daunting.

The People
Very warm and friendly. However, separating the ones who were being genuinely warm and friendly from the touts and pan-handlers (who were also warm and friendly although often with bad teeth) could be challenging. We often rode through small villages that don’t see a tourist and were always waved at by the kids. Use of English is very widespread.
Did I mention that there’s 1.25billion people in India! You’re never far from humanity.

The Roads
The roads are challenging. In fact it’s here I’ll sound a cautionary note. I wouldn’t do the tour if you’re looking for a sports bike style experience. The roads are potholed, there are various cows, camels, dogs, people, etc., all over the roads at any one time. In fact most of the riding we did was around 70 - 80 kph. However, I never felt the need to go faster and enjoyed the opportunity to look around and enjoy the sights more.

The Cost
The total cost for the tour which includes nearly everything (except airfares, lunches and attraction entry costs) was around $3300, if you share a room with someone else.  I went for the single room supplement which brought the price up to around $3900.



To Conclude
In short, if you’ve ever wanted to see India - do it. I can guarantee it’ll be memorable! If you want know more let me know.

Andrew C


http://indianmotorcycletours.com/itinerary-rajasthan-motorcycle-tours-india-north-to-south.html
 

Monday, December 12, 2016

Fourteen Days to Christmas and a Gallop to Gunning

Half-a-dozen keen souls stood around chewing their cuds at the Watson BP.  The small gathering slowly grew in number as the appointed hour for departure drew closer.  It looked like the previous day’s Toy Run had drained the pensioner’s pockets so the expected crowd struggled to make the even dozen, but got there in the end.  It was a baker’s dozen if you counted Kipper.  If you count pairs of feet we had fourteen resplendent bikers ready to do battle with the bugs, potholes and Sunday tin-tops.  I asked Kipper to do the head count and he included several people getting fuel, a few highway passers-by, and a couple a magpies sitting in a nearby tree.  I think there were at least two-dozen according to kipper, so I’ll run with that as it sounds much better than the dozen we really had.
 

There were no females present on this ride, but since I’m doing the ride report, I’ll pretend that there were.  It makes for a far more interesting read, and suits the photos I pretended to take much more easily.  Having volunteered for the ride report duties, I can vouch for the fact that I had no camera, no pen, and no paper.  By all accounts, being factual is not a prerequisite for these ride reports anyway, so sit back, hang on to your rocking chairs, and let me take you for a ride.  If you don’t like being taken for a ride, then skip the drivel in the middle, read the list of names in the last paragraph, and accept that we went to Gunning for lunch.  You have been warned.


Peter had drawn the short straw as Ride Leader for this one, so he checked the time and called the sheep to gather round.  Some of us were already fairly round, but that’s not what he meant.  Kipper wandered off to find some shade.  The remaining leather-clad bikers formed a half-circle in front of Peter.  Had we formed a circle, some would have been behind him and it would have reminded him of his days in the military, so that was out.  Had the circle been in front of him, some would have had their backs to him, and that would have been rude, so that was out too.  We had a few new starters for this ride.  They were strange people from strange lands with strange accents.  They seemed friendly enough, so we were happy to offer our thoughts on their heritage.  You can see the newbies in the photos.  We were a fine looking bunch.


Many were disappointed that we weren’t stopping somewhere for morning tea on the way to Gunning, particularly as it was so far from Watson and only 11 am.  However, Ride Leader ignored the pleas and said we wouldn’t even bother with corner markers or a tail-end Charlie let-alone morning tea.  Mutiny was averted, but only just.  By this time, Kipper was getting really bored and Jerry Attrick (one of the new boys) was frantically kicking his kick-starter and tickling his carbies in order to start the burnout beast.  Strange fellow old Jerry.  He usually kept his hands in his pockets and tickles his marbles, whatever that means.  Something to do with vintage motorcycles I suspect.  Jerry’s shenanigans were the most entertaining part of the day.



With the serious side of the Ride Leader’s briefing done and dusted, we all headed for the bikes.  The boys wanted a group departure photo, so I lined them up, squinting hard against the glare of shiny black leather, and pretended to take a photo with my drink bottle.  I explained that this was a new dual purpose drink bottle that was all the rage for the 2016 Christmas season.  Foolishly, they believed me.  With the faster boys ready to lead us out of the BP fuel station, Gerry Attrick decided to do a burnout.  What he actually said was “Watch this smoker!” and all assumed it was a burnout.  I’m not convinced.  It was at this stage that the girls decided to ride to Gunning via a different route and have nothing further to do with the boys, so they will figure no more in this factual ride report.


I told you to skip to the end if you didn’t want to read a continual line of bullshit!  Traffic was heavy heading out along the Federal Highway.  After that, the run to Gundaroo and beyond was reasonably fast with adequate overtaking space available.  It would be wrong of me to say really fast and get out of the way type overtaking, so I won’t say that at all.  We arrived at lunch early.  Funny that.  The whole group of some two-dozen riders re-formed outside one of the old shops in Gunning.  What a great looking bunch, although the locals looked on in trepidation until they realised who we were.  They were happy to accept our money.  The cafĂ© lunches at the merino were fine.  Kipper was even allowed out the back in the garden.  He waited patiently for his little taste after I finished eating, as usual.  It was noted however, that Richard had to be severely admonished for eating his assorted Brownie collection before his lunch arrived.  It was clear that this was a cardinal sin as Ride Leader and all others on the Leader’s table chorused their disbelief that such a thing had been done.  More than one fat biker would be eating the road this fine day.  I have no idea what that means by the way, but I like it.



Lunch was excellent by all accounts.  I accounted for twelve, but we looked like two-dozen.  Manfred arrived late, but only a little late.  It’s not like being a little late if you’re a female.  That means you might be pregnant.  Manfred isn’t pregnant.  I digress.  A few wanted to leave early, but that stretched out a bit to become sort of early-ish.  It was eventually time according to the sun-dial, so we all got up and wandered over to the bikes and donned bug-splattered leather.  Its summer you know.  Damned inconvenient to have bugs splattered everywhere.  The Christmas beetles really hurt when they hit your face.  Yeah, I know, put your visor down.  Jerry decided that one simulated burnout for the day was more than enough.  He was also conscious of the gathering crowd of locals who had been regaled with stories of his Watson departure.  The grapevine works well in these parts.



All-in-all it was a good day with old friends and new friends.  I’m not sure what the newcomers thought of the day.  If anyone followed Ride Leader home via Nanima Road like I did, they would probably think about the good ship Enterprise.  Take her to Warp Nine, Number One.  Damn the photon torpedoes.  Not really.  There were no photon torpedoes.  This was a simple chomp and chat style of ride.  We did ride.  We did chomp.  We did chat.  It wasn’t a big day on the bikes, but it was enjoyable none-the-less.  Peter did a good job keeping his sheep in order.  It’s far easier than cats and suited the Merino venue  The Merino was fine with pretty quick service given the massed arrival of the hungry hoard.  The photography was excellent, especially with the artsy black-and-white twist on the photos instead of the usual boring colour.




I’m amazed I could write so much about so little!  Ride Leader was the charmingly disarming Peter Arday on the ST1300.  The rest, excluding all the runaway females who weren’t actually there, were:  Daryl Palin on the Goldwing 1800, Richard (eat the brownies first) Hay on the Trumpy Explorer, Rob Faulkner on the Strom DL650, Jim Bass on the Zuke C50, Michael Winters on the Trophy (great to see), Peter Schriebel (or not, depending on your interpretation of the last letter of Peter’s name on the handwritten list that I didn’t write) on the Boulevard, John Grace on the Guzzi 1200, Neil McRitchie on the GTR 1400, Trevor McLeod on the FJR 1300, and the late (but not in the female way) Manfred on the lovely R1200R, plus of course, the ubiquitous Jerry Attrick on his vintage Abomination.  Scribe was me (Mick), along with my sidekick, best mate and travelling companion, Kipper.



Cheers all.  Mick Beltrame.


Friday, December 9, 2016

2016 Toy Run : LATE NOTICE OF ROADWORKS at OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE


From Jen Woods MRA ACT

We received notice today that the West End of the carpark and road in front of Old Parliament House may still be closed on Saturday for continuing roadworks. This will limit the parking spots for bikes and also change the Toy Run route when departing and returning.

We will need volunteers for parking marshals from about 8.30am on Saturday to assist in directing bikes to parking locations. Volunteers will require fluorescent vests to stand out. Please report to the MRA ACT Marquee if you can assist.

As the NCA have not yet confirmed we will have the usual access on Saturday, we advise riders there may be last minute changes when you arrive for the Toy Run. We request that if the road changes are still in force, you please heed the directions of the Marshals who will show you where to park and also form up for the safety and convenience of participants, officials and spectators.

Please pass this message on to all riders who may be attending. Take time to consider alternate parking sites which are shown on the map below.



Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Special Request to brighten up some special children at the HeartKids Christmas Party.

Hi Everyone

We have been given a unique opportunity to help brighten Christmas for some special children.  Jen Woods has asked if we could take a little time out of our busy Saturday between the Toy Run and our own Christmas Party to ride our bikes to Coombs for the HeartKids Christmas Party. I would love to catch Santa giving out presents ( Derek Titheradge) in his yearly role.  We have been asked to ride our bikes to the party giving the children a boost to their Christmas.

This is a time to enrich our lives and put a smile on some little faces at this special time of year.

If anyone would like to be there as well to be a Santa’s helper, I’m sure Derek would appreciate it and the kids (aged from very little to around 15) would love to see more bikes there.  We will meet up with Derek at OPH at noon and travel with him to Coombs. The event will be held at the Charles Weston School in Coombs (Woodbury Ave).

(Please do not post this information on Facebook.)

Regards

Mick

Keep safe until we meet

Michael Winters    59095
President Ulysses Club Canberra Branch
michaelianwinters@gmail.com
(02) 62381049
0412 134376

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Can you help out at the Toy Run BBQ??

Merry Christmas Everyone

We are calling on our members to rally and pitch in to help run the Ulysses BBQ at the annual MRA Toy Run to be held at  Old Parliament House on Saturday 10 December 2016.  It’s always a fun filled few hours spent feeding the hungry hordes while admiring the free bike show. Or if you can’t spare a few hours, just one hour will do. I intend to be there at 7.30 to help set up - it should all be over by lunchtime.

Come early and help us set up, stay to man the BBQ,  or just come along and participate in the Toy Run. It’s a wonderful way to help the community, some of whom will be facing a rather bleaker Christmas than most of us.


So highlight Saturday 10th December in your diaries and contact Jen at  jenwoods@internode.on.net or Leo at leof1@iinet.net.au    so they can coordinate the best time for you to help out.

Regards

Mick

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Christmas Party 10 Dec - friendly reminder!

Mick and Andrea have sent out reminders that the Branch Christmas Party is on the 10th December - but the bookings and prepayment must be made beforehand (the deadline is Thurs - 1st December)!! So if you plan to attend and have not yet paid - please read on!

"Hi Everyone

Christmas is just around the corner and so is our Ulysses Club Canberra Branch Christmas Party.

If you would like to come,  payment is required to assure you a place at the dining table.We need to confirm numbers

Andrea has done a great job with this year's Christmas Dinner and  payments are due.

Payment of $47.50 per person needs to be made before Thursday 1st December.

Please transfer payment to: Andrea Lanagan, NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK - BSB: 082-926 ACCOUNT: 81-245-9968, Include Surname in Remittance. Once transferred, please contact Andrea so she can verify the transfer on 0421 901 960.

Regards


Mick"

Monday, November 14, 2016

Ride to Barneys of Bookham

A little shower in the morning may have been too much for the wet averse but by 11.00am there were seven seriously steeled riders ready to depart.

We chose a route turning right off the Hume at Burley Griffin Way, towards Binalong, and then left on Illalong Road before crossing the highway again to reach Barney’s.

As we departed from Nicholls the gentle breeze and suckling sun welcomed us onto the Barton. We drifted into Murrumbateman and paused to let the group reform before continuing past Yass, onto the Hume and into Burley Griffin Way. Along the way we bumped into Sandy who joined the steely seven riders and destroyed any chance of continuing the alliteration. 


The gentle breezes threw us from one lane to another and forced arms and neck muscles to tense a little but Lyn on the SRV250 managed to crack 90kph with Alan slipstreaming on the BSA. This supreme effort witnessed and excitingly reported at lunch by the trailing Steve on the Guzzi.

The ride down the Illalong Road was uneventful except for an idyllic valley view with beautiful horses dappled around a large shade tree and scattered sheep in lush pasture filling most with pleasure. Garry asked Lyn about her recollection but it seems hanging on against the forces of the wind may have caused Lyn to miss the passing paradise.




We arrived at Bookham and admired the rusting collection of farm machinery which lines the main road into Barney’s. The food was good, the company exceptional, and we enjoyed a relaxing lunch in the sunshine.


Thanks to all for an enjoyable chomp and chat.

David Formica

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Coffee morning at Baffles, 12th November, 2016

Coffee morning at Baffles, CMC on Saturday morning 12th November, 2016 with prospective new member, Simon.

 

Ride to Bowral – 6th November 2016

This ride was my first ride since my knee replacement surgery three and a half months ago. The day started with blue skies and a little chilly wind coming from the snow caps. 

We gathered at the BP at Watson and it was nice to be back riding again with the branch. We had a short briefing before setting off to Bungendore travelling via Tarago and Windellama then onto the Meridian Café at Marulan for morning tea.

We then headed off to the Bowral Hotel for lunch via Bundanoon where we noticed an increase in the temperature travelling through the very green southern highlands to arrive on time at 12.00. We ordered lunch and drinks sitting down to some true stories from past adventures. Lunch arrived which was mostly chosen from the $15.00 specials menu.


After lunch we rode back to the highway to quicken our trip home, refuelling at the servo at Goulburn. A few of us lingered for afternoon tea at the Grit Café while the rest headed for home down the highway. We finished our coffee and then travelled home via Tarago to Bungendore.


By the end of the day some of the group were in bit of pain, but I am glad that I can start riding the Triumph once again with like minded Ulysses Club members.


Michael Winters


Riders:
  • Michael Winters         Triumph Trophy
  • Mike Kelly                 BMW 1200RT
  • Trevor McLeod           Yamaha FJR 1300
  • Neil Goldfinch           Suzuki Hayabusa 1300
  • Chas Towie               Honda ST1300
  • John Barratt              BMW R1200GS
  • Steve Hayes             Suzuki V-Strom 650
  • Les Robinson            BMW R1150GS
  • Vidas Sadauskas       Harley Davidson Street Glide 

Club Drive Report – Griffith with the Yarra Ranges Branch – 15-17 October 2016

The Yarra Ranges Branch had kindly extended an invitation to our branch to join them for a long weekend in Griffith, so we accepted that invite – but had to drive instead owing to a yet to be fully rehabilitated knee. 

There had been weeks of rain out west, but we were confident (with Tracey receiving an “all clear” report from a workmate who lived at Narrandera) that we would have no trouble with flooded roads. Still, we left plenty of time to meet the Yarra Ranges at Darlington Point for lunch leaving home at 6am. 


Along the Hume Highway near the Burley Griffin Way turnoff we spotted an RTA road sign advising that the Sturt Highway was blocked. Were we going through there? Not a clue. So on we drove stopping at Jugiong for a coffee. 

Further south Henry Rokx from the Ranges called to advise of a road closure, forcing us to consult Google maps yet again to find a way through to our lunch stop. At Grong Grong we turned north to meet up with the Burley Griffin Way to carry us through to Griffith, there turning south to Darlington Point. Quite a lot of road was flood damaged with deep and wide potholes everywhere, water lying up to the shoulder of many roads. We arrived at lunch after six hours on the road.

After a very quick meal we followed the Victorian riders to the Waddi service station, there to be met by staff from the Altina Wildlife Park. They took us through the flood roadblock to the park. We were unaware of this privately owned zoo, but can recommend it as a destination for any future rides to Griffith.  The zoo runs two tours a day, each with guides. After looking at some smaller animals, we were divided into groups of about a dozen to sit in open carts each pulled by a Clydesdale. 


This part of the tour took about two and a half hours as we got to see all the various African animals. They even have some of the white lions from Mogo Zoo. They run quite a few successful breeding programs of some endangered species. All the animals look healthy with plenty of room to roam. The staff all seem very knowledgeable and passionate about the zoo and it’s care of the animals now and into the future. I’ve decided that I want a Maned Wolf as my next pet – gorgeous creatures! At the time of our visit they had just received two Rhinoceroses whose habitat was sponsored by a local firm – so no photos please.

The park also has some tawny lions, with our guide explaining that a few years ago the local dentist had been called upon to perform some dentistry work on one of them – the local vet being overseas at the time.  Someone in our cart piped up that that dentist was a Ulyssean and was to be our ride leader the next day. We all looked forward to hearing his tale. 


Our ride on Sunday was led by Andrew Raadgever, an MIA Branch member and retired dentist. He took us through all the highlights of the region including the Hermits Cave and Barellan, birth place of Yvonne Goolagong. A bus load of older persons had also stopped at the Cave and took great interest in the free bike show, some even scoring a sit on a bike. Again the roads were heavily damaged by flood waters. We arrived a little early in Leeton, so Ethel, Andrew’s wife, took us on a small walking tour of the town highlighting the art deco buildings, especially the beautiful Roxy Theatre.  Lunch was pre-ordered so quickly served and consumed.  With the weather looking threatening, we rode/drove quickly back to Griffith via Whitton. 




Back at the Acacia Motel, the branch traditionally has a takeaway meal for their last night, with the Motel owner providing some entertainment with his beautiful singing. Tables were drawn up in a semi-circle in the carpark and we ate and chatted while our host sang some selections from Roy Orbison and other popular songs from our era. Unfortunately the threatening weather became a reality with thunder and lightning forcing us all to scurry to our rooms to finish eating. After the storm we regrouped to continue talking, drinking, and catching up. 

Here we finally got to hear Andrew’s story about the lion. He had been contacted by the park asking for help. His research involved a YouTube clip of another large cat undergoing dental surgery, consultation with Mogo Zoo, and deciding which of his (human) dentistry instruments could be used for a lion. I’m not sure who arranged the anaesthetic, but there was a ranger on hand with a rifle. Andrew said that he was also a shooter, and joked that he had a rifle in one hand, and his instruments in the other. After the procedure his dentistry nurse couldn’t resist the temptation to take some photos of herself with the unconscious lion. 


It seemed to rain all night and I was glad (coward that I am) to have a car to travel home in. It’s bad enough when the weather closes in during a ride, but it’s certainly no fun starting your ride in the rain.  It was also a little chilly and quite windy. The rain cleared a little as the riders set off, but the roads would have been sodden. We left shortly after, travelling home via Temora, taking in the Lake George lookout for the rare sight of the lake with water in it. 


The weekend was a great chance to reconnect with the Yarra Ranges after our New Year’s Eve trip with them to Jindabyne a few years ago. Old friendships were re-established and the years caught up with. We can recommend a trip with the Yarra Ranges branch as their weekend rides are well organised, well patronised (about 40 attendees), and the members always welcoming to new folk.


Tracey Winters

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Xmas Party 2016 - payment info

If you are going to the Branch Christmas Party and would like to pay online the following message from Andrea will answer your questions!!!

Hi All,

Can we please let the members know that they can pay via bank transfer if unable to come to meetings.

Details are:
NAME: Andrea Lanagan
BANK: National Australia Bank
BSB: 082-926
ACCOUNT: 81-245-9968
Please include your NAME in the Remitters advice.

I also ask you to contact me via text/email to notify me of the transfer so that I can confirm payment and add you to the list.
You can contact me on: 0421 901 960 or andrea.lanagan@icloud.com

Look forward to seeing you all there.

Cheers
Andrea

If you have missed the Dinner info click here!
 

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

M.A.S.T.E.R.S. COURSE 26th November 8.30 – 4.30 pm

M.A.S.T.E.R.S. COURSE
 

Mature Age Skills Training for Experienced RiderS or “M.A.S.T.E.R.S.” training is a defensive road skills course initiated by the Motorcycle Riders Association of the ACT, developed and conducted by Stay Upright Rider Training and partially subsidised by the ACT Government. For this reason the training is available to ACT and region riders only.

TARGET GROUP:
Long-term licensed riders from the ACT and surrounding region only who have not had any formal rider training in the last 15 years and who are returning to motorcycling after a lengthy break.

CORE OBJECTIVES
Receive individual assessment and tips to improve your riding enjoyment and improve mental and physical control skills. Increase confidence and build a systematic and safer approach to riding.

CONTENT
•    manoeuvring (body english),
•    normal stops,
•    quick stops,
•    braking,
•    steering (curves, slaloms etc),
•    lead and follow the instructor.
All activities are optional and conducted at a pace to suit you – no pressure, no performance targets.

TRAINING ENVIRONMENT
Closed circuit

DURATION
11 hours (3 hr classroom session, 8 hour practical training)

COST
$160 (remember, M.A.S.T.E.R.S. is subsidised - Ulysses members may be able to claim a further subsidy if they have not previously claimed it in their 3 year membership cycle)

LICENCE PRE-REQUISITES
Open rider licence holders only.

BOOKINGS
The Qualification Questionnaire must be filled prior to booking and then,
•    Phone 6297 1144, or use our online enquiry or booking form.
•    http://www.stayupright.com.au/masters-course

NEXT COURSE:
26th November 8.30 – 4.30 pm (with the 3-hour classroom session 6-9 pm the previous evening) 

 

Monday, October 10, 2016

Motorcycle Awareness Week 2016

Motorcycle Awareness Week is held over the third week of October from the 15th to the 22nd October.

The launch kicks off on Sat 15th Oct 10:00am at the Harmonie German Club where JOE RIDER (and the many Joe minions) will be sent on their way.


Mid week there is a Riders Forum: How Good is your Protective Clothing? 

On Wed 19th Oct 6:30 @ 8:30pm at the Spanish Australian Club , 5 Narupai Place, Narrabundah. We are invited to come along and hear the researchers who were on the ABC’s Catalyst Program about motorcycle
clothing: http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/4433001.htm
Guest speakers will be Dr Liz de Rome, Principal Consultant and Managing Director of LdeR
Consulting and Dr Chris Hurren, Research Fellow (Fibre Science And Technology) at Deakin
University. There will be a cost of $15 per person on the door, with finger food provided.



Then on Friday 21st Oct 7:00 – 9:00am,the BIKERS’ BREAKFAST will be held at West Lawns, King
Edward Terrace.



Jen Woods from the MRA ACT has also sent out a call for volunteers for riders to be “Joe Rider”. Joe Rider is an awareness program where everyone is encouraged to spot Joe as he/she rides around Canberra and the ACT region.
Reporting a “spot” will put you in the running to win a hot air
balloon flight! Joe spotters should email their sighting to:
joe.rider@internode.on.net


Those of us familiar with the SMIDSY ( Sorry Mate I didn’t see you) excuse offered to motorcycle crash victims would well understand how a little  encouragement for drivers to “see” Joe will help train those drivers to see motorcyclists. Its certainly a program that captures the support and enthusiasm of riders in general - tell your friends and family - help get
everyone spotting “Joe Rider”.


Motorcycle Awareness week is a great opportunity for all local riders to take part to spread the word for motorcycle awareness , and to further share this with friends, workmates family , and most importantly, through the Joe Rider
campaign reach the general public. So get involved, work that social media and boost our presence in the minds of our fellow road users - its a good and fun opportunity for the safety of all of us!

*** XMAS 2016 - DINNER INFORMATION ***

Ok, lovely people - we will be going for the Buffet for Xmas Dinner as decided by the people. 

Cost for dinner will be $47.50. 


Payment needs to be made prior to the evening to confirm numbers. I will take payment at the October and November meetings or by arrangement prior to November meeting.


Can those intending to go, please indicate on the event invite and if partners are coming along too, or email me at andrea.johnston1@westnet.com.au.


Cheers Andrea

0421901960

Updated online payment info here!!

 

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Sunday 2nd October 2016 Club ride to Cootamundra – Ride Leader Chris Dietzel (LOL)

After a week of totally terrible, very soggy weather, Sunday 2nd dawned without those soggy grey clouds and by the time we gathered at Gold Creek the sky was without clouds (in fact Allan searched all day for a cloud and was very disappointed!). With the fabulous 10 assembled by the advertised 9.00 am departure time some serious finger drumming took place as we waited, waited and waited for our ride leader who had not sent any sort of excuse, nor we understand, bothered to return to the same hemisphere, to appear.

After a lengthy wait, Peter Arday (a true gentleman) stepped up (actually, we all stepped back) and took control. His proposed route along the Barton Highway then via the Nanima Road to Gunning, then on directly to Crookwell was OK’d by everyone and we set out mindful that it was a double demerits weekend! While the weather was perfect, we could not say the same for the road and the first part of the ride was actually a game of dodge the pot hole and watch out that the centre of the road between the rows of (some very enormous) potholes, was not lumpy. There were a few wet corners too and one ‘dip’ with water flowing through it (I think, I actually closed my eyes, throttled and hoped we would be OK which we were).  

Safely in Gunning we regrouped and lined up for coffees and a bit of informal banter with a group of bike (the push type) riders (read insults such as “I hear pushbikes are a bit like kelpies, they like to get out for the day but love to come home in the back of a ute” and “did you truck your bikes out and hop on just around the corner?”). Coffees down, the sunshine continued as did the lack of clouds and the run into Crookwell was much less potholed and relatively traffic free.

On arrival in Crookwell, Trevor did a quick scout around and as the only eating options were the pub and a takeaway shop until the cafes opened at 12 we decided to head to the Trappers Bakery in Goulburn for lunch (much to Kyla’s disgust as she had ridden pillion in the expectation that she could spoil herself with a couple of ales at lunchtime – sorry Kyla). The run to Goulburn was very smooth, totally lacking pot holes and as we left Crookwell we were joined by Mike and Sharon who had anticipated lunch in Crookwell – but having recognised the ride, followed us anyway.

On arrival at Trappers Bakery several of us witnessed a ‘smash and dash’ – when a pushy flat top ute driver (young, mug lair?) took the gap between cars turning right out of whatever that road is and a parked car, and took out the parked car’s mirror and scratched the wheel arch. Peter Arday picked up the pieces (I told you he is a gentleman) while the rest of us stood in shock and surveyed the damage – and when the owners came out of the Bakery we were able to explain what happened (and Peter kindly handed them the broken bits of mirror) but lamented that none of us had noted the number plate of the ‘smasher’ ute. Then all of a sudden a small car pulled up and a young female Good Samaritan leapt and said she had the number plate of the ute who had apparently also cut off the car she was in and when they saw what happened they followed and noted the number plate. Good girls!

I just happened to have my notepad handy (for collecting data for this report) I handed it over and the owner of the smashed car owner noted the details of the ute and the witnesses names. Drama over for us, we left the scene of the crime and headed inside for lunch.

The Trappers Bakery did us proud – lunch came quickly, was tasty and the chatter around the table was the usual lies, stories, brags and a tiny bit of the weekend’s footy. Mick was nominated to assist with the bakery’s cleaning up policy (see pic with sign) before he and Kyla headed home (I think for Kyla to have the beers she missed out on at lunch!).

So, lunch done, no more excitement in Goulburn we headed down the highway to check out Lake George
from the lookout with the half of Canberra who weren’t at Floriade, and for those of who have lived in Canberra forever, to share memories of water-skiing on the lake, floods, the road at its former low level, drownings and similar facts and legends in the Lake’s history. Then home very quickly. Still no clouds.

Thanks to the lady in charge of the good weather for a great day’s riding and for disappointing Allan re the clouds. And thanks to the Ulysses crew for making a great day terrific, despite the glitches along the way.    

The fabulous 10 (originals):
Mick and Kyla Harvey FJR 1300
Andrew Campbell FJR 1300
Mark Triumph Bonneville
Peter Arday ST1300
Allan Grimes Harley Fat boy
Kim Moorey F700 GS
Genelle Mills F700GS
Trevor FJR 1300
Jenny Carlin C600 sport

And the late arrivals (both fabulous also):

Mike and Sharon Kelly BMW R1200RT

Jenny Carlin

Monday, October 3, 2016

Call for Joe Rider Volunteers for Motorcycle Awareness Week

Hi all

During Motorcycle Awareness Week we need riders to wear a JOE Rider vest and ride your normal routes all week, from 15 - 22 October. The JOE Rider campaign is to raise awareness of motorcycles and scooters on Canberra roads, and this year the campaign is also 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 them from previous years - please get them out of the shed and wear them for the 15 - 22 October. If you'd like a vest to wear for the week  please contact us on committee@mraact.org.au.

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

Many thanks
Jen
VP MRA ACT
0448 336 111

Friday, September 30, 2016

Raffle for the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Simon Whittaker. Canberran  organiser and fundraiser for the Distinguished gentlemans Ride for prostate cancer research has written to let us know:

"So far we have raised $4,200+ in just a few short weeks...So thanks again to everyone who has received these emails and responded THANK YOU! Fundraising finishes next weekend Sunday 9th..
So if you're still intending to sponsor me for a tax deductible donation.....
Here's the link again...to my updated blog & fundraising page..



Further towards my fundraising I'm also having a major raffle..
I have been given a giant toolbox from Shaun at Gasweld in fyshwick which I have had choice signs do some DGR graphics on..
 
 

The raffle details are..THURSDAY OCT 6TH From 7.00PM at  The SPANISH CLUB ,5 Narupai pl , NARRABUNDAH..

Tickets on sale from 7.00pm..you have to be there to win...
All towards my Men's Prostate Cancer Research fundraising..
tickets $5.00 ea, 3 for $10.00, 8 for $20.00..
and many other fantastic prizes.. 
details here..please share and come along! thanks again, Simon Whittaker..

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

RIDE REPORT Not Grenfell 25 September 2016

The forecast for Sunday had been getting steadily worse all week and, when the day finally dawned, I was sure it would be pissing down rain so I could slip back into my warm bed and grab an extra hour or two’s sleep. 

Surprise, surprise, however – when I peeped out of the window at 7am there was blue sky and sunshine and the forecast had miraculously moderated from torrential rain, floods, death and destruction to mere possible showers. As ride leader this, of course, left me with no option but to get up and get out to Nicholls before anyone else got there.


I almost made it. Mick was there when I arrived and for a while it looked like everyone else had succumbed to the weather forecast and it might just be the two of us riding to Grenfell. Mick hadn’t even brought Kipper because the poor bugger had injured his leg. “He might have done his last ride,” Mick sighed.
 

By the appointed time, however, we numbered six hardy souls and after a very brief briefing (“Does everyone know the way to Boorowa? See you there.”) we hit the highway. 

As we ate our pies and sausage rolls and sipped our flat whites in the Superb Café (superb by name but not by nature; in fact, my pepper pie was quite unsuperb), Vidas told us about his parents, who were displaced persons from Lithuania after World War 2 and were allowed into Australia only because they were good looking. Or something like that.
 

Meanwhile, the sky had clouded over and the temperature had refused to rise to the lofty heights that one might hope for in spring. As we headed for Murringo there was water everywhere and the paddocks looked more like the green fields of Ireland than the straw coloured Australia we all know and love. 

Rather than turning left at Murringo we continued straight ahead and rode north on Murringo Gap Road, which follows Murringo Creek down a broad farming valley and then through a narrow gorge – the Gap itself. As we wound down through the Gap it was obvious that this natural constriction had banked up the flood waters a few days earlier, leaving debris and silt several metres above the present level of the creek (which was still running fairly high). It would have been a spectacular sight.

After ducking down Chews Lane and a brief excursion on the Olympic Highway, we exited left into Bendick Murrell to find the bridge leading into the tiny town sporting yet more flood debris. All day we had traversed sections of road that were waterlogged and full of holes, mud and loose gravel, and coming out of Bendick Murrell there was one water-filled pothole that almost swallowed the car in front of me, launching a minor tsunami that gave the Wing an express wash.


By the time we stopped for a photo at the top of the hill between Wirrimah and Iandra Castle the clouds were darker than ever and we could see showers building here and there. As we rode down the other side it was clearly raining towards Grenfell so, after a hastily convened conference and a democratic vote and despite the protestations of Vidas, who has never been to Grenfell and still doesn’t know what he’s been missing, we turned left and headed south to Young for lunch at Wilder’s Bakery. On this section we also worked out that in a small group of six riders, all of similar ability and with no stragglers, corner markers were a pointless pain in the posterior.


It rained a bit during lunch, while we were warm and dry and eating eggs, bacon and burgers, but we were lucky for the rest of the ride, dodging between rain showers and arriving back in Canberra at the civilised time of around 2:30pm after a pleasant 360 km jaunt.
Ian Paterson



(From left) Neil, Mick, Gary, John and Vidas.



 











The Riders were:
  • Ian Paterson GL1800
  • Mick Beltrame Victory XC
  • Vidas Sadauskas Harley Street Glide
  • Neil McRitchie GTR1400
  • John Barratt R1200GS
  • Gary Thomas R1200R
 

Friday, September 23, 2016

ACT Road Closure advice from ACT Roads - Raboul Lane

The following advice has been passed on from Jen Woods from MRA-ACT regarding the closure of Rabaul Lane :
(while not stated directly, this is likely to affect the 30 odd motorcycle parking spaces there)
Hi all

the following has been received by MRA ACT and so we are passing this on for your information. 


"I have been asked by Colin Evans at Roads ACT to advise you of the upcoming re-development work to be completed at our site at 20 Allara Street and of the temporary traffic management to be undertaken.



DA 201528532 was approved by ACTPLA in April 2016 and allows for the:



  • The demolition of a portion of an existing building, being the  two storey podium section along City Walk, and the taller sections above the podium;
  • The construction of a 18 storey building containing:
  • 190 residential apartments in two towers
  • Podium car parking
  • Commercial space on the ground floor and first floor
  • Basement car parking
  • Associated landscaping, paving and other site works.



During the entirety of the works, a lane closure is required to Raboul Lane for the coordination of construction through this area. Please see attached TTM which has been presented to Roads ACT.



Demolition work is due to commence on the site with internal strip out of the building in September and hard demolition of the structure in October.



We are aware of the inconvenience caused by our activities and assure you that we will do everything possible to minimise the impact of our activities works on the surrounding premises and area.



We thank you in advance for your understanding, patience and cooperation in this regard".


Jen
VP
MRA ACT

A copy of the Temporary Traffic Management Plan is attached here.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

2016 Ulysses Canberra Branch Christmas Party - Menu decision!!!





Our 2016 Branch Christmas Party is on for the 10th December at our monthly meeting venue - Canberra Deakin Football Club (3 Grose Street, Deakin ACT ).

The menu is still being decided, indeed you can vote if you like - there's a poll on our branch facebook so you can  vote for one of the options .

If you don't have access to Facebook - email our social Secretary Andrea  with your choice.




Friday, September 9, 2016

Ride Report Far North Queensland 6 August – 8 September 2016

Like all good trips do, ours started with a pre-ride planning meeting. We had already booked the accommodation for the first week and a half, so the meeting was rather brief considering the length of our ride: Plan A was to leave Andrew’s house at 9am, stop for coffee and a pie at Boorowa and then meet at the motel in Dubbo whenever we got there. Of course, there was no Plan B. 

The whole trip was like that – Andrew and I rode together most of the time but we also did our own thing, having enough confidence in each other’s riding and navigational abilities that we would surely meet up again at the end of the day.

Andrew at Lightning Ridge.

We took five comfortable days to ride the 2,500km to Cairns, stopping overnight at Dubbo, St George, Emerald and Townsville and visiting such iconic locations as Lightning Ridge, Clermont, the Belyando Crossing Roadhouse and Charters Towers. We stayed in motels, cabins and hotels and usually managed to find a bakery or café with coffee and pies for morning smoko.


The roads have been improved out of sight since I rode to Townsville in 2008. My memory of the Gregory Development Road (from Clermont to Charters Towers) was of a single lane of bitumen that you had to get off whenever a road train came through. Now, it’s a beautiful two-lane highway with more caravan-towing grey nomads than road trains. 


Speaking of grey nomads, I decided to get into the spirit of the open road and wave to them as they went past. But their responses were like those of most Harley riders – they wouldn’t wave if they were hanging from a flagpole in a cyclone. End of experiment.


Andrew had a two-week leave pass but before he left Cairns to head home we rode most of the fantastic roads around Cairns, Port Douglas and the beautiful Atherton Tablelands. 

 
Looking back towards Cairns from the only lookout on the Kennedy Highway.

After he left I did a five-day business trip around Yungaburra and Mission Beach and then spent another three weeks riding home via Bowen, Nebo, Dingo, Duaringa, Dululu (passing through these three D-towns towns in alphabetical order), Banana, Theodore, Cracow, Eidsvold, Gayndah, Toowoomba and Manilla, staying in Airbnbs and with friends. 

I had dinner with Suzy Arnold and Norm MacLachlan at the Grand View Hotel in Bowen (they had been shadowing me for days on their dash from Canberra to FNQ and back). I also made a side trip from Toowoomba to Cedar Creek (near Samford, north-west of Brisbane) to see an old mate. Altogether I rode 6,900km.


The biggest surprise was how good the Queensland roads are these days, with smooth, well-maintained surfaces, excellent alignment and slow vehicle turnouts that other motorists actually use. In fact, the worst road on the whole trip was in NSW, from Texas to Warialda on the way home. But a warning: the coastal Bruce Highway is infested with slow caravanners who often travel in tight packs, making overtaking difficult and driving truckies mad.


My favourite roads were (in order from north to south):

  • The Captain Cook Highway up the coast from Cairns to Port Douglas and Mossman – tight and sweeping curves and scenery but lots of tourist traffic. (# 3 in the Hema Motorcycle Atlas)
  • The Kennedy Highway from Cairns to Mareeba – a fun climb up to the tablelands with some tight corners and one spectacular lookout (don’t miss it!). (# 101)
  • The Gillies Highway from Gordonvale to Yungaburra and Atherton – a sustained climb with hundreds upon hundreds of unrelenting tight s-bends. It’s so incredible I rode it in both directions. (# 1)
  • The Palmerston Highway from Innisfail to Millaa Millaa and on to Atherton – fast, smooth, sweeping bends, great views. (# 12)
  • Dubbo to Charters Towers. A whole different spirit.
  • Toowoomba to Samford via Hampton, Esk, Wivenhoe Dam and the aptly-named Mt Glorious and Mt Nebo roads – a favourite of Brisbane riders. Steep, tight and sustained. (# 7 & 13)

Ian Paterson


The Riders were:


  • Ian Paterson        GL1800
  • Andrew Campbell    FJR1300
 
Corned beef sangers at the Whistle Stop Café in Yungaburra.

Pie, peas and dead horse at the bakery in Tully.
Or to Canberra or to Paris.


Oh what a beautiful morning (for a ride!). Near Dululu.