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Archived Ride Reports

The following Ride Reports have been archived to reduce the main reports page load times.
To go back to the latest rides, either select the 'Reports Button' from the menu at right, or click the back button on your browser.
To see photo's taken during these rides, just follow the links provided at the head of each report.

Archived Reports

The Moyston Ride

Sat 18 - Sun 19 Oct 2008

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

Marg and I left home at 8.00am to meet up at Bacchus Marsh with the rest of the riders. They had arrived at 9:10 so we joined the back of the group going up the hill past Macca’s. As we reached the crest of the hill all the bikes had pulled to the side of the road in a scrambled mess. (This was the start of the weekend drama’s)

Bubba had Poppet in his arms giving her a "mouth to mouth" (we weren’t sure what he was doing at first...a tongue kiss???? We all know how kinky the old fella is). Poppet had a fit of some kind and had stopped breathing on the bike. She came around quickly but still looked very sick, (mouth to snout is a bit suss!). As Bubba ripped his helmet off he gave himself a new scar across the top of his head. (now he looks like Mickall Gorbachov) Da Rev rode down the road to find a Vet, which luckily was 200 meters down the road. Bubba and Ali (Daddy & Mummy) took their baby over to the Vet to get her checked over.

Joe the gimp and Eds rode Bubba & Ali’s bikes to the Vet. Once Joe & Eds returned it was decided that the rest of the group would ride on to the BP in Ballarat for fuel and morning tea and wait for Bubba to call. As we were about to leave Incident No 2 came along. A gust of wind knocked Ron Rigby’s bike over onto the road, snapping his right side mirror mount off. As we were approaching Ballarat I had to pull over, Incident No 3 had occured, my front indicator had vibrated loose so I had to stop and tighten it up. We arrived in Ballarat for morning tea and to fuel up.

About 10-15 minutes later Mr & Mrs Ali Bubba rocked up. Poppet was off the bike and running around like nothing had ever happened, Ali’s look of relief was very maternal. We rode towards Ararat via the bypass to Beaufort where Larry (Da Rev) turned into the servo to re-fuel & return to Melbourne with a quick wave to the riders as we passed. We rode onto Ararat, turned left off the highway about 30kms before Ararat for some twisty’s and a couple rough back roads. There were a few wind generators scattered across the country side here.We refueled at Ararat then rode 10-15 kms to Moyston.

Moyston became very hot as the day went on. Food, wine & beer were on hand to purchase during the day. Joe stripped off and laid on the grass with his black t-shirt on his head and ended up looking like Achmed the gimp! We all ended up under the trees to get away from the hot, scorching sun.

Incident No 4&5 soon followed. Peter Rigby almost lost his leather jacket off the rack coming into Moyston, he also noticed that his wife’s Dianne’s foot board rubber was gone. Ron’s answer to this was... "Yeah I saw something come off the bike about 20-30kms back" (nice work brother!)

Joe the Gimp & Snoopy left as we were leaving Moyston for their return to Melbourne.

We left for Halls Gap about 3:00pm and rolled into 'The Gap', turning right up the hill into the twistys headed up and over the top of the Grampians. Incident No 6 Black Dog’s Little Rocket started to cough & splutter as we hit the twistys, if he tried to twist the throttle quickly it would die. Incident No 7 Thelma (on her new Yamaha 650) got a little too close to those friendly little white plastic post markers (nearly got it too). Over the top of the mountain and down, we pulled into a tea rooms after a couple of very hard bumps that we all seemed to have felt.

As we pulled into the tea rooms to park incident No 8, Peter Rigby stopped to reverse the bike up to park, when he turned the handle bars and the front wheel stayed in the same position. The bar risers mounting bolt had snapped, the café owners' husband came out with his faithful tool box and was only too happy to help out (nice people in the country), a quick phone call to a local farmer/mechanic 5kms down the road and the café owner & his ute were gone in a cloud of dust. The café owners are the ex owners of the Princetown pub where Ali’s parent have a holiday shack.

We left for Horsham after ice-creams & drinks.

Rick’s bike was still playing up so Lady O rode with Bubba. Margi and I stayed Tail end to keep an eye on Black Dog. 4Kms up the road incident No 9, Rick’s number plate flew off and went bouncing down the road and into the grass. We stopped and luckily found it again, and we were back on the road to arrive in Horsham (gosh it was hot). Margi couldn’t wait to get the boots off and cool her feet down in the pool.

We arrived in Horsham at about 5.30pm, we booked into the hotel and then everyone disappeared to their rooms for a rest, some went to the pool for a swim.

After a while some surfaced to clean the bugs off their screens and visors. Around 7.30pm we headed down to the pub which was only a few minutes walk for tea. Good food & drinks at good prices.

Eds conned one of the local lassies to hand over her large pink sunnies for a couple of pictures (nice look). The table next to us was a group of young females having a sweet 16 birthday & another table was a group of girls out for a hens night. (some of the old buggers with us had to be told to behave!!!!!)

Brian was fitting in with the local lads by wearing his pants 6 inches lower to show off the nice blue jocks (l’m sure we saw a touch of pink in there). After tea most of us brought some grog & nibbles from the bottle shop and headed back to the hotel.

The Rigby brother's bounced their stories around to all those who would listen, the poor old scooter (Dianne’s) copped a lot of flack, Mags copped a lot from Peter as he kept saying he needed Eds for interpretation. Alot of shitstirring here tonight.

Sunday - Great breakfast of eggs, bacon, tomato, toast, coffee, tea & O.J. Left the motel about 9.00am, refuelled and left Horsham by 9.30am. Rick’s bike got a bottle of injector cleaner and a belly of juice and was back ready & rearing to go (could not catch him after that on some of the roads).

Heading for St Arnaud for coffee break and toilet stop, then onto Bendigo for lunch at Beechworth Bakery, surprisingly good smooth roads from Horsham to Bendigo. Garfield rocked up as we pulled up after seeing a few familiar looking heads as he rode past, came back to have lunch with us.

Cruised down the freeway at a good pace, but soon checked the speed as we rode passed the blue Holden Captiva speed camera parked in the middle of nowhere. Most turned off the freeway at Diggers Rest, except for a certain Mrs Nomad who was in the get home zone down the next exit and straight back to us. At least we got one u-turn in for the weekend ( P.S. Ali has been taught by the u-turn master) said our goodbyes at Diggers Rest Vaughan & Trish headed to Melton Thelma & Louise to Taylors Hill Margi & I headed to Burnside with the remaining riders heading for Werribee.

A great weekend was had by all hope to have many more trips….

Thankyou to Bubba for leading the ride and Tony, Eds and myself for being tail end charlies’s over the weekend we had 12 bikes and 18 people for the trip. All in all I think even though we had a few dramas can’t help feeling that luck was truly on our side on the weekend. Thanks again everyone until next time.

Greg (Humphrey)

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The Walhalla Ride

Tue 30 Sep to Wed 01 Oct 2008

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

The forecast for the two days, Tuesday/Wednesday was promising, essentially fine days, some wind & the possibility of the weather closing in somewhat late Wednesday afternoon. We (Wednesday Wanderers) had all the ingredients for a successful two day ride to Walhalla & return.

The plan was relatively simple with the first leg of our journey Hoppers to Warragul, where we were to turn off the Hwy to the right. It was an 8am departure from Macca’s which in real time was 8.10 am. The sun was blazing away, blue sky above, there was lots of optimism as Ron led the way followed by myself (Doug), Tracey (V-Max) & Les ……. a small group. Peak hour bumper to bumper stop start traffic but by the time we hit the Westgate it was steadily ambling along. What was most noticeable, however, was the loss of the sun which had disappeared behind a ceiling of thick cloud. It was if the Westgate were in fact a part of the ranges & as per usual, the weather is always different on the other side. We continued on up the Monash in the bracing morning air & gradually distanced ourselves from metropolitan Melbourne. Our first stop, about an hour & a half in was a ‘servo’ on the Pakenham by-pass for a warming coffee.

Whilst we had the odd burst of sun through occasional gaps in the cloud, they were few & far in between & the wind chill factor was noticeable, but is was early in the day, it would improve. We made our way onto the highway again & before long were taking the Warragul turn-off & making our way down the Warragul-Korumburra Rd, slowly warming up our skills as we started to experience a few curves in the road, taking our minds off the still cool weather conditions. Similarly, the scenery was starting to grab our attention now that we were no longer in flat open terrain. Green rolling hills, twisties, good bitumen, enjoyable riding, Korumburra behind us, Leongatha. From Leongatha we headed along the Strzelecki Hwy towards Mirboo Nth. Now we are into Tracey’s ‘home turf’. She grew up in this region so she took the lead from Ron. Unbeknown to the rest of us, Tracey had arranged a surprise lunch at her girlfriend’s, Chris. Chris, as we later found out own’s & operates a Dairy farm single handedly, none of her daughters having any real interest in working on the land.

Exit Leongatha & a short distance out we take a right turn into Mardan Road. Thru’ some lovely countryside to Mardan. Continuing along Mardan Rd we arrive at the Mirboo Nth Rd turning left towards Mirboo Nth then on to Nichols Rd to a welcome & very tasty lunch …. thanks Chris. The view from Chris’s decking overlooking a part of her property was just great, Green undulating hills rolling away was just so easy on the eye. And as the eyes soaked in the view they were slowly drawn to the grazing cows in the foreground, & one in particular, standing somewhat prostrate, bellowing loudly. “What doeth she protest one thinks” until one observes the two small legs protruding from her posterior….. a calf in the process of being born .... a very graphic mother nature at her best.

Back on our bikes we turn into Mirboo Nth Road but before reaching that town we turn left to Boolarra doing a great little ride circuit, including a very rideable dirt section, before arriving at Mirboo Nth. From there we found our way to the Mirboo Nth – Trafalgar Road riding thru’ through Thorpdale & down into Trafalgar, stopping at the look out for yet another picturesque view on the way.

Our sojourn from Leongatha to Trafalgar had been full of ‘adventure’. Good bitumen, varied terrain, great twisties, some tight sections, some fast flowing, dirt roads, cow dung & a new calf by the name of Ulysses running around the Mirboo district. From Trafalgar it was a short run to Moe then equally good riding along the Moe-Rawson Rd thru’ Erica to Rawson where we ended our day’s ride at Rawson Village.

We were all still feeling the effects of the cooler than expected temperature during the day as it never really improved from the morning & so the few beers whilst waiting the two hours before dinner helped thaw us out & relax the muscles. A clean up & off to the dining room & much to our pleasure a big warm open fire. We moved our table a little closer to the fire & enjoyed a really nice & non expensive meal accompanied by a few bottles of Red. After dinner we moved the table back, sat on the couch/lounge chairs in front of the fire & finished our drinks chatting all sorts of nonsensical topics as one does at the end of such a day.

A fully cooked breakfast was included in the accommodation price following which we packed & headed up to Walhalla. Our time in Walhalla was spent bathed in warm sunshine. We wandered the town taking it’s beauty in, chatted to a fellow Ulyssian from Geelong who was camping at Walhalla with his family. After a coffee whilst reading up on the history of the town thanks to a local shop keeper loaning us a book covering the history of the town we eventually made ready to leave for home. Home, however was to be via Willow Grove thru’ Noojee & Neerim South, joining up with the Hwy at Drouin.

The weather was perfect & the riding was good. Again, varied road scapes continued to hold interest & attention. The roads were not busy but as opposed to Tuesday, the increase in fellow riders out enjoying the day was noticeable. Worthy of mention (‘cos I said I would) was the ‘Red Parrot’ a café/restaurant in Noojee. Perhaps the best toasted ham, cheese, tomato sandwich we have tasted.

Once back on the Princes Fwy we were, of course, back in open flat country & vulnerable to the elements i.e. the wind & for Tracey & I, on the naked bikes, as opposed to the two ‘old blokes’ with their big windscreens, etc, it was a bit buffety as we rode into the wind. Despite this, however, we made good time as we watched the clouds ahead of us darkening the nearer we drew to Melbourne. As we rode up the Westgate bridge, close to home, we knew we were ahead of any worsening weather. We said our goodby’s & made off in our independent directions. I arrived home feeling still surprisingly fresh given we had covered a bit of ground, a reflection, I guess, of the interest the ride held & the satisfaction derived. We certainly travelled along some terrific roads, farmlands thru’ to thick forested areas, every turn holding your attention. Thanks Ron, Tracey, Les, for the company.

Doug

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Daylesford Ride

Sunday 24 August 2008

Ride Report:

Over cast skies but a good weather report saw 26 Wanderers leave the Highway lounge at 9.30am for the trip to Daylesford and beyond.

Led by Dave Martin on the BMW and with the Tail end duties being handled by T2 we headed out across the plains towards Bacchus Marsh. The weather was holding well and with such a good group of bikes we must have made a good site as we punted down the road.

Into the Marsh and then off onto the freeway towards Ballarat, and then to my surprise we are almost immediately off the freeway again and winding through a few corners and into Myrniong. Our first break was at Greendale where we had a brief smoko and then into the twisties on our way to Blackwood and Trentham.

Roads were a bit damp but that did not phase most and we kept up a good pace until we saw one of Mr Plod’s highway cars coming in the other direction, all must have been OK as no issues and he left us alone. Although from all reports our ride leader was running pretty hot after just passing a cager.

Had a stop at Daylesford Primary School for about 45 minutes and then off to Kyneton for lunch. One “U” turn required in Kyneton to find enough parking space for all the bikes, some off to the Bakery for lunch , others for a counter meal.

Saw one of the new BRP Spyder’s pull up outside the Bakery and they are a striking machine and it attracted a lot of attention. There were also two or three other groups of bikes in the main street and it looked a bit like we were invading.

After lunch we were off to Hanging Rock and then over the back of Mt Macedon, where we saw significant amounts of snow on the sides of the road. Then home through Gisborne and a quick trip across to Melton where we said our goodbyes and went our own way home.

I must comment that the excellent use of our corner marking and tail end system made it a very safe, efficient and enjoyable ride, and Special comment to “ The Green Ninja” for all his corner marking and then racing back to the front of the pack to do it all again.

Many thanks to John and David for a great ride with good roads and great company.

David Martin

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Wednesday Wanderers – ‘Mystery Ride’

Wednesday 20th August 2008

Ride Report:

I was running a little late & arrived at Hoppers Macca’s right on 9.30. I was in my car, and dressed accordingly as I was to understand there was no ride , just a coffee & a catch up, in particular with ‘big Ron’ who had just returned from his extended break in sunny Queensland. Jealous you might say, but as Ron said, here we were in cold old Melbourne, but riding, whilst conversely here he was in sunny Queensland with no damned bike …. So who was better off. It’s a matter of perspective I guess.

Anyway, I arrive looking for a coffee, it had been a tough morning (I had to get out of bed & it was cold), to find Tracey, Stewart, Ron, Robyn & , a nice surprise, John (T2) all hanging around outside chatting. Robyn & T2 were ready to ride & everyone was surprised I had arrived by car as I’m normally on my bike. So a quick round trip of home, petrol station & back to Macca’s & a rushed half hour later I was all geared up & ready to go. Tracey, Ron & Stewart all adjourned to Macca’s whilst the three of us, (Doug/Dodgy, T2/John & Robyn) headed off into the CBD, Elizabeth St to be precise, to do a bit of catch- up on the market place, that is, latest models, prices , our wish list etc.

John was in the lead & a good job he did too, or at least until we got to Flinders St then he thought he would get to Elizabeth St the ‘quick way’ i.e. via every traffic jam & building road works site there was. Oh, well, we live & learn. We finally turned into Elizabeth St out of Collins & as we crossed Little Bourke St T2 pulled up onto the footpath. ‘Silly bugger’ I thought, he’s missed the precinct by a block & a half, but no, in fact his bike had died. So he walked his bike up the footpath to Peter Stevens & to cut a long story short it was his battery…. gone to bike heaven. Some $70 later he was mobile again. Most fortuitous the bike died where it did & not half way up the Bridge or similar.

We adjourned for a coffee across the road to recover then did the rounds, Triumphs, Honda’s (no Harley’s) Ducati’s & the new Victory store which is just a few meters down from Ducati. An enjoyable discovery tour. We then hit the road again along the eastern freeway to the Chandler Hwy turnoff, a quick left then left again & off around the Yarra Boulevard arriving at the’ Boat Shed’ café for a pleasant lunch overlooking the river.

Good company & a myriad of conversation topics later we were off again, back tracking along the Yarra Boulevard, & onto the freeway heading east. Once again our intrepid leader demonstrated his multitasking capabilities, i.e. reading & riding at the same time, yep, straight onto the new toll way, followed by a shrug of the shoulders & a flippant hand in the air suggesting a “ ah, hello, um…..ooops”. Nonetheless we soldered on despite the challenges presented to Robyn & I finding our way into the environs & twisty roads of Warrandyte & enjoyable it was too, transversing less familiar roads of good bitumen & lovely scenery. As an aside, as a club we must invest some riding time in this region.

Gradually our front wheels turned towards the west as we made our way back towards the Westgate. We ultimately found our way back onto the Eastern Fwy (without incident … thanks T2, a departure from the days norm!!!!) & followed thru’ around past Melbourne Uni. T2 & I ventured onto City Link whilst Robyn continued along Racecourse Road toward Footscray & home. Shortly after John took his leave & turned off into the city for a rendezvous whilst I alone continued on to Hoppers, a drink of petrol & home, feeling good about the day.

For my part, a most unexpected day given I was only expecting to have a coffee. A goodie, an intimate threesome where we all got to know each other that little bit better, & sharing that common interest of riding & most importantly sharing it together, with friends. Ah, what a life……

Doug/Dodgy

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Meet the Neighbours - Bendigo Ulysses

Saturday 16 August 2008

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

A little drizzle, overcast skies, warm bed with coffee & toast. Am I going to get out and face the world? You betcha! Got a call from George "See you at the Tyre Kick".

12 bikes, 13 lovely Wanderers departed the Highway Lounge bang on 9am, farewelled by a small but encouraging group. With me out the front and George tailending, we headed up Ballan Rd to The Marsh where Glenn & partner joined in and then on to Gisborne where Joe & partner joined in, total of the tape was 14 bikes and 17 heads! So far so good, weather held and we even had patches of sunshine. Following a 5 min (literally!) stop at Gisborne, we headed up the Calder, round the new bypass section where we found ourselves confronted with a set of traffic lights stuck out in the middle of nowhere!!!

Onward to Blasters Cafe and a warm welcome from President Maria, the Socialiser and the Bendigo (Central Victoria) Ulysses. Following much discussion (mostly about bikes!!) and a warm coffee, we meandered down to historic Maldon (along with a few Bendigoians?) where the group wandered into the township and had lunch at various places. Chicken Parma, chips and vegies went down really well, courtesy of the local pub.

Maldon is a really historic place, history steeped in the goldfields that surround. The township itself is a little like stepping back 100 or so years, the facade of the buildings virtually untouched, almost like being locked in a time warp. It is the home of the Motorcycle Emporium, used to have a shop front type garage that you could spend heaps of time in, but like all things modernised, it is now totally on line and closed to the public.

Said our farewells to Maria and the crew and headed south through Newstead towards Daylesford, all going well at this point. Got to a fork in the road and halfway through, suddenly realised I should have turned right. Everyone turned around okay and (Note to self, large smack on head needed!!!!) continued on to Daylesford. Here the ride concluded, goodbyes were said, people thanked and we all headed for home, still in a group. The run down from Daylesford to the Western Hwy was the chosen route and about halfway down, a Green bike with a yellow clad rider flashed by and was never seen again....till Werribee!!!! Home at 3.40pm, total of the speedo was 350 km. Special thanks to George for Tailending, John (Blue Napoleon) for the photo's and those that rode on the day because without you all, it's only a ride, not the great event that it was..

Thanks also to our hosts, President Maria & the Central Victorian Ulysses, a truly great bunch. To those that didn't make it this time, keep an eye on the Rides Calendar, there's more to come.

Okay...free advert time. On the 10 - 12th October is the 11th Golden Dragon Rally to be held at the Tarnagulla Reserve, organised by our hosts, the Central Victoria Ulysses Branch

Chris Thomas

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YEA – ‘T2 Day’

Sunday 13 July 2008

Ride Report:

Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich did not front up on the morning of Sunday 13 July for the ride to Yea but others did. Bubba, Des, Tony, Jeanne,3 x Daves (Eds) (BMW) (Djuric - Triumph) Hans, Martin, me (Doug/Dodgy) and John (T2) who lead the ride. Following a warming ‘Caltex’ coffee, & waved goodbye by Rick (what a sentimental guy he is) we headed off into the fresh morning air & slight crosswind around 9.00am & that’s the last time I looked at the time other than I think we got home around 3.30 ‘ish.

We moved along pretty briskly early on taking the highway & Ring Road thru’ to the end then hanging a’ lefty’ towards Kinglake. Just an aside here, if ever you find yourself stopped at the lights with Tony & Jeanne just behind but either side of you, you are forgiven for thinking, for just a moment, that you are back in your youth at a disco. Their pulsating headlights throw you for a moment when your peripheral vision picks up a flashing/strobe light effect. Anyway, back to business. The Heidelberg - Kinglake Rd, a twisty little bugger I’d call it, made all the more interesting by the light mist, damp & in numerous places wet road, & odd gust of wind. But that didn’t deter the boys up the front of the pack & they made the most of the challenges before them giving due respect to the conditions. Did I mention cyclists…… well they were out in numbers making it a little squeezy in spots particularly when encountered on a bend.

Kinglake greeted us with a host of motorcycles (Peter Stevens Honda Group I believe), a number of cyclists & some rain. But in the time it took to find a spot out of the wind, have a coffee & donut the rain moved on & so did we. Kinglake West, then right & follow the Whittlesea - Yea Rd thru’ Flowerdale to Yea. Now I have to be honest here. Being new to riding (still on my L’s) I had deliberately dropped to the back of the pack to make sure I didn’t slow anyone down. Having said that I was, dare I say, at times, a little over the speed limit but to tell the truth it was just me & poor Eds, who was tail End Charlie ….. the others …. they were ‘gone’. By the time I ( & poor ‘tail End’ Eds) hit Yea the others had wrapped up lunch, cleaned their teeth, refueled & had a corner marker out telling the two of us which way to go…..not true. But they were all smiling at the success of the first half of the day.

Essentially, we hadn’t sighted a straight bit of tar from the moment we pulled off the Ring Road. We had taken on cyclists, wind, rain, the odd branch covering half our share of bitumen, little bits of tree, well sticks, but sufficient to throw you off your line if connected, an old white van creeping across the double lines & yet we were all smiling, happy & safe & ready for the next challenge, LUNCH.

With usual enthusiasm we launched ourselves at the Bakery & typically caused a traffic jam akin to East Link on opening day. Numerous hot pies, pasties, fresh cakes & drinks disappeared off the shelves & spirits were heightened even further by the chatter & outpouring of friendly derogatory remarks made at each other. An inspection of the Yea public toilet (very clean) & a drink of petrol for those bikes in need & we were off again.

Exit Yea, look out Broadford here we come. We retraced our steps back along the Whittlesea – Yea Rd as far as the Broadford - Flowerdale Rd then turned right & on to Broadford via Strath Creek. The road was good & held plenty of interest for all riders, both fast & less fast. The weather had improved, sunshine had broken thru’ & the conditions were far more friendly than those of earlier in the day. The pace of the ride definitely stepped up a couple of notches, a consequence of these improved conditions.

A short hop from Broadford to Kilmore & from there on to Sunbury …. Which road …. Dunno. No, I didn’t have my eyes closed (that would be silly). I assume it was the Lancefield Rd but being new to these roads I get ‘lost’ sometimes….. Did we see anything dangerous, like a policeman or anything. Yep, one police car, travelling in the opposite direction during one of our faster sections of the day but curiously, or thankfully, everyone was within the statutes.

The health & safety story of the trip… Riding into Sunbury we hit the first round-about. As I changed gear I got a cramp in my left leg. Stand up on pegs, sit down, next change “bloody ouch!”, next round-about I can only imagine child birth would be worse. Pull into a fortuitously located bus stop & crawl off the bike. Eds to the rescue, “I’ll rub it for you, where’s the pain” he askes, “my inner thigh to my groin” I respond agonizingly. “You’d better give it a rub then” he says backing off diplomatically. Well, as they say, it’s the thought that counts. Anyway, I struggled on to the coffee stop at Sunbury, recovering from my experience to the tune of “better you than me” chorused by all present.

We said out goodbye’s at Sunbury & made our way home after what I think we all agreed was a most enjoyable ride & day of variable weather conditions mixed with a good bitumen surface the whole way.

I would suggest it could have been called ‘Ducati Day’ given the pace at which the majority attacked the twisties, in all conditions, except we didn’t have a Ducati in tow so I guess we’ll call it ‘T2 Day’ in recognition of his contribution to a great days riding.

Doug (Dodgy)

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The Westgate Wanderers Townsville AGM Adventure

Tue 20th May to Sat 7th June 2008

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

To begin our adventure Larry said a pray for us to have a safe ride and good weather, I would be glad of that pray more than once and so would some other Wanderers. Unfortunately due to the sudden death of Andrew’s father-in-law he stayed with Debbie and it was hard to leave him behind. The first day nearly managed good weather; however there was a heavy low lying mist when we arrived at Shepparton and some light rain. It was a good ride the country was flat, parched and most of the dams were nearly empty. We all took great pleasure in overtaking Eds running in his brand new red and black Nomad. I blew him kisses knowing tomorrow would be the last time I would get such an opportunity to go sailing passed him.This is going to be an interesting journey considering that we are all on Ali and Glen’s honeymoon and as Ali said, soon they would be sharing it with over 3000 Ulyssians, now that’s something to tell the grandchildren. We stayed in a great caravan park in West Wyalong and had a delicious meal although they did seat us down the back away from the other patrons, I suppose they expected us to be a noisy lot and they weren’t wrong. Glen commented that he was surprised no one had challenged him today; I just filed away that piece of information to hopefully use at a later date. We hit the beds early I think most were asleep by 8.30pm.

Another great ride today, the terrain was more interesting and some very nice sweeping bends and gentle hills to cruise around. Eds and Glen left early heading for Dubbo so Eds could get his Nomad’s oil and filter changed, after clocking up his first 1000kms and Glen his glasses fixed which broke yesterday, but to no avail, now he’s blind. That was the end of overtaking Eds, this afternoon as he cruised by; he blew me kisses, cheeky devil. He named his beautiful machine “Geronimo” because it flies like the wind. Eddy rode up with us as far as West Wyalong and he headed off today to see family and return to Melbourne, but it was great that could come some of the way with us on our odyssey. Peter Rigby had sustained a nasty burn on his ankle through a work accident and had expressed discomfort; I took him to the chemist to buy some Duoderm dressings which would make it more comfortable for him to ride, and hopefully it would be healed by the time we got home. Usually the truckies are a reasonably polite bunch, but today a couple were playing silly buggers with us. One double D swerved onto the other side of the road as if he were about to overtake the truck in front of him, causing his trailer to sway erratically each time a bike tried to overtake. It took us quite some time to all get passed him safely. We are starting to feel it today many riders rear ends were particularly sore from long hours in the saddle, and when we finally reached Narrabri it was a welcome relief to stand up and bend our elbows. Hummie took us to the wrong caravan park just to show us what a crappy one looked like. Then down to the RSL which was decked out as a farmers shed with loads of memorabilia, we all had a great meal. Helen and some of the boys stayed to watch the State of Origin match on a huge screen and Alan was mortified that Queensland lost, but Helen and Ray were happy.

Heading for Roma the roads were pretty good but there wasn’t much to look at and our old bodies were feeling the strain, each stop was looked forward too. I had trouble staying awake rather a dangerous feeling to have on a bike. After lunch we had a brief stop as Ray and Glen studied the map, Ray thought we had taken the wrong turn, we hadn’t and as soon as they said go, Ali and I were off. We were in the lead for quite a while before the boys caught up, but soon Glen, Eds, Leno and John D (Blue Napoleon) were in front. I looked at the road there was no traffic, it was straight and the boys were playing with each other, dodging in and out and generally mucking around. I weighed it up and thought I probably wouldn’t get a better chance to challenge them all, so I gunned the Yamaha and as I speed passed them I took them completely by surprise, I managed to get the front part of the bike ahead of Glen’s Nomad and pushed her as hard as I could, Glen grinned as he cruised passed me, I just let him go knowing I had challenged him and won if only for a brief moment. Then all the others overtook me with their thumbs up, it sure broke the boredom of the afternoon and gave me a real buzz. We arrived in Roma tired but relieved we had a day off tomorrow. There was a brochure in the cabin extolling the delights of Roma and I found that the caravan park was next door to the oldest winery in Queensland – Romavilla Vineyards established 1863 specialising in port. Being aware that the Rigby boys had a particular love of port I searched them out and they along with Les agreed it was too good an opportunity to pass up, so we wandered next door to do a little wine tasting. Some time later and after sampling many ports, wines, red and white we ambled back with our bootie to take home (and consume in the evenings after a long ride) very pleased with our purchases. We had a fun evening at the White Bull, the bartender’s father was an Ulyssian so he let us use the juke box and play snooker for free which was great. During in the evening Hummie told us we had to prepare for tomorrow night’s activities, we were all to come as Action Hero’s, now they could be real ones or made up ones, whatever we wanted. At least this year we had a day to prepare.

Oooh! A rest day at last ….. boy do we need it. A glorious, sunny, mild day in Roma some caught up with their washing, while others cleaned their bikes, but we took the opportunity to walk to town to look for costumes ready for tonight. We searched the toy shops, the $2 shops and even Vinnie’s for props and eventually found what we needed. I don’t know what it is about the folk in Roma but they obviously don’t eat out much, it was really hard to find a restaurant and when we did it was combined with a book shop, but the meal was yummy. We wandered back to the caravan park with our goodies and spent the afternoon talking, laughing and planning our trip home, when Ray removed all the maps stating we weren’t even there yet and insisted we enjoy ourselves. We didn’t really need an excuse to hit the amber and got into some serious drinking. Some of us thought Roma was going to be a bit of a dive to spend a day, but we had a terrific time and the locals were great.The Club supplied the barbecue and after we had eaten a delicious meal that the boys put together it was time for the night’s activities. Hummie had put the number of each cabin in his pocket and we had to pick a number out, then each person in the cabin that was chosen were required to go and get dressed up. Then the real fun started ------ first came Alan and John D as Hawaiian sluts, Alan had on a great punk wig, we laughted till our sides split they were so funny. Hummie a geriatric with a gross mask, Ray and Helen as Jack and Jill and of course Jack had a broken head. Glen – Commando Man while, Ali was the ex-wife with a horrible mask and looked fearful. Eds came as Geronimo with red lines on his cheeks with a little help from my lipstick and a feather head dress, Peter was a Spider Pig with the very effective use of his hammock, while I dressed as Dolphin Woman. Ron came as Batman, while Les was Robin and Peter was Buzz Light Year a most interesting trio. Leno came as his favourite hero – Paddington Bear, while Joe was Robo Cop, but we thought he looked more like the cop from the Village People. Finally John came as a vampire and Helmet his female victim, all in all we had a great time and laughter the night away with the odd explanation to others staying in the caravan park. I just might add that at the entrance to the park it said – if we wanted parties or were going to make load noises we had come to the wrong caravan park – perhaps it was because we were bikies that we weren’t challenged by management on that one.

From Roma we headed for Emerald this was really good cattle country, but I did notice that despite the floods they had recently experienced in Queensland their dams may have been full, but the creeks were empty, just dry rocks and sand beds with the occasional puddle.We stopped at Springsure and had a look at the Virgin Rock (wonder why they called it that?). We girls were disappointed the local craft shop was closed because we wanted to buy all their tea towels with delightful little sayings like – “I don’t have hot flushes just holidays in the tropics”, “A clean house is the sign of a wasted life” etc. the owner would have made some money that day.

Off to Charters Towers, this was an interesting ride as we really felt like we were in the outback despite the fact that there was a lot of traffic – bikes and road trains. From here on it was Brahman country, cattle every where, often no fences so every now and then there was a sign to warn road uses that cattle might be crossing. We stopped at Belyando Crossing which was a petrol station and supposed café with little food, 2 big freezers for ice creams and if you wanted one, bad luck they were empty, it was quite hot and an ice cream would have hit the spot. The petrol pumps didn’t register in the shop, so we had to tell them how much we’d put in. I don’t think they had seen so many people all at once, and it wasn’t just our group, there were lots of other Ulyssians as well plus the truckies.From here we had about 90kms of good road then 25kms of a rough single lane. We were hoping being a Sunday we wouldn’t meet any road trains while we were travelling that part of the road. We were lucky most of the way and were only passed by cars that didn’t reduce their speed for us; we nearly got to the end and most of the Wanderers were back onto the 2 lane road when some of us had to stop to let a road train pass by. It was to dangerous to continue to ride on the edge of the road as it was hard to see the potholes and we were so close to end of our journey it would be a pity to damage our bikes.We arrived at Charters Towers and were invited by the local Ulyssians to a barbeque and drive-in, but it was quite a way out of town, so many of us decided to have pizza and a few drinks in the cabin and then crash we were so tired. After days of travelling it starts to take its toll.

We left early with the aim to find a roadhouse for breakfast and fuel just outside of town, unfortunately all we found was the road. It was cold, so our glasses, visors and windscreens fogged up. As we were heading east the sun was shinning directly into our eyes. I followed the white line on the edge of the road but was fearful of hitting road kill. It was a hard ride until the sun rose higher. Some members had not fuelled up the previous night so had to switch to reserve. Eighty kms later we found a roadhouse, but not soon enough for Ali who ran out of fuel; fortunately Ray had a supply and came to her rescue, a good reason for having a support vehicle as tail-end Charlie. The boys found a dispenser that sold rings – skull and cross bones – so they all bought and wore them, and with knuckled fists punched each others rings as a greeting, it was really quite funny watching grown men behave as children – but then what’s new with this lot.We rode into Townsville and registered which didn’t take too long and then off to Show Grounds. Although we had registered fairly early in the day all the best camping sites under the trees were taken. However, Hummie found us a great spot close to toilets and showers but alas, the ground was rock hard and pitching our tents was no easy task, as our tent pegs bent, but as usual Ray came to our rescue with very large tent pegs. Soon we were all settled and our tents organised for our stay, we wandered over to the trade stalls that were still setting up. That night I think we all slept well after a fabulous week of riding.

Hummie, Alan, Peter and I decided to go into town we wandered around the mall and it looked derelict and abandoned, many shops were empty and boarded up, there were very few people it was not the bustling town we expected. We later found out that the mall is to be redeveloped. We went to the Omnimax theatre to see the building of the USA space station. We lay back in the seat and the screen went from the floor all over the ceiling, it was quite an extraordinary experience. We had an enjoyable lunch at an Irish pub and were served by an Irish lass staying for 12 months. Down to the Strand to the Coral Sea Memorial, there was a tall steel box with the outline of a hand on top. Alan put his hand on it and to his surprise music start and a narration began, he jumped back so quickly we all laughed. Helmets brother-in-law Leroy arrived with a woman he picked up on the way – Shelley. He came across her speeding along the highway on her own, stretching her legs while riding her sports bike; he offered to swap bikes which she did so she could have a rest. She told me later that although he looked like a rough bikie she couldn’t have been accompanied by a nicer man, she ended up staying with the Wanderers for the rest of her time in Townsville. Shelley was an interesting lady who had ridden to Townsville from Mudgee to join the Ulysses Club, stay a couple of days then head home. But we had other plans for Shelley.

Quite a few Wanderers and their wives who had flown in to join their husbands headed up to Cairns for the night. They apparently had a great time but would have liked to have spent more time up there.Helen and Ray went to the caravan meeting, which is a new group of Ulyssians who can no longer ride, but still want to be involved in the club. They would like to meet up with their mates about 4 times a year, it sounds like another great idea as the club goes from strength to strength meeting the needs of its members.Many had test rides on the numerous bikes available, while others went up to Mount Stuart for a nice little twisty ride, I thought I’d meet them at the top cognisant of Hummies wisdom, “just ride at your own pace”. The road was narrow and there were quite a few cars who don’t expect to come across motorcycles. The views were great and we walked around the top taking loads of photosMuch to our surprise Andrew arrived, we were so pleased to see him, he had put so much work into organising the trip it was such a pity he missed the ride up.

Leno organised a ride to Ingham about 100kms away, this was a busy town, people everywhere. We decided to ride to the Paluma Range National Park it was 18.4kms of twisties, there were wonderful views all the way up. When we reached the top we chatted to many other Ulyssians. On the way down we stopped at Crystal Creek. The road and bridge had been built between 1931-1935 by unemployed labourers who received 2 bob a day, they had 2 tractors and 2 trucks as their only mechanical help. Everything else was done by hand including the making of the stone bridge. You could see where the steps ended how high the water once flowed under the bridge, one wonders if it will ever be that high again. There were still small waterfalls and rock pools which made it a wonderful place to explore up and down the creek. One Ulyssian stripped off and jumped into the pool and said it was beautiful, the water tasted good too.That night 10 of us went to the Frog and Toad pub for the best meal of all. We had an enjoyable evening back at camp, warm night, clear skies, stars shining, a few tinnies and good company ….. just bliss.

More test rides – Alan, Peter, Les and Jo took the spiders out for a spin and I heard they played up, naughty boys on their new toys. They thought the Harley’s they rode weren’t bad either. But it was interesting after riding all these different bikes when questioned, they came to the conclusion that they each liked the bike they were presently riding, testing out the other bikes just made them appreciate their own bikes more.Later everybody prepared for the night’s party – the theme was Going Troppo, loads dressed up in great gear. Jo, Les and I were duly sent off to stand in the queue and get a good table for the Wanderers. Now this wasn’t an onerous task, as we were able to mix with other Ulyssians and chat about our adventures. To our surprise when we were eventually admitted into the Hoekker the Rigby boys and their wives already had a table reserved for us. As usual the Ulyssians were a mischievous lot, sending bras, G strings (that one woman actually took off), hula skirts skywards attached to the helium balloons. The meal was delicious and hot and the rock band had most up on the dance floor, many dancing the night way into the wee small hours of the morning.

The day of the big parade – once all the bikes arrived the police had the route well organised with flashing amber lights, no hold ups, just a straight run to the Tony Ireland Stadium about 13 kms away. There were loads of families with happy children who were delighted by a couple who wore Elmo and Fozzy Bear covers over their helmets, while another rider had Kermit the Frog as his pillion as they happily waved to us.The Townsville Mayor thanked us for coming and said we had spent $15,000,000 and to think the town’s folk initially didn’t want us to come. Kim the president said – 3717 members had registered for AGM and the club now had 51057 members in its 25th anniversary year. He thanked the organising committee and all the volunteers and we were told that the 2011 AGM would be held in the Lower Hunter Valley.Old Number One spoke about how vibrant the club was and he felt proud and happy that the idea had become so successful nationally and internationally. Also how much he enjoyed meeting Ulyssians from all over the country. He gave us a little pearl of wisdom by saying “Remember …… never buy a bike you can’t push”.Donations for the Arthritis Foundation for 2007 were $50359.25 not a bad effort, and so far we have raised $28,000 for 2008. The winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award was Adam Gilmore from South Australia who had completed a diploma in mechanical engineering before turning his hand to motorcycles; he was delighted to win the RS 125 Aprilia. In the afternoon Ray and Helen attended the AGM to elect the new committee and as Ray said “to decide how to spend your money”. Another party with some Ulyssians dressing in more formal attire, it was a little more subdued as many had partied hard last night so were a bit tired. Others were thinking of home and preparing to leave in the morning.

Many prepared to leave for home in varying directions. Jo and Les decided to go via Longreach to see the Hall of Fame and the Qantas Museum. Alan and Peter decided due to the heavy rain not to travel with me down to Gold Coast as previously arranged but instead go back the way they came. Leno and John D were going to travel together while others were staying on to do more touring. Shelley decided to travel with me and we left rather late in the morning with the intention of reaching Rockhampton. She set a cracking pace; however we only encountered a few brief showers, drying off quickly. There were signs of flooding, the countryside was lush and the creeks and rivers were full. We were glad to reach Rocky at about 7pm and found a motel with a restaurant. Glen did his usual ring around to ensure all Wanderers had reached their destinations safely, he was rather surprised we had reached Rocky.

Earlier start today with the aim to reach the Gold Coast about 740kms away, the journey was pleasant and at each petrol stop we ran into other Ulyssians we had met last week. At one stop we meet up with Leno who had left John to do some sightseeing. We parted company with Leno at Gin Gin who wanted to have a look around. We continued on and just out from Brisbane the weather deteriorated and down came the rain. Visibility was so bad that at times we were down to 60kms on the Gateway Freeway. It eased a little as we reached the Gold Coast but the wind whipped up making it even more difficult to ride. When we turned off at the Nerang/Broadbeach exit Shelley said “are we their yet”, “nearly” I said not realising it would take another 20 minutes to reach Pam and John’s place (my sister and bother-in-law). When we arrived we stripped off wet clothes, showered, got warm and ate a hot meal and celebrated our safe arrival and for me a few days rest.

Shelley left in the morning heading for Mudgee with a stop over in Armidale. Apparently she met up again with Leno and was pleased for the company. I spent the next two days catching up with family. I proudly showed off my motorcycle to my father who was suitably impressed and amazed that a daughter of his could ride such a large machine (in his eyes) and on such a long journey. I visited Auntie Von who was seriously ill and as I looked into her eyes I knew she did not have long. We spent time reminiscing and when I said my final goodbye before heading home I knew it would be the last time I would ever see her.Wednesday night Ali texted me to find out what I was doing Thursday “leaving in the morning heading home”. Margaret called telling me Eds, Glen, Ali, Ron and Peter were leaving Bundaberg and would reach Brisbane around lunch time and I should hook up with them rather than ride alone. I arranged a rendezvous, you can’t imagine the huge sigh of relief my family gave as they were really concerned about me riding home alone.

I asked Eds to call me once they reached Brisbane, he called when they stopped at Loganholme, that was only 25 minutes away and they were going 100kms and I was 20 minutes from the freeway travelling at 60kms and red lights, I wondered if I would make it. I had just stopped to wait for them, hoping I hadn’t missed them when they went flying passed waving …… my that was close. We headed for Grafton this was definitely not the best place to stop for the night. We wandered down the street only to find unless we rode our bikes there was little to eat. However, the petrol station had a few bits and pieces and we decided to manage. The caravan park was disgusting …..cockroaches running across the floor, the kitchen and bathroom were not very clean, but the worst thing of all were the bunk beds, the mattresses were about 2” thick and the hard wooden slats dug into to the boys bones. There was much complaining and they were painting pictures about how uncomfortable all their bits were, I must admit they had me in stitches as I lay in the double bed a good deal more comfortable than they were.

At breakfast the owner asked where we had stayed, we told him how dissatisfied we were with the accommodation, he was upset and told us Grafton needed all the tourist they could get and would we mind if he told the Tourist Bureau. We were quite happy for him to do this as we wouldn’t want others to spend such an uncomfortable night and they weren’t cheap either. We had intended to ride inland to Glen Innes but there had been mud slides from the heavy rains they had recently and the road was closed for repairs, so we decided to continue down the Pacific Highway to Goulburn. We would get onto the freeway and skirt around Sydney but from Hornsby to Parramatta there is just an ordinary road and we were stuck in traffic and unfortunately we became separated from Eds and Ron, and it took a few hours before we were able to regroup. We carried on to Goulburn planning to stay in the same place we stayed last year, but they were booked out, we went down the road and we managed to get a house at the back of the motel. Now this place was rather palatial, there was even a honeymoon suite with a huge spa. We went to the restaurant and enjoyed a delightful meal. It was wonderful to spend our last night together in such a lovely place.

Heading home …… our 3 week adventure was nearly over we went down the Hume Highway which took longer than expected due to the major road works building a 4 lane highway in NSW. Then over the border into Victoria now that was a good feeling and deserved a shout of glee. We were met by Margaret and Greg outside of Melbourne a fuel stop, quick feed, a chat and home. I have to say this Townsville trip was an adventure of a lifetime and although it sounds a long way, doing it the way we did in easy stages, made it not as taxing as it could have been. One thing about this trip it made me hungry to explore more of Australia, but at a more leisurely pace. With time to stop and spend a few days in some of the beautiful towns we went through without the time constraints of work or having to be somewhere on a particular day. In conclusion I would like to thank Andrew for organising a well thought out trip that despite him not travelling with us went as smooth as clock work. Thanks to all the Wanderers who came with us on our adventure, without you the trip would not have been such fun. One sad note for me …. Auntie Von died on the 14th June and I shall always be grateful that I was able to say goodbye to her.

Wendy

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Bubba's Wet and Steamy GOR Ride

Monday 24th March 2008

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

Ali and I woke Monday morning to grey skies and the chance of a few showers we both decided “bugger the showers lets go anyway”,it was a good choice.

We got to Maccas at 7.30am expecting to be the only one's but low and behold there was T1, T2 (on time for a change), and the Rat all waiting for us to arrive, we ordered breakfast and was soon to see Tommy, Tony, Jeanne, Joe, Bill(Papadum), Rick and of course the Frog who was late as well, slept in I believe.

We headed off at 8am and rode the freeway to Geelong then on to Anglesea for our first quick stop. Not a lot of traffic and only a couple of showers but it did not dampen our intrepid group. So it was on to Lorne, where Tommy was departing and heading back home for some retail therapy with the missus (I noted a big thumb print on his forehead). We copped a few showers between Anglesea and Lorne so decided to have coffee there and bid farewell to Tommy before heading off to Lavers hill and fuel.

Being ride leader has a few advantages sometimes and T2 and I had a ball on the twisties between Lorne and Lavers Hill.

The rain had gone by the time we got to Lavers Hill and the sun was heating things up beautifully. The boys were removing their wet weather gear and basking in the sun. Rick took his seat off only to lose one of his rubber supports. Ali's 2way button had come adrift so I did a quick fix and had it back on in no time.

We got a road report from some other riders and were told there was a lot of gravel and a few washaways from the previous nights rain between Lavers Hill and Princetown.

Ali led the ride from there to Princetown at a very sedate pace. I cannot express the helpfulness of our UHF radios as Ali was calling the road conditions and those of us with them had plenty of notice of the conditions, as well as time to warn the others without them. They were a great addition to ride safety and it seemed to make group riding a lot more fun,(We can only hope Leno does not get one).

We arrived at Princetown around 1pm to be greeted by Alison's Mum and Dad (Lloyd & Chris) who had obtained a menu from the pub, and Lloyd had brought out cold refreshments for us. Chris then gave us a guided tour of the property including the bat cave (Lloyds retreat from the world). Lloyd had already pre-ordered our lunches, so we walked up to the pub where we enjoyed a great meal and a view that was to die for. The meals were cheap (fish and salad $9.00), a good size and ready on arrival.

Once again it was time to farewell our hosts and hit the road for home. T1 was over the tailend Charlie stint so I took the rear and T2 took the lead for the home run, down through Simpson,Colac(fuel) and on to Moriac for a break.

Arriving home at around 5.45pm, 500K for the day and I can't thank my fellow travellers enough for a great day of many laughs, great riding, plenty of twisties and long sweeping corner's, from me especially thankyou everyone. Ali and I had a great day.

Bubba

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Tallangatta Weekend

Friday 29th February to Sunday 01st March 2008

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

Friday afternoon4.00pm, Bubba, Ali, John (Froggy), Ratty, Lorraine, Helmut, Rose,Linda (Seagull), John Tout, Eds, Helen and I on bikes with Mags andMargaret in the car, left the Mobil Servo on the Ring Road to windour way thru very heavy traffic toward the Hume where we picked upGumnuts (Gordon) somewhere along the way.

First stop was Avenelfor a filling and un-filling plus a much needed coffee and munchies.It was here that I had an upset tummy, not good. Think I lost acouple of kilos.

Onward to the BPbetween Benalla and Wangaratta for a top up of fuel and for a drinketc, Oh and still had the upset tummy.

Ali, Bubba, Eds,Gumnuts, Helen and I on bikes and Mags and Margaret tagging along inthe car toddled just around the corner for the obligatory grog stopand then Eastward Ho to the farm, BUT, hang on, missing Gumnuts, Ohshit…….of course, he is on a Harley.

Eds went back only tofind the Harley with a broken throttle cable, in the main street justas well and after a quick repair it was on to the farm.

“Rustic”said Ali, “Plenty of room” said Bubba. Yep, but not forthis many people. Bubba &Ali in the main bedroom, Eds & Magsin the other, Gumnuts on the kitchen floor (foldout bed), Helen &I on a foldout divan in the lounge and Margaret on a pump up mattresson the lounge floor. Cosy?

Bubba’s cousinAndrew called in for a couple and after a belly full to help thesleep, it was off to bed…….crap, toss, turn, toss,turn, toss, turn…get the picture. By morning, (dark morning),the lounge crew started the giggles so it was out of bed and ofcourse the rooster call had to be done because all the rest werestill in bed.

Gordon did temp repairsto the Harley so that he could get into town while the rest of usheaded to “The Tout’s” for brekkie and to meet upwith the rest of the bunch.

Top brekkie guys worththe ride just for that. A look around the caravan park, chats withthe locals, cackling and taking photo’s at the boat ramp signat the lake with no water in it, hilarious.

Next it was down to theoval for registrations for the Rally, a quick look around then to themain street for the bike “Show and Shine”.

Gordon arrived with“The Anti-Christ” running again so Andrew then led us allon an extremely picturesque ride thru to Corryong for a fantasticlunch then back to the oval via Tintalora and Walwa, what a road forbikes, what great friends, bloody marvellous.

Margaret’s Greghad arrived early morn so the “Rustic Farm” was going tobe a little more crowded so Helen and I booked into a motel inWodonga….king size bed, party.

Bed early and nextmorning it was shower, shave, shampoo and off for brekkie to AndrewPollards nursery just up the road where The Farmhouse mob weremeeting us. What on earth did we do to be punished in such a way?

Over brekkie we weretold the tale of how Bubba, leading the ride from the oval to thefarm, got lost and some having to go to reserve on their tanks, justmade it back.

From brekkie toBeechworth to meet the rest of the group, a bit of a look around thenoff to Brown Bros. Winery for the tasting, (Ratty bought heaps) thento the Cheese Factory for lunch.

Now so far I havefailed to mention how may wrong turns were made but all I will say isthat the producers of the TV series Lost will be contacting somepeople in the club.

The long trip home wasin a word….long. The old clacker valve was as flat as a……and as sore.

Total distance Helen &I travelled, 1045.6km.

To all who were on theride, Helen and I thank you for your humour but most of all yourfriendship, it really makes life worth living with friends like youall in our club.

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Da Rev's Twisted And Lost Ride

Saturday 23rd of February 2008

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

Well that was a great day with great people.

At 9am 11 intrepid explorers headed for regions that looked positively polar, leaving behind a motely collection of wooses broadcasting inane comments like 'Can you still hear me Rev?' No dave, I can't.

We rode at the speed limit ('tis true) to fair Colac with hardly a cloud to be seen, and after filling with fuel and emptying of bladders we proceeded to Duff's and met the Otway Ranges Ulysses.

Tasty cakes and coffee, meeting new friends, discussions of rides etc. took up the next 45 minutes before heading out for Lavers Hill at 11.30, accompanied by 4 Otways and 5 Geelong members.

Regretably the sun decided to hide behind some rain clouds about that time, so it was a great opportunity to brush up on wet weather riding skills for the next 20 klms before the roads dried out and we started to really enjoy those twisties.

Lunch at Lavers Hill was a repeat of morning tea - great venue with excellent catering and an Italian bike parked in the entrance way.

LOVE that ride between Lavers and Apollo Bay, and owing to the promise of inclement weather there was hardly anyone on the road, but the road was mostly DRY and FAST. Bubba Eat your heart out.

Straight through AB and back up over the ranges through Forrest where some of us got waylaid by a pack of treddlies. But excellent riding none the less. Back roads to Deans Marsh and more coffee, cake, bladders relieving, tall stories, Rob doing his block 'cos I didn't get him his red cordial. Then off to Winchelsea for a fuel up.

Farewells all around and head for home.

I clocked up 450klms door to door. 250klms was highway but 200klms was TWISTIES. Some of it was a bit damp, but most of was pure joy. 9am to 5.30pm, quite a day, and by the time I'd washed Gutzi, answered some phone calls, had tea and watched Top Gear, all the adrenalin had drained away and I was left feeling pretty washed out.

But that's what a twisties ride is all about, and no one got lost, apart from those who couldn't find their way out of the M1's car park

Thanks for the great company guys and gals, and especially thanks to T2 for doing such an admirable job as Tail End Johnny.

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Marysville Ride

Sunday 25th of November 2007

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!
More Ride Pics!

Sunday dawned as a sultry, overcast day and some might have thought to give the ride a miss. Too bad for them!!

Arriving at Maccas at about 7.50 am, I was surprised to see Darren and Rick there but no hide nor hair of our otherwise-always-enthusiastic ride-leader-for-the-day, John (aka Blueboy, Nappy-Boy, Blue Nappy). Fearing the worst, I rang him only to have it ring out – obviously on the way!! When he finally arrived, a sheepish looking John admitted to a cardinal sin – he had slept in!! “Surely not!!” one would say – he is normally texting us at ungodly hours with his unbridled enthusiasm to get going!! Seems he tossed and turned all night and when he finally dropped off, couldn’t wake up!!

This little hurdle overcome, the numbers steadily grew until at last we saddled up; 20 bikes, 3 pillions and one tin-top containing two lovelies (my wife and her friend, Chrissy). A brilliant turn-up!! Rick unfortunately could not ride with us as he had school reports to write for his little brats; Sorry mate but you missed out on a brilliant ride!!

To name but a few……………………………. nope too many and I’m hopeless with names; check out the pictures!!

After a quick ride briefing by “Forgot the difference between Western Ring and Bolte” John and “I’ll probably get Lost” Darren (ably assisted by “I’m Camera Shy” Leno), we were off!!

With barely noticeable aplomb, mother nature burned off the clouds and soothed us in her warm bosom filled with glorious sunshine – yes, I wax poetically, it was such a fantastic day!!

I always get goose bumps riding with a larger group and let me tell you I could have sprouted feathers and flown to Marysville on Sunday. In a fine line astern (as the Navy guys say) we cruised along the highway, across the Bolte and past the Zoo to our first stop at Lillydale. Meeting many fellow Ulyssians out for a Sunday jaunt to the Twin Spurs Rally, we certainly did not lack for company.

Along the way, Des, Darren and myself were briefly separated from the group by traffic lights. Patiently sticking to the speedlimit, we nevertheless attracted the attention of one of Victoria’s “finest”. Having seen the mob come past, followed by us stragglers, he no doubt figured we would twist the throttle and catch up as soon as we passed him. Flying past us, he was as disappointed as Little Johnny H – we stuck to the limit and caught up anyway, arriving in Lilydale unscathed and unbooked!!

Coffee, the ubiquitous Bacon & Eggs and a few cakes later, another quick briefing. For the Casey Stoner’s of our group, the news we had been waiting for; when we turned onto the Reefton Spur, we would be let loose to burn some rubber!!

With renew zest we “followed the leader” and, after what seemed an eternity, Clancy took a pull and let loose the hounds!! I couldn’t wait for John to tell us where to regroup and took off up “The Spur” like a possum up a gum tree!! The very first corner and I just knew I had overstated my abilities – at 150KPH it just turned too bloody quickly. With sweaty palms and bent brake lever (or at least it should have been with the grunt I laid into it!!) I managed to squeak through the 30KPH corner and took a much more measured rate to the next 40K of twisties. Scrubbing parts of the tyres that had not yet touched the road, I fanged it up the spur and enjoyed a rare moment of heaven on earth.

For at least one 4 wheeler it must have seemed like hell on earth; coming around a flawless lefthander, I spotted a spunky little Subaru Imprezza had missed or misjudged a corner, jumped the table-drain and ploughed nose first into a nice solid gumtree. It’s little brothers and sisters buzzing around (it was a club rally methinks) bruised ego’s all around, luckily no other injuries.

Arriving in Marysville, we expected to see a few bikes but I don’t think any of us expected to see that many. There was never more than half a minute without a bike passing or pulling up for lunch. The place was also full of Tin Tops – more of this later. Looking for the lunch stop, we wandered up to the Cabinet (as John had told us) and found it had been reserved for a private function. Ready to lynch John, we soon discovered WE were the function! John and Darren certainly excelled themselves by swinging this deal! Although not the cheapest, the food was great and service pretty good considering 23 people piled in for lunches of all descriptions. That’s right, you read 23 – not 25!! John and Darren had hot-footed it to the bakery up the road and put on the biggest nosebag you would ever see. Had to DRAG Darren out to get the show back on the road!

About this time a friendly passer-by hands over a Yamaha key to my wife Maria, saying he had found it across the road. A few hurried unanswered enquiries among the group and she was walking to the local lock-up to hand it over to a nice Policeman, when Nappy Boy cries out “Hang on, it might be mine!!”. A quick gallop to his bike with key in hand confirms his luck (those bastard key stealing drop-bears must live in Marysville as well!!) and before too long we are on our way to Stevensons Falls.

82 meters tall, reputed to be the tallest waterfall in Victoria, it was a wondrous sight among the lush tree-ferns and rainforest foliage. Shutter-bugs going nuts (our Camera Club doing themselves proud), Leno managed to get in just about every shot!! Darren wagered life and a wet camera climbing the handrail, hanging on with one leg and clicking with the other (arm that is) to get what must be a great shot of the falls. Let’s see it mate!!

Departing the falls and led by Darren, we set off along the Black Spur to get ourselves home. We anticipated another spate of fast twisties. No such luck – 4 tin tops crawling along and no hope of passing them, we sedately trundled down, nevertheless thoroughly enjoying this majestic part of Victoria’s rainforest-clad hills. Dappled light on smooth bitumen and gentle cool breezes kept us company along the way as we meandered down a many twisted road……..WAKE UP!!!! Oops, nearly drifted off reliving that beautiful and relaxing run!!

Relaxation soon over as traffic built up, we stopped at a BP just after Lilydale. We said our farewells and went on our merry way. Some down the highway to Ringwood and Springvale Road, others following Yogi through Warrandyte to the Eastern. Not wanting the day to end, Wayne and myself, together with about a dozen others followed the gentle giant homeward

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Wayne and myself were separated (again!!) by some lights. Neither of us very familiar with Warrandyte and unable to catch up with Yogi and the fast pack, we found the Eastern easily enough but turned off too late and were lost in the city. Spotting Victoria Street, a quick last minute turn and with Wurrunjeri Way in mind, finally crossed familiar paths and headed up the Westgate – two lonesome but ecstatic and happy Westgate Wanderers in all it’s literal meaning!!

Besides a fantastic day’s riding and the great company of the best mates a man can have, this ride achieved another momentous milestone; Blueboy should no longer be nick-named “Blue Nappy” and Darren no longer “Ratty”. Their forethought, planning and leadership of this flawlessly executed ride certainly gives John the right to graduate to the Red ones and Darren to the title of Possum (a bigger, gentler and more surefooted version of Ratty)!!

Seriously though, a well led ride they should be proud of and we certainly should thank them very much for!!

Thanks Guys!!
Regards,
Martin

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Mt Gambier Meet N Greet

2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th of November 2007

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

We gathered at the M1 and left 8am sharp, there were 20 bikes, 1 trike and 2 cars it was a beautiful day for riding and the Wanderers were looking forward to the journey ahead.

While travelling Linda’s scooter broke down, the RACV was called and her son, who brought her car so she could continue her holiday. We waited at Inverleigh for them and continued onto Lismore for morning tea. A quick lunch at Hamilton and then onto Mount Gambier, we travelled through some beautiful country, you would hardly believe we are in a drought it was so lush.

It took a little while for us to book into the Kalganyi Holiday Park and find our rooms, but once settled it wasn’t long before we part-took of a few drinks and then down to the barbeque area for a meal put on by our hosts, the Torrens Valley and the Limestone Coast Ulyssians.

It was a great night and Mags had an Ipod music box that was pumping out some great Beatles tunes and we were all singing along and Leno was in Beatles heaven.

Saturday the rain decided our day for us and we were confined to barracks. It became a day to relax and socialise and to learn how to play some new card games.

That evening we went to the RSL Club for dinner which was very nice and cheap, but it was still raining and freezing cold when we headed off home. The rain didn’t stop all night and at one stage it was belting down, it gave you the feeling it was never going to stop and it continued on through the morning.

On Sunday some members decided that as the bad weather had set in, it was time to cut their losses and head for home. Most of us were happy to stay even if it did rain, we were on holidays and that was exactly what we were going to continue to have – a holiday. In the afternoon the rain started to subside enough for the boys to go for a ride to Port McDougall, which they all thoroughly enjoyed, particularly the fact that they were no longer couped up and could ride free as we had intended.

Some of the girls on the other hand didn’t feel the need to bother to get into wet weather gear, so we stayed in the Penthouse and did some female bonding and drinking which was great fun. For dinner that night the Park kindly supplied a free barbeque for all of us. We also celebrated Graham’s 50th birthday with a delicious caramel mud cake.

After dinner Glen and Ali invited everybody back to the Penthouse for a party. We rocked the night away and those blokes who thought they couldn’t dance were soon encouraged to get up and have a go and were soon dancing happily. We had a fabulous night of dancing, drinking and skiting it was such fun.

The next morning we woke to a glorious day, so it was decided we would ride to Robe, a seaside resort further up the coast towards Adelaide. The road was good and we had some nice sweeping bends. Once in Robe, also fishing port, it was time for lunch, some members delighted in eating the fresh crayfish, while others enjoyed the fish and chips on offer. Heading back was a good deal harder as we were riding into a rather strong wind and were glad when we finally reached the Park.

As we were going the next morning we all had a major cook up to use the food we had bought. Most of us rolled away from the table with full bellies and tired after a days riding, so early to bed.

We left Mount Gambier after the usual photo shoot and said our good-byes to those Ulyssians that had not left, and headed out of town. Eds was having trouble with no back brake-light, so he and Glenn had stopped off in town to get it fixed, while the rest of us continued on. We had just reached the 110 speed limit on the outskirts of town when I developed a wobble, I realised I had done a tyre and slowed down till I found a safe place to stop. Sure enough the back tyre was flat as a tack.

The boys stayed with me while Glenn organized a Ute to come out and pick up the bike and get the puncture repaired, we told the others to carry on and we would eventually catch up. They had left at 0830 and we left at 1100, Glenn asked me if I was up for the ride and of course I will try most things once, so with Glenn in the lead then me followed by Eds we were off.

I have never ridden so fast in all my life but despite my fear it was absolutely exhilarating. We eventually stopped for fuel and a quick coffee in a one hick town, with the intention to chase the main group until we caught them, probably in Geelong. But to our surprise they rode past, we had actually beaten them. They pulled in and told us they had stopped at Portland for morning tea and had waited an hour for service.

We had bypassed Portland but we certainly didn’t expect to catch up with them so soon. We carried onto Warrnambool for lunch, we stopped in Colac for a moment then onto Winchelsea for afternoon tea, fuel and we said our good-byes and headed off home. Once we hit Geelong it was slow going with all the traffic heading back from the coast after the long weekend.

Again this club never ceases to amaze me with the care they take of their members and the fun we all have when we are together. Thank you all for yet another wonderful holiday and I look forward to the next one.

Happy riding
Wendy

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The Three Mild Dogs Trip ~ Narooma and Return Via the Snowy Mountains

Thursday 11 October

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

The trip to Narooma was for a RAAF reunion that is arranged biannually to a different part of Australia. Ron Johnson and Max Spencer attend each year and this year we invited ex NZ navy extraordinaire Les Rabone

The night before we left we had a get together at Max’s house to discuss the trip over a few ales, wines and Max’s specialty rabbit casserole. Having seen the movie Wild Hogs we decided to call ourselves the Mild Dogs - Ron on his Ventura, Les and his BMW and Max on his Gold Wing.

We left bright and early on Thursday 11 October only to struggle through stop start traffic over the Westgate and to think what it would be like to work in the city and do that every day. There was a steady stream of motorbikes coming in the opposite direction to us heading to Phillip Island for the Grand Prix. As we arrived in Sale people were lined up on either side of the road and waving at all the bikes travelling through. Even the schools allowed the students to crowd out onto the footpath. We stopped for lunch and watched the police escorted parade of bikes, believed to have been between 2-3 thousand ride through sale led by Casey Stoner.

We had an enjoyable ride to our first overnight stop at Cann River. We have stayed there before and although it’s an old pub the meals are great. For $25 including continental breakfast, who could complain?

Lucky Ron had booked our room as the pub was full with all the motorbike riders heading west. That night the locals had a Karaoke evening below our bedroom window. What a racket and it got worse as more ale was consumed. It was in Max’s case, earplugs and a pillow over his head to be able to sleep. We awoke next morning to heavy rain and the sound of bikes starting up or early birds passing through on their bikes.

Lucky for us on arrival we asked for somewhere to park our bikes under cover and were given a carport to share with a ride-on mower and jet ski. Later that night another 5 bikes had squeezed in behind and in front of our bikes. As we only had a leisurely 245 kms to go next day we assumed the other riders would be away before us next morning. Breakfast was what was left over after about 50 hungry bike riders have devoured everything they could get their hands on. No bread left – damn a slice of toast would be nice. The lady publican was probably out like a light after the night frivolity as Les couldn’t find anyone to ask for breakfast replenishment. On snooping around Max found a loaf of bread in a fridge down the hall so the smell of toast soon drifted through the pub again. By the time we loaded and left the steady rain was abating. Lovely green pastures and lambs gambolling on either side of the road. Max thought it was a great sight until he remembered the lamb shanks for dinner the night before

At Bombala we were given a free cuppa at the Bombala motorbike club and bought raffle tickets for a prize of a Triumph Thruxton 900. They are holding their 16th annual celebration of motorcycles on the 24th November at the Bombala Showgrounds. Sounds like a great weekend and they can be contacted on 02 6458 3880 or contact@bombalamc.com

A nice day’s ride stopping at Bemboka at the famous Bemboka pie shop for lunch and then on to Narooma. On the Saturday morning Les and Max went for a walk along the harbour and out to the river mouth. We climbed up the cliff overlooking the sea and to our excitement saw two whale watching boats following whales just below our position. On Sunday we rode further north to Ulladulla to visit Max’s brother Noel and sister in law Louise who made us a lovely lunch.

After a great weekend reminiscing with old RAAF friends we left for home on Monday morning in anticipation of our ride along the Alpine Way through Jindabyne, Threadbo and Khancoban.

We stopped again at the Bemboka pie shop and Ron talked to a very interesting Bob Carveth who lives next door to the pie shop. He is an avid collector of all things old as a tour through his house shows. His Yamaha Project bike is a must see. He calls it ‘Yamie’ - a Yamaha motorbike with a Honda Civic 1200cc engine with a T-bar automatic gearbox. Incredibly Bob has extended the frame by 320mm to be able to accommodate the car engine. If you are passing through call in and have a chat, as Bob would love to show you his collection.

Next stop was the motorbike café in Cooma for a great lunch. They have spray and cleaning cloths for your helmet visor. This leg of the journey Max had done before when he lived in Canberra and was a member of the Veteran Vintage and Classic Motor bike club. We called it the Snowy Mountains run and the last time Max did it was on his 1969 Triumph Tiger about 6 years ago. What a difference doing the Alpine Way on a 2004 Honda Goldwing. The scenery was magnificent sunshine, snow capped mountains and great company. You couldn’t ask for anything better. We pushed through to Corryong and stayed the night and got one of the last rooms in the motel as all the bikes were returning from Phillip Island. A lovely pub meal and a good comfortable nights sleep. Zzzzz

Les led the way from there following the Murray River through Tintaldra to Wodonga to Beechworth to another famous pie shop for lunch. The views around Lake Hume were exceptional with the hill sides covered in a lovely purple, unfortunately Patterson’s Curse. It was then back onto the Hume Highway for a very windy cruise back home covering 2006 kms

A great trip, great company and great bikes made this a journey to remember always. May the Mild Dogs ride again soon on another excellent adventure.

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The Presidents Ride

13th & 14th of October 2007

Ride Report:

Ride Pics Pt1!
Ride Pics Pt2!
Ride Pics Pt3!
Ride Pics Pt4!

Saturday 13th October, 26 bikes, one blue ute and 30 intrepid travellers met at the M1 Café on a miserable, overcast and cold morning to explore the outer western regions of Victoria, to boldly go blah, blah etc.

Out via the Ballan Rd to the Western Highway to the first fuel stop at the BP Servo about 30km from Ballarat….cold and a few spots of drizzle.

Onward ho! Next stop Thunder Road Café for regrouping, coffee and for those that wanted to, purchase some of the wares on offering (Mags bought a pair of DriRider type pants) because it was raining around Ballan as usual, and cold.

Here things got interesting, the ever eppervescent Leno misplaced his bloody keys, well search and search we did to no avail; we did all except turn him upside down and shake him. In one of his pockets no less. Did I mention it was cold? No, well it was.

Out to the Western Hwy again to the turn-off at Buangor, travelling along the narrow but reasonably good road to the Ararat Wind Farm. A regroup again at the wind generators, we were also treated to the sight of the green Kawasaki crash braking when he overshot the group at the viewing area and Lex fixing a brake fluid leak.

From here thru to Moyston and into the Clayfield Winery where we were greeted by Simon, Steve and Mark who had their Triumph and Norton motorbikes on display. After some excellent wine tasting we were treated to a fantastic Bar-B-Q and Kay’s irresistible orange cake and coffee. For anyone in the group who enjoys a good wine, take the time to visit this winery, you will not be disappointed

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We said our goodbyes around 2.30pm and travelled into Halls Gap where the ones that wanted a fang went ahead of the group to enjoy the twisties. The rest had a leisurely picturesque ride to the next stop of Wartook for afternoon tea and coffee and the option to purchase gifts at the shop adjoining.

Mark, Robyn and their dog Sydney James arrived here to escort us back to their motel where we were shown our rooms then treated to another fantastic barby and exceptional hospitality.

The Smerdon Lodge at Horsham – Phone 03 5382 3122, hosts Mark and Robyn, call them if you are in the area, AND they are Ulyssians.

The local paper sent one of their photographers around for a group photo to be included into one of the publications.

An added bonus to top the night was various prizes given by Mark and Robyn to some of the lucky members whose names were chosen at random.

Around the tables at night on full bellies, an ale or two, laughter, what on earth did we do to be treated in such a manner?

Oh yes, Joe, a young lady that he kept in contact with named Vicky who we met on a ride previously turned up. She lives not far from Horsham, so renewing of friendships, he really is a dark horse!

Breakfast in the morning was again a site to behold, bacon, eggs, etc, etc all cooked by Marks friend Michael, and a top job he did.

We said goodbyes and headed home via Hamilton…..sore bums, sore backs, grinning faces. Mortlake for lunch, adjusted Wendy’s handlebars because she had sore wrists from the bars being too low then on to Winchelsea where we lost our tail-end charlie Chris, Lou, Wendy and Rickety Rick because there was a corner marker mix up.

Everyone arrived home safely and by all indication I think a good time was had by all and if they didn’t, it was their own fault.

To Glenn and Ali for all the planning, a big thank you from all of us, can’t wait till next year.

We really are blessed to have such magnificent scenery to enjoy, road to ride and to have such wonderful friends to enjoy it with, thanks to all you guys and gals I am proud to call you all my friends.

Bugsy

STATS:

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Wanderers' Trivia Night

Saturday Night 6th October 2007

Ride Report:

Fifty-seven inquisitive Wanderers, including their families and friends, turned up to the Westgate Wanderer’s Trivia Night at The Werribee R.S.L. to challenge their brain cells. Hosted by Quiz Meister Lyall, the night consisted of 30 trivia questions over 2 rounds with a number of novelty prize games thrown in.

Graeme and Claire’s table kicked off the night by winning the “Roof Tops or Flats” game. The “Uck Wits” won the Salada eating competition (nice whistling, Lyn), the “Jessies” successfully named 8 out of 10 television monkeys (Mike Nesmith?) and new member Dave Gammon (true to form) picked up one of the door prizes. The highlight of the evening was Yogi’s “Baywatch Run” between the tables. To the Wanderer who called out “show us yer tits”…………. thanks for that!

Tommy from the “Stoned” table caused a distraction with that bloody ring tone of his and managed to infiltrate a number of the other teams (just to confirm his team was on the right track) and Gordie phoned several “friends”…….. what was that about? Pete and Karen’s “Bohemians” entered into the spirit of the competition by asking the mob for help, and the “Bravehearts” (Mags and Ed’s Scottish contingent) thought they had the advantage because they’d heard the questions before, but sadly couldn’t remember the answers! Bidding for Shane’s children as T.V. show experts got to $135.00, but it was still “No Deal”! Congratulations go to Shane’s table which ultimately won the evening, taking out the major prize.

Thank you to the management of the Werribee R.S.L. for their generous donation of the major prize (8 $25.00 dinner vouchers) as well as the bottles of wine as door prizes and for making us feel welcome. Thanks also to Joanne Brownrigg for donating the mystery prizes and a special thank you to Mags and the other members of the Social Committee, for their support and effort, without which the night could not have happened.

Rick Haman

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Puckapunyal Ride

Sunday 30th September 2007

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

On an overcast and windy Sunday, the 30th of September was celebrated by 11 intrepid Wanderers who, defying the elements set forth to ride to Puckapunyal in Central Victoria.

Led by our Branch Ride Co-ordinator Marty, fellow Wanderers Tom, Leno, Wendy,John, Darren, Alison, Glenn, Peter, Allen and yours truly headed off to Puckapunyal to visit the world standard Tank Museum located within the Army base there.

After travelling from their departure point at Maccas in Hoppers Crossing, the group stopped briefly at my home in Wildwood to collect me along the way.

Stopping in Lancefield for a quick nosh up, the local bakery proved a fine choice with many a staple and delicacy on offer to temp us. And temp us they did! With Leno sipping his Earl Gray (oops, wasn't supposed to say that) and the rest of us slurping up the hot expresso, the chill of the day quickly disappeared.

Thus refreshed we headed up through Nullavale, Emu Flat to Tooborac, and from there a short hop over to Puckapunyal. This route was a more direct one than was stepped out and proved to be an excellent choice. Smooth surfaces, easy 80klm sweepers and the rain held off all the way to give us a good, and dry, run to the Army base.

After signing in we were permitted to proceed to our intended destination, the Tank Museum. This place is an eye opener as it sprawls over several acres of open and covered exhibits. Tanks of every description and design, both foreign and friendly. The Australians figured prominantly too with many successful designs for fighting machines coming from here.

The gift shop appealed to many of our numbers with some memorable souvenirs being bought to commemorate the visit.

From here we trouped off to Yea for a delectable lunch, sampling many varieties off food from those on offer. With bellies full we then travelled some of the best piece of road in the district, I speak of the run from Yea to Whittlesea. Smooth sweepers through beautifully forested countryside. This explained the numourous groups of fellow motorcyclists out to enjoy this gem of a road.

All to soon we had gained Whittlesea where we rested and said our goodbyes. The final leg of our journey would be back along the Ring Road with a number of us peeling off to our homes along the way.

A big thank you to Marty for organising this impromptu run, for including me this time, and to all my fellow Wanderers for making this such an enjoyable ride.

Cheers
Webmaster Col

Stats:

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Rob Roy Ride

Sunday 16th of September

Ride Report:

Ride Pics! Route: Macca's Hoppers Crossing, Greensborough, Hurstbridge, St Andrews through Kinglake to Yea down to Flowerdale and Whittlesea, Werribee.

Seventeen bikes and Nineteen Westgate Wanderers gathered at Mac Donald’s in Hoppers Crossing at 8:30 am, in anticipation of what would become a fun and no doubt a memorable and enjoyable twisty-ride!

Departing Macca’s at 9 am sharp heading up the Western Ring Road in a convoy of bikes, behind our Ride Leader-Chris -”Blackbird” and Glenn “Bubba” being our Tail End Charlie, we headed to Rob Roy-Historic Garage-located in beautiful St Andrews – (gateway to the Yarra Valley), via: Greensborough and Hurstbridge, arriving at 10:15 am.

Where we enjoyed the kind generous hospitality of the “Rob Roy-Historic Garage” being: Steve & Mim Lunn, who were kind enough to provide us all with hot coffee and muffins upon arrival- really wonderful people!

Mim gave our WW-Group a tour of their fully equipped Workshop where Steve rebuilds race/rally cars, including full Lotus Twin Cam engines. Whilst Steve gave us, a tour of some interesting & rare bikes, all of which are part of a private collection at Rob Roy Historic Garage making some interesting viewing, with full history on each bike for you to read!

On display is: A Frances Barnett, a Norman, Bultarco, Puk and an early 70's Honda motorcycle. In addition to some fine automobiles of yesteryear too, including:

Following a group photo shoot and thanking our hosts we departed for Yea.

Winding our way from St Andrews up to the historic township of Yea, arriving at 12:45 pm for lunch, where we enjoyed fine pastries and hot beverages in the towns’ bakery.

Fuelling-up in Yea for the run home travelling through some scenic countryside and good windy roads via: Flowerdale down to Whittlesea, where we parted company and all headed for home.

I am sure everyone had a smile from ear to ear today after this wonderful ride, thanks to Marty and Chris and also Bubba for being a great Tail End Charlie…from all on the ride-thank you Boys!

Cheers,
Bluenapoleon.

Shane’s Redesale Run

Sunday 15th July

Ride Report:

On a cool sunny morning 13 brave souls and 12 machines gathered at Macca’s Hoppers Xing at 8.30am. Hot coffee and warm smiles all round for nearly all, was followed by Ride Brief at 8.50 with the W/W’s then mounting up and heading off at approx 9.00am.

We headed to the Geelong Highway via the back way through Laverton due to some roadworks on the Highway then on to the Western Ring Road (Where some Riders had indicated they would be waiting out on the Ring Road for us but none were spotted) , and a nice leisurely cruise on to the Hume Highway. We departed the Hume for a while and headed off through the cozy outposts of Wallan – Kilmore – Broadford then re-joined the Hume and motored on to Seymour.

Here waiting was the opportunity for a Hot Coffee and a Pastry and a quick sunning from what had now become quite a beautiful winter’s day. Various praises and cursings were heard about the quality of gloves that were being warn by the W/W’s. It was certainly chilly on the mitts. After about 30mins we mounted up and headed for fuel (Some taking the wrong way at the roundabout forcing the geographically aware riders to give way. One roundabout and Five confused riders. I had a chuckle)

Once the mighty machines were fueled we headed off onto some nice country roads with beautiful state forest either side and the smattering of Australia’s greatest critters throughout. ( Kangaroos – Possums – and of course Sheep). We traversed past Puckapunyl then to Tooborac through Heathcote , blink and you miss it Mia Mia and to our Lunch destination of Redesale.

Here after approx 5 – 10 minutes we were joined by 9 members of the Central Victorian Branch of the Ulysses. I had contacted them about 2 weeks before the ride to see if there were any members interested in catching up so I was pleased as punch when 9 turned up. Greetings all round and ride stories were exchanged. Lunch turned out to be superb. It was a cozy country pub with open fire a Coonarra and a warm friendly atmosphere. For me it was difficult to get up to get back on the bike as I had a full belly and a warm body and really did not feel like moving.

We bid our fellow Ulyssians farewell and headed for home via some lovely countryside riding towards Kyenton and then onto the Calder where we exited at Gisborne exit for fuel and farewells. Here the W/W’s headed their own way home with most arriving at their door between 4.00 – 4.30pm as targeted.

As this was my first chance at Ride Leader I would like to take the opportunity to thank all whom attended as it made it an enjoyable experience for me.

Thanks,
Shane

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Roadies Highland Shiver

Sunday 24th June 2007

Ride Report:

With the Road King suddenly off the road with a faulty starter motor, the Sporty came out of the lounge room this weekend to lead the ride into the Central Victoria Highlands. Ice-cold was the top temperature for the day. With the sun shining, 15 machines of the WWs headed into the freezer, with a short blast up to Glenmore where we regrouped at the top of the twister.

Al supplied some of his rubber gloves for wearing under the Guantlets ( I am certain Al has a rubber fetish - See AGM report) and sweaty fingers are better than frozen ones. With every body safely up it was on to Ballan for Hot Chocolate and Coffee, and retrieve a Harley part. After tempting our WWs that it was not that cold, they ventured out of the coffee shop and back on the bikes for a sun, then fog, then freezing ride to Trentham. Refueling gave us another excuse to stop and chat, and misplace a few Wanderers,(I don’t know how they managed to hide from Tail end Tommie)

We then took roads unfamiliar to our WWs over the most scenic parts of Central Vic, with twisties, straits and curves, big hills, deep gullies, bush gravel road section, single lane timber bridges, mineral springs, gold mines and the Best Roads for motor cycles. Regrouping at the Newstead post office we discovered we had lost the earlier mentioned WWs, but they had all been supplied with the ride map and the regrouping points, so then up to Maldon, as we rode in three of the lost musketeers were ahead of the group but they did not know where the Pie shop was, and joined the queue on the footpath to get a feed of the best pies in the state.

Hot pied, refueled it was up the Mount Tarrengower Hill Climb Track to the Lookout and up the tower, every body went for spectacular views across Central Victoria.

Then around to the Puddle more commonly called Lake Cairn Curran to see the dry bottom of the lake.

With more great Roads to travel, little visited places such as Baringup, Moolart, Joyces Creek Sandon and Yandoit, Franklin Ford and Shepherds Flat regrouping at Hepburn Springs.

But wait there was more to come, up the mountain from the Springs on and off the Midland Highway to Coomoora, Wheatsheaf, Glen Lyon, Springhill, Tylden and Woodend along the Old Calder thru to Gisborne, Toolern Vale, Melton and Home.

Riders comments - lets do it again in warmer weather.

RoadRunner

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Brass Monkey GOR

Sunday 10th June 2007

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

On a cold and slightly overcast morning 8 bikes, 14 fat arse cruisers, a scooter and a “Wing” rolled up at Maccas Hoppers at the sprightly time of 7.30 am to tackle that great Aussie icon, the Great Ocean Road.

The GOR was first thought of back in 1870 when places like Angelsea and Lorne had themselves a thriving fishing industry and were looking for a fast way to market. The government of the day though were more concerned with the state of the economy (their own pockets) and canned the idea.

In 1890 when the Country Roads Board was created it was raised again but this time the Defense Department blew it out of the water. Their concern; too easy to invade Melbourne with a convenient road to come down for the amphibious force to travel. Fancy that; as if landing on a vertical cliff would not be obstacle enough!!

Finally, and after experiencing the difficulties our own Diggers had landing at Gallipoli, a start was made on September 19, 1919. About 100 returned Diggers were set to work for the princely wage of $1.05 per day; living in tents at Angelsea and paying $1.00 per week for food and lodgings. All up about 3000 diggers made their mark along the road over the years.

In 1932 when the first section to Apollo Bay was completed, the road was dedicated to our Diggers and became an official War Memorial – as far as I know, the biggest and longest in the World.

The rest as they say is history and we now enjoy the fruits of their labor on Australia’s greatest scenic coast road.

Heading off at 8.45 (we were waiting for Col and T2 who pulled out due to illness), we cruised sedately down to Geelong where the first signs of things to come became self-evident; FOG!!

Undeterred (it was very thin after all), we continued towards Winchelsea, eventually turning off toward Moriac. This is where we all (like Clancy on the mountain) took a pull – the FOG was a real pea-souper and it became colder than the edge of the Antarctic!!

Whether senility or stupidity, we continued undeterred; first the visor suffered white-out, than the inside of it, then the glasses (those of us who suffer from visual challenges) and when all else failed, the Mark 1 eyeball became blurred by the lightening speed we were traveling. All of 50 KPH. Deans Marsh about 50 K’s ahead; Icicles were seen to form on anything not moving and on the Draggin’s.

After about 30 K of this seriously stressful riding and with a good 20 or so still to go, our lady on the scooter had had enough. Stopping fast and quick (sending hubby bush to avoid a rear-ender I am informed) a decision was made by this team to head back home. As I am sure we have all experienced in our own riding life, sometimes the better part of valor is to know when we have reached our limits and to call a halt. The feeling among the other riders was one of concern for their safety and a warm fuzzy understanding that the often quoted “ride to your abilities” is alive and very well with the Wanderers. We hope to catch up with them soon.

Arriving at Martians and joining another group who had come in from Lorne, the most popular attractions were the cozy wood-heater for a quick warm-up and the ablutions facilities to remove some nervous fluids.

After some warming coffee’s and some adrenalin settling grub, and with the assurance from the other group that this FOG would lift, we mounted our beasts and headed off to Lorne. Little believing this fog could lift anytime soon, that big fella up high came through and like magic it went away a few hundred meters from our last stop.

Filling up with go-juice at Lorne, on we went to Apollo Bay. Traffic was thankfully reasonably light, but arriving in town we found it packed with Tinnies (of the petrol guzzling variety) and it took a few minutes to find a vacant sidewalk to park on.

“Wandering” off to fill our needy bellies at the various establishments we soon disappeared in the crowd after agreeing to meet back at 1.15 or so for the journey back.

After obtaining some sustenance for the beasts, a most enjoyable semi-fang back to Lorne and onward to Aireys Inlet saw us park at the Split Point Lighthouse for a cuppa and scones and yet another fluid drainage point. This is where we discovered that Rob and Lynn had stopped in Lorne and then missed the corner marker at Aireys, continuing on their merry way to Angelsea where their own thirst got the better of them.

Some of us wanting to use the local outhouse, while bursting at the seams, elected to hold on a little longer after a certain gent with bear-like habits did his bit to destroy the ozone layer and add to the greenhouse effect with a seriously HUGE dose of methane (WHEWWW!!).

Prompted by cleaner air in Angelsea, some slowly and in small groups departed to join our wayward members for a cuppa there, leaving Troublesome Glenda, Wayne and myself to finish the scones.

Never catching up with anyone, we headed home with tired bones and full bellies to warm up and drift into glorious dreams of that great trip up the GOR and the wonderful company on a cold and FOGGY day, ripping… around….. those…….. curves……… and…………….ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Yea (Merrily Yea) Ride Report

Sunday 22nd October

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

Weather could only be described as perfect as 14 bikes and 15 people (and 1 dog) headed out of Macca’s Hoppers Crossing for what was initially a fairly boring ride around the Ring Rd and up the Craigieburn Bypass, right into Donnybrook Rd and to Whittlesea for the first fuel stop. Fueled up, we set sail for Yea, up through Flowerdale and Break O Day, the roads were fantastic, through the lush green bush, twisting higher and higher then the fun run down the other side into Yea township for fuel and a feed.

The Bakery and other eateries provided good, tasty food that was consumed at the picnic tables on the reserve that divides the main street or at the seating provided on the footpath. The sun streamed down and the number of bikes had to be seen to be believed, Triumphs everywhere, 955’s to the 60’s models.

Neat looking outfit was spotted in the main street (see photo) and would you believe, we ran into other Ulyssians, Mornington Wanderers and Yarra Ranges. Glen Fink’s brother turned up out of nowhere, looks just like him too! Headed off from Yea across through Trawool and Seymour, stopping at the Stag’s Head Hotel at Tooborac for refreshments. Headed off to the final stop at Gisbourne for goodbye’s and a short jaunt home. Round trip left about 9am and home in Werribee at 4pm, distance of 340 km.

Thanks to the following who made this ride what it was: Des, Ducman, Nola, Matt, John (x 3), Darren, Max and newcomers Gary & Michelle (Welcome!!). Special thanks to Ali & Glen (and dog) for Tailending.

Yes….I know I’ve forgotten someone, 14 NAMES AND 15 PEOPLE, my sincerest apologies to the person I missed, (possibly another John).

Kind regards
Chris

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Slow Coach Ride Report

Wednesday, 16th August, 2006

Ride Report:

Leaving Macca’s at Hoppers Crossing at 9:00am SHARP, actually, it was 9:20 by the time Martin had his McBrekky and a (brief) briefing was conducted. Wind was blowing a gale, Merve was a no show as he’d come down with the dreaded ‘lurgy’ and did the right thing by not riding and getting over it instead (Get Well soon, Merve!!!)

Four souls ventured forth, Nola, Larry, Martin and Chris. The run from Werribee to Bacchus Marsh was like riding across a windswept plain, all were have trouble with the gusting winds. (Obviously the bloke upstairs got the days mixed up, it was perfect the day before!!!) Still, no sign of rain but the air was like ice and by the time we reached Woodend (via Gisbourne) the ‘pinkies’ were a little chilled….in fact, they were bloody frozen.!!!! Intrepid Ride Leader Chris commented: “I’ve got the winter gloves in the bag, maybe I should have put them on”….Hello!!!!!!!.

Following a mug of Cappaccino (x3) and a mug of Flat White (Larry: “I’m not paying for froth I can’t drink”) we set off across to Tylden, Trentham, Blackwood and Greenvale and the wind appeared to have dropped a little and the temp had risen a few degrees, still plenty of leafy bits blown across the road in places. Quick sprint down the freeway (sitting on 110 k’s!!!) from Myrniong to Bacchus Marsh, Larry & Martin continuing on to the city and the rest back to Werribee, back home at 12:30pm as promised, round trip of 191 km’s.

Apart from the blustery conditions, all appeared to have enjoyed the ride, I know I did. The day certainly tested the riders skills in what can only be described as “extreme conditions”. Trying to get round a ‘B’ Double tipper whilst riding across a mountain ridge is hard at the best of times, to do it safely in severe cross winds is a testament to the riders skills and commonsense, well done all!!!!!

Again, thanks to Nola, Martin & Larry for your company and hopefully we will do similar short, easy, laid back rides through our local area soon.

Regards
Chris

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Scottish Chiefs Dinner

Friday Night 4th August 2006

Ride Report:

Down to Geelong the Wanderers went
On bypass straight and true
In search of something good to eat
And p’raps a decent brew.

With nimble Nomads in the lead
And ladies at the rear
The rest rode somewhere in between
All dodge and weave and veer.

Within the group were Cass and Dale,
Larry, Duck and Frog,
Judy and a Bugle Boy,
Ornella and Black Dog.

The Gordys came with both the EDs,
POP with Little Raye,
And Robbie too, on Lyn’s new bike;
(There’s not much else to say!)

The Scottish Chiefs were first-rate hosts,
The company was fine.
Once more the Friday Coffee run,
Makes for a splendid time!

Rick.

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Nagambie Ride

Sunday 23rd of July 2006

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

Another cold grey July day for the ride to Nagambie. Five brave soles turned up at Macca's ready to depart at 9am. Leno our fearless ride leader advised us there were a couple more that had shown interest so a quick ring around meant we had Max, Glenda, Darren, Les, Glenn and Ali venturing off at 9.30ish. We headed out along the freeway towards our first stop for morning tea at Lancefield - only a couple of showers on the way but it did not dampen our enthusiasm at all and before long we were at the Lancefield bakery enjoying coffee and cake.

After a quick break and a further 20 minutes for Leno to take photo's we climbed aboard and set of for Nagambie, with the dulcet tones of Max's rendition of the 'Crazy Frog' song drifting through the countryside. The weather stayed on our side to our destination and all through a hearty lunch (and more photo taking by Leno) at the Rowing Club. A little window shopping by Glenda and Alison (chaperoned by Leno and his camera) on the way back to the bikes then it was more photo taking and fuel up and final stop at Romsey for our goodbyes.

Less than five minutes down the road to Melbourne and the heavens opened ... well, more like they bucketed down! Despite this we all made it back to the freeway and last seen to our respective homes - warmth and a fresh bucket to wash the Bling Machine :-)

Thanks to Leno as ride leader for a brilliant day out, Glenn/Alison as tail end Charlies and the others for their company.

Glenn "Bubba" Fink

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Point Cook Air Museum Run (Part of Meet the Neighbours)

22nd July 2006

Ride Report:

Following a very successful ‘ Meet The Neighbours “ gathering at the M1 Charcoal Café in Hoppers Crossing, a large group of riders assembled and headed off to the RAAF Base at Point Cook for a visit to the museum. The ride was broken up into several groups for the short ride in order to arrive at the gate in smaller groups to facilitate the entry process. However, due to the forward planning of Tony ‘ MoneyBags ‘ Muir, the groups were waved straight through the gate and onto the Museum. (Sincere apologies to Nola, inadvertently left at the M1, however, in the true Ulysses spirit, arrived at the Museum within minutes of the last group…again…apologies and well done!!!)

If you haven’t been to the Point Cook Museum, quote “ DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR “ and get on down there…great for the family and it’s free!!!!!

Had a very laid back and leisurely tour of Werribee South and surrounds on the way home. Thanks to President Bruce Reid for the Welcome, Moneybags for the organisation enabling smooth entry to the Base, Group Leaders Martin De Haas, John Humm and “wee Gordie” for tailending.

The run and the day overall was fantastic and thanks go to all that helped in any way, staff at the M1 for the excellent catering under a fair amount of pressure, Johny's Hog Shop for the display bike “ Venom “ (bloody awesome!!!!) Visitors included Macedon Ranges, Ballarat, Yarra Ranges, Mornington, Shearwaters, Melbourne, Geelong , Whittlesea and several trades people.

What a great group of people and what a place to live!!!! By the way, keep an eye on the Riding On, (thanks George!!) hopefully we’ll get a gurnsey!!!

Chris (Keeper of the Secrets) Thomas

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Greendale Ride

8th July 2006

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

It seemed so innocent. A dozen bikes leave The M1 Grille Café heading towards Anakie. With the group clearing Werribee we took off towards the You Yangs at a reasonable pace. One of the guidelines on our rides is that no one passes the Lead Rider and Tail End Charlie doesn’t pass any rider. That way we know that everyone is accounted for. Well that guideline was about to be broken, not once, but twice on the same ride. What was going on?

The lead rider was travelling down Bulban Road when a rider who shall remain nameless, but his initials are ‘Red Ducati’, thought it was time to blow the cobwebs away. It wasn’t long before he realized the error of his ways and allowed the Lead Rider to pass and resume control of the ride. Or maybe he realized that his actions would prove costly. More on that later.

The weather was holding, the sky was a little cloudy and the temp a bit on the cool side. The route took us past the Ford Proving ground on our way to the Geelong Bacchus Marsh road. A right turn and we’re now heading for the foot of the Brisbane Ranges and we see the tell tale signs of the Christmas fires, with much of the forest and a few houses showing the disastrous effects of the fires. With a few spots of rain on the screen we pull into the Anakie General Store for a stretch and a chat. Red Ducati was politely informed that his mis-deamour would cost him lunch for all riders. Red took the news very well although he did turn a little pale when informed that each meal is likely to cost $18.

After about twenty-five minutes of chatting and few coffees we decide it’s time to mount up and take off. It was here that Gordon, our Tail End Charlie, was distracted by some people in a tin top because they were interested in his trike. With the conversation over TEC joined the end of the group. We headed through the Brisbane Ranges through Steiglitz National Park and onto Meredith. This portion of the ride was sobering as we rode past the spot where Graeme Rogers ‘rode on’ and for those of us who were on that ride it brings thoughts of the dangers of riding a bike.

On leaving Meredith we turn right and head parallel with the Ranges on our way to Ballan. The road was a mixture of straights, twists and bends and the surface ranged from good to bumpy. Anyway, nothing eventful and we end up in Ballan and then the short 8 Klms to the Greendale Hotel. Upon parking our bikes and assembling as a group to head in for lunch Brady Wardrope asks “Where’s Rick?” A quick check of the carpark fails to find Rick and some concerned looks come over the group. Where is Rick? Did he take a wrong turn? Did he fall and no one see him? These were the questions that were going through our minds. Bruce rings Rick’s mobile phone and is stunned when Rick’s wife Ornella answers. “What do I say now?” thinks Bruce, not wanting to alarm Ornella. A rather stilted conversation ends and leaves Ornella in a panic. Rob Fava, Ian Wardrope and Bruce head off on their bikes to back track the road. After about 3o klms the boys stop and have a chat. Ian rings Larry and that Hotel and is relieved to find that Rick has arrived. So the much relieved search party turn around and head back to the Hotel. “I’m going to be the first one to kick Rick in the nuts” stated Ian. I’ll second that says Rob.

On return to the Hotel Ian, Rob and Bruce learn that Rick was in the Anakie General Store when the group headed off and as a result we left him behind. Much finger pointing took place. Whose fault was this? Was it Rick’s for being too slow in the break? Was it Gordon for not noticing that Rick’s bike was still parked before he left? The question even got around to Lead Rider Bruce for leaving before everyone was on their bike. Anyway, no harm was done and the group settled in for a great lunch where everyone except Ina Wardrope ate their meal. Seems ‘Wardy’s’ meal was so big he couldn’t get through it all. After a break of about 21/2 hours we mounted up and headed back to Ballan and home via the Glenmore Road. If you haven’t been down this road it is well worth making a special trip. Heading toward Werribee you start at the top of the range and the road drops about 300 metres sharply to reveal a fabulous view of what probably was a volcanic valley.

The ride home from there was uneventful and the group got back to Werribee at about 3.30pm.

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Phillip Island Tour

17th June 2006

Ride Report:

The ride was a fantastic to say the least.The actual Phillip island tour was rather ordinary and especially for the 18 bucks that we got stung! I had booked everything and viewed the facilities over the internet which was far more impressive than in real life.

Lunch was fish and grease or Pizza, which made up for it, in Cowes. We then headed to Wonthaggi via the coast road,then overland through some twisters to Leongatha for afternoon tea in a magnificent little resturant a few kms out of town on the south,western approach, then Warragul via Ridge Road and finally home.

No rain all day, no mishaps, non stop laughs from a bunch of like minded lunatics and no stress!

I think what made it most enjoyable was the fact that no body complained about anything all day.We were all just glad to be out and about and riding our bikes.

I lead early in the day although Andy took over from Phillip Island, taking us up through some roads that he knew and then home. We had no tail end Charlie and everyone had to keep up with the group.The pace was brisk yet not stupid or dangerous. Larry had plenty of practice at ringing the neck of the Hyosung 250 though. We kept him in the middle or close to the front all day.

It was just a sheer pleasure to go for a good long interesting ride with some great and enjoyable people.

Larry and I called into see Merve on the way home.Finally got home at 7.30 pm having left at 8.15am that morning.

Quite a long day, but a really, really GOOD one!

John Edwards

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Mildura – Queens Birthday Weekend ~ Step Out Ride

9th June, 2006

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

I was finally able to make out Merv & Eddie at the servo at Hoppers Crossing. This had to be one of the thickest fog’s I’d seen for a long time. It was 8:30 am on Friday and showing no signs of lifting. Up Derrimut Rd and round onto the Western Hwy and lo & behold, the fog lifted completely at Melton and the rest of the day was blue skies although the air was still bitterly cold. Stopped at Ballarat for fuel and met Lindsay, our other traveler. By passed Ballarat and onto the Sunraysia Hwy…….. Mildura….here we come. Fuel stop at St Arnaud and onto Donald.

Merv, with his eagle eye (and leading at the time), spotted the thin smoke of a BBQ in the main street. Sure enough, the ANZ bank was having a fundraiser for the local CFA. We were invited to partake and did, making this our lunch stop. The news reporter for the Buloke Times (local paper) took some happy snaps of the intrepid travelers for the next edition. (See photos). No dilly dallying, more fuel at Ouyen and arrived at Mildura at 3pm. Those straight, flat Mallee roads enabled the crew to do some “engine checks” and the lead rider changed several times.

Motel check in out of the way, the crew headed to the Gateway Tavern (short walk) to quench the thirst and arrange tea. Ran into some of the Torrens Valley members over for the Wintersun Rally. Following a good nights sleep, it was over to the local bakery for a leisurely (expensive!!!) breakfast. It had rained overnight and there was a light drizzle happening. Walked over the road to the Crossroads Tourist Park (Site of the forthcoming Meet & Greet in November.), great park, open and clean with all facilities. Hosts very keen to have us and will look after us (more later).

Decision taken to go for a ride, headed south to Red Cliffs, stopping at the “Big Lizzie”, a traction engine weighing 45 ton, built in Richmond, Victoria in the early 1900’s and driven up at….1 mph. Continued onto the River Rd and down to Southcorp winery at Karadoc where the lovely (and very knowledgeable) Andrea provided us with some of the local drop to taste. Dragged Merv kicking & screaming back to his bike and continued south to the River Bend Tavern at Nangiloc for lunch (cheap & BIG serves!!!). Followed the river a bit further south to Colignan (“Nangiloc” backwards!!) and back up through Redcliffs to Woodsies Rock Shop (gemstone heaven!!, See Photo).

Arrived back in Mildura and had a look at Lock 11, one of several locks on the Murray that enable boats to go from one section to another. Round trip of 130 km.

Arrived at the RSL & found it booked out, as was the case with the Working Mans Club. Found a pizza café in Langtree Mall where all enjoyed the local fare…except Eddie who suffered a Macca’s quarter pounder attack in record time!!!

Sunday saw Eddie & Lindsay leave Mildura about 9:30am, Lindsay needing to go through Colac to get home!!!! Merv & I met up with Mark Seja & company from Torrens Valley at the Tourist Park again. Kicked a few ideas around, host’s again very helpful and offered a few suggestions. They will hold the park for our bookings until end of July after which they will you will need to take a punt on getting in…very big weekend up there in November.

Finally got away, heading home at 11am in sunny but extremely windy conditions, making riding a difficult job. About 150 km south of Mildura we struck severe dust storms with vision very limited at times. The extremely windy conditions not only made riding difficult but fuel calculations impossible, resulting in one bike running out 6 km from the next available fuel at Birchip. Friendly farmer helped out after seeing us on the side of the road. Lunch at Birchip, one of the best hamburgers I’ve ever tasted at the local café, glad to rest for a while. Wanting to get home before dark didn’t happen and we arrived back home about 6:30pm for a hot bath, feed and into bed.

All up, 1162 km round trip!!! Thanks to Merv, Eddie & Lindsay for the company, a long but satisfying ride. Looking forward to the Meet & Greet, it’ll be a ripper!!!!
Chris (Keeper of the Secrets) Thomas

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Tree Top Walk

21st May 2006

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

Merv’s ride to the Otway’s Treetop Walk – Sunday 21st May

We arrived at Macca’s to a beautiful clear blue sky and someone said “Who said it was going to rain?”

The group consisted of Merv & his son, Chris T, Martin, Darren, Leon & Deb, Carl from Lancefield and Bruce & Lu together with Martin’s wife and son in a tin-top. After a quick chat we left Hoppers at 9am and headed down the highway to Geelong where Allan on his CB 1000 joined the group. The ride, which was led by Merv, was uneventful apart from the weather change. We hadn’t reached Geelong before the clear blue sky was replaced with clouds which signalled the soon to arrive rain. As a consequence the temp dropped to 10 degrees. By the time we stopped at Colac for fuel, young Darren on his Honda Shadow discovered that one of his fingers was about to drop off through frost-bite. A quick bucket of hot water had some pink colour return to his left hand. Everyone commented on the sudden drop in temp and the misty rain we encountered, but undeterred we set off for the The Otways Treetop Walk that was our destination.

The ride out of Colac was very picturesque with some sweepers, plenty of tight stuff and very lush pasture on either side of the road. It was in this section that we again encountered blue sky and sunshine, mist, sunshine, more mist and a few spots of rain only to be followed by more sunshine. But then again we were in rainforest country!

We arrived at the Treetop Walk at about noon and quickly headed for the Café. Pumpkin soup and toasted sangers seemed to be the most popular followed by a hot coffee. Warmed up and fed we left the comfort of the warm café and proceeded to the skywalk. A very interesting exercise in construction and erection is this structure. Made in Tasmania and transported in 8 metres sections the structure was then erected deep in the rainforest with the aid of cranes and very experienced construction workers. Hopefully you will get some idea of this structure from the pics found elsewhere on our site.

Grow old disgracefully is our motto and our group lived up to that admirably. Firstly, we found Leon with a very cheesy grin and on closer inspection we found that he was been sucking on some very bright plants and laughing his head off. It’s at this point that Leon realised they weren’t flowers but in fact they were ‘magic mushrooms’. We did our best to bring him back to reality and proceed on our path. So, onto the sky walk itself. It was here that the second act of disgraceful behaviour was exhibited.

Just imagine you’re about forty metres high up in the canopy of the forest on a massive steel bridge and a group of old, and some not so old farts start jumping and swaying; well the end result was that the bridge joined in and moved about a foot in the air. It was like walking around on the deck of a boat for a while. In the middle of the sky-walk is a viewing tower that is reached by climbing about seventy steps. By this stage you’re about sixty five metres above ground level and the whole structure is swaying in the breeze. For those hearty souls who had the courage to climb to the lookout the view was fabulous as you take in surrounding bush and the creek. With the bridge part of the walk completed the group wandered back to the café where a quick relax and a chat were in order before we headed for home.

The group assembled at the Waurn Ponds Maccas and said their goodbyes. Onward for the last leg home and boy didn’t the weather turn sour. The Geelong Road with its smooth surface was water logged and the spray from the surrounding cars made visibility difficult. By the time we got to Werribee it was fine again and the roads dry.

This ride was another excellent day out for the Westgate Wanderers. The two hour stopover for lunch and sky walk provided an excellent opportunity for socialising amongst members, which is something that more of our rides will have this year according to Ride Coordinator John E (T2).

Check out the website for the pics of the boys and girls at play.

Ride report by TEC Bruce.

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Meet the Neighbors 5

May 20th 2006

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

Meet with the Geelong Riding Group.
I rolled up to the M1 café at Hoppers Crossing at 8.30am Saturday morning, the weather was perfect (spoke to my contacts upstairs earlier in the week), I thought it might be a little early but there were still several people already there. Merv had opened the new Quartermaster store already and Colin was having a chat with him. Gordon had his trike there. I asked if anyone was going on the ride today, Merv said he couldn’t as some Geelong members were coming up to buy some shirts, I thought this a bit strange as we were going to meet them but thought it must be a couple of members who didn’t know we were coming. I asked a few others but the most were staying home, so when Chris arrived shortly before 9am I said to him I think we might be a small group today. So we decided we better get ready to leave and gather those who were going to the other side of the car park for the obligatory group photo so we sent Leno out to round everyone up.

Well you could have knocked me down with a feather when virtually everyone moved from one side of the car park to where we were taking the photo. This brought a huge smile to my face that I carried with me all day, to all were able to attend I thank you on behalf of Chris and myself, you made it a great day with great friends.

Ok…now to the report.

Here we go…22 Westgate Wanderers on 20 various bikes left Hoppers Crossing at about 9.15am to go and Meet the Geeelong Riding Group in Geelong for coffee and breakfast.

We headed down Heaths rd to Derrimut rd to Princess Hwy and out Bulban rd on our way to Little River, from Little River into Lara where our totally fearless and on track ride leader Chris pulled up to allow our rather spread out group to gather back together and sure enough in came tail end Joe riding in the “G” spot as Chris likes to call it (G for George, as I prefer to lead from the back) and all eighteen bikes in between. This gave Colin and a few others a chance for a quick smoke and Lyn a chance to top up her CB250.

We then headed out through Sutherland Creek into some twisty bits where Greame got to show his prowess at cornering on his GSX1000R with Jo snuggly tucked in on the back, after that there was a steep “dipper” that gave me the feeling of being on a roller coaster. Where did Chris find these roads so close to home, I thought the trip to Geelong might be a bit boring but not this one. We then headed into Geelong arriving at the Wood Oven where the GRG were waiting. We were barely off our bikes when we were warmly greeted by Barry and several members of the GRG and invited in for food and drink. There were introductions all round including our newly elected President Bruce and Secretary Chris. We were also asked where Merv was as there were members waiting buy shirts off him. We explained he was waiting for them in Hoppers and passed on his phone number so they could work out who got mixed up. We stayed, talked, drank and chatted for quite a while, some of our members went across the road to the local KTM dealer who was having a free sausage sizzle, hearing the call of “Seagulls” being yelled across the road was quite funny.

We thanked our hosts for great morning, some of our WW members headed back as they had other commitments, but some of the GRG members decided to join us in our trip, so we saddled up and headed out.

This time we had 22 bikes heading through the local gardens and out onto the road to Drysdale and on to Port Arlington. Arriving at Port Arlington we parked by the pier and walked up the hill to the Boat House fish and chips where most ordered lunch. You could almost see the panic on the faces of the staff as all these hungry bikers rolled in all ordering at once .We rearranged the furniture into one large table and sat down to wait for food. The young girl trying to announce the ready orders couldn’t be heard so the ever-gallant Leno took care of it, collecting numbers and delivering food. Leno had pointed out to her that most of the group had their hearing aides turned off. We thanked the owner for lunch and promised to phone ahead if we were back in town again. We headed back to the pier where I took the opportunity to ride my bike down the pier for some artistic bike photos and Rob and Lyn walked down and bought some fresh mussels. We then saddled up some the Geelong group headed home but others continued with the remaining WW and we headed off to St Leonards along the coast road and onto Pt Lonsdale.

(I have since starting this report found out that we accidentally left one of our Wanderers at Port Arlington, I can only assume he was mistaken as one of the group who was not continuing. I am very sorry Max it certainly was not intentional, I hope it didn’t spoil your day out too much. If you join us again I will make sure you don’t suffer the same fate twice. In defence of our poor Tail End Charlie it was nearly impossible to keep track of who was staying and going as we picked up new members and dropped off others at almost every stop.)

On arriving at Pt Lonsdale we were greeted with beautiful views of the rip, lighthouse, pier and even giant container ship plowing through the channel. It was truly beautiful.

Although it did seem odd that there was a plaque at a scenic lookout written in brail. At first thought it would seem cruel to bring a blind person to such a view and then write in brail a description of what they can’t see, but after a closer look it turned out to be a description of what they can hear. We said our goodbyes to the Geelong Riding Group here and promised to get together soon. We will be sending out an invite to our tyre kick venue to all the branches that we have visited during these Meet the neighbors rides just as soon as the new committee has been able to work out a suitable date. The rest of the WW group rode on to Leopold for fuel at which time we said our goodbyes and headed home.

I would like to thank the Geelong riding group for the warm welcome and their company on the rest of the ride. I would like to also thank the Westgate Wanderers who joined us today, you are a fun bunch and it was a pleasure riding with you (as always). I would name you all individually but there were too many. A special thanks to Joe for tail ending the ride. He has now attended all the MTN rides and subsequently Chris and I have now offered him a full partnership in G & C productions. As always thanks Chris for leading another sensational ride.

Well that’s it folks we will be bringing these MTN rides to a halt until the weather fines up, the next one is scheduled for October and I think it will have a nautical feel to it. Thanks again to the 70 plus riders who have attended the 5 MTN rides and see you for the …..Six-quell.

George Wallace (King)

Another GC&J Production.

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Hart Ride For Life 2006

Sunday 23rd April 2006

Ride Report:

Pics!

Couple of shots from the HART "Ride for Life" day last weekend which was well supported by many Wanderers.

Congratulations to Ron J for his promotion of the Ulysses message to the many visitors who not only found out about Ulysses but were able to enjoy the many activities on the day which included Test Rides of many Honda models, Try it Out ride Courses for new comers or intermediate testing rides for those who "thought" they may have been experianced,without using there pride and joy, generally came back saying wow I learnt a couple of issues there.

The simulators were a great hit with all who had the chance for a bit of a test up on there skills or abilities.

The TAC and Roadsafe were there also to promote many of there promotions, including the interactive CD to test your perception and abilities.. Fair to say all seemed to have an enjoyable day and a bit of friendship as well.

The whole day was at no charge to attendees, and with the many specials on sale for riders some could have even saved a dollar or two on some new gear.

Cheers
Roger

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Easter Poker Run

Sunday April 16th 2006

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

By 10:00 am six bikes (Merv & Jenny, Pushy (Ian), PJ, Brian, Pam & Darryl and Lauren) plus El presidente Ray and First Lady Helen in their 4 wheel sidecar or should I say Fordcar (shows the dedication of Ray & Helen who turn up to support the event even when the Goldie ie out of action) were ready to move out with the weather predicted to improve as the day progressed (and it did).

Down the highway we ventured to the first Lara turnoff, through the township of Lara then a right turn at the waterslide at Geelong then off to the Ballarat Highway with our first stop at Bannockburn where we purchased or first card (some wanting to reduce the odds of winning the basket of goodies at the end of the day purchased a number of cards).

We then ventured to Meredith where we were offered more cards and some needed to refuel their machines. Pushy got a shock when someone shouted to him “does you bike run on diesel Pushy” while he was refuelling, but the call was only in jest as we all know that Pushy would not do that to his beloved Quacka.

After leaving Meredith we ventured into the Brisbane Ranges (our ride leaders cautioned us of the tricky bends in the Brisbane Ranges) and we all had a thought for Graeme Rogers especially as we cruised around the bend where we lost our fellow Wanderer less than 12 months ago. The regrowth following the recent bushfires in the Brisbane Ranges and around Lara was incredible and in no time there will be little evidence of the fire dramas of a few months ago.

Oops, thought we were supposed to go through Ballan, but Merv defended himself saying he did not get lost and he changed his mind as he thought Bacchus Marsh would be a better option for lunch and the next card offering – some gave Merv the benefit of the doubt but most could not be convinced.

After a pleasant break for lunch with the crew opting for one of the various lunch options on offer we ventured through the Avenue of Honour and onto Melton where the penultimate shuffle of the pack occurred in Melton before wandering (pun intended) on to Teds Roadhouse for our final card purchase. Our First Lady (Helen) won the basket of goodies with a pair of Jacks (better than one Ray I am sure she thought) and a couple of Jokers (not Wanderers either). Pushy offered to deliver the prize later that evening and one can only assume that he did and that he had not consumed the goodies between Wednesday’s meeting and Sunday. We all said our goodbies at Teds and ventured on our way home or to wherever.

The good news is that 10 Wanderers (including family and friends) had a great day (beautiful ride, pleasant company and a lot of fun) and contributed $110 to the RCH Good Friday Appeal, the bad news is almost 100 other Wanderers missed a truly enjoyable experience. This must be disappointing for Merv and Pushy who had obviously put in a lot of effort to make the ride a success for us Wanderers and the RCH.

Hopper to Hoppers round trip 200km.

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“Meet the Neighbours” – Fore-quell to Ballarat

(8/4/2006)

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

Saturday morning, 8th April at the tyre kick in Woodville Park, overcast sky and a little breeze. A heap of intrepid souls gathered, some were quiet, some talkative and some nervous. Something was about to happen!!!! Leno strode forth from the pack and in an assertive tone, barked out the orders as only Leno could. The obligatory photo(s) were taken and without further ado, it was onward and upward to the greater downtown Ballarat to “Meet the Neighbours”. Leader Leno in command and Joe at the tail end, 16 motorbicycles choofed up Derrimut Rd and out onto the Western Highway, one eye on the road and one on the weather. Arrived at Ballarat to find that the Westgate Wanderers outnumbered the Highlanders! The Wanderers were made welcome and bacon & egg sandwiches and copious amounts of coffee were consumed. The temperature was noticeably cooler but the rain had held off.

President Ray had the new Navman (?) out and when asked how good it was, replied “Pretty good, it tells me I’m in Mossfiel Dve, Hoppers Crossing”. Short distance back towards Melbourne and then turned north towards Daylesford, the road in part had some easy flowing corners through the hills, magic country!!!!! Stopped for fuel at Daylesford, King George sailed in a few minutes later complaining that he’d been left behind in Ballarat. Right behind George was Tail End Joe. (How can you be left behind when you’re in front of the Tail End??????) Ride continues through Daylesford and on to the Trentham Falls. Not a lot of water flowing but good for a photo shoot and stretch. Whilst there we ran into some Ulysses (in cars!!!!) from Melb and Albury (do I see a ride there somewhere???) Continued on to the secret (it’s been on the Web site for 2 weeks!!!) lunch destination, the Pig & Whistle in Pearson’s Rd, Trentham East.

Walked in to be greeted by the host Mick Salisbury, hostess Brooke and a roaring fire in the wood heater. A room had been set aside for us, orders and refreshments taken and time to settle back and enjoy the atmosphere. The Pig & Whistle is very popular, particularly with groups (motorcycle, car, marathon runners and families) and has a real Australian country hotel atmosphere. I couldn’t believe it, the last to order was the King and you guessed it, he was first served!!! First into the “Throne Room” where others were duly summonsed and granted an audience as the meals arrived. The food was excellent, plenty to choose from and priced from about $4 up, thanks Chef!!!. Unfortunately, fed & watered, it was time to continue and I might add it was bloody hard to leave!!!!

The road from Trentham via Blackwood to Myrniong is fantastic, plenty of twisty bits down through the forest. Final stop for 9 of us was St Anne’s Winery at Myrniong (7 Wanderers had a tighter time frame and headed back home) where the lovely & charming Collette looked after us with wines to sample and coffee for those that wanted it!!! Went looking for the resident “cooper” only to find him sitting on top of the Coonarra heater.!!!!

Tally of the tape was about 250 km round trip. Thanks to the following for making this a ride happen. Ride Leader Leno & Tail End Joe (will never forget the pants, Joe), Production Coordinator George, President Ray, Gary, Bruce, Andrew, Martin, John, Larry, other John, Alan, Matt, Des & Tony.

Another Quality Ride brought to you by G & C Productions, Inc. Remember: Without the members, a ride is just a trip from A to B.
Regards, Chris Thomas

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Yarra Trail ~ Willy to Maroondah

Sunday 26th March 2006

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

Hello every one.

On Sunday morning 15 bikes turned out some with passengers and a bon trike as well.Unfortunately the bon trike suffered from electrical fault and did not continue on the run.

But John and Lenos gang of riders all set off on our ride and what a fantastic day it was for riding! We went to Williamstown at the mouth of the Yarra, then avoided the last day of the commonwealth games,out past the zoo and down Elgin Street which becomes Johnson Street.Over the Yarra again at Yarra Falls, then turned north towards the Yarra Boulevard and followed it for some time.

What great roads,through Heidelberg, Ivanhoe, lower Templestowe, almost to Eltham, all the time twisting and turning and almost never out of site of the Yarra.We stopped for morning tea at Warrandyte at the Bakery, then off to Warburton for lunch. The views and the roads were breathtaking. The Yarra is only a small creek at Warburton.We could'nt go any further because the bitumen runs out just past the township..

Any way we had lunch, it was a bit expensive, ie more than the pies and sausage rolls that we had for morning tea/breakfast, but it was good any way. No actually, it was better than that !

On the way home a horse decided to escape from some where, ran accross in front of us, stopped all the traffic briefly, then we set off again .

We came back the same way refuelled at Mt Evelyn then set off at a cracking pace via the freeways home. We got home in no time.

What a great day!Thanks John...

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MEET THE NEIGHBORS #3 OR.....
NEXT TIME YOU GO TO THE BEACH, BRING A BOAT…..

25th February 2006

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

(Hum the tune to Gilligan’s Island)

Sit right back and you’ll hear a tale
A tale of a fateful trip
That started from this tropic port
Just east of the Werribee tip

The leader was a mighty bikin’ man
Tailend a royal dude
Twelve Wanderers set out that day
For a three-hour cruise
A three-hour cruise

The weather started getting rough
The tiny bikes were swamped
If not for Dougie’s corner marking
Three bikes would be lost
Three bikes would be lost

The group set ground
On the door of
The Mornington Wanderers
Clubhouse

With Leno….
And Joe too…
The President (Ray)
And his wife (Helen)
Glenn and Graham, Andrew, Gary, Yogi, Merv, Doug, and Eddie
And George and Chris
(There was never gonna a be a way to get all that to rhyme)

That was our...
Meet the neighbors ride

Now the proper report……
Twelve hearty Westgate Wanderers had arrived on a damp Saturday morning to head out on our third meet the neighbors ride. This one was to Mornington the meet the Mornington Wanderers for beakfast. Spirits were high even though the weather looked a little suspect but you never know it might blow over. Yogi rang just as we were leaving to tell us he would meet us at the Shell Westgate so off we went

Chris led us onto the freeway and across the Westgate bridge where true to his word Yogi and his Harley came roaring onto the freeway at Shell and slotted straight in in front of tailend George without us missing a beat and along with Yogi came a friend (I assumed Yogi’s) on a sports bike, who slotted right in in front of Yogi. We all headed into the Burnley tunnel at the breakneck speed of 40kph…..yep there was a bus broken down in the middle lane of the tunnel. After crawling through the tunnel (and we later found out a couple of bikes suffering some serious overheating, mine being one, forgot to turn the fans on….whoops.) we exited the tunnel at which point Yogi’s friend left us. I later asked him if he had noticed the guy who it seems had seen the bikes and thought maybe it would be fun to travel together to his exit, at which point Yogi said oh you mean the girl and I said I thought it was a guy at which time Yogi said I hope not I was checking her arse all the way through the tunnel.

Anyway we continued on through several more roadworks and slow zones none of which were there when Chris and I went on the mapping run the week before .I knew we were nearly there when I saw the sign Glasscocks Rd next right, it was actually about 15mins from where we were going but I just had to get it in the ride report.

We arrived at the Peninsula Lounge about 10.30am and were welcomed warmly by Paul the President of the Mornington Wanderers and invited to come in and have a drink and breakfast with the other members. They were all a very friendly bunch making us feel at home and the venue is extraordinary, a lovely room with its own carpark access a full bar with coffee available and food. Couldn’t ask for more.

Footnote.. While there Ray & Doug discovered a television museum with theatrette showing old TV moments such as Graham Kennedy etc, they also had tv cameras, studio sets, Graham Kennedy’s scrap book Zig & Zag props, and much more, there is a $5 entrance fee, if there is enough interest expressed a ride will be organized back to visit later in the year.

We said our goodbyes swapped patches (others will be mailed shortly) with our new friends and headed to Seaford for a visit to the Classic motorcycle museum (set up by Merv). Unfortunately Yogi’s bike suffered some selector problems on the way and after making some roadside repairs decided it was best to head straight home. Although unlucky to be having a problem I have never seen any thing like the luck he had to fix it, he said I could use a pair of pliers and I turned around and lying in the gutter beside me was a pair of long nose pliers apparently abandoned from a previous roadside repair or perhaps Yogi has higher connections. It wasn’t till we said our goodbyes and I had rejoined the group waiting at the local Caltex, that I wonder what I would have found if he had said I need a blonde in a bikini to fix this bike.Hmmm……..

When we arrived we were met by Jon Munn who gave us a very informative tour of his restoration workshop, I suspect he has forgotten more about these bikes than most of us will ever know about them. He certainly knows his craft.

See photos: Helen was seen picking out a new sidecar for their Wing but unfortunately it was not for sale, but I’m sure she has left with some new ideas. We said thank you to Jon and headed out to Mordiallic for lunch. Unfortunately this was where our luck with the weather was about to run out. Just as we were coming into town the heavens opened up and we were soaked, we all scrambled for parking spots and then scrambled for shelter. I parked my canoe-asaki outside Subways (how appropriate… we would need a submarine to get home) most went in to eat. Merv presented me with a crown, which for some reason makes me look more like a pope than king, and I agreed to one photo of said headwear seeing he had coughed up hard earned readies for it, but I seriously doubt it will see the light of day again as I no longer drink and you would need to be legless to wear it outside. But I thank him for the kind??..hmm thought.

After eating we took a vote as to “weather” to continue to our wine tasting or go home and home won. We said our goodbyes and headed off in a couple of groups, most down Beach Rd as planned the views were still quite nice and the weather wasn’t to bad until the Westgate freeway at which point if we thought we were wet before we were shown that we hadn’t seen anything yet. I just want to say thanks to those who attended, Ray, Helen, Glenn, Graham, Gary, Eddie, Leno, Andrew, Joe (who has attended all meet the neighbors rides), Doug, Merv, Yogi and the girl with the tight leathers and sports bike in the Burnley tunnel. Having you join in makes it all worth organizing, and of course to my co producer Chris who actually does all the organizing thanks mate. To all those who missed out I hope you will join us on the next Meet the neighbors #4

“The For-quell” destination to be announced.

P.S. Sorry if you’re still humming Gilligan’s Island but it should wear off in a day or two

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RON'S RAWSON RIDE

Sat 4th & Sun 5th February

By Ian (I'm not homophobic) Wardrope

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

You all know the story........meet at Macca's, head on down the M1 to Pakenham, fuel up, turn left towards Gembrook etc.etc.etc. and finally end up at Rawson.

Well this is my story....... Once upon a time........ I was heading along the M1 just prior to Blackburn Road when I noticed a Honda Blackbird in the emergency lane not moving with its owner (Rob Fava) standing nearby, so I pulled over to offer my assistance, (like I know a lot about bikes). Anyway, as it turned out the bike had an electrical problem which caused it to blow fuses. Long story short the bike had to be picked up and taken back to Werribee so I offered to take Rob the rest of the way to Rawson on the back of my magnificent Suzuki GSX1100G. We left the breakdown site just after 12.00 noon, so we had a bit of catching up to do.

Because I took my wife, Gail, to Macca's on my bike earlier (she then hitched a ride with Judy Edwards in her car), I had a cushion attached to the pack rack as a back rest. As we approached my bike I looked at how padded the cushion was and how much room it actually left for two burly blokes to squeeze onto the bike saddle. I IMMEDIATELY suggested to Rob that he should remove the cushion to give us more room. Much to my surprise he declined, and said "It would make the ride more comfortable". Comfortable for whom? I thought to myself.

So off we went straight down the freeway towards Moe. As we rode through Pakenham Rob and I discussed how concerned the others might be about our predicament and that we might have to stop at Warrigal for a counter lunch and a couple of cold beers to alleviate our concern about their concern. Great steak sanga by the way at the O & H Hotel.

After lunch I AGAIN suggested that Rob might not want the cushion as I thought he may have enjoyed the pillion ride a little more than he should. Again he declined. So as he sat "comfortably" on the seat, I rode the rest of the way sitting on the TANK.

We arrived a Rawson around 4 pm and settled into a few cold VB's awaiting the arrival of the others.

As the evening progressed I asked a few (what I considered close friends) if they wouldn't mind taking Rob back as I felt I needed a break from riding two up but they all said no! I think they must have heard about the pillow....sorry.....cushion story. One bloke even knocked back 50 bucks (I won't tell you his name but his initials are Rick Haman).

I knew I was in trouble, so I decided to Auction Rob to the highest bidder with the proceeds going to the W.W.'s slush fund.

Bidding was slow, almost non existent at first but then Rob dropped his daks strutting the floor and began to Pole Dance, that's when things really started hotting up.

Bid's were going through the roof......$5.00....$10.00....$10.10cents etc etc......I almost put a bid in myself when I saw Rob do the Pole Slide. Eventually he was sold for the princely sum of $22.00 to a gentleman with a pony tail and rides a Harley....he was obviously ecstatic about his new acquisition because the first words out of his mouth to Rob were "come here bitch"

After that the night just got better. A great night was had by all and a lot of laughs, some at Rob's expense of course.

Just a short story to finish off with, as we refuelled at Moe on our way home we had to ride over the Princes Freeway overpass to get back to Melbourne. In front of me was Rob's wife Lyn on her Honda CB 250. On the approach to the overpass was a sign, Melbourne straight ahead depicted by an arrow and Traralgon turn left.....so Lyn turned left.

I turned to Rob (who by the way insisted on riding back with me and the cushion thing) and said "How long do ya reckon it'll take her to get back from there?" So with a shrug of the shoulders and a shake of the head Rob and I headed for Melbourne and we lived happily ever after.

DISCLAIMER:
All persons and places in this story are purely fictional and no animals were killed or injured during the writing of this story.

Ian Wardrope

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sundays 11 apossils ride report from merv

Sunday 15th January 2006

Ride Report:

Ride Pics!

We all met at Mcdonalds Hoppers.... all 10 of us (8 riders and 2 passengers). Left at 10 oclock (only because i stuffed up) but however... the wheels did not fall off the ride, so, after my appologies we set off. It was a bit cool to start with, but the weather warmed up as we rode along towards Colac.

Stopping a couple of times to stretch, we got to Colac and had lunch in two different shops and by all reports the meals where great.

The RSL was packed with elderly people, so we decided not eat there. After lunch we set off to the Great Ocean Road. That is ... after we got the key to turn in the Duccati... we had to borrow some CRC from the pub next to where we parked.

It was a great ride up through the hills and some great view points to be had by every one. Then we got to the GOR, and off we went towards Geelong and still aperfet ride to be had.

Even more picture perfect moments to be had.

We did stop 75 ks down the road for a rest.

The coupple u see with the car had a slight misshap with the car beside them. The driver left a note with some persuasion from us. Shortly after that, the owner turned up.... just after these picks were taken, the offenders offered the driver of the other car a bottle of wine to compensate for damage to the car.

One more stop at the BP on Geelong road for one last coffee and chat. Then good bys to all that went on the road trip.

All in all, every one seemed to enjoy the ride.
Merve

(call me picky.. but what happened to those 'possils Merve? - Ed)

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Meet the Neighbours #2 - Gisborne Ulysses OR King George & The WW Knights (and Maiden) Excellent Adventure

Saturday 14th January

Ride Report:

King George had been invited to meet with another of the Ulysses clan based at the Macedon Ranges castle.This could be an opportunity to forge a friendship which could help unite the clans against the terrible four wheelers ravaging the countryside , but King George was unsure as to which passage would be safe and that such a trip should be taken un escorted.

So he contacted his first knight Sir Chris to organize safe passage and an escort to the Macedon Ranges castle and bakery. Word went out across the land and internet that Wanderers of fearless nature were needed to escort the king to the meeting place.

So Saturday morning came, the king and first knight Chris arrived at the Wanderers castle and were astounded at the amount of kinsmen that had answered the call.15 in all.

There was Braveheart Joe who had traveled with Sir Chris and King George on a previous campaign, Dragonslayer Yogi, Photographic Leno the lovable, Tommy the terrible, Roger the raider, Merv the maimer, Dagger Dave, Maid Margaret, Les the lionheart and several knights (apologies, I'm not good on names). The valiant group mounted their steeds and headed for the meeting place at Gisborne.

Sir Chris leading the group of 15 up through Melton,Toolernvale and into Gisborne, with the King safely traveling at the rear in case one of the steeds throws a shoe but luckily none did. When we arrived at Gisborne we were greeted by President John who made us all most welcome. Inviting us to partake of food and beverage after our long journey and introducing us to his fellow clansmen. After a short stay and a promise of continued friendship and a reciprocal visit the hearty band headed off to the hamlet of Daylesford to meet another king, ELVIS.

After losing some clansmen at Gisborne and picking up some new friends , we arrived at Daylesford with a slightly different 15 than we left with. We headed up to the "Lost in the 50's" store. Where much gold coins were exchanged for badges and other goods and then lunch was taken at a local bakery. While lunch was being taken in the street, the sheriff of Daylesford brought forth much hilarity as he placed a parking ticket on a Mercedes parked next to our table. Our members offered the sheriff advice as to where to place said ticket.

But Slayer Yogi got the biggest laugh when asking the question of a man walking past carrying his Chihuahua "What's wrong,mate, is your dog broken?" at which time the man not seeing the funny side but definitely seeing Yogi, decided to pass without comment.

We finished our lunch and moved on, with some of our group having left for other destinations. The 11 of us headed to the Myrniong ale house where we stopped, refreshed, took photos and sat around in thrones fit for a king. (See photos.)

After which we said our goodbyes and promised to gather for the next clan meeting in Mornington in several weeks time.

Thank you all.
King George & Sir Chris.

On a serious note now, the ride was fun, the company was good, we clocked up a few miles, met some new friends and some old ones, food was good and the weather was great. What more could we ask for? Thanks for joining us and making it a great day. Hope you can make the next one, "Meet the neighbors 3".

George & Chris.

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MERVS RIPPER RIDE TO (MALDON) GEELONG

Wednesday, 28th December, 2005 (The last one for the year!!)

Ride Report:

Well, what can I say? Merv had arranged a great ride to Geelong and points west. I arrived at Macca’s Hoppers Crossing at 9:40am (repeat, 9:40 am) to find Glenda and her pillion, Ebony already there and rearin’ to go! Bang on 10am, Dave & Margaret Edmonds arrived and following a discussion with the (I’m easy!) ride leader and those present, it was to Maldon we went, the 10am ride starting at 10:20am!!!!! (How easy is that?)

Merv led as only Merv can. 6 x bikes and 9 x bodies, up along Derrimut Road and round onto the Western Hwy, off at Melton and up to Gisborne for a stretch of the legs.

Onwards, (no mention of the dirt road on the Old Highway, Merv) to the lovely hamlet of Woodend (great bakery) and another stretch. (Very laid back ride, this one!)

Onwards through Campbells Creek (where???!) and Castlemaine and landed in Maldon. Intended to visit both museums (both motor bike and car) but they were closed. (Do I see an idea for another ride in the near future?) Had a wander round town, what a great old place this is! Had lunch at the local pub… great!!!

(Not one to gossip…but it appears that Merv is somehow connected /related to half the town!!!)

Glenda and Ebony found, of all things, a bottle of rasberry cordial, why, I have no idea, but they seem to thinks it was the bee’s knees.

Next was the return trip, just as good! Down through Newstead, Daylesford, Korweinguboora (where???...spell that when you’ve had a few!!) and along the Western Hwy. The dispersal point was Ted’s Café at the top of Derrimut Rd.

All in all, a bloody great day!! The following people presented for the ride: Merv (fearless leader), Chris (fearlessly following at the back for most of the ride), John, Martin and pillion Scott, Glenda and pillion Ebony (complete with “Little Trouble Jacket”), Dave and pillion Margaret.

Thanks people…..it is the likes of you that make the Ulysses what it is. Members and those that may be…it makes no difference, as long as you are there for the right reasons, doing what you enjoy!

Chris

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King George's Whittlesea Ride

12th November 2005

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

Sat 12th dawned slightly overcast & dry as I arrived at Macca’s in Hoppers at just on 8am. Ride Leader George had met all the ride criteria – no ugly people (only beautiful people), no dirty bikes (all bikes, except my own were clean!) everyone in designer gear and the weather made to order. What more could you say!!!! After scoffing down a couple of hash browns (and the obligatory photo!) we were off up the freeway at about 10 past eight.

Fearless Leader George (fearlessly leading), fearless follower Chris (fearlessly following as Tail End Charlie) and fearless (permanent) corner marker Joe (fearlessly corner marking). (It felt rather strange to be Tail End Charlie and to have the same corner marker every time!!!!!) Following an easy ride up the freeway, round the ring road and up through Tullamarine, Craigieburn and Donnybrook we arrived at the Whittlesea and the Ice Creamery…….not a bloody soul in site (again, the obligatory photo).

Good one, George!!!!!!, picked a day when there was no-one else there. Ah ha, a bike turned up, then two more and throughout the time we were there, a steady stream of bikes and people. (More photos!) Had a wander up the street, Whittlesea is truly a lovely town. (Turns out, the Whittlesea Ulysses Half Throttle Rally is on a couple of k’s away!)

Alas, no time…. on our merry steeds and away to Kilmore (via Wallan and the infamous railway crossing…(Colin!)…...again, more photo’s). The Kilmore Bakery is not to be missed. Young lady serving in the bakery commented to George that he must be a local as she had seen him the Saturday before. Never lost for words, George replied

“No, we’re from Werribee, the pies were so good last week, we came back!”…..and that caused a heart flutter with the young lady. Sat out in the sun, watched the passing parade and discussed the meaning of life……..it doesn’t get much better that that

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Finally, we set off for home via Lancefield and said our final goodbyes at Sunbury, but, in true Ulysses fashion, rode on as a group, all three of us, Ride Leader George, Corner Marker Joe & Tail End Charlie Chris, to the Werribee turnoff on the Western Hwy where Joe headed his own way on the Honda Shadow and George and I headed to Werribee, getting back at the respectable time of 2:30pm (in time to mow the bloody lawn…poor planning).

I must thank George for the idea, planning and leading of a Saturday ride (something different) to visit another nearby group. Thanks Joe, without you, we would not have had a corner marker for Tail End Charlie (me!). To those that couldn’t make it, you missed a fantastic, laid back day and make sure you catch the next one, there will be more!!!!!!

This is what the Ulysses is all about…!!!!!

Chris

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Pink Ribbon Ride

23rd of October 2005

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

It is early on Sunday morning, anything before 9 o’clock is early for me; my lovely navigator and I loaded up the Honda (coffee, scones, and a few little extras) and headed off to meet the hordes of club riders at Maccas.

When we found a parking spot we went and chatted with Leno and Gordon. T2 drop by to say have a good ride, then 8:30 came along and realising the four of us was IT, we fired up our machines and headed off (Leno, in front, of course) to the meeting point at Burvale Pub.

After parking we went to register for the day; then wandered around checking out all the other bikes. Marvellous what you can do to a bike with a little imagination, balloons and a bra.

Leno was off catching up with people he knew and Gorden was eyeing off a few other trikes. Time came to head off, around 200 bikes starting up and moving off together; it an awesome sight but being amongst them sends a chill up your spine.

We headed off onto the Mountain Highway to Dandenong Road onto the Maroondah Highway. Beautiful touring road, at a very leisurely pace. Think we put the wind up a few bicyclist (pedal kind), when they are surrounded by about 200 motorcyclists.

Police provided excellent support and the difference when they are on your side is very noticeable.

Ended the ride at Maroondah Reservoir at Healesville. We all joined in the activities with a BBQ and live band provided. Did the normal wander around and check out the bikes (and get more ideas). Enjoy the chat and cuppa in the car park before heading home.

Very enjoyable day in brilliant weather supporting a great cause.

Leon

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Bendigo Dragon Chase

Sunday 16th October 2005

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

After having conditioned ourselves for the ride ahead, (Macca’s coffee and hash browns), five Westgate Wanderers Warriors plus one Fem Warrior (as pillion) and a visitor from Melbourne Ulysses (John), straddled our metallic beasts and “braved” a day that was perfect for riding.

Lead rider John (Bonneville) was followed by Tony, Leno, Glenn, John (Melbourne Ulysses club) and of course yours truly with (WWW) Lyn Fava as pillion.

Our destination the impressive Chinese Museum, Chinese Gardens and Temple located in Beautiful Bendigo via Magnificent Malmsbury.

First stop, Malmsbury, coffee, egg and bacon sandwich, sun shining, hey, this is really schmick!!

On to Bendigo, Lunch at the Toy San Chinese Restaurant. Small light Chinese meal. Yeah right???. Not this crowd!!.
We were joined by guest visitors from the Edwards family, John’s mum and John’s sister, (how could such a lovely lady produce a son like John……..) for a full on, eight course banquet.

We rode. We ate. We conquered. (We also felt like a snooze)

Next stop the Golden Dragon Chinese Museum. WOW. This place is impressive. The museum is professional in its presentation and very informative. It tells a story of the Chinese culture’s contribution to our society as well as insights into the people that made those contributions. Central to the permanent display is Sun Loong the longest imperial dragon in the world (over 100 metres)‚ Loong is the oldest imperial dragon in the world.

Added bonus were the tranquil Chinese garden (a source of much inspiration for Lyn, lucky I was able to resist) and the Chinese Buddhist temple.

Our host Russell Jack had many reasons to proud of what the Bendigo Chinese Association had developed for the local community.

Next, Eppalock, Kyneton, Gisborne and home to Whereweebee.

But wait, there’s more……..

Glenn on his trusty cruiser developed a puncture (lucky, it was only on the bottom of the tyre). Tony, Lyn and I split, and left the task of fixing to Glenn, Leno and John. It was starting to get very cold very quickly. Three men to the task, one can of gooey stuff in to the tyre, 3 klms later still, no luck flat again. So on the phone and organise a trailer, thank goodness for friends. As I write this I think all three a thawing……

Summing up, Great Day – Great food - Great ride - Great company. Just Great.

Robert (Short, Middle aged, Balding, Short Sighted and Overweight) Fava.

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The Studley Park Boat House Breakfast Run.

~ 9-10-05 ~

Ride Report:

I originally booked for 20, called the cafe at 8.00 am this morning and pulled the numbers back to 12, after I had studied the latest department of meteorology satellite map, and ended up with 11 starter. Amazing!

For those of you who couldn't attend, you missed a great little ride! Sorry but you REALLY did! Tom, Chris, Merv, Bruce, myself, Pushie, Mark, Daryl and his wife Pam,Tony and his sister [what a load of bull.... far too attractive, to be related!]

.....Joke,Tony....

The weather was okay heading in to town with clouds one minute,sunshine the next, dark clouds continually looming.The group rode in a very neat pack, staying in one lane, headed up by Chris Thomas.

Over Westgate and Bolte bridges past the Melbourne General Cemetery, through Collingwood then onto the boulevard then down onto the river.

The boatshed was built in 1863. It is opposite a cabled swing bridge.There are picnic grounds, gas barbeques,a restaurant, cafes and so on. Everything has been beautifully restored and is very well maintained.

The menu that we had booked was great, the food and service excellent. It is a very different experience dinning here as there are very few places anywhere like it.It certainly has its own sense of ambience.The whole experience made you feel that you were anywhere but 5 minutes from the city. All that you can see there is native bushlands in every direction.

We as a group had our own table, and judging by the number of camera's and the amount of photo's taken, could have been mistaken by the locals as a very rare breed of Japanese/Anglo, oddly dressed, and horribly lost; tourists!

A big thanks to Emma and her team for doing a great job in looking after us.We will definitely have another run back here again soon, possibly a twilight cruise.....

We left there at 11.45 am, half the group deciding to return home .The remainder, the toughest of the tough, with very little care in the pending outcome of the event being held at Mount Panorama continued north.

At King Lake we refilled, having really earned our fun, bringing the bikes up from St Andrews. That' one piece of road, whereby you do exactly what the yellow signs tell you to do![A bloke apparently didn't last week and paid the price!] It's notorious, yet very rewarding just the same.

Great riding and spectacular scenery.Still the rain held off ....but it did get a tad cold...

Whittlesea was the next quick stop, then Tom lead on back roads via Sunbury and Rockbank to home at 2.30 pm.

If anyone who attended, has any complaints or suggestions about the day, in any way, please ring 13 1955 as they care.....

Shiney side up!

John Edwards {T2 }

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Hamilton Meet N Greet

30-09-05 to 02-10-05

Ride Report:

It was 6am Saturday Oct 1st and the alarm went off next to the bed, I switched it off and jumped out. I had set it so early so I would have time to have a shower and pack my bags before leaving even though I’d had a shower before going to bed and the bags had been packed for a week. That’s right, I was a little excited about going away.

I arrived at Macca’s at the appointed time and there was as nice a bunch of Wanderers as you ‘d ever want to ride with, gathering and getting ready to leave. There was time for some quick hello's, a few hugs, (Leno of course) and then there was a ride briefing by President Ray and route planner Chris.

So 21 Wanderers on 14 bikes, two utes and one slightly suspect bbq trailer headed off, Prez Ray leading and Chris tail end Charlieing.
An advance group of Ron, Gordon, Col and others had left Friday to get the lay of the land (or because they had Friday off) before the rest of us arrived. The first sign that things were not going to plan was about half way to Ballarat when tailend Chris was seen on an overpass bridge waving to the rest of us passing underneath on the freeway. =8O
He apparently zigged when he should have zagged and ended up in front of us. We arrived at Ballarat fueled up and discovered we were missing a couple of bikes, both utes and of course the trailer. The trailer had blown a tyre in a spectacular fashion, shredding it into spagetti and taking out the guard for good measure. Intrepid Tom after a little roadside panel repair had it all going and was soon back on the road. Max’s ride also suffered an intermittant fault (cutting out) that seemed to be coming from some suspect fuel. Happily it cleared up as we traveled onward.

Next we stopped at Lake Bolac at this lovely old pub with old style brickwork, old style hospitality, old style facilities (across the court yard and out the back of the pub), and on the walls two brand new plasma screen TV’s hooked up to cable. Not all these little towns are behind the times.
Some went in for lunch; mainly steak sambos while others had lunch alfresco from the back of the Ute.
Poor Col was found wasting away to nothing, he had ordered his sandwich but as each of them was brought out they were promptly taken away to other parts of the hotel never to be seen again. Then to rub salt in the wound when his was finally delivered it was followed by two more that no one had ordered and were given away to a couple of good ol boys drinking at the bar. Such is life, feast or famine.
Time to leave, next stop Hamilton.

George and Max took off ahead of the group to get some shots of the Wanderers on the road and tucked back in as we headed on to Hamilton. We had a nice surprise, as we were a few kms from our destination we were met by some of our fellow Wanderers that had left Friday. Seems they had been treated by the TV group to a nice ride in the country visiting waterfalls that morning and had come out to meets us on the road and ride into town as a full group.
On arriving at the caravan park there was a lot of hugging, shaking of hands and introductions to some of our Torrens Valley brothers and sisters, then some time to settle in to our accommodation and prepare for that nights festivities.

The venue for the Meet N Greet festivities was at the Ansett Museum, right across the road from the Caravan Park and Motel accomodation. This great venue was provided by the Ansett Group and proved to be a great place for all the attendees to relax and have fun. What an impressive venue it turned out to be too with nothing less than a comprehensive museum, a large theaterette and a full size vintage airplane smack in the middle of it all!
We were met at the door by a lovely lady knitting away who reminded us to sign the visitors book and Carol collecting our entrance fee (out of which a donation was made back to the museum for their generosity in letting us use their venue).

Turns out we had more than two groups of Ulyssians at the Meet N Greet. In addition to Torrens Valley and Westgate Wanderers, we were also joined by some members of the Limestone Coast branch which had seen the event on the Westgate Wanderers Website and decided to travel an hour or so down the road to say hello and join in. This is exactly the sort of attitude that has convinced me that joining the Ulysses is one of the best things I have ever done.

We took the time to check out the exhibits (some of us played with them and others posed) then we went into a theatrette where a video was played starring Tom, Tom, oh… and Tom. Funniest thing I’ve seen for ages. This was an edited video of "Ron's Rawson Ride" by Roger Northam. It was a heap of fun and very well edited and presented, all who saw it were very impressed.

Then we were fed with snags, burgers, chops, salad, bread, cake and chocolates a fine feast fit for a king, queen or drunk biker. There was lots of talking, swapping of info, meeting and greeting. There were some speeches, swapping of certificates and promises to do it again next year.

President Ray said it best “if you didn’t have a good time then there is something wrong with you”. Some went back to the park to continue others went back to their accom to put their feet up after a long day. Chris and all those who helped him get this happening from cooking, towing, setting up, cleaning up, organizing from both WW and TV branches should be proud of what you achieved and it was said before but I want to say it again, on behalf of those who attended, THANK YOU.

Sunday everyone gathered at Macca’s Hamilton, some a little worse for wear than others. There were photos taken of all who attended,(lots of them - ed) an estimated 60 to 70. After copious photo's, we saddled up for a short ride to Port Fairy for morning tea and from there to Warnambool for lunch (a funny thing happened on the way to Warnambool there seemed to be a lot of pointing at things that weren’t able to be seen, empty paddocks, empty sky, road kill, and each person after wondering what it was, would dutifully pass it on to the next. I bet someone was laughing inside their helmet). At one point too, one of our 4 wheeled road crew was seen heading off into the sunset following a bike that had no connection to the WW riders at all.... Realizing her mistake, she found her way back, mumbling something about being held up by vintage cars.... ;)

It was at Warnambool where we said our final fond farewells. Our new friends, the Torrens Valley crew went back to Hamilton and the Westgate Wanderers headed for Melbourne. A couple of hours riding followed by a quick debrief at Colac and then we all went off in a few separate groups homeward bound. I was one of the last to leave and thought I might take the opportunity to crank up the old Kwaka and catch those we gave a head start to but no matter what I did there was always this green Triumph right on my back wheel and after a while it actually became a comforting sight (thanks Leno). This was a similar to the one I had earlier in the ride with Col and his Suzuki.

His being there gave me the security of knowing I wasn't going to get some P plater in his Subaru slamming up my backside if I slowed suddenly (there were alot of cars tail gateing the bikes at some stages).. Leno and I caught up with most of our other WW's, either on the way or in the Geelong traffic snarl but I never did sight President Ray and the Goldwing, it must really have wings. Then back to Werribee safe and sound.

To those WW members that allow me to share these riding experiences with you I thank you for your friendship and trust, to those TV and LSC members I met this weekend and who share my love for what we do I thank for the opportunity to meet new friends that I hope see again in the future, and I promise I will be attending again next year and I hope to see you all there.

George Wallace.

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Leno on the Loose

Sunday 25th September 2005

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

On Sunday 25th September, we gathered at the local feasting ground (aka Macca's @ H/X) and set forth in an attempt to reign in Leno who was on the loose. A brave party of disgraceful members journeyed via the Ring Road, attempting to keep up with a wild running Leno whereupon we caught up with him running amok in Lancefield for the obligatory morning tea. Hunting down Leno is a hungry business and whilst we were enjoying our morning repast, another group of disgraceful individuals from the Whittlesea mob arrived to share in our morning. It was great to meet many other like minded individuals for a chat 'n chew!! One of their kind had a brilliant stead that was a trike converted from an 1100 Virago. A lovely machine

Onward to Nagambie in pursuit of that wascally Leno! This would have to be one of the better roads we have ridden in recent times. The turn off from the Loddon Valley Highway to Nagambie is a about 50 km of gentle undulating land through some magnificent forest and green pastures, a few challenging bends meant that those who wanted to "fang" it in pursuit of our elusive leader, had to show some restraint. Finally arriving at Nagambie, your correspondent on the chase, was more than impressed with this beautiful town on the banks of Lake Nagambie - there's a bit of money floating around here!! Lunch (no - we didn't feed on the bones of Leno) and a quick walk around this pretty borough before we headed back home in exactly the same direction as we arrived. Great - time to let the stead have its head and a fantastic ride was enjoyed at daredevil speeds!!

Dispersing at the end of the northern runway at Tulla we were "dive bombed" a few times by aircraft, and Leno was finally caught up with and severely chastised for his errant riding and disgraceful behaviour. A great day, a fun day, and we are only just entering the riding season. Yippeee!!!

Pushy

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Roots Ride to the Prom (Wilsons Promontory)

Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 September, 2005

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

Eight brave members took to the roads last weekend and journeyed to Wilson’s Promontory for the inaugural ‘Roots’ Ride led by Col J.
They were: Glenda, Col, Merv, George, Bruce, Max, Glenn and myself. As you may know Col and I lived at Yanakie on the Prom where our Father had a dairy farm. The idea of a ‘Roots’ ride came from our discussions of boyhood experiences at that wind-swept place.

Unfortunately rain, wind and hail were forecast for both days and some who had intended to come with us, stayed at home. I am pleased to say that they missed a great weekend ride over fantastic country, interesting roads and great country hospitality at the places we stopped. We gathered at Maccas as arranged and were given a send-off by some of our members including Mr & Mrs Prez. Just before the time to go we see Glenda ride past in the direction of the shops. Hmm.. did she miss the turn or is she off to do her shopping. Well it was the latter as well as a quick top-up at the bowsers. She eventually arrives, rolls a cigarette and complains that she hasn’t got time to smoke it!

Despite the overcast sky no rain falls and we roll out to Pakenham for our first fuel and bum stop. While resting George shows off his crazy hat that upstages the Prez with its extra long plait. Glen is seen picking at his muffler trying to remove part of his melted wet-weather pants leg from the chrome. Next it is off to the Daisy Patch in Warragul for a great lunch with hosts Lyn and Ray. We highly recommend the Daisy Patch Tea Rooms for a meal and browse through their great craft display and giftware. One of the resident emus fell in love with Bruce’s bike, and unfortunately nibbled a bit of his top box when parked close to the fence.

Then it was down the Grand Ridge Road to Korumburra, in warm sunshine and on some of the best motorcycling road in Vic with spectacular views at every turn. More photo opportunities and then it was off to Leongatha for fuel and a shelter from some rain, and then through Meeniyan to our over night stop at the Fish Creek Hotel. The Hotel is under the new management of hosts Jason and Kylie and was really hopping Saturday night. The rooms were comfortable, inexpensive and spacious. The meals were very good and the breakfast that was part of the accommodation $22.50 tariff was terrific. After parking our bikes near our rooms it was into the comfortable lounge bar for too much beer and talking lots of rubbish. Glenda bunked in Merv and George’s room and one of our pics shows her getting a good morning cuddle from one of the boys. I understand that she would rather have had a coffee and a ciggie, and we know who will kill for a Mars bars too!

Next morning after heaps of rain the Starship had a little rest when negotiating a muddy track out of the car park and Merv did the same with his new Honda the previous night. A hail shower when we were about to leave the Pub told us that we were in for some wet bums that day, which turned out to be the case on the way to the Prom and on the way home. At Yanakie we stopped for fuel where George showed us how not to do a burnout, and Col did a disappearing trick with his bike keys under the petrol tank. After a bit of searching he managed to lure them out again and away we went to the Yanakie Landing for a view of the Prom, via our old farm. Yanakie lived up to its reputation as cold, windy and wet.

Next it was into the Prom National Park and down to Tidal River, the main beach. On the way our leader Col pointed to some invisible wildlife, and the following riders dutifully passed it on. On seeing Max pointing at an empty clearing in front of me I radioed him to ask what we were looking at, but he had no idea. Lunch was takeaway at Tidal River then a look at the beach, followed by a visit to Squeaky Beach. It used to squeak when walked on however due to the recent rain, it didn’t when we were there. Glenn managed to fall into a creek on the way to the beach and Glenda disappeared in search of cuttlefish. It is amazing how much she can put in those saddlebags of hers!

A fuel stop at Foster was where Max found an American Indian Tee-pee, when he went for a pee! (see pics). Bruce left us for Traralgon and then we were seven. By now the wind gusts had reached cyclone force and we had some excitement keeping our bikes on the road. There is no proof that a heavy rider will not have his bike blown around! We gritted our teeth and rode on through increasing rain with brief stops for rest, and when we did it was that cold we couldn’t take our helmets off.

Finally well done to the hardy souls that made the ‘Roots’ journey. We all enjoyed ourselves thanks to the well planned and conducted ride by brother Col.

By Ron J

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Picnic at Marong

Sunday August 28th 2005

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

The weather was fantastic, just like our enthusiasm waiting at McDonalds. But then again there were 2 groups going to Marong today...one at each of the Maccas stores in Werribee and Hoppers.We started with just under 20 bikes. We finally all joined up after some great foresight by Glenn Fink and we left.First stop was the Marsh were we picked up "Wodger", then the back way to Gisborne.A few kms before Gisborne saw an Ambulance on the side of the road a tangled mess just off the road and some tyre marks and broken bits of plastic still in the road. A scene like that when all was going so well is none the less very sobering.

Morning tea and a quick gander at the local Sunday Market was at Malmsbury.Our only female rider didn't let the girls reputations of our group down, by buying half of what there was for sale..... Virago panniers are like Doctor Who's Tardis, i.e. incredibly much bigger on the inside than the outer. The freeway ride to Marong turn off at Ravenswood was very tiring with gusty winds and squalls all the way.

The scenery was like something out of a picture post card.The wattle was coming out, the paddocks were emerald green, the dams were full, the sky was blue and the sun was shining....... but best of all we were out for a ride! Finally we got to Marong, parked beside the oval bought a barby lunch and began looking at the exhibits, hundreds of them.Vintage and veteran cars, motorbikes, side cars rare stuff exotic things, E-Types and plenty of them, Humbers,Oldsmobile's,Hillmans,Mustangs,Monaro's,GT's, Singers,Austin's,Austin Healy's, Ambulances, Fire Engines,Trucks ,Tractors, AJS's,Matchless's,BSA's,Norton's,evening American 4 Cyl "Ace", pre war, post war, classics and all of them collectable, the whole oval covered in them. There were stationary engine displays, pumping water, running saws, or just ticking over in their retirement.

At 2.30 it was time to head home.But some of us needed fuel.No problem the post office at Lockwood has bowsers...Wrong it DID have .....So we headed to Maldon and Tom almost made it......Nothing that 5 litres of unleaded via a very kind Bruce Reid couldn't fix.

Then we hit the coffee shop and ice creamery.The ice cream shop is well worth a visit as is the lolly shop next door. Finally we got going again and off to Daylesford.The Geelong crew amongst us turned right at the T intersection to go home via Ballan and we headed left to Trentham

The problem was that our corner marker came with us!

I will discuss this in detail next meeting.

We waited for a half hour in Trentham to no avail.I then back tracked and saw Glenn and Tom coming towards me.We regrouped in Trentham and finally headed for home.

400 kms of sun, great company, cool weather, simply stunning scenery and awesome roads.

What more could you ask for?

Well yes that's right, you'd all love to own a Triumph too......

John Edwards {T2}
Ride Coordinator Westgate Wanderers
Ulysses. Australia.
0421 616944
03 9748 3224

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Ride To Korumburra

Sunday July 31st 2005

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

Hey! How good is this?!

How will I ever hold myself back to 50 and 60 kph ever again? The wind in the wings, the drumming on the curving tarmac, the delectable green rolling hills, and the warm companionship - if this is growing old disgracefully, let me at it.

NOW.

This is dangerously addictive.

Good.

This was my first 'real' ride with 'The Family'. I put my toe in the water a couple of weeks ago with a dink to Castlemaine on Gordon's trike then Merv's Harley. (Thanks to you both. A generous offer to a stranger.) And, yes, this could really be something.

However, I could see that the group were practical, thoughtful and caring and totally positive that I could manage. Soooooo, what the heck. I found myself on Sunday morning waiting on the roadside just over the Westgate, so heavily clothed against possible cold I could hardly move (quite unnecessary as the weather was balmy and beautiful) and so nervous I thought I might fall off the scooter with shaking, when over the bridge roared the gang and I got gathered up in the slip stream and away we went for the ride of my life.

Thundering along (am I really doing 100kph?) oh no! are we really going to plummet into THE TUNNEL? how do you breathe in there? and what about e-tags? then out the other side - hey, this is actually OK. I saw Glenda up ahead and thought if I just follow everything she does they wont notice I'm odd. She was a great (unwitting) model. Straight as a die down the right outer edge of the lane. I thought she must have her own special tram tracks.

Drouin on the map had looked such a long way past Caulfield! But suddenly we were there, and Lynne flashed a welcoming smile. This IS OK after all. Time to buy a coffee. Oh wait - out with the thermos and banana. Back on the road again, and why am I going through the fuel so fast? I'd better flick off to the left and fill up at that bowser. My tank holds $4.50 worth. Uh-oh, no petrol cap. Yikes, I must have left it back at the Williamstown BP. Mortification. Bruce Tail End does a great job of taping up the fuel inlet. Did he just mumble 'settle down' to me? Oh well, adventures are meant to be fraught. Aren't they?

Later, somewhere along the road Big John has managed to sweet talk a proprietor into a free petrol tank cap. Some very fancy footwork there. Phew! The electrical tape had started to dissolve.

Then, miraculously, in a matter of moments, it seemed, we were off and away and having a pub lunch in Korumburra. (Well actually, I had my pink plastic lunch box with a sandwich and my water bottle. Oh well, again nobody seemed to think that was not de rigeur.) How John Quartermaster managed to get his leg up over his bike after his ginormous Aussie schnitznel I'll never know.

Meals over, the best part of the ride began. We meandered north through breathtaking hills and dales flowing around challenging curves and cambers to Warragul. What a great learning curve - so to speak. My heart and confidence are thumping by now. Suburban streets will never be the same again. Then pounding down the highway towards Melbourne and home - (they are flogging it at 120! - will I be able to hold this damn throttle at full for the next hour without solidifying my hand into the grasp position?).

And whoosh, suddenly the Westgate and it's over - and 'um, when is the NEXT ride?'

Thank you girls and boys from the top of my heart. I'm hooked.
Thank you also to John (T2) for leading the ride and making it such a memorable day.

Victoria Howlett.

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Henk's Decibel Racing Ride

17th July 2005.

Ride Report:

Hi Trend setters! Just for the record I have decided to pen a quick ride report on the above event as it the only ride that I am aware of, that was not recorded with a report so here it is!

Simply because I couldn't get any one to do it.Sad really.What's happened to the days when you blokes went out and rode something glamorous and couldn't wait to get back and tell all your mates? All I want some to do these days, is right it down.... well not the really juicy bits, just about getting there and back, if you know what I mean....

To start off Henk was busy with family matters/kids etc.He did the right thing and gave heaps of notice, so there is certainly no criticism there. But the Decibel Racing didn't happen, but it is certainly still on our agenda..... With this news and the long range weather forecast for a very below average day and not a lot of interest in going for a ride at this time of year I decided to advertise the ride on the "Net Rider" site.And in many ways a good thing too.We certainly got the numbers up .

The ride left Maccas@Hoppers at 9.50 am.We headed over through the Marsh, where we regrouped at the in bound BP and picked up "Wodger". Then we headed up the freeway to Pentland Hills where we turned off, then up to Greendale, Trentham, Daylesford for a very quick break then to Castlemaine for lunch.The wind force was unbelievable all the way up there.Gusts hit you coming out of a cutting, pushed you across the road, tried to lay you down when banking into a corner, it was just terrible.The effect of the wind by lunch time was very tiring on the old body....with all the buffering about.The Net Riders were a very social crew.Fortunately the had a very efficient heater so we could all thaw out.It's amazing just how cold it gets when you get up into those hills. We all sat together over lunch which was booked at Cafe Parinni at 71 Moyston Street Castlemaine Ph 54721274.The food and service was fantastic, cheap and the staff very friendly.If anyone wishes to disagree with me, please ring 131955 because they care.......and we WILL be going back again!

After lunch the group broke up.Most of the Net Riders headed back home to Melbourne's eastern suburbs.We headed off to Bendigo.Along the way Gordon pulled over on his Trike, left hand indicator flashing {just in front of the turn off to Mildura} Vivian Lun [a net rider and only 12 months out of Hong Kong on a 250 followed the corner markers direction and got 70kilometers towards Mildura before Gordon caught her.It took the tailender Charlie[Ron] and Gordon a while to realise what exactly had happened! Ron rang me as I was waiting to regroup in Kangaroo Flat.I still think it's a great joke! I don't know about Ron and Gordon though.......

Finally those three went back to Melbourne together.Vivian emailed me as did others thanking us for their great day out.

The rest of crossed the back of Bendigo out to Eppalock, then headed due South towards Kyneton.We all pulled up behind a nice bright yellow car with POLICE written neatly all over it.In front of it was a fellow intent on passing the car in front of him.Sure enough he was out over double lines, in and out then finally he went for the pass, up a steep hill on double lines!Just over the hill the yellow car took off with lights and sirens screaming.When we went past, the two vehicles, they were pulled over, the policeman walking back to the losers car and the driver just slinking into his seat and pulling his Collingwood beanie down over his head......

That says it all doesn't it really....Oh sorry Leno! From there we headed back to Gisborne,down the back way to the Marsh,refuelled, thawed out, said our good byes and headed home.

It was a good hard,long and certainly one worth telling your mates about! But like everything in life the best part was actually doing it!

John Edwards {T2 }

Barry does H.A.R.T

Sunday 17th July 2005

Report:

On a cold wintery Sunday at 8.00am, I arrived at the HART (Honda Australia Rider Training) facility in Sharps road Tullamarine, ready to go… what a way to spend a Sunday!

The place is very large and well laid out. So big in fact, that several courses can be run there at once, without any of them getting in each other’s way.
After arriving I found 2 other guys waiting, freezing their futures off, but like me, buoyant with expectation.
Eventually there ended up being 8 of us and the mood changed from boyant to nervous after being enlightened about what we had let ourselves in for by one who had done it before.

Instructors Anthony (a Ulyssian), and Lindale arrived at 8.30am and without too much effort encouraged us all to come inside and partake of coffee and conversation. The usual patter took place about what we all expected to get out of the course etc, and were asked to reply, but as nobody (apart from the prior student) had any idea what to expect, apart from what was printed on the brochure, we couldn’t really say a great deal.

At 9.00 am we were introduced to the bikes, little 600 Honda’s (Hiroshima screamers). I managed to embarrass myself instantly, not realising these things had 2 different size wheels and squeezing the front brake too hard at slow speed (as I did) instantly spat the smaller front wheel out from under you. So 2 minutes into the session I had dropped the bike at Lindale’s feet =8O
Anthony then announced to one and all “I forgot to tell you these things will spit you off if you pull the brakes with the front wheel turned at low speed”.

Now he tells me.

As to the course itself, it was good value. The introduction to tight cornering was an eye opener to me as I did not believe you could ride a bike round in a circle only twice the bike’s length... with both feet still on the pegs!

Chopping in and out of witches hats using counter steering and the throttle only too is an excellent manoeuvre to improve your control of the machine.
The emergency braking in a variety of situations was an excellent and important segment of the course.

Although (I believe) some parts of the course are repetitive from previous courses, it does reinforce the necessity to do things we simply forget to do, such as looking through corners when you are entering instead of looking down at the road. ;)

My only criticism was the bikes themselves. For me they were too small and too sensitive on the throttle after riding mine. Although I (and 3 older riders) had difficulties, most of the other students appeared to be quite at home on them.

Having said that, I had a very good day and learnt quite a bit from the course. Anthony also offered to give an in-depth talk to our group if we would like, we only have to ask. He also said that as Ulysses Club members, Honda will give you a 25% discount.

You all know my attitude toward training.... I am of the opinion that we all need to do refresher courses, especially for those of us who maintain we are competent riders, and who have forgotten more than we would like to admit ;)

See you all on Saturday morning.
Barry

HART Honda Australia Rider Training (facility)
Sharps Road
Tullamarine
03 9335 2766

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Wok 'n' Ride

Sunday 10th July 2005

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

Saturday, bloody hell, it's pissin' down. Bet there won't be a ride tomorrow. Wrong!!! Pushy has divine connections and orders a day straight out of the box - ideal for jaunt up country.

At 9.45 am Sunday morning 15 bikes departed Maccas for the first obligatory stop en-route to Castlemaine, that being Bacchus Marsh for a quick fuel top-up. Then we hit the roads with Pushy out front setting a cracking pace heading to Myrniong and Ballan - making great time.. but does he know where he is going? The rest of the group were beginning to question his navigational skills after a brief unscheduled detour down a dirt road. A few (now dirty) bikes later and we are on to Wallace, Gordon and Creswick, (Pushy looks longingly at a chocolate factory he spotted en route).

A brief stop in Creswick then off to Castlemaine via Daylesford (coffee at last)... but no, Pushy pushed on. Up there on the tablelands it was proving a tad chilly, but with the winter sun shining and the countryside looking a picture no-one really cared. Finally we hit Castlemaine at approx 12.30. Time to warm up frozen digits and re-acquaint the legs to walking as the Wanderers browse around this delightful place and take on some lunch. With the Maldon steam train hooting away in the distance, we saddled up at 2.00 ready to return home when disaster strikes Gordon and his beloved trike. Oh no!!! An oil leak, and it looks serious. Gordon and Ken remain behind to arrange an RACV tow and the rest of us head back home to meet again for the second part of our day out.

Assembling at the Great Wall restaurant in Werribee we promptly set about devouring a sumptuous Chinese Banquet (and roast our hero's for the day). Pushy earning the 'White Cane' Award for navigation, Pres for his spectacular 'Stop sign' get off. Fun, frivolity, chewing and chatter carried on into the night (but not too late). The odd bottle of red was drunk and everyone present had a wonderful time, a great way to finish our first Wok'n Ride day. Here's to many more!

Anonymous

Leno's Big Day Out

Sunday 29th May 2005

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

For those of us who know Leno, (aka T1) we are thankful to have a member such as him among our ranks. Leno's unswerving devotion to assisting orphans in the desperately poor part of Zambia known as Chibobo was reason enough for us to support his cause by holding "Leno's Big Day Out"

The day started under leaden skies at Macca's Werribee where we registered in and enjoyed a Macca's brekky before departing to parts unknown. Leno's wife Teresa oversaw the registration of participants with our starting tally of nearly 40 bikes. Leaving Macca's we headed to Bacchus Marsh for a regulation stop and cuppa to ward off the early morning chill. We were joined by more riders from the Macedon Ranges Branch who came along to enjoy the fun and friendship. Unfortunately, we did not know what the day held for us.

From Bacchus Marsh we headed off to Ballan where some refueled and waited for stragglers to catch up. After Ballan we headed in a southwesterly direction towards Meredith and all points in between.

After Meredith, we turned inland again and headed up through the Brisbane Ranges towards Steiglitz and enjoyed some beautiful countryside riding. During this segment one of our members, Graeme Rodgers lost control of his machine and crashed. Graeme did not survive this crash and died doing what he enjoyed most with those other Ulyssians who shared his love of life.

Finally, we gathered at a Picnic Ground in the Brisbane Ranges National Park where we had a subdued afternoon of fun and frivolity with a BBQ, auction and raffles in aid of Leno's campaign. There were tears and cheers when we knew that our fun was mixed with sorrow.

After our BBQ we went our own ways, all of us a little poorer for the sad events of the day, but all of us knowing that we as Ulyssians grow old disgracefully, and hopefully leave this world smiling knowing that we have lived in the spirit and manner of our Club.

Many thanks to our sponsors and supporters for the day, especially John (T2) Edwards and his wife, Bunnings, Teresa Borg and our auctioneer, Bruce Reid. Apologies to those that I have missed.

Pushy

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Thomas' Tank Engine Tour

19th June 2005 by Chris Thomas

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

Seven brave Ulyssians (Mark, Merv, George, Rob, Ray, Helen & Chris) gathered at Macca's in Werribee at 10am on a cold, wet Sunday morning.

Following a bit of jocularity, fearless leader set off with the fearless followers in tow, fearless navigator (Helen) and fearless Pres (Ray) tail ending.

Slight change in route (due to the inclemency of the weather) saw us head up though Toolern Vale and Gisborne, then on to our mid morning stop at Lancefield for a quick bite to eat and drink.

The roads were wet and dry in places, the fog settled in just prior to Kilmore, there were occasional light showers and it was bitterly cold. Despite all this, spirits were high. Through Kilmore and Broadford and up the Hume for a bit.

Spotted the Mobil Roadhouse just short of Seymour (Seymour being the original lunch destination) and thought "This is as good a place as any for fuel & food" and wheeled in. Fuelled up and went inside to a beautifully warm and welcoming haven to find the staff placing notices on the tables. "DUE TO TOILETS BEING OUT OF ACTION, NO FOOD WILL BE SERVED - CAFE CLOSED"

(Apparently staff were unable to wash their hands and so, couldn't work) Bloody Marvelous!!!!!!!

Never mind, pushed on to Seymour for Chinese food and then rolled out to Puckapunyal Army Base to visit the museum. Fascinating place, well laid out displays and metal monsters everywhere. Emu's wandering the golf course and roo's grazing in the paddocks.

Return trip took us back through Tooborac and Monageeta to a fuel stop at Gisborne where the debrief took place.

George, "Is this the end of the ride, I thought I'd be escorted to my front door!" And guess what? In true Ulysses fashion, the ride leader escorted George to his front door in Werribee!!!! Can't complain about the service with the Westgate Wanderers.

Regards

Chris

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Humms Haunted Clarkefield Pub Ride

Sunday 15 May 2005

Ride Report:

Ah, Sunday morning, a beautiful day, what shall I do? I know, lets go check out the famous Clarkefield Pub and its ghoulish ghosts. Ride leader for the day was “Scarey” John Humm, that should be enough to frighten anyone (sorry John)

So it went, that us “Ghostbusters” assembled at Maccas on Sunday morning for the chance to have our pants scared off us at the famous Clarkefield Hotel. Twenty bikes and a trike set off traveling via Bacchus Marsh where we stopped for a fortifying coffee and were joined by more riders. A large roll up assured us skeptics that we would not be on our own when it came to traveling to our spooky destination. We proceeded via Toolern Vale, Gisborne and Diggers Rest and Sunbury. Unfortunately, some lack of communication caused a mix up and part of the group got lost en route. However, after some clever navigation we managed to meet up at our final destination, the Clarkefield Hotel.

With great trepidation we approached the bar under the brave leadership of “Scarey” John Humm and his team of poltergeist chasers and quenched our thirst with a devilishly good drop whilst we awaited what may have been our last meal on this mortal earth. We could have died waiting as the cook took his time – perhaps spirits that controlled his culinary skills had possessed him. After a long wait, we enjoyed our lunch, saddled up and headed for home via Sunbury and Ted’s Roadhouse

A fun day, a great crowd, and most pleasing to be able to meet all our new members. Many thanks to our chief ghost buster, John Humm. Only one thing remains to be asked:

Who Ya Gonna Call???

Westgate Wanderers Ghostbusters

~ Pushy

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Presidents Wander to Ararat

23rd & 24th of April 2005

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

The weather forecast was for a fine weekend, but upon opening the front door the fog hit us (and it was not from too much drink either!).

Like true soldiers we loaded the Flagship and set off for Maccas. When we arrived it was good to see other hearty Wanderers had gathered and were looking forward to a good weekend.

Twelve bikes and two cars departed Werribee Macca's at 0810 hrs via Derrimut Rd to the Western Hwy bound for Ballarat where we were to make our first stop. Although the fog slowed us down, we were still able to keep close to our scheduled arrival and departure times. We picked up Roger (Dry Rider ) at Bacchus Marsh and continued on to our coffee stop, arriving at about 0910. Once everybody was recharged we once again hit the road (figure of speech)for Ararat.

Here we were to lose Tom Mathews, who had nothing to do this particular Saturday morning as he had left Helen at home to wash the cars and mow the lawns in preparation for her Birthday on Monday (Belated Happy Birthday Helen ). We arrived in Ararat at 1045 with the Hospital tour guide almost ready to go home, but his frown changed to a smile when he heard the bikes arrive.

At J Ward the group was broken into two before setting off on the tour, and what a tour it was. Some of the stories that we were told could have been straight out of a fiction novel, and the sights were just mind blowing.

After about an hour and a half we sat down to a terrific and very filling lunch. With lunch finished we ventured to the Motel,where we collected the keys for our rooms and stowed our gear.

The afternoon session was a visit to the Scarecrow exhibition at Montara Winery,where we were encouraged to vote for the best scarecrow. We were also given a talk on the growth and product of this particular winery. There were some very well thought out scarecrows, one in particular was the image of Prince Charles. [see pics!]

With the excitement now over we ventured back to the motel. For some a visit to the Chinese Museum whilst others enjoyed an afternoon siesta or off to the pub (just two doors down). This is also where the Wanderers gathered for our evening meal; a choice of three dishes, all very well presented and I am lead to believe, very nice to eat.

Sunday morning arrived and with a breakfast fit for a King in our tummies, the day was off to a very good start. The weather was looking good, Brian's new Honda polished to a gleam and everyone happy. Today we had planned a trip to a lookout called One Tree Hill which is about five klms out of town and which provided an excellent venue for a photo shoot. Following this we made our way to the wind farm.

As the day was going so well we arrived 30 minutes early and had to wait for our guide, a wonderful chap who turned out to be very knowledgeable about the huge windmills (turbines-generators) that we had come to see. The scale of these things is enormous, as we soon witnessed standing at the foot of one of the monsters. Fully 100 meters from the base to the tip of the blades looking straight up is a sight not easily forgotten.

Following the wind farm it was Back onto the bikes and off to Beaufort for lunch, then headed home via Snake Valley, Smythsdale, Ross Creek, Buninyong for a break then onto Yendon, Mt Egerton, Fiskville, Glenmore, Rowsley and Bacchus Marsh, where we finally said our goodbye's.

I would like to thank Peter and Kerry, from the Central Motel,and Bruce and Veeta, from the Blue Duck Hotel, for their generous hospitality, and also their excellent meals, supplied to us over the weekend. Without this kind of support we could not have these weekends away.

Please do not forget that for the Branch to forge ahead we will need a RIDE COMMITTEE And a few people to help our SOCIAL DIRECTOR . As the Branch is for every one not just a few.

From U Turn and his Navigator we hope everyone enjoyed this weekend.

Ray

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Marysville Ride

Sunday April 3rd 2005

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

As you probably know, Sunday dawned to the sound of rain falling. So much for that late burst of summer. Today’s ride was scheduled to leave Werribee for Marysville and The Black Spur, however, a couple of phone calls quickly put paid to that. In the words of a Marysville local “It’s pissing down here”. With safety and riding comfort in mind our Intrepid Ride Leader Chris had a back up plan. “We're off to Castlemaine, it hasn’t rained there for years, so I reckon we'll be OK”.

Now it seems that many of our “Wanderers” were either scared off by the rain of had something better to do – like watching the grass grow, because the ride consisted of Chris, Ron, Colin, Merv, Andrew and Bruce. And boy did those who stayed away miss a great ride. We headed off toward the city, then onto the Ring Road to collect Andrew at the Northbound Macca’s where Merv filled up. Then off we went, well sort of that is. It seems our Intrepid Ride Leader was either looking the wrong way or can't read those big green road signs because we sailed straight past the one that said “Calder Highway”. So after doing a rather big lap of the block we found our way onto the Calder and then off again, this time through all the back streets of Keilor before we found our way to Melton. By this time I was thinking our Intrepid Ride Leader was taking us home, but no, we were on our way to Woodend where it was time for a cuppa and a chat with the boys and girls from the OZHOGS of Melbourne. Fully refreshed we then took the road to Castlemaine via Tylden. It was at the right hand turn in Tylden that our Intrepid Ride Leader got ahead of himself yet again. Not content with finding the correct lane he just turns at the first break in the road, and like all good soldiers we followed only to be very amused that we were turning straight over those two white lines and looking at oncoming traffic – I'm thinking, first he tries to get us lost, then giddy, now killed – what has come over Chris, has he lost his marbles?

Ah, Castlemaine looms ahead of us – I'm thinking lunch at the pub will be good, a chance for a stretch and a feed – but oh no, our Intrepid Ride Leader hands over the reins to Merv and we go straight thru town to Newstead. Can you imagine the delight of the Servo owner when six bikes pull in and get $9 of fuel each – a boom in the local economy, but we weren't finished that easy. We were hungry, so a stop at the General Store and we clean them out of Pies and Sausage Rolls. Well you should have seen the locals – they were dancing in the street – you would have thought they had won Tatts. Anyway it was just at the moment we were about to ride off when Mick Doohan pulls in on his Yamaha FJR 1300. Well you should have seen Andrew – he was beside himself and couldn't hold himself back. Andrew goes up and says “How ya going Mick, nice bike”. “Yeah, she’s a beauty, not as quick as I used to ride but still pretty handy on the road”. Wow, what a surprise. Goodbye's were said and off we went. Now I should point out that the weather had been pretty good so far – only a few drops of H2O and reasonable warm. That didn't last long because by the time we rumbled through Daylesford it had dropped to 17 degrees and felt very chilly. As usual Daylesford’s main street was packed with day-trippers so we kept on going onto Bacchus Marsh where we stopped to say our goodbye's. All in all another good ‘wander’ made more memorable for our chance meeting with Mick. You really should have been there!

I hope by the time you meet our Intrepid Ride Leader that he has all his faculties working well because I'm really concerned that ‘old timer’s disease has set in. Thanks Chris for a great improvisation.

Bruce

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Woodend (Morning) Ride

Sunday March 20th 2005

Ride Report:

The day dawned fine and clear, (as can only happen in Melbourne!), the roadside was a mixture of footpath and traffic cones! You guessed it, Weerama!

Much to my surprise, there was no disruption to traffic anywhere and I arrived at the car park at Macca’s to be greeted by a couple of bikes, pillions and riders. Following a brief briefing ????, 8 bikes and two pillions departed and headed up Derrimut Rd, the Western Hwy and up through the hills to Gisbourne and onto the lovely town of Woodend, arriving just after eleven.

Minutes later, another group of Ulyssians parked beside the craft market that was happening on the park. Turned out to be Ballarat on the way to the Historic races at Broadford. Another bike arrived and parked with us, a fellow Wanderer that was running a little late. No fuel needed at this point as it was only a short morning run so we set off again and headed through Tylden (where?) and on to Trentham.

Great run down through the hills to Greendale and through Myrniong to the Western Hwy for the trip back to Werribee when we realized a couple of bikes were missing. Tail End Charlie (Ron) arrived and explained that a group member has suffered a reaction to a bee sting and was heading to medical attention.

Kicked on, through Bacchus Marsh into Werribee where the ride terminated, some going to the B24 Hanger for a feed and squizz at the various displays, others on to previous commitments on a Weerama Sunday. (If you get a chance, have a look at the B24 Bomber restoration project, something that has to be seen to be believed!!!!!)

Something from today's ride:
1. Medical Report: The bee sting victim was treated and is recovering well.
2. The Tail End Charlie system really does work. Tail End Charlie is the trailing rider on the ride. Any problems, he /she is there to assist, assess the situation and assist in the decision making processes as to what is the best course of action to take. Worked well in this instance.

(Next ride I go it will be a full day ride, still had to mow the bloody lawn….!)

Had a great time anyway.,

Chris

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Ulysses AGM - Canberra

Monday 14th - Sunday 20th March 2005

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

2005 ULYSSES AGM, A COMPLETE TRIUMPH!

Ron, myself, Leno, Barry, Max, Guiseppe and Tony gathered early on the Saturday morning and left punctually at 8.00 am. We headed out across Melbourne, due east, to pick up another Ulyssian [who failed to appear…] stopping at Koo-Wee Rupp for the first break. We encountered minimal rain, although it was very cold. Next stop was Macca’s at Moe for a break, to thaw out and resumption of circulation. This is where the gags started and jokes began to fly. You know every thing was Mc this or Mc that. Their junior staff couldn't see the funny side… Funny that…

On to Morwell and Traralgon and into Sale for lunch. It really amused me, Ron leading us into MacDonald’s car park, [and me thinking this guy must be on their pay roll] only to park the bikes and then lead us all across the road to the pub for a counter meal! The meal was great; plenty of what ever you wanted and it was cheap. Why would anyone go past a counter meal? The scenery through here on such a beautiful day could have only been best appreciated from a bike, the views, the colours, the smells of the bush, rain forests, freshly sawn timber from the timber mills, the smog from Morwell and Yallourn [the fresh cow dung from the milking sheds, the piggeries, festering road kill laying in the sun!] the stuff you really miss out on when traveling in a “tin-top”. Next stop was Lakes Entrance to stretch the legs, admire the scenery and appreciated the clear blue skies. Through Orbost and into Cann River just as the sun was beginning to go down. We stopped at the Cann River Hotel. It was simply fantastic. Most of us would not realise that these types of places still exist. It had a real ambience about it dating from when it was built in the 1930’s.

The bikes were securely parked behind the Hotel. A fellow biker advised me not to park under the stairs on the rear landing, as he had done on a previous trip, as he had found the morning dew to yellow and slightly tainted with the remnants of beer…

The publican and his staff were very friendly, the beds comfortable, meals were huge and beautifully presented, and the beer as cold as a mother-in–law’s kiss. No one partied, as it was a tiring first day. I didn't even hear anyone snore…

Monday morning. Breakfast, a clear cold sunny morning, no alarm clocks, no traffic and no work. We headed off at 8.00 am due north up the Monaro Cann Valley highway. The views especially at this hour of the morning were spectacular as we passing the Coopracambra National Park on our right hand side for many miles. Far too few of us ever experience this mountainous spectacular tall timber country.

When we had traveled about half an hour, and all was going along nicely, I noticed a small bird venture across in front of the bike ahead of me. VOOM…a feather duster. Then it shot out over my right shoulder. At Bombala, we again had to thaw out with coffee and refuel the bikes. We then continued up this valley with mountain ranges on both sides of us for a long time until we finally reached Bombala for lunch. Here we parked in the main street and Guiseppe informed us that for no apparent reason his sunroof on his car had shattered. He wisely bought some gaffer tape and secured it from breaking any further. Max was determined that we find the Bikers Café, which after some searching we finally did. In addition, was it worth while or what? The business has just changed hands after 8 years from the original owners and the new proprietor could not do enough to please us. When have you ever walked into a café to be given paper towelling and bug remover for your visor and helmet before even ordering a coffee? Out came the photo albums collected over the years of stacks of bikes and riders.

As each car left a space at the front of his shop, we replaced it with a bike. The more bikes we parked, the more bikes came in.

They also served the biggest freshest hamburgers I have ever eaten. They were an experience!

Next stop was Colinston for fuel and the finally Canberra. We got there early afternoon and made camp on the show grounds. There was a fair bit of stuffing around ascertaining exactly where we were to be camped. Finally, we found a nice clear spot close to all amenities and began the joyful ritual of putting up tents. Leno explained to us all the need for Veng Schzui (Feng Shui), the mountains, the stars the alignment of the tents, the raising of the sun, the wind…. We just put them up the way were going to anyway… What made our camp great was what Max had supplied. In addition, Laurie and Judith had brought up with them in their car, a very nice gazebo with walls and windows. They had also brought up a brazier with paper Mache bricks to burn of a night. We also had chairs and some tables, which was all very cosy of a night when the temperatures in Canberra drop to around 4 degrees! Initially we had the only campfire, and this was fuelled from wood chips found around the wood chop area. Barry produced an old rucksack, which when filled with beer and a bag of ice worked like a dream as the bar.

The only down side of the camping was the almost constant wind and the dust. Water tankers patrolled periodically and created as much dust as they were meant to stop. Remember 80% of NSW is stilled declared drought affected.

The next couple of days were filled with tours of the surrounds conducted by Max, and individual sorties all around Canberra and its environs. Everywhere you went you ran into Ulysses members. It didn't seem how far you traveled or where you went we just simply kept bumping into each other. Everyone greeted each other with a wave or a verbal greeting.

Tuesday we made contact with a friend of mine who advised us where and how get Guiseppe’s broken sunroof fixed. I was quite amused the way in which he navigated himself in his car and the rest of us on bikes to the exact location on the other side of Canberra using his little satellite navigation system. They are just so accurate. {Especially when you can spell where you want to go properly…}

There was the much-publicised issue of another bike club disapproving of the format of some of our members “patches” being worn on their jackets. I found the whole matter exceptionally trivial and consequently concentrated on what I had set out to do…. plenty of enjoyable riding, discovering as many roads as possible around Canberra and appreciating the fantastic company of the other Westgate Wanderers.

Wednesday saw the other half of our group appear from Melbourne, Ray, John, Bruce, Ian, Len, Paul, Graeme, Joanne, Carroll, Des and Eddie although we didn't all camp together.

Thursday most of our group went to the Australian War Memorial or the Australian National Museum, or just a stroll around the shops in the “city”. A very large car park had been laid out for Ulyssien's to use “free of charge “ by the local council .It was safe secure and under cover. During the entire time we were in Canberra the trade stalls at the show grounds in creased in both number and size. These were in the Traders Pavilion. You could get various types of massages, camping gear, tyres, every accessory under the sun, photo’s taken, groceries, nic nacs, badges, T shirts, hats, caps, belts, entertainment in the drovers square, red cross medical lessons, demo ride most new motorcycles, check out the new bike trailers and campers, learn yoga, drink more beeeer, savoir a fresh coffee, watch a movie, get a tow bar fitted to your bike, illuminate it with the new LED’s from America get your helmet air brushed or book your funeral with “Last Ride Enterprises” . As the days went by the temperatures soared into the high 20’s then early 30’s. This made it very necessary to drink cold beer. Canberra water is fine for washing in, but a little different to drink. Beer was much the safer option.

Friday evening was the first of the 2 mass evening meals. 5040 people attended and most of us got together on both Friday and Saturday evening. It was an incredible logistical feat when you think about it! The entertainment in the form of a band complete with vocals and a sax player were also excellent. Huge TV monitors kept everyone informed with the events of each evening. The evening meal was a great time to intermingle with other people from other clubs and renew old acquaintances.

Saturday morning saw the Grand Parade were 5000 people and motorcycles congregated opposite Old Parliament House before the wave off into the city. This is an experience that you cannot begin to appreciate if you have not had that many bikes around you all rumbling and firing at once. Yes the earth really did move! People lined the streets and cheered us all on. It was an incredible experience. We all the parked on a big sports oval to be addressed by several dignitaries including Dr John Hewson. An award was made to the National Motorcycle Apprentice of the Year [and yes, female]. This was followed by the usual fan fare. Our group left. The Committee went to the AGM meeting proper and we went for another quick ride.

Saturday night was the big event, big crowd, big band [Big Boss Big Band] a big meal, big speeches and an early night for the Werribee mob.

Sunday was early rise, breakfast, and shower, pack up drop tents and leave, by 8.50 am.

Yass was the first fuel stop and then down the Hume towards home. Refueled again at Tarcutta and I dropped the Triumph in a fuel station. Negligible damage, but certainly a dampener for me. Lunch was at the Commercial Club, Dean Street Albury. A fantastic venue and a very welcome break. Next stop was Avenel, then non-stop home.

It was an enjoyable, full on, non-stop, fantastic experience with an unbeatable and unique group of individuals.

I have only covered a fraction of what went on…

If you really want to know, ask one of the lucky ones that went.

I can't wait ‘til Ulverstone……….but then again some things are worth waiting for.

Shinny side up, and see you all on Saturday,

John

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Daylesford Ride

Sunday 13th March 2005

Ride Report:

Sunday morning arrived and a small group (3 x bikes, 1 x trike & riders) gathered at Macca’s in what can only be described as perfect riding conditions.

The ride was officially described as “Leisurely” – so, after Glenda finished her “McBreakfast” we wandered off at about 10:15am, up Derrimut Rd to the Western Hwy and headed west. Off at Melton, up through Toolern Vale and into the hills to Gisborne, up the Calder Hwy and onto the Old Calder Hwy to a coffee break at Woodend.

Meandered across the back roads through Tylden and Bullarto and into Daylesford, stopping at the Highlands Railway and Sunday Market for the lunch stop. Some time (?) later, the group rode the short distance into Daylesford’s main street, went for a walk and continued lunch. Visited a shop called “Lost in the 50’s Collectable's” that specializes in memorabilia from the 50’s & 60’s, spent some considerable time there, well worth the visit.

A short jaunt down through the hills saw us on the Western Hwy heading towards Werribee…………….But wait, there’s more.

A surprise stop found us at St Anne’s Winery where the local drop was sampled. Brenda recognized Colette behind the counter and the subject of bikes jumped up again. Seems Colette is married to “Gizmo” (?) a fellow bike rider and the current issue of AMCN has their BMW in it, very excited!!!. We eventually (after several purchases!) made our way down the old road through Myrniong (and past the historic hotel) into Bacchus Marsh and an uneventful return to Werribee.

Good roads, good weather and great friends – it doesn't get any better than that!

Chris

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Bellarine Peninsular Ride

Sunday 27th of February 2005

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

…………Sea Change or See Change?

On Sunday 27th February we all gathered at the Holy Feasting Place – St Macca’s of Werribee to undertake a pilgrimage of great significance. You see, we were all to have a divine experience and as you read on sinners, you will find out why us disgraceful hordes have been saved……I said saved brother!!!!

Eighteen bikes departed at the appointed hour and proceeded humbly upon such places as Lara, Freshwater Creek and on to Bells Beach where lo, the newly appointed club photographer undertook the onerous task of rounding us sinners up for a final supper photograph whilst gazing upon the holy waters of Bells Beach. Praise be!!!

Onward Ulyssian soldiers, onward unto next stops in our righteous crusade against the great infidels on four wheels, the dreaded and unholy motorist whilst journeying to such scenic and awe inspiring stops at Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale and onward unto the next feasting spot where we broke bread – Queenscliffe.

It was at this Lourdes of the Bellarine Peninsula that we all experienced the religious moment afforded us by Rev. Leno Borg who single-handedly conducted a prayer session under the shade of the holy gum tree. Rejoice!! We have all been saved!!!

Does all this sound a bit far fetched? Well it is, but let me say that the ride we all enjoyed this day around the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula was fantastic and we all thoroughly enjoyed the friendship, sights, smells and rush of fresh air that we get when riding through the country side of our great country. I for one can’t wait to do it again and, to some extent, we all had our “sea change” for the day and we did “see change” in all of us when we finally pulled up on the way home to thank our ride leader Chris Thomas for another great day on two wheels.

Safe Riding
Pushy

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Pushy’s Excellent Adventure.

Date 20/02/05

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

As requested we assembled “underneath the arches” in Werribee , at the civilised time of 1.00 p.m Sunday for our mystery ride. Due to the anticipation of the weather being cold at our destination and the subsequent rugging up of some of the riders, it became very clear that Ballarat was to be our Mission even before it was announced. Everyone’s fears however were mis-guided as the weather became more and more pleasant as the day rolled on and we started shedding the extra gear.

There were ten teams and four stops …(“Targets” as our ex-airforce leader referred to them).

Our task was to answer questions, which came in sealed envelopes. These questions were based on local products/landmarks etc. and despite the questions being of a cryptic nature, everyone seemed to return to their machines with a smile of satisfaction at each target. Although showing a healthy willingness to accept bribes for hints or answers, Pushy and his young co-pilot did not come home with pockets full of gold.

The greatest highlight of our Ballarat sortie was an unplanned exercise in co-operation when a husband & wife team were unlucky enough to have misplaced the bike keys and after much searching and ruffling through their personal gear decided that they would have to find another way home. As luck would have it, our Tail End Charlie was in his ute, which I suppose can be best described as a Hummer.

As some one pointed out at that evenings BBQ “Many hands make light work” and as quick as you could say “supercalafrajalisticexpialadocious” the bike was hoisted by many small triceps acting as one aboard the ute. No sooner had we hoisted this heavy machine up and were admiring our blokey accomplishment that an embarrassed cry came from our unlucky brother to get his bike back out ‘coz he found the lost keys lying on the road next to the ute.

It was as if some divine intervention had happened and the disappearance of the keys were sent to test the solidarity of our group.

So off came the bike and off we went back to Pushy's place where he and his lovely wife spoiled the W.Wanderers with a great meal and a wonderful desert of home made ice-cream.

I for one,can’t wait for Ian’s next excellent adventure.

And finally a quick thanks to John Humm for spotting me in the rear vision mirror when my bike temporarily died after the ride had formally ended and turning back.

By Gerry

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Ron's Rawson Ride

February 12 & 13th - Tom “Popup”

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

To coin a Derrin Hinch phrase, “SHAME. SHAME, SHAME.”

Ron Johnson you should be held accountable. Here we had what was promised by the weather bureau to be the perfect weather and the ideal weekend to be doing mundane chores like washing dishes. vacuum the house, do the washing, mow the lawns etc. etc. And did we do them? Not on your bloody Nelly mate.
WHY YOU ASK?

Because we were asked to meet you and Carol at Macca’s, Werribee to participate in a weekend ride to Rawson.

OK good one, everything could wait another week, so pack a spare pair of scuds, socks, toothbrush and stuff and off we went. Arrived at Macca’s a little early and had brekkie, ICECREAM, and before you all judge on this one, I was joined by Carol and Des so there are others who suffer from cravings of a different kind.

Now the time is right for all to leave and guess what? One member had not arrived, and, late as usual, Glenda on the Virago.

Like a trail of motorised disciples we followed to the great beyond, to boldly go........ 27 in fact boldly left on Saturday 12th February and headed East negotiating endless amounts of traffic lights, flirted with kamikazes in tintops until finally we passed thru Lillydale into Yarra Junction where we stopped for lunch, and might add, took up the locals car parking at the oval. This is where we were to learn of an altercation that happened on the way with a member of “The Immortals” bike group who threatened our beloved leader because he was wearing rockers on his jacket. I have no doubt that Ron will brief the club at the next meeting.

After lunch break it was back onto bikes thru Powelltown to the next stop Noojee for fuel and what a laugh…..one pump with so many bikes, they must have thought it was Christmas with possibly a weeks takings in one day. I am always amused with the look on the local’s faces when a lot of our bikes enter a town, then the look of relief when we take our helmets off. Does not bother the kids though.

Onward Ho!! Willowgrove and Erica to Moe for a fuel stop for those who had not fuelled before. What’s that you said, bikes missing??? Who could it be? Oh no, not Glenda on the Virago. She had turned left instead of right and he who shall remain nameless (but only rides in dry weather) gave great chase and all ended well.

RAWSON

What a beautiful, picturesque and extremely large caravan park and what a large bunkhouse with so many beds. Eleven in fact. Cosy eh? Should rename it “Peter Allen suite”.

The mind was boggling of things that could possibly happen in an environment reminiscent to the belly of a class 3 submarine. He who will remain nameless (but only rides in dry weather) used to have a desire to be a submariner….Ha! Ha! This cured him of that one.

The park was very, very pretty with quite a few permanent homes that all had well maintained and gorgeous gardens with lots and lots of very, very large trees, in fact bloody awesome with the State forest on one side that was the adopted home for the local, and not so local trail bike riders.

After settling in to our unit, aptly named “Just for Two”, we headed to the meeting eating house to participate in the game of trying to put copious amounts of liquid and food into ones mouth. Why did I do it? What a pig? What about that eatery?? What about that food?? What about those puzzles?? What about…..STOP IT enough already.

What about “Cecil B da Northam”? Resident cinematographer and ever present, holding either a video or still camera collecting and immortalising people to celluloid or digital card and what about “Whatshername” who was not at all well Sunday morning. “Fruit salad outside” the Barman said, and, on a couple of occasions at that and while we are on kiss and tell, Carol, can you please tell us how many glasses you get out of a wine bottle that still has the cork in it? Entertainment was supplied by John “Didjaheretheoneabout” Humm, not once or twice but countless times and the puzzles that were handed out by the staff and passed around for all to solve kept many people intrigued, including I might add, the table of “Grab a Grannies” that were on the loose.

Spotted El Presidente’s bulging eyes when they bought out his steak that was so big it resembled the r-send of a cow.

Off to bed…..forgot just how dark it was in the middle of a forest with no light to guide you back to your place of rest, just as well I had Helen to lead or would have still been looking. Now I know how Stevie Wonder feels.

Next morning up early and showered ready to greet the day, but not the bloody great Huntsman that was trying to carry off the helmets. Had to belt it with a shovel three times before it would die, beast of a thing you see, think it was looking to steal the Trophy.

This done, we went over for brekkie, and bugger me, what about the size of that breakfast? Had to be seen to be believed and will add, got the better of a few who had to hide the uneaten remains under table napkins, but not this little black duck, didn’t get this body by not eating I can tell you. I wonder!

Believe the funniest sites in “The Bunkhouse” next morning was Colin Johnson’s upper torso towering above the top of the shower curtain and the shower rose that only came up to his chest,,,,and Gordon Hewett’s legs that are so white that they tried to shoo him away because they thought he was a seagull…so I am told by those who know and tell and do not tell porkies..

Finally on gallant steeds and away, this time to Thompson River Dam where we were enlightened as to the history of the construction of the dam by Dave Packer who, in years gone by, spent 9 long years at said place while construction was in progress, very informative stuff. Back onto mechanical wonders for a perfect twisty run to Walhalla and a 1.5 hr break to discover the town and for those that still had room in stomach after huge brekkie, lunch.

Having coffee at a local café, Carol's chair leg sank into the grass and now has a nickname of “Eileen”. Des……what were you doing laying face down on the grass hhhmmmm? The mind boggles.

From here back to Moe for a fuel top up then smooth run straight down the highway to the Shell Servo at the base of ”The Shrine”, the Westgate Bridge to say our goodbyes.

To the Westgate Wanderers on the ride, Helen and I thank you for your company, to the new members who participated in their first Wanderers weekend, welcome to our club we hope that you enjoyed the weekend, to my darling Helen thank you for not yelling at me when I went a bit quick into some of the corners and finally to Ron and Carol………mongrels, you made us have an extremely enjoyable weekend with perfect weather and equally lovely people. Just joking……we luv you guys, thanks heaps. XXXXXXXXX

PS: Believe suggestions have been passed in to make this an annual event, don’t know why you would want that to happen.

For those that are interested:
Total distance covered…….516.65km
Average speed……………………..69.19km/hr
Total riding time………………7hrs28min01secs
My fastest speed on weekend…….123km/hr

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Maldon (Australia Day Ride)

Wed 26th Jan 2005 - Helen

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

~ Instructions ~
Assemble
at Macca’s Werribee for 10a.m. departure.
9.40 a.m.
1 bike rider and pillion arrives.
9.50 a.m
2nd bike rider arrives with news that ride leader has pulled out due to forecast of hot and windy weather conditions.
9.55a.m.
Short meeting held.
Unanimous Decision

~ The ride must go on ~

New ride leader nominated and tail end Charlie appointed.
Quick referral to map.
Depart 10 a.m.
...on the dot. Maldon here we come.
Arrive at traffic lights before railway crossing in Werribee
another bike and pillion joins us. Great, that gives us a corner marker.
Lights turn Green.
Away goes corner marker leaving ride leader and tail end Charlie in his exhaust fumes. “Oh well we don’t really have to have a corner marker on this wander.”

Bacchus Marsh
Tail end Charlie notices that ride leader doesn’t appear to be able to read DETOUR AHEAD signs.
Better stop on corner and wait until he returns. Ah here he comes, that didn’t take too long, we think we had better lead for a while until we get through Detour. Back on track
for a short run up the freeway to Ballan.
Ride leader takes first Ballan exit and left into Ballan. Tail end Charlie gets confused and turns right back over freeway.... To Melbourne sign appears.... Oh-no wrong way. Ride leader catches tail end Charlie and learns why he is really called “U turn.”

Back through Ballan right over freeway and on our way again to Daylesford.
What a great day. The temperature began to drop right down as we travelled through the scenic forest countryside.
This is soooo nice.

Daylesford

What a lovely place to stop for morning tea. Ride leader chooses a quaint little café with tables and chairs on footpath. He refuels on bacon and egg croissant and black coffee, he does have rather long legs to fill, while a chocolate milkshake is enjoyed by tail end Charlie and his pillion. All to soon it is time to mount up and head out of town via Hepburn Springs past the Cricket Bat Willows and on towards Maldon via the rural settings of Newstead, Welshman’s Reef and Gowar.

Maldon
Find a shady parking spot to leave our bikes and gear. Then time to load the camera and start our photo shoot while we explore this great little town. Tail End Charlie makes straight for the toy shop but alas, it’s closed :(. On to the pub for lunch. What should one choose to eat? Such a vast menu of delicious fare to be had and all so cheap. Ride leader decides on Chicken pesto pasta, even though it wasn’t on the menu the friendly barmaid assured him the chef would be able to cook it up, as they had all the required ingredients.
Tail end Charlie decided to change his diet from steak and ordered Maldon sausages and chips. That left the lady pillion..... What was she going to have? Aha! Its Australia Day! one would have to have a traditional roast lamb, vegetables gravy and mint sauce now wouldn’t one? All to soon being thoroughly seated it was time to move on.

Return through Castlemaine
The return journey through Castlemaine and back to Melbourne via the Calder highway to Keilor and then across country to Werribee was a quick but pleasant ride. However, we didn’t enjoy returning to the heat of the city :(. A cold refreshment was enjoyed by all three happy wanderers in Tail End Charlie’s Beer Garden on completion of our wander.

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Around the Bay in a Day

Sunday 16th January - Bruce

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

Seventeen riders and five pillion passenger assemble at Maccas for a day on the high seas, well the waves were about 10 cms high. Anyway, we left headed for Sorrento under the excellent leadership of our one and only Harley ridden by Chief Ride Leader John. John was resplendent in his FULL FACE HELMET (seemed strange on a Harley, but then again isn’t John always a bit strange?)

First stop was a 7/11 at Edithvale, near the start of the Frankston Freeway. Easy riding on the freeway so far. After a leisurely break we headed off bound for Sorrento. I noticed a big tourism sign on the freeway that said “Welcome to bays and peninsulas” and low and be hold one of the three pictures on the sign was of Werribee Park Mansion. Now I thought that was a bit cheeky given that the sign is the best bit of 80 kilometres from Werribee AND on the other side of the bay. Nothing like a bit of advertising licence I thought.

Anyway we passed the sign and were going through the Mt Eliza area when we started to get a bit of falling H2O on the visor and this reminded me of a comment by Ian W that he only came on the ride because there was no mention of rain. So I had visions of Ian camping under the nearest tree until the wet stuff disappeared. Alas, the rain didn’t last long and Ian kept riding. More freeway riding and then along the beachfront at Rosebud onto Sorrento.

Still plenty of holidaymakers wandering around the beach and the shopping centres. We arrived at the Sorrento Hotel at about 11.40am and took up residence in the bar and on the footpath outside tables. A good feed and drink and the hour was soon up and it was off to get the 1 o’clock ferry to Queenscliff.

The bikes were allowed to park on the ferry first and then up to the top deck to take in the sights of Port Phillip Bay. The breeze was stiff and the water calm. A very gentle 30 minutes on board then off at Queenscliff and then onto Leopold where a number of bikes we refuelled.

More chin wagging then off to see Old Number One (bollard) at Eastern Beach, where we were met by President Ray, wife Helen and Max S who had been on the Robyn Rabone Kaniva ride. Talk about doing some Ks, they did about 900 for the weekend. The photo opposite was taken at Eastern Beach and then it was off to Werribee via the BP at Little River.

Another great day out with the wind in our faces and good friendships made even better.

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Kaniva Memorial Run

Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 Jan, 2005 - Ron

Ride Report:

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

Twelve months ago on 18 Jan 04, when participating in a Geelong Branch ride to Malden, I witnessed the death of one the group near Ballan. She was Robyn Rabone, 41-years-old and a new member, who loved life and most of all riding with the Ulysses Club. Many of the 44 who were on the ride that day made the trip to Robyn’s home town of Kaniva, for her funeral service and laying to rest. For her parents Harry and Margaret as well as other members of the family, the participation of Robyn’s fellow Ulyssians in the funeral precession and as pall-bearers, was a great comfort in dealing with the tragedy. Unfortunately at the time due to time constraints, we were unable to participate in the Rabone family BBQ. When invited back this year most jumped at the chance.

There were about 40 riders in total including four from the Wanderers. They were Ray, Helen, Max and yours truly. Henry organised the ride and accommodation, all of which ran smoothly. Ray and Helen rode to Ararat on the Friday after work, and Max and I rode down to Geelong to leave with the main group at 8.00am on the Saturday. The weather was forecast to be pretty warm that day and a little cooler on the Sunday – just the way we like it. The first stop was Buninyong for a pee and a stretch, then “back-on-ya-bikes” for the ride to Ararat for a cuppa. Ray and the Storms were waiting for us there bright-eyed and bushy tailed, with an interesting story of some kids being apprehended near Ray and Helen’s motel making 000 hoax calls. As it happened the Fire Chief who responded to one of the calls lived quite near to the reported disaster, and he spotted the culprits waiting in the phone box to see what happened. You know what happened!

“Back-on-ya-bikes” again and off to Stawell for fuel, then Horsham for a late lunch, and on to Dimboola for more fuel as Kaniva was dry at that time. At Stawell, Garry Storm’s recently ‘repaired’ Thunderbird decided to start dropping a lot of oil and top gear had disappeared. Nobody seemed surprised at this from a Triumph? He bought some oil and off we went. Lots of straight road and we finally arrived at Kaniva after slowing to the legal speed limit for the benefit of the resident speed camera, then riding to the motel via the Rabone’s home.

Our accommodation would be best described as a ‘budget’ motel with doll-house sized rooms, and after negotiating the acres of loose gravel to our rooms (not a surface the Venture enjoys) we unloaded and rode out to the cemetery. Strong memories of the funeral procession came back to us on the way to her resting place. Quietly we gathered to pay our respects while Henry placed a black ribbon on her plaque, next to the silver Old Man Ulysses badge, fixed proudly under her inlaid photo. A minute silence to reflect and a slow walk to our bikes for the return trip to the motel. Henry had arranged us into the rooms as best he could, however it meant that many of us had to sleep ‘very close’ to people we didn’t know very well! It was also clear to me that my long frame wasn’t going to fit in ‘that’ single bed so later that night I took a room in the nearby pub, which turned out cheaper and I could sleep on my own. $20 a night and cook your own brekkie! A bargain.

The Rabone family made a great country BBQ for us that we washed down with plenty of the amber stuff. It was a great way to relax after a long ride, and our presence seemed to be helpful to Harry and Margaret, who still looked shattered by their grief. A farewell speech and we made our departure for the local pubs where a lot more of the fluid was consumed and fun times enjoyed. I wonder who won the very loud and very long-winded pool competition downstairs from my room?

A last minute pillion ride for Margaret Rabone and her 83-year-old friend next morning, then breakfast and pack up for home. Ray and Max left before us to be at Geelong in time to meet the round-the-bay group for a quiet one. Our lead riders took off for home like scolded cats and I gave the Venture her head and went with them. Petrol at Dimboola again and coffee at Horsham where we split up, with most of the group going back to Geelong via Halls Gap to top-up on twisties. The only incident was when Robyn’s friend Nancy ‘ran out of fuel’ as she didn’t know how to switch to reserve! I travelled back to Ballarat with a small group of Geelong members where they turned for home and I travelled on to Werribee. A big weekend of riding and one no doubt enjoyed by all.

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Clunes Mid-Week Ride

Wednesday Jan 12, 2005 - Roger(Dri Rider)

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

One Fine Sunny Wednesday in January……..

Yes, it was one fine sunny Wednesday in January when 10 WW who were in the fortunate position to go on a midweek ride, met at Macca’s for a jaunt to Clunes to visit a “bottle museum”.

Now it must be said bottle museum’s have never been high on our priority lists, but it seemed a good idea at the time and knowing Big Ron’s ability to organise anything we all thought why not join in, it would be a good day regardless. At the sensible hour of 10am we (Ron, John, Des, Ken, Graham, Joe, Len, Big Jack, Dave and myself) all met and set off in glorious conditions.

Usual ride up to Ballan, where a good stop for a chin wag, drink and pee was had and then a bit of freeway to Creswick turn off and then up to Clunes. The only “real “excitement (other than great ride conditions) was the large water tank coming unexpectedly towards us followed by the massive spray that instead of spraying the paddock, was coming across the road, very spectacular to ride through – Dri Rider was seen to hesitate at the water risk but bravely rode through!

Then on to the National Pub at Clunes for lunch, what an excellent meal at reasonable cost, just a lovely old traditional pub lunch with an interesting bar man, who introduced me to a “dead lizard” – raspberry & Coke, which tasted much better than it sounded – but we were learn more about strange drinks later.

Then on to the Bottle Museum – what a gem, a whole $2.00 to get in, full of good Australian history. The most amazing collection of bottles, there must have been 6000 of them, all categorised with notes on their background - soft drink ,beer, medical, ceramic (circa 1860), fruit, coffee, whisky, wine, black and a large collection of round bottom ones that were invented when gas was introduced to drinks which was to force the bottle to lay down and contain the gas better; well that’s what it said on the notes!

A very interesting list of “Ol Wino” drinks was shown including the “Crazyman’s Dream” come to the next meeting to find out what was in this concoction as there is a bottle of red up if any one knows. There will be a back up question involving Schnapps just in case nobody knows!

Also included in the museum is a working display of how drinks were gassed, a great collection of old Australiana bits and pieces, and would you believe a doll collection – it really was the best $2 worth for a long time. Time had rushed by so time to saddle up for the ride home, uneventful but very enjoyable.

Thanks to Ron for organising an excellent day’s ride that hopefully will lead to more mid-week rides.

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Geelong Toy Run

Sun 12th Dec 2004 - Max

Ride Report:

I awoke to a cloudy day so a decision as to what to wear had to be made - my wet weather gear or draggin jeans? No it won’t rain, so draggin jeans and jacket won the day. We assembled at Maccas Werribee and left for Geelong with 11 bikes, a trike and 15 happy people. On arrival at Geelong the sight of hundreds of motorbikes parked all along the street was an awesome sight. After a chat and cup of tea, it was time to get ready for my first toy run.

On returning to my bike I saw Ian (Push Start) leaning on a chain link fence and what a sight to see when it gave way and down went Ian for an unexpected sit on the grass. That’s the second time that Ian has done that comedy sketch that I am aware of. Remember the Christmas party and how he made us laugh falling over the loud speaker!

Off we rode to a roar of an estimated thousand bikes. Well some roar louder than others and some just purr. First stop for smoko was Pt Arlington. It was off again through Indented Heads, St Leonards to Queenscliff for a BBQ lunch. I liked the way the large eskies kept the beer and spirits cold; in the backs of utes covered with ice. Every where we rode we were treated like celebrities with people lined up along the streets and country roads, waving and cheering us on. Did anyone else see the ute with the lounge and beach umbrella on the back with people in it waving to us as we rode past?

My pillion Kaye was having her first alcoholic drink under a gum tree when it was noticed she had brown marks down the front of her top. Spitfires in the tree were blamed for the mess, but on reflection I wonder if it was from the hamburger she had just demolished? (Didn’t see any spitfires myself!).

After a speech by one of the HOG officials and the raffle draw it was time to hit the road again. I like the way the HOG members blocked off roundabouts to give us a clear run and keep all the bikes together. Reminded me of my ride with the Banditos as they also block traffic off at roundabouts, lights and anywhere else it suits them so bikes get priority. We had a police escort and while the policeman sat in his car watching the bikes get ready for the return run a biker decided to do a massive burn out and clouding everyone and everything around him in blue smoke. Our return route was through Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Easter Beach and Geelong.

After a short break it was decided to meet at the BP for a break and chat on the way back to our homes.

After our goodbyes I headed for Kaye’s house to drop her off with her saying “you are going to get wet”. She had been wishing it all day as she had wet weather gear on. On arrival her Dad Laurie invited me for a refreshing whisky and dry so being polite I accepted. Kaye and I discussed the day’s events so as to help me do the ride report. Just before I left a few claps of thunder and the biggest smile on Kaye’s face as the sky opened up with water bucketing down and out of her lips came the words “you are going to get wet”. Damn, oh well another whisky in the shed until it clears as the bike was already soaked. (Just as well I have an understanding partner at home!). Wish I hadn’t left my gloves on my bike with the open end facing upwards – who would have thought that a glove could hold so much water?

A great day was had by all and thanks to Ride Leader Chris TEC John. While I am in the thank you mode my thanks go to my partner Shauna for the great spread and cold beer and soft drinks she had bought and prepared for all of the Cavendish rally riders on our return from that trip.

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Cavendish Rally

Friday 26, Nov 2004. Ron

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

It was Friday morning and the word had passed around, the bikes were lined up whilst the trailers tagged along. Yes, the ‘wanderers’ were about to leave, Cavendish they were bound. There was Ron, Chris, Gordon, Ray, Bruce, Barry, Jason, Max and John, oh yes, we would all get to see a side of John that we hadn’t seen before. But more on that later.

With gear loaded on the back and for Ray and Gordon, with trailers hooked, up the convoy left in high spirits. Out to Bacchus Marsh and onto the highway they headed with Ballarat as the first stop. An easy run in warm conditions. Ray was keeping a close eye on his new trailer to make sure it towed properly. The group assembled at the BP servo for fuel, a quick check of gear and a chat to the guys and gals from Whittlesea.

With the weather getting hotter the group headed through the main street of Ballarat bound for Lake Bolac, another leisurely 100 klms on the Glenelg Highway. Lunch was terrific. A good feed and all for $5.50! By now the weather was HOT, about 35° someone thought.

The next section was a short one to Dunkeld where everyone fuelled up ready for Cavendish, about 31 klms down the road. The site was found and we headed through some long grass to pitch the tents. It was here that ‘Captain Scar’ was named. Our intrepid Secretary Ron, who has had some recent faring problems unfortunately stumbled over a hidden log and well, the Royal Star is a big bike to get off the ground, isn’t it?

With tents erected it was time for a cold one, or two or ten. The boys were settled in nicely. Eddie D arrived on his red machine only to fall, literally, victim to an odd camber on the gravel track. Col Johnson arrived at about 9.15am on Saturday morning after a flying start from the big smoke on his recently rebuilt Suzuki 1100. Saturday saw the group split in two. One group went off to Hamilton to get some ‘supplies’ (for the girls that means bread and butter. For the blokes it means we were thirsty). The second group headed off on a 170 klm round trip to Halls Gap through some very beautiful country.

Saturday night was full of John’s jokes. Well, the whole weekend was full of John’s gags and nobody got missed, the Irish, the English, the Aussies, Blondes, Aborigines—you name it and John has a gag to match. The ‘Wolverines’ struck up their guitars and drums and entertained the 400 or so Ulyssians ‘til about midnight, by which time all the Wanderers were nicely tucked up in their tents, some more ‘tucked up’ than others. It’s truly amazing how much Bundy and Ginger Beer some people can drink in a night.

Sunday, we awoke to a very misty morning. Someone said it rained during the night, but few were aware—I wonder why. With gear packed and a bit of brekky in the tummies, we headed for home. A few stops along the way for fuel and trailer problems and we regrouped at Ballarat for some early lunch and a photo shoot. We arrived back at Hoppers at about 2pm and after a couple of drinks at Max's place we made it home for a much needed shower and rest.

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Wander to Whittlesea

Sun 14th Nov, 2004. (Chris)

Those who rode on Sunday will take their place in the history as the First Official Wanderers of Ulysses Inc – Westgate Wanderers Branch.

Sunday morning – a little overcast as I wheeled into Macca’s to be greeted by a broadly grinning Ray & Ron. It’s official; Westgate Wanderers are now a branch of Ulysses Inc, approved yesterday. After a short (brief?) briefing, 6 heads (5 bikes and Gordon on the trike), topped by Chris & tailed by Ron, set sail along the Princes Hwy, the Western Ring Rd and across the Hume to Whittlesea for fuel and a cuppa at the I’Screamery.

As luck would have it, several of the Whittlesea Ulysses were there and a friendly chat followed. Lodged in the wall of the I’Screamery is, believe it or not, a full sized motor bike! (Ride leader Chris was asked “Did you lose something earlier on the trip?” Checked - sure enough, this time it was the helmet bag, last seen on the side of the road at Laverton, beside a white pillow!)

Taking off from Whittlesea saw us heading up into the hills, through Kinglake West, Flowerdale and Strath Creek on beautiful flowing roads winding through dense bush and believe it or not, dry roads all the way. On to Broadford and into Kilmore for fuel & lunch. I can thoroughly recommend the Kilmore Bakery for pies, great. Others ‘dined’ at The Royal Oak Hotel in the main street and the meal was gigantic for a good price.

A passerby was ‘press ganged’, handed Ron’s camera and we all stood as a group for the photo shoot.

Next leg was via Romsey and Gisborne to Bacchus Marsh for the dispersal. So far, a windy but dry ride. Ron & I headed off to Werribee and yep, down it came, the only shower for the whole trip. All up round trip was about 285 km.

(I rode on up to Laverton to find the ‘white pillow’ and lo & behold, there was the missing helmet bag beside it. I remain eternally grateful to those who noticed it.)

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Inaugural Ride

Sun 3rd Oct, 2004. Ian (Pushy)r

All Pics prior to Jan 1st 2006 have been removed from the Website to save space. They are still available on CD from the Webmaster. Click here to me!

On Sunday, 3rd October, the “Westgate Wanderers” held their inaugural ride. Being a new branch we decided that the day should be one of enjoyment as well as a social get together for the inaugural members.

However, it was sad to hear of our new Ride Captain Jeff falling ill and unable to lead the first ride. We all wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him out front soon. Ron volunteered to step into the breech and lead the ride.

All the hardy souls gathered at Macca’s in Synnot St under overcast skies and duly departed on time. Our destination was plotted to be Woodend traveling a rather circuitous route via Ballan, Gisborne and all points in between finally ending up at Bacchus Marsh.

The day did not start well for your author. I am rather embarrassed to report that no sooner had we crossed the railway lines in Greaves St, Werribee and started to head out along Ballan Rd, that I, being the first corner marker suddenly found that my *!@#^>% bike had a mind of its own and refused to start.

Imagine the delight of “El Prez” who happened to be Tail End Charlie when he pulled up and gave me a push. Worse still, this was the second time in two weeks that he has done this. He assures me that I won’t live it down. Remember Prez, you could be next!!

We made our way via Staughton Vale and Steiglitz traveling along some beautiful country roads – the golden Canola in the fields was fantastic to see, and past a couple of interesting “fishing spots” to arrive at Ballan for morning tea. The lady in the Café was run off her feet, but we, as true Ulyssians, were well mannered and even offered to apply for the job that she had advertised in her window. The coffee was great and the banter was fantastic.

After we left Ballan, nicely warmed up we headed out to Greendale and Blackwood. The country there is very pretty and the hills and bends are challenging. I could feel my ears popping as we started to head up to the higher altitudes. A lot of locals turned out to witness a very motley lot of ancient motorcyclists rumbling through their otherwise quiet townships.

Soon we arrived at the picturesque town of Trentham and our intrepid Ride Captain appeared to have lost his way, but no, he soon got us back on track and off we went, destination Woodend and lunch. We arrived at Woodend, refuelled both our bikes and our-selves. Bruce Reid obviously likes his Vanilla slices and did we ever find the owner of the Chilli Chicken roll that the girl was trying to get rid of?

Who got the weather report for the rest of the ride just so that they didn’t have to put on their wet weather gear?

After Woodend, we headed homeward bound to our final destination Bacchus Marsh. We all gathered at the servo there and had a “debrief” of the day’s ride.

I for one, thoroughly enjoyed the day (despite the earlier mechanical glitch) and am really ready to head off on our next one, it can’t come soon enough.

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