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Ulyssian JUNE 2017 | 3

Administration/Membership/Gear: Debby Morgan, PO Box 40218, Upper Hutt 5140 Ph: 0800 ULYSSES or 0800 859 773 between 2:30pm and 5:30pm Mobile: 021 072 3636 Email: [email protected]

Keeper of the Remembrance Book: Peggy O’Neal #2849 Email: [email protected]

Website Administrator: Paul Willard Email: [email protected] Ph: 07 929 2415 (leave a message) or 021 638 223

ULYSSIAN MAGAZINE PRODUCTIONPublisher/Editor: Paul Lance

Email: [email protected]

Advertising: Sam Slatter

Phone: 07 862 6957


Design: Gemma Wild


Printing: Image Centre

Distributon: Gordon & Gotch NZ

CONTENTS

ULYSSES CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND INC.NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS

President: Mike Dew #2415 367 Wairakei Road, Burnside, Christchurch 8053 Ph: 03 359 4949 Mobile: 027 283 0235 Email: [email protected]

Vice President: Tim (Tiny) Stewart #8959 25 Tait Drive, Greenmeadows, Napier, 4112 Ph: 06 845 0238 Mobile: 021 053 7842 Email: [email protected]

Treasurer: Stuart Burns #3703 33A Iles Road, Lynmore, Rotorua 3010 Ph: 07 345 3053 Mobile: 021 972 535 Email: [email protected]

Secretary: Pete Graham #8196 71 Snodgrass Road, RD 2 Ext, Westport, 7892 Ph: 03 7897749 Mobile: 021 271 2846 Email: [email protected]

Committee: Wayne Painter #1756 PO Box 100054, North Shore Mail, Auckland 0745 Ph: 09 444 2770 Mobile: 027 289 1018 Email: [email protected]

Committee: Jim Furneaux #2098 47 Ward Street, Upper Hutt 5018 Ph: 04 971 2893 Mobile: 021 244 2091 Email: [email protected]

Committee: Jane Laing #6361 75A Weld Street, Redwoodtown, Blenheim, 7201 Ph: 03 577 6663 Mobile: 022 450 7042 Email: [email protected]

3 National Committee Members

4 President’s Report

6 The Editor

6 New Members

8 National Treasurer's Report

9 Administrator's Report

10 New Natcom Members

12 Obituaries

14 2018 National Ulysses Rally and AGM

16 AGM Report & Letter to the Editor

18 Branch News

Articles

32 Bridgette Jones' Diary 36 Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel Ride

37 Otago Ride To 2017 AGM

38 Northern Odyssey

41 Evolution of the Motorcycle Show

42 Oyster Hunt 2017

44 Bottom of the South

49 The Freezing Works of Yore

50 South of Clarence: When Good Roads Go Bad

51 The South Island Uly Tree

52 Scoot A Hoot 53 A Couple of Anecdotes to Ponder!

54 Living The Dream - Part 3 57 2017 Wanganui ANZAC Day Ride 58 The Rides We Enjoy 60 Rallies

66 Branch Meeting Times and Contacts

4 | Ulyssian JUNE 2017

PRESIDENT’S REPORTMIKE DEW #2415NATIONAL PRESIDENT

It gives me great pleasure to present my 5th President’s Report to you.This is the Club’s 30th meeting or AGM with the first being held in Taupo in 1988.

Since those early days the Club has undergone a number of changes, as personalities within the Club have changed and we’ve had to move with the changing times and regulations that now play a bigger part in our daily lives.

Back in the early days, The Ulysses Club stood out from other motorcycle clubs in our community as we were catering for those over 40 and our moto “Growing Old Disgracefully” applied to many. We were also seen as a social club for people interested in motorcycling.

In the last 10 to 15 years a number of other clubs have started up that offer choices to the returning or older motorcyclists. One make of motorcycle in particular has marketed the baby boomer group, and those in the 30 to 40 age group very well and this has had a large effect on our market group.

The last twelve months have been very challenging with continuing reduction in membership numbers and now having to pay the full costs (less adverting income) for the production of The Ulyssian. This is having a financial effect on our budget and Stuart will cover this in his Treasurer’s Report shortly.

The reducing membership numbers have been a concern for several years and is a subject that has been discussed in depth at the Coordinators and Natcom meetings. This year we ran a membership drive in October and offered a discounted joining fee. A number of branches got in behind this offer and signed up more than the normal new members for the month. This year we’re also running a draw each month where two new members will receive a free copy of our Growing Old Disgracefully book for joining the Club.

Declining membership isn’t something that we alone are experiencing. We seem to attract new members throughout the year, then lose a few more than we attract at renewal time.

I accept the facts that members’ interests change so they leave the Club, but I do get concerned when I hear comments from a few members who say they weren’t made to feel welcome at their branch meetings or functions, or there’s too much in house fighting within the branch, so they will not be renewing their membership.

We’re also aware that a few branches are having difficulties in forming a committee

at their AGMs and this may result in the branch having to be closed. All that’s required is a minimum of three members (coordinator, secretary / treasurer and a committee member) to form a branch committee. It would be a very sad day to see some of our long standing branches having to close due to no one coming forward to fill the committee positions.

Just after the National Rally in Westport last year the redesigned Club website went live. Feedback received has mainly been positive although some members are having difficulties with the higher security requirements (for passwords) to access the members’ only links. One link holds most of our members’ details e.g. our membership directory and I’m sure you’ll agree that we don’t want non-members being able to access this information, so we need good security.

We’ve also been in discussions with the BMW Rider Owners Group about the new database that they have upgraded to. It sounds like the programme will also work for our Club. Hopefully once this is in place it will allow more Club business to be done via email thus saving time for our administrator.

On a positive note, those that attended the coordinators and Natcom meeting in October last year said it was a worthwhile get-together. It allowed the coordinators and Natcom to openly discuss issues that affected the day to day running of their branches and Club as a group. Natcom are continuing to review the viability of holding these yearly meetings, as it does come at a cost to the Club.

Last year’s National Rally held in Westport was well organised by the Buller Branch. The rally did run at a small loss but I’m sure all those that attended would agree that the Buller Branch did a fantastic job. It just goes to show that a smaller branch within the Club can organise a National Rally. It was also the first time that the Club AGM had been held on the West Coast of the South Island. Well done to all those involved and to the local community for supporting the local Branch and Club.

I’d like to thank Stuart Burns and Jayne Mansell for organising the Club Bike Raffle which will be drawn this evening. At one stage we didn’t think the raffle would get off the ground this year as there were a number of administration hurdles to overcome.

Today we say farewell to four members of the National Committee, as they are not standing for re-election. Jim Galt

was elected to the committee in 2007 and over the last 7 years has held the following positions: committee member, Secretary and Club Vice President. Nicky Bright has been the Club Secretary for the last three years and she has carried out that roll in a very professional matter. Nicky’s experience will be missed. Jayne Mansell was elected onto the committee 2 years ago as a committee member. Lawrence (Goose) Gosnell has been on the committee for one year.

On behalf of the Club members I’d like to thank you all very much for all the time and effort that you have given so freely to ensure the Club affairs are managed in a professional manner.

Thanks also goes to Stuart Burns and Jim Furneaux for all the time that they have also given freely to ensure Natcom runs smoothly.

The Club has two paid contractors working for us and I’d like to thank Debby Morgan (Club Administrator) and Paul Willard (Webmaster) for all the work they do in carrying out their rolls. Debby Morgan as our administrator has a wealth of knowledge on managing our Club daily affairs. Paul has been the webmaster for only one year and works for the Club on a Wednesday afternoon or evening only. Paul does have one request, please send him more photos (not from a cell phone) and your rides lists so the events and photos can be uploaded to the website.

Bike Rider Magazine (BRM) continues to produce our quarterly Club magazine. In the past we have struggled to get BRM to publish all the articles that were sent in, due to them covering all the publishing cost. Since the Club has been paying the full costs, most articles have been published.

Now due to the rising costs we have to consider the following:

Do we only publish two Ulyssians a year?Only send out a PDF copy?Increase our annual subscriptions?Some hard decisions will soon have to

be made by Natcom after discussing the issues with the coordinators and whatever we do won’t please everyone. We have a great Club and for it to continue we all need to work together to attract and retain members. I’m looking forward to working with the new National Committee and the coordinators over the next twelve months.Thank you.Mike Dew #2415National PresidentThe Ulysses Club of NZ Inc.

Some of the BenefitsNew replacement Motorcycle if a total loss occurs within 12 months of the insured motorcycle being first registered as a new Motorcycle up to 20,000km – this increases to 24 months and 30,000km for Ulysses members.

Windscreen/shield, headlights or tail lights covered – Nil excess.

Roadside Assistance is provided on comprehensively covered motorcycles.

Automatic Riding Apparel cover – $5,000 (indemnity value) any one claim per year.

Option to have Replacement Riding Apparel cover – $5,000 (replacement value) any one claim per year. Premium for Ulysses members $50 plus GST. (Normally $75+GST).

Discounts Discounts DiscountsAge Discounts, Multiple Bike Discount (conditions apply), Loyalty Discounts, Trike Discounts, Named Rider Discounts and the Restricted Usage Discount – this is now based on riding less than 7,500km per year, per bike! (was 5,000km).

Lower ExcessesThe standard policy excess is now $250 (plus underage excesses applying), $500 theft excess and on approved track days a $750 excess only will apply.

Ride ForeverIf you complete a Ride Forever training course, provide us with your certificate and we will apply a NIL excess for one claim within 12 months of completing this course.

Contact

Leonie, Annaliese or Jodie

0800 65 62 64if you have any queries

Ulysses 2016 Motorcycle Insurance SchemeAon has a new Policy Wording with a new UnderwriterIn collaboration with NZI, Aon has a new improved policy wording for Motorcycles. This Prestige Motorcycle Policy gives you the best of the best in cover for all types of On-Road Motorcycles including 3 wheelers, Off-Road Motorcycles including Quad Bikes, Competition Motorcycles (not covered whilst racing), Motorcycle Collections and Classic/Vintage Motorcycles.

Some of the BenefitsNew replacement Motorcycle if a total loss occurs within 12 months of the insured motorcycle being first registered as a new Motorcycle up to 20,000km – this increases to 24 months and 30,000km for Ulysses members.

Windscreen/shield, headlights or tail lights covered – Nil excess.

Roadside Assistance is provided on comprehensively covered motorcycles.

Automatic Riding Apparel cover – $5,000 (indemnity value) any one claim per year.

Option to have Replacement Riding Apparel cover – $5,000 (replacement value) any one claim per year. Premium for Ulysses members $50 plus GST. (Normally $75+GST).

Discounts Discounts DiscountsAge Discounts, Multiple Bike Discount (conditions apply), Loyalty Discounts, Trike Discounts, Named Rider Discounts and the Restricted Usage Discount – this is now based on riding less than 7,500km per year, per bike! (was 5,000km).

Lower ExcessesThe standard policy excess is now $250 (plus underage excesses applying), $500 theft excess and on approved track days a $750 excess only will apply.

Ride ForeverIf you complete a Ride Forever training course, provide us with your certificate and we will apply a NIL excess for one claim within 12 months of completing this course.

Contact

Leonie, Annaliese or Jodie

0800 65 62 64if you have any queries

Ulysses 2016 Motorcycle Insurance SchemeAon has a new Policy Wording with a new UnderwriterIn collaboration with NZI, Aon has a new improved policy wording for Motorcycles. This Prestige Motorcycle Policy gives you the best of the best in cover for all types of On-Road Motorcycles including 3 wheelers, Off-Road Motorcycles including Quad Bikes, Competition Motorcycles (not covered whilst racing), Motorcycle Collections and Classic/Vintage Motorcycles.


Membership Number First Name Surname Branch 09609 David Tantrum AUCKLAND09610 Anne Tantrum AUCKLAND09611 David Pearton NORTH OTAGO09612 Shirley Bradley NORTH OTAGO09613 Ian Bosen AUCKLAND09614 Martin Gohns AUCKLAND09615 Richard Aitken NELSON09616 David Watson FAR NORTH09617 Gail Howard NELSON09618 David Howard NELSON09619 Stuart McLennan WELLINGTON09620 Basil Roper ROTORUA09621 Jeremy Main FAR NORTH09622 Marc Lubbers WELLINGTON09623 Dave Duff NORTH OTAGO09624 Jarrod Scott NORTH HARBOUR09625 Clinton Fletcher WAIKATO09626 Ben Tiatia WAIKATO09627 Steve Gray FAR NORTH09628 Lianne Meyer WAIRARAPA09629 Stuart Woodman WELLINGTON

Membership Number First Name Surname Branch09630 Gavin Croad MANAWATU09631 Glenn Oliver TAUPO09632 Patrick Callaghan CANTERBURY09633 Dean MacFarlane CANTERBURY09634 Debbie MacFarlane CANTERBURY09635 Ian Begbie CANTERBURY09636 Brian Cox CANTERBURY09637 Lea Whittington KAPITI COAST09638 Darryl Andrews WAIKATO09639 Lee Blackburn MARLBOROUGH09640 Dave Jackson MARLBOROUGH09641 Bob Watters AUCKLAND09642 Dean Tasker WAIKATO09643 Aida Gulbransen AUCKLAND09644 Desmond James AUCKLAND09646 Alfredo Moreno NORTH HARBOUR09647 Bert Cunningham HAWKES BAY09648 Shane Le Breton TARANAKI09649 Philippe Dumont MARLBOROUGH09650 Neil Wheeler AUCKLAND

EDITORIALPAUL LANCEULYSSIAN EDITOR

Last day for submissions for

the next Ulyssian magazine is August 10,

2017.

Hi everyone and welcome to the Winter Edition of the Ulyssian. With cyclones, freezing mornings and plenty

of rain falling across the country, it’s sure to have put many off going for a ride. Thankfully, the occasional couple of days of fine weather between all the gloom soon sees the roads once again filled with motorcyclists, who quickly take the opportunity to blow the cobwebs out and scratch that constant itch all bikers have of wanting to get out on two wheels. Funnily enough, I quite enjoy riding in the rain as long as I’m wearing the right gear, but it does tend to lose its appeal when it’s raining every time I go to get on the bike!

It’s great to see some excellent articles in this issue of the Ulyssian, with reports of some epic adventures undertaken by Ulyssian members sure to make us all crave to get on our bikes and do something similar. The Northern Odyssey and TT2000 are certainly on my bucket

list as is a tour across the States, even if it does mean riding a Harley-Davidson. The only time I’ve ridden a piece of American iron in the States was on the Milwaukee-Eight launch in Seattle last year, but even on a quick couple of days was enough to understand that special feeling of riding a Harley-Davidson in America. Even if you usually aren’t a fan of them, they’re built for a purpose, and that’s cruising American roads looking cool while you click off the kays.

The AGM looks to have been a brilliant success, with everyone who attended reporting of the fun times and the excellent organisation of the Wairarapa Branch. The loo racing sounded like a blast, although with a couple of injuries sustained by members, maybe some are better sticking to two wheels! The gnomes in the photos supplied look great, and I’m sure you’ll all enjoy reading about the exploits that went on. It’s great to be able to see what branches and members have been up to over the

previous three months between editions of the Ulyssian, although unfortunately, it’s looking like this may well be the last copy you’ll receive in your hand. I certainly hope not, as myself and my team have been extremely proud of what we’ve managed to achieve with the national magazine of the Ulysses Club, and I’m sure like many of you, nothing replaces having a copy in your hands. Going digital obviously reduces printing costs, but I believe a move to digital will eventually see the end of the Ulyssian, as most people just don’t want to read a magazine online.

Whatever the decision, it’s been great producing the Ulyssian and seeing what goes on with the club. With a number of members often calling into the office in Paeroa on their way to various rides, it’s always a pleasure to meet such a dedicated bunch motorcyclists who simply love riding their bikes. Paul

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NATIONAL TREASURER’S REPORT

Following the recent Natcom, Coordinators and Annual General Meetings in Masterton I am providing this brief update to members on the club financial affairs.

At the meetings I presented a status quo budget for the 2017 financial year which indicated that if we make no changes the club would experience a loss of approximately $20,000 this year.

The key expenditure matters discussed were the magazine ($37,000 per year), coordinators September meeting ($10,500 per year), Natcom meeting costs including travel ($5,500 per year).

Other matters considered was an increase in Subscriptions, the “Grow Old Disgracefully” book and Gear sales.

MagazineReference had previously been made to the issues surrounding the club magazine, “The Ulyssian”. We continue to incur the additional costs in connection with the production of the magazine and funds to meet these costs are being utilised from the club reserves. In order to stem what is

a major cost to the club it was agreed that the Ulyssian would cease to be printed and in future would be available on-line. This move will see a major reduction in club expenditure.

Coordinators MeetingIt was agreed that the current format of a co-ordinaters meeting in Wellington in September would continue as it was felt that this provides an advantage to the ongoing cohesiveness of the club. This will, however continue to be monitored.

Natcom MeetingsIt was agreed that Natcom would explore the use of conference call or Skype facilities for some of the meetings in order to reduce costs in this area.

Grow Old Disgracefully BookIt was agreed that the sale price for the book would be reduced to $20 (Incl GST). The price for direct sales to branches would be $17.50 (Incl GST). As from the 1st May 2017 all new members to the

club are to receive a copy of the book as part of their new membership pack.

Gear SalesThe quarter master and Natcom are continuing to work on stocking a range of gear which is of interest to our members. We will, however, look to rationalise those items that do not sell well and be reviewing the pricing of items.

SubscriptionsFollowing the extensive discussions around reducing expenditure and in particular costs associated with the magazine it was agreed that subscriptions along with the joining and late fees would be held at their current level.

We will continue to actively monitor our financial position and I will report back to members on this later in the year.

As usual if any member requires further information on any matters raised above, please feel free to contact me.Stuart (Smokey) Burns #3703National Treasurer

CONGRATULATIONS!At the National AGM held in Masterton this year, our Coordinator, Kelvin Watson, was awarded the Ulysses Odyssey Medal ‘for Meritorious Service to Ulysses at Branch level’.

This award is a huge honour and it is very much deserved by Kelvin who is a long-standing member of 21 years, with a massive record of ongoing involvement in our Branch, almost from the day he joined back in 1996.

Because Kelvin couldn’t be at the National AGM this year, the badge and certificate were presented to him at our April mid-month dinner, out at Spring Creek. Kelvin is humble, very honoured and he pays tribute to the support from his wife Julia. Well done Kelvin. Congratulations and may I say, about time too!

Kelvin joins the other two of our Branch Odyssey medal holders – Murray Brooks and Don Best – both of whom are also worthy recipients of this award.


ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT JUNE 2017

Date 21-Apr-16 30-Aug-16 31-Oct-16 26-Jan-17 04-May-17

Newest Member 9439 9505 9526 9604 9650

Current Members 2691 2756 2771 2801 2567

Lapsed Members 5757 5754 5753 5751 6023

Resigned Members 613 614 615 654 666

Deceased Members 399 402 409 418 424

Life Members 15 15 15 15 15

Deceased Life members 5 5 5 5 5

Odyssey Medal Holders 26 26 26 26 26

Ulyssian Receivers 2554 2616 2624 2639 2416

NZ Directory Members 2234 2297 2311 2346 2145

Couples Sharing Ulyssian 111 115 118 126 122

Overseas members 18 17 17 20 15

Over the past couple of years we have a number of irreconcilable deposits due to lack of information.

Gear SalesFrom feedback received after gear sales at the recent AGM Rally, I believe ladies clothing sizes need to be more clearly defined. I am in the process of finding out from suppliers the exact sizings of each ladies shirt available to purchase from the Club.

As you will be aware, much of the clothing sourced for the Clubs gear is

manufactured off shore, this leads to a considerable difference between actual sizes. If in doubt whether your usual size will fit, hopefully by having the exact clothing measurement you can decide. Rule of thumb, best to buy one size up

from that which you would normally buy from a retailer.I am still very keen to hear from

you regarding the stock available to our members. I believe there are a number of items the Australian Ulysses Club offers. Yes we can order these in, however is much less expensive for you and the Club if we can source them here in New Zealand. Let me know your thoughts and I will see what can be done.Talk soon…Debby

0 0 2 2 + years

Royal Rajasthan 19 days: Maharaja’s forts & palaces,Thar Desert, Jodhpur, Taj Mahal

Life is a DARING ADVENTURE or nothing at all !

formerly Ferris Wheels Safaris

New members/Renewing MembersI am still receiving a number of renewal subscriptions for the 2017 and beyond years. If you know of someone who has yet to pay, please remind them they also need to include the late payment fee of $10 to their selected payment period. i.e. 1 or 3 years.

If a new member, make sure the join fee + the period joining is included in the payment. If a joint membership, then the name and number of the family member is required on the application form.

Lastly if paying online for membership or gear sales, please make sure you use your membership number so I can place the payment against the correct person.


NEW NATCOM MEMBERS

New National Com.1: Wayne Painter #1756My wife Dale & I joined the Auckland Branch of Ulysses in 1991. I had just come back to motorcycling and bought my first modern motorbike, with my last bike a 650cc Matchless Twin.

In 1993 I joined the Branch Committee, then in August 1994 the Branch Coordinator resigned from the job and I became the “Temporary Coordinator” Yeah Right!!. In 1995 I was elected Branch Coordinator/President, a position I held until 2004.

In 1999 I also joined the Australian Ulysses Club and attended many AGM’S in Australia taking other NZ members with me to forge new friendships.

In 2000 I was instrumental in getting a National Committee elected from all over New Zealand not just one branch as had been the norm, I believe this led to a more inclusive National Committee.

In 2000 after the death of Vince Hyde, who had been taking the North Island Remembrance Service, I started doing the Service which I did until 2010 after then I assisted Val Ottaway for another 3 years.

At the 2003 National AGM in Hamilton I was the proud recipient of a Life Membership for Services to the Club & Auckland Branch.

In 2014 after pressure from North Harbour resident members I started work on forming a North Harbour Branch, our Charter was presented in the May and I was elected Branch President a position I still hold.

I have owned a number of bikes including BMW’s, Kawasaki, Honda Valkyries & Gold Wings and now ride an Indian Chieftain on which I toured Canada, Alaska & North West USA last year.

I love this club and Dale and I have enjoyed many AGM’s, rallies & Club events over the last 25 years, also the Brass Monkey, Cold Kiwi and Cold Duck. I believe you only get out of the Club what you put in and I’m proud to now be part of the National Committee and able to serve my fellow members.

New National Vice President: ‘Tiny’ Tim Stewart #8959In the nearly four years I have been a member of the Ulysses Club, I have achieved a great affection for the club and its members.

I was eager to take on the role of Hawke’s Bay Branch President, a job I have fulfilled for the last two years and have enjoyed immensely. Despite some ups and downs we have managed to build on the good work of our previous Branch Presidents and move the branch forward, with increased attendances and greater results, especially with the St John Ambulance ride.

The time has now come to take a step further, so here I am, as your new National Vice President & International Liaison.

For those that don’t know me, I am originally from England but moved to NZ with my parents as a young fella and grew up in South Auckland, until I went back to the UK at 17.

Nine years ago with my own family we arrived back in NZ. The intervening years were spent bringing up our children, interspersed with a bit of travelling and soaking up the cultures of other countries.

I rode for many years in the UK but never as part of a club. On moving to NZ I decided to give up biking, a move my wife never approved of, as apparently I’m a bit of a grumpy old bugger when I don’t ride regularly. Joining Ulysses got me back into it fairly quickly, with the company of people who would look out for me, and help bring my skills back up to scratch. I have made many friends in my time with the club and would like to repay the welcome afforded me by working toward a long term future and improvement of the whole club.

I look forward to working with the new National Committee over the next year, and especially getting to know and work with members in NZ and around the world.

New NatCom3: Jane Laing #6361John joined the Ulysses Club ages before I did, but when I found I couldn’t have my say at AGMs and other meetings, it was a no brainer – pay up, join up, get involved! My journey with Ulysses NZ began in 2005 and I love it.

Serving on the Branch committee on and off for a number of years, I was Branch Coordinator for a couple of years and have been the local newsletter editor for what seems like many years!

Rides, events, social get-togethers both local and national, John and I have

met and made so many friends and acquaintances all over New Zealand

through our involvement with the

Ulysses Club.

Such a diverse group of people, all with motorcycling in common, and it’s such a buzz.

Currently I am not riding, having sold my GS650F late last year. I do miss it and in the future? Who knows. I would like to get back on two wheels at some stage. In the meantime, there’s plenty of other stuff to be getting on with!

As a newly elected member of the National Committee, I look forward to learning the ropes and getting even more involved. It’s great to have the opportunity to give something back to Ulysses – it has given me so much.


Val and Family would like to thank all those who expressed their sorrow and sympathy at the

passing of Des.

Your thoughtfulness, generosity and support during this difficult time was greatly

appreciated.

2017 MOTORCYCLE RAFFLE RESULT

This year we had 2,500 tickets on offer and with the increase in tickets (previously 2,300) we were able to increase the selection of motorcycles on offer.

It was pleasing to see that all tickets were sold prior to the AGM and my thanks go out to the branches for their support in making this happen.

The most tickets sold by a Branch was by the Canterbury Branch and the greatest number of tickets sold as a percentage of branch membership was by the King Country Branch, closely followed by the Rotorua Branch.

The raffle was drawn at the Masterton Rally Dinner on 15th April. There was an air of anticipation as the ticket barrel was spun and the winning ticket was drawn by a member of the Masterton Police.

There can only be one winner and this year the holder of the winning ticket #1917 was Kerry Chapman from Hokitika. Kerry has selected to take the Indian Scout as his motorcycle and as this issue of the Ulyssian is being compiled, arrangements are well in hand to present Kerry with his new motorcycle.

Look out for the article on the presentation in the September Ulyssian.

The proceeds of the raffle help fund Rider Training for members. Contact your Branch Coordinator to see what funding is available.

Thanks to every one for their support of the raffle, there will be another chance to win a new bike in 2018.Stuart “Smokey” Burns 3703National Treasurer.

OBITUARY: DES TRUBSHOE #87022 AUGUST 1942 – 24 FEBRUARY 2017

Far North Branch Member 1993-2017

It is with sadness we farewell our branch coordinator and a true Ulyssian.

Des was always there for the club and introduced some events which will continue to be part of the Far North Branch for years to come.

He travelled many kilometres on his motorbikes and was awarded our “Consistent Rider” trophy this year, which Val will receive on his behalf.

Des will be missed by our members and our condolences go to Val and family. Anne Grbin #4150

New National Secretary: Pete Graham #8196Pete is a recycled cyclist who returned to motorbikes after seeing his sons off into the world (well, Christchurch). The less he has had to do with full-time employment the happier he has become and consequently more opportunities have opened for him to ride into the sunset (unless wife Ruth wants him back for tea).

Pete loves adventure bikes and after the brief ownership of a Spada with which he finally turned his 6L into a 6F and returned his licence to its proper colour; purchased a Wee-Strom. After 45,000km on the DL650 it suffered an unfortunate loss of grip on an East Cape corner en route to a Bruce Springsteen concert in Auckland. Ruth being very frugal suggested he quickly buy another bike so as not to waste the return ferry fare, and so he picked up his current KTM 990 Adventure in Albany and rode it carefully home to Westport. The KTM continues to satisfy after 50,000km and is sufficiently challenging off road.

Pete became Buller coordinator upon

joining the club at the 2010 branch AGM after everyone else

there nominated him. He has revived the branch somewhat

and even put up his hand to host the 2016 National Rally/AGM, which he thought would be the laurel he could then rest on...

Not so, he has now become National secretary and has the dedication and time to strive and attempt to maintain the high standards set by Nicky in this position.

(This profile may have been written by Ruth...).



OBITUARIES

TREVOR CHARLES JOHNS #768827.03.1949 – 31.12.2016

The family of the late Trevor Charles Johns, Annette, Christopher, Tracey and grandchildren, would like to thank the Ulysses Club for the expressions of sympathy, love and friendship extended to us all. We can never express what this meant to us. Thank you seems such a small word for such a large feeling. Thank you to those who called in to visit over the last months of his battle with cancer. To see you and share stories gave him a lot of pleasure and helped us all on that part of his last journey.

Trevor joined the Marlborough Branch of the Ulysses Club in February 2009. He loved his motorcycle and loved the companionship when out on a ride with others. His membership to the Ulysses Club was a way to enjoy this loved pastime. Mostly, he loved to get away for a few days to some place he had never been before. Through those rides and rallies he made lots of forever friends. Those who knew him well, will remember how he also loved his music. This was always blaring out as he drove along.

Trevor passed away in the early hours of New Year’s Eve. His music was playing in the room as he left on that final ride. I like to think of him happy, music playing, blasting into eternity.

Forever in our hearts. Annette Johns

OBITUARY: JIMMY ALLEN #802931 MAY 1944 – 26 DECEMBER 2016

Jimmy joined the Marlborough Branch of the Ulysses club in March 1992. Jimmy and his wife lived in Hospital Road back then. He was a Seaman on the Interislander ferries and was away from home a lot.

Together Jimmy and Kath enjoyed all the Ulysses Club had to offer, the early rallies and trips away being particular favourites. After some years, they transferred to Wellington for work and Jimmy let his membership lapse.

After working out of Wellington for a number of years, Jimmy and Kath moved back to Marlborough where he re-joined the local branch in February 2010. He remained a member until his passing in December 2016.

Jimmy enjoyed going on the Sunday rides, and on his retirement, he joined the “Retreads” rides on Thursdays, on his BMW F800 GT. Jimmy will be missed as a regular at our Saturday coffee mornings out at the Vines Village which he kept attending until just a few weeks before his death.

Jimmy was well liked amongst our members. He was stoic and quietly spoken but in conversation with him you recognised a wonderful dry sense of humour and an immense pride in his family, his wife, his son and his grandchildren. He enjoyed a quiet beer and he loved his motorbikes – he had many over the years.

A ‘Ride of Respect’ at his funeral was supported by many local Ulyssians and his bike was ridden behind the hearse by Marlborough Ulyssian Keith Black, with Jimmy’s sister Kay as pillion.

“One of our late members Ken Anderson or “KJ” will be waiting up there for you, Jimmy. I’m sure he will be looking forward to a beer with you and going on the next Thursday ride together”.

“Ride safe & farewell Jimmy”.

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2018 NATIONAL ULYSSES RALLY AND AGM TO BE HELD IN MOSGIEL, DUNEDINAND HOSTED BY ULYSSES OTAGOON 23-25 MARCH 2018

• Accommodation in Mosgiel is as listed here. • There are 6 motels catering for up to 300 people. • All motels (except Mosgiel Regency) have been block booked for Ulysses. • Say you are with Ulysses and put the room under your name. • The awesome Burns Lodge includes a hot breakfast on the Saturday.

• More accommodation is available in Dunedin. • Ideally please stay at one of the 15 motels on George St to make it easier for group pickups.

• Warbirds Over Wanaka is on during Easter (30 March – 1 April 2018) which is the following weekend after our AGM. • Do consider attending this magnificent entertainment and event.

• The Burt Munro event has been shifted to 8 – 11 February 2018. • Because of bad weather often occuring in November, they have shifted the date to February. • Many Ulyssians have attended this event in previous years each November. Because the Burt Munro is only 6 weeks prior to our

AGM, we have a solution for riders from further north who would not want two long southern rides in consecutive months. • You could ride down and attend the Burt Munro, then ride to Dunedin where Ulysses Otago can store your motorbike. Then you

could catch a cheap flight home, before flying back around 23 March for our AGM, then continue your ride home or wherever your travels take you.

• There will be more information about this at a later stage. • If you wish to utilise this storage option or have any general inquiries, please email [email protected]

• The 2018 AGM registration will be printed in the September Ulyssian.

2018 NATIONAL ULYSSES RALLY AND AGM


2018 NATIONAL ULYSSES RALLY AND AGM


AGM REPORT & LETTER TO THE EDITOR

LETTER TO THE EDITORIt was interesting as always to read Mike Dew’s President’s Report asking us to comment on points he has raised. I wish to offer two alternatives for you all to consider.

Membership numbers are on the decline here and in Australia. I see in the treasurer’s report our national membership currently stands at 2646. Of that membership we see approximately 400 at our National Rally where we review our year’s performance and elect a new National Committee. This means about 1/6 of the membership is represented at any one National Rally or AGM. This is also reflective of what happens in most branches around the country. We see a small active number of members at local branch activities, while the bulk of others we rarely see. I often wonder what they get out of their Ulysses membership. Is it just the quarterly magazine, branch newsletter or the national and local discounts? Maybe that’s all it takes to keep some people happy!

So my feeling is, yes the joining age should be lowered to 35. An associate membership should also be offered with a tiered fee approach with restricted benefits depending on what is paid. The benefits for the club apart from the obvious membership increase, is a bigger national voice, all motorcyclists will be better informed of local and national issues, also the club would become more inclusive and representative of the greater motorcycling public.

The fact of the matter is, if we continue to do nothing, nothing will change and the club will gradually get smaller as the membership falls. If it gets to a level of say 1000 members then our nationwide voice diminishes, as will the benefits that can be offered and our subscription could be a larger unknown amount. Also in danger is our national magazine as we know it right now. Already we get it as PDF, is that the only way it is going to be offered in the future? Somehow we need to inject some new life into the club as well as the branches! To be honest there are not large numbers of younger motorcyclists out there riding these days, so let’s open it up to get a bigger slice of all of those who are riding.

Alternatively we could stop all this continual talk about falling membership and embrace the fact that we are a diminishing bunch of older motorcyclists who are part of a great club. Maybe let’s just get on with being disgraceful and living life to the fullest! Do we need to make a change? Is bigger better? Is there anything wrong with what we have despite the falling membership? What are the repercussions of a smaller club? You decide but do it quick as we seem to have been discussing this for ages!John Macdonald #7528

AGM REPORT 2017The minutes from the Ulysses Club of NZ AGM held in Masterton on Saturday 15th April have been circulated via Branch Coordinators, and also linked on the club website.

Two Odyssey medals were presented; recipients this year were Steve Orpwood #2119 (Canterbury Branch) and Kelvin Watson #3602 (Marlborough Branch). Both of these members continue their exemplary and tireless contribution to the Club via respective branch activities.

Mike Wyatt #7808 (Otago Branch Coordinator) gave a report on the proposed 2018 National Rally/AGM which is to be held from 23-24 March 2018 at the Taieri AMP Function Centre, Gordon Road, Mosgiel. Motels in the area have been ‘block-booked’

and members are urged to finalise accommodation plans early. The theme is ‘Otago Gold’.

There was some discussion about the increasing costs of producing the Ulyssian, and a proposal to make it a digital only online magazine from now on.

Four remits were passed (detailed in the March Ulyssian) aimed at simplifying the joining process, clarifying what should happen to assets of disestablished branches, and extending the required term from 10 to 15 years to be eligible for Life Membership.

Nominations were received and the following new National Committee was announced:President: Mike Dew #2415 (Canterbury) - incumbent

Vice-President: Tim ‘Tiny’ Stewart #8959 (Hawkes Bay)Secretary: Pete Graham #8196 (Buller)Treasurer: Stuart Burns #3703 (Rotorua) - incumbentCommittee: L Wayne Painter #1756 (North Harbour)Committee: Jim Furneaux #2098 (Wellington) - incumbentCommittee: Jane Laing #6361 (Marlborough)

This National Rally was well attended and the Wairarapa Branch did an excellent job keeping us fed, refreshed and entertained. Cyclone Debbie kept some members from flying in but was something of a fizzer in the Wairarapa where the sun was warm. See you in Otago!Pete Graham - National Secretary

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BRANCH NEWS

Canterbury TalesWell done Wairarapa, what a great weekend. Well organised, extremely welcoming and friendly, what more can you ask for a National Rally and AGM.

Having spent the previous two weeks travelling around the North Island it was great to arrive at such a relaxed venue. I am sure below water everyone was paddling like crazy but on the surface, all was calm. A huge thank you must go to Karen and her crew. I must admit the electric dunny racing on Friday night, along with the inter branch challenge, was a great way to get the party going. Sorry Tiny. If you want to know why, ask Tiny next time you see him.

The theme for the weekend was taken up by all and Saturday evening was a ray of colour and good banter among the branches, along with old and new friends. We took the best dressed branch, but I think that might have been so we would be quiet and the hosts could get on with the show. I am sure there is plenty of evidence around on some of the antics and dress codes.

As mentioned earlier, we spent the previous two weeks travelling around the Far North and Coromandel ticking places and roads off the bucket list. Our list isn’t getting any shorter as we find more places/roads we would like to visit or travel. We spent a few days at “The Bikers Batch” at Tairua, what a great stopping place, short ride to all the interesting areas and wonderful hosts. It is becoming well known so ring and book.

Back to what the branch has been up to. Last to first I think.

On ANZAC Day, the branch ran the annual St. John Fundraiser, we had a great turn out of bikes with 200 plus at South City Mall Carpark to start the ride. The branch members do a sterling job of running this and have just about got it down pat. Without the organisers, sponsors, donations and support from the local community and businesses we couldn’t do what we do. I hope those that bid on or managed to collect raffle prizes are happy, because we are happy with the return and the size of the cheque we will be giving over once the tally is complete.

Back in March we had a guest speaker from the Marlborough Falcon Trust. Not only did we get to hear what they are doing but we got to meet a really nice bird, feathered with attitude that is, along with her very knowledgeable handler.

Auckland’s AnswerHi all from us in the big smoke. The Auckland branch is ticking along nicely and we have had some great rides, coffee, conversations and general socialising. It is good to see members participating in these activities. What a fantastic time we had in Masterton for the AGM with over fifty Auckland members making the journey south. The weather played ball and the Wairarapa branch did a great job organising good food and fun activities like the motorised toilet races. Boy, are Ulyssians ever a competitive bunch!

Sad to say we didn’t come away with any prizes from those activities but one of our members did win a very large bottle of wine that he tried to keep well-hidden so no one could pop the cork and share it around.

While I am not usually one to give accolades to commercial businesses I must give one to the Amble Inn Motel, Masterton. A large group of us from Auckland were booked in there for the AGM and although our hosts Graham & Debbie had only taken over the place the week before, they could not have made our stay any better. So if you are looking for accommodation in Masterton this is one place I will fully recommend. I am very pleased to announce that the Auckland Rally is all go – 17, 18 and 19th November at the Port Waikato School camp. This camp has great facilities and even comes with real beds so all you will need to bring is a sleeping bag and pillow. Please have a look at their web site www.portwaikatoschoolcamp.co.nz and get your entries in to us as soon as you can.

I recently did the Paw Justice ride, raising awareness against animal cruelty. This was one of the largest turnout of bikes on a charity ride that I have seen for many years (over 550 bikes). It seems to me that all you have to do to get big crowds on a charity ride is to get someone to donate a motorcycle and then raffle it as part of the ride. I would love to get a shop to do this for our Auckland Rescue Helicopter ride but I really can’t see that happening.

Our next big event is the Remembrance Service on Saturday 12th August. If you have not already booked your accommodation I would suggest you do it sooner rather than later. Well that’s it from me folks and I look forward to seeing you in Taupo. Keep the shiny side up.Cheers, Clive Thomas # 2383Auckland President

February was our branch AGM and we had a bit of trouble like a few branches out there of filling all the positons, with those standing and by following the rule book. Using a little common sense, which in my view seems to be lacking in some places, we got a great committee together. We ended up with a couple of vacant positions, these will be filled over the next month as an approach to me at the National Rally by a couple of branch members has been accepted.

Where to from here for the branch?Looking forward, we have members

flag marshalling for the local motorcycle racing clubs and this will continue over the winter, the Wednesday riders (better known as “The Knitting Club”) have their regular group and plenty of visitors. Sunday rides are supported well and are all on the website. The Brass Monkey is just around the corner and we have a regular group of branch members who attend. If you haven’t done one come and join us, everyone should do at least one. You never know it might become a habit, or as in my case, an obsession.

Please put the “Remembrance Service” on your must-attend list. The South Island Service is the first Saturday in August, the venue Hanmer. Look for the advert for this elsewhere in this mag. This is in my view one of the must attends for all of us. You don’t have to or need to come on you bike, with the changeable weather conditions come in the car. Car pool or better bring the wife/partner and make a weekend of it.

Till next timeStephen Orpwood 2119Canterbury Coordinator

P.S. As those who attended the National AGM will be aware Kelvin Watson and myself were the recipients of The Odyssey Medal. Congratulations Kelvin, a well-deserved reward for your efforts. As for myself, it was a complete surprise and a well-kept secret, I would like to thank everyone for putting me up for this and it is very humbling to hear what others think of me. I had a little trouble trying to figure out who they were talking about. Thank you to you all, I believe you all deserve more than I.

Far North FrolixThe last three months have been full of events and the weather has been kind and warm. We seem to dodge the worst of it up


BRANCH NEWS

here and the leaves have just started to fall in May, the last month of Autumn.

Most Sundays have been fine and we often get 20-30 people on a ride.

You no doubt have heard about the recent passing away of our coordinator Des Trubshoe #870 (see elsewhere). The Far North members and committee helped give him a send-off to be proud of.

The nominations for the new coordinator have closed and with no-one wanting the job it looks like I’m it. I will try to do the job proud.

We recently had a very successful ANZAC Day St. John Ambulance ride to Mangawhai Station with about 80 people turning up. We were able to give them a cheque for $1500.00.

The Far North is in good heart and there is always people to make sure this is so.

Our Far North Rally form is in this magazine. See you there.Nick Grbin #1688

Hawkes Bay HappeningsThis is my first submission as the new Co-Ordinator President of the Hawkes Bay Branch and we have been busy over the Autumn period.

On April 9th, four members rode to join Taupo Branch’s seven bikes and three trikes for a ride to the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel for lunch and a return ride via Rotorua.

Five members went to the National AGM. Two riding, two in a tin-top and a National Vice President reluctantly driving his Mitsu Ute. His Boulevard failed to fire up the morning of NATAGM departure. After many days of tests and pieces taken off and put back on, our new National Vice-President Tim Stewart found a corroded starter button terminal prevented him from riding to the AGM to receive his new red badge.

We shared a Motel with the Taupo Branch AGM attendees and a few Ozzies were also allowed to share the Motel, turns out they are good blokes. The Motel very kindly had a welcome sign. “Ulysses Gang Members Surrender All, knives, guns, chains, drugs and safety gear” and three empty containers. On leaving, the first container contained plastic knives forks and spoons, the second container an empty Panadol packet and the third container the remnants of a condom wrapper. We also visited Castle Point and

the Southern Stone Henge.April 22 and 23 saw another very

successful Hawke’s Bay Branch End of Summer Rally. Saturday Poker Run. Lunch at a popular biker lunch stop. Saturday night dinner. A Magician for entertainment. Several branch members now have an intimate knowledge of thumb cuffs, disappearing toilet paper balls and being sawn in half. Sunday early morning saw a full cooked breakfast followed by joining in with 230 other riders for the annual ride of respect.

Tuesday April 25, ANZAC Day, was our St John Ambulance ride. Around 165 riders attended. We surpassed last year’s donation of $1,800 by a substantial margin.

Our very successful daylight saving summer Tuesday evening DIET CLUB rides have ceased for the winter, however, as it is the DIET CLUB, we will be meeting at various meal venues.

Our Summer Whine rides continue non-stop. Meet at the Angkor Wat Bakery at The Park, Karamu Road, Hastings, at 10.30am for a chat about diverse topics such as life, philosophy, coopering, bikes, bikes, bikes and more bikes, carpark watching, pedestrian crossing parking, people watching, custard squares, breakfast pies, lamingtons, dim sims, spring rolls and more deliciousness than a horde of hungry bikers could consume. Also, a ride somewhere interesting afterwards.

I have big shoes to fill both literally and figuratively. Tim (Tiny) Stewart has lead the Branch over the last two years demonstrating leadership, trustworthiness, honesty and integrity and above all, walking the talk. Tim, thank you for a job well done.Mike Shaw #9061

Kapiti CapersWhere has the year gone? Already we are nearly half way through it, and with winter nipping at our heels, we are trying to get in as much riding as we can. Mind you, the weather has not been kind to us.

We have had our AGM and I have the privilege of being voted in again as Coordinator. Most of the committee have stayed on, but a few have stepped down. Thank you to those who have stepped down, for your hard work and dedication to our Branch.

We welcome Barry Brown who has stepped into Vice Coordinator positon.

I know this year will be a good one, but its only as good as what we all put into it.

As a committee we are responsible for running the branch as best as we can. As a branch member its up to all of us to contribute and take responsibility for putting into the branch what we want to get out of it.

Seven of us went to the Wairarapa AGM. It was my first AGM and I had no idea what was in store for me, but boy did I have fun.

Myself, Em and Keith were voted to participate in the toilet races. I have never laughed so much in my life, I never knew a toilet with motor and NO BRAKES could be so much fun.

I received a prize for being Smoking Hot! (a smoke detector) I still have a smile on my face writing this.

We didn’t win, but came close. And its not the winning but having fun and letting go of our inhibitions that mattered.

Keith Heginbotham was our Gnome mascot, he looked a picture and I’m sure he totally enjoyed himself, he even had a little Gnome song that he sang to us all.

Thanks Sue and Keith for your amazing outfit and all the time you both put into it.

Also a huge thanks to Leigh Munro for decorating our gnome, he’s so cute. You did an amazing job.

Thanks Wairarapa for an awesome time, you all (including Manawatu) deserve a huge applause for a great time.


Below: Our contingent at the recent AGM

Above: Jens Jorgensen, our oldest rider on his recent 80th birthday.

Above: Wanganui Branch Anzac Day charity ride

I had the pleasure of presenting the following badges at the AGM:

Tony Evans #982 20 year badge 25th on order. Karen #7015 & Steve #7014 Tompson 10 year badges. John Rolls #7221 10 year badges.

It’s been a very wet three months, but a few rides have been able to sneak in between the rain, wind and chill.

Wairoura Museum, Life Flight day, Wanganui Bushy park ride, picnic to Totara Reserve via Apiti, twilight ride to Porirua for an amazing meal (Carvery for $20.00 each)

Four of us went on the Wellington Ulysses Ambulance ride on ANZAC Day. The ride was well organised and the sausages were delicious.

Kiaran’s Te Amiowhenua trip as well as a North Island trip in preparation for Kiaran’s one.

Our coffee mornings are still doing well, so nice to catch up with our members whom we don’t see very often, over a hot drink and delicious food.

Warren organised a group ride after, which was a great success.

Mid-week rides are going well.Welcome to all the new Ulyssians

who have joined us and those who have transferred from other areas.

Well that’s if from me, short and sweet this time ;-)

Have fun out there people and be careful on those green slimy corners.Cheryl #8538Kapiti Coordinator

Manawatu NewsNearly half of 2017 gone! It has been a frustrating season for organising rides, branch activities amongst the cyclones and weather bombs that have continuously bombarded our country this summer. However for the hardy few there are always the windows of opportunity for getting out there and enjoying a ride.

The A.G.M. at Masterton has been and gone. Congratulations to the Wairarapa Branch for organising and hosting the weekend. You raised the bar, ticked all the boxes with the way the weekend ran and I’m sure all who attended will think the same. Our members participated in a small way behind the scenes as back up helpers when required and thanks to those from Wairarapa who billeted us. Well done team.

Our branch has its monthly activities programmed and ticking along. The

BRANCH NEWS

monthly coffee mornings and monthly meetings are always well attended. As for the rides our selected days have been between weather events. (Great planning or luck!)

This will be my last report to the Ulyssian. I’m stepping down as


Above: Wanganui Branch Anzac Day charity ride

BRANCH NEWS

Coordinator of our Manawatu Branch. It’s been a great journey, assisted by a great team beside me. It’s the people and the camaraderie along the way which is the best part.That’s it from me,Bruce E #2796

Marlborough MusingsAutumn is here now but the temperatures are still great for riding motorbikes.

Our Branch is busy with all sorts of different activities to keep the members occupied. The Retreads Thursday lunch rides are still as popular as ever. Even though SH1 to the South is still closed they seem to find a different place to go each week. Saturday morning coffee at The Vines Village just keeps happening each week. The numbers turning out for Sunday rides fluctuate. As we don’t have lots of choices in the direction we can take, our rides coordinators do very well.

When, on the Saturday night of our AGM Mike Dew rang to tell me that I had been awarded an Odyssey medal it was completely unexpected, I had no idea that it was coming, I will wear it with pride. (Of course, my first thought was that I had won the bike raffle!) Thanks goes to all the people who had some form of input in having the nomination presented at the AGM in Masterton, and to my wife Julia who knew, but was sworn to secrecy! My congratulations to Stephen Orpwood of Christchurch, who was also an Odyssey medal recipient.

We had the April mid-month dinner at The Junction Hotel Spring Creek and 26 members were there (plus my stepson and family who were visiting from Canada) when my Odyssey Medal was presented by Nicki Bright.

We have just had our Branch Rescue ride raising funds for the Nelson/Marlborough Rescue Helicopter. Around

100 bikes turned out on a wonderful sunny day, we sold badges, had a BBQ lunch and a coffee cart was available.

A week later 11 of us rode over to Nelson for the helicopter open day to present them with a $1000 donation from our Branch. Our next big event will be a Mid-Winter Dinner. Presentation of service badges and the odd trophy are given out on this night.

Membership for the Branch is on the rise once again with three new members joining this wonderful Branch in recent times.

Don’t forget to contact us and join in on any of our Branch activities, if you are in the area.

Till next time, “Keep The Rubber On The Road”.Kelvin #3602 Marlborough Coordinator.

Nelson Nibblings Greetings from the sunny “Top of the South”. We are very smug about our weather here in our little micro climate (North of Wellington as well).

Without going on at great length, our traffic jams, in a tin top, last 5 to 10 minutes and nil on a bike. Any longer would be unbearable, can’t understand why people live in some other areas.

The roads. We do not have motorways-Harleysways, we, that is, all of Kiwi, have the best motorcycling roads in the world. If you have ridden in Northern Europe or Scandinavia the riders there talk about the type of asphalt grip as opposed to


BRANCH NEWS

Above: Nelson Gnomes on Parade

smooth concrete. Kiwi have some of the best grip roads in the world. How lucky are we.

Here is one for you all to mull over. The more bikes on the road the better the tin tops treat you. We all have to say thank you to the beasty boys with the Harleys, black German trooper type helmets and cute black scarves, most tin top drivers don’t want to have a personal interview with one of these nice caps. Especially when his bike is imbedded in the side of the driver’s tin top and the nice person wearing the German trooper’s helmet thinks it’s the drivers fault. Next time you come up behind a tin top with your light on think, “can the driver be sure which motorcycle club you belong to.”

Hi, I’m the new Nelson Coordinator and I got roped into writing this yesterday and what I say “for the politically sensitive” are my views and opinions, not the Club’s

For the next few months I want to get to grips with the coordinators position. Attend all the club activities such as slow riding (done), boring old farts, that’s if they will have me etc.

Find out things like having to write this or better still delegate it to some person with a silver tongue pen.

First ride, as coordinator, I had the pleasure of getting up way before the sparrows for the annual Sunrise Ride to Rarangi Beach. This is a great opportunity for those of you who do not ride in the

dark very often. Just as you start to get used to it – the light turns on. We had bacon butties and hot coffee on the beach and were back at Speights in Nelson for the morning coffee by 10am. Next year I want to add to this ride, West Coast to Westport Tiphead, for Sunset. Stay in a Westport Pub Saturday night and find your own way home on Sunday. Hopefully other clubs will join us.

My first coordinator’s function was to attend the Ulysses AGM at Easter in Masterton. Meeting the other coordinators from around the country was a blast. Allan and Annika (Nelson Secretary) and my sister attended.

I do my best to be at Speights no matter how busy my week has been, every Saturday morning for the great camaraderie, coffee and for the general improvement of mankind.

Once again we are starting the once a month evening dinners. These will be on the last Tuesday of the month, 30th May at Speights

The next nibblings will be a lot more club outing orientated because I will have time to gather the oil on members.Terry #6846

North Harbour NewsApril was a busy month with our AGM and election of officers. Once more I am Branch President, with Peter Unstead as Branch V.P., Tracy Unstead Secretary and Joy Zaloum continuing

as our Treasurer, Joy has done a great job keeping the books in order over the last three years. We are supported by committee members Andy Kelly, Barry Holland, Les Duffield and Rob Bissett. Niki Morison is Runs Coordinator, Peter Webb Sheriff, Dale Painter Quartermaster and Craig McEwan looks after our newsletter. A great team with some new faces and new ideas.

A week after our AGM it was off to Masterton for the National AGM and Rally, the weather was going to be horrendous so Dale and I, like many others, took the car. Boy, am I pleased! At one stage we were parked on the side of the road as the rain was so heavy. The Wairarapa Branch did themselves proud, they were a very friendly bunch and it was obvious we were going to have a fun weekend. Many of the North Harbour members joined in the spirit by dressing up like our gnome and most branches did something special dress-wise.

I don’t know who dreamt up the toilet race, but it was great fun even if I did stuff up in the second round, sorry team.

Once back home it was off to do my bit for the World Masters Games.

Like many branches a portion of our membership are totally involved, then there are the members we rarely see. In an effort to get ALL our members involved and to find out what they expect from us, Branch V.P. Peter Unstead has made up a questionnaire which is on our website, will be in our next newsletter and will be emailed out. If you are a North Harbour Branch member please take a look and fill it in, it is anonymous so you can be completely honest. Although we lost a few members at renewal time, overall we have held steady at 200+, we tried to find out why members didn’t renew but no-one answered our emails. We want to know what we need to do to hold on to our existing members, what is the key to keeping them interested. If any other branch wants a copy of our questionnaire contact Pete; [email protected]

Our “Vaughan Nankivell Ronald McDonald House Fundraising Ride” will be held on Sunday, November 12, leaving from the North Harbour Hockey Stadium, Paul Matthews Drive, Albany. We would like a good turnout in memory of Vaughan who passed away in January. Please put this date in your dairy.

Don’t forget to call/contact us if you


Below: Terry on the Can Am

BRANCH NEWS

are in our area, Club Night is the first Thursday of the month with dinner and bar service available, social mid-month dinner night third Wednesday of the month, details are on our website; www.ulyssesnorthharbour.org.nz L.Wayne Painter #1756NZ Branch President

North Otago Nuts and BoltsHi there, from North Otago

We held our Branch AGM last month and very few changes were made. I guess that means members are happy with the way in which the Branch is being operated.

Sadly because of inclement weather we had to postpone our planned ambulance run, but hopefully we can organise and hold another event soon.

We recently had an overnighter in Twizel. We were joined by a few members of the Spyder club. A very well organised event, and the member who organised it is now our event organiser, thanks Mark.

In conjunction with the Whitestone touring motorcycle club, we recently held our combined memorial run which was well represented by both parties.

Judging by the number of Smokey chimneys observed, and of course with the Brass Monkey rally looming, it must be about time to get the heated vest out and plug it in.

Maybe a good time to remind riders of that patch of frost that at times lies on the road just around that shaded corner.

Ok guys – keep rugged up and don’t allow the cold to try and keep you off the bike, but take care out there.Cheers,Bruce #”4383

Otago’s OpusInterview with Terry, Member No 8258 Henry: What have you bought Terry?Terry: It’s a 2012 Can Am RT Limited

Henry: What was your first impression on seeing it?Terry: It looked fantastic, unlike my watch which indicated I had twenty minutes to get from Wellington airport and onto a southbound ferry - that is twenty minutes less the five taken for a lesson on how to operate it while thinking of the lunch time traffic.

Henry: Give me some stats. cc, gears, tank capacity etcTerry: Well it’s a 998cc twin, five tiptronic gears with thumb and finger change levers. Very simple, one thumbs it up through the gears and although you can also finger it down, it will change down automatically adjusting revs to suit. It’s not possible to make a change at an incorrect speed - it won’t do it. The tank holds 25 litres which it really needs being quite thirsty using between 6 and 7 litres per 100km. That gives a range of about 350km. It takes courage to ignore the pessimistic fuel gauge. It has ABS and stability control as well as other electronic wizardry.

Henry: Is it as hard as they say to convert from a two wheel riding style to three wheels?Terry: I think the term convert is the wrong way to think of it. The way I see it is to keep your two wheel style for two wheels. Three wheels is totally different, not a bike, not a car. Therefore treat them as such - different. It doesn’t pay to compare too much so I think as long as one has ones brain attuned to it being “different” it will be just fine. On the open road it’s more work than two wheels, but what a breeze in town.

Henry: And what style do you prefer?Terry: I love two wheels and will always have two wheels of some sort. But I have to take a practical view, my age and my

current over 300kg two wheels gets ever more risky at those dangerous speeds - that is from 2km/h to (and especially) 0 km/h.

Henry: It is a chick magnet?Terry: Probably only of the poultry variety, I have to rely on the rider for magnetic attraction. Ah I dream...

We hope you all can come to the next AGM which is being held in our fair province. Talking about ‘fare’, there will be some special Southern cuisine on the menu along, of course, with the “Pride of the South”, Speights. For the ladies we will have Speights wine (that’s Speights from a bottle instead of a can).Henry #7595

Rotorua RamblingsIt is a sad day when a decision like this has to be made – almost like losing contact with a long-time friend. We have had to abandon our plans for our Okataina Rally this year due to the slow receipt of registrations. We will hopefully now be 21 next year.

There is a point beyond which the expenditure cannot proceed without the expectation of some success. We did agree that success could be to financially break-even, but that could not be guaranteed either. We make unreserved apologies to our long time ralliers, we hope you can find something else as enjoyable to do on the weekend of the 23-25th June


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this year, but we doubt it. Our thoughts are already on extending our planning for a brighter 2018 at Okataina, so see you there, if not before somewhere.

Our own Branch AGM was, as expected, the same old stalwarts attending, the same smiles and congratulations, the same energy and hopes. We did get a new face on our committee, a younger one, otherwise the same group is in charge again. It is a bugger when you do something right!

I had my Suzuki in for a service before winter got too close, and mentioned a click noise I had noticed, getting a bit noisier, with road speed on take-off. Turns out, my swing arm bearings were worn, to the extent that the rear wheel could be moved 20mm each way. On accelerating, my rear wheel was being pulled out of alignment. I had also thought I was losing my cornering technique, and had started slowing down, but this was also due to the failing bearings. It is a slow deterioration, one that you don’t notice. Take a lesson, and get regular maintenance checks done!

Personally, I am replacing our Okataina Rally with a Ride Forever Course on the same weekend. I think it’s only appropriate to keep that weekend totally for my two wheels. It is never too late to keep up with proper riding techniques, and to ditch any bad habits that may be starting to creep in.

Our group of attendees at the Wairarapa AGM had a thoroughly great time, great crowd, great town. We all got through the toilet racing unharmed, but breathless. We thought we should have been better placed in the Gnome dressage, but then we all thought we should have won the bike raffle, too!

Cheers to you all for a trouble-free and fun winter. Take it easy out there, today I am putting the lining back into the riding suit. Te na koe, Flash #1272

Southland Scribbles Summer (what’s that?) is upon us…. Winter was the best kept secret for the South. Not much riding over the Christmas/New Year period and not many bikers seen in the deep South.

The Burt Munro weekend was a weather disaster – wind, rain which made the road racing too dangerous to continue to the finish. It’s to be noted that this event will be held in February in future.

Our social events still attract good numbers and many look forward to these. Good for those who do not ride/pillion – an opportunity for them to meet with whom their partners tour around with.

The Bike Raffle tickets are selling well – will a Southland member win again? – who knows. Gotta to be in to win.

Some will be making their way to the Annual Meeting in Masterton – a major trip for those who do and a few will make an event of this tour to the North Island.

Our Dine-outs each month continue to attract good numbers and they are also an opportunity for those to put forward suggestions for rides/events.

Very short notes from Southland – hope to catch you on the road or alternatively should you be travelling call in – don’t forget the Motorcycle Museum – wonderful display – and also the Truck Museum and E Hayes and Sons display as well. Take care, ride safe… Jill Warhurst - 474Southland

Taranaki TalesHi from the Naki.An awesome time was had by the seven of us who represented Taranaki at the Masterton National AGM. Ian’s Toilet Racing leg injury was not the ‘minor accident’ we all thought, but actually a torn Achilles tendon! I felt a bit bad about trying to pull him down the stairs to help him ‘get his foot up’ once we found that out! His operation went well and hopefully by the time this comes out he will be out of the cast. It was worth it though, as we won the toilet racing competition! GO THE NAKI!

Unfortunately, our Taranaki gnome had a ‘few too many’ on the Saturday night (Celebrating his win as Funniest Gnome) and tripped on his way out of the taxi van outside our motel. He is now missing a leg and other vital parts, so his AGM travels are over. Our other notable AGM events included Bill and Margaret ‘s bike trailer getting a talking to by the Police, Ian organising a fun mystery key hunt and Gem’s ‘slick’ wet passing manoeuvre on the way home.

Well done to the Masterton team that pulled the AGM together this year! We all had so much fun that we have already booked rooms down in Mosgiel for 2018. Thought has been put into our costumes too – with a starring role planned for our new AGM Mascot ‘Shep the Dog’.

We held our own Branch AGM in May, with many thanks to Blair for running the meeting in our Coordinator Ray #7596 and Anne’s absence (as they were in South Africa). With 32 attending, it was a great turn out. Ray handed the Coordinator mantle over to Suzie, and Donna stepped into the now vacant Secretary role. We elected our first ever Vice-Coordinator, Alan, and are planning to create a Rides Committee, with Ian in the lead role.

We would like to thank Ray for his time as Coordinator of our Branch. He has been a dedicated and committed leader and we won’t be letting him get away that easily, as he is still on the committee. Thanks too, to Anne (Ray’s wife) as she has been Ray’s ‘right-hand lady’ and a great supporter of the branch too.

Recent group ride destinations have included Mokau, Toko Pub and 12 of us attended the first Taranaki ‘Ride of Respect’, ably organised by the local chapter of the Red Knights. We will also have had our overnighter to Tirau by the time this comes out.

As part of our focus on PR, Gem has been working hard on developing a Taranaki Website (ulyssestaranaki.co.nz) and this has now gone ‘live’ to great comments. It is great to be able to share the things we have been doing as a branch with each other and the wider public. Texting out invitations and reminders is proving to be a great way to keep everyone in touch too. Our BBQ night attendances have been building in numbers, with the last one hosted by Blair and Joy seeing 26 join in.CheersSuzie #8532New Taranaki Coordinator

Taupo TimesG’day from Taupo,Another three months gone by and summer gone, although the weather is better now.

We have had a busy time lately with the AGM in Masterton the highlight. Awesome four days away in the Wairarapa with a trip to Castle Point on the Sunday where we met up with Mike Dew and went for a walk up to the lighthouse. Nigel said he’d take a photo standing on the beach and got a pair of wet gonads for his trouble when a wave snuck up on him. Home on the Monday on the backroad from Ashurst to Mangaweka. Good weather all weekend after cyclone


Waihi Thames ValleySince our last branch news, we have had a few new members that have transferred from other branches, so I would like to welcome these new members to our branch.

Our Valley Rally in February went off with a bang, with people attending from Whangarei to Taumarunui. Our sausage sizzle and famous mussel fritters were a favourite on the Friday night meet, greet night. Saturday saw people chilling out, some going into the nearby Waihi and Paeroa towns for a look and lunch, or a visit to the hot pools and others going for a walk. Marlene Fisher had her famous awards evening where she handed out certificates and chocolate fish for all sorts of reasons...lots of laughs.

Above: Three gnomes at AGM, Wairarapa

Below: Lunch at Whakatane

BRANCH NEWS

Debbie or whatever her name was. Well done Wairarapa.

We also did a ride around the mountain with lunch at National Park. Our Les got molested by three Asian ladies in Waiouru, they thought he was just great, or maybe it was his trike.

Twelve of us went to Napier on Anzac Day for the St Johns ride. Good ride but just a bit wet and felt like a popsicle by the time we got back to Taupo. Good crowd in the Bay.

Last Sunday we went to Whakatane for lunch at the Fishermen’s Club and had a look at the Matahina dam and the havoc that the recent flooding had caused. Great day with good company.

We will have our AGM in a couple days (11-5-17) and we would like to thank Ian Pilbrow, our co-ordinator, and Lyn Peters, our secretary, who are standing down after three years looking after our little branch superbly, thanks a lot.

Finally, let me quote the world famous Dutch poet Pieter P Pietersen to tell people not to be too timid but to “Live your life out loud”.Cheers,Rick #7552

The rally this year actually made a small profit so this is great. The date has been set for the Valley Rally next year, this will be 16th - 18th February 2018 so lock it in now people.

Some of us have just returned from the Ulysses AGM in Masterton, wow, what a great weekend. Thank you Wairarapa you did a great job.

One of our rides took us to the Hunua Falls – above is a picture of the day we went. Then only a few weeks later on the 8th March the country had a bit of bad weather and it was interesting to see the difference in the photos.

Until next time be safe and shiny side up.Marlene Johnson #8660Waihi/Thames Valley Coordinator


BRANCH NEWS

Waikato HappeningsHi to all our fellow motorcycle riders from our great Ulysses Club.

We have just held our Branch AGM. This annual event was well received by all those whom attended. Not even one grizzle or moan! We must be doing something right.

Nominations for branch executive positions were sufficient to fill all the required spaces, so no voting was required. This really sped up the AGM process. We had time left for social activities which is what we love to take part in.

The annual Waikato award for Most Disgraceful Ulyssian was a huge success, with Tom Jones and David Coy enjoying a monetary voting process, which was won by Tom. This resulted in the Fines jars being made heavy with gold coin donations. Around $65 was the total.

Tom and David are hard workers for the Waikato Branch. Both rode their motorcycles to the AGM in Masterton, a great effort by Tom whom is now round 90.5 years of age. Hopefully, I can still be riding successfully when I reach his age. That will be in 20 years’ time! Scary to even contemplate.

Jim Galt is our new Branch Coordinator, with Des Chiles Vice Coordinator, David Coy is Secretary, and Lorraine Walsdorf as Treasurer. Committee members are John Turkington, Ivan Goile, Paul Coursey, and David Soloman.

We then welcomed our new Sherriff Bruce Turner, with his extremely humorous style I know he will keep us in fits of laughter.

Jim Galt gave us an insight to what his plans are for the next year. He will run a forum/review of the branch’s activities at our next meeting which we will hold the day after Queens birthday (Tuesday). This fits better for that week. Do make an effort to attend as Jim has some entertaining ideas for the future. Bring your own ideas to add to Jim’s.

We also need to set up a steering committee for the upcoming National AGM to be held in 2021. It seems a long way off now but will come around before we realise!

Looking forward it looks like an interesting and busy year looming for the Mighty Waikato Branch. Keep safe, and watch out for those FROSTY roads as winter rears its ugly head once again.

We will see some of you at the

Remembrance Ride in Taupo on the second weekend August 2017. Keep the shiny side up, Regards,Des Chiles #2650

Wairarapa WhisperingsIt seems such a long time since the last Wairarapa Whisperings and a lot has happened.

The National Rally AGM hosted by our branch was held over Easter weekend. What a lot of hard work was put in by the organising committee, but was all worth it at the end of the day.

We feel the weekend was a success and by the feedback we received from those that attended, everyone enjoyed themselves. Not too many hiccups and only two club members had a visit to the hospital after the loo racing.

We decided to push the boat out and introduce loo racing on Friday night to encourage branches to challenge and interact with each other. The final was between Buller (with one import) and Taranaki. After a lot of push and shove the Taranaki team won.

After the formal part of the weekend – the AGM meeting – we had a ride through the town then to Mitre 10 Mega (one of our sponsors) before riding up to Tui HQ (another sponsor), before heading back to Masterton to get ready for the Saturday night dinner and entertainment.

It was fantastic that branches got into our Homegrown Gnome theme with so many of you dressed up.

Best dressed branch was won by Canterbury Branch, dressed most like their Gnome was Otago, Best Dressed Individual (Gnome Lookalike) Jens Jorgensen from Manawatu, Best Painted Gnome Taranaki. See you all next year in Mosgiel.

Our Gnomes made their first appearance in Invercargill and have now


BRANCH NEWS

attended four National Rallies and have decided to take a well-deserved holiday enjoying the sunshine!

By the time this goes to print we will have had our Branch AGM. Greg Evans has stood down from our committee this year after being on the committee for a number, several of these as Secretary. Thanks Greg for all the time you have put in and especially for the help you gave me when I started as coordinator.

Another thank you to the rest of the committee for making my job easier for the last 12 months.

We had a local Ride of Respect this year instead of participating in the Wellington run event. We were asked by the organisers to lead and run this ride. Our branch marshals did a fabulous job marking corners and holding traffic – thanks for volunteering your services.

We had about 50 riders and travelled through all the Wairarapa townships with a Police escort, lunching at Carterton RSA then travelling to Eketahuna and laying a wreath at the new memorial. Then back to the Wairarapa club for a BBQ and chat. Hopefully this will become an annual event and will only get bigger. The proceeds from this ride are donated to the local RSA’s to support local veterans.

ANZAC Day saw 15 of our members support the Wellington Branch Ambulance Run. A Popular ride for our branch. Keep Shiny Side Up.Until next time,Karen Wilson #7787

Whanganui Nitty GrittyHi all, What a ball we had at the AGM, well organised and we were lucky with the weather. The cyclone had passed just on time. Wanganui was lucky this time but BOP suffered a lot. Me and Mini-me represented Wanganui in the gnome parade, I really looked like him. Just pity I couldn’t ride a new bike home. A few weeks before that we had a marvellous time at our Mayhem Rally in Mangatapopo, good to see such a great turn out, fully booked so I had to pitch my tent but no problem, the weather was nice. Also the first time I won something in the raffle.

Our Waipatiki weekend was postponed because all cabins were pre booked and most members didn’t want to tent. We’ll try again later this year. We had a good turnout at this year’s Ambulance Run on Anzac Day, 50+ bikes and we ended up with a $750 donation for St. John. Big thanks to the organisers and also to other branches and clubs who attended.

End of May we have our yearly Sock Run to Norsewood to stock up on our woollies so we are all prepared for a variety of rides through the colder months. I will miss out because I’ll be basking in the Dutch sun (if I can find it) while visiting the Dutch MotoGP in Assen. Will also be good to see Mum of course, she’ll be 97 this year! My parents took me to my first Assen GP in 1958 and I have been back many, many times.

Last week we had our Wanganui AGM – always a bit of a worry who will turn up.

We did our yearly anniversary badge

presentation, good to see a few members have earned their 10, 15, 20, and 25 badges. The committee is unchanged; Me, Coordinator/Treasurer; Phil MulCahy, Secretary; Rod Anderson, Committee and WEBman; Rob Monteba, NL Editor.

Time to go now and get this away, till next time.Cheers,Piet #1255

Capital ConfabulationsHi again, It’s been fairly quiet around the Capital as far as the Branch has been concerned, while we had a good attendance at the National and Branch AGMs, several rides have been cancelled due the adverse weather.

Two rides that did go ahead were both successful and satisfying in their own way. The first ride was the Wellington Branch Ambulance Ride. About 120 bikes turned up in support of the Branch donating $2000 to Wellington Free Ambulance. CORE Education, whose premises we use for the BBQ, also donated $200.

The second event was a ride for James Swan. James, who is four, has rare neuromuscular condition and since July last year has been losing his motor functions and his ability to walk, stand eat and speak.

Part of his brain is shrinking, and the nerve fibres in his young body are dying. All the testing he’s had has ruled out everything that was treatable or had a cure, so now he’s in the ‘really rare’ category. His condition does not even have a name.


Taupo member Johan Hamer heard an article on the radio calling for support for James via a Give A Little page. The article mentioned that James loves motorcycles, so Johan contacted me to see if we could get a few bikes to meet up at a local park in Newlands to help brighten this young lad’s life.

The word went out and on Sunday 7 May about a dozen Wellington Branch members turned up at Helston Park in Newlands. Johan had come down from Taupo on his CanAm Spyder. A couple of other bikes came along with Brett from Triken Tours on his Rewaco trike.

The weather wasn’t the best, but the rain was holding off, and just when we thought that was about it, a few more bikes rolled in, followed by about a dozen bikes from the local HOG Club, and then about 10 more Spyders turned up from around the Manawatu area.

All up about 50 people turned up, so with the Rewaco, the Spyders, the Harleys and the range of sports bikes, cruisers and adventure bikes, there was a good range for James and his brothers to look at.

James could ride his little wheelchair around through the bikes and he was given a tee-shirt, as well as badges, patches, toy motorcycles and other motorcycle related gifts by many of the

BRANCH NEWS

riders. Brett took several of the family members for short rides on the Rewaco.

About $200 was raised in a quick whip around by some of the riders who had turned up, contributing to the huge cost of James’ ongoing treatment. All in all, it was a good turnout at very short notice from a diverse group of riders and clubs all joining in to help brighten this young boy’s life.

Four wheels move the body… two wheels move the soul.Jim F #2098

Westland WaffleGreetings all,It gives me great pleasure to advise that our very own Kerry and Gwen Chapman were the lucky winners of the Ulysses Motorcycle Raffle drawn at the AGM. I can imagine there have been loads of sleepless nights mulling over the various options, looking forward to seeing the bike that’s been chosen.

At our recent branch AGM, we had a change of secretary when our long standing secretary Kelly Wilson stood down and Daryl Crocker was elected into the position. Kelly was thanked for his years of service and Daryl was welcomed on board. Unfortunately, Kelly also stood down as Judge Dick, however

a new judge and constable have been found who will remain a secret until the rally at Hari Hari. All other positions remain the same. I look forward to 2017 and all it brings.

As usual, members have been out and about on various rides to destinations such as Okarito and Franz Josef to mention just a couple. Some of our lady members have been away taking part in the annual Babes on Bikes Rally – to date they are being very tight lipped regarding the content of their trip away, I guess what goes on tour stays on tour. Our very own Annette Paterson has just taken possession of a brand spanking new Z1000SX Kawasaki that looks stunning in a dark grey paint scheme. A lovely bike which I’m sure Annette will enjoy for many years to come.

Some members have their machines tucked away for the winter, whilst the hardy ones are preparing for the Brass Monkey Rally, the temperatures at the time of writing have started to decline, but hopefully winter won’t be too bad as a crisp winter’s day ride is still very enjoyable. Our very own Hari Hari Rally is set down for Saturday 15th September so get those diaries out and pencil in the date. It’s always a great opportunity to catch up with friends and the start to the new Rally season.


BRANCH NEWS

On that note I’ll sign off take care out on our roads and highways and keep safe.Grub

Whakatane RavesWell as I write this, yet another category 5 cyclone is brewing in the South Pacific, and having left a trail of destruction in Vanuatu our thoughts go out to them.

We have had our fair share of natural disasters in the bay over the last few weeks also, with a one in 500 year flood devastating the town of Edgecumbe on the 7th April and then the remnants of Cyclone Cook hitting us on the 13th April.

No more please!At least now with the weather is finally

starting to settle, we are getting some beautiful fine days which will help with the drying out of homes and sections and also allow for some very pleasant riding conditions.

Our overnight trip to Gisborne on the 25th and 26th March was well attended with 16 people coming along and making a great weekend of it. We rode around the East Cape, stopping at Waihau Bay Lodge for lunch, the Te Puka Tavern at Tokomaru Bay and the Tolaga Bay wharf.

Considering the bleak forecast, we managed to dodge the rain the whole way around the coast with just a very fine drizzle about 2km from the motor camp in Gisborne. It rained most of the Saturday night, but the outdoor covered seating area proved to be the ideal spot for some fish n chips, drinks and some story telling.

We were joined by one of the Gisborne members, Nigel, (hope I got your name right) on the Saturday night but unfortunately missed catching up with him on the Sunday as a few of our early risers were keen to get on with the morning ride to Mahia and back. Again we managed to dodge any rain and had a fabulous ride and it was only coming back through the gorge to Whakatane that we really encountered any.

All in all, a great weekend away with a fun bunch of people.

Many thanks to our stalwart of the club Shona Haultain and our guest Thomas Ross for the transportation of the Saturday night beverages.

Our Thursday rides are still being well attended and various cafes within a 200km radius are sharing the spoils.

Our branch membership is still slowly increasing which is pleasing to see and we look forward to some great winter

riding ahead...well most of us.See you out there!

Darren Mulholland #9144Whakatane Runs Coordinator

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We sent NZ Superbike champion Sloan Frost to the World Launch of the game-changing GSX-R1000 at Phillip Island in February. He was impressed.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more than what Suzuki have delivered with the 2017 GSX-R1000R. The advanced Traction Control, Speed Shifter and Adaptive ABS

flow together to make this devastatingly powerful superbike safe and exceptionally easy to control, whilst retaining that raw motorcycling experience that even the purest of

enthusiasts will appreciate. Suzuki have maintained the GSX-R lineage by creating a chassis that is pinpoint accurate on the track yet also a comfortable motorcycle for the road.”

SLOAN FROST2016 NZ Superbike Champion

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The all new 2017 GSX-S750A, the new middle weight contender with GSX-R heritage and race-bred technology. Fight your way into your local Suzuki dealer now!



SZM

0313 All new GSX-R1000AL7. See your Suzuki dealer to book an early test ride.

We sent NZ Superbike champion Sloan Frost to the World Launch of the game-changing GSX-R1000 at Phillip Island in February. He was impressed.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more than what Suzuki have delivered with the 2017 GSX-R1000R. The advanced Traction Control, Speed Shifter and Adaptive ABS

flow together to make this devastatingly powerful superbike safe and exceptionally easy to control, whilst retaining that raw motorcycling experience that even the purest of

enthusiasts will appreciate. Suzuki have maintained the GSX-R lineage by creating a chassis that is pinpoint accurate on the track yet also a comfortable motorcycle for the road.”

SLOAN FROST2016 NZ Superbike Champion

EVERYTHING WE VE BEEN WAITING FOR, IT S AN ABSOLUTELY

AMAZING BIKE! ´

WWW.SUZUKI.CO.NZ


Below: The start

ARTICLES

BRIDGETTE JONES’

DIARYE

very year the TT2000 has had a theme; waypoints that are war memorials or commemorative gates, country

schools, country halls, churches or a simple yellow sign at a cross-road somewhere in the back of beyond.

This year it was about bridges and the usual clichés sprang to mind about crossing that bridge when I come to it, don’t burn your bridges and water under the bridge and so forth. But there’s one you probably hadn’t thought of; Bridgette Jones’ Diary, as in Bridge-ette...yeah I know.

The format this year was much the same as with previous years; ride a minimum of 2000km and grab a minimum 60,000 points from waypoints scattered around the South Island. However instead of the standard 48 hour deadline, TTHQ gave an extra 12 hours; we had 60hours to play with. Too easy! As always, what route you chose to get the tally you were aiming for was entirely up to you.

However for the purists there was only one option and like them, I’d planned my route and my points target with a finishing

time no later than midday Sunday, i.e. keeping the faith with the 48 hour Club.

I’d already scoped out my route around Banks Peninsula, Lowburn and Selwyn districts. With the majority of WPs scattered across Banks Peninsula, I knew at best it would take me seven and a half hours to get round them all but nevertheless it was still frustratingly slow and my patience was wearing a tad thin by the time I’d finally pointed Charlottes’ nose westward on SH73. Having ‘ticked off’ all WPs in the Eastern Cluster I was feeling pretty chuffed.

A number of bikes were stopped in the forecourt of the petrol station in Springfield so I pulled in.

“Is it open” I asked, surprised if it was.“Nah mate, closed 15minutes ago, but

the woman’s still inside! Where can we get gas around here?”

I reeled off a few options and left them to it. I’d filled up in Rolly and they hadn’t done their homework.

Dusk had cloaked the countryside by the time I’d pulled up at Mt. White Bridge. A red light at the road works before Arthurs Pass village called a temporary holt to proceedings and sitting next to me was

a young chap on a 250 Ninja so I took the opportunity to say hello. Thomas was doing his first TT and was hugely excited, however riding at night can be quite lonely, so I kept him company following along behind over the hill to the William Stewart Bridge at Taramakau. Parting company, I headed south towards Hoki to fill up before both stations closed at 2300 and find a berth at the motor camp. As we were both finishing in Picton we were bound to cross paths somewhere up ahead.

My phone dragged me awake at 0315. I’d allowed 45minutes for a shite, shower but forgo the shave, dressed Charlotte who was by this stage quivering with expectation, inhaled my muesli, tinned peaches and Mammoth chocolate milk while I read through my notes for the day. At 0359 I was on SH6 heading south; the plan being to get the points at Okarito Lagoon, the most southerly WP in the Western Cluster then zig-zag my way north.

It’s important to have a plan and to stick to it and I had a plan which in the immortal words of Blackadder was “so cunning you could pin a tail on it and call it a weasel.”

With this type of ride it’s all about time; easy to lose time and bloody hard to claw it back so you and your bike need to be up for it, ready to go when it’s ‘stands up’. It’s particularly frustrating for others if riding in a group, forced to stop 20km down the road because you’ve got a strangled swannacle and need to tuck yourself in again, or an ear plug isn’t seated right and the whistling noise is beginning to piss you off, or the cover of your jacket isn’t quite over your glove which is now filling up with water. Testicles, spectacles, wallet and watch. A tidy ship is a happy ship.

It was one of those magic nights with the heavens full of stars, warm and dry, and the romp down SH6 through Ross, Harihari and over Mt Hercules through Wataroa was rather pleasant. A lonely headlight was heading north; it could only be a fellow TT rider and with a flick of the indicators, we passed.

0523, tick, done that, Okarito done and dusted, I was heading back to SH6 and the next WP at Vickers Creek however the gravel leading to the actual ‘photo site’


Above: The Essence of the TT

was too much for me and so with great care I did a U-ee and rode gingerly back to the seal. Draping my t-shirt over the sign indicating Whataroa Gorge Road and with it lit up by my headlight beam, I took a photo. I’d got to within 1.5ks and that would have to be good enough because I wasn’t going to lay Charlotte down for the sake of 2000 points. I would argue my case later if need be.

But it wasn’t necessary. As it happened a number of WPs were at the end of metal roads and for those of us with road bikes getting as close as we could was good enough for TTHQ. We weren’t going to be penalised, however, this WP was the only one where I had to make that call.

On the approaches to Harihari my notes said I was to look out for Fergusson’s Rd but I couldn’t find it. I rode up and down Harihari’s main drag to no avail wasting valuable time. I finally resorted to the TT phone App, clicked on One One, clicked on directions and there on Google maps was a thick blue line and a red tear drop marker showing me I was well north of the turn-off. Heading south having lost a good 15 minutes I turned right onto One One Rd (funny that). A GS1200 was coming out; we stopped and got talking and I asked the obvious question.

“There’s about 5kms of gravel but it’s pretty good, except for one section and watch out for the sheds, they’re just past the wash out and come up quickly on the left. Blink and you’ll miss them.”

I thanked him and wished him well.This was the first of two occasions where

Google Maps put me wrong with my pace notes bearing no resemblance to reality, either the wrong name on the road sign, or a local name in its place, or there was no sign at all. Not only that, my odometer was miles out at times with the Google Map distances yet with others it was bang on. Yes I know about speedo error and tyre wear adding to it, but the errors were too inconsistent to be just down to my odometer. While I enjoy building and following my pace notes I’m seriously thinking a GPS will be my next purchase if only to remove the navigation factor from the equation and leaving the aging grey matter to concentrate on the riding.

One by one I ticked off Waitaha, Hokitika Gorge, Blue Spur and Arnold. The next WP was at the Crooked River Bridge on Bell Hill Road. Another TT rider on a Tiger 800 was also there and I ate his dust for 12km until we turned right onto Haupiri

Road towards the bridge just before the old sawmill at Kopara.

The road back to Nelson Creek Road is a lovely stretch of tarmac and it wasn’t long before I was heading north on SH7 and the next WP at Otututu. Filling up at Reefton I also stripped off my Merino gear; it was getting rather warm and the last thing I needed was a crop of field mushrooms taking root down there. A t-shirt and daks under my leathers would suffice. I sent a quick txt to Mr MacD to see if he wanted to meet me at Dovedale then cleaned a night’s worth of road kill off my visor before washing down two muesli bars with a sports recovery drink that claimed to do all sorts of wonderful things. Heading east, the last WP of the Western Cluster was Tobin’s Bridge at the Springs Junction end of the Rahu.

Two down, one to go.Checking my phone at Murch, John

had texted back that he and Phil were in Takaka waiting for me. Hell, it was a little after 1pm already and with a couple of WPs this side of Mot to knock off and the climb up and over the Takaka hill, especially if there was traffic, they could be waiting a while.

It was just on 5pm before I’d knocked off the two WPs at Wainui Inlet and Waitapu Wharfe. Running on fumes, I decided it was time for a short but very necessary rest. I filled Charlotte, gave her chain another squirt of wax, gave her a once over and despite a patina of dust, bugs and road grime, she was ready to perform as every good girl should be. And she’s such a good girl.

I on the other hand, needed several Nurofen; the heat and lack of fluids were taking their toll which was entirely my fault as I should have been drinking more. I also needed to drop my leathers because the Heidi Klum designer daks my dearest had bought me that comfort a man where he needs it most, were causing no end of gripe.

I had my knickers in a twist. After 4 or 5

hours that little roll of stretch fabric digging into a cheek becomes

irksome.


Top: 7 Kinloch RdMiddle: 30 WaiwheroBottom: 41 Waikakaho

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information board and took the photo. 35hours ago I left the Yaldy and now it

was over; the 2017 TT done and dusted. Those hours of planning, evenings spent in front of the tele with a laptop on my knees, massaging different route and point combinations had all been worth it. Following my ‘Yellow Brick Road’ as my wife calls it. I’d averaged 71.9kph, a whisker over what I’d calculated.

I switched Charlotte off and sat there in the dark for a few minutes under a heaven full of stars while Charlotte purred like a cat needing bread; tink, pink, tock, as she started to cool down.

After a brief visit to the final checkpoint at Waikawa Bay, I crept into the Top10 around 2345, took everything off the bike, completed my check sheet for the morning, finished another Mammoth banana milk and remains of my last muesli bar and crawled under the covers.

Waking around 0730, showered and wearing clean, non-composting and crease free HK’s, Charlotte and I rode to the checkpoint at the Jolly Roger Café and Bar in Waikawa Bay but it wasn’t open yet so headed back into town for a cooked brekky. Back at the Jolly Roger a second time, Nicky was there to sign riders off as they came in, download their photos and collect their check sheets and as riders began arriving the standard questions criss-crossed over coffees; how many points did you get, what time did you finish, what were your kays and have you seen so-n-so?

There was no sign of young Thomas before I’d set sail for home and I wondered where he’d got to. I rang him later that evening. It seems after we’d parted company he had decided to grab another WP and got a puncture inland from Hokitika. Long story short, he nursed and pushed his bike back to Greymouth. Later Saturday morning with the tyre slimed he continued, got it repaired in Nelson and finished with the required kms and points in a creditable 52½ hours.

This year 91 bikes entered; six of them 2-up with riders coming from as far away as Auckland, Tauranga, Matamata and Opotiki! There was the usual gaggle of adventure bikes but the TT was also successfully completed by riders on T100’s, Thruxtons, a Spyder, a couple of Boulevards, even a Rocket III, sport-tourers and sports bikes from quarter-litre LAMs to 1400cc crotch rockets. In other words all sorts of people, from just about

Brightwater Sprig-n-Fern sounded bloody tempting but to stay would mean another early start Sunday morning to get the last WPs done. No, I felt good and decided I’d carry on.

With a splash-n-dash in Nelson, Charlotte and I headed east on SH6 towards Rai Valley and the 500 pointer at the bridge over the Rai River. Dusk again was painting her canvas of purples and blacks and it would have been nice to grab the WP at Ohingaroa Bay on Keneparu Drive while there was some daylight left, but despite pushing hard it was as black as the inside of a cow at Havelock as I turned left onto Queen Charlotte Drive.

A number of campervans were in the layby as I pulled up, my headlight lit up the DOC sign. As I was zipping up my tank bag, checking once again I’d zeroed my odometer, flipped my pace card over to the next WP, ensured my camera and T-shirt were secure I glanced up to see half a dozen happy campers sitting around a folding table and a Tilly lamp, glasses of bubbly in hand looking at me rather strangely. Don’t worry love, there’ll be more from where I’ve come from.

Grabbing the WPs at Anikiwa and Grove Arm, the remaining 20km I took rather slowly and it was with a sense of relief as I crested the rise to see the lights of Picton. Decision time; do I check in now, get up early and grab the last two in the morning or do I do what Sir Ed did? There was only one answer; I’d knock the bastard off!

Heading south on SH1 towards Blenheim my notes said that at Tuamarina I should turn right onto Bush Road then left onto Kaituna-Tuamarina Rd. But there was no Bush Road, at least no bloody sign. Once again Shannon’s App got me out of trouble. Dawdling along I came to an unnamed road off to the left with no mention of this in my notes. F__k it! Nah, keep going Carefree, Waikakaho Road is off to the right so it’s gotta be up ahead. Just then a big old black sow wandered into my headlight beam, stopped, looked at me, blinked a few times and trotted on her way. Waikakaho Road was where my notes said it would be and a few minutes later I found the bridge. One more WP to go.

Back on SH1 and continuing south, I turned left at Spring Creek, over the bridge then right onto Wairau Bar Road. The photo I needed was of the wreck of the SS Kennedy but I couldn’t see it in the dark and rather than bugger around with a torch trying to find it, I draped my T-shirt over the estuary

Leave it and it becomes annoying and 12 to 14 hours later it is the cause of a great deal of pain. With both of us fed and watered and carefully tucked in, I rode south on a quiet SH60 back over the hill, through Mot and on to the stock yards at the end of Redwood Park Road.

With Wai-iti ticked off (the last of the WPs in the Tasman Bay area) I stopped outside the bakery in Wakefield and rang the Top 10 motor camp in Picton informing them I wasn’t going to get there until 2330, possibly later. Not a problem, the lovely voice said. I wonder what she looks like? There’ll be a map on the office door with your room number, it’ll be unlocked and the light will be on. How’s that for service!

I had contemplated giving John a call and cadging a bed for the night; a feed of fish-n-chips and a couple of pints at the


Below: 15 Dalethorpe

anywhere riding just about anything. It’s all about having a crack Nigel; planning it, getting off your ass and doing it.

When the results came in I was stoked; I was the second finisher on time but with more points than the rider who finished 5 hours ahead of me. A third equal on points saw me fifth overall. But it’s Thomas’s effort, that in my opinion takes line honours. His first TT on the smallest bike with a puncture in the middle of the night miles from anywhere, where some more experienced riders would have flagged it, he dug deep and persevered. It’s what the TT is all about and in my opinion that puts him at the top of the leader board for 2017. Good on him!

Next year will be the 10th anniversary of Mike Hyde’s TT2000 and I can’t wait to see what TTHQ have in store for us. It’ll be a doozey.

Thanks Wayne and Nicky for another awesome event. Captain Carefree (AKA Bridgette Jones) #3497

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Burt was a legend in the local scene, which saw a journalist decide to sit down and interview the colourful character about his life. The interviews were never published, but now they’ve resurfaced and in this book we get a true insight into the man that put Invercargill on the world map.


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OKOROIRE HOT SPRINGS HOTEL RIDE

On Sunday 9th April, Chris Hughes, Jason Wawatai, Chris Petherick and I left from Mobil Bayview and arrived in convoy

at BP Wairakei an hour and 20 minutes later to join up with seven bikes and three trikes from Ulysses Taupo Branch.

From Wairakei we travelled SH1 to just north of Putaruru. We then turned right onto SH28, then right onto SH5, left onto SHW28 and second left into Okoroire Road to the hotel opposite the Okoroire Golf Club.

50-odd bikes had already decided to luncheon at the Hotel, and our orders were surprisingly provided on a timely basis and the food was of a 5PI rating.

We returned via SH5 to Rotorua, about 41kilometres. About a 1km before

Rotorua we turned onto the road which takes you past Rainbow Springs into Rotorua, and exits onto Old Taupo Road by the Rotorua golf course. Stopping at BP Rotorua for replenishment of empty fuel tanks and then headed back south via Broadlands 80km to the Taupo bypass Z service station.

Riding back in convoy to the Bayview Mobil in 1 hour 32 and we were all home by 6pm after a very enjoyable 537km ride.Mike Shaw #9061

Above: Mike Shaw, Jason Wawatai & Chris Hughes. Chris Petherick was late for the photo.


OTAGO RIDE TO 2017 AGM

We always look forward to AGMs in the North Island, because it means lots of riding, and this year in

Masterton was no exception. Five of us left Dunedin on the Tuesday for our first night stop at Rangiora. We were joined in Geraldine on the way through by Aussie Natcom member Peter Baulch who flew over to attend our AGM after visiting family in Queenstown.

The next day through to Blenheim had us riding through the edge of cyclone Cook where most of the 460km was in torrential rain. Even the best gear could not hold out the water, but we managed to dry out overnight and continue on. Another Otago group of four left a day after us and went the direct route and they too encountered the rain.

After a night in Palmerston North, we arrived in Masterton for the big show. Wairarapa set all branches the challenge of one person or all dressing like their gnome. So we combined, promoting on our tops the 2018 AGM to be held in Dunedin, along with awesome Otago Yellow-Eyed Penguin headgear.

After the AGM, some members rode directly home, while the remainder took

another week to get back after detouring through Napier, Taupo, Greytown, Blenheim, Reefton, and Ashburton.

Through the connections of international Ulysses, we thoroughly enjoyed having Aussie Penguin Pete spend a week with us and he commented “that the camaraderie enjoyed by me with the Otago group was just fabulous. When Mike first responded to my request to ride with a group from the south, I could not have imagined just how totally enjoyable the ride and the social experience could be.” You are welcome Pete and we will keep in touch.

We all thoroughly enjoyed the weekend in Masterton and look forward to the challenges of hosting our own event on the 23-25 March 2018. Planning is already well underway. The theme is ‘Otago Gold’.Mike #7808



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NORTHERN

ODYSSEYS

even members of Ulysses went down from Auckland to the Manawatu/Wairarapa to ride the Northern Odyssey in February

2017. The Northern Odyssey is a route of approximately 1000km which must be ridden between mid-December and end of April. At various points along the route a question must be answered to prove that the rider has actually followed the ride plan.

Day 1, Monday: Auckland to Palmerston North500km, 6 hours plus stops, via SH27, SH32 and SH1 (as shown on map)

The Northern Odyssey started in Palmerston North. One rider went down on Sunday and camped at Ohakune on the way. Another left Auckland early on Monday and made his own way down. A third rode down to Masterton on Tuesday and met up with us the following day. For those who didn’t have other plans, we agreed to meet at the Autobahn Cafe in Papakura at 9:30am. Three of us were there in good time, and we weren’t sure if the fourth was coming with us or making his own way, so at the appointed time we put our gear on and swung our legs over our bikes.

The day didn’t start well for one rider. He was ready to go in plenty of time to get to Papakura, but as he checked his bike he realised the headlight bulb had blown. He popped into a bike shop to buy another. The receptionist was talking on the phone, and he tried to indicate that he was in a hurry but she ignored him. It took ages before he was able to buy the bulb. Meanwhile, traffic was building on the harbour bridge as it does on a weekday, and when he got back on the road everything was horribly

congested. After some vigorous lane-splitting, he pulled up at Papakura just as we were starting our engines!

We had a brief stop to stretch our legs at Matamata, filled up with petrol at Putaruru, and stopped for lunch at Whakamaru. We were thinking of stopping for another stretch at the Tokaanu Thermal Walk, a 10-20-minute loop track through a thermal area, but the whole area had been substantially redeveloped since I was last there a few years ago and I didn’t see the carpark for the walk. We stopped at the Tongariro National Trout Centre instead. Another refuel at Taihape, and an ice-cream stop in Bulls. We picked up our first clue at the Square in Palmerston North, then joined the two who had ridden down separately at the Palmerston North Holiday Park.

That evening five of us went to get takeaways. I suggested it would be quicker to cut through the park at the back of the motor camp, but we found a substantial fence blocking our way. With varying degrees of skill, four of us climbed over the fence and dropped down to the park on the other side. The fifth found it a bit more difficult. He reached the top of the fence but couldn’t work out how to get down again. Spying a lower fence which intersected this one, he swung himself over and dropped to the ground. Now he was on the wrong side of the lower fence, in the grounds of a closed public swimming pool! Fortunately, there was a picnic table that he could drag over to the fence, allowing him to get back to the top of it, and those of us who were not laughing hysterically helped him down to safety. I think we lived up to the Ulysses slogan “Growing old disgracefully” that night.

Day 2, Tuesday: Palmerston North to Lower Hutt via Wellington225km; 3 hours 55 minutes plus stops.With four riders actually signed up for the Northern Odyssey, and four days of riding to complete the route, we assigned each person the position of “Day Captain” for one day. Their job was to study the route for their day in detail and know where to find the clues we needed. The Day Captain

Papakura

Whakamaru

Tokoroa

Taupo

Palmerston North

Bulls

5hr 59min500km

27

32

1

1

Above: Route to Palmerston North for four of us

Above: Helping our comrade down from the fence


didn’t necessarily have to be the lead rider all the time on their day, but in practice they were. This system worked very well.

Our first stop of the day was the Massey University campus, which I hadn’t visited before. I was impressed by the extensive site. We then went southwest, picking up clues, until we reached Paraparaumu. Three of us went in to see the Southward Car Museum while the others relaxed in their cafe. I thought the museum was most impressive, with a great collection of cars and not a bad collection of motorcycles.

One rider left us to go exploring on his own at this point, and connected back up at our accommodation that night.

We took the Paekakariki Hill Road, which I haven’t been over before, and Takarau Gorge Road, which I have ridden previously but was happy to ride again. The plan was to have lunch at Makara Beach Cafe, but it wasn’t open, so we went on to Karori for lunch. After picking up further clues in Wellington and

Eastbourne, we finished for the day at the Wellington Top 10 Holiday Camp in Lower Hutt. One rider stayed with family in Wellington.

Day 3, Wednesday: Lower Hutt to Martinborough273km, 4 hours 32 minutes plus stopsThe rider who stayed in Wellington joined us at the motor camp, and we all headed off to Turakirae. On the way back we stopped on the Wainuiomata hill to admire the view of Wellington. At Featherston, we met our seventh rider who had come down from Auckland the day before. Most of us explored the museum devoted to the trains which ran up the steep Rimutaka Incline. We stopped at Lake Ferry hotel for lunch. This was a little unsatisfactory as their weekly delivery of food came on the following day and many of the menu items weren’t available.

At Ngawi, three riders went off to see the lighthouse at Cape Palliser, while four of us enjoyed an ice-cream and lay in the shade.

Our accommodation was at the Martinborough Top 10. From there we walked into town and ended up at a Thai restaurant.

Day 4, Thursday: Martinborough to Dannevirke433km; 8 hours 17 minutes plus stops.Our original plan was to follow the route of the Northern Odyssey as the organisers had set it, but we realised a couple of days earlier that by including clues in Masterton, Mauriceville and Eketahuna we only increased our distance a little bit for this day, and considerably reduced it for the following day. Had we thought about this a little earlier, we might have stayed the previous night in Masterton rather than Martinborough to better even out the day lengths.

We started with morning tea in Masterton, then headed for the coast at Riversdale and Castle Point. Three of us climbed up to the lighthouse, one other rode his bike across the sand to the base of the lighthouse. We had planned to go back to Masterton after this to avoid the gravel as some of us were riding heavy touring bikes, but the lead rider was following his GPS and took the shortcut from Tinui to Alfredton. None of us are gravel-averse, but the gravel was quite deep in places, and quite dusty. One bike got a puncture, and as we clustered at the side of the road diagnosing how serious it was, several large trucks came by at speed, covering us all with a layer of dust. The puncture proved unrepairable with the kits we had, but we inflated the tyre sufficiently for the rider to limp in to Ekatahuna. While the puncture was being fixed there we had lunch.

Above: Southward Car Museum Above: Resting in the shade at Ngawi

Day 2 route

Muritai

3hr 55min225km

1

1

57

Lower Hutt

Paraparaumu

Foxton

Shannon

Above: Day 3 route

Martinborough

Turakirae Head

Featherston

Lower Hutt

Ngawi

4hr 32min273km


Above: Motorcycles in the mist – actually dust Above: Whanganui River Road

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down again and the other walked down.We rode up the Whanganui River

road, each taking it at our own pace with numerous stops for photos. The road has deteriorated since I last rode it two years ago. There are lots of roadworks, slips, potholes, uneven surfaces and unmarked patches of gravel. There are also lovely views over the river. It’s a road that needs to be treated with respect. I like this road a lot!

We stopped for the night at a motel in Taumarunui, and went to the RSA across the road for dinner.

Day 6, Saturday: Taumarunui to AucklandWe disbanded at Taumarunui and each rode back to Auckland at our own pace.

Thanks to the four Day Captains, to the Accommodation Manager, and to all participants for a most enjoyable ride. Thanks also to the organisers of the Northern Odyssey for putting together a fantastic route. Charlie Truell

able to ring the AA for pickup. The rest of us continued to our accommodation at Dannevirke Holiday Park.

Chinese takeaways for dinner that night. In my experience, Chinese takeaways always come in much larger quantities than any single person can eat, and so we had quite a bit left over. This proved handy when the rider who had been supporting the one with the blowout came to join us, utterly exhausted. He ate the takeaways without even reheating them! The AA had still not arrived but had got a message through with a time. They actually arrived about four hours after the initial call to them; it took an hour to get the bike loaded onto their flatbed truck, and they took the rider to a motel in Paihiatua.

Day 5, Friday: Dannevirke to Pahiatua and head towards home351km; 5 hours 24 minutes plus stops.Early the next morning, we discovered another bike had a puncture. The tyre had enough pressure to ride it to a service station, and then to a repair place, so this didn’t hold us up significantly.

One rider chose to head back to Auckland at this point. The remaining five of us finished off the Northern Odyssey and called in to see the rider who the AA had taken to Pahiatua the previous night. He was waiting for a new tyre to be delivered from Palmerston North and seemed in good spirits despite his ordeal. His tyre was fitted by 1pm, and he had a good run back to Auckland that afternoon.

The rest of us took back roads to Whanganui, with lunch at Marton. Three of us took the Drurie Hill elevator up to get a nice view over Whanganui; two took it

At Pongaroa I asked a local about the condition of the gravel road which goes to Akitio from the south. She thought it was okay. Four of us decided to take this road, while the other three took the sealed road from the north. The gravel was much easier than that earlier in the day, and a light shower dealt with the dust. The shower turned to rain, and we had some visibility problems, but were still glad to have ridden this road. At Akitio we waited for the others. One arrived. The same bike as had punctured before had suffered a blowout, and the rider and a companion had gone to find cellphone coverage. We continued along the road to join them, finding the bike sitting forlornly well off the road with a very flat tyre. We met the two riders returning just up the road; they had knocked on the door of a house and been

5hr 24min351km

Dannevirke

Pahiatua

Whanganui

Taumarunui

Pipiriki

Matahiwi

Marton

Feilding

3

Below: Day 5 route

Dannevirke

AkitioEketahuna

Mauriceville

Martinborough

Masterton

Blue Pacific Parade

Castle Point Lighthouse

Alfredton

8hr 17min433km

Above: Day 4 route

Ulyssian JUNE 2017 | 41Ulyssian JUNE 2017 | 41

EVOLUTION OF THE MOTORCYCLE SHOW

Pics: Lance Nixon

This show was put on by the Hawkes Bay Classic Motorcycle Club in early April, with the venue being the Rodney Green Event

Centre in Napier. With bikes ranging from Kevin Grant’s Aero-D-Zero to Bill Buckley’s BSL on display, it was an amazing display of some seriously collectable machines.


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OYSTER HUNT 2017

If you head due west from Jacksonville, Florida on Interstate 10 you’ll eventually arrive at the City of Tallahassee, also in Florida. Hang a left there and head

down towards the Gulf of Mexico and you’ll run into a little coastal town called Apalachicola which is world famous for its succulent Oysters, and they’re good too! Then again, if you head due south from Christchurch on SH1 you’ll eventually end up in a little town called Bluff and their magic molluscs are even better.

We didn’t do that though, we took the long way round via Geraldine, Fairlie, Tekapo, Omarama and Kurow finishing up at The Waihao Forks Hotel, near Waimate, for Brians Annual Overnighter. Great ride followed by a brilliant social evening enjoying the good Kiwi hospitality of a country pub. There were 16 of us in all but sadly three had to leave on Sunday morning and head home to the big smoke and be ready for work, or whatever, the next day. The rest however, after breakfast, headed out to SH1 at Glenavy and then on down to Palmerston, via Oamaru, for morning tea.

Perfect weather so far and looking promising for the rest of the trip! Short discussion on the route south from there, but no contest really, obviously head onto The Pig Root and hang a left at Dunback and check out the mine at Macraes.

Only problem with that area is some of the group didn’t want to go quite as slow as some of the others, but no real worries we all knew where to re-gather. We checked out the mine; not a lot happening

on a Sunday, but then a wee hiccup, Paul’s bike wouldn’t start despite the fact that there were 13 experts gathered around it. All agreed it was the battery and then Chaz produced this wonderful tiny booster which got it going in an instant and we were off to Middlemarch for a pee break, before turning left onto the George King Memorial Drive. That’s an adventure in itself and certainly worth doing if you’re in the area, eventually it throws you out at Mosgiel.

Subway for lunch at Mosgiel, becoming a tradition now, then all roads lead to the wee, now quite large, NPD Service Station at Waihola and 15c per litre off for us golden oldies, but wait where’s Paul and Steve and Brian? Not with us, that’s for sure! Sadly, Pauls battery was now totally buggered and the malady seemed to have spread to his stator and knackered that as well. However, all wasn’t lost as a local lady, who just happened to be towing a motorcycle trailer behind her car, stopped to see if she could help and then finished up loading Paul’s bike onto the trailer and taking it to Dunedin, a real neat gesture as it was a fair way out of her way. Bike delivered to McIver & Veitch where it spent the night while Paul was holed up in a Hotel across the road. The prognosis was “no replacement stator in Dunedin” so one would be sourced from elsewhere, which would take a few days. The rest of us were OK though, we’d arrived in Invercargill and were busy getting around the outside of a few bottles of Speights and feeling sorry for Paul. A change of venue for our regular Sunday night Oyster dinner and

finished up at Waxy O’Shea’s on Dee St and a great feed.

Sunday was raining in the morning and our thoughts naturally turned to Paul, all sad and alone in Dunedin, so Chaz called him and offered to go and pick him up and pillion him for the rest of the trip. I agreed to accompany Chaz, and after breakfast at The Zoo Keepers we headed down to “Barns Wild Bluff Oysters” to stock up and finalise the actual “HUNT”. Chaz and I then headed north/east to Dunedin while the others headed west for a Southland Tiki Tour. After persistent rain all the way and a bit of nail biting on the Dunedin motorway we met Paul at the prescribed location, then headed back south towards Milton.

Accommodation for that night was The Riders Rest in Roxburgh so at Milton we hung a right onto SH8 heading for Lawrence, Raes Junction and finally Roxburgh, and as luck would have it the rain had eased by then.

Now, some folks don’t believe in coincidences and maybe they’re right, but as we approached Raes Junction a group of about eight motorcyclists turned left onto SH8 and we immediately tagged on behind


them. A mere five seconds later another two appeared and tagged on behind us meaning our whole group was right back together again. As Jacko pointed out, “you’d have to marvel at the series of events that resulted in us all meeting in the same place at exactly the same time, with absolutely no pre-planning!”

It was Monday 24th April and what chance there being a restaurant open in Roxburgh? None actually, but we were prepared and had asked our host Sue if she could please talk kindly to the owners of The Manhattan and see if they would accommodate the 13 of us that night which they did beautifully. As a result, the wine flowed particularly well and the food was exemplary, and we all enjoyed a brilliant evening. Some more than others of course! I have to say that the staff at the restaurant, were amazing and I personally would never ride through Roxburgh without stopping off there for a cuppa and a muffin! Same needs to be said about The Riders Rest, perfect accommodation with cereal and or toast for breakfast all for $45.00. However, don’t forget to take your own towel, because after a shower you can’t dry very much with a handkerchief! Next morning at least ten of us were up around 6.00am and we toddled off to the Anzac Day Dawn Service, joining a goodly number of locals. A well organised and moving event and well worth the effort of attending.

Our next destination was Mt Cook Village, with which I was very familiar; having been there in 1980 when my parents came over from England to ensure that despite being one of those “Pommy Bastards” I was being well looked after in the Antipodes! The ride up to Alexandra and then through the Kawarau Gorge and over the Crown Range was beyond magic. Morning tea at Cardrona and then lunch at The Musterers Hut in Twizel where we checked out and

watered the Uly Tree which is looking great, thanks Mark. Then, believe it or not, Brian actually suggested that Paul might like to ride his Triumph down to Mt Cook, truly an unprecedented occurrence that had us all gobsmacked. Brian obviously wanted to enjoy an hour or so in the car with Raelene and why not they’ve only been married for 35 years? We enjoyed perfect conditions all the way down to the village followed by yet another great, final night with the group.

I couldn’t believe how many people were

there, just as well we booked early. Then that was that! It was homeward bound for ten of the group while Chrissy, Chaz and I went back to Balclutha to spend a couple of rural days on Chrissy’s sister’s farm, two nights of brilliant hospitality from sister Catherine and husband Ian, thanks folks it was great!

Incidentally, if you keep heading west from Apalachicola you’ll eventually finish up in New Orleans, for maybe a plate of gumbo, but that’s another story!Bob Tanner #2877


ARTICLES

BOTTOM OF THE

SOUTHBy Tania and Ian Read

Tania and I had been riding together for just over two

years when I bought a Suzuki Inazuma 250 for her, while I had Suzuki V-Strom 650. We’ve done a few road trips together, including Waipukurau, Karamea, Reefton, St Arnaud, Farewell Spit, Pohara and plenty of local Nelson roads.

With a pending move to the North island it was decided to complete a “Bottom of the South” riding holiday and with the weather in early summer misbehaving we decided on a late February ride for 2-3 weeks. Having been on plenty of holidays where we had pre-booked and been disappointed with accommodation, we decided that we’d “wing it” and pick where we wanted to stop. Also, we thought with the tourist season over there’d be plenty of accommodation choices, “yeah right”.

After a year of riding the 250, Tania was ready to upgrade and a search was undertaken to find a suitable bike where she could touch the ground with both feet but avoiding cruisers. Following thorough research, a Suzuki Gladius 650 was chosen and another search undertaken to find the best one.

In Timaru was a spectacular looking unit and we hooked on the trailer and headed south to negotiate. Tania’s feet could easily reach the ground and with the same engine as the V-Strom we’d be well matched. After a quick ride around the block we settled on a price, loaded her on the trailer and went to Christchurch to stay with friends. Another Gladius was

on my watch list and I found out it was just around the corner from where we were staying so what harm could there be in having a look. The seller wanted a bit too much for it so I made a silly offer and wow, he accepted. Now we had two bikes to get home. Never mind at least we were now really evenly matched.

However, just seven months after buying the Gladius a feeling of a need for speed came on and I’d had my eye on a 1200 Multistrada. I phoned some sellers in the North Island and with surprising approval was allowed to go take a look. I thought I’d better do some more research and spied a Kawasaki Versys at Filco’s and thought I’d take a look before flying north. Big mistake, or pure brilliance, not sure which, but I ended up buying a near new Yamaha 870 Tracer. Now I had four bikes, but only wanted two, one each.

Oh well, what’s better than a biking holiday? Riding a new bike on a biking holiday!

So, time off was booked and dates arranged, and a general plan was instigated; which was to go down the west coast to Invercargill then head up the East Coast and meet up with the club overnighter booked in Reefton on the 23rd February.

We left Nelson around midday on February 9 with Punakaiki being the first night’s target. The sun was out and the roads dry, so we took our time enjoying the ride. First stop was a picnic spot beside the Red Barn Café, just north of Murchison, where we downed some YMCA – Yesterday’s meal cooked again.

Traffic is fairly light considering this is now the new State Highway One. We sped through Murchison and continued through the wonderful Buller Gorge and stopped for coffee at Berlins Cafe. Some exciting riding through the Buller trying to overtake a careless driver who thought the whole road was his and the centre line was just a joke. He/she must have had a vengence against motorbikes as he deliberately tried to run me off the road as I managed a quick overtake just coming off the traffic light bridge part way through the gorge. I waited for them to arrive at

Above and below: Punakaiki


Above: Rapahoe Above: Haast River Above: Cardrona Hotel

Below: Fox Below: Salmon farm Below: Queenstown lunch

Berlins so I could instruct him on driving etiquette but they never showed up.

Next stop was to be Punakaiki and to find accommodation. We then found out the problem we would face for the next three weeks, finding affordable accommodation. We had budgeted $100 a night and we were quite happy to use cabins, on site caravans etc. The queue out the office door at the camp site gave us the clue that we weren’t stopping here for the night, so we skipped across the road to the pub that offered cabins and there was one left at $145 which exceeded our budget, so we mounted up and continued south to Rapahoe. The pub there had rooms and it’s right on the beach, but they too were booked out. They suggested the caravan park just down the next road. This is old school and is now a campsite and we scored an old 70’s caravan with views over the ocean until the sites all around us filled up with campervans. The cost? $47.

It was warm, dry and a short walk away from the pub, so we wandered down for a fabulous meal sitting outside looking over the sunset and rocky shoreline.

After the drama of finding accommodation and seeing just how many campers and holidaymakers were about, we knew that we had to start booking ahead at least one night.

Fox Glacier was our aim for the next

day and with free wifi we booked a unit with an ensuite for $120. We had a great ride down through Greymouth with some rain, but nothing serious. We refuelled here and continued down to Kumara Junction for lunch. There is a fabulous cafe there with a live bee display, great food and spacious facilities.

The shared road/rail bridge just south of Greymouth has seen the odd motorcycle come to grief and was a little daunting for Tania, but with our intercoms working well I helped her, guiding her into the middle of the tracks and to cross them as straight as possible.

Franz and Fox were buzzing, and our upstairs room meant lugging heavy bags up, but other than some party goers late at night waking us up, we had a comfortable sleep. The meal at the adjacent hotel was a write off! We wandered around the town and then spent some time looking for accommodation in Queenstown. We booked an ensuite two room unit at Frankton for two nights as we wanted to do some tourist activities.

The ride through the Haast Pass on a fine day is stunning. The roads south of Fox are through forested woodlands and follow crystal clear rivers. This is one of the best rides in New Zealand by far. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the scenery. We had morning tea at a salmon farm before Haast, but do not

recommend it. It’s quite dated and I felt for the pallet fed salmon swimming round and round in small pens.

Lunch was eaten in the main street of Wanaka where we met some Romanian dentists two up on a hired BMW who were also heading to Queenstown.

There are two roads into Queenstown, one up and over the crown range which is covered in snow in winter but a true gem in summer, and the other the longer way round. It was to be up and over for us with the tourist and photo opp at the Cardrona Pub. Usually you can stop in for a meal or drink, but today it was closed for a function so we took a few pics and headed up the Crown.

The view from the lower carpark, not the very top, is best. There’s plenty of parking and you can watch the planes flying past below you into Queenstown Airport. From here to the bottom is a series of switchbacks where you crawl along behind cars, trucks and campers. Some fool in a huge furniture truck decided he would go this way and was swinging right over to the other side of the road on every corner causing havoc. Such fun!

The Frankton Motor Camp is fun to find, but after going around the block a few times we eventually found the entrance and checked into our room. For the price, it was awesome.


Above: Te Anau

Above: Milford Sound

ARTICLES

to get out the wet weather gear. As we rode into Te Anau the rain and weather was making it feel like a mid-winter ride. We stopped outside a restaurant and waddled in to remove soaking wet gear and enjoy a hot lunch.

We needed to re-plan our Milford trip as we weren’t going in with the weather like this. We left our helmets and jackets with the kind folk at the restaurant and we walked down to the I-site to check the weather forecast and plan for a Milford journey. We had purchased a grab one deal back in Nelson for the evening BBQ cruise which was open dated, so we decided to leave Te Anau the next day, skirt the rain and go to Invercargill for two days. We booked accommodation in Manapouri for Thursday as Te Anau was booked out, and then a night at the camp ground in Te Anau for Friday. The weather forecast for Thursday and Friday looked great.

Our BNB was back out of town a wee way so we geared up and rode out to the farm where a warm ensuite container room was waiting for us. This is on a small farm where goats are milked to make soap and the cow is milked for the family. This place was amazing. We awoke to fresh snow on the hills all around us and were offered a farm tour where we could pat the cow and Tanai had a go at milking the goat.

We weren’t in a rush as we had booked for two nights in Invercargill, which took an hour and a half online to find. We left Te Anau and headed back towards Mossburn with huge black clouds building. We hadn’t put on our wet gear but soon regretted it as the heavens opened and down it came. A quick pull over into a farm gate saw us kitted up and continuing on.

The rain didn’t hang round for long but it was a wee bit cooler so we left our wets on until we arrived in Invercargill. The last time I’d been down this way was for the Burt in 2015. It was blowing its tits off then and it was doing the same again now. They’re moving the Burt to February but I am questioning why?

The central caravan park has some great rooms and facilities, and it’s not far to walk into town. Our friend and fellow Ulyssian, Dave from Invercargill, took time out to taxi drive us around, taking us to Bluff and pointing out the longest curved road in New Zealand. Man was it blowing at the Bluff lookout.

After our car tour we walked around town visiting motorbike shops and Haynes

our luge rides in, have lunch at the buffet and then head back to camp.

The buffet lunch is simply the best. It took us nearly three hours with spectacular views over the lake, town and hills. The luge ride is fun and even at our age we raced everyone we could getting airborne a few times. Do this before you have that hip operation!

We didn’t need any dinner that night and tried to hitch back to Frankton, but we must have looked too fat or something, so we walked along the lakefront track which turned out to be a great idea. We met some locals, watched the wildlife and the submarine thingy that kept leaping out of the water. There was also one of the water jet things that run off a jetski with a bloke, who was obviously new to it, having a go. The walk took a good couple of hours but I did feel like I had walked off that huge lunch.

We had a much quieter night and slept well. The next destination was Te Anau, and the plan was to arrive early and head straight into Milford Sound for the 5pm BBQ cruise. We had an Air BNB booked which was a container on a small farm. The weather forecast was not looking great, but as we headed south the sun was shining and we rode along at a steady pace.

The roads and journey were now quite boring with long straights and brown flat paddocks. As we arrived in Mossburn the black clouds were brewing and it was time

Instead of taking two motorbike covers I had a small tarp that covered both bikes nicely with some bungee cords. It kept the seats dry and prying fingers away, and also packed down to store easily on top of the back pack. I’d just park the bikes close together each evening and pull out the tarp to spread over the bikes.

We went for an evening stroll to the supermarket. There was a function on in the huge sports park which turned out to be the end of a bicycle race from Christchurch over five days. The plan was to bus into Queenstown the next day and spend the day as a tourist. That night the local foreign workers decided to hold a full on party in the common kitchen just beside our unit. Pack of inconsiderate @#$%^. Kept us awake most of the night.

After a sleep in we walked out to the main road to catch a bus but thought we’d give hitchhiking a try. It’s been quite a few decades since I’d done any hitchhiking, but it only took 30 seconds and we’d scored a ride into town. We wandered around the town and lake shore, purchased a gondola ride, buffet lunch and luge tickets in the centre mall where there was no queue.

Off we walked up the hill to the gondola base, skipped the huge queue waiting to purchase tickets and rode up the hill. Rain was expected later in the day so we decided to get up to the top quickly, get

Below: Bluff


the coastal road to Portobello for lunch. A few bikes around and next we were being asked if we owned the bike from Filco’s. Yes, sure was us, and our fellow Nelson Ulyssians introduced themselves. Small world.

After lunch we thought we’d head into the city and we found ourselves in bright sunshine outside the Cadbury Factory. Might as well do the tour. We were parked in the countdown car park and a very aggressive looking parking warden was eyeing us up and marking cars. She kept looking at us as if to say “I know exactly what you guys are thinking”. So being brave I sent Tania over to ask if it was Ok if we parked here, do the tour, then come back and shop for some food.

Turned out, she was a motorbike enthusiast and happily agreed we could park here.

The tour was great, too much chocolate however had us feeling a little tummy sick.

After a quiet night in the unit we headed into Dunedin as my visor had fallen off and I needed a replacement. We headed to McIver and Veitch and ended up with two new helmets and a Senna intercom which they fitted whilst we went for a city walk. Goodbye to $850.

We arrived back at the bike shop after 1pm and mounted up to ride to Moeraki for the night. Heading up and out of the

Te Anau as rain is a frequent visitor.Our next stop was to be Dunedin and

we had all day to get there. After the fabulous roads around Te Anau the ride to Dunedin along the main route was nothing special. I know there are other routes we could have taken, but we were quite content to dawdle along and stop at the small towns along the way.

At Balclutha we thought we’d look and see what accommodation was on offer in Dunedin. It’s a big city and would have plenty on offer, yeah right! We couldn’t find a room anywhere. Well, what to do, just head on in and hope there would to be something, even at a campsite.

After battling strong winds from Balclutha we arrived to ever darkening black clouds around 5pm. We headed straight to a campground only to have it confirmed that due to orientation week at Uni, nothing was available. We needed some fuel so headed to the nearest fuel station and directly opposite was a motel. Tania went over to ask about a room but was told, no vacancy. The owner phoned around and found us a pub room in Balclutha!!

We looked very dejected back at the service station and we even stopped several people filling up if they wanted some paid guests for the night. People were very sympathetic but none had any room. I thought, hang on, we’re members of Ulysses, we’ll phone the local coordinator and sure enough we were invited to come stay, however at that exact same time the motel owner walked over to the fuel stop and said he’d put us up in their private residence. Thanking the coordinator for the very kind offer we accepted the motel as it meant a 30 second ride versus trying to find our way around Dunedin.

We settled in, met the pet turtle and wandered off for a walk to find some food. Whilst enjoying our meal I jumped online and booked the next night at a campground with ensuite room. Our host cooked us a wonderful breakfast and charged us only $80 for the room. Going to Dunedin, make sure you stay at Best Western 555, handy to everywhere.

The black clouds were still hanging around the next morning, but after we’d unpacked at the campground we headed off out the Peninsula to be buffeted by strong winds and fog so thick you had to crawl along. We went along the summit road and then out to the Penguin colony which although shrouded in fog was a pleasant ride. Then back along

Hardware of course. The next day dawned clear and we

chose to ride to Manapouri via Riverton and the coastal road. This is a much better ride than going back up to Mossburn. We arrived just before allowed check in time of 2pm so we had lunch at the adjacent pub. After unloading our gear, we had a walk down to the marina, then along a track beside the lake until we found our motel which had stunning views over the lake.

After a very quiet night, we rose early as this was our day trip to Milford Sound. It’s only 20km to Te Anau so we arrived too early to check in. Tania didn’t want to ride in as the stories of the road made her nervous, so we dumped our gear in our room and headed two up into Milford Sound. The road and trip was stunning, with clear blue skies and very little traffic. We left Te Anau at 12.00 and arrived at the village at 1.30pm. We didn’t stop at any of the amazing sight-seeing spots as getting on and off with two people, top bag and panniers was an effort.

We had a brief stop at the entrance to the tunnel, which is a highlight of the road. Take your time and the tunnel is fine. Tania exclaimed that the road was no problem and wished that she’d ridden her own bike. After our short wait to get through the tunnel we arrived at the car park in Milford Sound, took off our bike gear and decided on a coffee. Our cruise was booked for 5pm so we had a few hours to kill. Milford Sound was basking in sunlight. Even the sand flies seemed to be away enjoying the day elsewhere. There are a number of short walks you can take, but not much else to do other than take a cruise, eat, drink and people watch.

There were a bunch of Yamaha Tracers with Queensland number plates parked next to us. Having my tarp with me meant the Keas and prying fingers were kept away from our bikes whilst we visited this unique piece of New Zealand.

Our cruise was awesome, taking in all the sights of the sounds with a BBQ meal provided. Following our excursion, we mounted up and sprinted back to Te Anau as the camp office closed at 9pm and we needed to get into our room.

The ride out was as pleasant as the ride in. Again we only stopped briefly to wait for a green light at the tunnel. I certainly wish we had booked a few more nights here so we could have taken in the other fabulous sights on offer. Riding a bike, you need to pick your days to visit Milford/

Above: Homer Tunnel

Below: Milford Sound


Above: Wreath at Christchurch

Below: Meeting Tony

Above: Moeraki boulders Above: Ribs at Reefton

ARTICLES

meet up around Murchison or St Arnaud but timing didn’t work out.

Low and behold we were just coming over the bridge at the end/start of the Buller and we spied two biker fellas heading south. They gave us a wave and we instantly recognised Tony and he us, so we stopped and had a catch up. Ten seconds either side and we would have missed each other.

Total kays were 2,920km.Amount spent: Way too much, we could

have a full on Aussie holiday for our money.Would we do it again? Yes, in a

heartbeat.

the earthquake victims, that was a real moving experience.

Our tour is coming to an end. It was off to Hanmer Springs and it’s a great ride there. We opted out of a swim and just walked into town for dinner, then walked back the next morning for breakfast.

Nelson branch was having an overnighter in Reefton so we thought we’d join them and headed off over the Lewis, through the Rahu and into Reefton. Allan Smith had organised a ride up to some forgotten mining town and we joined in for this ride which had 6km of gravel road with locals collecting firewood and blocking the road. This was a very enjoyable experience apart from the gravel. We have both enjoyed all the places being in Ulysses takes us.

We joined in with the Nelson troops for dinner and a few laughs and then headed back for bed.

The next morning, we checked out the local information centre which is well worth doing. Reefton and the surrounding area is well worth visiting for more than a day.

Sunday saw us packing up for home. We took our time and headed off back through the Buller Gorge in clear blue skies. Tania’s brother from Christchurch had been touring the North Island with a mate on their bikes and were getting saturated in constant rain. We had tried to

Below: Tania at Moeraki

city into the fog we arrived at the Moeraki Motels and was given a room right opposite the bay with uninterrupted views. The famous Fleur’s Place was closed, so we went for a walk down to the village and then around the point where we could get up close to seals basking on the rocks. We thought we’d try and see some Penguins, but nothing seen.

Dinner was had at the local pub, which was enjoyable. That evening the fog rolled back in and it was so thick we couldn’t see the bay just 20 metres away.

The next morning, we loaded up and rode down to look at the Boulders before heading off to Timaru.

State Highway One is a good road but nothing spectacular. As we arrived in Timaru there was light rain starting. We booked in and went for a long walk down to the beach, then up through the town. We were fortunate that the motel had garages and our bikes were out of the rain.

From Timaru we were heading to Christchurch. Light rain was falling as we rode out of Timaru. We stopped in Ashburton to visit friends, then continued on to Christchurch arriving in warm sunshine.

As we both hate riding in city traffic we went two up on the Gladius to visit the Gondola and had a wonderful day out. That evening we went out to dinner with friends and visited the new memorial to

Nelson

Murchison

Punakaiki

Rapahoe

Fox Glacier

Haast

Wanaka

Queenstown

Te Anau

Milford Sound

Mossburn

Invercargill

Dunedin

Timaru

Christchurch

Reefton


THE FREEZING WORKS OF

YOREF

rom Hick’s Bay near East Cape down to Gisborne a brief history of the remaining “Relics” of the Poverty Bay Freezing Works.

Nowadays while riding the East Coast of the North Island, some remains of pioneering freezing works can still be seen of an industry dating back to 1889.

The Taruheru 1889, and Kaiti 1896, Gisborne works have been dismantled, though solid concrete evidence still remains of the others. Tokomaru Bay works 1911, the skeletons of the old Waipaoa plant 1915, and Hicks Bay, built after 1921.

The wharf at Tologa Bay was built to service the district before the coast road north from Gisborne was bridged and metaled. And then plans to develop a freezing works early in 1909 here at Tologa were canned two months after a decision by a stronger group of farmers who decided to build further up the coast. The later successful Tokomaru Freezing Co. first Gisborne city works opened, up on the Taruheru river, Gisborne, in November 1889 by Nelson Bros; HB. after they were guaranteed 40,000 sheep each season. These works were dismantled in 1923.

Sponsored by a movement by F.J. Shelton, the Gisborne Freezing Co. opened a plant on the city’s waterfront, 10-1-1896. A freezer was obtained from a sailing ship at Napier, and Mr. Shelton was their managing director.

Shortly after 1901, a new company, the Gisborne Sheep Farmer’s Frozen Meat

Co, was formed by C.A. de Lautour (my G/Grandfather) to take over the Gisborne Freezing Co’s assets with a capital of 30,000 pounds. In 1902 they started operations, with C.A. de Lautour as chairman of directors until 1922, by then at well over 80 years, he retired. These works on the waterfront were only closed and dismantled in recent times, just before attaining their centenary.

A movement to establish freezing works at Tokomaru Bay came to head on 18-3-1909, when the Tokomaru Freezing Co; was formed, directors being A.T Ngata, K.S. Williams, E.R. Murphy, H.B. Williams, W. Busby, G.M. Reynolds and H.D. de Lautour (my grandfather Harry, 6th; child of C.A. de L’s 17 children). Two months earlier, it had been decided at another meeting of sheep farmers to erect a plant at Tologa Bay, but that scheme was now abandoned and no works were ever built to utilise the magnificent long wharf, still standing after a hundred years.

The Tokomaru Bay works which cost 30,000 pounds, was opened 24-1-1911. In 1921 the Gisborne Sheep Farmer’s Co. acquired these works. They also built the Hicks Bay plant with H.C. Dawson as manager, but closed it down in the 1925-26 season, due to the lack of livestock.

Their building timber had come from the Kokatoa timber mill in the Whakaangiangi valley previously operated by Harry de Lautour. In 1945 Borthwicks bought the Tokomaru works, though closed it down not long afterwards. Waipaoa meat works

1915 was built inland from Gisborne, the remains still there in this year 2015.

Owned by the Poverty Bay Farmers Meat Co-up, W. Lysnar was the main mover involved though he backed out of taking on the bank guarantee as he was a member of Parliament. JR Murphy of nearby Repongaere Station; agreed to be the guarantor. Sometime later amongst other problems the ship Admiral Codington, part owned by the Co-op; arrived in the USA with a cargo of the Co-op meat rotten due to the ship not having sufficient steam to drive both the engines and freezers! The works collapsed, the bill cost JR: his Repongaere Station; and the mansion he had built and maybe more, so he had to move back to his Tangihau station.

A grandson of JR’s, cousin Bay de Lautour has just related to me the reason for the demise of these meat works. The most interesting remains of these relics in the Poverty Bay to visit today are the Tokomaru Bay freezing works built on a difficult site over a steep gully with its short own railway line down to the now partially intact wharf below. It’s easily accessed past the pub along Tokomaru Bay township’s beach sealed road, then past the works red brick bulk store and staff houses, some of which are still being lived in after 100 years.

Presently I have a key to open the gate (courtesy of friend Sandy Bull) to the remains of the Waipaoa meat works just out of Gisborne, off the Opotiki highway. John de Lautour #360


Tacos ‘n’ Tequila 20 days: Mexico,Guatemala, Belize

Life is a DARING ADVENTURE or nothing at all !

formerly Ferris Wheels Safaris

0 0 2 2 + years


Above: An example of the force of nature. Note the railway line hanging in mid- air.Left: The first real slip after Clar-ence. That is the end of the tar seal and as far as we could go, with a much larger fence across the high-way which is also manned. Appar-ently the slip is just a pup compared to further on and even now is still constantly moving. The rail tunnel is also showing signs of weakening.

ARTICLES

SOUTH OF CLARENCE;

WHEN GOOD ROADS GO BAD - A SOBERING TALE.

Many Ulyssians will have fond memories of riding this road down the East Coast of the South Island to Kaikoura.

Sadly, the November 2016 earthquakes have put paid to that. Marlborough Ulyssian, Bob McCrindle reports first hand

Above: Uplift of rocks from the seabed. Below: Hillside slips. The Cocky’s access road to the back of the farm and running across the side of the hill is all but obliterated.

on the damage to the road and some of the effects on this amazing coast line.

On Monday 20th February 2017 my wife Dale and I responded to a call from the Blenheim branch of the NZ Motor Caravan Assoc. to join a work party and travel to the Waipapa Bay camping ground to assist the current managers dismantle improvements they had made during their tenure at the camp prior to moving on. As this was a unique opportunity to see for ourselves the damage caused by the quakes south of Clarence, it was a bit of a no brainer to go, and if we could be of assistance that would be an added bonus.

So we met the 11 or so other souls who had offered to help at Brayshaw Park at


Below: An example of the splits & chasms in State Highway One.

THE SOUTH ISLAND

ULY TREE

During the course of our annual “Oyster Hunt” a small bunch of Canterbury Ulyssians stopped off at Twizel specifically to check out the condition of the Uly Tree and we’re pleased to note that it’s “looking good.” However, having said that, it was only a couple of years back when the tree was in a pretty sad state and needed a fair amount of TLC. But after having placed fertiliser pellets around the roots and giving it more water, it now appears to be thriving.

During the initial check up two years ago, we also left a 5 litre water container (and a log book) at a local café, “The Musterers Hut”, and asked members to stop by and water the tree whenever they were in the area. Not sure if that’s actually happened or not as there are very few entries in the book. Consequently, if you are taking time out for an impromptu gardening session please record it (date, name and branch) and then we’ll all know what’s happening. Big thanks to those of you who have actually done this.

As you’ll all be aware, the tree was planted in 2013 to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the first ever National Rally and AGM to be held in the South Island, and we’d really like to preserve it.Bob Tanner #2877 Canterbury Branch

6.30am and after a bit of a pep talk about insurance covers on our vehicles and the state of the road we would be travelling over, we were on our way. Needless to say we made reasonably good time to Clarence and our first sign of damage where the road had partly split away from the southern end of the Clarence Bridge. This is as far south as the general public is permitted to travel on State Highway 1 and has a manned checkpoint which will only allow authorised vehicles through. The checkpoint staff had been given our vehicle registration numbers prior to our departure, so after being advised that there is no insurance cover on our vehicles from this point on, and to take care, we were on our way.

The first few kilometres were fine but as we neared the coastline things got progressively worse – minor slips, cracks in the road, chasms in the road, slips on the surrounding hillsides, wonky railway line and the daddy of them all where the highway had been literally split in half as a result of an uplift resulting in the north end of the road several metres higher than

the south end. Fortunately, a temporary access road around the split allowed us to proceed south but it certainly gave us plenty to think about as well as giving us visible proof of the shear brute force of Mother Nature. This was further born out as we hit the coast line and got our first view of the uplift of rocks in the sea which were previously completely submerged even at low tide, but now are permanently above the high tide mark. The photo’s with this report give testament to my comments above.

We managed to complete all the work required of us, so after a very good lunch of paua and mussel fritters provided by the camp managers and a free ice cream each, we took our leave and headed for home, stopping along the way to take our photos as a memento of our rewarding but extremely sobering trip.Bob #8033


Below: Local welcoming committee at Hunterville turned their back on us

Above: Newbie Dale had only had the scooter for a month and was having a blast

Above: We lined up in the dark... all 52 of us.

Below: Dressing up optional. Organiser Terena set the tone.

ARTICLES

SCOOT A

HOOTN

o one expected me to finish the ride. No one thought I was silly enough to register. But oh no! I did both.

I rode a 50cc Aprilia SR 50 two-stroke scooter to Taupo from Wanganui, accompanied by 52 other scooterists, most of them 50cc, on March 25.

Terena Currey has done this twice before, and was making it known that this was her third and last time. The one hundred or so scooterists and support crews at the prize giving at the Cozzie Club in Taupo had another view of that, and made it known in the nicest but insistent way.

The Central Plateau Scooter Challenge (www.centralplateauscooterchallenge.co.nz) set off at 7.30am from Trafalgar Square. Participants had paid their registration and had each raised at least $200 for Camp Quality. Many exceeded that figure, so the kids with cancer were well supported to the tune of $17,500. And to make it a real challenge, it was raining. By the first stop at Turakina, patterns were beginning to emerge. The

first one was that the scenery went by less rapidly than it goes past my V-Strom.

Rests were up to 15 minutes, and happened at Turakina, Bulls, Hunterville, and Mangaweka. At each stop engines were cooled, tanks refuelled by backup crews and bums were rested. Did I say massaged?

Lunch at Gumboot Manor in Taihape was a longer stop. Some refuelled here from the BP or Mobil. My Aprilia needed a drink here, and was then able to get to Taupo so it was refuelled just this one time. The maths at the end of the day was 289km on 10.31 litres, and for those who are challenged that is 28.03 kilometres per litre.

The next stop was Waiouru, and Terena confirmed that the Desert Road was okay. So away we went to the summit for the summit photo. For those unfamiliar with the local geography, the ride climbs from


Below: Back up trailer towing newbie heading for home

Above: The Waiouru stop was at a most convenient place

A COUPLE OF

ANECDOTES TO PONDER!I remember as a young fella, when going away on our annual camping holidays with my parents, being given a pad so I could count a certain type of car or a particular colour. I recently heard some modern day parents telling their kids on a road trip, to count motorcycles. I thought what a great way to get the younger generation actually seeing motorcycles at a young age so when they start driving they will be more likely see us. A variation on this theme would be to count the types or even the manufacturers of motorbikes as well, to make it more challenging or interesting! Tell your kids and grandkids! Let’s get people actively seeing us!

Recently at an IAM observer training day there was a discussion about some riders who have the attitude of “I have been riding for years, it will never happen to me”! The analogy that was offered on that course is what I would like to share with you. They say these riders are like a block of Swiss cheese, with a certain number of holes according to their skills. If the circumstances out on a ride enables all the holes to line up then the unthinkable happens. So the trick is to make sure there are lots of holes in your block of cheese and that the holes are never a line. Some riders have very few holes in their cheese and so far their holes have never lined up. Is that good luck? Andrew Templeton called this, putting tools in your tool box, in to which you dive to get yourself out of difficult situations. Whichever way you look at it, it is important to upskill and make sure you are constantly doing this. Have plenty of holes in your block of cheese!

Take from this what you will and ponder its value!John Macdonald #7528

sea level at Wanganui to the Desert Road summit. And this is where the second pattern emerged. There were scooters zooming past on the flat sections of road, but even small inclines slowed them down. So I studied (and there is plenty of time to do this at 50kph!) the back of several scooters several times, waved as I passed them, only to be overtaken on the next downhill or flat section.

The ride to Turangi was a doddle, made all the more doddlier by the fact that the rain had gone and the temperature was way up there. That made the ride around the lake to Taupo a bit like a sauna given that I still had my waterproof riding gear on.

This event is family friendly. The backup crews included mums, dads and kids, and some families shared the riding. Some were dressed up in all sorts of gear, with onesies being pretty popular. To keep the ride on schedule, most back up crews carried fuel so the scooters did not clog up any service stations for large numbers of small sales of petrol. I convinced my wife Heather to tow a trailer to Taupo and then we could bring the scooter back the

next day. (Some rode back the next day!) This was the first time she has driven a car with a trailer attached. Brownie points all round as she handled the job with absolute aplomb.

I was sponsored by the Wanganui branch of Ulysses, Wanganui branch of Triumph Owners Motor Cycle Club, and Luxxio car care products ([email protected] and 0800 LUXXIO (589946).

My heartfelt thanks go to you all.Lance Nixon #2310


Above: No retirement plan available

Above: Roadside Toilet Stop

Below: Salt Flats roadside stop

ARTICLES

LIVING THE DREAM

PART 3

Sturgis was getting busier with more and more bikes arriving as we left on the way to Casper, 400+ kays away in Wyoming.

But first, a stop in Deadwood for breakfast and a new pair of Harley boots. Yes, I know I ride an Indian, but the boots are really comfortable!

We made a quick stop at Boot Hill to check out the grave sites of Wild Bill

Hickock and Calamity Jane who insisted they were to be buried side by side.

The roads were pretty boring by now with a lot of freeway/interstate riding at 85-90mph and the stop-over at Casper was uneventful, except for the number of people walking around with a gun on their hip. Next morning was a short hop to Green River.

Once we left Green River we travelled through the Ashley National Forest to

Kansas then on through the Wasatch Mountain State Park then on to Salt Lake City for the night. We were worried we wouldn’t be able to buy alcohol in the Mormon State, but we found a bottle store and got back to the motel just before the sky opened up and all the roads flooded. We also were worried because some of the team hadn’t arrived yet. We found a small Italian restaurant close to the motel, on talking to the waitress I found out she was being paid $6.00 per hour, when I told her she would get more at McDonalds in New Zealand she told me the tips gave her a better than average income, even though she had to share them with back of house staff.

When we left Salt Lake City it was obvious where the name came from, we were on the way to Wendover, Nevada and we were travelling down the middle of the biggest salt pan you have ever seen, all we saw for 200 kays was salt reaching out from both sides of the road as far as we could see. You could stop at a lay-by and ride your bike or car onto the salt – which one of our group did – but we didn’t want to hang around as we had an appointment with the Bonneville Salt Flats Raceway.


Above: Giant Redwood

Wendover is on the border of Utah and Nevada, there is no gambling in Utah but as soon as you cross the border there were eight casinos. We found our accommodation casino and booked in quickly, as the mini bus was picking us up to take us out to the raceway, where we were able to stand on the start line while the competitors were being push started. The gearing was so high in most vehicles they needed a push to get going, and on the professional course they had to be doing 200mph by mile two so they disappeared from sight pretty quickly. We were taken up the track to the pit area where we met Reg Cook and his Kiwi Race Team who were running a three wheel in-line torpedo type machine, Ferg from CycleSpot BMW was competing on the short course riding a Kawasaki ZX-10R and had a top speed of 303kph. It was hard to know what was going on unless you could hear the dedicated radio station. At the track service station/gear shop they were still selling Burt Munro regalia which made us really proud to be Kiwis. Back at the casino we had dinner, and boy can some of those Americans eat. We then caught the free bus to do a tour of the other casinos – it is depressing watching all that money disappear.

Next morning it was off to Eureka, Nevada

for our next night stopover, just a short 350km ride, then on to Carson City another 380km. The usual stopover programme was grab a shower, have a short rest then a group catch up with a beer or glass of wine, as we weren’t always travelling together there were always stories to be told.

The next stop was Sonora, it was a very hot day so we sat around the swimming pool killing a few beers. At meal time we realised the restaurant was miles away and there were no taxis. Oh well! Better have another beer for dinner.

We left Sonora heading for San Francisco, and as we got close to San Fran the traffic was getting horrendous, six lanes travelling at 80-90mph. We were impressed by the manners of other motorists when you wanted to change lanes, if you indicated they would always let you in and quite often let the whole group in. We found our hotel in downtown San Fran and boy was it downtown; a small bar across the road with all sorts of locals became our local for a couple of days. You could sit at your table, look out the door and watch small groups selling drugs and women selling the other, one of our members went to the

local laundry at 7.00am and was offered a quickie while waiting for his washing to finish. No Thanks!

We had two days in San Fran so took the obligatory Harbour Cruise (in the famous fog) to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Prison. We took a walk around the waterfront which was booming with tourists and I thought of how we waste Auckland City’s waterfront by using it as a car park and container terminal. A visit to the cable car machine-room was also interesting. I was impressed by how their intersections work, no stop or Give Way signs just courtesy, first vehicle at the intersection has R.O.W then the second vehicle, etc.

We crossed the Golden Gate bridge and started to head north, we now realised that we had turned the corner and were on the way home, once more the traffic was heavy so we headed out towards the coast and the North Pacific Scenic Coast Highway heading towards Eureka, California. Our average days riding by now was around 400km which was enough at this stage of the journey along the beautiful coastline.

Above: Preparing Reg Cooks Racer

Below: I’m next


Below: Bonnet of Reg Cookes Racer

Below: Steam powered motorcycle

Above: Worlds Largest Oyster

Above: Totem pole

ARTICLES

After a day’s rest and recreation it was onto another ferry to the mainland, again with no tie down points so we strapped the bikes to the railings for the two and a half hour trip, which again was a waste of time. Arriving back in Vancouver and our journey was over, and it was time to scrub the bikes clean and get everything packed, ready for the shipping company to send home.

We had 46 days riding covering 14500km in British Columbia, Alberta, Alaska and North West USA, with no breakdowns or accidents and only two punctures in the group. All up a very successful trip.

We had a temporary Import Licence into Canada and USA so no Carnet was required. If you are thinking of taking your bike overseas, contact GT Logistics in Mangere as they did a fantastic job with the bikes arriving in Vancouver and back in Auckland with no damage. LWayneP. #1756

After Eureka we travelled through Oregon and stopped in the forest to look at the magnificent Oregon Redwood trees which reach up to the sky. They are massive and one of them had a tunnel type cutting which we were able to ride through. We carried on to Long Beach in Washington State for the night stop, they had a sign over the road to the beach which read “The longest Beach in the World”. Give me a break, it’s only 28 miles and I told them about 90 mile beach to which the lady said “maybe yours is longer but we can drive on ours”. She wasn’t happy when I told her the tourist buses drive up to the lighthouse via the beach every day. It was our last night in the USA, so a few beers/wines/bourbons were quaffed to celebrate the safe end to this stage of our journey. The next morning it was off to Port Angeles to catch the ferry over to Vancouver Island – a two hour trip. I asked the deck-hand “what do we strap the bikes down to?”

“You don’t” he replied. We weren’t happy with this so we made

our own tie down points, but we needn’t have bothered as it was like sailing over a table top. When we arrived at our hotel they had made a large roped off area under cover outside the front door for us and treated us like royalty. Vancouver Island is a beautiful place but by this time some of us were getting tired of riding (especially the pillions) so decided to spend the day sightseeing around Victoria, the capitol of British Columbia, where their harbour-side is a tourist mecca with the shopping precinct, bars and cafés going down to the harbour edge.

Ulyssian JUNE 2017 | 57Ulyssian JUNE 2017 | 57

2017 WANGANUI

ANZAC DAY RIDEI

t was foggy at the Dawn Parade at 0530 hours. It was even foggier by 08-hundred. By 10-hundred it was starting to clear. When the

2017 Ulysses ANZAC Ride set off at 1130 hours, the 52 bikes rode into clear skies and calm conditions. The ride left from Majestic Square in the centre of town, and made its way to Bulls, then to Kakariki, Stanway and stopped off at the Cheltenham Hotel at 13-hundred for lunch. Riders made their own way home later in the day.

Over $500 was raised on the day, and that will be passed on to the local St John Ambulance Service. Lance Nixon 2310

Below: Plenty of time to catch up before taking off

Below: Ride leader, Neville Parker shows the way at the left turn into McKay Road

Above: Left hand down... into McKay Road

Below: Heather Mitchell Anyon managed the registrations on the day


ARTICLES

THE RIDES WE

ENJOYM

ike Hyde created the TT2000 with the first adventure in February 2008 – hardly seems like the next ride will

be the 10th anniversary. Mike has since passed away, but his vision is carried on by Wayne Pole and his team.

The Northern Odyssey was created by David Coy and Jim Galt in 2014 and like the TT, has become an annual habit.

Without the efforts of these folks from the riding community that take the time to put together these events, we would be limited for choice. They brave the “PC brigade”, and the fun police that would have us all sitting around sipping lattes and conforming to what such groups, deem as “normal” behaviour.

So, to all you people out there, in addition to the aforementioned who put the effort into rallies and rides of all types, thank you for your efforts that keep us “abnormal”.

With the Christchurch to Picton dash, being converted to a long haul pain to get to the ferry, it was time to work out the best way to complete the Northern Odyssey for 2017.

This year’s TT2000 was the perfect launching platform. As always, there is

a new twist to the event, and this year it was a split finish, not a split start. We chose to finish in Picton, which meant we could slip across the wee gap and do the Northern Odyssey over a leisurely few days, as opposed to the concentrated efforts required for the TT.

Starting the Odyssey pootling round the eastern fringes of Wellington, towards Catchpool Valley in clean fresh air, on a beautiful sunny, breathless day, was a stark contrast to the “dairy stench” we endured in the late afternoon two days before in Takaka! Takaka Valley has changed significantly and I can see why there is concern about the longevity of the Te Waikoropupu Springs.

We ambled around the various check points before crossing over the Rimutaka Hill and down the Western Lake Road before heading toward Cape Palliser.

The road to Cape Palliser is a joy to ride with the seal finishing 5km short of the light house in a wee place called Ngawi. An area of the beach front is lined with small bulldozers that are used for launching and retrieving the cray fishing boats attached to them. A local chap walking his dog told us how the cray fishing quota had been reduced to 27% of last year’s catch. Apparently, they are not around like they were. He was a retired chappie who went into town once a month, and couldn’t get back out there quick enough. It is a beautiful place and while he did say that he was over the nor’wester that had been blowing for weeks, he was a lucky man to be living there. After retrieving his dog, which had been looking for food among some campers, he continued his walk along the beach, and we headed back to Lake Ferry for a much needed cold drink.

After an evening in Masterton and getting an oil change and new filter done on Tuesday morning we were on our way by nine. The first stop was Riversdale. Of all the costal settlements we would visit that day this is the biggest and the closest to Masterton. Predominantly beach homes with a small shop that is the dairy, post shop, café and bottle store. In fact it does everything! A local in the store, was telling me it had been the wettest summer they have had for years and the abundance of fat lambs on the stations we passed (and on the side of the road) bare testament to that fact.


Next stop Castle point. This place was stunning. There was not a breath of wind, not a cloud in the sky, and if the sea was green it would have been a billiard table. We walked across to the light house (as the tide was out), to answer the bonus question, and were rewarded with stunning views. There was a large cray fishing boat parked up on a self-drive trailer with an engine driving the hydraulic pumps and motors to make it all work. Quite a nice piece of kiwi ingenuity.

This was the first time I had visited Castle Point. Years ago I had a friend who bought an old gaff rigger, a 1910 yawl called “Spray.” Having purchased it in Picton he proceeded up the East Coast

and was taking a hammering from the south. He decided to take shelter in the bay beneath the light house. He anchored in there for a few days until the weather blew through and he often lamented the great time he had there and how welcome the locals made him feel.

The northern most checkpoint on the east coast we would visit was Akitio. The drift wood washed up on the beach would have made a pretty awesome beach fire. Maybe that’s another thing you’re not allowed to do anymore! Back to Route 72, through Weber and then on to Dannevirke for the night. All the roads on the eastern side had been brilliant and the stunning scenery luckily matched the weather.

The next day was answering the last questions on the way back to Wellington via Palmerston North, Foxton, over the Paekakariki Hill, out to Makara, and then into Wellington to finish with a beer at the Backbencher before catching the ferry back to Picton and home the next day. Doing the TT2000 and the Northern Odyssey, a total of 4028km.

Many thanks to Jim Gault and David Coy for putting this together. Of all the “question” type rides I do, this is top of the list for me. A thoroughly enjoyable ride of around a 1000km, with a different variation, or theme, each year.

Give it a go, you won’t be disappointed!Michael Green 7351


RALLIES

ThisisacalltoallUlyssiansandfriends

Youareallinvitedto

NorthIslandRemembranceService

HostedbyTheUlyssesClubofNZInc.AucklandBranchSaturday12August2017at2pm

TheservicewillbeheldattheGreatLakesCentre,StoreyPlace,Taupo.

FollowingtheservicefeelfreetomixandmingleandtakeamealattheTaupoCosiClub.

BadgesandPatcheswillbesoldontheday.

IntheeveningtheTaupoBranchhaveorganisedaSocialupstairsintheCosiClubstartingat8pm.Socomeandcatchupwitholdmates,mingleand

reminisceaboutthegoodolddays.Agreatbandwillbeplaying(quietenoughsoyoucantalk).TherewillbeaRafflebeingrunonthenight.

Pleasemakeyourownaccommodationarrangements.Therearelotsofoptions

inTaupo.

TherewillbeorganisedridesdowntoTaupo,departingonbothFriday11August2017andSaturday12August2017.Detailswillbeavailableinournewsletter,onourwebsiteandonourFacebookgroupclosertotheevent.

AnyquestionspleasecontactCliveThomas,PresidentAucklandBranch;

[email protected]:TheUlyssesRemembranceRidewasstartedinAugust1988underthenameofTheMelCurranMemorialRun.TheAucklandBranchhadplannedaruntoTaupoanditwasontheeveoftherun,5August1988,thatwelearnedofthedeathofourfriendMelwhohadbeeninhospitalforsomeweeksafteranaccidentonhisbike.DuringtheweekendthememberspresentinTaupodecidedtorememberMelthefollowingyearwithamemorialrunforwhichabadgewouldbestruck.SincethattimewehavelostanumberofgoodfriendsandfellowmotorcycliststhroughaccidentorillnessandafterthefirstMemorialRunitwasdecidedtochangethetitletoRemembranceRuninordertoincludeallriderswhowishedtocomealongtorememberoldfriends.


The Ulysses Club South Island Remembrance Service

Your hosts the Canterbury Branch of The Ulysses Club of NZ Inc.

Invite you to the South Island Remembrance Service.

• When: Saturday the 5th August 2017. • Where: Please assemble at the Hot Springs Motor Lodge from 12:30pm Hanmer

Springs. • Time: The Service starts at 1:00pm. • There will be an event badge on sale for $10, Raffles to help defray some of the costs,

plus a mystery raffle. • Accommodation available (Book your own) in Hanmer Springs or

Hot Springs Motor Lodge <[email protected]>

Hot Springs Motor Lodge - Motels 35 Hanmer Springs Road, Hanmer Springs Free Phone 0800 315 5138 or 03 3155138

Which is offering special rates for Ulysses Club members. If you book accommodation at the Hot Springs Motor Lodge you can book the Saturday night meal or $35 (includes 2 meat choices, Veges, Salads and dessert) and Sunday breakfast $18 at the same time.

Those not staying with us are offered the following Saturday night $35 Sunday breakfast $18. There will be a Happy hour on Saturday 10% discount on your drinks.

Pool discount passes are available for guests. Those members NZMHA bringing their own accommodation and staying on site can use

their voucher towards the Saturday evening meal or breakfast on Sunday.

For details contact Stephen Orpwood, Canterbury Branch Coordinator, Telephone (03) 358 7494 (evenings), (021) 127 3363 or email: [email protected]

Canterbury Branch website - www.ulysses.org.nz/canterbury

EVENT HISTORY

The Ulysses Remembrance Ride was started in August 1988 under the name of the Mel Curran memorial run. The Auckland branch had planned a weekend run to Taupo and it was on the eve of the run, 5th August 1988 that we learnt of the death of our friend Mel who had been in hospital for some weeks after an accident on his bike. During the weekend the members present in Taupo decided to remember Mel the following year with a memorial run for which a badge would be struck. Since that time we have lost a number of good friends and fellow motorcyclists through accident or illness and after the first Memorial Run it was decided to change the title to Remembrance Run in order to include all riders who wished to come along to remember old friends. Please consider this: This ride is our chance to honour our departed mates. We consider them to be riding with us and expect the behaviour of all to reflect that.

RALLIES


RALLIES

25th Far North Ulysses Branch Rally

Pirate Theme 22nd, 23rd,24th September 2017 Marsden Bay Youth Camp

Coming from south turn right at roundabout @ Gas Service Station onto Port Marsden Highway. Turn left onto One Tree Point Road. Venue is at 89a One Tree Point Road, Ruakaka

Contact Anne Grbin ' Ph 0272920465 or Email: Anne Grbin - [email protected] Tent Sites, Bunk Rooms, Music, Raffles, Prizes, Meals, Free Tea/ Coffee/home baking

Cheap Booze (No BYO), Plates, Cups & Cutlery Supplied An organised ride on Saturday

Please note: entry to venue after 4pm on the 22nd REGISTRATION FORM – FAR NORTH ULYSSES 2017 RALLY

Internet Banking 12 3115 0096907 01 Code:- Rally Reference:-your name or Cheque to: “Ulysses Far North Branch”

Email or send Rally Forms to Anne Grbin, 7 Otaika Road, Woodhill, Whangarei 0110

Name:_____________________________________________________ Ulysses Number:________________ Address:____________________________________________________ Phone Number:_________________ Pillion:____________________________________________________ Ulysses Number:_______________ Cost Number Totals Attending Badge $10 ___ $_______ Breakfast Saturday $ 5 ___ $_______ Breakfast Sunday $ 5 ___ $_______ Friday Night Meal $10 ___ $_______ Saturday Dinner & Music (costume night) $25 ___ $_______ Tent Sites per person/ night Friday $32 ___ $_______ Saturday $32 ___ $_______ Bunks per person/ night Friday $32 ___ $_______ Saturday $32 ___ $_______ Final Total: $_______ *Any special dietary requirements please let us know in advance. In signing this form, I / We agree to abide by all rules and regulations for the event and will hold blameless all organizers and officials connected with the event

for injury or damage while travelling or participating in the event.

Signed ______________________________________________ Date _______________

Cyclespot BMWTakapunaAuckland09 486 1136

ExperienceMotorcyclesKingsland, Auckland09 845 5950

BoydMotorcyclesHamilton07 838 1209

MountMotorcyclesMount Maunganui07 575 4190

MotomartWellington04 589 5106

Avon CityMotorcyclesChristchurch03 341 3490

Scrambler $22,990 rrp + establishment fees and orcF800 GSA $24,490 rrp + establishment fees and orc

For a limited time you can ride away on one of these two brand new BMW motorcycles by paying ¼ upfront. Then ¼ per year over the next 3 years at 1% fixed interest rate. Visit your local dealer today to find out more. Offer ends 30/06/2017 or while stocks last.

*Finance offer includes an establishment fee of $250 and $690 ORCs. Terms, conditions and BMW Financial Services New Zealand Ltd standard lending criteria applies. Pricing correct at time of print, subject to change without notice. Images/colours may differ from actual product.

This fantastic finance offer lets you decide R nineT Scrambler F800 GSA Touring EditionWhether you like a retro ride or prefer a modern ride, the R nineT Scrambler and F800 GSA are the very machines to satisfy your riding experience.

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RALLIES

ULYSSESAUCKLANDBRANCH

‘RIVERTOTHESEA’RALLY17th–19thNovember2017

atthebeautifulhistoricPortWaikatoSchoolCamp

FulldetailsavailableintheSeptemberUlyssianoremailauckland.sec@ulysses.org.nz-Keepthisweekendfree!

Going to the 2018 National Rally? Plan a stop first at the

GRAND ULYSSES SUN & SURF

GUSS RALLY 17 and 18 March 2018, Nelson

Great riding, top Saturday evening entertainment, superb banquet, great

raffles, range of accommodation options & awesome scenery - it’s all in

Nelson!

Save the date now – more info to follow or contact

[email protected]


RUNS & RALLIESJUNE3 – 4 Brass Monkey Rally, Oturehua, Central Otago23 – 25 [Cancelled] 21 Years at Okataina, Rotorua Branch

AUGUST5 – 6 South Island Remembrance Service, Hanmer Springs12 – 13 North Island Remembrance Service, Taupo

SEPTEMBER16 – 17 NZ Motorcycle Show 2017, ASB Showgrounds, Auckland16 Westland Branch Rally, Hari Hari Motor Inn

NOTE: Ulysses events in BOLDFor more details of each event see ad at end of The Ulyssian, or Ulysses website – www.ulysses.org.nz or, contact local Coordinator or, use Google.Coordinators: to have your significant Runs & Rallies included in the R & R list for future editions of The Ulyssian please advise David Coy at: [email protected] two weeks before the edition deadline. Thanks.

The Rotorua Branchof the Ulysses

Motorcycle Club invite you to help us

celebrate

21 YEARS at Okataina!23-25th June 2017

Cancelled

back next year

RALLIES


COORDINATORS’ CONTACT DETAILS

The Ulysses Club of New Zealand Incorporated - New Zealand Ulysses Branch Co-Ordinators, Meeting Times and AddressesVersion 01/3/2017 To update your Branch’s information, please contact the National Secretary - contact details inside front cover.

Branch Address Phone / Email Fax / Mobile

ADMINISTRATION: Debby Morgan

P O Box 40218, UPPER HUTT, 5140

0800 [email protected]

021 072 3636

AUCKLANDClive Thomas

1/541 Pakuranga Rd, Howick Auckland, 2010Manukau Cruising Club, Orpheus Drive, Onehunga, 1st Monday monthly, 7.30pm

09 535 [email protected]

027 481 2700

BULLERSean Lemass

181 Romilly Street, Westport 78251st Tuesday of each month at Club Buller

[email protected]

027-911 4364

CANTERBURYSteve Orpwood

24 Glencoe Street Burnside Christchurch 8053Cashmere Club, 88 Hunter Tce, Christchurch, 3rd Wednesday monthly 7.30pm


021 127 3363

FAR NORTHNick Grbin

7 Otaika Rd, Woodhill, Whangarei 0110Burger King, Whangarei, Sundays at 10.30am


027 483 5183

GISBORNEBrendan Smith

19 Riverside Road, Whataupoko, Gisborne 4010Tatapouri Fishing Club first Thursday monthly 7-30pm


027 557 0128

HAWKES BAYTim (Tiny) Stewart

25 Tait Drive, Greenmeadows, NapierTaradale RSA, 1st Wednesday monthly, 7.30pm


021 053 7842

KAPITI COASTCheryl Roberts

15 Rangiatea Street, Paraparaumu 50321st Wed Mth 7:30pm. Odd Mths The Jolly, Paraparaumu/ Even Mths Otaki RSA.

[email protected]

027 423 1033

KING COUNTRYGraeme Hammond

17 Seddon Street, TE KUITI, 3910Contact Graeme for details


027 515 3201

MANAWATUMurray Cross

2nd Tuesday each month (except January) at the Bunnythorpe Tavern at 7.30pm. [email protected]

MARLBOROUGHKelvin Watson

143B Maxwell Road, Blenheim 7201Vines Village Rapaura Road every Saturday Morning 10 am


027 306 7344

NELSONTerry Reynolds

10 Isel Place, Stoke, NelsonSpeights Ale House Cadillac Ave (opposite WOW complex), every Saturday 10am to 12 noon.


NORTH HARBOURWayne Painter

P O Box 100 054 NSMC Auckland 07451st Thurs.Mth 5.30-9pm Pupuke Golf Club, 231 East Coast Rd, Campbells Bay, North Shore

09-444 [email protected]

027 289 1018

NORTH OTAGOBruce Thacker

123 Thames Street, Oamaru 9400Criterion Hotel, Cnr Harbour & Tyne Sts, Oamaru, 3rd Wednesday of each month


021 501 102

OTAGOTerry Clapham

73B Factory Rd, Mosgeil 9024First Tues. each month, 7:00 pm at the Otago M/C Club (OMCC) rooms 3 Clark St

[email protected] 021 140 1344

ROTORUAGordon White

10 Moke Road, Rotorua 3010St John Ambulance Hall, Peririka Street 7.00pm last Sunday of the month


SOUTHLANDRoss Lawry

12 Martin St, Invercargill 9812Ride 3rd Sunday of month. Meet at Southland Honda Clyde St at 10.30am.

[email protected]

TARANAKIIngrid Benton

The Tree House, 471 Devon Street West New Plymouth, 4pm 3rd Sunday of the month [email protected]

TAUMARUNUIBob Kendrick

4366 State Highway 4 RD 1, Ongarue, TAUMARUNUI, 3994R S A, 2nd Tues. each month. Rides 10.00am , BP


TAUPOIan Pilbrow

Pilbrow Watchmakers Shop 5 19 Tamamutu Street Taupo 3330Taupo Cosomopolitian Club Taniwha Street, 7:30pm.2nd Thursday each month.


0274 358 259

TAURANGAMarius Swanepoel

87 Stableford Drive, Pyes Pa, TaurangaTauranga Citizens Club, Thirteenth Avenue, 7.30pm, 3rd Tuesday monthly


027 519 4555

TOKOROABrian Middleton

19 Kaka Crescent, TOKOROA, 3420Lunch Meeting every second month ph Coordinator for details


027 369 8972

TURANGIDeb Treweek

65 Te Rangitautahanga Rd Turangi 3334Bridge Motel SH1 Turangi 7.30 pm 2nd Wednesday each month


027 321 0619

WAIHI-THAMES VALLEYMarlene Johnson

210 Edward Street, Coromandel 3506Paeroa RSA 67 Belmont Rd Paeroa 3.pm, Sunday 2 monthly Check www.ulysseswtv.org.nz


027 223 2629

WAIKATOJim Galt

P O Box 5232, Frankton, Hamilton 3242Waikato Commerce Club, 197 Collingwood St, 1st Mon Mthly 7.30pm (except Jan)


WAIRARAPAKaren Wilson

40C William Wong Place, CartertonWairarapa Services & Citizen’s Club, Essex Street Masterton, 3rd Monday monthly 7:30pm


021 779 776

WANGANUIPiet Meijer

33C Pitt Street Wanganui 4500RSA 170 St Hill Street Wanganui, 7.30pm, 1st Thursday monthly

06-348 [email protected]

021 143 6137

WELLINGTONJim Furneaux

47 Ward Street, Wallaceville, UPPER HUTT 5018Petone Workingmen’s Club, Udy Street, Petone, 7.30pm, 2nd Tuesday monthly

04 971 2893 [email protected]

021 244 2091

WESTLANDGary Sinclair

1 West Drive, RD 2, HOKITIKA 7882Varies, contact Gary for details


027 575 5604

WHAKATANESue Holmes

381 East Bank Road, RD3 Thornton, Whakatane 3193Ohope Charter Club, Ohope, 7.30pm, 2nd Wednesday monthly


027 363 2177

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PLUS: BRANCH NEWS - Ulysses Club · PLUS: BRANCH NEWS WHAT’S BEEN GOING ON YOUR CLUB • YOUR STORIES • YOUR MAGAZINE TT2000 BRIDGETTE JONES’ DIARY SOUTH OF CLARENCE WHEN GOOD