MARCH 2018 ~ FREE TO ULYSSES CLUB MEMBERS
AUTUMN EDITION
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aon.co.nz CONTENTS Market-leading motorcyble insurance for Ulysses Club 62 64 members
4 National Committee Members 53 It's Never Straight Forward... 6 President’s Report 58 Happy Birthday Ray Beard 8 Vice-President’s Report 60 The Longest Day 9 The Editor 62 Marlborough Branch Toy Run 10 New Members 64 Last Leg of Gnomie's European Tour As the preferred insurance broker to 12 Administrator's Report 66 A South Island Adventure the Ulysses Club, Aon offers their members 14 National Secretary's Report 70 Pocket Tire Plugger Prestige motorcycle insurance which 16 National Treasurer's Report 72 Unfinished Business 18 Forthcoming Branch AGM Notices 2018 74 Joining the Club includes discounted rates and enhanced Key features include: 24 2018 National Ulysses Rally and AGM 80 Obituary – John Brock policy cover. • Reduced policy excesses 36 Branch News 82 Obituary – Peter Unger • Age, multiple bike, loyalty, trike, 50 Farewell to an Icon 84 Obituary – Sue Kerr Named Rider and Restricted Usage discounts available 51 Letter to the Editor 86 Rallies Aon’s insurance offer provides cover for all types of on-road • New replacement motorcycle for total 52 Articles 92 Branch Meeting Times and Contacts motorcycles including 3 wheelers, and off-road motorcycles including loss within 24 months of registration as quad bikes, competition motorcycles (not covered whilst racing), a new motorcycle up to 30,000km motorcycle collections and classic/vintage motorcycles. • Windscreen/shield, headlights or tail lights covered with nil excess 74 • Roadside assistance for comprehensive For more information, please contact Leonie Steedman cover • Automatic Riding Apparel cover 0800 65 62 64 • Optional Replacement Riding Apparel [email protected] cover • Nil excess for one claim within 12 months with a Ride Forever training course certificate
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3 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President: Mike Dew #2415 Committee: Wayne Painter #1756 367 Wairakei Road, Burnside, PO Box 100054, North Shore Christchurch 8053 Mail, Auckland 0745 Ph: 03 359 4949 Ph: 09 444 2770 Mobile: 027 283 0235 Mobile: 027 289 1018 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Vice President: Tim (Tiny) Committee: Stewart #8959 Jim Furneaux #2098 25 Tait Drive, Greenmeadows, 47 Ward Street, Napier, 4112 Upper Hutt 5018 Ph: 06 845 0238 Ph: 04 971 2893 Mobile: 021 053 7842 Mobile: 021 244 2091 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Stuart Burns #3703 Committee: Jane Laing #6361 33A Iles Road, Lynmore, 75A Weld Street, Redwoodtown, Rotorua 3010 Blenheim, 7201 Ph: 07 345 3053 Ph: 03 577 6663 Mobile: 021 972 535 Mobile: 022 450 7042 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Secretary: Pete Graham #8196 71 Snodgrass Road, RD 2 Ext, Westport, 7892 Ph: 03 789 7749 Mobile: 021 271 2846 Email: [email protected]
Administration/Membership/Gear: Ulyssian Magazine Production Debby Morgan, PO Box 40218, Upper Hutt 5140 Publisher/Editor: Paul Lance Ph: 0800 ULYSSES or 0800 859 773 between Email: [email protected] 2:30pm and 5:30pm. Mobile: 021 072 3636 Advertising: Sam Slatter Email: [email protected] Phone: 07 862 6957 Keeper of the Remembrance Book: Email: [email protected] Peggy O’Neal #2849 Design: Gemma Wild Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website Administrator: Paul Willard Email: [email protected] Ph: 07 929 2415 (leave a message) or 021 638 223
4 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 Distributed in New Zealand by Whites Powersports Ltd. www.whitespowersports.com
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Integrated Sena Visit your local Shoei Elite Stockist or shop online at communications unit. Available separately. MIKE DEW #2415 NATIONAL PRESIDENT PRESIDENT’S REPORT
n behalf of the National Committee (Natcom) I’d like to wish you all the best for the New Year. I hope those that were able to have a holiday over the Christmas and New Year period had an enjoyable time? I only took off the days between Christmas and New Year, as we Otake our holidays at the same time as the National Rally every year. Maureen and I are going to spend five nights in Te Anau (booked a holiday home) on our way to the Rally.
What an interesting summer we’ve been having. One day it’s in the 30’s, then the next it’s 17 or raining cats and dogs. Lots of flood damage in both islands and then there’s the grass / bush fires. Hope this doesn’t mean we’re going to have a cold winter, as the heated grips on the Africa Twin don’t work very well when the temperature goes below 6 degrees. Never mind, old motorcyclists are a tough lot.
I was shocked to read that eight motorcycle riders and two pillions have been killed on our roads over the period 1 January – 5 February 2018. In 70% of the fatal accidents involving motorbikes, the rider was at fault and a large majority of those killed were in the 40-59 age group (our age group). These figures don’t seem to have changed much over the last few years. I’m sure we’re all aware of the risks and challenges we face every time we use our motorbikes, so please continue to be alert.
As far as I’m aware, no Ulyssian has been killed in any motorbike accidents recently, so that’s excellent news. I did read a comment from a Clive Matthew-Wilson, editor of the website dogandlemon.com who said “It’s time to restrict access to motorbikes or make retesting compulsory for riders, who have not owned a motorbike in the previous two years”. I also heard a similar comment by an insurance broker at an MSAC meeting I attended last year. Matthew-Wilson also said “As we age, our reaction times slow, and our ability to control a large, moving object such as a motorbike drops substantially. There needs to be a much tougher testing regime for all riders, which get tougher the older you get and the larger the motorbike”. What do you think of those ideas (send in a letter to the Ulyssian editor)?
There has also been some discussion in the news media over the last few weeks on lane splitting. I wasn’t sure if the practice was legal or not, even though I’ve done it a few times myself. David Keilty (ACC senior injury prevention specialist for motorcycles) said lane splitting was a “grey area” of the law, and even some motorcyclists were surprised to learn it was allowed. According to the Land Transport (Road User) Rules 2004, motorcyclists can pass on the right of cars without leaving their traffic lane, provided they adhere to normal overtaking rules, such as having a clear view, not cutting off, and not impeding oncoming traffic. But it’s a grey area as to when you can or can’t overtake when you’re travelling in two or more lanes. Please take care if you’re one of those motorcyclists that lane split.
Good to finally see the Ride Forever advertisements on the TV. Over the last twelve months, I’ve been involved in three one day meetings / workshops with ACC, MSAC and other motorcycle interest groups where motorcycle safety and awareness has been discussed and action plans put in place.
6 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 I think as a Club, we are doing pretty well when it comes to rider safety training for our members e.g. funding available for First Aid training based around motorcycle injuries and subsidies offered for approved Rider Training. It would be interesting to know how many Ulysses Club members have been involved in accidents over the last twelve months, as the news media keeps reporting that most accidents involves riders from our age group.
A reminder to all the Branch Coordinators that there’ll be no Coordinators and Natcom meeting in October / November this year. Your next meeting will be on Friday the 23 March at the National Rally, and the meeting starts at 1pm. If you’re unable to attend, please try and send a Branch representative in your place. They will be made to feel welcome.
Hopefully you’ve already cast your vote for the remit (in the December Ulyssian) if you’re not attending the Club AGM. It’s no good sitting back and moaning about issues and changes within the Club and at Branch level if you’re not prepared to stand-up and get involved; that includes casting a vote when given the opportunity to do so.
Over the next few months, Branches will be holding their AGM’s and I believe some Branches are having difficulties getting members to stand for Branch Committee positions. Without an active Committee, it’s very difficult for a Branch to operate and to grow and I’m not just talking about membership numbers.
An active Branch Committee should be managing the Branch affairs and listening to suggestions and feedback from the people that make up the Branch. You can’t afford to continue doing the same old activities year after year, you’ve got to offer new and exciting activities (rides, functions, social evenings etc.) to keep the members interested.
Ask yourself what can you do as a member to encourage the non-active members to attend your Branch activities?
Please take care on the roads when traveling to the National Rally and AGM in Mosgiel, as a lot of the South Island roading network is in very poor condition.
Now time to get on my Africa Twin and tick off another ride (Random Spur) from Mike Hyde’s book, Twisting Throttle, New Zealand.
Stay upright. Mike Dew # 2415
7 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 ‘TINY’ TIM STEWART #8959 NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
ne more step into the 21st century.
For the past few months I’ve been monitoring the use of the Ulysses Club Facebook Opage, and it’s good to see that more and more members are joining the page. What I have found frustrating is how difficult it has been to see the photos and stories that you have posted, with anything we put on the page going on to the community tab, which isn’t the easiest to find. Now all you ardent technophobes are thinking, what the hell is he talking about? But technology is still marching on and the Facebook page still has the potential to be a great communication tool for Ulysses members.
I am linked to the New Zealand Social Riders Facebook page (NZSR), as I know many Ulyssian’s are, and it is plain to see that in the short time this page has been around, that it has been a fantastic success for communication, with more posts than I can read in a day and Bikers from all over the country getting together for rides and social meetings. The NZSR page works well because it has a quick, easy and simple way to communicate, even I have made new friends from it, and bought a couple of snappy looking T-shirts from another member. In short, it works really well because of its simplicity.
I’d like it to be known that I am about 6 country miles away from being a technical guru, and if the Memsahib was awake at the moment, she would probably be laughing at my one finger typing; but I can spot a good idea when I see it. So, with this in mind and with the assistance of the other National Committee members, I set about trying to make our Facebook page more user friendly, like the NZSR page, only to find, after three evenings of swearing at the computer, one email to Facebook and a two day wait for a reply, it’s not possible to, because of how the page has been set up. Now, not wanting to be beaten by this, I have set up a new page to run in parallel to our existing one. This page places your pictures and stories on the first page, so you can see them straight off and they are visible to all members.
I will be one of the administrators of the page, along with a couple of other Natcom members. Keeping in the Ulysses spirit, we are running the page with a positive, upbeat feel. If you have any gripes or complaints, this is not the place for them, our Club motto is “Grow old disgracefully” not disrespectfully.
Over time, everyone who is linked to the old page will be invited to join the new one, you could also look it up on Facebook, in the search bar, type in – ‘Ulysses Club NZ Inc’ and you should be able to find it.
Share your pictures and stories of disgraceful behavior, make contact with people, set up rides, talk to members around the country or around the corner. Communication is the key; good luck let’s keep talking!
Cheers Tiny #8959, National Vice President
8 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 Last day for PAUL LANCE submissions for ULYSSIAN EDITOR the next Ulyssian magazine is May 10, EDITORIAL 2018.
i everyone. Well, it is Autumn according to the Ulyssian calendar, but you could have fooled me! Seems we still have a few hot weeks riding ahead of us, cyclones notwithstanding.
The team has been hard at work in the hot weather compiling magazines while I’ve gone offH in search of cooler climes; though Spain (where I’ve been testing tyres) is still pretty balmy even in their winterish months. But it was my team melting in the Waikato summer who came to me with the request for some cooling vests to use while they test bikes.
I have of course, supplied them, and I now have a happy team of two testers who seem more eager than ever to get out in plus 30-degree temperatures in full riding kit as long as they have their cold jammies on!
I have requested a product review in an up and coming edition of Bike Rider Magazine, so if anyone wants any tips on which cooling vest to buy, or needs to know what a cooling vest is and how it works, we’ll be able to give you the lowdown.
The request got me thinking though, the cold jackets are all well and good, but it’s probably a better idea to remind the young un’s (well one of ‘ems young anyway; the other is about the right age to apply as a Ulyssian – before the age reduction!) that drinking while out riding is actually a good idea.
And there’s a dramatic pause before I add…drinking water of course, not any of that brown foamy stuff.
And I see my thoughts are quite timely, as a number of other riding organisations are – quite rightly – banging on about staying hydrated when riding, especially if you are looking at distance rides.
Riding dry can seriously impair your riding safety, so, pack away a bottle or two of H2O for the trip and makes sure you drink it. Some of you might prefer to invest in a Camelbak or any one of a number of hydration packs available and really, they could be more of a lifesaver than many would think.
Here endeth the lesson, but on the subject of drinking on a more social level and all that goes with it, I was honoured at the end of last year to be invited on the Christmas Run for the Waikato Branch. Thank you, David Coy, for the invitation, and it’s a run I’m going to remember very fondly for well, ages really! I was blown away with the camaraderie, the hospitality and the general vibe of fellowship Ulysses members are famous for. Long may it continue!
I’ve politely asked if El Presidente has an objection to my plagiarising the story from my own publication (I’m not sure if I should sue myself for breach of copyright or not?) and re-publish the story in this edition of the Ulyssian by way of expressing my gratitude for the invitation. Thank you, Mike and if I could add, as an introduction to the Ulysses Club, this experience was one that is hard to beat!
And that seems to be a good point to stop on, especially as I have to pack for another trip. Maybe one day I’ll get on me bike instead of a 737! All the best, enjoy the read, and I’ll catch you out there somewhere… Paul
9 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 NEW MEMBERS
Membership Number First Name Surname Branch 09723 Denise Boswell TAURANGA 09724 Kevin Drower WAIKATO 09725 Rex Wood WHAKATANE 09726 Ramona Wood WHAKATANE 09727 Adrian Collins WHAKATANE 09728 Alistair Gilchrist AUCKLAND 09729 Derek Barclay SOUTHLAND 09730 Eric Camplin WELLINGTON 09731 Alison Camplin WELLINGTON 09732 Gregg Anderson FAR NORTH 09733 Alistair Windleburn MARLBOROUGH 09734 Adam Matthews FAR NORTH 09735 Peter Flood FAR NORTH 09736 Paul Whitehead AUCKLAND 09737 Barry Tamatea AUCKLAND 09738 Simon Hoare NORTH HARBOUR 09739 Malcolm Bayly NORTH HARBOUR 09740 Alistair Vickers-Edwards MARLBOROUGH 09741 Tania Jenkins MARLBOROUGH 09742 Gilbert Edwards WHAKATANE 09743 Carl Horn NELSON 09744 Robert Patterson MARLBOROUGH 09745 John Howard WELLINGTON 09746 Derek Coradine FAR NORTH 09747 Jackie Te Whata WELLINGTON 09748 Perry Davis AUCKLAND 09749 Alan Green AUCKLAND 09750 Gordon Munce AUCKLAND 09751 Graham Peat NELSON 09752 Gabriele Kraft NELSON 09753 Johan Meyer NORTH HARBOUR 09754 Michael Shields WELLINGTON 09755 Leonard Haller TAURANGA 09756 Mike Williams TAUMARUNUI 09757 Andrew McPhee KAPITI COAST 09758 Jolene McPhee KAPITI COAST 09759 Michael West WAIKATO 09760 David Musgrave WAIKATO 09761 Lisa DeVries NELSON 09762 Stephen Stewart NELSON 09763 Robyn Norman AUCKLAND
10 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 0024+ years
Beautiful Baltics Royal Rajasthan Inspiring Iceland Yaks & Yetis Himalayan Heights
Five Fingers of S.E. v sia Dalmatian Delights Turkish Treasures Spectacular South Africa Morrocan magic Awesome Andes Tacos ‘n’ Tequila Life is a DARING ADVENTURE or nothing at all !
For Sale
1992 (first registered in July 1994) Honda GL1500 Aspencade. Travelled 143,098 miles. CB radio fitted along with a few other extra bits of chrome. Cam belt, water pump and gear selector replaced at 110,000miles. Selling bike as wife has retired after 47 years of being my pillion, so I’m now spending more time riding on the Africa Twin. Asking $7000 ono. Trailer not included.
Contact Mike Dew #2415 on 027 283 0235 or 03 359 4949 (evenings) for more information.
11 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT FEBRUARY 2018
Date 23-Feb-17 30-May-17 15-Aug-17 14-Nov-17 11-Feb-18
Newest Member 9620 9662 9690 9728 9763
Current Members 2517 2582 2614 2656 2385
Lapsed Members 6046 6019 6012 6005 6211
Resigned Members 664 666 667 668 763
Deceased Members 421 425 426 429 436
Life Members 15 15 15 15 15
Deceased Life members 5 5 5 5 5
Odyssey Medal Holders 26 27 27 27 27
Ulyssian Receivers 2375 2431 2459 2496 2239
NZ Directory Members 2115 2156 2183 2216 2003
Couples Sharing Ulyssian 120 122 128 130 116
Overseas members 15 15 15 15 9
New Database By the time you read this, it is envisaged that the new cloud-based membership database will be well underway. There is quite a considerable number of changes to the way processing will be undertaken, however for the most part, it will be completely transparent to you all.
The biggest change for you, will be how you receive renewal notices when it comes time to pay your subscription. Those of you who have supplied an e-mail address will receive notification via e-mail rather than by post. This means a huge cost saving to the Club, by reducing the number of renewal notifications by snail mail.
I urge you again, if you have not supplied an e-mail address, please do so as soon as possible. This will not only assist the Club in keeping costs down, but also your subscription will be less as per Stuart Burns article in the December 2017 Ulyssian.
I would ask that you please be patient with me for a while, as the actual processing has changed significantly, I have a number of reports previously available to Branches, however these now require a major rethink on the best way to disseminate information. We will get there folks, but change for the good takes time.
12 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT FEBRUARY 2018
Gear sales I am pleased to advise I now have a supply of the 30-year anniversary badges. While officially, these are not due until later in the year, after the Dunedin AGM this year, you may purchase them either online or directly from me. It may also pay to check first with your local Coordinator, as some Branches present anniversary badges as they become due.
A special issue 30-year anniversary polo shirt will be available to purchase, but ONLY at the AGM Rally. Stock is limited and will not be available to purchase online or through me.
Most of us have had a fairly awesome Summer, so hope Autumn stays dry for you all too, Talk soon…Debby
We have an exclusive offer to current members of the Ulysses Club of NZ... $20 off the normal 12 month subscription price to Bike Rider Magazine. Just $79 for Ulysses members. Just call us on 07 862 6957 and quote your Ulysses membership number to get this great deal.
13 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 NATIONAL SECRETARY’S REPORT
It’s been an unusual lead-in to this report: first the holiday season interrupted usual business and the Natsec’s email stream slowed to a welcome trickle. Ulysses business took a back seat and family came to the fore.
I actually avoid motorcycling during holidays, as tourist road madness makes riding even more risky in many parts of NZ, including the Coast.
About mid-Jan, things began to pick up and thoughts turned to the upcoming National Rally AGM; who will win the bike raffle? Who will be honoured with Odyssey medals and what do I need to do to get ready with 2018 being my first ‘real’ AGM?
Somehow, President Mike manages to instil a sense of responsibility that it IS my job to ensure i’s are Looking for your dotted and t’s crossed; so I was beginning to gear up for that when... the tail of Cyclone Fehi began nearest ride? tracking down the ‘Coast.
As happens these days, there were lurid media predictions of huge winds and torrential rains; none of those came to much in Buller, but what did come turned out to be much worse - a 1.5m tidal surge Check out on top of a king tide, which inundated our house and some neighbour’s houses. Ruth’s studio was swamped and water swirled up to my office desk and above the brake calipers on my bike in its shed. MotoEvents.nz Such is the price we pay for living in an idyllic estuary-side spot!
So, the last two weeks have been filled with being red-stickered, dealing with insurers, finding somewhere else to live, filling a skip with wet stuff, liaising with builders, sorting our too large accumulation of useless/might-use-one-day things, and trying to resurrect or sterilise everything. Ulysses business was not foremost in my mind I admit, although my salt-watered bike has been.
Such an experience makes us reflect on what’s really important; and while I’m sad about my bike (which may yet rise again) it’s more about what a bike represents that matters: freedom, getting away from home and possessions and disasters with someone you love and mixing with like-minded others telling stories and creating memories that last beyond things.
So, do forgive me if my i’s and t’s are a little muddled for a while; I’m only a small part of a capable team and Club business will prevail.
Odyssey Medal Awards – thanks for the nominees; we look forward to presentations in Mosgiel.
Administrative Matters Branch officers Gmail addresses – There have been some recent glitches when officers change and Google security won’t let new people log in to Gmail from an ‘unknown’ (to Google) computer. To solve this, Webmaster Paul or myself need to coordinate a login time and temporarily disable security. Please Tours | Track Days | Poker Runs | Rallies let us know if you have this problem ASAP, so we can help sort it. Adventure Riding | Racing | Training Branch AGMs I made a few errors in the list published in December. Apologies to those affected; I will try harder. New Zealand’s only comprehensive motorcycling events hub for See you in Mosgiel. Pete Graham #8196 Road and Dirt Riders, North and South.
14 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 Looking for your nearest ride?
Check out MotoEvents.nz
Tours | Track Days | Poker Runs | Rallies Adventure Riding | Racing | Training
New Zealand’s only comprehensive motorcycling events hub for Road and Dirt Riders, North and South. NATIONAL TREASURER’S REPORT
The December 2017 Annual Report which has been audited, is available on the Club website and a copy has been sent by email to each Coordinator. Set out below is my report on the Club’s financial position which accompanies the Financial Report.
______
Treasurer’s Report The 2017 Statement of Financial Performance records a Net deficit of $21,610 compared with deficit of $27,545 in 2016. Excluding the one-off expenses incurred in 2016, means that the results for the two years are similar.
Our income decreased over the prior year and while subscription income showed an increase, the negative book trading result came about from a further write down in the valuation of our history book inventory. Despite a decrease in funds on deposit, interest income compares favourably with that of 2016.
Natcom continues to focus on controlling our operating expenditure, which is evident from a review of the Statement of Financial Performance. In the 2018 financial year, we will have a one-off cost in relation to the new Club database, which was under development at year end.
In prior years, I have referred to the increasing cost of the “Ulyssian” and if it was not for the fact that the June 2017 issue was distributed electronically, we would have experienced a significantly increased cost in this area.
The recently announced alteration to the Club subscriptions will help this situation in future years, however, we need members to be proactive and elect to only receive the magazine in electronic format from now on, if we are going to improve our financial viability in a timely manner.
The net assets of the Club have reduced by a further $18,737 over the year to $132,430, with $37,137 of these assets tagged for Rider Safety and AGM Equalisation.
Overall, the position of the Club is not as satisfactory as one would like and I am pleased to see that with Natcom support, we have taken steps to improve our income in the future by addressing subscription levels and also focusing on reducing our operating costs.
I would be pleased to respond to any questions about the accounts at the AGM or by email or other means for those not attending. However, if you have detailed questions to ask at the AGM, it would be helpful if I could be advised in advance, so I may check records beforehand.
16 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 My thanks go again to our Administrator, Debby Morgan. Without her assistance, the Treasurer’s job would be very difficult to do on a voluntary basis.
It has been a pleasure to continue my role on Natcom and be able to contribute to the debates and activities of our Club, beyond the financial ones.
Stuart Burns BMS, FCA #3703 National Treasurer [email protected] 021-972-535 15 January 2018
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I would urge members to download and review your Club’s 2017 Financial Report. As usual if any member requires further information on any matters raised above, please feel free to contact me. Stuart (Smokey) Burns #3703 National Treasurer
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17 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 FORTHCOMING BRANCH AGM NOTICES 2018
Closing Address for # Branch AGM date Venue Time Positions date for nomina- nominations tions Branch Secretary, Whakapara Hall, C, VC, S, T, 78 Bounty Place, 4 Far North 6-May-18 11.00am 6-Apr-18 Whakapara 6 Com Raumanga, Whangarei 0110 Tatapouri Fishing Branch Secretary, 3 C, VC, S/T, 5 Gisborne 3-May-18 Club, 58 Esplanade, 7.30pm 2-Apr-18 Pohutukawa Grove, 3 Com Gisborne 4010 Gisborne 4010 Club Hastings, Upstairs Branch Secretary, Hawkes P, T, S, 4 6 2-May-18 meeting room, Victoria 7.00pm 2-Apr-18 48A King St, Taradale, Bay Com St, Hastings Napier 4112 The Jolly’, 93 Branch Secretary, 24 Kapiti Mazengarb Rd, C, VC, S, T, 7 2-May-18 7.30 pm 2-Apr-18 Kereru St, Waikanae Coast Paraparaumu Beach, 5 Com 5036 Kapiti Branch Secretary, 17 King Riverside Lodge, Te C, S, T, 8 3-May-18 7.30 pm 2-Apr-18 Baynes St, Te Kuiti Country Kuiti Com 3910 Branch Secretary, 99A Bunnythorpe Tavern, C, S, T, 3 Schnell Drive, Kelvin 9 Manawatu 8-May-18 7.30pm 8-Apr-18 Bunnythorpe Com Grove, Palmerston North 231 East Coast Rd, Branch Secretary, North P, VP, T, S, 12 5-Apr-18 Campbells Bay, 7.30pm 5-Mar-18 30 Blue Gum Drive, Harbour 4 Com Auckland Warkworth, 9100 Branch Secretary, 25 North Criterion Hotel, 3 Tyne P, VP, S/T, 13 9-May-18 7.30pm 9-Apr-18 Itchen St, Oamaru Otago St, South Hill, Oamaru 3 Com 9400 Branch Secretary, Otago Motorcycle Club C, VC, S, T, 3 Stevenson Rd, 14 Otago 1-May-18 Tearooms, 3 Clarke St, 7.00pm 1-Apr-18 5 Com Concord, Dunedin Dunedin 9045 Branch Secretary, St John Office, Peririka C, S, T, 4 15 Rotorua 29-Apr-18 7.00 pm 30-Mar-18 P.O.Box 103, Rotorua St, Rotorua Com 3040 Branch Secretary, S, S/T, 3 145 Wicklow St, 16 Southland 19-May-18 Venue TBA TBA 19-Apr-18 Com Clifton, Invercargill 9812 Branch Secretary, 6 Inglewood Club, Moa SC, S, T, 4 17 Taranaki 2-May-18 7.00pm 2-Apr-18 Brecon Rd, Stratford St, Inglewood Com 4332
18 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 FORTHCOMING BRANCH AGM NOTICES 2018
Closing Address for # Branch AGM date Venue Time Positions date for nomina- nominations tions Branch Secretary, RSA, Marae St, C, T, S, 3 18 Taumarunui 10-Apr-18 7.00pm 10-Mar-18 52 Mahoe Rd, RD2 Taumarunui Com Taumurunui 3992 Taupo Cosmopolitan Branch Secretary, C, S, T, 3 19 Taupo 10-May-18 Club, Taniwha St, 7.00pm 10-Apr-18 51 Kurupae Rd, Com Taupo Taupo 3330 Branch Secretary, Tauranga Citizens C, VC, S, T, PO Box 160, 20 Tauranga 17-Apr-18 Club, 170 Thirteenth 7.30pm 17-Mar-18 Com Seventh Avenue, Ave, Tauranga South Tauranga 3112 Waihi- 40 MacMillan St, Paeroa RSA, 67 C, S ,T, 4 23 Thames 13-May-18 2.00pm 13-Apr-18 Hill View Park, Belmont Rd, Paeroa Com Valley Katikati 3129 Waikato Commerce 14 Brookview Court, Club, 197 C, VC, S, 24 Waikato 7-May-18 7.30pm 7-Apr-18 Queenwood, Collingwood St, T, 3 Com Hamilton 3210 Hamilton West Branch Secretary, Club Wairarapa, C, S, T, 25 Wairarapa 21-May-18 7.30pm 21-Apr-18 1145 Kahutara Rd, Essex St, Masterton Com RD2 Featherston Coordinator, 33C RSA, 170 Hill St, C, S, T, 3 26 Wanganui 3-May-18 7.30pm 3-Apr-18 Pitt St, Wanganui Wanganui Com 4500 Secretary, 21 Petone Working C, S, T, 4 Woolwich Close, 27 Wellington 8-May-18 Mens Club, Udy St , 8.00pm 8-Apr-18 Com Whitby, Porirua Petone 5024 Hokitika Chartered Westland Branch, C, S, T, 4 28 Westland 11-April-18 Club, 42 Hamilton 6.30pm 11-Mar-18 1 West Drive, RD2 Com St, Hokitika Hokitika 7882 Ohope Chartered C, VC, S, 18-Mar- 382 River Rd, 29 Whakatane 18-Apr-18 Club, Bluett Rd, 7.30pm T, Com 18 Kawerau 3127 Ohope
Key: C - Coordinator, P - Branch President, VC - Vice Coordinator, VP - Branch Vice President, S - Secretary, T - Treasurer, S/T - Secretary/Treasurer, Com - Committee
1. This branch AGM Notice has been assembled from a variety of information provided by branches and details from last year. There may be errors or omissions as some requests have not been answered; contact [email protected] with changes that may be printed in the March Ulyssian. 2. You may use the following Generic Branch Nomination form.
19 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 NOMINATION FORM 2018
GENERIC BRANCH AGM NOMINATION FORM 2018 THE ULYSSES CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND INC.
I nominate: Member No. #
For the position of: {please circle one} Coordinator Branch President
Vice-Coordinator Branch Vice-President
Branch Treasurer Branch Secretary
Committee Member
Nomination Accepted by: Date:
Nominated by: Member No. #
Seconded by: Member No. #
All nominations are accepted with no pre-conditions
20 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 NZ’S FAVOURITE ROAD BIKE MAGAZINE
We have an exclusive offer to current members of the Ulysses Club of NZ... $20 off the normal 12 month subscription price to Bike Rider Magazine. Just $79 for Ulysses members.
Just call us on 07 862 6957 and quote your Ulysses membership number or subscribe online at brm.co.nz with the code ULY079. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MARCH 2018
THE ULYSSES CLUB OF NZ INC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, VENUE: MOSGIEL A&P SHOWGROUNDS, 320 GORDON ROAD, MOSGIEL SATURDAY, 24 MARCH 2018 AT 10.00AM
Meeting Agenda 1. Welcome and Greetings 9. Coordinators’ Meeting Report 2. Apologies 10. Remits/Resolutions 3. Minutes of AGM held at Masterton 2017 – Discussion & Voting 4. Matters Arising 11. General Business (None received. 5. President’s Report 12. Odyssey Medal Presentation 6. Matters arising from report (if any forthcoming) 7. Treasurer’s Report 13. 2019 AGM - presentation 8. Matters arising from report 14. Election Of Officers
REMIT - AGM 2018 Remit # 1 That Rule 2.1 be amended by deleting the words “is 40 years old or more” where it appears in sub-clauses 2.1(a), 2.1(b) and 2.1(c) and substituting the words “is 35 years old or more” in each of those sub-clauses.
iminishing membership has become a source of concern to the Club and the topic has been extensively discussed at recent National Committee meetings and Coordinators’ meetings. DThe minutes of the National AGM in 2017 held in Masterton record that at the Coordinators’ meeting the previous day – The lowering of the joining age was discussed and consensus was that this could be reduced to 35.
The National Committee has undertaken to present the remit impartially, simply enabling the entire Club membership to be able to decide whether the age of eligibility to join the Club should be lowered to 35 years of age as suggested at the 2017 AGM. As the voting includes the counting of postal votes, the remit cannot be amended at the 2018 AGM and must be decided as it is presented above.
If the remit is successful, the amended clauses will then read: (a) is 35 years old or more, and holds a current motorcycle licence, and has been nominated by a Branch Member and approved by the Branch Coordinator; or
22 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MARCH 2018
(b) is 35 years old or more, and has a longstanding interest in motorcycles or is the spouse / partner of a current member, and has been nominated by a Branch Member and approved by the Branch Coordinator; or
(c) is 35 years old or more, and holds a current motorcycle licence, and is generally resident overseas, and has been nominated by two members who are generally resident in New Zealand; and
NOTE – While there may have been consensus in 2017 at Masterton, the decision to change the age or not now rests with all Club members and will be determined at the National AGM in Mosgiel in 2018 by a majority vote of the members of the Club, either voting in person at the meeting or by postal vote in accordance with the Club Rules on such matters.
Members who consider that lowering the age to 35 may advantage the Club or increase membership, should vote in favour of the remit. Equally, members who wish to retain the status quo or believe that lowering the age to 35 may disadvantage the Club, should vote against the remit. • Moved by Jim Furneaux #2098 • Seconded by Mike Dew #2415
Minutes of 2017 AGM The Minutes of the National AGM held in Masterton 15 April 2017 are available on the Club website. Refer to the home page, Click on the links tab and scroll down to find AGM Minutes.
General Business Mosgiel AGM Please note that only those items of General Business or Members Questions which were notified in writing (including by email) to the National Secretary by Tuesday, 10 Feb 2018 would be accepted for discussion in General Business at the AGM. No items were received.
Membership Please note that if your membership is not current at the time of the National AGM then any postal vote cast will be invalid and although you may attend the AGM, you will be unable to vote.
23 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 2018 NATIONAL ULYSSES RALLY AND AGM
TO BE HELD IN MOSGIEL, DUNEDIN AND HOSTED BY ULYSSES OTAGO ON 23-25 MARCH 2018
All registrations and accommodation should be booked by now, but; there may be limited accommodation remaining in Mosgiel itself at:
Burns Lodge 89 Church Street, Mosgiel 03-489 2600 had some twin units left. Great value at $45pp per night and they offer a Saturday bfast inclusive!
• Tent & powered/nonpowered sites are also available at the AGM site for motor homes or camping. Ring 03-489 3680 (Kate who works limited hours), or just turn up.
More accommodation is available over Three Mile Hill in Dunedin city. • Ideally please stay at the large Aaron Lodge Top 10 Holiday Park (03 476 4725 or 0800 879 227) to make it easier for group shuttle pickups. They have motels and studio units – and are the closest to Mosgiel on the city side.
• Or at one of the many motels below on George Street and central city. 858 George St Motel (03) 474 0047 Aaron on George Motel Albatross Inn (03) 477 2727 Alcala Motel (03) 477 9073 Alexis Motor Court 0800-425394 Allan Court Motel (03) 477 7526 Amross Motel (03) 471 8924 Asure Motel Academy (03) 477 7692 Owens Motel (03) 477 7156 Euro 315 Motel (03) 477 9929 Beechwood Motel 0800-666716 Regal Court Motel (03) 477 7729 Garden Motel 0508-GARDEN Sahara Motel (03) 477 6662
Also; Victoria Hotel (03) 477 0572 Motel on York (03) 477 6120 Kingsgate Hotel (03) 477 6784
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 event after our AGM.
24 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 KEY POINTS
IF ATTENDING THE AGM, THERE ARE SOME KEY POINTS TO NOTE PLEASE: The motorway SH1 over Saddle Hill will have major road works from late January to late March, 1 so it is possible that this will impact on free flowing travel on SH1 between Mosgiel and Dunedin.
• So the alternative and more direct route to/from the middle and northern end of Dunedin (for George Street Motels and Aaron Lodge) is to travel over Three Mile Hill. This route goes up Stuart Street from the Octagon and then continues up Taieri Road. On the Mosgiel side, travel 2.3km on the flat, then veer right and travel 3.6km all the way down Dukes Road North to the Gordon Road corner where the AGM will be held.
Please do take care at the ‘5-roads intersection’ on the corner near where the A&P 2 Showgrounds are. This is SH87 plus 3 side roads – Gordon Rd, Dukes Road North & Dukes Road South.
The A&P Showgrounds are 1km from the edge of Mosgiel on Gordon Road. So walking along 3 the edge of SH87 to and from the venue is not recommended.
• We will be running a bus/van on a Church St & Gordon Rd loop around Mosgiel from about 4pm on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th. The motel pickup order will be; Burns Lodge, Bonnie Knights, Hotel Taieri, Mosgiel Regency, Bella Vista to the A&P approx every 30 mins until around 6pm. After that it will be ‘as required’. Mosgiel pickups/drop-offs will be approximately $4 per head.
• Longbourne Lodge Mosgiel will be a van pickup.
• If you are staying elsewhere in Mosgiel, either make your way to one of the motel pickup sites (4- 6pm), or ring 027-489 7795 to co-ordinate a pickup.
Dunedin city pickups - We will send vans and/or the bus in to the city for those at Aaron 4 Lodge or at motels on George Street. But we need to fill the vehicles on these trips, so it would be very helpful if we knew in advance where members are staying in Dunedin city. If you are staying in town – please email [email protected] and let us know who you are, how many in your group and where you are staying, along with contact details. Dunedin city pickup/drop-offs will be about $8 per head.
The Natcom and Coordinators meeting will be held on Friday at Weavers at 26 Factory 5 Road, just up from the main street Gordon Road. The Sunday morning breakfast will also be held at Weavers. 6 How is your OTAGO GOLD theme going…? 25 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018
BRANCH NEWS
AUCKLAND’S ANSWER
Hi all, from us in the big smoke. The Auckland Branch is ticking along nicely and we have had some great rides, coffee and conversations and general socialising. It is good to see members participating in these activities.
First off, I must say a big thank you to the Committee and Runs Committee for all of the hard work they have put in over the past 12 months, it certainly makes my life a whole lot easier when I have such a dedicated team. Every one of them has put their hand up to take on a task and then they have just run with it. Some of our Committee members are standing down this year, but we have some new blood coming onto the Committee too, so well done folks, I look forward to the same over the next 12 months.
The change in format to our Rescue Helicopter run was a great success, I had nothing but positive feedback about the new start and finish venues, plus the new roads with very little traffic. None of these things happen without having a great team of willing helpers and there are too many of them to mention everyone, so I will just say thank you, thank you, thank you. I do have to give a big thank you to the sponsors who donated some fantastic prizes and goods to be auctioned, Pirelli Tyres, Drury Motorcycle Performance Centre, Motomail, Kiwi Plates, Podges Place, Clevedon Hotel, Auckland Harley-Davidson, North Auckland Harley-Davidson, Yamaha NZ, Coleman's Suzuki, Blue Moon Leather, Mitre 10 and Repco, these people look after us and the best way we can repay them for their kindness is to use their businesses.
I think that the Runs Committee puts together a Runs list that should suit everyone ie: short, medium and long rides so, have a look at the list and pick a ride that is best for you.
I have been involved with this great Club of ours for a long time and I think that the format we now have for rides – such as having corner markers so nobody can get lost – is the best it has ever been, so it doesn’t matter if a person is a newcomer or a returning rider, we will endeavour to look after them. Remember there is no substitute for time spent in the saddle to gain experience.
I will not be going to Dunedin for our National AGM, but Craig Moodie will be standing in for me. If you have anything that you would like Craig to pass on to the National Committee then let me know, and I will pass it on to him. If you are heading to the AGM yourself and have not booked your accommodation, I would suggest you do it sooner rather than later.
Keep the shiny side up. Clive Thomas # 2383 Auckland President
27 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 BRANCH NEWS
CANTERBURY TAILS
Welcome one and all,
I hope if you are reading this you have paid your fees and are still a current member of this great Club of ours. I am sorry that some members have not renewed, after all we are a Club of many differing life experiences and expectations. As adults, or should that be as teenagers and young adults – apparently, we are not classed as middle aged until we are in our 80's – we need to pull on our big person pants and get over it. We will not always agree, or see things the same way, that is what makes life worth living.
Our Branch AGM was held on February the 21st and we were lucky enough to field a full Committee. I don’t quite understand why we, with one of the biggest Branch memberships in the country, have trouble getting a Committee together. We have a wide range of people with an extremely wide range of experiences, yet to get people to stand, we have had to shoulder tap and sometimes even worse, beg members to take positions on the Committee. I am sure this is not just endemic to Canterbury.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those both on your Committee and to those outside the Committee for their efforts over the last year, without you all, this year would have been very different.
We have had some good rides and even more coming up and we really can’t complain about the weather. With the new Committee about to settle, we will be looking at Bi-Monthly dinners around the province, and in the off month, maybe a lunch ride; those members from around the area will need to watch for these and put a ring round your calendar, so you don’t miss the date.
The Knitting Club is going strong and with the fine days, has been stacking up the miles. If you have a Wednesday free, I am sure they will make you all welcome. I have tried to get on a few of the rides, but the conflict of time and day is making it a little difficult. Family comes first, after all.
To those of you attending the National Rally and AGM, Pam and I will see you there. We are travelling via Doubtful and Milford Sounds, another couple of items ticked off the bucket list. The Branch has a good contingent heading to the great smoke of Mosgiel by various routes, so we should have some good stories to tell. Hopefully, all will arrive safely and return to their loved ones safe and sound. To loosely quote Brittney Morrow, “Even when riding alone, how many people are relying on you to make the right decisions and return safe and sound?” To those not attending, I hope you have all cast your vote on the remit, this is after all, your Club. It is too late after the fact.
28 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 BRANCH NEWS
By the time you read this, Nelson will have run it’s Coast to Coast and it looks like a few of the locals will be joining in, but starting from Birdlings Flat and meeting up with Nelson at Westport for sunset. Pam and I would have liked to join them, but I have committed myself to wearing my other hat as an MNZ steward that weekend. I have found it very hard to be in two places at once.
Bad news about the G.U.S.S Rally, it sounds like Nelson has an alternative for those that had planned to go.
The next big one on the Branch schedule is our ANZAC Day, “St John Ambulance Ride.” This is coming up very quickly, and is the major fund raiser involving the Branch, and your support is required to make it as successful as it has been in the past. We are planning for another great day. I have a couple of people trying to convince the weather gods that anything less than warm and dry is not acceptable. Starting point again will be the South City Mall carpark.
By the time the next issue is out, The Brass Monkey will also be over and to those who don’t make it to the National Rally and AGM, we may catch you there.
Stay upright Stephen Orpwood 2119 Coordinator. Canterbury
FAR NORTH FROLIX
The Far North Branch is in a healthy state. We are getting new members joining constantly with 7 new members in one 2-month period. We helped with NorthAble LYNKZ Christmas parade for their party. Got lots of toots and waves from motorists and passengers with Santa on the back of my bike and an Elf on a Ural side-car tooted and waved at everyone in sight. I for one, had more fun than anyone, I reckon, seeing all the happy faces that our little parade created. It was well worth the effort to put smiles on people’s faces.
We are well on the way with plans to ride to Dargaville St John Ambulance Station for our Anzac Day ride. Local members are helping to coordinate this. I understand that this particular station is having trouble manning (womanning?) after hours emergency calls.
As with many volunteer organisations, St John is finding it hard to find people to help with community service. When I was an after-hours emergency calls officer for St John’s in Dargaville in the early 80’s, we had no problems getting volunteers.
Anyway, we are thriving up here with a very positive committee and having a lot of fun into the bargain. Ride safe.
Nick Grbin #1688
29 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 BRANCH NEWS
HAWKE’S BAY HAPPENINGS
Sunday 17th December 2017 The Branch Christmas BBQ. Kas Fairy showing of his disgraceful Chef’s outfit. Kas and his wife Sharon hosted us at their Waimea Orchard House in Meeanee Napier. All attendees received a present from Santa’s sack up to a maximum value of $5.
Tuesday 26th December 2017. Five bikes left BP Stortford to join dozens of other bikes headed for Whanganui. Met showers two thirds of the way down SH50. Stopped at Dannevirke BP for wet weather gear dressing. Weather dried out by the time we hit Ashurst and it was a dry ride all the way to Whanganui. Eight Hawke’s Bay Ulyssians spotted, two by bike, six by car. We took advantage of the Ulysses Grandstand for the last race of the day.
Yoshi Kishimoto was a credible 6th in the F3 final, riding an electric bike. Bit strange hearing the blast of multiples then only the chain chatter of the electric. The way of the future.
Monday 1st January 2018. Approximately twenty riders gathered for the first ride of 2018. We formed up at Mobil 10:30am. Rider in charge Chris Hughes. Several groups rode to and from Café 287. During the interlude at Café 287, great volumes of deliciousness were devoured and anecdotes exchanged. The day was 30 degrees, the air temperature was 30 degrees and the riding comfort temperature was approaching an armpit-watering, 32 degrees.
Sunday 14th January 2018. Herbertville, via Waipukurau, Porangahou, Wimbledon. Herbertville Hotel Lunch at Pongaroa Hotel, return via Weber, Dannevirke, SHW50.
Sunday 28th January 2018. Patongata Pub for Lunch. Maraekakaho, Raukawa Rd to Waipawa, left and right to Patongata. Returned via Elsthorpe, Kahuranaki Rd to Anghor Wat Café Havelock North.
30 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 BRANCH NEWS
Hawke’s Bay Branch – like several other Branches – is struggling to get Members interested in events such as Rallies, Overnighters and longer distance rides. It is disappointing having to cancel events due to insufficient registrations or Members not showing any interest. Perhaps the halcyon days of thriving specialist interest clubs in towns and cities across New Zealand is over. It’s hard work for Branch Committees to run an interesting, thriving Club. If very few – or no one – is turning up, everyone gets disappointed and disillusioned. Our Branch has listened to Members and tried changing the model, but maybe the results will take longer than expected. Perhaps the future is constantly trying new things.
We recently discussed what runs Members wanted at our February 2018 Branch Meeting. Those present made it clear Members didn’t want to go on rides, longer than 200km and wanted a maximum speed of 100kph. None of the proposed overnighters suggested during the last two years, saw any support. (Other than several members who got together with me and we did our own thing). The thought has crossed my mind that we are turning from a group of disgraceful young minded individuals, into a group of compliant old people, content to whizz around on their walking frames.
I personally joined Ulysses because I love riding. I’m out riding most weekends, often on both days, still do track days, keep up with Ride Forever training and don’t mind a spirited ride.
I also personally believe at a National level we need to do more to encourage new members. On a recent ride, I invited two visitors and an existing Member referred to the visitors as freeloaders. Not the type of welcome for potential new members that I would have expected.
Mike Shaw #9061
31 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 BRANCH NEWS
KAPITI CAPERS
WOW is the word for this amazing weather we have been having, a little hot for some riding, but fantastic when it was less scorching.
We had our Christmas lunch at the Murrayfields cafe mid-December where some of the Manawatu Ulyssians came and joined us. Great time with lovely food. Thank you Karen Tompson for organising the delicious Christmas cake.
Summer Sunday rides are still happening, but not so much over the January period, busy time for everyone, but the ones we have ridden have been great.
The run to the Kimbolton Hotel – fantastic roads. If only the council would put up signs to say there is new gravel Grrr !!! Fabulous food at terrific prices, a must visit for a meal (make sure you let them know if there is a crowd of you).
Then there was the anticipation of the Stonehenge ride, which we passed by. It was far too hot and no cover, so we’ll look to do that in Autumn.
Ride to Wainuiomata - beautiful day for a ride. Rick, John, Tony and I went over Paekak’ Hill then South on SH2, through Petone and Wainuiomata, down the coast road, then back and to Days Bay for lunch. Tony parked illegally and we have photographic proof. Then we went home via Ngauranga and SH1.
Recently, 9 of us set off to Napier for the weekend, riding the Gentle Annie both ways. If you haven’t ridden the Gentle Annie, you are missing out on an amazing road. I had ridden it a couple of years ago, when the tar was melting and they had just laid it with shingle, not the best.
It was a glorious hot day, and we started off after our monthly morning tea, so it was later in the morning. We stopped in at Papa Cliff Cafe in Mangaweka for much needed break and refreshments. This cafe is fantastic, clean, great food at excellent prices and the owner is fabulous.
32 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 BRANCH NEWS
We set off and found the Gentle Annie road was ok, a little bit of melted tar in places but ridable with no worries. Boy, did it get hot!!! We stayed the night at Westshore Holiday park, where we had a couple of celebrations, a new baby born the day before, and yours truly’s birthday, at a great pub across the road for dinner before bed.
The next day was a little cooler, so we set off for a very enjoyable ride back over the Gentle Annie, and it was fabulous, the views were magnificent, snow on the Mount which was stunning, great ride and corners and not much traffic which is always a bonus.
Our monthly morning teas have been great with excellent turn outs and a few new faces turning up. The occasional ride is happening after them. Mid-week rides are going well, with many interesting places being visited. Riders frequently find places to stop to refuel their bodies, of which I have asked if they could start a list; this is working well.
So great to see new members joining us and the Branch growing!
We’re looking forward to the AGM next month and the amazing South Island roads, as well as meeting old and new faces again.
Until then, have fun riding, keep covered up and don't forget the sunscreen, you still get burnt through your visor whilst riding.
Cheers for now Cheryl
33 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 BRANCH NEWS
MANAWATU MURMURS
The recent weather is a complete reversal from that in my last report. In November, I commented on the wet winter, now we are in the grips of a very dry summer.
While this makes some farmers unhappy, it has provided some great opportunities to get out and enjoy our region’s amazing back roads in the sunshine.
The November ride was to The Top of the Bruce, at the Whakapapa Ski Field. A dozen or so bikes departed from the Feilding Railway Station and proceeded via Vinegar Hill, the Desert Road, SH46 and 47, then up past the Chateau to the cafe at the ski area.
The view was hampered somewhat by some dark clouds and the wind was rather brisk that high up the mountain. Despite the dodgy looking weather, it was decided to head home down the ParaPara’s. The ride enjoyed increasingly fine weather and led to a pleasant drink stop at the Upokongaro Pub, north of Whanganui, before the group headed home via Fordell.
The annual Coast to Coast ride organised by the Woodville Lions (including one of our members) was the December ride. This event is always well supported and provides valuable fund raising for the local rescue helicopter. Later in the month, some of our members joined the Kapiti Branch for their pre-Xmas lunch at Murrayfield in Levin.
The Branch has its own Xmas function in January. This avoids the silly season and is held on the Monday of Wellington Anniversary weekend. This year we were hosted at the Mabey homestead and despite the cloudy weather, there was a good turnout of members and their partners for a BBQ and dessert. One of the attractions was Ron’s collection of vintage bulldozers and tractors. A number of the keen drivers had a go piloting the machines around the house paddock, to the amusement of the onlookers. A very enjoyable evening was had by all.
34 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 BRANCH NEWS
Our coffee mornings at Viv’s Kitchen in Sanson, Simply Barmy in Foxton and The Mothered Goose in Bulls have been well supported and enjoyed by members and their partners. The Branch had “The Two Bald Bikers” (Ride Forever trainers) as guest speakers at our November meeting. They plan to join our March ride as an extended road training session. With daylight saving, we have enjoyed our twilight rides. These included a variety of local roads, before refreshments and dinner at The Wines in Himitangi.
We are looking forward to the hot, dry summer continuing for a while.
Murray Cross #7908 Manawatu Coordinator
35 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 BRANCH NEWS
MARLBOROUGH MUSINGS
Hello from the Top of the South once again. We have had an exceptionally good (hot!) summer with plenty of rides both around our district and beyond. SH1 South is now open during the day, which gives us another choice of direction to go. Good news as it has been closed for so long. Members travelling south to the National Rally and AGM in Mosgiel will have a choice of routes to ride, east, west, or down the middle.
We had around 50 registrations for our Back to Basics Rally held out at Kaituna Ridges Farm and it was great to see an increase in numbers attending this year. It’s a great venue for a Rally, space for camping and camper vans, and swimming in the river if you wish, everyone attending has a good time. Tim Will’s and his Procrastinators Band, (made up of local members who play all sorts of different instruments) entertained the Rally goers on the Saturday night for a couple of hours to everyone’s enjoyment. All the other usual Rally events held were a lot of fun for all there. I hear lots of comments about attending again next year!
Around 15 Marlborough members will be attending the AGM in Mosgiel and I am looking forward to attending and meeting up with everyone down there, it’s always a very social occasion and well worth making the effort to attend.
We will have a Rescue ride again in April raising funds for one of our rescue services, we haven’t quite decided which one yet.
Sadly, I have to report that Peter Unger #8871, passed away suddenly just after Christmas, he was a very active member of our Retreads group, with a wicked sense of humour.
Anyone passing through Marlborough come and join us for coffee at The Vines Village Rapaura Rd every Saturday morning, or any of our rides held on Thursdays or Sundays.
Till next time, “Keep the Rubber on the Road”.
Kelvin #3602 Marlborough Coordinator.
36 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 BRANCH NEWS
NORTH HARBOUR NEWS
The summer weather started off just great, then we got a taste of what the weather is going to be like as NZ drifts north and climate change takes hold; very hot, then big storms, just like living in Queensland.
Between Xmas and New Year, some of us went down to Taupo then carried on through to the Gentle Annie Road – if you haven’t ridden this road, put it on your Bucket List – it’s a great ride and the scenery is fantastic. We spent the night at the Bayview Pub (Napier) before returning to Taupo and then home. The Bayview Pub is a good place to overnight, their cabins aren’t expensive and the meals are basic, but good.
Our Branch decided to try a January Club Night on the second Thursday as an experiment, we were very pleased with the result as 70+ members and partners turned up and this gave us a chance to get in early with our National Raffle ticket sales. Hopefully, by the time you read this, all tickets nationally will be sold although – like last year – there might be a few at the National AGM and Rally.
David Coy and Jim Galt (Waikato Branch) are to be congratulated on their “Northern Odyssey” to Cape Reinga and back although I don’t know where they got 1100k’s from and I wish the local council would fix the road through the Waipoua Forest. It was an interesting ride and you had to look carefully for some of the answers – especially at the Whangarei Falls, where half the signboard with the answer was missing.
Unfortunately, Peter Unstead has stood down as Branch V.P. while he gets some health issues sorted out. Our Branch AGM is being held at 7.30pm April 5th at the Pupuke Golf Club, East Coast Rd, Mairangi Bay. All positions are up for grabs and nomination forms are in our Branch Newsletter, otherwise, you can email me at [email protected], remembering the last nominations must be in by 5th March or if posted, must be post-marked on or before 5th March.
Don’t forget to call/contact us if you are in our area, Club Night is the first Thursday of the month with dinner and bar service available starting at 5.30pm, social mid-month dinner night third Wednesday of the month, details on our website; www.ulyssesnorthharbour.org.nz we’re a friendly bunch so call in, say Hi and enjoy our hospitality.
L.Wayne Painter #1756NZ North Harbour Branch President
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OTAGO OPUS
Tick, tock… not long to go now until the 2018 AGM in Mosgiel, Dunedin 23-25 March. Some accommodation was still available at Burns Lodge, Mosgiel for twin rooms with a Saturday breakfast for $180 for two nights, which is only $45 per person per night - cheap. The AGM registrations should all be in place by now.
If Burns Lodge is no longer available, there is the large Aaron Lodge Top 10 (0800-879227) in Kaikorai Valley Dunedin, or one of the many motels on George Street.
Branch rides over recent months have included a day ride via Ranfurly to Alexandra for lunch, then back through Roxburgh.
The big block loop is over 400km and on the day we did the ride, the temperature hovered around 38 degrees!! Another ride was up to Nosh at the Waimate turnoff. After a scrummy lunch, we took the long way home via Kurow, Duntroon, Maheno. 450km all up.
We have had 3 twilight rides over 3 months to Palmerston, Hindon and Balclutha for fish and chips and they have proved very popular. The overnight ride was up through Lake Tekapo, on to Mt Cook the primary destination and then out to Twizel overnight. The group enjoyed this 400+km ride and once again the weather was outstanding.
We look forward to seeing many of you at Mosgiel later this month.
ROTORUA RAMBLINGS
Yo, everybody, the time gets ever closer to our fabulous Okataina Rally! If you have never been (and there can’t be many of you now!), it is time we saw you here. I am sure there will be a few in your Branch (North Island at least) who can attest to the times you can look forward to when you register. Go to our web page and put your details down. The food, accommodation, ambience, and general good bonhomie will be as memorable as ever.
You who have been before – and have sampled our generous and friendly nature – get back here, and register as quick as you can to secure a place. The fact that it is the weekend closest to the shortest day ensures it will be warm and cosy, both temperature-wise, and fun-wise.
Run-wise, we have been stifled by the weather gods, as have you all. We had a marvellous Anniversary weekend riding back roads from Rotorua to Whangamomona, on through Hawera to New Plymouth and more back roads home. We arrived quite early at our two overnight destinations, giving much time to sup a few bevies before retiring. We saw a few other Branches out and about too, Taupo and Whakatane doing the Chateau to Plateau. Other exciting runs have kept our fun register on “high”. Remember, you can catch us every Saturday morning, 10am, at the Lakefront Café, call in for a cup of java and laughter.
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Our considerations for the “Gold” theme at the AGM is currently running to gold briefs, tassels, and top hats, hope the weather is warm! We are waiting to see what our wardrobe mistress can whip up. Wait and see!
My office is in my garage, my Suzuki is in the garage, so I can sit astride the Suzuki while I type on my computer, doing this report. It is hard to resist starting up, but outside it is bucketing down again, so this is the best I can do right now. Tomorrow is always another day of promise, maybe a blast through the countryside to blow off the cobwebs. See you in Mosgiel in March, and at Okataina in June. Stay shiny, cheers,
Flash 1272
SOUTHLAND NEWS
Hi one and all, The final Branch activity for 2017 was the annual Christmas function held in early December. The chosen venue was the Fortrose Café, where members and guests met on a truly excellent evening.
The Café staff were most welcoming, the food was great and therefore, this was a most satisfactory way to finish the year. A big thank-you must go to Ross Fox who made the arrangements on behalf of the Branch Committee.
A note to Club members who may be considering a ride south through the Catlins via the Southern Scenic route at some time in the future. The District Council expect to have the remaining 14kms of unsealed road between Curio Bay, Haldane, Otara and Fortrose sealed by late March 2018. Once completed, this alternative route will provide another enjoyable ride in the Southern region.
The Burt Munro Challenge for 2018 has concluded and what an exciting event it proved to be, the numbers attending were obviously well up on previous years. A walk around the central city to check out the range of makes and models parked up outside their accommodation, places of interest and obviously the occasional “watering hole” was certainly something to see. It is hoped that those who attended had an enjoyable time and will be back again in 2019.
Looking to the future, we hope that the good summer weather will continue for a while yet, encouraging members to join in the proposed Branch rides/activities. It is hoped that some of these will also provide an opportunity to enjoy the company of riders from other Branches/Clubs. A number of Southland members will be attending the forthcoming Club AGM in Mosgiel, they are very much looking forward to meeting and socialising with members from other Branches.
That’s all for now, keep safe. RossL #1177
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TARANAKI TWEETS
I’m writing this on the night before Waitangi Day, so it seems appropriate to begin with: Kia ora fellow Ulyssians!
Our summer evening BBQs have started again with Nigel #8232 and Donna’s #9339 beautiful Stratford home being the first venue.
Nigel gave us an awesome Health and Safety briefing and it only took 5 minutes for our vice- president Alan #9050 to disregard said briefing and trip over on the deck.
He told us he was only trying to provide a demonstration to back up Nigel’s briefing, but general consensus was that he hadn’t taken any notice of Nigel in the first place. Luckily, the white lines Nigel then painted on the deck ensured no-one else provided any more ‘demos’!
It was a recent honour for our Branch to accompany Ulysses friend Sue Kerr to her funeral. Seeing so many people arrive to farewell her told the story of a very well-liked and respected lady.
Sue’s husband Jeff #3893 was well supported by family and friends at a ceremony filled with love and inspiring tributes to a beautiful person. We will miss her at our functions, but will always hold her memory close. Farewell Sue!
Please see the longer tribute to Sue by Blair #2772 elsewhere in this edition of the Ulyssian.
The much coveted ‘Daft Dragon award’ for the daftest thing done in February was won by Harry #9680. At a recent ride starting spot, Harry (being the thoughtful ex-farmer guy he is) decided to relocate an extremely dead, ripe smelling possum to a spot down wind. After numerous attempts saw him left holding progressively smaller and smaller pieces of rotten, squishy possum tail, he finally managed to fling the festering carcass away. Our Hero! We are still working on his new nickname (while we stand up-wind)… so far ‘Possum’ and ‘Road-kill’ are top contenders.
Our January ride to the Founders Café at Pukeiti was well attended with 17 people on 15 bikes.
Martin #9483 once again proved a great ride leader, with the group splitting into two to suit the larger numbers. A few bikes protested about various ‘ailments’ – namely Jeff’s with possibly ‘water in the gas tank’, and Blair’s bike possibly contracting leprosy as it’s indicator light fell off - Hopefully nothing else does! (That means the bike, AND you Blair :).
EXCITING NEWS! For those of you who have fond memories of the Taranaki Ulysses rallies held in the past, our committee has decided they would like to hold a ‘back to basics’ style rally again – dubbed the ‘Energy Rally’. Our last one was in 2010!
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The weekend of the 23rd to 25th November 2018 is the chosen date and the venue is the TSB TOPEC, Hydro Road, State Highway 3 Junction Road New Plymouth. This was the venue for past rallies and always proved to be a great gathering point, with awesome facilities. See the entry form in this issue for details. We’d love to have you join us!
Preparations are well underway for our National AGM trip down to Mosgiel, with costume design and route planning the main topics under consideration.
A hardy group of 10 are planning a ‘Great Southern Road Trip’, with the AGM being the highlight. We are looking forward to experiencing another great event, and catching up with everyone!
I’m not easily distracted. I just….. OMG! Do you hear a bike?!
Suz #8532 Taranaki President
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TAURANGA BRANCH NEWS
It has been relatively quiet in our neck of the woods. Tauranga did not have a club night until 20th February, so besides our regular Sunday rides, there has not been a lot going on.
The lousy weather we have been having has also had an influence on the number of members turning up. Several of our members go on the Thursday ride, which obviously affects the numbers coming on a Sunday, but that’s life.
Just as a heads up for members who might not be aware of the New Zealand Long Distance Riders, it might be of interest to Google their website, as they have some interesting events that they run during the year.
We are gearing up for our annual Toy Run on 11th March, so polish those bikes and join us for a good cause. Much further on during the year in May, we are holding our annual Branch Rally at Waihi, look out for the flyer in the Ulyssian.
WAIHI THAMES VALLEY
On the 3rd January, we had the unfortunate news that our Branch Secretary and long-time Ulysses member Jim Dyson, had passed away.
I would like to thank Colin and Christine Ottaway for liaising with Pat on behalf of the Branch. I would also like to thank the large number of Ulysses members, not only from our own Branch, but from Tauranga and Auckland Branches also.
The photo below is of Ulysses members preparing to escort Jim to the Te Puna roundabout.
Our hearts and thoughts are with Jim’s family at this sad time.
Marlene Johnson #8860
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WAIRARAPA WHISPERINGS
We can’t complain that the weather hasn’t been good, we have had a fantastic summer, although the heat has the tar seal melting on the roads!
The Branch rides haven’t had a lot of support; whether it’s the heat or just that people have been busy with other activities – I know we certainly have had a busy calendar.
Unfortunately, we lost one of our club members on 6th December. John Brock had been a Ulysses member since May 2008 and was a committee member for several years. We were asked by his family to escort the hearse to the cemetery, so thanks for those who both attended his funeral and those who rode with him for the last time. He will be greatly missed, we will never forget his laugh.
As advised in November, we had our first 2 recipients of the lucky draw of a $50 MTA voucher for the December rides.
The rides chosen as the draw rides were the Riverdale ride on 10th December and the Potluck on 17th.
The January vouchers were drawn at the Branch night in February.
Sixteen of us travelled down to Lake Ferry for our Sunset BBQ ride on 13th January. Thanks to Brian and Jo for bringing the barbie and our huge table.
The weather was a bit doubtful, but we bowed to Brian’s local knowledge, went ahead with the evening and what a fabulous night it was. The sunset was just amazing.
Greg Evans organised an overnighter to Napier on 21st January, which was well supported. The group travelled some new roads that Greg had travelled via Google maps before the weekend. Once again, the group had a great time.
I would like to thank those who helped with the International cycle race marshalling. Also, Wally and Brian for the organising. Unfortunately, the race is now heading to Cambridge next year, due to availability of sponsorship.
Our end of month dinner was at the Quinn’s Post in Upper Hutt and was well attended. A lovely meal was had by all.
Hopefully, the summer weather will continue a bit longer and we will get heaps more rides in.
Keep safe on the roads #7787 Karen Wilson, Wairarapa Coordinator
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WHANGANUI NITTY GRITTY
Hi all, Most of us in Whanganui can’t complain about the summer; warm and dry. I didn’t get out a lot on the bike, with other family things to do. I have seen bikers in their leathers, waiting at the road works in the hot sun, while I’ve been sitting in the car with the air con going.
The Boxing Day races were very good as usual, just pity the forecast wasn’t that good, and it kept a few people away.
Our set up at Taupo Quay is still a brilliant spot to watch it all and handy with the screen in front. At our Secure Bike Parking location, the numbers were down as well, but we delivered a very good service.
The Sarjeant Art Gallery had a display of a few local classic bikes during December, including a talk by the owners, which was very interesting (see picture).
We hadn’t planned any rides during January, but there have been a few “Decide on the Day” Rides during the week and some weekends.
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February has been a busy month, it started with our first monthly meeting of the year, a run to DOC Taranaki, Valley Rally/Paeroa races, our own Mayhem Rally in Mangatepopo and of course, a few of our members went on a trip down south for the Burt. During March, we’ll see the 2 final rounds of the National Motorcycle Championships in Hampton Downs and in Taupo; a few of us will be going over to watch them. I have booked the Ferry and accommodation for the AGM in Mosgiel and when that’s finished, I will go for a tiki tour through the Mainland and visit family in Invers. Hopefully, I’ll be back in time to collect my NEW BIKE that I won in the raffle.
Planning has also started for our Ambulance Run on ANZAC Day. At Easter, daylight saving will end and we’ll start thinking about shorter runs and zipping in the thermal liners. A few will probably put their bike rego’s on hold, but most of us will keep on going. Rod and Rose have decided not to live in sin anymore and are getting married in April, congratulations!
Early May we’ll have our Branch AGM and it looks like it will be a challenge again to get a committee together, but we stay positive because usually, it all works out. At the end, it looks like we have enough things to do and to think about for the next few months.
If you’re interested, have a look at our Face Book page: Ulysses Wanganui Members and Friends. Our Newsletter and Runs List are on it, so check it out and see what we’re doing.
That’s it for now, Ride Safe Cheers...... Piet #1255
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CAPITAL CONFABULATIONS
It’s that time again – I wasn’t going to write anything this time around – it is no secret that I think that relying on Branch reports for the Ulyssian is a rather outdated way of getting content.
I mentioned at our February meeting that there would be no article from me this time round.
Our Branch members know what’s going on through emails and our newsletters and we have only had one run of any significance since my last Branch news report for the Ulyssian, so I thought I would save that for the next edition and leave space for articles from other members to tell us what they got up to over the break.
However, it seems that several other Coordinators have also not made any contribution either and the word has gone out asking for Branch contributions. So, in order to fill out the pages, I am bashing out a few words to fill some of the gap.
I am not sure how much material the Editor is getting from other members these days, but there has certainly been a greater variety of interesting articles than was previously the case.
We limit the size of the magazine to about 60 pages, and looking at the last June edition, the combination of Branch/NatCom news was 50% of the content. It was a similar ratio for the March and December editions as well, which seems to be a good balance.
This time around, for whatever reason, almost there was (at least initially) no contribution from around half of the Coordinators – myself included, so I am standing in the corner as I write this. That is potentially 25% of the total content and 50% of the Branch news that would have been missing from this edition, which would have been a very lightweight read if there was nothing else to fill the gap.
I am not knocking the Coordinators – I know I prefer to do something other than a Branch report as you have probably grasped if you have bothered to read this far into this contribution. The Ulyssian is YOUR magazine, we need articles from ALL members, not just Coordinators. Why not give it a try?
It would also be interesting to see a few responses in the next Ulyssian around what type of content you like to see.
Enjoy riding in the sunshine while it lasts, and I look forward to seeing many of you in Mosgiel.
Four wheels move the body… two wheels move the soul. Jim F #2098
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WESTLAND WAFFLE
Greetings from Westland again. Hopefully, you have all had a nice relaxing break over the festive season and have managed to get some riding in, weather-wise it’s been perfect almost everywhere in the country, and here in Westland it’s no different – members have been out and about frequently.
Our annual Top of the South Run was again a great trip apparently. Unfortunately, I was unable to participate due to my son on the Gold Coast deciding to get married on the same weekend. It was a hard decision to make – after all, I’ve been organising the run for approximately 16 years, however common sense prevailed – or so I was told – and off to the Gold Coast we went; and while in all honesty, I missed the Top of the South Run, it was a nice family time attending my son’s wedding. I can confirm however, that my son and I had a conversation and agreed that he was to get my calendar of events before he makes any other plans he wants me to attend SORTED.
It was with sadness that we farewelled our secretary and rides Coordinator Daryl Crocker and his wife Jen, who have defected and gone to Christchurch to live. Canterbury Branch will be getting a great couple of members joining their ranks; let’s just say they are only on loan, they will both be missed by not only our Branch, but also the wider Hokitika community, as Daryl and Jen were both actively involved with various groups including the Hokitika Lions Club. We had an enjoyable farewell dinner for them, which was well attended. A great couple who we will miss a great deal.
Janet Ornsby has stepped up and filled the secretary position and Peter Morgan has kindly filled the role of Rides Coordinator – two great people who are doing a great job.
Many of you reading this will have attended this year’s Woodstock Rally and I’m absolutely positive would have had a great time: awesome bands, food, venue and heaps of activities including the Poker Run on Saturday morning and of course, the famous fireworks display Saturday night. It’s a great Rally and very well run by the organisers and volunteers.
There are still a lot of rallies and events happening over the next few months including the Nelson branch Gus’s Rally and the National AGM in Mosgiel.
On that note, I’d like to wish everyone a great 2018. Keep safe and watch those tin tops.
Grub
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WHAKATANE RAVES
Whakatane Ulysses presented a cheque for a $1000.00 to Kawerau St Johns – the cheque was money we raised from the Mountain to the Sea in November 2017, which saw 53 bikes turn out.
The cheque will go towards replacing stolen equipment. Sue from St Johns came to our meeting and thanked everyone for the donation.
Late February saw a few of our riders at the Paeroa Battle of the Streets racing, and the weather held out well, with reports of it being a great day for a ride.
Our Thursday rides continue to see a good turn-out.
Sue (Coordinator)
Left to Right: Sue Holmes (Ulysses), Sue Hutchinson, Liz Gellatly, Dave Porter, (St John Kawerau) Murray Anderson (Ulysses)
48 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 NZ’S FAVOURITE ROAD BIKE MAGAZINE
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I wouldn’t mind betting that most of NZ Ulysses is aware of Rotorua Branch’s home at the Lakefront Café.
Our Rotorua Lakes Council has now seen fit to give Norma and Colin, our hosts there, notice to close. It was not entirely unexpected, they have been on a monthly lease for years, but the lack of notice and short period of time for them to wind down seems rather churlish of our mighty council.
To my knowledge, there has been no public consultation at all. I understand that half of the building, that houses the unused Soundshell, may have earthquake compliance problems, but engineering capabilities these days would surely make use of the Café while the other half was demolished or repaired.
We are not aware of the plans for the site, but understand some development may start as early as June. I further understand that there is currently no provision for a similar business, leaving the Rotorua lakefront with no venue for locals or international visitors (or Ulyssians) to enjoy that fantastic view over a casual drink and bite.
The Lakefront Café plays host to many Ulysses functions, and they were a sponsor of our Okataina Rally. They also catered for many tour groups, even those arriving in Tauranga by cruise ship, and bussing over here. Now, will those visitors even bother coming, with no place to admire our lake ?
No doubt we will organise a new Saturday morning coffee and chat venue very soon, and will let everybody know so you can visit us again. For now, we are all feeling a little sad at the demise of our spiritual home.
See you in Mosgiel, remember, being above ground is not enough, you need an engine and two wheels under you, FLASH 1272
50 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Paul,
I received my Ulyssian in the final post before Christmas and tore the envelope open in anticipation of news, views and what was going to be on over the coming months.
After scanning the mag, to see what morsels I could absorb later, I left it on the breakfast bar. I was continually looking at the picture, something just didn’t appear right!
I couldn’t work it out;
Did they appear to have turned into the corner to early?
Were they exiting the corner too far left?
Were they exiting the corner too late?
Is the middle rider looking at the back of his mate’s bike?
Is the middle rider braking in the corner?
Or, was it that they were all following the same line?
Maybe, it was the fact that if anything went pear shaped, where was the escape plan, let alone room to manoeuvre?
I just can’t put my finger on, what is actually wrong, with the nice-looking picture!
Yours sincerely, Michael Green #7351
51 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 52 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 ARTICLES IT’S NEVER STRAIGHT FORWARD…
14th February 2018 – Marlborough Retreads met Canterbury Knitting group at South Bay, Kaikoura.
Our weekly Retreads Ride was changed from our usual Thursday to a day earlier, so we could join up for a picnic lunch with our Christchurch counterparts known as Bob Tanner’s Knitting Group.
It’s been at least a couple of years since we last had a similar encounter, so as far as I was concerned, it was yet another sign that things are well on their way to normality following the Kaikoura earthquake. It was also a golden opportunity to break the shackles and venture a little further afield.
Unfortunately, I got off to a bad start by running a tad late to get to Brayshaw Park by 10am and needed to put some air in my tyres and top up the fuel tank. I had a brainwave and headed to the new NPD Petrol Station on Redwood Street, as I knew the group would be passing by on their way out of town.
Like most brainwaves I have, this one quickly turned to custard, as NPD do not have the equipment installed to inflate tyres at this stage, so I had to go elsewhere. I then headed direct to the layby opposite the old Montana Restaurant & Cellar Door at Riverlands to wait for the mob to arrive.
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As I was heading there, I shot past a flashing sign and didn’t read it properly, but the words “alternative route” registered after a minute or so that suggested that maybe the road south had been closed again. I duly stopped and waited at the layby and after 5 minutes or so decided the planned ride had been cancelled, so I turned the bike around and started to head back home, only to see the troops heading south at a great rate of knots with no intention of stopping for a catch up. So now the boot was on the other foot and it was me having to do yet another U-turn and play catch up.
The first leg of the ride to Kekerengu was pretty good, just a few minor holdups for roadworks and not a lot of traffic. We had a brief catch-up stop at Kekerengu however, from Clarence onward we were faced with several stoppages and 30km or 50km per hour stretches of road, which delayed our ride but this was a small price to pay when one comes face to face with what Mother Nature can do and the sheer scale of work being undertaken to rectify things.
Poor old JG got his knickers in a twist over the ride, however. He has only just returned from a 10 day odyssey on his bike around the South Island and spent the day before cleaning it up, only to have it return to its grubby state before we had even reached Kaikoura.
When we arrived at South Bay, there was absolutely no sign of the Christchurch contingent, so we decided that they had called things off as a result of the road between Goose Bay and Kaikoura being temporarily closed, we understand, by a truck getting stuck in one of the road tunnels on that stretch of road.
No sooner had we started munching away on our picnic lunches, when two or three bikes from Christchurch turned up and were followed by several more over the next 5 minutes or so. The poor buggers had to travel from Christchurch to Waipara, then inland to Waiau and on to Kaikoura via the Inland Kaikoura Road, which added a lot more distance and time for them.
To make matters worse, the Inland Road is in a bad state, and they were held up several times by trucks which needed to utilise the entire width of the road to negotiate several of the corners. Despite that frustration, they were all bright and cheerful and pretty soon everybody was yakking away and enjoying their tucker.
The one thing that caught my attention was the fact that most of those present today all suffer from “Old Man’s Disease” judging by the non-stop procession of bods beating a well-worn track across the park to the public loos. Some of us – including me – had to make the rather long trek twice!
It was great to catch up with our Christchurch counterparts, they are a great bunch and very easy to get along with. The only thing that disappointed me, was the fact that they outnumbered our lot quite considerably.
After an extremely enjoyable hour or so, it was time to bid each other farewell and head off on our respective ways. With the lack of traffic heading north as a result of the road closure, the ride home was quicker than the ride out earlier today.
We stopped at the Flaxbourne Tearooms at Ward for a coffee, which gave us the chance to reflect on today’s outing, the general consensus being that it was a great success and we should do it more often.
54 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 The only common complaint was that a lot of us had very sore arms as a result of waving to other motorcyclists on the road that day. It seemed every man and his dog was returning home from the Burt Munro Rally held down south the weekend prior.
Today’s participants included: From Blenheim – Dave Jackson, Jeff Eales, Lindsay Learmonth, John Hadfield, Lionel Graham, Graeme Howarth, Gisela Schulze, Susie Pouwhare, John Sinclair and me.
From Christchurch – Bill & Jennifer Gaskell, Bob Buchanan, Peter Milner, Brian Massie, Brian Bowkett, Murray Craig, Meg Cameron, Graeme Hancox, Graham Sutherland, Dick Gurney, Keith McColl, Roger White, Dave & Diane Davies, Allan Richards, Noel Duff and Bob Tanner.
A group of the Cantabrians will be making their way north to join us for our Kaituna Rally. Looking forward to catching up with them again. I hope the road is open and they get a reasonable run for that trip. Bob #8033
Wednesday Ride to Kaikoura to meet The Marlborough Retreads.
It’s only been 7 years since the Christchurch earthquake and a mere 21/2 years since we moved into our new rebuilt apartment. However, a building contractor finally turned up this morning, to fix some of the ongoing faults, on the very day of our ride to Kaikoura to meet up with The Marlborough Retreads. That meant I was late leaving home and arrived at the meeting point the very same instant as everyone was departing.
Great that SH1 had recently been opened all the way to Picton but “what a bugger”, it was actually closed that day, as a crane had evidently blocked one of the tunnels; and that meant we needed to head north on the inland route via Waiau. There had been talk of doing that anyway but now, we were lumbered with all the other traffic, B-Trains, semi-trailers and a whole load of awe struck tourists!
It’s actually a fun road to ride on a good, “normal” day, but not this morning. However, it was just a grin and bear it occasion, which is exactly what we did and just arrived a little later than normal.
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I was wondering if the Retreads might have given up on us, but no, they were there waiting patiently when we arrived in dribs and drabs. Great to catch up with some old acquaintances and meet some new ones!
It’s a wonderful meeting spot there, at South Bay, but as someone pointed out “it was a fair hike to the toilets for a bunch of ancients” so parking on the other side of the paddock, and closer to the facilities, might have been a better bet. Nevertheless, despite the fact that there was always someone going missing across the grass, we all enjoyed the catch up and the usual friendly chit chat that goes with these events.
It should also be noted that the Retreads normal Midweek Ride happens on a Thursday and the Canterbury group really appreciated the fact that they (Marlborough) had actually changed their day to accommodate us, thanks folks!
The occasion in itself was rare in as much as The Knitting Group actually outnumbered the Retreads, which was in fact a little disappointing to me as I was hoping to catch up with some more old mates from Picton and Blenheim. Nevertheless, it was still a very worthwhile event.
The ride home was somewhat fragmented, on account of many of our group heading into Kaikoura for fuel and the remainder heading directly back through the inland route. Once again, it was slow going at times but fortunately, there were a fair few, safe overtaking opportunities, which made it all a little easier.
That is, until I arrived at Mt Lyford and found one of our members being attended to by a medic, having hit the back of a car which was turning right, just south of the Lodge where the road is particularly narrow.
The rider in question was well looked after and eventually returned to Christchurch with a friendly Police officer who gave him a lift, and NO, he wasn’t arrested!
56 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 Overall – apart from the one unfortunate incident – a great, and certainly different, day and a real pleasure catching up with the Lads and Lassies from Marlborough, so here’s to the next time, which should be The Marlborough Back to Basics Rally with a fair few of us attending!
Personally, I think our club needs more of these inter-Branch gatherings, which are not always easy, but are always worthwhile! Bob Tanner #2877.
57 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 ARTICLES HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAY BEARD. 13.01.18
For those of us lucky enough to make it that far, an 80th birthday is not something to be ignored!
When Ray Beard’s 80th birthday loomed and there were no plans in place to celebrate the occasion, Vic Wotton took the matter to hand and organised a bit of a ‘do’.
Lots of Ulyssians turned out, along with a group of Ray’s cycling friends.
‘BYO everything’ was the order of the day. Kelvin Watson lent a BBQ for us to use, Melissa Wills made a cake and Vic’s son-in-law’s front garden was all we needed to make sure Rays birthday didn’t go uncelebrated.
Chairs and tables sprawled, drink flowed and all sorts of different food was consumed. There were a couple of speeches and a ton of laughs— Ray’s a good man, well-liked in Ulysses circles and we were pleased to show him that.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAY, and thanks to Vic — good one! Jane #6361
58 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 59 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 ARTICLES THE LONGEST DAY
The Longest Day for 2017 is done and dusted and, if you listen to the feedback Hawkeye Parr received, it was a huge success.
The three-route format again proved a winner and while SH1 from Blenheim to Waipara has a large rock in the way, a modified Great Northern circuit drew in a number of NI riders. Unfortunately, one such rider had a whoopsie on the road / rail bridge at Taramakau south of Crescent City. But not one to chuck the towel in, both he and his bike finished the circuit and caught the ferry back home. Well done, that man! Hopefully by November 2018, SH1 will have been sorted and the original Longest Day circuit reinstated to its former glory.
This ride is all about having a crack, and a group of riders from Winton, Southland asked Hawkeye could they make up their own 1000km course?
“Absolutely,” was his reply and so these hardy Southlanders submitted their route – which incidentally, is a beauty – taking in the best of Southland and Central’s roads. So good is their route that it will be included in next years’ choices.
With that in mind, the Captain has been playing on Google maps and come up with a few more options, some so cunning you could pin tails on them and call them weasels.
The last rider for The Longest Day came in at 0030. Tom rang me. His bike had broken down, was on a trailer and he was gutted he couldn’t finish. “Rubbish,” I replied, “come round. The BBQ is finished, but I can offer you a beer or a cuppa”.
His story in brief; Tom had stopped north of Temuka, a cop pulled up and asked him if he was alright. “Yes,” he said, explaining he was waiting for a trailer.
Not too long after, Tom said two patrol cars roared up parking either side of him. One was the same cop, only this time he wasn’t as jovial. Tom was asked to place both hands, slowly, on the bonnet of the car while the he was searched, his bike checked with the other policeman watching it all with a firearm at the ready.
Tom, quite anxious by this time, asked what was going on. It was all a misunderstanding. A passing motorist had reported a rider with a gun to his head. Tom had been talking to his girlfriend; they’d mistaken his cell phone for a pistol.
Mention the word ‘firearm’ and the police understandably reacted, but it all ended happily ever after when his girlfriend rocked up and the police helped Tom lift his bike onto the trailer.
60 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 Another heart-warming story comes from the Maniototo. Two brothers, both farmers, and a third brother from Christchurch riding a trike (he is otherwise wheel-chair bound) opted to take on the West Side Story.
I understand that Hawkeye’s name was the subject of most vociferous and ribald criticism as the three brothers slowly dissolved in the heavy Haast rain. Drying slowly as they breasted The Neck, they eventually reached Omarama, which was closed; no beer, no pies, just a bed. Someone had left the light on.
Finishing on Sunday morning they rang Hawkeye; he rang me and was obviously stoked.
“Best ride they’ve ever done” he told me. “In fact it’s the first time the three brothers have ever ridden together and they’re doing it again next year.”
That folks, is what it’s all about, having a crack.
A great big man-hug for Hawkeye and his team at work for keeping track of all the entries and such and also a very appreciative thankyou to all the riders and pillions who took part. The old cliché applies, ‘if you build it, they will come’.
I have 7 or 8 variations on the basic routes for next year which hopefully, will appeal to riders from around the Mainland and North Island, many of whom have expressed an interest in travelling over the creek to do it.
The one and only Longest Day ride is over for this year, but it will be back and it will be bigger and it will be better…
Warning: Long distance riding can be addictive!
If you’re itching to do more of this type of riding, check out the website www.distanceriders.org.nz Captain Carefree #3497
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61 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 ARTICLES MARLBOROUGH BRANCH TOY RUN
The weather played it’s part and at the Woodbourne Tavern, the bikes came rolling in to support this awesome Charity Ride.
We saw just shy of 100 bikes for the 2017 run and several tin tops. THANK YOU to everyone who took part.
The Salvation Army is so grateful for our support and the pile of toys we leave for them is testament to all the riders and their understanding of the need in our community.
A big ‘Thank you’ to Tim (Santa) and Melissa Wills for organising it this year, and to everyone else who helped out — brilliant!
(We can’t forget Jock Woodley either, who did a great job with the thank you speech!) Also, thanks to the Blenheim Sun newspaper for their support.
A fantastic, heart-warming day. Thank you to everyone who was involved. Jane #6361
62 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 63 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 ARTICLES LAST LEG OF GNOMIE’S EUROPEAN TOUR
After a wonderful time in Europe, Gnomie travelled across the channel to England to attend a tea party at Buckingham Palace.
He managed to secure some guest tickets and invited his lucky Australian Ulysses buddies to join him there, where there is a rumour that he may have met the Queen, whom he looks up to. To be fair though, he kinda looks up to everyone.
From there, he went up to Scotland and toured the historic sites at Edinburgh Castle, St Andrews Castle, Urquhart Castle and Stonehaven.
He also visited the Culloden battlefield where as a mark of respect (as requested on the sign) he stood to attention.
In Glasgow, he was fortunate enough to visit Ibrox Stadium – where the Rangers Football Club are based – and even had a kick around with the boys.
64 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 A highlight for our wee lad was visiting friends and relations in Arisaig, plus other gardens in the UK.
So, after a terrific adventure, Gnomie returned to the Antipodes to wash his Otago top that he had on the entire journey.
Thank you, Aussie Ulyssians for taking him on the journey and recording all the events.
65 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 ARTICLES A SOUTH ISLAND ADVENTURE WITH JG #9272
As we’ve discussed before, I’m one of those blokes who thinks that if you are not planning a ride or actually riding, then everything else you are doing is probably a complete waste of time. Once a year, I get to ride with Peter Nelson’s son Richard, who flies A320s for Air New Zealand as his day job. This year we’d planned a ride north in his February holidays, but events saw this change to a ride south.
With Murray Brooks kindly offering to look after the Marlborough Retreads on the Feb 8th outing, Richard and I headed south from Blenheim. The planned route down the West Coast was changed at the last minute, as the road there was blocked in a number of places following their big storm, so into the teeth of a southerly, we headed down the East Coast.
It rained steadily from Kaikoura to Amberley, then we rode under an overcast sky to Geraldine. The highest temperature we saw this afternoon was 12° – which came as a shock, given the record “hot” we’d been experiencing.
Next day we headed to Cave, then down to St Andrews via the Pareora Gorge, followed by Waimate then Kurow, which is where we started our evaluation of the southern cheese roll.
We headed down the south side of the Waitaki to Duntroon, then the inland route to Maheno provided some awesome twisties. We followed the main drag to Mosgiel, then did the inland loop round the highly recommended King
66 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 George Memorial Drive. This circuit has a habit of bringing out disgraceful behaviour and today was no exception. We then continued to Gore, where we would stay for a couple of nights. The air was still cool and once again, 12° was tops.
Sunday was a beauty. We left our luggage behind and headed south to Bluff then around the Catlins. We had coffee and today’s cheese roll at Fortrose, and for the first time on this trip, we had a tail wind. This road was deserted until we struck oncoming tourists later in the morning and there was more disgraceful behaviour.
The Catlins road is top of the list for a revisit. It’s a cracker! From Balclutha, we headed up river and crossed it at the Clydevale bridge with the intention of crossing back over on the ferry at Tuapeka Mouth – so we hadn’t refuelled at Balclutha, as we would do that at Lawrence. Bad call. We found the ferry, but the operator was nowhere to be seen.
It was 12:45 so we figured we’d wait while Old Mate finished his Sunday roast and then we’d get a ride across the Clutha. We gave the wait away after half an hour, and rode up to Beaumont then to Millers Flat, where we crossed the river again and rode up the twisties on the east bank to Roxburgh. Here, a welcome refuel showed that my tank had less than a litre remaining.
We backtracked to Ettrick and rode numerous fun roads to Tapanui, then found the worst gravel road ever to Knapdale and Mandeville. We went south and intercepted the Dipton-Gore Road, which is arguably the best gravel road in NZ. And so back home to Gore.
The forecast for Monday was a shocker, so we elected to have a lay day. I visited friends and did some washing, while Richard shot down to Bill Richardson’s collection of bikes. We did however, sample another cheese roll in Gore.
So on Tuesday, after an extra night in Gore, we headed off to cross Southland’s western side. The weather was shocking. 6° for the first two hours in horizontal rain – then it soared up to 7°! Not everyone would realise we were having so much fun.
We went west via Winton, Otautau, Scott’s Gap and Clifden before heading north to Te Anau for a well-earned coffee and a fabulous pie. Now the only South Island road that I know for sure I haven’t travelled is the road to Mavora Lakes – so we set off to put that right.
The weather cleared and warmed to 12°. We had 37km of fast gravel road, then a bush track, so we were ecstatic! Then we rode it all again on the way out to Mossburn. This road was noteworthy for the number of cyclists and their undeveloped sense of survival!
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More coffee and today’s cheese roll at Five Rivers, then onto Frankton and over the Crown Range to Wanaka.
Wednesday was what every day on a bike should be. Perfect sunny sky, a gentle southerly and a blast over the Haast. I had the only incident of the trip going down the Haast River.
Richard was in front and we’d worked our way through a slow “train” of cars when I took on the culprit at the front – an obviously Asian visitor doing 65kph. The gaps weren’t too big, so overtakes were spirited. As I passed this guy, he swapped lanes with no indication whatsoever. I managed to brake my way out of that one and noticed that he’d swapped sides of the road to avoid a dead possum on his side!
At the next opportunity I made another attempt and the same thing happened. Another possum!!! When I did get by, I saw this tiny, elderly Asian breastfeeding the steering wheel and 120% concentration – but still at 65kph.
I headed off in pursuit of Richard and that’s when I spotted a black cattle beast standing on the roadside. The brakes needed the next 40km down to Haast to cool off! We stopped there for a brew and I swore if Old Mate turned up I’d pocket his keys and carry on the ride. He didn’t.
No cheese rolls here and we were disappointed not to be able to include Haast in the now open whitebait pattie stakes. No whitebait. We left SH6 and did a loop around Lake Kaniere before stopping at Greymouth for the overnight.
68 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 Thursday started with a ride up the coast to Westport. Man, there’s some damage to the road here and a big commitment is needed to restore (replace) large sections of road claimed by the sea.
We refuelled bikes and riders then went up to Denniston and tried to get through to the Mackley River on the old Hydro Road, but mining interests have erected a locked gate, so it was back to Westport and over to Murchison for lunch. We then elected to go up the Matakitaki on the gravel and over the Maruia Saddle, which joins the main road south of the Shenandoah.
The saddle ride saw the bike in 1st and sometimes 2nd gear for long periods and I met Wally the wasp here, when he hit my left eye on the full. He survived, and I’m pretty sure I now hold the new record for the time it takes to get a helmet off! And so to the Motor Camp at Hanmer Springs.
Friday morning the fine weather continued and we finished off the ride with a blatt through the Molesworth and home for lunch after 3,300km.
And just some observations to finish: • The condition of all roads in the South island has to be commented upon. I have never seen so much bleeding tar. In the wet, this stuff is lethal. Add to that a strong and gusty crosswind, and all the elements are there to catch us motorcyclists.
• The maintenance of our roads is a national disgrace. The Aussies can build chip and tar roads that withstand 40°+ yet NZ ones can’t withstand 30°. In the wet, and sometimes in the dry, it was just like my old trail riding days where you spend all your time and a lot of concentration looking for the best traction. Not good enough NZTA.
• The number of revenue collectors seen over the week was three. (No, we didn’t have to buy them any ice creams).
• The number of oncoming bikes hanging over the centreline on their right hand blind corners was alarming.
• The new KTM 1090 has a bigger fuel tank than the DL1000.
• The Valley Cafe at Kurow provided the best cheese rolls by a country mile. We noted though that all were made to order at every stop. They don’t leave them stewing in the heated display cabinet, as is the practice here.
And finally if your left arm needs some exercise, I can recommend a northbound route when everyone else is heading south to the Burt.
Now where to next? JG # 9272
69 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 ARTICLES POCKET TIRE PLUGGER (SAVED THE DAY) IN WHANGAMOMONA
The first sign of trouble occurred when I reached the bottom of the path leaving home. Ross had just arrived and we were ready to go. Then I noticed the red flashing warning light on the bike’s instrument cluster and the rear tyre pressure readout flashing 1.6 bar. It is normally 2.4 bar.
Got to the local petrol station and set the air pressure to read 2.6 bar for the heavier load and off we went, but the bike’s indication was still 2.3 bar. Didn’t dawn on me that the rear tyre may have a puncture.
The tyre pressure indicated 2.3 bar throughout the ride to the Republic for our two night stay.
Next morning, we were preparing for a big day out. Jim, Ross, Woody, young Brian and I were heading for the Taranaki coast via some gravel roads. The others were heading away for the day on the seal. Jim was keen to lead us some place to get Woody’s brand new V-Strom nice and dirty.
As we prepared, I had the bike on the main stand whilst lubricating the chain and noticed this small shining metal dot almost dead centre on the tyre. Out it came with a pull, as did the rest of the air. It was a spiky rusty bit of metal barely 20mm long and 2mm wide - could have been there for ages. I had done about 600km the weekend before, with no sign of trouble.
So out came the puncture repair kit. Young Bryan and Woody headed off to Tangarakau where Bryan’s grandpa worked with horses on the tunnels years ago - they would be back in an hour or so.
Jim, Ross and I tackled the puncture. We had seen the guys from TSS Red Baron do a demonstration repair with the Tire Plugger at a Ulysses Club night several months ago. That prompted me to buy the kit.
It takes a bit of effort (a team effort) to prepare the punctured hole and push through the steel belt and ream it with the rasp tool, which becomes blunt with the filing action against the steel belt. Then, following the clear instructions, with the other ingeniously designed parts in the kit, you insert the plug.
Our publican host, Richard, had a compressor handy, so re-inflating the tyre was no problem. Pressure held at 2.5 bar and, when Woody and young Brian returned, off we went to Urenui via SH43 and Kiwi Road, with me keeping a very close eye on that rear tyre pressure indication.
Kiwi Road was rough – that’s not a road, more like a goat track – especially going up. How Bob and Maggie Bath did it two-up on the VX Suzuki a few years ago is beyond me!
70 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 That rear tyre must be taking a pounding, I thought. As we approached the tunnel at the top, the tyre pressure showed 2.3 bar. A bit concerned, but we carried on. As we got closer to Mike’s Brewery (clever planning, Ross) the pressure showed 2.2 bar.
Time for lunch then a fuel stop at Urenui. After lunch, we had not ridden far when the warning system again indicated 1.8 bar in the rear tyre. Carried on – only a few kilometres to the garage and some air for the tyre.
What we found was the plug appeared to have disappeared! Where? How? Inside the tyre, maybe? Only thing to do was reinsert another plug from the kit - done within minutes this time - inflate the tyre, get fuel, and go.
The others were keen for some more gravel, but I stuck with the seal and headed back to the pub via Stratford, keeping the speed down and once again keeping a close eye on the pressure indication - which did not change. Next day, the trip home was uneventful.
The Pocket Tire Plugger is a well-designed puncture repair kit. As an “on the wheel“ repair system, it saved the day. I would not recommend riding off-road, as there is note in the instructions which says not to ride further than 100 miles or exceed speed of 50 mph until a permanent puncture repair is made to the tyre and, if it is a steel-belted tyre, replace it asap. I’ll be buying a new tyre!
The other thing I will think about for going away, especially off road, is to carry a small air pump. Cheers Bernie Robertson, Ulysses Club # 8540
Bernie doing the business on his Beemer
71 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 ARTICLES UNFINISHED BUSINESS
In March 2017, a group of us from Kapiti decided to do a trip around the North Island. Unfortunately, while heading home from Whangarei, we ran into a mother of a storm, which brought the trip to a premature end, as everyone headed home and so we missed out on the east coast. In order to remedy this, 6 of us set out on Nov 17th to complete the trip. Taking part were Karen, Steve, Barry, Rick, Roger and myself.
Our first stop was Putaruru, where we spent the night at the local motel and ate at a very quiet local RSA (I think we were the only ones there.) Next morning it was on to Whangamata, via Old Te Aroha road, Paeroa and Waihi.
There was light rain by the time we arrived at the King family bach, so after unpacking, we headed down to the local club. Boy what difference from Putaruru, the place was buzzing!!! After quenching our considerable thirst, it was time for kai and watching Fiji beat NZ at league.
It was still raining (lightly) when we headed back to the bach, and – as this was forecast to continue till morning – we decided to go back to the club in the morning and over breakfast and watch the All Blacks play Scotland. We were really warming to Whangamata by this time, thanks in part to a great breakfast and a good All Black win. It continued raining off and on during the day, cutting short a walk along the beach.
The next day dawned clear and fine, we were lead back over the hill to Waihi by Karen, on through Tauranga and to Whakatane. There we stayed at a really good backpackers (whose name escapes me) and had a walk around town – the weather by this time was really hot. The backpacker was close to everything, but we went for the pizza eventually.
We had had trouble finding somewhere to stay on East Cape, so the decision was made to go all the way to Gisborne. We stopped to gas up in Opotiki, then went on around the cape, in great weather and with White Island steaming away on our left.
Going around the cape, we came across some really aggressive truck driving, but leader Karen sensibly stopped at an appropriate time and the problem went away. We had stops at Awatere and the pub at Te Puka.
From there it was on through a couple of showers to a Youth Hostel on the north side of Gisborne. We wandered down to a boating club for a fish feed, but found we couldn’t get in as we didn’t qualify. However, some kind person signed us in and we all refuelled. It was off to Napier the next morning with a couple of showers before Wairoa, where we stopped for coffee.
72 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 We stayed at Toad Hall in Napier after saying goodbye to Rick who had to get home for a previous appointment. The rest of us enjoyed a sunny afternoon on the rooftop of Toad Hall sinking a few cold ones and telling a few porkies.
Next morning it was head for home time and after a short detour in Hastings, everyone arrived safe and sound. Thanks to all of those who took part – it was a great time with great friends.
PS. All of this was done from (a poor) memory. Apologies for any omissions.
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73 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 ARTICLES JOINING THE CLUB
An invitation from David Coy to join the local Ulysses Branches for their annual Christmas gathering sounded like an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. With deadline done, Paul put his hand up for steak and cake.
Their mantra might be ‘Growing Old Disgracefully’, but as I pulled into the car park of the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel, south of the horse-breeding capital of Matamata, I was pretty sure I was the one behaving disgracefully after passing a number of other bikers at a slightly non-PC pace, having misjudged the distance from Paeroa to the meeting spot. Isn’t it funny how you often think of something being only '20-minutes down the road’ when in reality, it’s more like 40?
Meeting up with David Coy, the Ulyssian who had invited me on the jaunt this day, I was introduced to the rest of the assembled riders who ranged in age from 40 to, well, double that, and who rode anything from three-wheeled Can-Am Spyders to big cruisers and everything in-between.
The underlying tone of the assembled group wasn’t disgraceful in the slightest, but the love of motorcycles and travelling with fellow riders was overwhelming, with a warm welcome and a chat with a few members, before David pulled us all together and went through a bit of housekeeping.
74 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 The destination for our ride was a farm at the top of the Mamaku Ranges, a short hop from the car park along SH28 before turning left and heading up SH5. David had a bit of a detour planned to add a couple of corners into the otherwise simple route, but the idea of meeting close to the final destination, was that everyone could enjoy their own ride in smaller groups before assembling together to roll into the lunch stop en masse, without causing much in the way of issues on the road trying to manage a large chain of motorcycles.
He’d made the right call with that decision, as the line of bikes heading up to the top of the Mamaku Ranges was a spectacular sight, but probably not the most road-user friendly scenario; there was no chance of us passing anyone or, conversely, any faster moving traffic passing us.
Still, with only a few kays under our tyres on SH5, we were turning right towards Mamaku and our stop for the day, a beef and veal farm where fellow Ulyssian’s Jack and Shelley hold an annual shindig for the neighboring branches.
Set among incredible grounds and with a large paddock for all the bikes to park comfortably, many were seeking shade to park beneath, with the sun already scorching our riding gear before it had even turned midday. Thankfully, our hosts had provided a marquee for shelter, meaning we could eat comfortably outside while protected from the sun.
With a $10 charge being all that was asked from the hosts, the spread was something you’d expect to find at a fine outdoor event, with salads, breads and plenty of farm-bred meat served fresh from the BBQ. The desserts to follow were pretty spectacular too, with coffee or tea to finish up.
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There are always plenty of characters to catch up with at meetings like this, and bumping into the founder of BRM, Glenn Rangiuia, was a highlight. With riders from all walks of life, no matter which table you pulled a chair up to, the conversation was a delight and many friendships were made.
After a few speeches and thanks to end the lunch, it wasn’t long before riders were starting to head off, with many in smaller groups making plans for the twisty route home or organising another destination for another coffee before sticking the bike back in the garage.
Joining the Fun The Ulysses Club is often overlooked by riders who think it’s either too old, slow, disgraceful or organised for them. There are probably a million excuses people can make for not wanting to join up with the local Branch. But, as I’ve discovered, it’s certainly a case of don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
The Ulysses Club is made up of a massive group of passionate motorcyclists, and no matter which camp you’re in, there is an undeniable bond between any two people who ride on two wheels. And there’s always that time when you’re looking for somewhere to ride to, or someone to ride with, but you just don’t know where or who.
Hooking up with David Coy and the local Branches has opened my eyes and also put me in the communications loop between members about rides that people are doing, places they’re going and events they’re attending.
76 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 Groups like the Ulysses Club open options, build relationships and make motorcycling stronger. You don’t need to be disgraceful, you don’t need to be eighty (although you do need to be over 35), and you do need to love motorcycles. And that’s it.
Yes, you can be a member of a group on the internet if that’s your thing, but the Ulysses Club is so much more rewarding in reality rather than the virtual environment so many people seem to live in. Ulyssians are there to help, offer advice, introduce and encourage fellowship through motorcycling.
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78 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 79 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 OBITUARY EULOGY FOR JOHN BROCK
John, JB, Brocky, joined up to the Ulysses Club in May 2008, although I suspect he’d ridden with us for a while prior to that. He easily met the criteria, as he was by then 51 years of age, and I believe he purchased his first motorbike when he was a teenager at college.
A year after joining (May 2009) he found himself on the Branch Committee, whether by fair means or foul I’m not sure, and he served four years as a Committee member.
When we go away on trips overnight or longer, that’s when you get the chance to really get to know your fellow Club mates, as there is time to “chew the fat”, usually involving beer, wine, or in JB’s case, cider.
John was an intelligent man. At Club night on Monday this week, I was reminded of a couple of incidents – for both of which we have photographic evidence. The first was when one of our members had a puzzling problem with the back end of his new bike while out on a club ride. The photo shows
80 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 several members lifting the back of the bike up and investigating. John was in the photo, hands in pockets, offering sound advice! The second was around three years ago when a group of us did the 42nd Traverse adventure ride in the Central North Island. Approx ten k’s into the ride, guess who gets a puncture – yes, our John. This photo shows a group of us with his rear wheel removed and puncture kit out. Guess where John was in the photo – yes, out to one side supervising! This to me shows a man of great intelligence, letting everyone else do the dirty work - either that or a man with one hell of a lot of cunning! Every job needs a supervisor!
John was a great advocate for motorcycle safety, and improving the state of our roads. He seemed to have a particular interest in median barriers – hating them with a passion. He was a very safe and cautious rider, and in the thousands of k’s I’ve ridden with him in the last nine years, I can’t recall one time when I thought he perhaps should have been more cautious.
I can recall a couple of times however – on trail rides – when John has said to me “perhaps you should slow down a little, Ian”!
John was a very compassionate man. On Sunday afternoon, Pam recounted to me the time when he was “between jobs”, and he did a stint of docking on a farm. The story goes that before he let each lamb out of the cradle, he patted it on the head and said: “you’ll be alright”! He showed this same compassion to friends, clubmates, and I’m sure family, although I don’t think he’s ever patted me on the head!
John had a very calm personality, and I don’t believe I ever once saw him getting frustrated with anything or anyone – he just thought things through. I guess that’s how you need to be to work in the IT industry – my blood pressure rises at the mere sight of a computer!
Above all, John was a great adventurer, and he saw the world as being there to be explored. He and Pam have had several overseas excursions, and have explored New Zealand extensively, often by motorbike. This is what motorcycling is all about – thinking “I wonder where that road leads”, so off you go.
Like me, he had a special interest in the Adventure riding side of our hobby, and getting to see the most beautiful parts of New Zealand. That is, back roads and off road, and for me anyway, this is where the best memories are made, because when the going gets tough, you help each other out. Pukemanu Adventure rides – put on by the lads from Martinborough – and a similar event named the ‘Capital Coast’ in the hills surrounding Wellington, were events eagerly put on John’s calendar. In 2011, a bunch of us spent 11 or 12 days going down to the Burt Munro weekend in Invercargill. The difference on this trip was that we tried to keep off the main highways as much as we could, and off the seal as much as we could - the old Gold Trails in Central Otago being a particular highlight. A great trip enjoyed by all those who took part, including John.
So John, JB, Brocky, I hope you find many roads with a great surface and beautiful sweeping bends – and equally as many twisty, dusty trails with the odd river crossing thrown in for good measure!
Keep on riding buddy.
81 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 OBITUARY PETER UNGER #8871 (03.11.42 – 26.12.17)
The Marlborough Branch of Ulysses NZ recently lost one of its more interesting characters. Peter Unger was born 3rd November 1942 at Oberstdorf (near the Austrian Border), a German rural township close to the Alps. The eldest of three, he had two other brothers. The family had apartments there that they rented to skiers in winter and trampers in summer.
Peter travelled extensively and when his family moved to South Africa, he became a policeman, then a Military Policeman. The family moved back to Germany after 12 years, but Peter went on to Australia where he married Robyn, and brought up two sons. He drove trucks, then had an IT business and he purchased his two BMW motorcycles. Sadly, Peter lost his wife to cancer whilst in Australia. Some years later he was lured to NZ by Liz, whom he’d met in the outback on one of his rides. And so 9 years ago, Peter came to NZ and settled in at Liz’s place in Ngakuta Bay. Peter joined Ulysses NZ in 2013, previously he was a member of the Australian Ulysses Club and had qualified for his Australian 25 year service badge.
82 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 Peter had a party for his 75th and this seemed a suitable occasion to award him NZ citizenship – at a very tongue in cheek ceremony.....
His two BMWs were a 1982 R100 and a 1984 R80GS, which he fitted with an 1100 engine. The R100 has accumulated 417,000km and the GS 329,000. He was riding both of these continuously, with his last ride being just three days before he died. He used these two bikes extensively in Australia. The R100 was used for his many business road trips and the R80 was his weapon of choice for the numerous off-road adventures.
He quite literally rode all over Australia from his Perth base and was a great help to me when I was planning an off-road adventure over there too. He was an accomplished rider and not frightened to cane the bikes when the need or inclination arose.
Peter was talented in many fields. He was an intelligent man, and will be remembered for being one of life’s real characters. He was a loyal supporter of our Thursday Riding Group and was a popular member. He didn’t suffer fools and he was great at handing out the banter - but equally good about taking it – which was just as well! He was a great friend to many. One of Peter’s misdemeanours featured on Page 49 of the December 17 Ulyssian.
Peter died of a massive stroke and his passing was a huge shock to his family and friends. But consider this: he suffered no pain, no illness and he rode his bikes right up to the end. He is survived by partner Liz, sons Mick and Chris, his brothers Harold and Huns and his father Robert (Opa) now 105.
The family would like to acknowledge condolences sent from National President Mike Dew and Canterbury Coordinator Stephen Orpwood.
Peter’s son Mick read the following message at the private send off for Peter. It is very appropriate: Life is not a journey with the sole purpose of arriving quietly and safely in one pristine piece, but a chance to twist the throttle, leap over, slide under or hammer through obstacles.
To look fear in the eye and backhand it in the head.
To skid, slip or stumble across the finish line, out of petrol, leaking oil and blood, covered in dirt and free from regrets and croak, “Damn what a ride”.
John Sinclair # 9272
83 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 OBITUARY SUE (SUSAN CHRISTINE) KERR 15/03/1951-04/01/2018
Sue was a very supportive and loyal member of the Taranaki Branch of the Ulysses Club. Sue was involved in organising all the food for our many Rhodo Rally meals; something she did so well because of her background in catering.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Sue since 1998. That was after she had met Jeff at the Rock and Roll Club, where Sue taught Jeff how to dance Rock and Roll, they danced very well together. Jeff and Sue were married, then Sue started a big battle with failing lungs, she did this without complaining as always. Sue then was given a new lease on life when she had a successful double lung transplant. We had just short of 9 good years of the old Sue until declining health again started.
We have spent many a trip away on the bikes over that time. One of the more regular trips we did together was to Taupo each August, as we remember our past Ulyssian friends at the Remembrance Service. This year we will be remembering our dear friend Sue, as she lost her battle with cancer (this was a battle Sue fought without any of us knowing how much pain she was in). It was only 4 months ago that Jeff and Sue, along with many others, said farewell to a very good friend, Dianne Armstrong. Never did I think we would be doing the same to Sue so early. None of us know when the time clock is going to “ring time” for us, that is just as well too. As the saying goes, "Growing Old Is a Privilege Denied to Many", this has rung true for our dear friend Sue, unfortunately.
Sue, your spirit will live in us all forever, Fly Free now my special friend. Signed: Your Buddy and Good Friend, Blair Campbell. #2772.
84 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 NZ’S FAVOURITE ROAD BIKE MAGAZINE
We have an exclusive offer to current members of the Ulysses Club of NZ... $20 off the normal 12 month subscription price to Bike Rider Magazine. Just $79 for Ulysses members.
Just call us on 07 862 6957 and quote your Ulysses membership number or subscribe online at brm.co.nz with the code ULY079. 86 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 RALLIES
NORTHERN ODYSSEY 2018
You will be given a route of approx. 1000 kms of North Island roads selected for their good riding, great scenery and points of interest along the way. Every hour or so, you will need to stop and find the answer to a question. The 2018 Odyssey starts in Central Auckland, visits Cape Reinga and finishes at the iconic Puhoi Pub.
The questions can be completed any time up until ANZAC Day (25 April 2018). The route can be completed as one continuous ride or several short rides.
REGISTRATION: $30.00.
ENTRIES: Entries accepted until 31 March 2018.
Entries open to all, Ulysses members and non-members. The Fee has been set to break-even on the event.
“We took a lazy 5 days to do the Northern Odyssey this year. A two-night stop in Houhora and a day’s fishing - snapper and scallops for dinner. I grew up with the story of Hongi Heke and the flag pole, at long last I have seen the place. Watching the super yachts racing at sea while we had steaks and a beer - Russel was a treat.” Don Mardle #5495
“Had an awesome long weekend away doing this Northern Odyssey 2018. It was amazing the places we went to. Congratulations on another awesome ride. Cheers” Valma and David Kuriger #9585
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To enter, simply send your Name, Postal address, Email address (if you have one) & Phone number to: [email protected] OR by post to: PO Box 5232, Frankton, Hamilton 3242 AND pay the $30.00 Entry fee to: Ulysses Club, Waikato Branch, Westpac Account No: 03 1555 0013109 00 OR by cheque to PO Box above – cheques payable to: “Ulysses Club, Waikato Branch”.
Bank transfer or cheque – make sure the sender’s name is clear.
The Organisers, Jim Galt & David Coy of Ulysses Club, Waikato Branch, are not responsible for any damage or injury to participants in the Northern Odyssey.
87 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 RALLIES
Tauranga Ulysses Club Rally Date: 4th 5th & 6th May 2018
Venue: Waihi Beach Christian Camp, 48 Seaforth Rd, Waihi Beach.
Cost: $50 per head, includes accommodation, Saturday breakfast and evening meal, Sunday breakfast. On Friday night you can visit the local RSA for a meal or there are several takeaways nearby. There will also be a light meal available at the camp for $5 which will be payable on the night.
Name……………………………………………………………… Ulysses No…………………………….
Pillion……………………………………………………………… Ulysses No……………………………
Address………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Email………………………………………………….. Phone No………………………………………..
Enclosed Entry Fee $ …………………………. Closing Date: 1st May 2018
If you require a map or receipt, please enclose a self-addressed envelope. I agree to abide by the rules and regulations for the rally and will hold blameless all organisers and officials associated with the rally, for any injury or damage while participating at the event or travelling to or from the event. Please No BYO.
Signature Rider………………………………… Signature Pillion ……………………………..
Please send to: Tauranga Ulysses Club, PO Box 160, 7th Avenue, Tauranga, or
Email completed form to [email protected].
Queries to 075433042 or 0275862121.
88 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 RALLIES
Annual Okataina Rally Theme: 21st Birthday Party Date: 22rd–24th June 2018 Cost: $75PP (includes bunk room or camp site, rally badge, Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and dinner, and Sunday breakfast). Register at www.ulyssesrotorua.org.nz
89 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 RALLIES
Taranaki Branch, Ulysses Club Energy Rally. 23rd to 25th November 2018
Back to Basics style of rally. Venue TSB TOPEC, Hydro Road, State Highway 3 Junction Road New Plymouth.
Name ------Ulysses # ------Address ------Phone # ------Pillion ------Ulysses # ------E-mail (optional) ------Cabins available for at least 80 people, first in first served. Also room to bring the Motor Home or Caravan. Cost Number Total Friday night BBQ $10.00 p/p ------$------Saturday Breakfast $5.00 p/p ------$------Sunday Breakfast $5.00 p/p ------$------Saturday evening meal $30.00 p/p ------$------Friday accommodation $15.00 P/P ------$------Saturday accommodation $15.00 P/P ------$------
The Taranaki Branch Ulysses Club will have a liquor licence for alcohol sales, so there will be no BYO, the prices will be very reasonable. Thank you. In signing this form I/We agree to abide by all rules and regulations for the event and will hold blameless all organisers and officials connected with the event for injury or damage while traveling or participating in the event. Please forward this form with your remittance to Blair Campbell c/- 85 Manu Cres Vogeltown New Plymouth 4310 Signed ------Date ------
Internet banking. 15-3949-0289502-00 Use your Ulysses number as reference. Or a Cheque made out to Taranaki Ulysses. Contact Blair Campbell on 0274490202 with any queries. or at [email protected]
90 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018
RALLIES
RUNS & RALLIES JUNE MARCH 2 – 3 38th Brass Monkey, Idaburn Dam 4 Frankton Thunder, Hamilton 22 – 24 Okataina Rally, Rotorua Branch 11 Charity Easter Egg & Toy Run, Tauranga Branch NOTE: Ulysses events in BOLD 23 – 25 National Rally & AGM, Mosgiel For more details of each event see ad at end of 31 Closing rego date for 2018 The Ulyssian, or Ulysses website – Northern Odyssey, Waikato Branch www.ulysses.org.nz or, contact local APRIL Coordinator or, use Google. 25 St John’s Ambulance Fundraiser, Canterbury Brnach Coordinators: to have your significant Runs 25 Finish of 2018 Northern Odyssey, & Rallies included in the R & R list for future Waikato Branch editions of The Ulyssian please advise David MAY Coy at: [email protected] two weeks before 4 – 6 Waihi Beach Rally, Tauranga Branch the edition deadline. Thanks.
91 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 92 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 COORDINATORS’ CONTACT DETAILS
The Ulysses Club of New Zealand Incorporated – New Zealand Ulysses Branch Coordinators, Meeting Times and Addresses Version 01/12/2017 To update your Branch’s information, please contact the National Secretary – contact details inside front cover.
Branch Address Phone / Email Fax / Mobile ADMIN: P O Box 40218, 0800 ULYSSES 021 072 3636 Debby Morgan UPPER HUTT, 5140 [email protected] 1/541 Pakuranga Rd, Howick Auckland, 2010 AUCKLAND 09 535 4579 Manukau Cruising Club, Orpheus 027 481 2700 Clive Thomas [email protected] Drive, Onehunga, 1st Monday monthly, 7.30pm 49 Romilly Street, Westport 7825 BULLER 03 789 4030 1st Tuesday of each month at 021 058 9960 Rex Collins [email protected] Club Buller 24 Glencoe Street Burnside Christchurch 8053 CANTERBURY 03 358 7494 Cashmere Club, 88 Hunter Tce, 021 127 3363 Steve Orpwood [email protected] Christchurch, 3rd Wednesday monthly 7.30pm 7 Otaika Rd, Woodhill, FAR NORTH Whangarei 0110 [email protected] 027 483 5183 Nick Grbin Burger King, Whangarei, Sundays at 10.30am 277 Bloomfield Road RD 1 Makauri GISBORNE Gisborne 4071 06 868 9661 Christine (Chris) 027 460 2430 Tatapouri Fishing Club first Thursday [email protected] Cameron monthly 7-30pm 61 Algernon Road, RD2 Hastings 4172 HAWKES BAY 06 876 8116 Taradale RSA, 1st Wednesday 021 458 330 Mike Shaw [email protected] monthly, 7.30pm 15 Rangiatea Street, Paraparaumu 5032 KAPITI COAST 04-9024963 1st Wed Mth 7:30pm. Odd Mths 027 423 1033 Cheryl Roberts [email protected] The Jolly, Paraparaumu/ Even Mths Otaki RSA. KING COUNTRY 17 Seddon Street, 07 878 5009 Graeme TE KUITI, 3910 027 515 3201 [email protected] Hammond Contact Graeme for details
93 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 COORDINATORS’ CONTACT DETAILS
2nd Tuesday each month (except MANAWATU January) at the Bunnythorpe Tavern [email protected] Murray Cross at 7.30pm. 143B Maxwell Road, Blenheim 7201 MARLBOROUGH 03 577 6822 Vines Village Rapaura Road every 027 306 7344 Kelvin Watson [email protected] Saturday Morning 10am 11 Springlea Heights, Atawhai, Nelson. NELSON Speights Ale House (opposite WOW 03 545 1919 Lorraine Lindsay complex), every Saturday 10am to 12 [email protected] noon. P O Box 100 054 NSMC NORTH Auckland 0745 09-444 2770 HARBOUR 1st Thurs.Mth 5.30-9pm Pupuke Golf 027 289 1018 [email protected] Wayne Painter Club, 231 East Coast Rd, Campbells Bay, North Shore 123 Thames Street, Oamaru 9400 NORTH OTAGO Criterion Hotel, Cnr Harbour & Tyne 03 439 5545 021 501 102 Bruce Thacker Sts, Oamaru, 3rd Wednesday of [email protected] each month 73B Factory Rd, Mosgeil 9024 OTAGO First Tues. each month, 7:00 pm at [email protected] 021 140 1344 Terry Clapham the Otago M/C Club (OMCC) rooms 3 Clark St 10 Moke Road, Rotorua 3010 ROTORUA St John Ambulance Hall, [email protected] 027 345 8634 Gordon White Peririka Street 7.00pm last Sunday of the month 12 Martin St, Invercargill 9812 SOUTHLAND Ride 3rd Sunday of month. Meet at [email protected] Ross Lawry Southland Honda Clyde St at 10.30am. 192 Kina Road, Opunake 4681 TARANAKI New Plymouth Club, 49-55 Gill 06 763 8571 027 412 0913 Suzi Pentelow Street, New Plymouth. 6pm, 3rd [email protected] Wednesday monthly 4366 State Highway 4 RD 1, TAUMARUNUI Ongarue, TAUMARUNUI, 3994 07 895 9244 Bob Kendrick R S A, 2nd Tues. each month. Rides [email protected] 10.00am , BP
94 | Ulyssian MARCH 2018 COORDINATORS’ CONTACT DETAILS
Pilbrow Watchmakers Shop 5 19 Tamamutu Street Taupo 3330 TAUPO 07 377 3550 Taupo Cosomopolitian Club Taniwha 021 107 2732 Rick Kosterman [email protected] Street, 7:30pm. 2nd Thursday each month. 87 Stableford Drive, Pyes Pa, TAURANGA Tauranga 07 543 0080 Marius 027 519 4555 Tauranga Citizens Club, Thirteenth [email protected] Swanepoel Avenue, 7.30pm, 3rd Tuesday monthly 65 Te Rangitautahanga Rd Turangi TURANGI 3334 07 386 0922 027 321 0619 Deb Treweek Bridge Motel SH1 Turangi 7.30 pm [email protected] 2nd Wednesday each month 210 Edward Street, Coromandel WAIHI-THAMES 3506 07 866 8019 VALLEY Paeroa RSA 67 Belmont Rd Paeroa 027 223 2629 [email protected] Marlene Johnson 3.pm, Sunday 2 monthly Check www.ulysseswtv.org.nz PO Box 5232, Frankton, Hamilton 3242 WAIKATO Waikato Commerce Club, 197 07 843 3119 021 901 557 Jim Galt Collingwood St, 1st Mon Mthly [email protected] 7.30pm (except Jan) 40C William Wong Place, Carterton WAIRARAPA Wairarapa Services & Citizen’s Club, 06 379 7022 021 779 776 Karen Wilson Essex Street Masterton, 3rd Monday [email protected] monthly 7:30pm 33C Pitt Street Wanganui 4500 WANGANUI 06-348 4141 RSA 170 St Hill Street Wanganui, 021 143 6137 Piet Meijer [email protected] 7.30pm, 1st Thursday monthly 47 Ward Street, Wallaceville, UPPER HUTT 5018 WELLINGTON 04 971 2893 Petone Workingmen’s Club, Udy 021 244 2091 Jim Furneaux [email protected] Street, Petone, 7.30pm, 2nd Tuesday monthly WESTLAND 1 West Drive, RD 2, HOKITIKA 7882 03 755 6216 027 575 5604 Gary Sinclair Varies, contact Gary for details [email protected] 381 East Bank Road, RD3 Thornton, WHAKATANE Whakatane 3193 07 304 9953 027 363 2177 Sue Holmes Ohope Charter Club, Ohope, [email protected] 7.30pm, 2nd Wednesday monthly
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