Ulysses Club Inc., Bairnsdale Districts Branch
RMB 7523
Goon Nure VIC 3875
Branch Website: www.bairnsdaledistricts.digmapsys.com
BAIRNSDALE DISTRICTS BRANCH
- We are the local branch of the National Ulysses Club Incorporated.
- We follow the Constitution and aims of the National Committee.
ABOUT US
· We meet at the Exchange House Food Store, Princes Highway, Bairnsdale every Saturday afternoon from 1.00 pm onwards. You and your partner are very welcome to join us. The store is on the northern side of the road about 200 metres west of the roundabout at Lucknow which takes you to Lakes Entrance and Bruthen.
· We publish a ride calendar which caters for all levels from experienced to learner and aim to conduct a ride every fortnight.
· Day rides are held on Sundays and we schedule a couple of weekend rides each year.
· Our Branch is run by a Committee which meets every month.
· We hold an Annual General Meeting between 1st January and 30th June at which financial members of the Ulysses Club who consider themselves to be affiliated with our Branch may vote to elect the Committee.
· We publish a newsletter about every two months.
· We have a web site (address above).
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call in for a cuppa at the Exchange House on Saturday afternoon (look for a big group of bikes), visit our web site or contact:
Alan Thomas President (03) 5152 3939 (H) 0419 500 530 (M)
Peter Hartl Secretary 0429 408 451 (M)
About the Ulysses Club
How it all began
The Ulysses Club for older motorcyclists, the largest organisation of its kind in Australia, is now a familiar part of this county’s riding scene. The original suggestion for a club for over 50’s motorcyclists was put forward in a letter by Stephen Dearnley published in the August 1983 issue of Bike Australia. This drew two significant responses; one from Rob Hill, a reader at Albion Park NSW who suggested the present name and motto for the club, and the other from Peter Thoeming, then editor of Bike Australia, who sketched the logo and offered support from his magazine if Stephen could get the club off the ground. This was done at an inaugural meeting in Sydney on 6th December 1983 when the five people present approved a basic constitution and the Ulysses Club was duly formed.
From that tenuous beginning it has never looked back and the club now boasts a large and extensive network of members throughout Australia.
Why Ulysses
The name comes from the poem of the same name by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. It tells how the great Greek hero Ulysses, now middle-aged and securely in charge of his kingdom of Ithaca, is getting bored with things around him and longs to go adventuring again with his shipmates of old. It describes very well indeed the sort of person who still has enough spark to go on riding into middle and later years. Too long to quote here, you will find it in any good anthology of poetry such as the Albatross Book of Verse.
What does it do
It publishes a quarterly newsletter, Riding On, which contains information about forthcoming events, provides a forum for member’s news and views and carries articles on topics of interest to members of the club.
The club has grown to over 130 branches spread throughout Australia, and continues to grow. Those branches arrange rides and social functions for the club members in their location. By joining the club, a member can choose to attend any branch, branch ride or function of their choice. As well, there are sister clubs in New Zealand and South Africa, and fledgling branches of the club in Canada, Germany and hopefully in the near future the USA and UK.
Each year, club members from all around Australia, as well as some from overseas, travel to the designated location for the Annual General Meeting, an event that has grown from a campover, meeting and meal of the early days, to a major event spanning over a week, and incorporating involvement by the major motorcycle manufacturers and suppliers putting on trade displays and test rides of the latest machinery, a Grand Parade through the town or city, several nights of various entertainment, Friday and Saturday night social events, a church service and of course the official meetings and ceremonies.
Throughout the year, members raise the club banner at rallies and events around the country as a focal point where members and their friends can join in good companionship. Our “Old Man” logo, which has been preserved from its original hand-drawn form as our registered trademark, is recognizable throughout the country and club members wear it with pride.
What are its aims
· To provide ways in which older motorcyclists can get together for companionship and mutual support.
· To show by example that motorcycling can be an enjoyable and practical activity for riders of all ages.
· To draw the attention of public and private institutions to the needs and views of older riders.
Who can join
Any lady or gentleman who is over the age of 40, and who holds a current motorcycle licence, or who is a regular partner of such a person, and over 40, is eligible to join. Until you reach the grand old age of 50, you will be a “junior” member, but with full membership rights and privileges. It’s just that you might have to help some of the “senior” members off their machines sometime!
There is a joining fee of $20, and 3 year membership is mandatory, currently at $60. This we feel gives a considerable incentive to long term survival! (overseas members incur additional charges).
Words of Wisdom
These words of wisdom were originally penned by Bill Roberts, former leader of the Gippsland Central Branch, and have been used with Bill’s kind permission.
Behind the Ride Leader or in Front of Tail End Charlie
The following is not a policy, ride strategy or any other dictatorial ride instruction. It is one man’s thoughts gained from his experience and from listening to new or returning older riders asking questions as to what is expected of them on a group ride.
Riding alone is enjoyable and one is never confused as to who at any given time is the Ride Leader or Tail End Charlie. It is also easy to work out which way you are going and who has gone before you, hence an enjoyable experience for the lone rider.
Ah, but what about the group ride This tests all riders, some more than others. As we are a Branch and not all members participate in every ride, the likelihood of continuity goes out the window. What is listed below is to inform those who may know, those who think they know, and of course those who don’t have a bloody clue of what needs to be put in place on a group ride.
Ride Leader
- Give a pre-ride briefing to all riders on the destination, conditions expected and who is Tail End Charlie.
- Explain the purpose of the corner marker and the process of corner marking.
- Count the number of bikes in attendance.
- Recount bikes at stop points along the way and at the end of the ride.
You, The Rider
- Count the number of bikes and riders participating.
- Note who is the Ride Leader and Tail End Charlie.
- Take up your position in the group, noting the riders in front of and behind you.
When starting off, the person directly behind the Ride Leader will be the first “corner marker” (the sign post for the other riders). The “corner marker” is the rider who stops when directed by the Ride Leader and it is his or her responsibility to direct the group in the direction they are to proceed by pointing an arm in the appropriate direction or indicating the direction with a bike turn indicator. A “corner marker” needs to position themselves in a safe area to the side of the roadway, preferably off the road. Give clear directional (hand) systems and blinker signals to the group. Count the number of bikes and re enter the ride as Tail End Charlie approaches and toots at you. Making sure that it is clear and safe to enter allows for continuity and flow within the ride group where you will remain in front of Tail End Charlie.
Consider a few General Tips
The following tips are part of the licensing process. Members who obtained their licences as early as the 60s are the “born again riders”. They may know this information but, having had a break from riding, may find it takes riding hours to reach previous skill levels.
- Don’t use front brakes when making slow turns at a roundabout or during a U-turn. Use only the back brake at these times.
- If turning right, look back over your right shoulder and fix your eyes on an object just behind your shoulder before starting your turn. Tipping your rear brake and staring at the selected point will assist your turn process. If turning left start by selecting an object over your left shoulder.
- Slow speed can result in minor accidents.
- Apply the rear brake a fraction before the front brake or apply both simultaneously.
- Carefully consider your foot stand when parking and carefully consider the balance, or lack of balance, of your bike.
- Don’t trust anybody when you’re on a roundabout. Better still, don’t trust anybody, particularly if you think that they have seen you.
- Don’t trust turn signals given by other road users who have been known to turn right after indicating a left turn.
- Make a conscious decision to always check your blinkers are cancelled, particularly when approaching an intersection. Your blinker may still be on yet you plan to ride straight through.
- It has been found that when a driver is turning right across the path of a motorcycle that in many cases the driver will not see you.
- Take a wide line on a corner until you can see through the corner.
- Watch out for oncoming traffic, especially in tight corners.
Hazards (more so than normal)
- Loose gravel.
- Oil, diesel and debris on roadway.
- Wet roads and moss.
- Painted road lane markings when wet.
- The epoxy road fill at all times but especially when wet.
- Household pets and wildlife.
- After a long dry spell, the build-up of rubber and oil is extremely dangerous when wet.
- Don’t ride in laced boots as the laces can be hazardous as are loose items of clothing.
- Wear scratch and bug free visors.
- Because bikes are smaller than other vehicles it easier to lose a motorcycle in a vehicle’s blind spot.
- The colour your are wearing may not assist with your visibility.
- Shiny bitumen is especially dangerous in wet conditions.
Backup Plan for the Unexpected
- All riders to come to the ride with a full tank.
- All riders to assemble 15 minutes before the ride for the Ride Leader’s briefing.
- Bring your mobile phone if you have one and have at least three Ulysses member’s numbers programmed into it, along with the Ride Leader’s number.
- Members will have been asked by the secretary to provide an emergency contact name and phone number which will be added to a membership list. This list is to be taken on all rides.
- Everyone needs to be aware of how many bikes are on the ride.
- Riders need to advise the Ride Leader and Tail End Charlie if they are leaving the ride before its planned finish time.
- Ride Leader to wear a coloured vest and to do a head count at the beginning and end of the ride and at each main stop for toilet, fuel or refreshment.
- All riders to be aware of the rider in front but in particular the rider behind you (the buddy system). That way if a rider falls behind for any reason it will be noticed more quickly if there is a problem.
- If the rider behind you is missing watch to see whether they have slowed down, got caught behind other traffic or whether there may be a more serious problem requiring you to inform the Ride Leader.
- Ride Leader and Tail End Charlie should be in radio contact where this is possible.
- Tail End Charlie to wear a coloured vest at carry first aid equipment at all times.
In the event of an Accident
- Everyone to stop and wait.
- One member is to take charge
- Phone 000
- Apply first aid but do not remove an injured rider’s helmet.
- Make sure the injured are safe and comfortable.
- Offer any other appropriate assistance until professional help arrives.
- Clear the roadway where possible to reduce the possibility of any further danger.
VicRoads Road Condition reporting line (03) 9854 2899
Emergency road conditions reporting 131 170
What is a Ride Leader
This obviously is the person on the front bike This person will be wearing a fluorescent vest and if accompanied by a pillion both will be wearing a vest so that they can be seen clearly from the back. NOBODY who is part of the ride will pass the Ride Leader.
This person, ideally, before we leave will give a reasonably precise resume of the roads the road will use, where tea stops will be, fuel stops, lunch break and the approximate return time. If any member of the ride has any questions concerning the ride, now is the time to ask.
Most likely the Ride Leader has ridden the route recently together with the person who will be Tail End Charlie to assess the conditions, to sort out and perhaps avoid difficult traffic light intersections, or road conditions such as road works.
If the ride is going where food is available the Ride Leader will have spoken with the proprietors of such to see whether it’s OK on that day to arrive with a group, since they may be catering for a wedding or other large group that day.
On picnic rides the Ride Leader will have checked the availability of BBQs, water and clean toilets.
The Ride Leader will have assessed the best route home to cater for riders who may be tired.
So, if you are feeling grumpy about anything bear in mind that a lot of time and hard work goes into setting up a ride to accommodate all riders.
On the Ride – You the Rider
As a participant in the ride it is a good idea to come prepared.
- Come to the start of the ride with a full fuel tank.
- If it is a picnic ride bring food and drinks.
- Dress appropriately for the weather conditions but even if it is a beautiful day carry your weather proofs. Even a cheap lightweight set can stop you being cold and wet. When you lose body heat you also lose concentration – not a good idea.
- Listen to the Ride Leader’s instructions and if in any doubt please ask questions.
- As we ride down the road it is advisable to travel in a staggered line with a two to three second gap.
- Be aware you may choose to pass anyone, but not the Ride Leader. If for instance you don’t like someone’s exhaust noise pass them carefully and legally. This will result in shifting the staggered formation but is no great hardship and will happen when corner markers rejoin the ride.
- We must also keep an eye on our mirrors to be able to see what our fellow riders are up to and where other traffic is, so make sure your mirrors are adjusted correctly. Safety at all times is our priority. Try to keep together as much as possible. If we can all arrive home together and safe it makes for a more enjoyable ride.
What is Tail End Charlie
This is the rider at the back wearing the fluorescent vest. It is Tail End Charlie’s job to sweep up all the corner markers and to assist anyone having problems. It is handy if he/she has some mechanical knowledge and/or first aid skills. It is Tail End Charlie who stops to assist in the event of a problem and who dispatches another rider to notify the group. Intercoms or mobile phones are use at this time if possible.
It is essential that Tail End Charlie be told if anyone is planning to leave the ride at any point, as we don’t want to be looking for a member who has simply dropped off for a cuppa with friends.
It is also a good idea for Tail End Charlie to do a reconnaissance ride with the Ride Leader so that he/she knows exactly what to expect.