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How it all began
The original suggestion for a motorcycle club for over 50's 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 Hall, a reader at Albion Park NSW, who suggested the present name
and motto for the club: the other from Peter Thoemig, then the 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, with sister clubs formed in New Zealand and South Africa.
Why ULYSSES Club Inc?
The name comes from a poem of the same title 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 poetry anthology such as the Albatross Book of
Verse.
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.
What does it do?
It publishes a quarterly magazine, Riding On, which contains information
about forthcoming events, provides a forum for members' news and views
and carries articles on topics of interest to geriatric bikers. It also
produces a membership directory which lists members' names and addresses
throughout Australia so that a stranded traveller may not be too far
from help and companionship or a member can find a convenient neighbour
when looking for company on a ride. Through a number of regional
branches, it arranges regular meetings, outings and social events.
The Annual General Meeting of the Ulysses Club Inc. is held sometime
before the end of May and takes the form of a major rally. The venue is
a suitable location anywhere in Australia and it is a great occasion for
widely separated members to meet each other. At selected rallies the
club banner is raised as a focal point where members and their friends
can join in good companionship.
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 "seniors"
off their machines sometime. There is a joining fee of $20, and 3 year
membership is mandatory, currently set at $60. This we feel gives a
considerable incentive to long term survival.
**PLEASE NOTE** Initial membership may be less than three (3) full
years, depending on the month you join.
How to join..
Fill in the membership form, and post with your cheque or money order
(no cash please) to
Ulysses Club Inc.
PO Box 3242, Narellan D.C. NSW, 2567.
Phone: 1300 13 4123
Fax: 02 4647 7740
Email: administration@ulysses.org.au
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