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Ride Report – June 4 2006 Pub in the Paddock

Gary was unable to lead the ride so I took the role, we started out with 16 riders and pillions from MacDonalds. The overnight temperatures were low so frost/ice on the roads was a worry which turned out to be un-warranted. We headed out via Lilydale on our way to Scottsdale, it was cool but the sun was shining so it was quite pleasant.

At our first stop at Scottsdale we picked up another 7 riders, some by design but Tony and Sue simply had a sleep-in which made most of us jealous, they arrived just as we were about to continue on to Pyengana.

The road even over the Weldborough pass was mostly dry and free of traffic so we had a great run down to the pub. The food as usual was excellent and reasonably priced. The open fire was welcome to all and after almost 2 hours relaxing and chatting at the Pub it appeared that most would have liked to stay longer but daylight is short this time of year so we all left full at around 2.00 with the ride back to Scottsdale just as great as the ride to Pyengana. From Scottsdale, all departed in their preferred directions.

Great day, great company with great food-PERFECT.

Bicheno Bike Show  April 22^nd.2006

 Fourteen bikes (including a couple of interstate riders), left McDonalds and travelled via Relbia, Evandale, Vallyfeild to Campbelltown for a short break. The weather was fine and sunny on departure but quickly deteriated to cloudy and cold, however this did not stop a nice group of people from enjoying what they like to do.  From Campbelltown, we headed of over the Lake Leake highway together with many other motorcyclists to the Bicheno R.S.L’s Show & Shine held on the sports ground at Peggy’s Point.  Some of our bunch entered their machines but the only success was by a gentleman with a new BMW.  We won’t go into which category but it had something to do with him almost being an octogenarian.  The organisers put on some good entertainment with a good band and there was also a demonstration by some very skilled trials riders.  Plenty of food and drink was available on site and I noticed some of this Ulysses group going back for seconds.  After the presentations were over we gathered together at the B P servo in preparation for the return ride to Launceston via the Fingal Valley.  Some members were missing and after a quick reconnoitre around the venue again to try and locate them, we set off to travel over the Elephant Pass.   After a couple of short stops we rode on to Epping Forest where we had some food and drinks and said our farewells.  This was my first attempt as ride leader and I would like to thank all those who travelled with me for their patience.  Special thanks to Ted George for volunteering to be “tail end Charlie”.

 Byron Tanner.

SUNDAY 16^th APRIL 2006 FORTH HOTEL

 By 10:00 there was a good turn up of bikes – about 12 bikes and 16 people, and although cool looked like a nice riding day.

After a very nervous ride briefing and help from Peter and Mike on locations for a coffee stop we were on our way.

 The ride was down to Legana, turn up through Bridgenorth and on to the Birralee Road – a route made for bike touring.

The first stop for a regroup was at the intersection of the Birralee Road and the Frankford Highway which only took 5 minutes, and we were back on our way to the Blue Barn Café for coffee.

We managed to get in the middle of an MG Rally on this stage – 40 kph on the Frankford Highway, I don’t think I was the only one feeling a bit of frustration and amazement at this pace.

 The coffee (and eats for some) stop at the Blue Barn was very nice, some photographic evidence being obtained for perhaps later gain (blackmail?) eh Joe.

After a nice relaxed stop at the café it was off to Forth for lunch, the next regroup being at the Bass Highway junction where Mike left us to return home for a birthday party.

Our next stop was at the Bridge Hotel at Forth for lunch.

The lunch stop was very relaxed and lengthy, a packed house and very cosy surroundings. I think some were keen on a nap after their two or three course Sunday roast lunch, but managed to mount up ready to continue.

The return ride was via Paloona Dam Road, Lower Barrington and into Sheffield for a brief petrol stop. From Sheffield via Kimberley to the Bass Highway for a regroup and then on to Westbury for the last coffee stop at Andy’s.

On the road into Westbury (inside the town speed limit) a police vehicle was parked checking speeds, and unfortunately our tail end Charlie (or John Young in this case) was pulled over for a chat.

Everybody was waiting in anticipation at Andy’s for the arrival of the speedster and of course, (as would be expected) only compassion was shown, nobody even stirred him. He explained that he was pulled over for doing 70 in a 60 zone and that after a thorough police search of his character and prior convictions the gorgeous (so he said) female officer let him off with a warning.

Many suggested it was his charm and silver tongue that only scored him a warning – I will leave that open for further discussion, although I do tend to agree.

A great day with good company, good weather and good roads was had by all.

Rob Axton

EAST TAMAR, TAMAR VALLEY TOUR – SUNDAY 9th APRIL

A phone call at 8.30 am from the ride Co-ordinator in desperate need of Ride Captain saw “The Enterprise” lead the way on the Tamar Valley Tour.  Part of the Tour was to meet the Veteran Car Club for lunch at Low Head Pilot Station.The start of the day only had eight motorcyclists turn up but it was good to see Ken Wagg, wife and pooch rejoin the fold for the day.  This poor response was probably due to other rides organised by some members.  

Anyway, we set off out through Turners Marsh, Lalla and into Lilydale where we stopped for coffee at the new Lilydale Bakery, adjoining the Lilydale Hotel.  Very good service, good coffee and cakes.  Definitely a new recommended stopping point for cake.

From there we travelled overland to Pipers River Road and along this very good motorcycle road to exit at Pipers River Store.  It was then a straight easy run into George Town and out to Low Head.

The Veteran Car Club members, and various machines, were already there and we all enjoyed a lunch together on the sheltered lawns of the Pilot Station.

After lunch we departed and travelled on the East Tamar Highway to the Batman Bridge to turn right at Rowella and follow the Tamar River to Tamar Ridge Winery.  What a splendid sight – the vineyards were in Autumn tones, in perfect sunshine, and top riding conditions.

Hey… did I see Emus on the back road to Beaconsfield, or was I having a “senior moment”? 

It was then into Beaconsfield where the Harleys topped up with fuel then onwards along the Holwell Road to the Frankford Highway.  Here we stopped at the Blue Barn at Frankford for coffee and cake.  What a special treat, great coffee and scones with Blueberries and double cream.  This was the second “find” for the day and is highly recommended for a return trip to try real Blueberry Cheesecake.

Here we split up with some of us returning to Launceston, others to Westbury and Grindelwald.

It was a day full of surprises with the sunshine, good riding conditions on some great roads, special finds with the cafes, and a small but congenial group enjoying the day out.

 Mike Davis

Special Ride Report

Boy’s day out at the Cinema   –  Tuesday, 11 April 2006.

This is a ‘special report’ to let members know of other activities that can take place without riding a motorcycle. Instead, 9 of us went to the Cinema on Tuesday afternoon to watch a bloke called Burt MUNRO played by Sir Anthony HOPKINS, ride ‘The worlds fastest INDIAN’.  What a great feel good film, and all who attended left with a special feeling of what can be achieved by an older male riding his beloved motorcycle, to the best of his ability and to its full potential.   The film had its funny spots, good one liners, and a bit on the side for old Burt.  Some of these one liners were apt to the Ulysses club motto of growing old disgracefully, for example, ‘everyday above ground and vertical is a good day’, ‘even old men need some loving’, make sure you pee on your lemon tree, and for all older males who may have prostrate worries, you can chew on some ground up dog testicles, but make sure you water it down well ( a wise old Indian medicine).

These highlights in the film caused some laughter in the audience.  Anthony HOPKINS stars as Burt MUNRO, a man who never let the dreams of youth fade. After a life time of perfecting his classic INDIAN motorcycle, Burt set off from the bottom of the world at Invercargill in New Zealand to test his bike at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. With all the odds against him, he set a new speed record and captured the spirit of the times. Burt Munro’s 1967 World record remains unbroken and his legend lives on today.

Same facts on the bike:   The bike bought by Burt carried engine no 50R627 and can therefore be seen to have came very early in the life of a machine which remained in production. The Scout itself was a 37 cu.in (600cc) 42 degree V twin with side valves. A helical gear primary drive was contained in an oil-tight cast alloy case and a 3 speed hand change gearbox with foot clutch was fitted. A double down-tube cradle frame was used, rigid at the rear, and a leaf spring provided the forks with nearly 2 inches of movement at the front. Chain drive was used in contrast to the drive systems still commonly used on English motorcycles. Burt began modifying his bike in 1928. His methods to say the least, were unorthodox. He used an old spoke for a micrometer and cast parts in old tins, although one American article has him casting pistons in holes in the sand at his local beach.  He built his own four-cam design to replace his standard two-cam system and converted to overhead valves.

Facts on his record:     In 1967, with his engine punched out to 58 cu.in (950cc) he set a class record of 183.586 mph. To qualify he made a one-way run of 190.07 mph, the fastest ever officially recorded speed on an Indian. His visits to the Salt were not without incident. Burt is quoted as saying, “At the Salt in 1967 we were going like a bomb. Then she got wobbles just over half way through the run. To slow her down I sat up. The wind tore my goggles off and the blast forced my eyeballs back into my head –couldn’t see a thing. We were so far off the black line that we missed a steel marker stake by inches. I put her down- a few scratches all round but nothing much else. At the time Burt was travelling at close to 206 mph.”      (Note- detail sourced from –The World’s fastest Indian.com.au )

Find the time to go and see the movie, have a good belly laugh at some of Burt’s antics, and reinforce the special bond we have with motorcycles.                         PS- This is not a recommendation to go out and speed, remember that speed can kill.

Mike Davis

MIKE’S INDULGENCE RIDE – Sunday 5^th February 2006

 This is always a popular ride and shows that the older we get, the more sweet things we crave!  The fact the ride included stops at a Chocolate factory, Bakery, Cheese factory and Strawberry Farm, saw 21 motorcycles, 2 cars and 32 participants line up at the start point.

 We travelled down the West Tamar to Exeter and along the Frankford Highway to regroup at Moriarty.  From here we travelled the back road to Latrobe roundabout and into Anvers Chocolate factory for the morning tea stop.

 Rudie Jules and another couple were there to greet us and sample the delights on offer.  The staff were very accommodating, having reserved the outside settings for our large group.  Ice chocolates, hot chocolates, cheesecakes, apple cake….you name it, it was ordered and enjoyed by all.

 After a leisurely hour we departed for the next (lunch) stop at Sheffield.  This leg of the journey took in Bells Parade, Spreyton, Don, Forth and overland on some great roads past Palooma Dam.

 At Sheffield most of the group enjoyed a leisurely yet talkative picnic of home-packed goodies in the reserve at the back of the car park.  This also gave our younger folk (Aaron and Emma Woods) a chance to enjoy the slide and swings in the company of some of their “older” playmates.

 It  was then time to depart for the next leg of our journey and further “indulgences”.  A short ride to Railton and it was then on to Kimberley Road in perfect riding conditions – with the sun shining down instead of the rain that fell from the heavens on last year’s run.

Just past Kimberley we turned left, at Villeret Gardens, to join the Bass Highway and a make a brief stop at the Ashgrove Cheese Factory.  Here members were able to taste the different cheeses on offer as well as purchase some specialty cheeses to take home.

 Then it was off again for a short run to the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm……the indulgences just kept coming.  We arrived with perfect timing as Lindy had our tables reserved outside by the lake.  In no time we had some nice cool water to replenish our lost fluids in the warm conditions and orders were taken.  Cold raspberry drinks seemed to be the go as well as ice cream sundaes, raspberry waffles and other tasty delights.

 Members then departed in small groups to head home with some even managing another stop at Andy’s Bakery en route for that last coffee of the day.

 It was great roll up and, by the contented looks on the faces at the end of the day, all had a good time sampling wonderful Tasmanian fare.

 Mike Davis

Click on image to enlarge   

GOLDEN VALLEY – Sunday , 22^nd January 2006

This day is one that all Tamar Tourers will remember for what started out as a day with great excitement, later turned into sorrow and sadness for all participants, with the untimely death of a good friend and fellow Tourer, our President Rod McCULLOCH.

The start time saw a gathering of 16 motorcycles, and a feeling of merriment at seeing some of our dedicated members and riders return to the fold. Members like Barry and Marie, Roz, Brian and Jo, all who had not been out for a while, had ventured along to follow the ‘Enterprise’. We even had a member bring along his wife on a 250cc with L plates.

The route saw us go along country lanes, through Bishopbourne, Whitemore and Hagley to stop at Andy’s for morning tea. What an impressive sight it was to see all the bikes lined up in the main street for all passers by to envy. It was then out to Exton and a turn left to take us through to the Golden Valley, where we again turned left and headed up on the great motorcycle road over Quamby Bluff to the top of the hill overlooking the Great Lake. Here we stopped for a short while to take in the scenery, and then depart due to the extremely strong winds.

The run up through the hairpin bends provided great enjoyment, until we experienced an unexpected loss of traction on the gap seal strategically ‘misplaced’ by the Road and Works across the road on a right hand bend. It is a nasty feeling being on a 500 kg motorcycle and to feel the rear end step out in a big way, that makes the sphincter muscle go ‘manhole’, ‘pinhole’. Most of the bikes in the group had the rear end slid out on this tar based product that the road authorities place over the cracks and gaps in the road.

Even on the way down and us being fully aware of it, with prior braking and much reduced speed, the front end slipped out as we took the right hand turn.  BE VERY AWARE of this on the road, and especially when wet as it has the friction factor of ice.  I later took it upon myself to express my view to the engineers at DIER as to the dangers of this product and these bends in particular.

Anyway we got back to Deloraine safely where we stopped at the train park for lunch. Here it was a chance to laze about on the grass under the shade of the big trees and catch up with others, and find out all the gossip. After about an hour we departed along Mole Creek Road and turned at Red Hills to go through Western Creek. I thought I knew the roads pretty well, but continued on one instead of turning left. This took us to a dead end and a farmers dairy, where on stopping I jokingly informed the others, ‘Don’t worry, I just did a Rod’.   We carried on and got back onto familiar roads and eventually came out at Chudleigh, where we stopped at the Honey Farm for ice-cream.

It was an extremely hot day, and all of us tucked into the lovely honey flavoured ice-cream cones.  We again chattered, and were discussing our last trip here when Rod toppled over with his bike as we were about to leave.  Again, was this some type of premonition?

We left Chudleigh and travelled onto Andy’s for a last stop for cool drinks, and a talk. As we were standing there, Pete, a work college and member drove past in his blue light taxi, and came back for a chat. It was then that he told me about the radio talk of a serious motorcycle crash on top of the Lakes, and the fact it may have been a Ulysses member.  We were aware that our group was in the area on the return from Port Arthur.  A telephone call about 5 minutes later confirmed our worst fears that it was, and that our beloved friend Rod had died on the way to the Hospital.

Mike Davis

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Last modified: 02/09/06