How it all began
The original suggestion for a social club for older motorcyclists was proposed in a letter by Stephen Dearnley published in the August 1983 issue of Bike Australia.(This was originally for members 50 years and older, but was later changed to include junior members of 40 years and older).
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 Thoeming, then the editor of Bike Australia, who sketched the logo and offered support from his magazine if Stephen could launch the new club. 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, South Africa, Norway and Canada, UK, Germany & Vietnam.
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 becoming bored with his way of life 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?
The Club publishes a quarterly journal, Riding On, which contains information about forthcoming events, provides a forum for members’ news and views and carries articles on topics of interest to older bikers.
Regional branches have regular meetings, organise rides, rallies, outings and social events.
At selected rallies the club banner is raised as a focal point where members and their friends can join in good companionship.
The Club currently gives rebates to members who complete accredited Rider training courses and recognised First Aid courses. (Conditions apply)
The Annual General Meeting of Ulysses Club Inc. is held prior to the end of June 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 one another.
Who can join?
Any person who is 40 years of age or above who holds a current motorcycle licence, or who is a spouse or regular partner of a current Ulysses Club member and meets the age requirement (Spouse/partner is generally held to mean husband or wife, putative spouse or de-facto husband or wife, or full time partner (not business partner)
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 sometimes.
There is a joining fee and a mandatory 3 year membership term currently set at $140.00. (Postage applies for International Residents.)
How to join.
Complete the application on the website, attach a copy of your licence, and post with your credit card details, cheque or money order (no cash please) to the address below. For Direct Deposit details please call the Administration Office on 1300 13 4123.
Ulysses Club Inc. PO BOX 3242, Narellan, NSW 2567.
Alternatively fax with credit card details to 02 4647 7740
You are also able to join electronically on the Ulysses Club website: www.ulyssesclub.org.