If you enjoy forming friendships after listening to the throaty roar of an engine as you ride down the road, maybe a Far South Coast motorcycle club is for you.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Ulysses Club Inc Sapphire Coast branch is calling for new members to join its 120-strong group.
While in its early days it was just a motorcycle club, now it is a social club with the theme of motorcycles.
“We are all motorbike riders, and there is also camaraderie where we help each other out, talk about motorbikes and go on rides,” club committee member and quartermaster Hans Wiedeman said.
The passion the branch’s president Bruce Bearman has for the group is evident as he is in his 30th year as member.
“You’ve got to have an interest in life,” Mr Bearman said.
“Painting the house, doing the gardening is all well and good, but you’ve still got to have an interest in life.
“I’ve known blokes who, when they go to retire, say ‘I’m going to get the garden right’ but two years later they’ve done that and need something else.”
The club is open to men and women aged over 40. There are 137 branches over Australia, as well as branches in countries such as Botswana, Cambodia, France and South Africa.
Every month the Sapphire Coast branch has a dinner in Bega with a guest speaker and occasionally the group meets up with Ulysses Club members in the Eurobodalla.
We keep an eye on each other.
- Bruce Bearman
Aside from social activities the Sapphire Coast branch goes on motorcycle rides, anything from one day runs to Adaminaby or Mallacoota or three-day trips to places like Cowra.
“Here, we’re only a couple of hours from the mountains or can go along the coast,” Mr Bearman said.
Every year, the branch is involved in a local blanket run in winter and the toy run over summer. Donations of blankets and toys are given to the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Helicopter and other charities.
The strong camaraderie draws both Mr Bearman and Mr Weideman to the club.
“We keep an eye on each other,” Mr Bearman said.
“If someone is building and needs some advice or someone is down and needs support, we give each other a hand.”
To join the club, call 1300 134 123 or visit www.ulyssesclub.org. You can also turn up at How We Roll in Tathra at 10am on Wednesdays for a branch morning tea.