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Jo’burg North Chapter
From the Presidents Perch – Jan 2019.
Panties for PangolinFebruary dawned upon us, having realized that some of January’s activities had been overlooked, namely the Panties for Pangolin ride organized by renowned off-road rider, adventurer, lady fantastic, Skinny van Schalkwyk. The name caught Des’ eye and he went to investigate, as any man would.
Skinny t/a The Tank Girls writes a regular newsletter covering her trips on roads less travelled, on bikes not ridden the distances, and everything exciting and interesting as she (they)explore the unknown in a fun and friendly manner that epitomizes bikers of all genre’s.
I include a few pics, with the idea of creating awareness of the plight of the Pangolin, and reminding our Des Jenkinson, that the wearing of undies was compulsory. Also to thank him for upholding the Ulysses reputation and taking part in this honourable cause. Thanx Des.
Google : Plight of the Pangolin. to find out more about these animals, the poaching thereof, and efforts being made to create awareness.
A Visitor from “Down Under”Many members remember Kevin Florence. Well, he returned to SA, albeit for a short visit.Before arriving he had been in contact with Steve & I, and requested to ride with UJN.He had pre-ordered a rental BMW1200GS, so I called for eligible troops to join us for a ride to “the Windmill” near Pelindaba. The ride was well attended, being a mid-week when most members are unhappily working and feeding the Gupta guys, and therefore restricted to the Ratarse Retirees among us.
What a breakfast. Certainly one that neither Kevin, nor our young waitress, will forget in a hurry.
Thanks George.I hope that we will be able to return, someday.
A second ride was arranged, but this coincided with the week of constant rain which spoilt our plans and simply exposed the
potholes that were “fixed” the previous week. Sad but true.
What never stopped Kevin was the invitation to attend our Feb evening meeting. Despite the heavy rain on the nite, and moving the date forward so Valentine’s Day could be celebrated (enjoyed by the romantics amongst us), the attendance was great.
Kevin donated a lovely Australian Ulysses Club jacket, which Steve raffled off.
Picture shows how chuffed Frans was at being the lucky recipient. A great R 620 valentine’s gift from Tracy, and no pressure on him to reciprocate. Now we wait in anticipation to find out what Frans got Tracy.
Cheers Kevin. We will always remember you as “the friendly Oz” and you will always be welcomed at UJN.
Oasis Easter Party.The money raised on the night will go towards the Oasis Children’s Home Easter Party, being organized by Lucia and her volunteer group. The date to diarise : Saturday 13th April.The occasion is well received by the staff, much appreciated by children at Oasis, not to forget our members and the positive exposure that Ulysses gets at these events. Thanx everybody. Another group of Rockers.Marshalling.
AD (short for ADHD, as he doesn’t show ALL the symptoms) had volunteered the UJN faithful to assist at the PicknPay Marathon in Bedfordview. This meant us getting up very early, meeting along the way and getting to the Start by 5:30. Not a pleasant sight, so no photos were taken.Thanx to AD and his band of merry men who regularly assist at similar events, and fill the coffers of UJN. You guys volunteer regularly, and rock solidly.
February rides. The monthly Brunch Ride was to Buffelspoort. This was primarily to introduce our volunteers to the site, the procedures and the pleasant tasks that await them in May.
Pic shows some of the bikes and bikers that joined us on the ride to Buffelspoort.Note the “back-up vehicle” on the RHS.But, as no Harlies rode along, we left the pick-up truck behind.
Oh, and to enjoy the menu that the resort has on offer. Great food, good company and an awesome alternative route back home.Sorry Hannes (our esteemed National President) but I encouraged the bikers to “skip the toll” at the exit to Buffelspoort. Put a dreaded cross against my name, aka Papa Smurf, if you wish, sir.
National Rally Update.Our steering committee are working well together, working hard and working to make the 2019 National Rally a weekend to remember. However, because the word steering has connotations of driving a car (steering wheel) we have decided to call the crew the Handle Bar Committee.
Here’s Des having a bikers milkshake before a recent meeting.He says “I walked up to the pub and this just appeared in front of me”. Helps to be famous and tip well, Des, they never forget.
Dates to diarise (if you haven’t already booked) are 10th ,11th and 12th
of May.Peter and I (with ongoing guidance from good old George) are busy constructing a typical British Phone Booth.
This is one of the photo props planned for the rally. They will allow members to be photographed in various poses by their mates or one of the photographers on duty over the weekend.
Other ideas are busy hatching, so watch this space, or get involved !!!
Our last call for volunteers to assist at the Nat Rally was well received, and Des has compiled a spreadsheet combining Task & Team. Des, shout if you need help (you know that delegation of duties is my favorite pastime) More volunteers are required, and always are, and I can assure you of a busy busy fun filled weekend amongst a group of amazing friends.
Farewell to Pierre.
Pierre Zwarts, aka Disappear, has returned to his roots, uplifted his home and accepted a job in Cape Town.We have held onto his membership and once settled, we’llintroduce him to a local chapter.Our loss is their gain. UJN arranged a great farewell party and we all wish him well in his new venture. Cheers Pierre.
Fireman’s Tavern.At the February meeting I mentioned that Basic Emergency Training was being offered to bikers, Free of Charge, at the Fireman’s Tavern in Modderfontein.We had AD, Julian & I represent the chapter, with further interest from Jeff & Valeska.There were other Ulysses chapters also present and a number of other clubs and bikers that we had met over the years of riding. This could, and would be a day to kuier.The lectures were very interesting as (for the first time ever) it was explained, repeated and then logical medical reasons given as to why the particular attention was being offered.
Lo and behold, if towards the end of the final session, I get a tap on the shoulder from Len.He was apparently kicked out of his kitchen, his home and off his property so Gill could “bake in peace” as he put it. So, he jumped on one of his bikes, and found his way to the Fireman’s Tavern. As one does.
On the East Rand they say that on a Sunday, ALL roads lead to the Fireman’s Tavern, and we could see why.
Training has scarcely ended, and the Jazz band was warming up for a great “afterparty”.
The pub had been open since 9, and gratefully so, as one is inclined to get thirsty during lectures.
I attended as a sceptic, but left enlightened and a bit wiser.
A really worthwhile way to spend a Sunday morning, hoping that you’d never have to use what you learnt, but happy that you’d learnt something.Hence the myth “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, being busted.
Upon arriving at an accident, Call 10177 for Emergency, 10111 for Police and 112 for help and ask the patient(s) if you may perform the basic first aid.
Whilst on the subject of Len, I thought it fitting to note that whilst he had shown some interest in “extending his fleet” and keen on buying a Harley.Instead, common sense prevailed and he purchased a baby G310R Beemer.Fitted with aftermarket exhaust, it has a lovely deep throttle growl (very loud noise, according to the entire neighbourhood), but it guarantees to get heard and attract attention wherever he goes. Well done Len, may you have many, many years of happy commuting on this baby.
Alan Russell 083 653 8405
Ulysses JoBurg North Chapter President
