Shining OnThe newsletter of Ulysses Club GB

Issue 33: September 2016

"How dull it is to pause, to make an end. To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use! " From Ulysses by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

It must be the weekendThe high pitched scream of high-revving sports bikes coming over the mountain pass at sunrise lets you know that it must be the weekend here at the campsite in Los Madriles. If you look on Google Maps for the road between Canteras and Isla Plana you will see why the road is popular. Young Cartagenans make the most of the cool morning air for their weekend ride to the Oasis beach café at Bolnuevo further along the coast. Mini-skirted senoritas in high heels cling perilously to uncomfortable pillion perches – protective gear? No gracias!. No adventure bikes, Beemers or Harleys for this crowd, few of whom would qualify for Ulysses Club Espana. Ironically 20 years ago, well before before Ewan and Charlie, it was common to see Africa Twins, Varaderos and Teneres in Spain at a time when these tall off-roaders were ignored in a Britain dominated by Gixxers, Zixxers and CBRs. Now tables have turned. On a campsite populated by the er… more mature Northern Europeans the bikes dragged down behind motorhomes tend to be quiet scooters or lower pitch German boxers with comfortable seats and the odd Can Am for the wobblies. In the port many of the shiny Harleys, Thunderbirds and Japanese cruiser clones on shiny display on a Sunday lunchtime belong to expat Brits living in villas and villages locally. Now this lot would qualify for Ulysses Club so I have brought a few cards with me. You can identify the occasional Spaniard on a cruiser as his/her protective gear will consist of a helmet and what I presume are Kevlar-lined sandals, T-shirts and shorts. The road surfaces here must be less abrasive. Now we have set up our rather modest caravan on the site I am keeping fingers crossed that we can bring the Beemer down at some stage next year to enjoy the peaceful mountain roads of southern Spain and look out for newish member Harley Bob whom I met over here a few years ago. Now sit back and enjoy hair-raising tales of hairpins from our Swiss rollers. Pete

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Paul’s and Alan’s Excellent Swiss Adventure

Our main feature in this issue of Shining On is about the 7th International Gathering 2016 in Switzerland which took place in early September. We are very grateful to Paul (Grizzly) and Alan (Uncle Bucket) for these tales of their exploits and for the photos. Now read on…

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Hairpin HeavenAs soon as this trip became available, it became part of the ‘Bucket list’ and lived up to expectation in every way.

Alan Hilton and I met up at Le Pressoir hotel, near Auxerre, France. I

had taken the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre, Alan the tunnel. We were already wound up, but managed to calm our excitement with home-made pizza and 1664.

The next day we headed for Freiburg, Germany, Alan on his Tiger sport and myself on a KTM. Using a mix of roads and a few coffee stops, we arrived at Hotel Caritas, too late for an evening meal. This turned out to be a ‘happy accident’, as a 10 minute walk took us to a vibrant town centre, Mexican food, and beer, in larger containers.

Freiburg to Parpan, Switzerland, where the meet was based, took about 6 hours with stops. The weather was kind and we saw temperatures of 30C.

On arrival, at hotel Grischalodge, the party had already started, spread into the garden and spilled out into the bike park. Before we could get off the bikes, we were surrounded and welcomed by Swiss members, again carrying large containers of beer. A pattern was developing. The bikes were steadied for us, as we got off, and the ‘craik’ began. It’s amazing how quickly bike-owners can bond. We were led through to the registration point; a bewildering number of introductions and names to remember, en route.

As you can imagine the preparation for this event was detailed. We were ticked off on a lap-top, given lanyards with id and emergency numbers; even a photo of the Alps on the back. In addition to a printed itinerary, with each day’s events and times, we were given laminated ‘Roadbooks’, containing routes, way points and photos of places we would visit.

After a quick unpack and shower at our neighbouring hotel, it was dinner and, yes, those large containers. It was quite rightly felt that the only 2 Brits would require close supervision over the next couple of days, and we were introduced to the Swiss members of the yellow group, Roli, Rene and JP; fluent in English, but more importantly, experienced Alpine riders.

The Saturday ride started at 9, with 5 minute gaps to separate each group. Bikes within our group were: FJR1300 (Roli), Triumph Rocket3 (Rene) and Triumph Explorer (JP, who is only 5’6” tall), all Swiss, BMW1200gs adventure ridden by Gerhard, the gentle giant from Germany, plus Alan and myself. The pace was steady until we reached the Fluela and Julier passes. Thereafter we hit a ‘steep learning curve’, (couldn’t leave that one out). JP, our backmarker had noticed us struggling and at a coffee stop, patiently explained the required technique, in particular when approaching downhill right-handers. “Low gear, off gas, against the engine, no brakes, drop the bike right over, reach the apex, on gas”. Simples.

To anyone who hasn’t done alpine passes before, it’s not as easy as these guys make out. This is their playground. Just to make things interesting, from time to time, we were overtaken by ‘street-fighter’ style bikes and Porches ridden/driven by young men, doing drugs!........ Feeling ‘inadequate’, doesn’t even come close.

As is often the case, the best way to learn is by example, and we were each positioned behind a Swiss rider. Slowly the ‘penny dropped’ and what had been nerve-racking, became exhilarating. In no time, the day was over and all groups met up for a final drink at Voa Tgantieni (the correct spelling) a mountainside hotel near Parpan. We were able to sit outside and as you can imagine, everyone was buzzing. After we had all calmed down, it was back to the hotel for dinner with some of those containers. “Wow Now” a Swiss/German heavy rock band were on offer later in the hotel. They were very good, but fatigue and anaesthetic caused many to retire.

No Sunday lie-in, the day’s ride began at 9, but a different route taking in the Albula pass. We were with the same group of people and

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getting to know one another more, the banter was flowing. The riding technique was still ‘work in progress’, but hugely enjoyable. There were one or two more photo stops of breathtaking scenery. At the end of another amazing day we all met again at Voa Thingy, for a wind-down, before returning to the hotel. Many were leaving the next day, so after more containers, farewells were made and email addresses exchanged. For Monday’s ride we were reduced to 16. It was a long day, through Austria and Italy to the Stelvio pass, but worth every wriggle on the seat!

Monday was our last night at Parpan and the next day, numbers were reduced even further, as Hermann (BMW 1600) led Alan and myself, with Roli at the rear ‘sweeping up’. At lunch time Roli said goodbye and headed for home in Lucerne. We travelled in a westerly direction and rode up the Nufenen pass, 2nd highest in Switzerland and down the old St. Gotthard pass, which is cobbled. Fortunately it was dry, but even so, there were only a handful of bikes, including a Swiss 48cc moped going uphill! I want one of those little bikes. Our night stop was hotel Wasler at Ulrichen and what a delightful spot.

Wednesday was the conclusion of our stay in Switzerland. Hermann still managed to lead us up a couple more passes, before saying goodbye after lunch in Lucerne.The journey home was, in the main, ridden on motorways. Not the best way to travel,but it went quickly, with grins and ‘flashbacks’ to pass the time.

Over the weekend itself, I have never seen so many bikes; certainly hundreds per day, possibly more. It is almost obligatory to wave to approaching riders, but at the entry to a downhill right hand hairpin, raising a hand from the bar seemed physically impossible. I just hope they didn’t feel neglected.

There and back, I clocked up about 2250 miles, 1/3 of that in Switzerland. We had a little overnight rain, but the roads were dry by morning. In the main, pure blue skies.

A big thank you to Hermann and all the Swiss members who made the trip so enjoyable. The planning was meticulous and nothing was too much trouble. And, of course, thanks to Alan for his company.Yes, it is a long way, but if you have never been, and you get the chance, do go!

Paul Adams (Grizzly)

Will it really go over that far?I got back from Switzerland yesterday. What a fantastic trip - one of the best things I've ever done, a huge learning experience with regard to the art of

motorcycling, and some of the most stunning scenery I've ever seen. I had perfect weather for riding, and never had to don waterproofs. The Swiss Alps region does tend to get light rain showers late in the afternoon, but that was it.

Those Swiss guys have been born into a country of winding roads in mountainous terrain, and they really know how to handle their machines. I was very impressed. They place complete trust in their machines and, above all, their tyres. I notice that the Swiss guys have quite heavy machines, but with a low centre of gravity. There were 63 guests and 54 bikes, so we split into about 5 different groups. We had to tie a coloured ribbon on to our machines to show what group we were in. I was in the Yellow group - 6 bikes. Three Swiss guys, two Brits, and a huge German guy called Gerhard. The Swiss leader was called Roli (Roland), and his number two was René. Back marker was a nice little chap called JP (Jean Paul). Now here's a surprise. My Tiger

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has a 1050cc engine, which some might think to be on the large side. But my engine was the smallest in the Yellow group. Roli was riding a Yamaha FJR1300, René was on a Triumph Rocket 3, JP had one of the new 1200cc Tiger Explorers, Paul was on his KTM 1190, and Gerhard had another tall bike - BMW 1200 GS. We quickly realised that the weight of the bike is not really an issue, but centre of gravity is.

Riding along normal twisty roads. it quickly became clear that the only way to do it was to perfect the apex to apex style of riding, getting speed and position perfect on each and every corner. It was the only way to keep pace with the Swiss riders. Then came the mountain passes and switchbacks. With complete trust in their tyres, the Swiss would bank the bike at a 45° angle sometimes when negotiating a switchback. It just didn't seem to faze them. As Roli put it, your motorcycle won't mind banking at 45°. Needless to say, the slower bikes were the BMW, the KTM, and of course the Tiger. I remember going up one pass and being overtaken by a kid on some sort of scrambler. 30 seconds after passing me, he was about half a mile in front. Utterly amazing - makes Cheddar Gorge look like a gentle country lane.

I was glad I replaced my front tyre before this trip, in view of the load it would be put under. Tyres wear out much faster in Switzerland. In total I did 2.3K miles on the trip, and 58+ hours of riding. My upper body has taken a battering. I am completely shot...

Alan Hilton (Uncle Bucket)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Privacy and the websiteSome members who were previously in the armed forces have been advised to keep a low profile on the internet and social media in these days of a raised state of national security awareness. The forum is private to members and requires a log-in so photos within the forum will not be seen by the public. On the public part of the site we place photos of trips on the gallery page and also a few photos of members on the slider of the home page. We do not identify members by name on these pages and photos are usually group photos with quite small images of individuals. Also we try not to show registration plates too obviously but it is not so easy when taking a photo of a group of bikes. If you prefer not to be in group photos which may appear on the gallery obviously it is better to mention it at the time and perhaps volunteer to be the photographer! If you do find photos on the gallery that cause any privacy concerns then let the committee know and we will remove them.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Membership Subscriptions for 2016-17Subs were due on the 1st September and all renewals will be acknowledged by email, or post for those not on line, so if you have renewed and haven’t received an acknowledgement, please let Steve know (secretary@ulyssesclubgb.org ). This is also an opportunity to update your contact details if necessary, or if you know of a Member who isn’t receiving Shining On, for example.There is no increase this year so subs remain at £17 for an individual membership, and £23 for two members at the same address. There is also the option of paying three years in advance and get 3 years at this year's rates. Members whose subs are up to date will receive an email confirming this. So:

Individual membershipto 31st August, 2017: £17 or to 31st August, 2019: £51.

Joint membership (two members at the same address)to 31st August, 2017: £23 or to 31st August, 2019: £69

Subs may be paid:1. By cheque (with your name on the back, please, if this is different to the printed name) and made payable to:Ulysses Club GB and posted to: The Secretary, Ulysses Club GB, 1 Tearsall View, Wensley, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2LJ.2. By direct bank transfer to the Club bank account:

Bank: Lloyds Bank plc (Branch: Matlock)Account name: Ulysses Club GBSort code: 77-08-15Account number: 17878360

Please take care to enter the correct details, and please put the word: Subs plus as much of your surname as will fit, in the reference field.

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Welcome to new membersA warm welcome to new members Graham (Mirando) and Belinda (Belin) Cartledge from Great Sankey, Cheshire.Great to have you in our friendly club!

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Up and Coming Events in 2016Keep your eye on the forum for events.

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RIDE TO THE WALL: Sat 1st October 2016The well-know ride to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas (DE13 7AR, www.thenma.org.uk ). Rides leave from 11 different points. So far 10 Members have registered and two more that we know of plan to. Register to ride at www.ridetothewall.org.uk and name-check Ulysses from the dropdown box as your participating club. UCGB is now listed on the RTTW website as a supporting club. If you miss the Sat 24th cut-off date for on-line registration, come along anyway and register on arrival (cash only) and, if you can, download a form and bring it with you. We’re planning to meet at 1200 noon at the Polar Bear memorial; it’s big and obvious as you enter the site. Steve’s and Gray’s mobile is 07956 352487. See the Forum for any last minute updates.

CLOCK CHANGE CHARITY RIDE WEEKEND: Sat-Sun 29th - 30th October 2016. This event will be based around Lancaster with rides in the Lake District and Northern Pennines, and funds raised by requesting a small donation to Headway. Members are already booking their accommodation for this. See the Forum for all details.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH: Sunday 4th December 2016It’s getting to that time again and this year’s middle-part of the country pre-Christmas Lunch will be at the Bentley Brook Inn, Ashbourne DE6 1LF, 12.30 for 13.00hrs. We’ve been here for the last two years and they have looked after us well and, in fact, remembered the Club (whatever that means). https://bentleybrookinn.co.uk And to get your tastebuds going, the Christmas Lunch menu can be found here: https://bentleybrookinn.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/pre-xmas-lunch2015.pdf. Several people stayed overnight at the Inn, not the stable presumably, last year and some have already booked to stay again this year to avoid the designated-driver issue.Please let Dave Twist know if you’re coming, either on the post on the Forum, or message him or email: dave_twist@msn.comFamily and friends welcome.

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETS: second Weds (at Yorkshire Bridge Inn) & last Sat in the Peaks, and fourth Weds in the South (last two have variable venues).

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Supporting the 2016-17 Club CharityThis year the club is supporting Headway – the brain injury association. A number of events will take place to raise funds for Headway, the first being the Clock Change Ride in October. If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation, we have set up a JustGiving web page which you can access on this link:http://www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/ucgb2017 JustGiving sends your donation straight to Headway - the brain injury association so it’s a quick and safe way to donate.

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DATES FOR YOUR 2017 CALENDAR!!!!2017 AGM WEEKEND: Fri 30th June - Sun 2nd July 2017

The AGM itself will be held on Sat 1st July 2017 in Swindon.Full details will be in a special edition of Shining On and on the forum soon.

SWINDON NEXT SUMMER - LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

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