Ulysses Club Melbourne Branch
Ulysses Club - How it all began
The Ulysses Club for older motorcyclists, the largest organisation of it's kind in Australia, is now a familiar part of this country's riding scene. The original suggestion for a motorcycle club for over 50's was put forward in a letter from Stephen Dearnley and published in the August 1983 issue of Bike Australia. This drew two significant responses: one from Rob Hill, a reader at Albion Park NSW, who suggested the present name and motto for the club: the other came from Peter Thoeming, the then editor of Bike Australia who sketched the logo and offered support from his magazine if Stephen could get the club of the ground. This was done at an inaugural meeting in Sydney on the 6th December, 1983 when the five people present approved a basic constitution and the Ulysses Club was duly formed.
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From that tenuous beginning it has never looked back and the club now boasts a large and extensive network of members throughout Australia, New Zealand, Britain, South Africa, Canada, Norway and hopefully in the near future the U.S.A.
What does it do...
The club has grown to over 130 branches spread throughout Australia. Those branches arrange rides and social functions for the club members in their location. By joining the club, a member can choose to attend any branch, branch ride or function of their choice.
The club publishes a quarterly newsletter, Riding On, which contains information about forthcoming events, provides a forum for members' news and views, and carries articles on topics of interest to members of the club.
Each year, club members from all around Australia, as well as some from overseas, travel to the designated location for the Annual General Meeting, an event that has grown from a campover, meeting and meal of the early days, to a major event spanning over a week, and incorporating involvement by the major motorcycle manufacturers and suppliers putting on trade displays and test rides of the latest machinery, a Grand Parade through the town or city, several nights of various entertainment, Friday and Saturday night social events, a church service and of course the official meetings and ceremonies.
Throughout the year, members raise the club banner at rallies and events around the country as a focal point where members and their friends can join in good companionship. Our "Old Man" logo, which has been preserved from it's original hand drawn form as our registered trademark, is recognizable throughout the country and club members wear it with pride.
What are it's aims...
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To provide ways in which older motorcyclists can get together for companionship and mutual support.
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To show by example that motorcycling can be an enjoyable and practical activity for riders of all ages.
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To draw the attention of public and private institutions to the needs and views of older riders.
Ulysses Club FAQs
How Do I Join the Ulysses Club?
Prospective members can join through any branch of the club or through the National Ulysses Club Website Simply click on the link to Ulysses Club National site in the footer on any page of this website.
Do Members Join a Branch or Join the Ulysses Club?
All members join the Ulysses Club and are part of the Ulysses family of members both in Australia and Overseas. Members may align themselves to ride or socialise with any branch in their locality or as many branches as they wish, but no one joins a branch.
How Do I Find Contact Details for a Branch in my Area?
Branch details can be found on the national website which you can access from the link on the footer of all pages of this website.
How Many Members Are There in the Ulysses Club?
The Ulysses Club has roughly 11,000 members (July 2022) after peaking near 29,000 people about 16 years ago.
How Often does The Club Hold its Annual General Meetings?
The club holds an annual general meeting every year, usually in the first few months of the year from February to May.
Where are these AGMs held?
The AGMs are held in a different location each year and are the premier event on the club calendar. Members from all States and Territories and from Overseas travel to the week long festivities surrounding the formal AGM Meeting. Current and future locations for the AGM are available on the website.
How Often Are Club Officials Elected?
Club Officials are elected annually at our Annual General Meeting.
If Unable to Attend the AGM Can I Vote By Postal Vote?
Yes - but only if members request a Ballot Form from the Club Secretary, in writing. Ballot Forms are printed on special embossed paper chosen by the national committee. Photo copied ballot forms will not be accepted.
Will I be Able to Vote on Special Resolutions & Changes to the Club Constitution?
Yes - All members who attend or request a postal vote are able to vote
Who or what is NatCom?
NatCom is an abbreviation or term used to describe our national committee which is made up of 7 members who are voted into office annually at each AGM
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Do the States Have Equal Representation On The National Committee?
Equal representation is unlikely as there is nothing in the Constitution to ensure that each state is represented on the national committee. Traditionally membership of NatCom had come from NSW - See Ulysses Club Inc - but it varies greatly.
How Often Does the club hold its National Committee Meetings?
National Committee meetings are held about every 2 months depending on club needs. Under our constitution, the club is required to hold 6 committee meetings per annum.
Are the Minutes of NatCom Meetings Made Available to Members?
Yes, national committee meeting minutes are available for download on the club website as they become available.
Are Members Consulted on the Development of Club Policies?
No, members are not consulted. The national committee decides all matters and members are expected to support those decisions.
What is the Riding On Magazine?
The Riding On magazine is the official journal of the Ulysses Club and is published every 3 months in autumn, winter, spring and Summer. It contains information about club matters, forthcoming events, articles and advertising on topics of interest to members. It is distributed free of charge via the website and in printed version but printing is at the expense of the member requiring it. Click on this link to the National Ulysses website to access past editions.
Who is this 'Old Number #1that I keep hearing about?
Old No #1 is the title that has been given to our club founder the late Stephen Dearnley (OAM) who founded the Ulysses Club in 1983. Since that time the club has developed into the largest organisation of its kind in the country and is now a familiar part of the riding scene in Australia with an extensive network of members throughout Australia, New Zealand and quite a few other countries.
What is the 'Ulysses Story'
The Ulysses story is the title of a book about the club written by Stephen Dearnley. First published in 2000 and later revised and expanded in 2003 it contains recollection of the early days and is a must read for all members. All proceeds from the sale of this book go towards research into arthritis.
Where can I get a Club T Shirt with a Logo on it like yours?
Club merchandise is available from the Ulysses Club website. To obtain a Melbourne Branch shirt or bike "sticker" you should contact a branch committee member.
Note: The FAQ sheet is a living document and subject to change from time to time. Members with a suggestion for a new topic or inclusion can post them in the forums. Please bring any errors or suggestions to the attention of the Website Editor