Why Ulysses?

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 getting bored with things around him 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 does it do?

It 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.  The club has grown to over 120 branches spread throughout Australia, and continues to grow. 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. As well, there are sister clubs in New Zealand and South Africa, and fledgling branches of the club in Canada, Germany, and hopefully in the near future the U.S.A. and U.K. 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 camp over, 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 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.

Who can join?

Any lady or gentleman who is over the age of 40, and who holds a current motorcycle licence, or who is a regular partner of such a person, and over 40, is eligible to join. 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 sometime! There is a joining fee of $20, and 3 year membership is mandatory, currently at $60. This we feel gives a considerable incentive to long term survival! (overseas members incur additional charges.)

How do I join?

• Membership forms are available at our Monthly Meeting

• or contact : The Secretary, P.O. Box 1103 Kelmscott DC 6997, Western Australia and we can post one out. email

• Click here and you will be taken to the online Membership Application Form.

The Dearnley Medal.

The purpose of the Dearnley Medal is to recognize outstanding service by a member to a branch of the Ulysses Club. It is intended to recognize service which whilst meritorious either does not warrant the grant of Honorary life membership or where the recipient does not meet all of the criteria set down by NATCOM for Hon. Life Membership. Criteria for the Award. The criteria are designed to ensure that the award of the medal is a significant event and that it is never trivialized

• Nomination for the Award must be by the Committee of a Branch and the nomination must be unanimous;

• The member nominated must have been a member of the Branch for a minimum of 5 years;

• In general, the service to the club warranting the nomination must have been for a minimum of 2 years and must in the opinion of the branch committee be outstanding, that is to say outside the usual service that a member might be expected to give to a branch or the club. It is acknowledged however that there may be circumstances where the service may have been for less than two years but still be outstanding.

• In making a nomination the Branch Committee shall be expected to satisfy the Natcom that the service warranting the award is outstanding. Whilst the opinion of the Branch Committee shall be persuasive the Natcom reserves the right of rejection of a nomination if in its view the award is not justified and in order to preserve the integrity and value of the medal and what it signifies.

• Any branch of the club may make a nomination for the award of the Dearnley Medal but no branch shall be permitted to make more than one nomination in any two year period.