In early 2004, a small group of motorbike riding enthusiasts got together in Glen Innes and decided to form a local branch of the Ulysses club. For the last ten years members have regularly got together with their families for BBQ’s and planned monthly rides. CRAIG THOMSON reports.
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Since November 2004 the Glen Innes branch of the Ulysses club have been doing good deeds under their “Celtic Cruisers” banner and enjoying exploring the vast road network of our region and beyond.
Club spokesman Jeff Mckinlay said that due to range of fundraising activities over the years the Cruisers have been able to donate significant contributions to good causes such as the Vegetable Creek Hospital and the Westpac Helicopter.
“In the early days the branch regularly got together with their families for BBQ’s and planned monthly rides and it was not unusual for the guys to identify anyone riding a bike that looked over 40 and invite them to join the club,” he said.
“As the branch grew the members began to develop ideas for assisting the local community and charities through rides and social activities.
“One of those ideas was for the Cruisers to conduct a Toy Run each December and with the support of local regional communities we collect toys throughout November and December which are then donated to the Salvation Army to support local children at Christmas.”
Mr Mckinlay said that over the last ten years the Celtic Cruisers have also made a significant contribution to tourism in the Glen Innes Severn region.
“In 2005 we held the first “Meet ‘N’ Greet” event as part of the Beardies Festival feature weekend and we invite Ulysses Branches from all over the country to visit Glen Innes to participate in local rides, a Show N Shine competition and a range of social activities,” he said.
“Over the years this event has resulted in hundreds of Ulysses members descending on Glen Innes each November and enjoying the hospitality of our town and the New England region.
“The support given by visiting Ulyssians also effectively contributes to the tourism economy and also allows the Cruisers to continue their support of local community organisations.”
This year was the tenth Anniversary of the Meet N Greet event which coincides with the Ulysses club’s tenth birthday.
The Glen Innes Celtic Cruisers hold their monthly meetings at the New England Club in Glen Innes on the first Wednesday of each month. Monthly rides usually leave from the Caltex Service Station, corner of Church and Meade Streets, Glen Innes on the second Sunday of the month and everyone is welcome.
