Introduction

We are an affiliated member of Ulysses Motorcycle Association of South Africa. Our national organization consists of a number of clubs referred to as chapters, which are area based. In our case, we are the Garden Route chapter. The name Ulysses comes from a poem of the same title by Lord Alfred 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.

Our chapter is rather unique in that it is not centered in a single town or city, as is the case with most of the other chapters. We have members in Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, De Rust, George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, spanning an area of around 210 kilometers from east to west.

On our leathers we wear the national colours of Ulysses SA with a "Garden Route" scroll underneath, as can be seen in the picture at the top left of this page. An additional scroll with the town's name is worn below the "Garden Route" scroll. 

Our slogan is GROW OLD DISGRACEFULLY. This causes many smiles, much head shaking, finger pointing and respectful disbelief from the uninformed public. No, we are definitely not a bunch of undisciplined hooligans. Rather, the GROW OLD DISGRACEFULLY slogan means not to grow old disgracefully by accepting that you are now "oor die muur". 

We are all over forty year olds (you can't join if you are younger), who get out there and show the world that we still have what it takes to enjoy the excitement that awaits every rider. We aren't ready to lay back and watch the weeds grow and then wonder, "could I have done better?". No, for us it is the open road and the friendship that comes with great companionship of many others who wish to enjoy the biking way of life.

We call each other UGLY BUGGERS (most of us are) because old age has a way of making many parts of the body hang southwards. This is not being disrespectful to each other. Rather, it's just the accepted way we address one another - a way to cement a comradeship and foster a feeling of togetherness not found anywhere else.

Ulysses Garden Route is a small chapter, probably one of the smallest. We don't go for quantity and are not interested in becoming big and powerful. Our members are chosen carefully. This ensures that a new member fits in with existing members. We are done with control, power seeking, biking politics and internal problems. We are all dedicated bikers with a passion for the open road and the feel of a powerful machine beneath us. We love Ulysses for what it is - a home where like minded older bikers can gather and enjoy their chosen sport together.

Whale Rally

Ulysses Garden Route proudly hosts the Whale Rally.  Whale Rally time is always June, in the middle of the winter, but you'll have such a good time that the cold is no problem and we'll give you FREE wood to make warm fires.

The Whale Rally is a serious bikers rally, not hardcore, just a rally where you can relax, have fun and enjoy an unforgettable weekend with biker friends. We thank all those who attended previous Whale Rallies and inspired us to continue presenting this rally.

Send mail to Hot-Stuff@whalerally.co.za with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2010 Ulysses Garden Route
Last modified: July 09, 2010