Riding On Report Summer 2026

It can be a difficult task to come up with something different and fresh for each Riding On report, always wanting to deliver something new and interesting for you, our members. In reviewing the donations submitted for this quarter, I came across a great group of Ulysseans called ‘The Thursday Riders’, and could not pass up the opportunity to introduce them to you.

The Thursday Riders are a group that has been around for yonks. They have a passion for riding each Thursday and the group is made up of a collection of Ulysses members from a variety of Branches including Sydney, The Hills, Northern Beaches and surrounding suburbs.

Stephen Davies, Northern Beaches, introduced around three years ago, a special yearly event called the Wangi Wangi Lunch ride. The purpose of the ride is to have a great fun ride and comradeship, while contributing to a provided lunch hosted by Stephen and his hard-working wife, Jen, at their lake-side house in Wangi, and also making individual donations, all going to UCARF.

This year’s donation from the North Sydney Thursday Riders Group totalled $2235, with $1280 raised by the lunch ride and $805 coming from extra individual donations from riding group members. Perhaps this is something your Branch could organise?

I was also taken by this short essay written by Stephen. (stating he had a little bit of help from ChatGPT, to help understand the symptoms) It is wonderful I can share it with you.

A Day in the Life of Rheumatoid Arthritis – I’d Rather go for a Ride!

I try not to think it as I wake. It’s Thursday and the sun shines, but I hate the day already and I know the bike will have to stay in the garage, again. My joints are locked; rusted on and no amount of WD40 will help. My fingers won’t move, and my knees scream at me, as I try to stand. I talk to myself about resilience and how I’ll never give in. Never, ever, give in. Don’t sell the bike. My speeches to myself are getting harder to listen to.

I break through the pain with a bit of stretching and warm water. I’m moving. The fatigue winds itself around me. I medicate, which is a mixed blessing and brings side effects I’d rather not live with. By midday, I feel a bit better but wait for the pain to ambush me, as it did yesterday and so many days before. Smile. Maybe tomorrow I’ll be able to get on the bike and go for a short ride – maybe up to the Pie?

I take lunch. I bless my wife, for without her I don’t think I could cope. I feel the guilt of being a burden. I do feel better now and gain hope from release. Somebody has to go to the mailbox and for me it’s a daily target. If I feel good, I’ll keep going and take a short walk up the road and to the park. Now, though, my joints have swollen, concentration fades. I return and rest, but afternoon passes over me and it is now the night, which will last forever. Sleep is uneasy. I lay there and tolerate the pain. I can stand it, but it intrudes and wakes me yet again. I tell myself: just keep going, take the medication, do as I’m told. I will recover. Medicine will advance. I’m strong. Never, ever, give in. I’ll bloody well go on next Thursday’s ride!

Branch donations for September, October and November came to $11,663 (rounded off) with thanks going to Canberra ($5000), Macarthur ($500), RV Group ($240), Mallee ($250) and Nepean ($51). Other income was Suare Au Pty Ltd $794, R4R $2333, Left over Rally income and Armidale Traders $350. Cash for Cans over the past three months was a total of $50. The WA scheme will introduce wine and spirits bottles and other larger containers by July 2026!

I hope you all had, or are still having a very enjoyable Christmas and holiday break. This will be my last contribution to the Riding On Reports as UCARF coordinator. I have become the ambassador for WA, and I am sure the new UCARF coordinator is doing a wonderful job and receiving your full support as UCARF moves excitingly forward.

Cheers for now

Ken and TedE
UCARF Coordinator,
#51189 DM #67