The Sunshine Coast and Makhanda hummed, roared, growled and burbled with the sound of nearly 350 motorbikes, as they made the R72 and R67 their own for four days and nights during the Ulysses SA 26th National Convention. Hosted by the organisation’s Sunshine Coast (Port Alfred) chapter, it drew bike riders from its 30 chapters across South Africa.
Among them were 21 members of Gqeberha based Uysses SA: Port Elizabeth. The first chapter in the Eastern Cape to elect a woman president, it prides itself on great camaraderie and socially responsible behaviour.
“I’ve made a lot of changes,” Sharon Halgreen said. Talk of the Town met the bikers at their Pig & Whistle pit stop that followed their mass ride from Mpekwini resort, where their national convention was held from May 8-11. “When you’re a mom, you look at things differently.”
Ulysses SA Motorcycle Association was established in 1998 by Simon Fourie after he attended the Australian Ulysses Rally in Wagga Wagga.
“Ulysses SA, Port Elizabeth Chapter was re-inaugurated on 18 October 2017 after being dormant for many years,” Halgreen said. “The Port Elizabeth Chapter of Ulysses SA are an extension of a group of Ugly Buggers who all have the same love for riding motorcycles and enjoying the opportunity to share it with people who have the same interests.”
The Ulysses SA Port Elizabeth Chapter is a dynamic association for motorcyclists aged 40 years and above.
“Our history is one of camaraderie, shared experiences, and a passion for riding,” Halgreen said. “We value inclusivity, respect, and the joy of the open road and we welcome members of all riding abilities. We strive to create a positive environment where friendships flourish, safety is paramount, and the thrill of the ride never fades.”
Of the weekend convention, Halgreen said there were no incidents and everything had run smoothly. Ulysses PE walked away with the following prizes:
1 Best dressed for the Gala event (“We had the looks and the spirit!”)
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Award for the best nett growth for the year 2024/2025.
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Jeanette Bisschoff walked away with an awesome cash prize of R3000 in the lucky draw – so there were smiles all round.
“Ulysses Sunshine Coast were the hosts and what a brilliant event!” Halgreen said. “We had an awesome time where the company, food, music, bike rides were all great and of course unforgettable memories that were made.”
Thinking it might be for you?
“If you are 40 years and older, a motorbike enthusiast and enjoy socializing with a bunch of like-minded people, then Ulysses SA Motorcycle Association is what you are looking for,” Halgreen said. Activities of the Ulysses SA Port Elizabeth Chapter include:
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A monthly Sunday group ride;
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A pensioners’ ride every second Wednesday;
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A monthly social at the clubhouse.
Contact Sharon Halgreen at 060-593-3052 or email [email protected]
Follow them on facebook: Ulysses SA Port Elizabeth Chapter
The Sunshine Coast chapter of Ulysses SA, which hosted the convention, was established in February 2020. Based in Port Alfred, its mission, set out on the organisation’s website (https://www.ulyssessa.co.za/sunshinecoast/) is to “exhibit a positive and professional image, to promote and display motorcycle safety and awareness and to emphasise on positive community involvement and development”.
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This article was first published in Talk of the Town, May 15, 2025. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays.