General News
18 June, 2025
Breakfast out in Port
THE Port Campbell beachfront hosted a lively group of motorcyclists on Saturday as hungry breakfast club members rode into town for their monthly meet up.
The Ulysses Club is a social group for older motorcyclists over 40 with branches both nationally and internationally.
In Victoria, the Ulysses Club decided to informally start the Victorian Breakfast Club as a part of their club activities, resulting in a once a month meet up at a chosen small Victorian town for breakfast.
This month, the group of around 40 motorcyclists chose to meet up at the 12 Rocks Café and Beach Bar in Port Campbell, embracing the cold coastal air of the town’s winter off-season.
Ulysses Victorian Breakfast Club coordinator Holly Fields, who coordinated the event with fellow member Debbie Harkin, said the meet up was a hit and they would love to come to Port Campbell again.
“So far, we have met up over 200 times with only a few revisits,” she said.
“There are still many towns we haven’t visited yet that we plan to have breakfast at in the future.
“As it is an informal affair, it is up to the members to arrange their own travel and accommodation.
“I did a count and we have about 24 motorbikes – some have come in cars as the weather is quite inclement and we’ve got older riders that sometimes can’t ride.
“Around 30 of us rocked up yesterday and we stayed around town and had dinner at the pub.”
On the way home, a smaller group stopped at Timboon to check out the local businesses and the trestle bridge.
“I was asked today, ‘What are you doing for the rest of the day?’ and I said, ‘Well, dispersing’,” Ms Fields said.
“We’ve just come for breakfast, that’s it – it’s informal, you just rock up.
“The number of people who attend can vary and it is hard to predict as it can be as little as 10, but our biggest was exceeding 100 in attendance.
“This catch up was the first time organised by Debbie and I, and previously it was organised by Paul Butler.
“We’re really stoked because it’s the middle of winter on the coast with the arctic blast and I’m very impressed with the amount of people that have shown up.”
Ms Fields said while the minimum age to join the club was 40, most of their members were older.
“We’re people from all walks of life and professions and so forth,” she said.
“Most are retired or getting closer to retirement.
“The club itself has got members up to – I think we’ve got about three around 100 years old, not riding.
“I’d say the average age range in the club is 60-80 years old.
“They’re really good riders. To still be riding at that age is an indication that they’re good riders.”
Ms Fields said the older club members were an “inspiration”.
“The older members’ tenacity for riding has been an inspiration to me since I joined the club,” she said.
“They are seasoned travellers with plenty of anecdotes to share.
“That's a huge part of the club – it is the camaraderie.”
The Ulysses Club aims to provide ways in which older motorcyclists can get together for companionship and mutual support, show by example how motorcycling can be an enjoyable and practical activity for riders of all ages and draw public attention to the public and private institutions to the needs and views of riders over 40.
“We are the largest social club in Australia,” Ms Fields said.
“Our motto is ‘Growing Old Disgracefully’.
“Even when members are no longer able to ride, the club still supports them to continue their interest in motorcycles and the associated camaraderie.
“All members have the opportunity to join in organised rides and social outings.”
The breakfast gatherings support smaller towns by bringing in customers to local eateries, accommodation and any tourist venues, and Ms Field said the club was very conscious and proud of supporting the local traders.
Read More: Port Campbell