THE town won't know what hit it when thousands of Ulysses Club motorcycle enthusiasts ride into Wauchope for their 2017 national get-together, local organiser Robert Johns says.
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In a good way, of course, he says, with a probable 3500 to 4500 40-plus age group motorcycle riders and spouses based in Wauchope for their annual general meeting.
The Ulysses AGM is the focus for a week-long major social gathering and motorbike rally, with members from around Australia riding to the selected venue, which has recently been confirmed to be Port Macquarie-Wauchope for 2017, with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council giving in-principle approval for the plans.
Wauchope Showground will be the focal point for the event, to run from Monday, May 21 to Sunday, May 28, 2017.
The showground and its extended grounds will be used by Ulysses campers, with any overflow camping at Blackbutt Park, while Landrigan Park will be the site for visiting campervans and caravans and Wauchope Indoor Stadium will be the AGM registration venue.
The club will install bulk quantities of portable bathrooms and toilets at the sites.
Other Ulysses members will stay in motels in Wauchope and Port Macquarie, with some already booked out for the period of the event, still 27 months away, Robert said.
A huge marquee will be erected in main ring at the showground for the AGM dinner and social events, with entertainment to be provided every evening.
The showground pavilion will also be used for trade stalls and exhibits, with all the major motorbike brands attending to show off their products and provide test rides to the bikers.
Motorcycle accessory makers and distributors will also be present in force, selling helmets, boots, clothing, gloves and other biking paraphernalia, says Robert, who has overall responsibility for organising the event, as the Ulysses 2017 AGM event director.
Robert, who has "been to 15 or 16 AGMs", is working with a large team of other Ulysses members to ensure the smooth running of the event.
A former president of the Ulysses Mid North Coast branch, he has stood down from that position to concentrate on the AGM organising role.
A Wauchope resident for 42 years, Robert says the showground, "although a bit small", was chosen by the club's national executive in preference to Tuffins Lane at Port Macquarie, which would be unsuitable in wet weather.
Wauchope Show Society president Bob Kennett is overjoyed by the selection of the showground for the Ulysses event, believing it will bring great benefits to the town and its businesses.
The thousands of people visiting and staying in Wauchope will all need meals and supplies and other goods and services during their stay, he says.
The Wauchope RSL Club will host a Ulysses extended national committee meeting, although the actual annual general meeting - usually attended by around 800 members - will be held in one of the larger Port Macquarie clubs.
The traditional "grand parade" ride will also be staged through Port Macquarie.
While Ulysses Club membership is restricted to those aged over 40, the average of members is more like 55 to 60, Robert says.
The club's aims are:
* To provide ways for older motorcyclists to get together for companionship and mutual support.
* The show by example that motorcycling can be an enjoyable and practical activity for riders of all ages.
* The draw attention to the needs and views of older riders.
The club makes substantial annual donations to arthritis research.
