On arriving at Ulverstone we followed the signs and the other bikes to Registration, once registered we headed for the showgrounds to find a good camping site.

After setting up the tent we realised that we had a site near lots of people that we know. Silver, Wobbly Bob and Gryphie are just across from us one direction and Woofa & Robbo from Whittlesea and Barb & Brian, Sue & Lou across the other way. Around the corner are a lot of the people we know from Townsville, Verna & Ian, Steve, Huggie & Jackie, Bob & Yvonne.

There really wasn’t any need for us to worry about getting here so early there were still plenty of vacant camp sites late in the day. There is another camp ground once this one is filled but we really wanted to be at the one where everything is happening.

We wandered around and caught up with lots of people that we know throughout the afternoon. The trade stalls aren’t open until tomorrow but the Ulysses Gear Shop was open today and we bought Tony a T shirt that was on special, they didn’t have one in my size.

The wind was really wild and bitterly cold all day; there were many tents and annexes needing to be re pegged. The people who arrived early enough and wanted unpowered sites managed to get sites that were along the edge of stables, giving them a nice little place to get in out of the wind.

In the evening we went to the main tent where there was a band playing, The Richie Benaud Allstars, they were very good. We spent the early part of the night talking to Silver and Whiskers from Bendigo, it was great to catch up with Whiskers, we haven’t seen him since the AGM last year. Later in the evening Scumbag & Denise and Brian & Juanita arrived, they had just arrived in Tasmania and set up their campsite. It’s really good to see them again.

We’d organised to meet Warwick and spend some time with him at the AGM. He’s travelling with Col, Jenny and Darrell and they are not Ulysses members so he’s only spending the one day here.

We met Warwick at registration then came back to the showgrounds and had a wander around with him. His back is really playing up and he’s having trouble getting around. One of the volunteers offered to take him for a ride around the AGM site in a little buggy that he was driving around, he got to see a bit more of the  place that way.

After lunch we rode to Stanley to collect the rest of our mail. It was bitterly cold again today with a really strong wind.

We got back to Ulverstone and had our dinner. In the evening we were expecting visitors to our campsite. Denise, Scumbag, Juanita and Brian were coming over to watch Dancing with the Stars. It was a bit of a laugh, they were guessing what scores the judges would give and they have their favourites that they’re barracking for. Silver walked by a shook his head that we would be sitting watching tele.

While we were watching tele a group of fireman walked by; Denise had to go investigate what the problem was. There was no problem; they usually train at the showgrounds and thought they’d check the AGM out. It caused a bit of excitement for a while there, thinking that something had happened.

We went to see the Harley trade display to ask if they could help. They were most helpful and rang the Launceston dealer to see if they had a part in stock. Launceston had a couple of second hand items and they sent them with some Ulysses members who were in the store at the time. We spent the rest of the day waiting for them to return to Ulverstone.

We went for a walk along the main street of Ulverstone for a bit of look. The locals are really friendly and apologetic that the weather isn’t the best for us. All the shops have put on bike displays in their store windows and have signs saying Ulysses Members Welcome.

After lunch Tony took a Harley Davidson Heritage Softail for a test ride; he came back saying that he preferred the Electra Glide that we have.

We went to the Ulysses Gear Shop and bought a couple of items, including a flag, which we’ve both fancied having one of, we’ll be able to fly it on the bike for the Grand Parade and afterwards we’ll fly it at home.

The other night Bob, one of our neighbours, was going along checking out what everyone was eating for dinner. When he got to us he said that we had much the same as them, minus the meat, it was a vegie and noodle stir fry. I told him that we were too poor to afford meat and he said that he’d get us some road kill. Tonight I went to our tent to prepare our meal and lying on the ground next to our trailer was a dead rabbit. Everyone around was in on the joke and they were all waiting for my reaction. I must admit it was well done. He must have had his eyes open all day for the perfect thing, he was lucky to find one that was not squashed. Wabbit Stew!

We went for a ride to Devonport and had a bit of a look around, we didn’t stay long because Peter & Wendy from Wangaratta had rung us and were going to meet us at the AGM site. They are staying off site but were going to come and have a look around today.

It was good timing, just as we got back from Devonport Wendy rang to say they were here. We went and had a cuppa with them and while we were at the coffee stand Dorothy & Allan from Wang arrived. Jacquie from Burdekin sat and chatted with us while Jim took and scooter for a test ride and Tony took the Harley Street Bob, a new model, out for a ride, he was pretty impressed with it.

After we had some lunch Tony took a Dyna Wide Glide for a ride and I went to the Pit Stop health Program. Their flyer says “If you were a car would you be a hot rod or a clapped out bomb?” It’s a fun approach to checking your health and spreading the word about things such as being sun smart. I got my roadworthy!

We went to the Marquee to see who was about and we found Fiona who we’d stayed with in WA. She introduced us to Ding, Rayboy and Don C, all forum members. We sat and talked for a while then went for a wander and a few of us finished up near the Harleys (of course, Tony, Don, Fiona and I all have Harleys) Don showed us his bike which was parked nearby, very nice!

We spent the evening back at the marquee meeting lots more forum members, what a bunch of characters! We also caught up with Alan, Fiona’s husband.

Click below for Page 2 of AGM
http://www.freewebs.com/nomadandgypsy/agmpage2.htm