Odysseus, the mythical Greek god and king of Ithaca, known to the Romans as Ulysses was the creator of the Trojan Horse and the conqueror of Troy.
Sentenced by Poseidon to roam the ancient world for 10 years, he retuned to Ithaca to rid his kingdom of his enemies and finally settle down.
Settling down was not to his liking and he again set out on his travels.
It can probably be said that the 230 members of the Ulysses Club, who stayed in Wagin over the recent long weekend, are also similarly inclined.
Founded in Sydney in 1983 to offer mature motorcyclists the opportunity to continue to enjoy the open road and the companionship of fellow riders, there are now clubs across Australia and in New Zealand, South Africa, Norway, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands and Vietnam.
The club's motto is to ‘Grow Old Disgracefully’, but as one who spent almost the entire weekend with the group they do it gracefully and with a great deal of good humour.
All members must have either a learners or valid motorcycle licence and be over 40 years of age to join.
They serve as ‘juniors’ until they can become senior members at the age of 50.
Partners and wives are also encouraged to join.
The Wagin 2011 Odyssey was organised by the Ulysses Armadale Heritage Motor Cycle Club with members coming from other branches in Busselton, Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, Perth and a large contingent from Geraldton.
There were probably more than 140 superbly presented motorcycles on the grounds with many women riding their own bikes.
In March this year the Armadale committee, under the presidency of Robyn Johnston approached the Shire of Wagin about holding the Odyssey in the town.
They had visited four other potential destinations, but decided the Wagin Recreation Complex offered everything they required.
More than half the group camped in what is locally known as the 500s and 600s (adjacent to the Markets and behind Landmark), while the remainder almost filled all local commercial accommodation.
The Shire also granted permission for club members to use the Eric Farrow Pavilion for all meals and the Elders Wool Pavilion for their social activities.
For this they charged $20 per registration.
Evening meals were catered for by members of the Wagin Swimming Club and breakfasts by the Wagin Rotary Club.
The visitors were enthusiastic in their praise for the quality and quantity of the meals served.
No one can ever say that the Ulysses Club members do not know how to have fun and to enjoy their surroundings.
Everywhere there was good humour and a desire to communicate with those few Wagin residents who were in town to meet club members.
The Saturday night social event saw a number of the women dressed up in ‘stylish’ fancy dress costumes.
It was evident that members shared good humour, companionship and a desire to experience new destinations.
Robyn Johnston, Armadale Club president stated that her objective was “to organise Odysseys and Sunday rides for members that would allow them to explore the highways and byways less frequently travelled”.
On Friday the group rode to Dumbleyung, Katanning and Woodanilling while on Saturday they rode to Narrogin and led the parade for the Spring Carnival.
The organisers expected 30 motorcycles; they were amazed when 87 turned up.
It was indeed fortuitous that the Armadale Club chose Wagin as the venue for their annual Odyssey. The town undoubtedly enjoyed an economic benefit from their visit, but there were also many favourable comments passed about Wagin and the beauty of the surrounding districts.
At the Saturday night social special thanks were offered for the support received from Wagin Shire chief executive officer Len Calneggia and the Shire Council, Rotary Club secretary John Johansson and Club members and the Wagin Swimming Club.
A presentation was made to Shire councillor Geoff West and wife ,Sharon, for their help and support during the event.
Through the Ulysses clubs across Australia and worldwide it appears that it is possible to ‘grow old disgracefully’ and to thoroughly enjoy doing so.
For more pics, see the gallery.
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