A $16 milllion windfall and national exposure to a new tourist market will be just two of the spin-offs when 6000 Ulysses Club members roar into town in May 2017.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Eateries, retailers, acccommodation outlets and tourist attractions will be the big winners, but the local co-director of the 2017 AGM, Gregg Faulkner predicts members will stay well beyond the seven-day meet.
"It's a major coup to have the AGM here," he said.
"Most of our members will come for at least the full week of activities and because of the demographic of our membership (people over 40 years), people will come with money in their pockets, ready to enjoy themselves.
"Many will likely stay on and explore the area.
"Our members range from 40 years to one member who is 91 and the bulk of them are retirement age.
"There will even be people arriving from England, Canada, America and New Zealand."
Everything from postie bikes and step-throughs to big trikes and Spyders will grace our streets for a week of social functions, visits to local attractions and organised rides to Coffs Harbour, Forster and the world-renowned Oxley Highway ride to Gingers Creek.
Mr Faulkner said the Gingers Creek trek was on many members' bucket lists because of the combination of 300 bends, excellent road surface, distance from built-up areas, spectacular scenery and physical challenge on riders.
The highlight of the AGM will be a grand procession of 2000-plus motorbikes from Thrumster to Westport Park for an official community welcome.
"The procession is always a great spectacle, with people lining the route.
"It's mind blowing to see and hear that many motorbikes at once," Mr Faulkner said.
Less than three years out from the big event, the co-director is already investigating possible locations for the primary venue, where riders can camp and meet socially.
"Between co-director Robert Johns and I, we've attended more than 30 AGMs, so we're hoping to pull off a great event.
"We're keen to attend next year's AGM in Wodonga and the 2016 AGM in Launceston to draw on their experience," he said.
"As the event nears, we'll be working with the major service clubs who will provide meals, parking control and support.
"And, similar to the Ironman events we'll be canvassing the local community for volunteers," Mr Faulkner said.