Page 10 - Sound Rides April 2024

Ulysses National Rally Mandurah Jane Laws

We turned up at the rally check-in, in Pinjarra, just after 9am, then we were on our way to set up
camp at The Mandurah Caravan and Tourist Park. We should have followed our usual routine and
made tea before the tent assembly commenced.
Impatience rarely wins. Firstly we tried to stand the
tent with the wrong colour coded poles. Next the fly
was completely tied on, and a couple of pegs were in
the ground, before we realised that it was 180° out
of position. Order was only restored when the tent
was up and we had a cup of tea in our hands.

Cuppa & a good yarn with Ulysses National President,
Allan Pratt.

Mandurah Caravan and Tourist Park was well
appointed to host the rally. The camp kitchen was
home to an extra large fridge and a very big freezer,
which was much appreciated by those living under
canvas. I particularly enjoyed dining in the second
gazebo, decorated Balinese style, a quiet and
reflective space to share stories with those folk who
had come from faraway. Bikes, dog's in sidecars,
camper trailers, caravans, and campervans
continued to arrive and by Wednesday night's
“Bogan” Meet and Greet sausage sizzle most had set
up a base somewhere in Mandurah.
Meet & Greet Night

Each night food trucks arrived at the caravan park, to tempt us and fill our bellies. The waffle, with
the works, was memorable and the forty-five minute wait was forgiven after the first mouthful. On
the Thursday night we ordered pizza. The chef said "this will be the best Pizza you have ever had."
This was a big call, but I must confess it was nearly true. Well chosen live music entertained us,
every night, and rally central was a nice place to hang-out at the end of each day.

Every day group rides disappeared in all directions. We took a self ride to Bunbury, to visit
the Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum. If you are a petrol head, get yourself down there. The
museum is right in the middle of town with an engaging display of classic cars and bikes and motor
racing stories.

On the Saturday night, we attended the “Villains and Heroes” rally
dinner, at Greyhounds WA. The staff knew how to serve a beer,
quickly, and the fancy dress participants entertained us all night
long. A collection of rally photos, doing their rounds on the over-
head TV screens, gave us quiet reflection on the week that was.
The roast dinner seemed to please everyone and time passed
quickly.

Thanks a million to the countless volunteers who made the 2024
Ulysses National Rally run like clockwork.

In a week's time we should be heading east across The Nullarbor,

until then…

Read more about Jane & Steve’s amazing travels at :
janelaws.blogspot.com

I'm not scared of clowns!

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