What a difference a day makes

Friday the 14th  of October 2010

Bairnsdale to Canberra

It was an overcast morning. As we prepared for departure we discovered there was a memorial ride for Barry Sheen (a Moto GP rider) who recently died of cancer. With at least 500 bikes heading the other way we thought we might be heading the wrong way.

Alan was given a tip at the local information office that the inland road was the way to go. It was a great tip as we could finally see the all the scenery. The country side was spectacular and the roads were in great condition with long sweeping bends and some tight corners. We stopped and checked out the view from a look out at Lakes Entrance, it’s a great view of the lakes and we met a few travelers who admired our bikes. The inland route took us through the beginning of the Snowy River and B.. Which describes its self as Platypus Country. But the great news is that the sun began to break through from behind the clouds. I looked to the heavens’ and thanked the gods for the blessing they had bestowed on us, sunshine glorious sunshine how I had missed thee.

Whilst we didn’t see any platypus we did see some wombats and koala bears having a nap (I suggest not hitting one they are pretty nuggety little creatures). Two kookaburras flying in a tight formation nearly collected me as I was rode along minding my own business thank god for a my windscreen and emergency braking skills.

The procession of bikes heading to Phillip Island continued, and I must admit I thought that would be fun to do but all I could think about was the torrential rain that had been forecast for the Moto GP.

We proudly rode into the nation’s capital and headed for Parliament House, whilst I have seen it before (and did the tour with a backpack and got the rubber glove treatment) we wanted the iconic photo of us and the Harleys out front. Whilst we were looking around for the perfect spot Alan turned in front of me, I looked up and realized in the nick of time I was about to T-Bone Alan. Fortunately swerve braking skills do come in handy.  We pulled up on to the walk way out front, and out of the corner of my eye I saw two AFP’s (Australian Federal Police Officers) heading our way on their push bikes. I must admit I thought we were going to get the move on notice so I didn’t bother getting of my bike, but to the lads credit they realized we were just poor tourists wanting to get some photos so they kindly offered to take them. We also chatted for a while as they were bike fans. One of the AFP’s told us about his ride into the Victorian country side.

Our next task was to find accommodation in Canberra, it turns out that accommodation is almost impossible to find. We rode around, tried What if and the yellow pages. (one place had actually burnt down, and had yet to be rebuilt). We eventually found a place called Hamilton Townhouse Motel (in Queanbeyan about 13Klm’s from Canberra) we got a good deal and best of all the place is bike friendly. There is only one way in and out for the complex. Alan was also able to park his Harley under the veranda by the door, very handy.

We missed the dinners at the motel so we wandered down to the Queanbeyan Lawn Bowling Club for dinner. The bowling club is like a massive entertainment complex with lots of pokies machines, a bar, line dancing (yes I was scared) bingo callers and a restaurant.

Tip of the day.

If you have someone following you give them plenty of notice as to your intentions, alternatively if you are following someone then watch them carefully and give yourself plenty of space.

cheers
a