What have I done to deserve this?

Friday the 15^th of October 2010

Once again the God’s have forsaken me, torrential rain was falling yet again and without wet weather pants, I was only interested in acquiring  water proof pants before going any further. The nearest Bike shop also happened to be a Harley shop, Robbo’s Harley Davidson in fact. You have to love the Australian flavour “Robbo’s”.

The gods favoured me on this shopping expedition, I found a pair of wet weather boots and wet weather pants. Alan had some reservations as to my purchasing decisions but alas I was convinced because the thing I liked about the pants was they have Cotton patches stitched on the outside of the PVC pants. The Cotton starts at the inner ankle and goes up to my inner thigh. Let me say that again with more sex appeal, my Inner Thigh... (now that’s what I’m talking about) Why is the Cotton Patches so important I hear you ask, it stops the PVC from melting into my exhaust. (which let me tell you, takes hours upon hours to remove and that in itself makes Andrew very, very unhappy)

Having said that I was in need of a new front tire and enquired as to what the price might be at Robbo’s Harley shop all he could offer me was a second hand tire (had done approx 400Klm’s) and they wanted $280 fitted.  I could have got the tire done in Melbourne for $220 fitted, given the fact it was second hand and $280 I got the tire fitted in Trivett Harley Davidson in Sydney for $250 and my bike got a wash as part of the deal. (let me suggest after all the rain and road works we had been through it really did need a wash, I was almost embarrassed to be riding it)

With my brand spanking new wet weather gear on, we headed off to a futile meeting with the Uganda Consulate. Once again the torrential rain greeted us and visibility was at an all time low. The Rain felt like razor blades cutting into my face at 60Klm’s an hour, oh what I would have given for my full face helmet but at least my legs and shoes were dry. Margaret at the embassy thought we were mad and at that point we had to agree with her.

Next stop lunch and a well deserved coffee in the extra large mug. Not for drinking mind you, ohh no this was purely for caressing the warm curves and contours. Oh so warm and enticing, just wanting me to hold it with a passionate embrace.  But alas the moment passed all too soon, the mug was empty and cold devoid of all life giving warmth. There was nothing left here for us so we saddled up and headed for the War Memorial in the torrential rain.

I hear you saying it’s lovely and warm in Perth, it would be a great day for a ride, and yes I’m aware. I saw the forecast before we left our lodgings but don’t worry I spent several moments pondering the eternal question “Are we having fun yet?” To which the God’s decide to answer by delivering a new form of torture, one I can honestly say I have never endured on a bike before. HAIL, Hail and more Hail. The first hail stone hit me on the right cheek and nearly knocked me off my bike. (on my face, in case you’re wondering which cheek)

As I slowly began to regain my spider senses when the God’s unleashed their most furious barrage to date, in response I looked to the heavens and cried why, why have you forsaken me again!!!  Alan (Judas) was just ahead of me and had stopped at the lights, I pulled up to Judas and realized that there was a bright side. He was also wearing a half face helmet and his bandana. Although his pain and suffering made me smile, but I still wasn’t happy…

Once we got to the War Memorial Alan headed to the National Library and the National Art Galley. Alan said he wasn’t quite sure what to expect at the National Library but he wasn’t wildly excited about it. Alan did like the National Art Gallery and suggests that if you’re in Canberra it’s worth a visit. As for me I can’t really describe the War Memorial and do it any justice. It is an incredible place, you can’t help but be moved by the stories about what the diggers went through.

This is a quote that I read that can articulate things much better that I can ever hope too.

ANZAC has come to stand in the words of the official Historian, C.E.W. Bean

“For reckless valour in a good cause, for enterprise, resourcefulness, fidelity, comradeship and endurance.”

I just suggest that you should go to the War Memorial and spend a day there.

I left the Australian War Memorial and went to meet Alan at the National Library, let’s just say I ended up taking the scenic tour of Canberra and its outer suburbs. I even found the Airport, eventually I saw a sign that pointed me in the direction of Queembean where our motel was.

We decided to go back to the Queembean bowling club for dinner that night since it was the closest place to eat. After reading the specials board I decided that I would partake of one to the specials, the Cattleman’s Cutlet. A split second after I ordered, Alan thought that it sounded interesting and asked what it was. (something I should have done before ordering) The lady serving us informed us that is was an 800 gram steak, yes folks that’s correct it’s not a typo, 800 gram steak. I cancelled my order and ordered the lamb cutlets much smaller, I couldn’t eat 800 grams of meat in a week let alone one sitting.   However the lady next to us did order one, but we didn’t see if she finished it, let’s say she is more of a man than I will ever be…

Tip of the Day

1: Shop around, for your Harley needs.

2: Always ask for clarification when it comes to the menu

Cheers

a