half so much worth doing as simply messing around on bikes. (with apologies to Kenneth Graeme)
The above quote, from the classic, “Wind in the Willows”, is originally about boats, but I thought that the artistic licence was justified.
It was a perfect motorcycling day today and even though I didn’t cover many k’s today, it was still a great day to be messing around on the bike. After lunch while the better half was having a well-earned rest, I headed west in search of TFRPS (The Famous Robertson Pie Shop). As usual, on a fine Sunday afternoon, the car park was more like a bike park and the company was of the highest order.
After obtaining a refreshing Dare (Double Espresso) from the shop, I went back and sat down at a table and struck up a conversation with two gentlemen, both of whom are Sydney-ites, but regulars at the Pie Shop, and we whiled away an hour or so, solving all the world’s problems, while watching the passing parade. And what a parade it was (and always is).
Sunday afternoon brings out bikes and riders of all persuasions. There’s the Harley brigade, each trying to out-noise the other with their open pipes and Screaming Eagle accessories; the tourers, stopping in for a pie and a coffee on the final leg of a weekend away somewhere. Today a good mate was there after returning from the Snowies on his 675. Then there are the two-fiddies, always good entertainment as they arrive and leave at 10000RPM plus. The classic bike brigade always come out to play and you can nearly always see a beautifully restored European or Japanese masterpiece from back then and marvel at the dedication that some people have to restore these wonderful echoes of days gone by.
The boy racers are always there, of course; full leathers (usually with unmarked knee-sliders), latest version of the latest and greatest from Japan and the appropriate T shirt to match. Also likely to put in appearance are the affluent set, proudly parading their 1998R’s or their fully-kitted BMW’s.
And you’re almost certain to see some exotica. MV’s Moto Guzzi’s, Troy Bayliss Replica Ducatis, BMW HP2’s, you name it, it will make an appearance some Sunday afternoon.
But the absolutely common denominator that makes all these bikes and riders equal, is their passion for their motorcycles. It doesn’t matter if it’s a customised Harley with a rear tyre so wide the bike doesn’t need a sidestand, or a Hyosung GT250 with an “L” plate clinging bravely to the rear number plate, you can always find someone up there who shares your passion and has a great story to tell.
Proving that Kenneth Graeme, were he to be alive today, would most certainly approve of my paraphrasing of his famous quotation.
sanoptic says
Hi,
Thats whats so great about motorcycling even at my age [mid 50’s] the young guys on their R1’s & whatnot like to chat [mostly B.S] about the ‘ride’.
My Triumph is a good talking point too,the number of older guys who come up to me & tell about the old days when they ‘used’ to own a triumph is very common.
As you say it doesn’t matter what you ride most bike riders are very friendly & keep their bike in good condition.
cheers
admin says
Agreed. I used to be involved with the Club in Canberra and we used to do regular promotions at the big shopping centres. Even though ours was a road racing club we always used to make sure that we borrowed one of the Dunster brothers Triumphs or similar British classic as we found that they always brought in the crowds.