1000s of motorbikes, tinsel, and gifts on the move

Trip Start Oct 20, 2007
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17
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Trip End ??? ??, 2008


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Flag of Australia  ,
Sunday, December 9, 2007

I pulled out my jacket (not worn since leaving the U.K. ...well except on flights to save on wieght) and pulled on my worn out trainers (not worn since cooler Japan) and walked across the road with a look of concern on Granny's face. I later found out that she was much relieved to have told my parents of my plans and thus removing the concerns of percieved responsibility of me?! Anyway all I was doing was jumping (literally required! much like a horse) onto the back of a superbike to tear around town in the name of charity!?
Chris (guy across the road) had kindly invited me to ride on the back (surprisingly comfy considering the perchlike position and high foot rests- for once it helped being only 5ft4!). So as the rain (yes randomly) started i decided to leave my rain coat (well it never really worked anyway since it was washed (!?-mum) as i discovered in Japan) and enthusiastically jumped (well the first time was not so slick!) and donned my helmet  and thanked god that i didnt seem to be allergic to his cats which had definatly investigated the inside at some point Chris and his mate waiting to set off
Chris and his mate waiting to set off
 ! So within seconds, we set off to join the parady (I know not a word) start with a teddy strapped to my back and tinsel flying all around the bike - Chris is quite artistic! lol. He also likes the roar of an engine and had changed the exhaust to roar - much to my entertainment as Granny came to wave us off just as we pulled out onto the road with acceleration and a ROAR! (I smiled at her to reassure her...). Ran down (you know what i mean - on the bike) to Anzac Highway where everyone lined up packed together in a closed off area of road. Meeting up with one of Chris' mates and son (he looked the perfect size for riding on the back of these things!) we wondered around the bikes whilst waiting for the start. I did notice, with a touch of envy, the numerous three wheelers with practically loungers on the back. Anyway soon off, after a delay of a speeding bike crash just out of town on the route, it was really cool how many different people were involved and the unifying effort of decorating thier bikes and strapping toys to everything to deliever to a childrens chairty at the end. I was surprised by the number of people lining the (long) route all waving and getting off on being waved to, high-fived or (most notably for the kids) been thrown sweets at by the cyclists!? I felt a bit unsure as to whether to respond, sure that they must have known the other hundred people around me. I eventually tried a wave and almost made a little girl pee herself! (in a good way) and so threw a couple out there occasionally and even a couple of high-fives when Chris drew near the side me and a random 1000 behind!
me and a random 1000 behind!
 . Honestly this is kids and adults wanting high-fives etc?! - some of them would have had sore arms by the end of the day as they just hopefully hold them aloft.
Anyway we soon, (well an hour later), hit the highway and Chris showed me the acceleration in the bike and needless to say i stopped taking photos on my phone! Infact with the music from the phone playing in my ear i rapidly found myself trying to find a secure place to lodge it. In my compact position, pockets were not an option and soon my bra (hidden under jacket) became my temporary phone holder to free my hands to hold on!
[Note: this is honestly not intended for people to be interested in reading this - just a record for myself and a few others like mothers who want to hear such mundane chat- so excuse some serious rambling!!]
Anyway we soon hit Handorf (a small 'German' town which looks like a perfect coffee and cake place - must go for visit) and pulled over for a second in which time one little girl managed to rip some tinsel off the bike (!?) - we just stood there... not sure thats part of the usual proceedings! lol. Then just out of town we soon met the piles of toys and drinking bikers. With a stage and band playing to the oval, (well about 5 people actually looking at it - felt so sorry for them, and they were decent!) we grabbed some biker food of steak and gravy subs before heading back down the hills to Adelaide having delievered ted. Taking the scenic route with practically no one on it, Chris was leaning right into the corners whilst I wasn't (correctly) which afforded me a novel experience like a smooth adrenaline rollercoaster ride in the most beautiful scenery!
I then went and spent 2hours watering John Coetzee's garden whilst he is in Japan  - the life of a nobel prize winner's gardener! lol.
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