Here I am, safely returned over those peaks from a journey far more beautiful and strange than anything I hoped for or imagined. How is it that this safe return brings such regret?
My journey to the publication of No One Said It Would Be Easy has been almost as exciting as the journey itself and now as the book is being released around the world, Penelope, Steph and I are once more thudding our way through an adventure, just as we did in 1977.
We are on our way to physically launch the book in Orangeville, NSW at the Australian Panther Owners' rally this weekend.
Today Steph saw most of what a ride in Australia can offer. Leaving McLaren Flat, we rode a wonderful route across to Strathalbyn. The road undulated, twisted and turned through vines and verdant pastureland ... South Australia's Fleurieau Peninsula at it's finest.
‘Strath' as it is known locally, is a wonderful, quirky destination with numerous cafes and antique shops. It was also the birthplace of an Australian motorcycling legend. Kenny Blake is known for his giant-killing race when he beat the 15 times world champion Giacomo Agostini. Sadly, he subsequently lost his life racing at the Isle of Man. A stunning art work commemorates his life. Penelope posed with the artwork. Steph and I do coffee, bacon and eggs.
We cross the mighty Murray River at Wellington on a punt. From that point on the ride became similar to 22 of the 23 thousand kms around Big Red, namely dull and featureless straight. Good to fetch up in the Victoria Hotel in Ouyen though. It is a 99-year-old gem that Penelope and I stayed at in 2016.
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