I began riding about eight months ago at age 47. Got my learners permit, and then my motorcycle licence, within the minimum required time. I initially bought a sports bike, then switched to the Savage/S40 ... been learning/doing my own maintenance and mods.

I used to look at bikers, from the comfort of my climate controlled, surround sound, comfy-seated car - and think "Why would you?" Then I met a lovely lady (a motorcycle rider) who encouraged me to take her bike for a spin. Quickly, I understood why you would!

But there is much more to it. Here in Aus, bikers nod to each other as we pass in opposite directions on the road, 15 people could be sitting in a cafe saying nothing but if another biker turns up, we chat.

Around the same time, I moved to a new house. It's a stone's throw from the Australian MotoGP track. MotoGP is not my thing, but photography is.

There are three well known convoys that make there way here to the island every year for the GP ... as well as the general stream of bikes around that time. The local council paints a blue line on the road to make a third lane. When the GP is over, the bikes use that lane to get off the island. There is only one road to the bridge.

I wandered down to the end of my street last time the GP was on to get a photograph of the Exodus. I was really surprised by the variety of bikes. Everything from sports bikes sporting the '46' of Valentino Rossi to old school Harleys ... and everything in between. As I stood on the embankment, leaning onto the road to get a shot, every fifth biker or so held up a hand in the sign of #1, hang loose, or metal horns. The make of bike, the sub-culture etc didn't matter ... everyone just seemed to love bikes and riding.

This is my favorite photo of anything I've ever shot.


Just sharing  

Eegore wrote on 07/05/17 at 05:50:36:


I do not understand that mindset, a fellow biker is just a friend you  have not met yet.

We get some rivalry. It's kinda expected not all HD riders will nod back. And occasionally sports bike riders will make comments about HD 'tractors' but for the most part there is mutual respect among riders here.

The MotoGP seems to emphasise that camaraderie ☺

One of my favorite things about the S40 is the way it surprises people off the lights, or through the twisties ... without even trying!

Wow. Powerful stuff.

Hey Gizzo,

Well, if you do make it down this way, just let me know. I'm sure we can arrange 'bumping into each other'  


Yes, there are some great roads around here. And it's all country/rural/hills/coast. The roads are pretty decently maintained too.

The Great Ocean Road is one I wouldn't mind riding as well. I drove from the Southeast Suburbs, through Melbourne, Geelong, then on the GOR to Apollo Bay, The Twelve Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge, in my little 1200, 4 cyl car when I was about 20 - It was a fun drive. Would be terrific on the bike!


gizzo wrote on 07/07/17 at 14:30:05:

gizzo wrote on 07/10/17 at 19:58:59:


Sent one back