EPILOGUE

At the beginning of the Tour, on the big flight to Sydney our seats were near the galley where the flight attendants spent some time. When the flight landed and as Kristy and I were gathering our carry-on bags to deplane, the flight attendant said, “Welcome Home!” I responded by telling her we were from the U.S and she responded to that by saying, “Oh! We thought you we’re Ozzies for sure. Have a good holiday, then!” But the flight attendant was in fact prescient. The “Welcome Home!” WAS appropriate, for all our friends, old friends and new friends alike, welcomed us as Ozzies and made us feel as home in OZ as we have ever felt anywhere.

Our trip to OZ was more fantastic than I’ve been able to describe in a blog on the run; it was the Tour of our dreams. But it wasn’t a dream – it was a place; a real, truly live place. It was beautiful, and since "Home is where the Heart is" in our Hearts it will always be Home.

Thuh End

PART V

Chapter 15 - Before the Balloon Goes Up

We are again welcomed into Sydney. As soon as we get to Denis' house his daughter Nikki and her two daughters come by to kiss us a "Welcome Home". I give Nikki an introductory lesson in Monkey Shoulder and it's all great fun.

On Wednesday it's up and about for yet another tour of the area. Denis lives right by the water so first it's a tour of the beach front neighborhoods (magnificent houses) and then it's down to the beach itself; Cronulla Beach, a surfing destination. The weather is perfect and Kristy and I walk along the beach and wade into the surf, and marvel at all that is Australia.

We go have a look at more motorcycles, one in particular, and then it's back to the house for a snack. We're soon off again; this time to Olympic Park, the site of the Sydney Olympic Games of 2000. We sit in the shadow of the stadium and have coffee with our friends Vic and Lyn who have come in from the Shire to kiss us again before we leave town.

After a couple of hours chat with them we head back to the house to get ready for the Farewell dinner. Denis assembles his entire family for us at the best steakhouse in all of Sydney; actually maybe even better than that because while I consider myself an expert when it comes to eating steak, the prime rib I had was the very best I've ever eaten, ever. There was Denis, Kristy and I, Nikki and Adam, Sally and Wayne, Tamika, Layla, Emma, and Kate for a great night of wine, food and conversation. Kristy and I thank you all so much for making us feel a part of your family. We love you all and can't wait for the chance to see you all again.

Then it's off to bed to prepare for the heel click.

PART IV

Chapter 14 - Return to the Emerald City (1375km)

Leaving a bike rally is always a little sad and anti-climactic in a way, but it comes and leave Mildura we must.

It's a three day road trip back to Sydney. The weather cooperated fully all three days; it was T-shirt and a vest for nearly all of it. The only clouds in the sky spelled out the words "Come Back Soon Alan".

Sunday, the first day back on the road, we headed to a picturesque port town on the Murray River named Echuca. Beautiful day, nice scenery, no demanding roads. With only about 40 miles to go to our destination and just when I was thinking, "not much to blog about today", events unfolded. One of the bikes had a bit of electrical trouble and, through the comedy of nonsense, had to wait at the side of the road for a tow for three hours amongst the heat and flies. It happens. It's happened before; it will happen again.

We all managed to assemble in Echuca in time for dinner but as we sat down our good mate Steven got bad news from home that his father had passed away. Love 'em while you got 'em. We enjoyed the ride with you Steven; here's to Dad.

Monday morning Steven took off early for home and the rest of us split into two groups to enjoy the different roads in the area. I went with Frank and Wayne. I followed Frank (Yeah right, like I had a choice) as he led me through some magnificent countryside and showed me the moves that made him famous during the war as we took the pass through the Mt. Granya area. Wowsa. FUN. My arms got tired. That evening we spent in Tumbarumba (Kristy dances when she says it).

Tuesday morning we kissed Frank and Wayne goodbye and Denis and Kristy, Bob, Rob, Ron and I stayed together as we headed towards Sydney. A "Hamburger with The Lot" in Harden for an early lunch. Beautiful roads and beautiful weather into the Sydney area.

We pulled into a service area just outside of Sydney to kiss Bob, Rob, and Ron goodbye. It was a poigant scene. I missed the photo op as I got onto my bike to leave but, Boys, be assured that the portrait I have in my mind of the three of you is etched there forever. Now I know just how Dorothy felt.

Denis wasn't through with me yet as he led me on some more terrific roads on the way to the house, on twisties, past dams and scenic lookouts. Incredible.

And just like that, the motorcycle part of this trip is over.