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.