Dave stopped us at a small opening
in the bush.
“In you go,” he suggested. I de-
clined and could see the disappoint-
ment in his eyes.
“You’ll be right,” he nodded. No,
I wouldn’t. My hand was now throb-
bing. Another rider, John, aboard a
Suzuki RMZ250 also declined.
John was new to riding trail bikes
and perhaps had reason to decline
the single trail, Dave didn’t judge,
offering advice as we set off while the
other riders shot off down the trail. A
touch of shame fell across me, a slap
of embarrassment more so.
We rode on. This part of the
Australian continent never ceases to
amaze, the difference to the rest of
the landmass is astonishing. Moun-
tainous, thick bushland provides
some of the best technical riding, I
was cursing myself for coming off, it
didn’t help that the other riders were
continually darting off onto more
challenging trails, the thump of their
TRAVERSE 20