Loop had been supporting me with bags for a while and was only too happy to ship me new gear . Adventure Moto Australia sent me some new mirrors so everything was coming together . Things were looking up ! After staying a couple weeks at a friend ’ s place on the Gold Coast I flew back to Alice Springs . The day finally arrived where I got to throw my leg over the old girl , pat her on the tank and hit the road to finish off the Australian chapter of my RTW journey before heading back to New Zealand .
In hindsight , I don ’ t believe I could have had a better more positive outcome .
If I had to have my bike stolen in any one of the 51 countries , I have travelled through I ’ m glad it happened in Australia . Being an English-speaking country helped , but mostly the support and kindness shown to me from the people of Australia was awesome and humbling .
I could tell they were generally pissed off and embarrassed that this had happened to me in their country . People were wanting to help in any way possible , to make things right .
From what started out as a horrible situation turned into an extremely positive one , a fantastic example of where the kindness of many trumps the horrible act of one .
Thank you ! AS
Aaron did eventually make it back to New Zealand , and found No Place Like Home ( see Traverse issue 18 ), only to find a world in lockdow , a different experience , a different adventure . He says his experience in Australia is still humbling and would like to thank everyone who helped , the countless people who messaged saying " if you are coming through my part of the country , I have a bed , beer , and a garage for you to use " was amazing . And if you ever meet Rex , buy him a beer !
TRAVERSE 108