TRAVEL FEATURE - AUSTRALIA
PHIL LALOR
The
Ride Back
As Australia slowly extricates
itself out of the restrictions associated with COVID-19 , the freedom and ability to travel and explore this great country is appreciated even more than perhaps it once was .
Australia ’ s 2020 has been a shocker . A summer of fires , a continuing drought and the worldwide pandemic that is COVID-19 have changed lives forever .
Australians are characterised as a stoic lot , a country of people from all walks of life , a people who face adversity , tackle the hard jobs , band together in times of need and know how to celebrate the good times .
Motorcyclists are one small , microscopic community , within the wider Australian community . And just like the broader Australian community , we ’ re made up of representatives from all walks of life . An eclectic bunch of makes and models ; not just the bikes , yet owners and riders too .
In times of need , I like to think of the positive Australian community , the Australian spirit , that binding together of a classless nation . Post COVID , post bushfires and post drought , there is an opportunity for the community of motorcyclists to band together , adding support to a variety of worthy causes . Perhaps none more worthy than spending some time on a bike while at the same time , contributing to the economic recovery of small rural and regional communities .
With a general easing of COVID-19 restrictions , pubs could once again welcomed back weary , thirsty travellers , offering hearty meals and comfortable lodgings . The thought of cold drinks , generously sized meals , and warm hospitality , urged a group of geographically dispersed moto-adventurers to support small communities , riding to a central location , staying overnight and
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