the Australian mainland northern states , had little in common , some farmers , some lawyers , some a life full of adventure , some isolated to their small communities , yet there was one string that bound them all , a love of motorcycles .
While Spoke is a festival of motorcycling , everyone welcomed , riders of dirt bikes , street bikes , small capacity European vintage machines to the largest of American iron , motorcycles are that that bind , and laughter is the seal .
“ It ' s not just the motorcycle conversations but it ' s just bloody good mental health ,” continued Brett , explaining that while Spoke has motorcycle-based activities , competition is just a catalyst to generate laughter and conversation . Who could not laugh when mates raced each other whilst desperately trying to flick the opponents killswitch ? Or grown men manoeuvring bikes made for children while trying to score goals akin to soccer ?
In the rolling hills of the Mayfield Estate , a property on Tasmania ’ s east coast , there couldn ’ t be a better location for a festival such as Spoke . A central hub contained the common space , a large teepee like structure providing
NEWS MAGAZINE
88
TRAVERSE 88