The day started off with a treat at Cafe Osso in Hawthorn, much coffee, eggs and bacon (luckily there were no lightning strikes on the chosen ones).
We were bid farewell by many important dignitaries including family, friends, colleagues and more importantly, Terri Bracks the patron of Western Chances, Ted Bailleau, the leader of the opposition and Denis Oakley, one of the founders of Southern Chances, who later found a plane to Mildura to meet the team at the Grand Hotel for another auspicious welcome.
Also seen at the farewell was “Napoleon” Nelson whose parting words resonated with the team as it set off on its exciting journey.
You will always be close to our thoughts in our travels, for we are now a fellowship of only seven, Evan, Lyndon, Ray, Peter, Sagi and Glenn, with only one hobbit in sight, one “Frodo” Collins. The task set for the next few days is to invent nicknames for each of the crew (mostly so we have something to talk about on those lonely outback nights).
After a 2 hour ride meandering through the spa country, we reached Harcourt (many thanks to the Harcourt Deli for its kind donation) where the bikes were loaded onto the vehicles and we set off for Mildura. Lyndon was suffering the effects of an extreme dose of equine flu which should keep him from running in the Mildura-Clare weight for age. The first injury of the trip was also suffered, a burn from a hot bike exhaust, due to severe stupidity.
On arrival in Mildura, a warm reception awaited us with Vern Knight, one of the founders of the original Chances program, the Mayor of Mildura, John Arnold, Denis Oakley, Keith Richards (obviously Mick was otherwise engaged) and numerous Chances representatives, friends and beneficiaries.
The reception at the Grand Hotel was followed by a sumptuous dinner at Seasons Restaurant where we were joined by Jo & Fiona and most importantly, one scoop of vanilla ice cream proved to be the most popular desert by a landslide.
Photos were delayed due to the late arrival however we will be dusting off our leathers and tattoos in the morning and burning rubber on our way to Banrock Station and eventually Clare.
Who knows what awaits us in the guise of a tranquil winery lunch…. Stay tuned for the next episode where bikers rock Clare (but sheep stay indoors).
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