Day Five - Pacific Dreaming
Just a quick blog update today - we only have internet kiosk access here in Coffs Harbour and aren't able to upload photos. Tonight we arrive in Byron Bay so stay tuned for full blog updates with photos tomorrow.
We woke yesterday in Taree to find the heatwave had abated, and the conditions were cool and clear and perfect for riding. Before we left the Lions Club members who had been staying in our hotel dropped by to make a $550 donation from a whip around they held the night before. Thank you District 201!!
Yesterday's riding was Pacific Hwy all the way but traffic was light and the girls rode beautifully in formation - like an articulated 28 wheeler rolling down the road - all riding as a group no longer as individuals. It was a beautiful sight as they changed lanes effortlessly to let traffic through and maintain the group formation.
We stopped for gas in Kempsey and again met people who had seen us on tv and who were related to breast cancer survivors. Even the petrol station owner in Taree where we gassed up before leaving donated $10 to us!
By lunchtime we were on the water riding in to Nambucca Heads where a local breast cancer support group had put on a fantastic lunch for us on Shelly Beach. Meredith, Megan, Gail, Donna, Donnie and Sue couldn't resist the aqua water and jumped in for a swim.
We were riding so well and ahead of schedule we decided after lunch to make an unscheduled detour to Bellingen on the Waterfall Way - another of the best motorcycling roads in the country but one we had been unable to fit into our schedule in the past.
It was a beautiful road and just short of town we pulled in to the Butter Factory (now converted to a cafe and arts store centre) to surprise Donnie's sister who was working there and thought she would not be able to see the group riding.
After a break, a chat and some shopping we were back on the bikes and into Coffs. Two girls from the local Coffs Harbour Harley-Davidson dealer had come out to ride with us from Nambucca Heads, and as we turned off in Coffs to head to the YHA they waved goodbye, and planned to meet us the next morning when we start riding from the dealership.
The YHA is a great, new purpose built facility with a pool and we arrived on all you can eat pizza night! After pizza by the pool we were off to bed, ready for the ride north to Byron tomorrow.
Hi there girls oh how i wish I was there reading all the blogs takes me back to last year when i was driving the van.Enjoy the experience and the new friendships that you make. Sharon sounds like you are having a great time cant wait to catch up with you when you get back....To M & M and Donna great to see your smiling faces once again hopefully I will be on the next one....Love to you all safe riding ....Cheers Lynda (with a Y) xxxx
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Have been following the BLOG daily. Love reading it because I can picture all the places from last year.
Can't wait to see pics from Byron Bay, that was one of my favorite spots. Was sort of upset to hear about paved roads on Buckets Way.......Just doesn't seem right this years girls getting cheated out of the pot holes. it really added to the whole experience LOL!!
Looks like a great time.
ENJOY
F.G (Stacy)
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Well Done,wish I was with you all.
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Dear Karen and all the other girls,
I am following your progress closely, and am glad to see that you are all having a wonderful time! Karen, I just know that you would be a fantastic sweeprider, you do so well as tail-end charlie on the club rides :) All of you , keep the shiny side up and continue to enjoy yourself!
Anne
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Hello to all you amazing Amazon women especially M&M and the Missabittatitti girls. Hope you are keeping our mad Brissy reputation intact. Finally found time to sit and read the blog. Have been alternating between tears, goosebumps and smiles as I read about your adventures. Donie, how fantastic being able to see your sister. The Brissy news is that Rosy and our new baby Indigo is doing well. Our Spag and Drag night was absolutely spagtacular. Wait till you see the photos. Had a sore head the next day - must have been the spaghetti. Wanda d'Parke was a scream. Can't wait to see you girls thunder in to Brissy and give you all a big hug. Have you been on the back of a bike yet Ruth and Edith? Ride safely my Amazon sisters,
luv Pete
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How ya goin?! (That's Aussie for How are you doing?) It's Linda from the US here, proud participant of the very first Changing Gears US 2004 and Australia 2005. By now you are in the middle of your adventure of a lifetime! I read your blog and was thinking back one year ago when I spent a very special night in Byron Bay, in the land of Oz. You see there is where I turned a wonderful page in my life's chapter...I turned 50!!! It went down much better with a few chardies and my good buds gathered round. Hope you all had a wonderful time in that beautiful place. Never forget...Aussie, Aussie, oi oi oi. Yanks, Yanks, Yanks, oil, oil, oil... and of course, CHEERS MARIE!!!!
Love to all you Amazon Sisters, Linda (with an i)
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Hello sista's!!! Flash here..(aka Tia)
I have just returned from a BC retreat, so I am now able to catch up on your ride!! Congrat's on being on the AM show!! Where can I see a copy?? Also, you got the MAYOR to lead you off!! Damn, wished I could of been there. I'd LOVE to have shown my tit's to a MAYOR!! Photo shoots looked great by the ocean. Meridith, your f**kin HOT!
Read that the group had missed a turn...I thought Meridith was leading this ride...humm....??? :)
Alarms going off..WHAT?? See, that's the problem with these new fancy bikes...too much crap on them to break. Get an old one like mines, less stuff, less problems!!
And OMG Karen/Squirt said it..she called herself a SURVIVOR!! Right on sista'. Congrat's on being the sweep, now the van drivers can laugh when you are grabbing asses!!! Also read your props with the freeway driving! Just so all you ladies know, she got that practice from riding here on the LA freeways!! Ride here and you can ride anywhere!!
Man I'm missing you soooo f**kin much!
And to all the sista's, be grateful for the heat. It could be freezing like the US ride!! Just soak it up and ride naked, (well, gotta wear at least boots)!! hehe.
Enjoy sista's, enjoy. Know that I'm thinkin' of you all and wishing I was there. Be happy, be well. TTFN
xoox
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hay mum its james am in college showing everyone your ride, ur looking pretty burnt by the looks of things. can't wait for u to come home and give me all my presents, only messin lol.
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