Oct 2 - Day Two - LA to Ventura
cooler than yesterday, but still warm, and endless blue skies. We met
in our hotel lobby for our morning briefing and took a group photo
before heading out on the road.
The traffic on LA streets was stop and go again, but after a few miles
we reached Santa Monica and were able to dive down on to Highway 1 along
the waterfront - what a view! Palm trees, wide white sand, blue sky,
and hardly any traffic.
We zoomed along in style, before cutting back inland through the canyons
- lovely twisty roads, and sheer canyon walls with views back over
sprawling LA as we reached the peaks. The group rode beautifully in
sync - a long ribbon of Harleys winding their way up and down the hills.
Finally we dove back down Mullholland towards the ocean and were
rewarded with spectacular views of the coast as we reached Highway 1
once more. More beautiful riding along the beach until we came to a
famous surfing and biker destination - Neptune's Net - a seafood shack
on a deserted stretch of the road, right across from the beach.
We stopped for a fantastic seafood lunch, and some great chats with
local bikers, before saddling up for our last stage - the run into
Ventura. Once again the view was spectacular - ocean, beach, rocky
shores, and sheer cliffs alongside. As we reached the end of the
coastal strip we even ran by a movie set on the beach.
Then it was a short ride on the freeway before arriving at our hotel -
fittingly, once again right on the beach. There were plenty of requests
to go back and do it all again - but there are even better roads
awaiting us ahead!
Day One Photos
Safety Briefing with California Highway Patrol (CHP) - Sgt Price
Officer Ruiz, Sgt Price, Megan and Meredith - with a CHP BMW motorcycle
The bikes arrive from Harley-Davidson!!
Getting the feel for the bikes in the parking lot next to our hotel
Trying to stay cool - Lori, Elvi, Jenni, Bronwyn, Pat, Fiona and Jane
A beautiful night for dinner next to the Marina Del Rey harbor
Oct 1 - Day One in L.A.
day ahead of us. We gathered as a group at 9 am, with the van drivers
heading off to pick up their rides for the week, and the riders
beginning a morning of group riding and safety briefings.
At 9.30am one of our greatest supporters, Sergeant Price from the
California Highway Patrol arrived, along with Officer Ruiz to give our
group a first class safety and rider skills training briefing.
Sergeant Price was as entertaining and informative as always - we learn
something new every year and it takes our individual and group riding
skills to another level.
At 10.30 am the bikes arrived and the group excitedly headed outside to
the car park next to the hotel to meet their rides for the week.
Already the sun was beating down strongly and the temperatures rising
but nothing could dampen the excitement and enthusiasm.
We took our new bikes for a short test ride around the car park under
the watchful eye of Sergeant Price, who also demonstrated some of his
own phenomenal riding skills. Then it was off for a quick lunch before
heading out on the road.
The city streets of LA were slow and steaming in the heat, but after 15
minutes or so we were able to cut down to the beach and ride in the cool
breeze with incredible views along beaches that stretched for ever.
Eventually we cut back up to one of our favourite dealers, California
Harley-Davidson, for a much needed cold drink and stretch, before
returning back along the water to our hotel.
The group rode perfectly in formation and effortless changed lanes - our
experienced riders bring so much depth to the group, and all of the
practice our new riders, particularly the Australians riding on the
opposite side of the road for the first time, really showed.
Tonight we went out as a group for dinner to celebrate. The restaurant
was on a beach on the marina and had set out a long candlelit table
right next to the sand for us. It was a beautiful warm night with a
full moon overhead and we all enjoyed a terrific dinner before heading
back to the hotel for a well deserved night's sleep.
Tomorrow - out of LA and on our way to the start of the ride at Ventura
on Saturday.
Sept 30 - Arrival in Los Angeles
women from South Africa, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and the
United States converged for the start of our last Amazon Heart Thunder
ride.
Some of our group arrived a few days early to see the sights and get
over their jet lag, although most of the Australians arrived bleary eyed
that morning after a sleepless 14 - 24 hour commute.
That evening we came together for the first time for our welcome
briefing and orientation - a chance to put faces and voices to names we
had only seen on email, and to talk through our schedule for the day
ahead.
This is such an inspirational group of women, all of whom have overcome
not only breast cancer but for some the challenge of learning to ride,
fundraising and travelling overseas or to the US for the first time to
take part.
We finished early to allow our late overseas arrivals an early night as
our traditional Amazon Heart Christmas morning awaited tomorrow - when
the huge semi-trailer would turn up and unload all of our brand new
Harleys to ride!
First Group Briefing
Participant Comments - May 22 - 29, 2009
May 22, 2009
Our first official ride day.whilst writing in the blog I am sitting eating breakfast thinking how lucky we all are to be here and how alive I feel. I can't wait to get out on the open road on my sweet ride, wind in our faces with all m AHT sisters.
There's something special about 40 women, some on bikes, some in vans but all with a common bond, and a common goal.Live Life! Enjoy keeping up to date with our adventures.
Cheers, Squirt
The legend lives on! 10 Amazon sisters had the time of their life on a 4WD adventure on Moreton Island! We traveled many kms through National Parks, along pristine beaches and dozens of creek crossings running brown with the tannin from Melaleuca. We spent a peaceful time looking for whales from the lighthouse at Cape Moreton. Just down the beach from there we got bogged in very soft sand as the tide was coming in. Come and ask one of us what happened next.!!
Lizzie
Hi Arli - Nanny is here! Thanks for the 4WD adventure - NOT! I thought I signed up for Amazon Heart Expedition.But what a wonderful warm blanket of love these women are.
Noeleen
To all my family and friends,
I can't even start to describe what an adventure we have had already.and we haven't even mounted a bike yet.
Be aware when you allow these beautiful, strong women a little down time. We took an Island adventure 4x4 drive around the town and according to legend, we were the first group to have ever been bogged to the axel in the sand - our driver was in a panic as he nearly lost his Land Rover to the sea.
As we hiked down the dunes on high ground in an attempt to stay dry, we kept a look out for the rescue vehicles that were no where to be found. Later we heard the rescue trucks were unable to reach us because of the extreme high tides. Now when I look back, I realize just how calm we all were in this potentially dangerous situation and I repeat to myself.I've survived cancer, you can't scare me! United we have incredible strength.
I love you all, Diana
Hi to everyone,
Lots already happening - kayaking, 4 wheel driving, getting to know other ladies. Got to feed dolphins last night although it was not quite how I imagined it. Fed them in my underwear - not sure who was more surprised - me or them!
Take care, Meg xoxo
8:52 Friday, May 22, 2009
We are all leathered up and on the boat. No we are not wearing leathers for the boat but once we arrive in Brisbane we will be off and running (riding).
So excited. So expectant. So open to what the ride has for us.
Peach,
Colette
We are almost here. Woo Hoo. Tangalooma was an amazing place to meet the AHT mob. Kayaking and sand tobogganing with Mingi from Hong Kong face full of sand, ears, nose. Not to be recommended. So excited to finally get to the Harleys.
Jo L.
Hi family, friends and padding buddies,
Great time had by all on Tangalooma - I have had time to adventure with, room with, pig out with, dance with and generally have an amazing time with the other 38 breast cancer survivors going on this wonderful journey - we're now on the boat away from Tangalooma ready for our introduction to our new Harley-Davidson leather jacket and bike. Yeah!
Jill
Hi my darling fam, friends and chad buds,
What an amazing experience! Lotsa laughs, some tears (just a wet eye). Huge excitement to get my booty on the saddle today. I know I am truly blessed to be here and part of AHT.
Love you all. Amy
Hi all friends and family,
So far this has been one helluva ride and we haven't even been on a motorcycle yet! Amazing Aussies, fabulous girls, well-organised ride. I'm so proud to be part of this incredible ride. Lucky me! I know we are going to have a fab time. We are on our way to fetch our bikes now.can't wait!
Love, Annelie
May 26, 2009
Our first glorious, beautiful riding day after all the rain, breakdowns and diversions. Now we're having fun! Yes Ginny - FROG socks were definitely in full operation the first two days. Sorry all for not emailing - not many opportunities. Love to you all and thanks for your love and prayers.
Wendy x
Hi All,
Definitely having the adventure of a lifetime. My questionable relationship with Australian wildlife continues. Kangaroo decided to get a close look at my front tyre whilst in motion: - Kanga and Fatbob both fine. Missing everyone.
Much love, Sandra
Have arrived in a little town called Gloucester. Have traveled through Native Australian forests and lotsa hills (I hesitate to call them mountains). Lovely sun today. Hi to all. No phone access again today.
Love Aroha, Juliette xx
Hello to friends and family, Fantastic ride today through some wonderful twisties. Having a blast.
Love, Meg xoxo
It is a while since I have done a blog and a lot has happened since then with the rain, floods, detours, wrong turns and running out of petrol. We arrived in Armidale last night to about 6 degrees C. Lucky I remembered yesterday to say happy birthday to my sun Jacke who turned 13. I had fun thinking up a name for the Tirago van whose number plate is LDT - "Lost Dual Tits". The weather is fine and sunny. Hello to my husband Peter and all the kids.
Love, Aussie Wendy
Australia is an awesome, amazing country! Riding on a Harley with 40 courageous, funny, strong women is an unforgettable experience. The twisties, then a rain forest, then a spectacular waterfall.what more can we ask for? We are alive and just soaking in this wonderful experience! Love to all my dear ones scattered all over the world!
Amy
Had a great ride this morning - winding roads which the HD handles beautifully. Even almost collecting the beef for lunch could not detract from it. Then in the van I watched my friends play and missed by "team". But a fantastic day all in all.
Love to family, friends and snapdragons, Rhonda K
May 27, 2009
0430 - I am awake - I want to ride.I can't sleep.
0530 - The anticipation!
0600 - I am up now even though I could sleep in. I love my Team! I don't want this ride to stop!
Rhonda K
I miss my boys. Billy, I hope you are feeling better and Alex, I am so proud of you for getting in the school rugby team. Mummy will be home in 3 more sleeps.
Love you lots, Dimi
I am on a high with the ride. It was SO fantastic to see all my Ulyssian friends yesterday in Glouscester - the other girls appreciated them too!
Miss you guys and see you all on Sunday.
Hugs, Julene
Awesome day's riging from Walcha to Newcastle! Special hugs to my two wonderful children and my Dad. Thanks to the CAP team at UMG for giving me the gift of this ride.
Lizzie xx
Amazing adventure, so fun and challenging with some extreme weather conditions. Everyone safe. Thanks to Warren and family for great support. My prize on Friday will be to cuddle precious little Aussie baby Toby.
Love, Jan xx
A fantastic ride today - lots of curves and bends on the way to Wolombi and then to Wiseman's Ferry - a little bit of light drizzle but not too bad.
Thanks to Frankie and Narelle from Tare and Kunibakh for coming to see us all in Gloucester yesterday - it was a great surprise - and to my brother Bill and sister-in-law Barb, for meeting me in Newcastle last night and taking me out for a wonderful meal.
Lots of love, Jill
Heaven is riding pillion with Meredith through Hunter Valley.
Jan xx
I was the one at the back seat of the bike which caught a little accident. I was the one on the Baby Britz which got lost on its way to Wiseman's Ferry.Lucky me!
Mingi
I love Wiseman's Ferry! Gorgeous place on the Hawkesbury River. Awesome ride here. Awesome girls! We are so lucky to be here and to be alive.
Annelie
A few times I saw kangaroos in the fields but tonight I saw one 10 steps away! A very emotional feeling. How fortunate am I! Awesome riding Lead group into Wiseman's Ferry!
Amazing Amy
Two more sleeps to go and the fun has only just begun! Let's go back and start again.
Love, Dimi
Two more sleeps, I don't want this to end, this adventure has again made me feel alive and capable of doing anything I want to do. Thank you again M & M and all my sistas for making this time sooo amazing.
Love to all my family and friends. See you soon. Lynda xxx
Hi Arli and Lani -
Nanny is having a real adventure. Got really wet and have seen lots of animals on the road - kangaroos, cows and billy goats. Love you and miss you all. Got some good photos to show you. Hi to all the family. Lots to tell.
Noeleen
Hi Peter and the rest,
I rode on the back of a Harley today with Megan and I must have done it properly because she forgot I was there. Then I drove the Baby Britz with Mingi as my navigator. We took a wrong turn and ended up on a dirt track.
Technically not a wrong turn but a shortcut. A black kangaroo crossed very close in front of us and also a black cow strolled slowly across the road as well. But at least we arrived safely.
Wendy
Well I finally got my hands on the Blog book. Day 6! I can't believe it! I think this must be the biggest challenging ride so far I have done. The first few days of cyclonic conditions. But we survived. Today I became Lead Bike and took my group up to the front. It was a little secret so my group were surprised and off we zoomed out of Newcastle to Woolombi where we had a fabulous donated lunch from Woolombi Tavern. We then left the Tavern up the mountains where me and my group lost everyone, actually left them behind. I got in trouble for speeding off - me. Go figure! Anyway my group just had to get some speed out of our system. We had a ball. I love the girls. I think they are all amazing, and my group and I have had so much fun together. I so much look forward to arriving into Sydney and being in my husband Dave's safe warm arms again. My love to Dave, Dylan and Liam. And I promise "I will come home"!
Love, Sydney Donna xxxx
May 29, 2009
Well another amazing journey has just about ended. I have grown some more in myself, and no not in size, but heart. To all past and new riders and vannies I welcome you into my life as my sistas, you all will be forever in my heart and I hope one day on my life journey I will meet up with you.
Stay safe. Love, Lynda (Melbourne Vannie) xx
Participant Comments - May 22 - 29, 2009
May 22, 2009
Our first official ride day.whilst writing in the blog I am sitting eating breakfast thinking how lucky we all are to be here and how alive I feel. I can't wait to get out on the open road on my sweet ride, wind in our faces with all m AHT sisters.
There's something special about 40 women, some on bikes, some in vans but all with a common bond, and a common goal.Live Life! Enjoy keeping up to date with our adventures.
Cheers, Squirt
The legend lives on! 10 Amazon sisters had the time of their life on a 4WD adventure on Moreton Island! We traveled many kms through National Parks, along pristine beaches and dozens of creek crossings running brown with the tannin from Melaleuca. We spent a peaceful time looking for whales from the lighthouse at Cape Moreton. Just down the beach from there we got bogged in very soft sand as the tide was coming in. Come and ask one of us what happened next.!!
Lizzie
Hi Arli - Nanny is here! Thanks for the 4WD adventure - NOT! I thought I signed up for Amazon Heart Expedition.But what a wonderful warm blanket of love these women are.
Noeleen
To all my family and friends,
I can't even start to describe what an adventure we have had already.and we haven't even mounted a bike yet.
Be aware when you allow these beautiful, strong women a little down time. We took an Island adventure 4x4 drive around the town and according to legend, we were the first group to have ever been bogged to the axel in the sand - our driver was in a panic as he nearly lost his Land Rover to the sea.
As we hiked down the dunes on high ground in an attempt to stay dry, we kept a look out for the rescue vehicles that were no where to be found. Later we heard the rescue trucks were unable to reach us because of the extreme high tides. Now when I look back, I realize just how calm we all were in this potentially dangerous situation and I repeat to myself.I've survived cancer, you can't scare me! United we have incredible strength.
I love you all, Diana
Hi to everyone,
Lots already happening - kayaking, 4 wheel driving, getting to know other ladies. Got to feed dolphins last night although it was not quite how I imagined it. Fed them in my underwear - not sure who was more surprised - me or them!
Take care, Meg xoxo
8:52 Friday, May 22, 2009
We are all leathered up and on the boat. No we are not wearing leathers for the boat but once we arrive in Brisbane we will be off and running (riding).
So excited. So expectant. So open to what the ride has for us.
Peach,
Colette
We are almost here. Woo Hoo. Tangalooma was an amazing place to meet the AHT mob. Kayaking and sand tobogganing with Mingi from Hong Kong face full of sand, ears, nose. Not to be recommended. So excited to finally get to the Harleys.
Jo L.
Hi family, friends and padding buddies,
Great time had by all on Tangalooma - I have had time to adventure with, room with, pig out with, dance with and generally have an amazing time with the other 38 breast cancer survivors going on this wonderful journey - we're now on the boat away from Tangalooma ready for our introduction to our new Harley-Davidson leather jacket and bike. Yeah!
Jill
Hi my darling fam, friends and chad buds,
What an amazing experience! Lotsa laughs, some tears (just a wet eye). Huge excitement to get my booty on the saddle today. I know I am truly blessed to be here and part of AHT.
Love you all. Amy
Hi all friends and family,
So far this has been one helluva ride and we haven't even been on a motorcycle yet! Amazing Aussies, fabulous girls, well-organised ride. I'm so proud to be part of this incredible ride. Lucky me! I know we are going to have a fab time. We are on our way to fetch our bikes now.can't wait!
Love, Annelie
May 26, 2009
Our first glorious, beautiful riding day after all the rain, breakdowns and diversions. Now we're having fun! Yes Ginny - FROG socks were definitely in full operation the first two days. Sorry all for not emailing - not many opportunities. Love to you all and thanks for your love and prayers.
Wendy x
Hi All,
Definitely having the adventure of a lifetime. My questionable relationship with Australian wildlife continues. Kangaroo decided to get a close look at my front tyre whilst in motion: - Kanga and Fatbob both fine. Missing everyone.
Much love, Sandra
Have arrived in a little town called Gloucester. Have traveled through Native Australian forests and lotsa hills (I hesitate to call them mountains). Lovely sun today. Hi to all. No phone access again today.
Love Aroha, Juliette xx
Hello to friends and family, Fantastic ride today through some wonderful twisties. Having a blast.
Love, Meg xoxo
It is a while since I have done a blog and a lot has happened since then with the rain, floods, detours, wrong turns and running out of petrol. We arrived in Armidale last night to about 6 degrees C. Lucky I remembered yesterday to say happy birthday to my sun Jacke who turned 13. I had fun thinking up a name for the Tirago van whose number plate is LDT - "Lost Dual Tits". The weather is fine and sunny. Hello to my husband Peter and all the kids.
Love, Aussie Wendy
Australia is an awesome, amazing country! Riding on a Harley with 40 courageous, funny, strong women is an unforgettable experience. The twisties, then a rain forest, then a spectacular waterfall.what more can we ask for? We are alive and just soaking in this wonderful experience! Love to all my dear ones scattered all over the world!
Amy
Had a great ride this morning - winding roads which the HD handles beautifully. Even almost collecting the beef for lunch could not detract from it. Then in the van I watched my friends play and missed by "team". But a fantastic day all in all.
Love to family, friends and snapdragons, Rhonda K
May 27, 2009
0430 - I am awake - I want to ride.I can't sleep.
0530 - The anticipation!
0600 - I am up now even though I could sleep in. I love my Team! I don't want this ride to stop!
Rhonda K
I miss my boys. Billy, I hope you are feeling better and Alex, I am so proud of you for getting in the school rugby team. Mummy will be home in 3 more sleeps.
Love you lots, Dimi
I am on a high with the ride. It was SO fantastic to see all my Ulyssian friends yesterday in Glouscester - the other girls appreciated them too!
Miss you guys and see you all on Sunday.
Hugs, Julene
Awesome day's riging from Walcha to Newcastle! Special hugs to my two wonderful children and my Dad. Thanks to the CAP team at UMG for giving me the gift of this ride.
Lizzie xx
Amazing adventure, so fun and challenging with some extreme weather conditions. Everyone safe. Thanks to Warren and family for great support. My prize on Friday will be to cuddle precious little Aussie baby Toby.
Love, Jan xx
A fantastic ride today - lots of curves and bends on the way to Wolombi and then to Wiseman's Ferry - a little bit of light drizzle but not too bad.
Thanks to Frankie and Narelle from Tare and Kunibakh for coming to see us all in Gloucester yesterday - it was a great surprise - and to my brother Bill and sister-in-law Barb, for meeting me in Newcastle last night and taking me out for a wonderful meal.
Lots of love, Jill
Heaven is riding pillion with Meredith through Hunter Valley.
Jan xx
I was the one at the back seat of the bike which caught a little accident. I was the one on the Baby Britz which got lost on its way to Wiseman's Ferry.Lucky me!
Mingi
I love Wiseman's Ferry! Gorgeous place on the Hawkesbury River. Awesome ride here. Awesome girls! We are so lucky to be here and to be alive.
Annelie
A few times I saw kangaroos in the fields but tonight I saw one 10 steps away! A very emotional feeling. How fortunate am I! Awesome riding Lead group into Wiseman's Ferry!
Amazing Amy
Two more sleeps to go and the fun has only just begun! Let's go back and start again.
Love, Dimi
Two more sleeps, I don't want this to end, this adventure has again made me feel alive and capable of doing anything I want to do. Thank you again M & M and all my sistas for making this time sooo amazing.
Love to all my family and friends. See you soon. Lynda xxx
Hi Arli and Lani -
Nanny is having a real adventure. Got really wet and have seen lots of animals on the road - kangaroos, cows and billy goats. Love you and miss you all. Got some good photos to show you. Hi to all the family. Lots to tell.
Noeleen
Hi Peter and the rest,
I rode on the back of a Harley today with Megan and I must have done it properly because she forgot I was there. Then I drove the Baby Britz with Mingi as my navigator. We took a wrong turn and ended up on a dirt track.
Technically not a wrong turn but a shortcut. A black kangaroo crossed very close in front of us and also a black cow strolled slowly across the road as well. But at least we arrived safely.
Wendy
Well I finally got my hands on the Blog book. Day 6! I can't believe it! I think this must be the biggest challenging ride so far I have done. The first few days of cyclonic conditions. But we survived. Today I became Lead Bike and took my group up to the front. It was a little secret so my group were surprised and off we zoomed out of Newcastle to Woolombi where we had a fabulous donated lunch from Woolombi Tavern. We then left the Tavern up the mountains where me and my group lost everyone, actually left them behind. I got in trouble for speeding off - me. Go figure! Anyway my group just had to get some speed out of our system. We had a ball. I love the girls. I think they are all amazing, and my group and I have had so much fun together. I so much look forward to arriving into Sydney and being in my husband Dave's safe warm arms again. My love to Dave, Dylan and Liam. And I promise "I will come home"!
Love, Sydney Donna xxxx
May 29, 2009
Well another amazing journey has just about ended. I have grown some more in myself, and no not in size, but heart. To all past and new riders and vannies I welcome you into my life as my sistas, you all will be forever in my heart and I hope one day on my life journey I will meet up with you.
Stay safe. Love, Lynda (Melbourne Vannie) xx
Day Ten Photos
Media in Springwood
Amy and Annelie from South Africa get ready for the final ride into Sydney
Thank you Harley-Davidson Australia and Frasers Harley-Davidson Sydney!!
Day Ten – Sweeping in to Sydney
Sisters Motel in Katoomba. The staff put on a fantastic meal, and we
took the time to each share our highlights from the trip, and the impact
it had made.
This morning was overcast with a few spots of rain, and cool, but not as
cold as that evening ride into Walcha! We started at the civilized time
of 10am, riding down from the Blue Mountains to our lunch stop at
Springwood.
Robyn led the group as this is her home town, and local media came out
to take photos and interview us while we had lunch at the Oriental
Hotel.
Then it was time to brief on our final push into Sydney. Rather than
ride straight to our end destination, we planned a longer route on
freeways around the city so we could ride in together over the Sydney
Harbour Bridge.
80kms of freeways, toll booths and lane changes – we started off
together as a group but new it would be a big challenge to all stay
together once we hit the traffic. Sydney Donna had arranged to have all
the tolls on the roads waived for us, which made a huge difference in
getting through smoothly.
After an hour of riding, we went through the final manic lane changes to
make our way over the Harbour Bridge – and found ourselves all
together as a group riding in perfect formation and in the sun as we
crossed over the Harbour!
It was a perfect moment on an incredible adventure.
We had ridden so well we were ahead of schedule, so we parked on the
side of the road close to our final destination at Frasers Motorcycles
at Concord to give family and friends time to get to the finish first.
Then we formed up for one last time, and rode around the corner to be
greeted by a huge crowd waving signs and cheering, along with local
media waiting for us. It was an incredible welcome and fitting
recognition of the amazing achievement of these 39 women over the last
week.
Frasers put on a great welcome for us with coffee and cake, and
representatives from our fantastic sponsor Harley-Davidson were on hand
to welcome us.
Reluctantly we handed back the keys to our loaned bikes and said our
farewells to each other. Now on to the US in October!
Participant Comments
XOXO
Nancy
Day Nine – Ringing Bells Line of Road
Hawkesbury River, and the sight of kangaroos feeding on the river side.
Last night turned into a huge party night with the bistro staying open
until 12.30pm and the group dancing, singing and laughing all night.
As we headed off today the kangaroos jumped along the riverside with us,
and as we caught our first ferry of the day we pumped up “Dancing
Queen” on the stereo on Meredith’s bike and gave the ferrymen a
demonstration of our disco moves.
On board the ferry, they told us our next ferry crossing at Sackville
was closed as the boat had broken down. We regrouped in Wisemans and
planned an alternative route to take us through to our lunch stop at
Kurrajong.
After a leisurely lunch and a little shopping, we took off again up
Bells Line of Road, one of the most famous motorcycling roads in the
country, with breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains and great
sweeping curves for our bikes to take.
The temperature dropped as we neared Katoomba, but not as much as that
night ride into Walcha! We turned heads all the way through town, and
did a victory lap through the tourists at Echo Point before finishing at
our hotel for the night, the Three Sisters Motel.
The staff there put on a terrific welcome for us and the local newspaper
came out to take a photo and write up a story. We then ran the group
out to the Eagle Hawk Lookout in the support vans – the locals had
told us it was the best spot for a group photo with the valley in the
background, and well away from the tourist crowd.
We managed to all get shuttled out and take a terrific photo before the
fog started to roll in.
Tonight is our last group dinner before our final ride into Sydney
tomorrow!