15/09/2001

Bombala Motorcycle and Trade Show

Rode to Bombala via Cann River which took me about 4 and a half hours. Glorious weather all the way. For some reason I was expecting bikes to be passing me on the way to the Bombala, but no, all the bikes I saw were heading away from Bombala. Was I in for some nasty surprise? I arrived a little after 2:00 pm and actually drove through the town as I didn't see any signs pointing the way to the Show. I rode back in and drove through the roundabout and there it was at the recreation reserve. paid the entrance fee, parked the bike and had a look around. I was hoping for a good trade turnout but unfortunately that didn't work out. Only a couple of sites selling leather gear and another selling jackets, gloves, etc. I was told last year there were more vendors. I bought a pair of waterproof plastic pants.

Lots of bikes on display including some real vintage Harleys. The most novel bike was a hybrid: Back and middle of a bike, car front steered via a joystick helicopter style. Someone's had a bit of time to kill :) Needless to say the one the Most Unique Bike award.

Met up with a few fellow Ulyssians from Traralgon and Buchan who also made the trip. The man running the Jumping Castle for the children also recognised me. "Didn't I see you at the Briagalong Market playing guitar?" You sure did! He told me that it had poured rain the night before and thought for sure Saturday would be the same. Glad it wasn't.

On the centre of the oval were two semi trailers. One housed the toilets, the other was a band stage. I approached the band and asked if I could play a song. They said "OK!" so they introduced me and I played "Route 66". Seemed rather appropriate for a biker. Two ladies decided that the music was good enough to dance to so that's good feedback. I handed the guitar back, but the patrons wanted more, so I played "Rock Me Baby" I thanked the band and headed for home.

I arrived at Lakes Entrance feeling really cold (numb fingertips even) and had dinner at the Mexican restaurant Tres Amigo's. Lovely as usual. After dinner I looked for petrol, bad move, all of the petrol stations were closed. I'd spotted an open Mobil station when I came in, but thought they'd stay open until after dinner. No way Jose! The nearest petrol station was in Bairnsdale. I'd already changed over to my reserve tank before reaching Lakes Entrance. Did I have enough petrol? I sat on 80 kph and used as little fuel as possible being prepared to push the bike if necessary. Thankfully I didn't have to and found that I had over a litre left when I filled up, but I didn't know that when I was in Lakes Entrance.

Overall a great day: Great weather - 9 hours riding - Played a few songs - Friendly people - Great!