Ninja Days

A part of me is still there...

The return trip was a little lonely, but pleasant.

"I did it my way!"

My gear (apart from my favourite, lucky ducati jumper) was packed and the sound of my 4in1 Yoshi pipe roared through the suburban streets of Inverloch just after 3:30 on a windy and crisp Saturday afternoon. Time to start the long journey home.

At the first round-about I saw the police car coming towards me; a timely reminder that Victoria's speed limit is only at 100km/hr. There wasn't another police car or highway patrol in sight until I got to Corrimal, on the Sunday, where I was surprised to see that unmarked, metallic blue, late model (was it a Holden?) car with its black cube menacingly strutting out from the roof line. I was doing just fine.

I was exhausted, but happy and proud of myself when I got off the bike and made my way up the stairs to plonk that saddle sore behind of mine onto the soft leather couch in front of the TV. Seven more laps to go and Casey Stoner was winning. The man handed me a Heinecken and the girl made me a sandwich. I was in heaven!

Once the race was done and the show over, I was able to tell the story...

The guys, the roads, the weather, the fun, the accommodation, the new people I met, the bugs, the snakes, the rain, the fog, the snow, the twisties, the atmosphere, the things I learned about myself and my riding, the bike, the friendship, the towns, the Black Spurrrrr, the cameraderie.

Full story later, here is a selection of the 218 photos so far...


Tent City's Supporter's World


Mick


Spotted my bike parked opposite the track


At Brown Mountain


Cooma


Khancoban


Bugged!


Beechworth


Ready to Race


Tucked in for the Night


Baz fixed the problem


Zippa's Briefing


Phil- ready to meet that road


DaBoyz


Fan Club

















71


Clever. Just stay sober!


BMW Club (Vic)


Club Green


Pillion Track-Ride




'Car'park



Snow mobile



Unfortunately my holidays finished on the eve of the race, so I had decided to go along for the ride down through the mountains, to soak up the trackside atmosphere on Friday and Saturday and check out the action in Cowes. Then it was time to make my way back, whilst the others were able to extend their trip and intended to play tourist down there. There was talk of the Great Ocean Road and Wilson's Prom... I look forward to hear their stories soon.

posted by The '95 Ninja ZX6R @ 15.10.07