Chapter 1: A Californian rides in Australia

Californian John Parry meets and rides with our K1600 friends in Australia

John remembers; In late 2022, I posted a comment in the Aussie section of the K1600 forum that I would soon be taking an Australia / New Zealand cruise with my wife. I mentioned that I wished there would be time to meet up with one or more members, but that travel schedules were tight and it probably couldn’t happen. To my surprise, forum member Damian Monkhorst reached out and started peppering me with questions about itinerary. After much back-and-forth, it turned out we’d be docked in Melbourne for all of New Year’s Eve Day, and that Damian lives close by. Damian graciously offered to guide me on some high intensity riding with his buddies in the mountains of Victoria, which I quickly accepted.

When the day arrived, I felt like a little kid at Christmas. I literally ran off the ship looking for Damian, who was easy to find being twice the size of an average human being. He drove me to his farm where he had a helmet, jacket and gloves that happened to be a perfect fit. Then it was off on Damian’s K1600 B and R1250 GS bikes.

Riding on the left side of the road for the first time in my life was a little unnerving.I stayed glued to Damian’s bike and obediently followed whatever he did. To my surprise, I got used to it fairly quickly and just started enjoying myself.

We soon met up with some of Damian’s riding crew. There was “Helicopter” Ivan, “Jolly” John and “Emotional” Ed. I wasn’t spared, and became “American” John. The Aussies love their nicknames. We proceeded on to what looked like an American 50's style Drive-In for lunch. To my surprise, the main menu item was meat pies of many different varieties. My pie, filled with beef and encased by a flaky crust, was delicious. It came with a “sauce” that we Americans affectionately call catsup. I wish there was something similar available in the USA, because their pies are that good. After filling up, it was onto the main event – first class Australian motorcycle mountain riding.

We rode the Reefton up to Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, and then back down the "Black Spur” to begin our trek back to Damian’s farm. The best way for me to describe the Reefton is to imagine riding a combination of the best of the Cherohala Skyway and the Tail of the Dragon. Add in some uniquely lush and beautiful Australian countryside, and they were winners. 

After returning to Damian’s place and before starting the drive back to the cruiseship, we concluded the day with a stop at Ivan’s house to enjoy an incredible spread of food, drink and an opportunity to meet more Australian friends. At the ship dock, I felt bitter sweet saying good bye to Damain, but it was New Year’s Eve, and back on the ship we viewed an incredible fireworks show all over Melbourne. It is a once in a lifetime day to remember.