Melbourne, Vic to Griffith, NSW
Distance - 469km (469km)
Weather - Sunny 24 degrees
The Long Ride 2014 got underway with a dozen or so Victorian based riders starting a few days early to be able to take on the longer route via Mt Isa and Tennant Creek.
We all met up at Kilmore, just outside of Melbourne, for a quick coffee and catch up and chat and to discuss the days activities. With the sun already starting to warm the air the mood was good, it was going to be a good first day.
Leaving Kilmore at around 10am the aim was to reach Finley, New South Wales by 12:30pm. The local Lions Club were waiting for us, they were supporting the Long Ride by putting on a lunch for the riders.
Lunch was very much welcomed, the 219 kilometres between Kilmore and Finley might not seem like much but when you are sat in the same position for all that time without a break it starts to get a little tender. Arriving at the Finley Showgrounds we were greeted by a small yet very dedicated group from the Lions club. They were excited and appreciative of what we were doing and it was great to have the local media there. What was touching was how appreciative they were that I had their logo on my bike and shirt ... it was the least I could do for the great support.
The lunch was delicious and having a chat about what we were doing and why was even better. I always marvel at how people of country towns get behind events like the Long Ride much better than those in the city. We fueled ourselves and then the bikes before setting off for the final stop of the day - Griffith.
I'd been told that this regional centre was an oasis in an otherwise quite arid area - it certainly is an oasis, I couldn't get over how green it is.
Riding through a myriad of orchards, wineries and vegetable fields was just amazing. The smell of citrus and flowering plants was just amazing. It reminded me of the areas in Queensland that had a similar smell on the last Long Ride however, Griffith seemed to have a much nicer feel about it.
We pulled into the Caravan Village caravan park, organised our accomodation for the night, and were then asked to visit the home of the park owner. A BBQ had been organised by the local prostate cancer support group, little did we realise just what this meant.
The hospitality was fantastic. The group put on a brilliant meal and provided great company, they were very appreciative of what we were doing to support them and men's health through the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
A massive thank you must got to Keith and Pearl who own the caravan park and allowed us to use their home. Keith motoring memorabilia was amazing, especially his restored '68 Corvette. Their collection of Coca Cola, sewing and household items was just as amazing, these guys should open a museum and it was brilliant to see their passion for it too.
Although this was just the first day, it's been a great day meeting some very passionate people. It seems that men's health is finally starting to become a talking point in regional Australia.
Tomorrow the ride would take us to Bourke, on what is probably one of the most dangerous roads in Australia for motorcyclists.
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