Just realised my Returned Home musing, posted 10th July AM, was one of the casualties of the glitch. So, I'll repost:
Nine hours sleep and now on my second mug of coffee, I'm trying to assemble some thoughts about the wonderful weekend I just had.
Clothes are washed, T-shirts await ironing. Leathers and the bike require cleaning. Sadly, the rain-free nature of my 2,100 mile trip was abruptly ended a mere 20 miles from home.
It's difficult to express how wonderful a time I had to most of you, perhaps impossible to some.
The price, and I include the extortionate Autobahn fuel prices, was utterly irrelevant.
I've yet to organise my fuel receipts and add them to my records to calculate my fuel consumption. OCD, perhaps, but I keep trip and annual fuel/distance records.
Most importantly, it was the smiles per gallon that counted, and they would be in four, maybe five, figures.
To have shared the experience with so many. Some who had to overcome many obstacles to make it there, some who had travelled halfway round the world.
We all shared a companionship based on a connection to a particular make of motorcycle but, I would suggest. more of an openess of heart. I have no idea if other makes could inspire to that level, but I hope it's possible, too, for them.
Great to be able to put faces, and voices, to so many Laverda Forum friends, too numerous to mention individually. Thirteen charming Australians, and Tom, of course.
The warmth, kindness and generosity of the Owners, organisers and townspeople will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Already looking forward to the next one!