GARY NIXON HAS RIDDEN MOTORBIKES ALL HIS LIFE BUT SOLD THEM WHEN THE FAMILY MOVED FROM PERTH TO QUEENSLAND. NOW THAT HE AND HIS WIFE MARIE HAVE DOWNSIZED INTO THEIR GEMLIFE PALMWOODS HOME, HIS LOVE FOR HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES HAS BEEN REKINDLED.
“I’ve got the time to devote to regular rides on my beautiful Harley Davidson Heritage Softail, which I bought when we first moved into our new home here at GemLife Palmwoods,” said Gary.
He describes it as a comfortable cruiser with a lot of power and ideal for riding on the Sunshine Coast roads.
About six months ago, after discovering there were other keen motorcyclists in the resort, Gary arranged for them to get together for regular rides once a week.
“When I saw a motorbike in a neighbour’s home, which you do from time to time, I would wander in and say `gidday’ and ask if they would like to go for a ride together.”
As a result, Gary now rides regularly with several other motorcyclists, and another is keen to join them when he moves into the resort next year.
“Anyone who has a motorcycle is welcome to ride with us. We’ve met a few people at resort sausage sizzles who may be interested already,” said Gary, who said there is no better way to spend a day than cruising on the open roads in one of the best places in the country.
It’s also likely the motorcycle group will celebrate International Men’s Day on 19 November by hitting the road for a cruise.
“It is a great opportunity for we fellow motorbike enthusiasts to get together and have a chat about things we have done in the past, our families, what our grandkids are doing and shared interests. At the same time, we get to enjoy our passion and the true sense of freedom it provides on every ride,” said Gary.
There are many great locations visited by the group on their excursions, which can involve riding up to 250km in a day, including popular spots such as Maleny.
“Usually, we meet at the front gate of the resort, fuel up and select a cafe to ride to for a latte or drink, something to eat and a good old-fashioned chinwag,” said Gary.
The motorcycles are well-equipped for riders to enjoy the entire trips which are undertaken during the week and never on weekends.
“We often listen to music while we ride with some motorcycles having full blown stereo and speakers on the handlebars and the scenery can be truly exhilarating between the resort and places like Noosa, Kenilworth and the Glass House Mountains. The view across Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve at Maleny, which comprises 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest, is amazing. It also has a great cafe with fabulous views.”
“At the moment it is just we blokes who ride together but my wife Marie has all the riding gear and will eventually join us too I’m sure, although she has a lot of her own interests within the resort as well.”
Gary said he loves his new lifestyle at GemLife Palmwoods and looks forward to his weekly rides with his mates.
“It’s an interest I’ve rekindled and now, in retirement, I’ve got the time to do it.”