NIGE Motorcycle Club

Blue skies and fair winds welcomed five gentlemen setting passage for the rustic hamlet of Walcha; as fine a group of gallants that e’re trod this federated land. Motoring north we tarried in Gloucester where the local peasantry proffered us with fine Italian coffee imported, I assume, for just such an occassion. “Crumbs, this coffee is jolly good” announced Lord Scrounger. ” Oh indeed” Replied the Earl of Keys “But mind the language old bean, there are ladies about.” To which we all tittered gleefully given the rather weathered and homespun appearance of the local lasses.

With all the pomp and ceremony of a royal visit

“I say, this coffee is marvelous”

With a hearty wave and hail-good-fellow-well-met the gentlemen continued west along the Thunderbolts Highway presumably named after some local rapscallion with little regard for manners and clearly of poor breeding. We didn’t encounter that scoundrel I’m pleased to say. In good time and having taken in some of the local sights along the way we arrived to a tumultuous and enthusiastic greeting from the kindly mid-western peasants who lined the streets in anticipation of a kind word or small token from the gentlemen. They smelled a little unwashed so the gentlemen paid them only cursory attention. “That fellow there has never seen a can of Dapper Dan in his life” Former President Lucky was heard to utter quietly under his breath upon sighting a rather unkempt example of farmlife cheering from the stands especially erected for the visit.

” My word I wish my manservant were here to tend to my face wiping”

Lord Scrounger, The Earl of Keys, Former President Lucky, and Archbishop David of Denham all proceeded directly to their previously arranged lodgings in the towns finest Hotel whilst, to our astonishment and admiration, the Right Honourable Brizzer elected to rub shoulders with the populace by making safari to the local camping grounds ” I’m quite keen to observe the yokels from close quarters. I may even converse with them, see what cultural aspects of rural life interest them; the theatre, opera of course, they fascinate me.” Given that he rejoined the rest of the gentlemen in fairly quick order we presumed he had learned little. “Wretched fellows scoffed at my cravat” was all he would say and we let the matter rest there.

Two gentlemen observe the common citizenary from a safe distance.

As any gentleman knows one does not imbibe prior to 5 bells. At exactly 5 bells the gentlemen entered the Apsley Tavern. “My word, what is that horrid odour?” Asked the Archbishop of Denham holding a lace kerchief to his face. “Greetin’s gents, pardon me but all’s we eat in these parts is cabbage and corned beef an’ it do tend to escape the nethers unexpectedly like” The ruddy cheerful face of the tavernkeeper seemed to float down from between the aged and dusty bottles lining the shelves behind him. “We don’t often get toffs from the city in here so please excuse my manners” “Five ales for my good friends and comrades” Gentleman Brizzer demanded dismissively. After a steady flow that remained within the boundaries of common decency and topped off with a rather fine red wine the gentlemen were ready for bed.

A gentleman knows how to drink tea.

The new day warmly greeted the gentlemen and, after finally coaxing Former President Lucky’s mount to life, the gentlemen left Walcha and headed east to Wauchope along the Oxley Highway. “As fine a colonial track as you would ever see” Commented Lord Scrounger whose beautifully prepared ride glistened in all its original livery.

A gentleman’s mount in original livery

From here they turned their handsome faces south with a detour along the Bucketts Way and Gloucester leaving it, “A better place having felt the tread of our leather.” “Oh well said Lord Keys” and “Yes Rather” said the gentlemen.

Two gentlemen consider their choice of companions

Home at last the gentlemen gathered for tearful farewells. A collective “Hurrah” from all and promises of further travels together. “I say” said Former President Lucky “Wouldn’t it have been grand if that tall glass of sherry Viceroy Mo of Hawke could have come along. He loves to mix with the commoners” “Perhaps we could even invite that rather bawdy chap Nigel along.” suggested some of the gentlemen who often enjoyed Nigel’s hearty and earthy banter . “Yes, perhaps” replied Former President Lucky in a thoughtful yet pensive tone. “Perhaps”