A More-Than-Perfect Fathers’ Day Sunday

The word “perfect” would have been used to describe something that happened exactly as expected or intended, or when the result of something was considered completely appropriate and correct. If that was the agreed definition, then my day today would best be described as “more-than-perfect”!

It started off with a bright and sunny morning. I have not been out on my bike for one of my Sunday morning rides at all this year – well, with the exception of that one-time ride to the Coolangatta Airport to pick up the hand luggage my sister-in-law accidently left in the aircraft. Ever since the “unfortunate technicalities” that barred me from riding for the first 6 months of this year had ended, I had not manage to make time for it. After the Red Centre ride perhaps unconsciously I was afraid that I would not get much of a satisfaction from short rides anymore but at the same time, I can’t stand the itch of being out in the open road again. So this morning, despite the strong temptation to stay curled up in bed after the late night last night, I could not resist saddling up and hitting the highway as soon as the break of dawn.

Tony my mate called to cancel at the last minute because his family is planning for a Father’s Day special for him so I was left to ride on my own. Lucky Tony, I thought; but I’m sure something will turn up for me one way or another; I hope. I hit the road just as the sun started rising – not as bright as one would expect on a morning in the beginning of spring but the clear blue sky assures me of a calm day ahead. This was one of the rare occasions when I really have no plan on where to head for the day. It took me a while to decide to just head South on the Ipswich Highway to see how the Redbank Plains looks like at this time of the year. The last time I was there was June last year (Blog entry "Cold is not cool"). The temperature is a perfect 18°C and the air still and crisp. There couldn’t be any better morning than this, weather-wise, but somehow the excitement is not quite there – I just couldn’t figure out what it was. Maybe it was the occasional sneezing (oh how I hate those pollens in spring!) or the aching back and legs for not being on the bike for a while or simply because the Ipswich-Boonah road seems long and uneventful today. My legs couldn’t take it anymore so I stopped briefly near a junction along the road just to stretch and to text home to see if the family is up yet or not – we did say we were going to have breakfast outside today. At least there’s something to look forward to later.

Just as I was about to get back on the bike and continue further South, perhaps as destined, a pickup truck stopped near the junction and a guy came out to place a steel sign that says “Motorcycle Museum”. Well, to begin with, I’m not quite a museum kind of guy but on the other hand; motorcycle? Now, we’re talking…! I signalled to the guy who’s about 50 meters away as for the direction of the museum and he signalled back which I think means; yeah, this way, come along! I quickly hopped on the bike and trailed him from behind. Five minutes later I arrived in front of a big warehouse-like white and red building with huge sign that says, “Panorama Motorcycles & Memorabilia”. One look of it I knew this was going to turn out to an interesting morning after all…!

Nothing much to look at from the outside, but as soon as you stepped inside… behold… rows and rows of classic Indians, BSAs, Royal Enfield, Harleys and many more from the 1920’s to the 1950’s era. It looks more like pages from a motorcycle history book but this is live… and they are all in pristine condition!

(Hey, I never notice there were cars there until I saw the pictures I took!!! Haha…)

The guy’s name is Brendan; A nice guy with a very impressive knowledge on classic bikes. He owns the place and inherited the entire private collection from his father and grandfather. Nothing is for sale here (I just realized how stupid I sounded just after I asked him that – should have been obvious why it’s called a “museum”!). So happens that I was the only visitor for the day so I got a specially personalized educational tour for almost the whole hour! It's a must-see for bikes enthusiasts – address is 3 Panorama Drive, Roadvale (Tel: 54635910/54631325). Where else can you see a 350cc single cylinder 1928 Indian Prince in a full working condition like this?

I would have wanted to stay longer but I just remembered I promised the family to be back to breakfast and I am now still an hour away from home! A quick goodbye to Brendan and soon I hit the road again but this time, heading back North instead of heading further South to Beaudesert and then Nerang as I used to do. It was definitely a more cheerful ride back home. I couldn’t resist imagining riding the Harley Davidson 1200cc VLC with a side car with my half helmet and goggle… haha! That would have been soooo cool...!

Just when I thought the morning could not get any better, I was up for a big surprise when I got home. I was already starting to be suspicious when I saw Umar whispering with his Mum and just as I was expecting (and wishing, and really, really hoping for!) the kids came downstairs with 2 boxes of presents and a card! Yeah, the perfect morning just got better!

The card was their usual trademark funny card (which I will proudly display on my office desk tomorrow) but the bigger surprise was – a Kindle!!! Yes, I had always wanted one but never got around to buying it. Sure I already have a notebook, an iPad etc. but I had always complaint about not knowing which book to carry during my travels so the kids (with definitely a big help from their Mum) thought of this as a solution! It came complete with a light-fitted leather cover and 3G. They sure know how to excite a man – HI-TECH GADGET!

Now, THIS is a perfect Father’s Day Sunday! After that it just got better and better – a nice scrumptious breakfast at Coffee Club in the city, a stroll along Queens Street Mall, a bargain (50% discount!) on the classic “Easy Rider” movie DVD at JB Hi-fi, a large Easy Way passion fruit milk tea with bubbles AND my loving family… it just couldn’t get any better…!!!

I love you all....!