My family has a link to ANZAC Day (my great uncle was diverted from ANZAC Cove and spent most of World War 1 in Egypt and France). My dad (named after my great uncle) did 20 years in the Army, 12 months spent in Vietnam in the late 60’s, my older brother did 20 years in the Army and his daughter is currently in the Air Force. As you can see, I'm from a military family, and as such, the day has special meaning to my family. ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club “Bunker” has become a bit of a tradition for me.
For the past few years, I have made my way to the “Bunker”, usually with my daughter Ashleigh in tow, for the Dawn Service, breakfast with my parents, followed by the group ride into Brisbane for the ANZAC Day march. This year was a little different than usual. Unlike previous years, Ashleigh and I left home at the appointed hour (3:15AM) without the usual multiple layers of clothing. Normally we’d leave with 3 or 4 layers of clothing, thermal lined jackets, winter gloves and balaclavas. This year, the weather gods were kind to us, so with only a single layer of clothing and our summer safety gear on, we headed off to McDonalds Yamanto for our traditional ANZAC Day pre-ride coffee.
While drinking our coffees we chatted with several people who were on their way to the various ANZAC Day dawn services around the area. At our appointed departure time (4:30AM), we hopped onto the bike and made our way to Kingston, a short 30 minute ride away. Crusing down the Centenary Highway Extension at Ripley, I realised why I don’t normally go this way when it’s dark – lots of “mobile speed humps” (kangaroos) bouncing across the road, as well as “tin top drivers” who don’t know the difference between “low beam” and “HIGH BEAM”. I don’t know how many times I had to turn my head to the left to avoid losing my vision (not good when the roo’s are hopping all over the place) , and I think I might have worn out the HIGH/LOW switch on the bike flashing the oncoming traffic.
After getting off the Centenary Highway Extension, it was on to the Logan Motorway – divided highway at last and no kangaroos. Within a short time we were heading off at Loganlea and a few minutes later we pulled into the Bunker. We arrived at just after 5:00AM and there was already over 100 bikes and a few cars on site. Getting off the bike, I noticed my mum and dad had turned up (dad hasn’t been to a Dawn Service for almost 30 years, so to see him here was great).
The Dawn Service was emotional, though provoking and totally different to a "normal" Dawn Service. Yes, Dawn Service is about the sacrifices made on the beaches and cliffs of Gallippoli, however, this is the one Dawn Service I have been to that specifically mentions the sacrifices, both physically and emotionally, made by the Vientam Veterans. This is one of the reasons I keep coming back year after year... I've seen first hand the impact Vietnam services has had on my father and many of his comrades.
After the service, I caught up with Ashley & Mephisto. This is the once place I know I'll be able to catch Ashley as he now rides with another club and it's not often we get a chance to catch up. After a quick catchup and photo we said our farewells and each departed to do engage in our own ANZAC Day traditions. For Ashleigh and myself it was onto the bike for a quick ride over to Shailer Park for coffee at my parents place.
After coffee and general catchup, it's back on the bike, returning to the Vietnam Vets Bunker to catch the pre-ride briefing before the group ride into Brisbane. Leaving the Bunker, I was expecting to queue up on the road as usual, waiting for all bikes to leave as one group. This year everyone took off at a quick pace heading for the Pacific Motorway. Once we arrived at the Motorway, all the bike pulled over to the side of the road until the last bike arrived.
Hundreds of bikes fired up their engines and left as one, merging into the center lane of the motorway. I'm not sure how it looked to the spectators, but from my position (about mid pack) the stream of bikes heading down the highway was an awesome sight. The roar of a few hundred bikes cruising along the motorway was incredible. Being in the middle of the noise is enough of a reason to get up so early.
While it was not ment to be a race, at times my speedo was reading slightly above the posted speed limit. I'm the first to admit that it’s a little scary riding at about 100kph, a couple of meters from the bike in front of you, with another next to you, when a car tries to force it’s way in. A quick flash of light, a dirty look and a raised boot seems to be more than sufficient encouragement to make the car back off. (lucky for him as I haven’t had to kick a car door for a while and my steel capped boots were hungry).
Down the freeway and off ramp into Brisbane. The riders in front of us were separated from the main group and after taking a few “wrong” turns, we ended up in Elizabeth Street, taking up both sides of the road. I’m not sure how many bikes were on the ride, but the road was full on both sides, so I’m guessing somewhere in excess of 200 or so.
After catching up with family during the march, it was back on the bike, destination home.
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