Friends who travelled with us

At the English/ Scottish border - Friday 31 July 2009

Eva-Kristine and Halvor/ 1944 Chief "Blue Smoke"

Rolly/Nimbus

Claude/ 1940 Chief




Frankie / BMW

Tim/ 1928 Scout

Tim/ BV1

Red Fred and Regina/ 1950 Chief

Toney and Debbie/ 1950 Chief

Highland Highlights from Gerrard, Ron and Neville

Highlights of the Highland Tour - Peter and Toni and Tess

The Highland Tour - as told by Brett, Sue and Mick, Merredith and Frank

Aussie Invaders Pictorial

Here are the Aussie Invaders and their bikes

Mick and Sue/ 1944 Chief

Chris Horner/ 1948 Chief (look hard - he is kneeling down fixing his bike)

Lyndel/ 1934 Standard Scout

Merredith/ 741

Frank S/ 1944 Chief


Brett/ 1947 Chief

Steve/ 1947 Chief

Dave/ 1938 Chief




Peter/ 1947 Chief
Sharon/ 1953 Chief

Sloth/ 1948 Chief

Peter and Mason/ Vindian

Conor/ 1944 Chief

Gerrard and Tess/ 1945 Chief

Annie, Rachel, Stella/ "Mafia Staff Car"




Hannah, Mason, Toni/ "Mafia Staff Car"








Ron/ BV2

Dugal and Daniel/"Elvis" - 1951 Chief Phillip and Dorothy/ "CHIPS" - 1952 Chief




Neville/ 1951 Chief
Heath and Phil/ Indian Vincent (helmets only)

Wagons in a circle - the Aussies have arrived……or “Old Indians Never Die” Rally – Traquair Scotland

Last time we spoke Dear Readers we were leaving the Sunny Isle of Ireland… yes we are now in Sunny Scotland…. Well, yesterday it was sunny but today,at the time of writing but not yet posting this blog - Sunday, it has been overcast and drizzling. What have we done since we last corresponded? Read on and find out!
Seven Tirty Tursday morning (I have been working on my Irish speaking as you can read!) our band of intrepid travelers boarded the ferry from Belfast en route to Stranraer Scotland. This meant we had to be at our bikes at 6:00am ready to push them out of the carpark of the Welllington Park Hotel and fire them up in the street so as not to wake the sleeping inhabitants of our last and most splendid Irish Hotel! Off we went to line up at the ferry – a little bit of a hiccup with the bookings for the ferry with Merredith not on the list (originally booked with Frank in the sidecar). Our leader – Parker. JM, sorted this out and we all sailed off eastward to Scotland. The morning was overcast but not our spirits. As you saw in the last missive we had a spectacular night of entertainment and frivolity on Wednesday night – and this was made all the better by everyone taking the opportunity to launder to the max at the local “wash-house”. Phil P, again, led the way to a clean body and soul – go you good Phil.
Landing in Scotland approx. 11/2 hours later we were met by our English Tour Guide, John Wright. Now readers, if you don’t know John, he is 6 foot tall and rides a 741….. and that little machine goes and goes. We took a little while to regroup, exchange our Euros for Scottish Pounds, buy a few supplies at the local Tesco and headed off across the Moors, along the A75 and then via Dunfries, Moffat and finally to Inner Leithan and the rally at Traquair House, arriving at the rally site at about 3:00pm. The site of the rally is Traquair House - the oldest inhabited house in
Scotland - built in the 18th century with direct links to Mary Queen of Scotts - amazing to see.
Highlights of that leg – Brett thought he had an “off road Indian” and headed off onto the verge and nearly into the ditch!!!!!!!!! Observers say he went to sleep, but Brett maintains he was bored with going straight on the main road and wanted a little bit of a change…. Jorgen did not put his hand up to do Brett’s washing the next day. Also many of the group got confused about the speed limit getting kilometres and miles mixed up. The mob had another pub lunch at New Galloway – again we sampled the steak and ale pies but this time Scampi was on the menu and many of the party had a feed of the local shell fish. We rode through fabulous countryside on the way, stopping at a National Trust Site that was a very hard uphill climb for those who wanted to. Item of interest there - remains of an Iron Age Fort 900 AD.
Arriving at the rally site, the mob found a very ambient place to camp and set up tents – right next to Garry Stark and his camper and generator! Peter B lasted a day before asking Garry to stop running it late at night. By this time Steve K and Dave Fisher had arrived – being dropped at the rally site by the publican of the local hotel – the Traquair Arms. Readers, please note, that Dave presented at the rally site with a hard sided suitcase on wheels…. What a site to see him drag it across the pitted landscape of this cow paddock they called the campsite.
Campsite set up, the group set about sorting out food for the evening and a fire to keep warm. Jim and Lyndel (injured) and Jorgen and Katarina went into Traquair to get a room at the beforementioned hotel with Brett and Phil P and Heath headed off to Peebles for their 2 star accom. Dorothy and Merredith took a short walk into Inner Leithen – which Dear Readers – was not short as it took them about 1 hour and they were quite over it when they got to the Co-op to buy the supplies. Others from the campsite came into town and shopped and merriment and gaiety abounded around the Aussie fireside campsite that night.
Friday the campers awoke to wetness underfoot but a clearing sky. Breakfast was in town at the local café for many and a walk around the township. A ride around the local area was in order and a visit to Peebles found shops, pubs and petrol. A little hiccup with the rally entry with not enough entry passes being issued to the Aussies – Toni worked hard to get things sorted and finally, between her and Jim, all Australians and our British compatriots were allowed entry to the Official Rally Site. Dinner that night was Morrocan Chicken – and a tasty dish it was too. A band played until late and happy campers retired in their luxury accommodation. One down note to the location of the camping – not enough flushing toilets with handwashing facilities – however the 2 showers that were provided for the 400+ campers were apparently very good – Toni was able to wash both kids and herself every day. This correspondent does note however that Steve Kavanaugh is looking a little brown around the edges leading me to think he has not yet availed himself of this luxury amenity.
Saturday started sunny and remained reasonable for the day, weather- wise. This was the official start to the Rally and there was a ride scheduled to start at 12noon. Many of the Australian party went back into Peebles to refuel and were ready just after 12 for the start. A photo shoot of the rally entrants was taken a little earlier and when done we all suited up to leave. Unfortunately for us with foot clutches the road out of the field where we had taken the large group photo was a steep incline with speed humps for excitement. Over 150 Indians up that hill together was not much fun for your Correspondent and so by the time we got on the road many ralliers were a little frazzled. The more domestic members of the campsite returned to Peelbles and bought up every camp chair in the town and had a decent cup of coffee....
The ride wended its way through some very scenic countryside to a small village called Pencaitland – where there was, yes dear Reader, yet ANOTHER distillery. Unfortunately there was no café to speak of and certainly no pub so the Aussie contingent left without the tour (seen one you’ve seen them all) and went off looking for food and ale. Hadddington was recommended and so Lyndel, Jim and Brett took off with the rest in tow – they did not keep up the pace and turned back to Peebles where they watered and fed. Pete B found the original 3 at the “Old Plough Inn” eating the specials of the day but was 15 minutes too late for a feed. The cook had left at 2.05pm and there wasn’t even any desserts available for Pete the Sweet Tooth. We fuelled and had a great ride home arriving back about 4ish ready to submit our machines for the Judging Competition. For this effort the Australian party was awarded the "Longest Distance Travelled" and Pete B's Vindian won the "People's Choice Award" - talk at present is that the vote was rigged with very australian handwriting to be found on every voting slip..... NEVER!

The program for the rally was not well followed and the general feeling was one of disorganization – but the Aussie camp will never let a problem get in the way of a good time and after that night’s dinner of Chile con Carne or Vegie Lasagna the gang retired to the campsite – some stayed around to see the burlesque show – a Turkish belly dancer and 2 bands – one band being that of Alan Forbes, the rally organizer. A little more rain that night but again, no spirits dampened. Some of the Aussie contingent dined in town at the hotel they were staying at and that also was enjoyed by them.
Sunday was a wet day, all day….. Most travelers took the opportunity to do as little as possible – the Birthisel Clan went into Peebles, Lyndel and Jim stayed around Inner Leithen, others went into Peebles in the back of the van and just looked around the shops. There was an official ride but after the mess of the day before we did not feel enthused about going. Good day to rest! A Hog Roast had been advertised during the Rally and so that was dinner for Sunday night for the valiant campers. And that was the end of the Official “Old Indians Never Die” Rally. Now for the Highland Tour!!!!
Hearing that Fintan was feeling poorlyafter returning home his brother Conor went down in sympathy and developed a temperature, aches and pains and felt generally disgusting. (We think Fintan felt rotten because he had to go to work!) Peter B has also had a few bad days as well as Daniel James and Stella Barker. Dugal got a B&B for Daniel on Sunday night – Conor took a room too. Good to see all feel better if not best today. Final Note: Tess took a turn of Bottle Flu on Saturday after eating some “bad fish” Friday night – she claims she did not drink a lot but I just saw Gerrard roll his eyes when she said that!!!!!!
Editor's Note: No member of the Indian Tour has, or has ever had, contact with or symptoms of any recent world pandemic illness - Australians have a very unusual sense of humour and all correspondence published is done so in the best of intentions and fun, fun, fun.

Our Final Night in Ireland - Farewell Dinner

Welcome back Readers
Tonight we said Farewell to The Emerald Isle and it's inhabitants - Fintan and Conan are leaving us tonight as we are to board the Ferry to Scotland tomorrow morning at 7.35am.
Tonight's dinner was a celebration of our time together in Ireland - it was a fun night and everyone is sad to say farwell to our very good friends.
We had speeches, a quiz and presentations to Fintan and Conan but the highlight was the Tribe names that we were given by Dorothy and then the song she composed and sang. Enjoy!
FROM THE IMCA BAND OF THE GREAT IRON HORSE NATION
THE TRIBE:
JIM – BIG CHIEF LONG FACE
LYNDEL – BROKEN RIB SQUAW

NEVILLE – ONE HAT WARRIOR

CHRIS – LITTLE BURNT CLUTCH

SLOTH – SNOW ON BEARD MAN
ANNIE – WHISKEY WOMAN
RACHEL – PRINCESS PENNY SPENDER
STELLA – MANY SCALP PAPOOSE

PETER – BIG CHIEF BIRD ON SILL
TONI – SQUAW WITH WHOMPUM
MASON – YOUNG SILLY BRAVE
HANNAH – PRINCESS LOLLY FACE

DUGAL – MEDICINE MAN
DANIEL – LITTLE SHOT

PHIL – WHITE MAN’S NAME
HEATH – SON OF WHITE MAN’S NAME

BRETT – ONE BOOT COMMANCHERO
FRANK H – MIGHTY FUN WARRIOR
PETER – HAIRY TATTOO BRAVE
SHARON – BLUE EYED SQUAW
GERARD – BROKEN HEART
TESS – SQUAW WHO WANT TEPEE WITH BROKEN HEART

MICK – INDIAN BRACELET MAN
SUE – BLOG MAKER WOMAN
FRANK S – LONG FORK
MERREDITH – YELLOW TAIL
RON – NUMBER TWO WIGWAM
DOROTHY – WATER FORD
PHILLIP – EX-CHIEF BIG HORN

CONOR – BIG CHIEF BEE JEEZUS

To our brothers from the Celtic Lands we praise your leaders and braves who have made us welcome
TIM – LITTLE SCOUT BRAVE HEART
FINTAN – KEMOSABEE TWO TIRTY
CONAN – BIG CHIEF FIRE WATER

And from the Norse
JORGEN – CHIEF IKEA
KATARINA – SQUAW ON SIDE

We are sorry to go so soon,
You will always be welcome in our teepees
And in our riding grounds for many moon.

The mighty waters of the great oceans
May keep us far apart,
But the great spirit has made a lodge
For each of you in our heart.

We leave you now with this Irish ditty
In our dear ole Aussie way!

To the tune of “Running Bear”

BIG CHIEF PARKER called a POW WOW,
For all the BRAVES and CHIEFS around.
Time to leave the reservation,
For their SUMMER RIDIN’ GROUND!

POMMIE TIM was there to greet them,
As their party came ashore.
CHIEFS and SCOUTS were made all ready,
Full of petrol, full of ROAR!

(Refrain)
IMCA LOVES RIDIN’ INDIANS
WITH A LOVE AS BIG AS THE SKY
IMCA LOVES RIDIN’ INDIANS
AND THEY WILL UNTIL THEY DIE.

Pass the Palace and through the Tower,
All the teepees of London Town.
IRON HORSES and their RIDERS,
Saddled up and WALES bound.

THEN AUSSIE INDIANS went ridin’ IRELAND,
On a rainy summer’s day.
AUSSIE INDIANS they rode together,
FINTAN MURPHY led the way!

(Refrain)

IMCA LOVES RIDIN’ INDIANS
WITH A LOVE AS BIG AS THE SKY
IMCA LOVES RIDIN’ INDIANS
AND THEY WILL UNTIL THEY DIE.

As the TRIBE rode out of KILLARNEY,
They were headed for the shore.
At MUCKROSS PASS there was an ambush,
That began the Horse Shit War!

Riders scattered round the coaches,
But their chances they were slim.
PONY SOLDIERS led the red man,
Except for one PIL-GRIM!

(Refrain)
IMCA LOVES RIDIN’ INDIANS
WITH A LOVE AS BIG AS THE SKY
IMCA LOVES RIDIN’ INDIANS
AND THEY WILL UNTIL THEY DIE

Extra BOWS and extra ARROWS,
Phonin’ Conan could provide.
Winding roads and windy weather,
Made a rough and rowdy ride.

Stopping only to feed the ponies,
On their way to the MIDNIGHT SUN.
Drinkin’ GUINNESS and IRISH WHISKEY,
Huntin’ for BIG FUN, FUN, FUN!

(Refrain)
IMCA LOVES RIDIN’ INDIANS
WITH A LOVE AS BIG AS THE SKY
IMCA LOVES RIDIN’ INDIANS
AND THEY WILL UNTIL THEY DIE.

From County Cork to Bloody Belfast,
Miles and times were mostly ISH.
Hearty Soup and Soda Sandwich,
Was by now the preferred DISH.

SQUAWS and WARRIORS were ridin’ on now,
Leaving behind the Erin Isle.
When they return to the land down under,
They’ll be wearing a shamrock smile.

(Refrain)
IMCA LOVES RIDIN’ INDIANS
WITH A LOVE AS BIG AS THE SKY
IMCA LOVES RIDIN’ INDIANS
AND THEY WILL UNTIL THEY DIE

Written and performed by Dorothy Le Claire