‘He’s a top bloke’
I'm writing to sing the praises of a local businessman who helped me out in a difficult time and demonstrated the kind of values and spirit that exemplify what makes regional Australia and its people so great. Go Mittagong! Along with about 100 other members of the Harley Owners Group - Sydney, Nothern Beaches and Western Sydney Chapters - I rode from Sydney to Mittagong on Anzac Day to witness and be part of the parade and remembrance ceremony - a great Aussie tradition and a moving tribute to past and present defenders of our freedom.
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Congratulations to everyone who turned up and participated. After the event, I was immobilised with some electrical problems with my bike and being Anzac Day, with everything closed, I was anxious and stressed as there was likely to be little hope of finding help. Luckily I'm a member of Harley Assist - which is like NRMA for bikers - and they despatched a local 'technician' to assess and assist me. That's how I met Derek Smith from Alliance Towing Mittagong.
Despite his extensive knowledge, my electronic problems were too hard to resolve on the spot and I faced the option of a hugely expensive tow to the nearest Harley dealer - in Campbelltown. Derek went out of his way to suggest, instead, taking the bike to his holding yard, that he would contact local motorcycle guru Trevor at Dragon Motorcycles the next day to solve the problem - and to make sure I got home safely he would lend me his own motorcycle.
I was amazed by Derek's generosity and trust and when I'd exhausted all other options, took him up on his offer. As a result I got home to my family safely. The next day Trevor advised he'd sorted the problem. I rode back to Mittagong on Saturday morning to return Derek's bike and collect mine. The guy is a legend and when I think of life as a 'towie' - working day and night, attending all sorts of incidents from tragic accidents to accidental mishaps, and dealing with people in various states of distress, I think he deserves a shout-out. For me the ultimate accolade for any Aussie is: he (or even she) is a top bloke. I takes me helmet off to Derek.
