The Ride to Hill Top – A Tuesday Tale
The day dawned clear and crisp, perfect for a ride. By 9am, nine bikes were lined up at Heathcote, engines idling like restless horses ready to bolt. Robbo, as always, took the lead, while Double T, proudly claiming the role of tail-end Charlie, brought up the rear. With a quick nod and a crackle of exhausts, the group headed south, winding their way through the Royal National Park, the towering gums flashing past in a blur of green and gold.
The Royal was at its best that morning—cool, shady bends, the smell of eucalyptus thick in the air, and no traffic. From there, they carved their way through Appin, over Broughton Pass, and through Douglas Park, the bikes stretching their legs on the open roads. At Thirlmere, a few heads turned as the pack rumbled through, riders grinning under their visors as they neared their destination.
Hill Top was the chosen stop for the day, and the group rolled in ready for caffeine and cake. The café didn’t disappoint—strong coffee, fresh slices of cake, and, to everyone’s delight, a stash of free Krispy Kreme donuts that didn’t last long once the crew descended on them.
As they sat around swapping stories, Double T was in fine form, eager to show off his brand-new Arai helmet. He spoke about it with the kind of affection usually reserved for a favorite motorcycle—or a favorite person. With a perfectly straight face, he explained that he sometimes wears it to bed and even while watching TV, “just to break it in properly.” The table erupted in laughter, with Robbo shaking his head and declaring it was the strangest helmet break-in method he’d ever heard of.
After a solid round of banter and a second helping of donuts, it was time to saddle up again. Robbo led them back out onto the road, Double T bringing up the rear, his shiny new helmet gleaming in the sun. It was another great Tuesday ride—good mates, winding roads, and just enough nonsense to make it memorable.
And as they headed home, a few riders couldn’t help but wonder if Double T really did wear that helmet to bed—or if it was just another tall tale for the road.
