It was really just a throwaway line. You know, when you put an offer out there to do someone a favour and before you know it you’re in at the deep end.
“That’s awesome, Clubby, that would really help us out. And what a great story it would make for the mag!” Wolfy fired back.
Not even a nanosecond earlier I’d said, “You know, mate, I’ll be in Melbourne next week. If you need a new Triumph picked up, I could get it and ride it back to Sydney…”
Of course, I was thinking ‘a new Triumph’ would have to be a top-secret prototype Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer, or should I be so lucky, maybe a ‘Classified — For Your Eyes Only’ new Triumph enduro or dual-sport bike? The prospect was tantalising. Or so I imagined.
“Thanks again, Clubby,” Wolfy barked. “It’s a Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC and I reckon you’ll love it.” Click.
A what? A Scrambler? Well, this is going to be different.
VIRGIN TERRITORY
Full disclosure here: I’ve never ridden a scrambler before, of any brand. Mention the word scrambler and I gaze wistfully into the distance and reminisce about James Dean, Steve McQueen or the Fonz ripping down the street on a classic piece of British machinery with upswept exhaust and flat, wide handlebars.
As a scrambler virgin, I had some homework to do before launching into this assignment. Thankfully, I had stacks of ‘mates’ who were only too keen to proffer their take of the scrambler lifestyle.
FROM WALLAN
