From Wheelchair To Harley
Sydney Morning Herald
Thursday November 23, 1995
On yer bike! And if the bike's a Harley Davidson, few would refuse. But for some who would like to respond to the call, it is harder than it looks.
Karina Dentice had always wanted to ride a motorbike, ever since her twin sister, Ruth, returned from central Australia with photographs of a motorbike holiday she had enjoyed. But the dream seemed set to remain just that because Karina is a paraplegic.
But Ruth was determined that her sister should experience a motorbike ride and set about searching for the means. She finally tracked down a man who delights in making dreams come true. Patrick Magri is the only accredited tour operator in Sydney who conducts his business from a Harley Davidson Heritage Softail with sidecar.
Encouraged by his mother, who was a bike rider, Magri first rode a bike when he was nine years old, and describes himself as a motorcyclist rather than a bikie. Although the Harley Davidson was much slower than most bikes on the road, he said it was much safer, "and everybody likes them".
He started Dream Legend Motor Cycle Tours three years ago so that others could enjoy the Harley Davidson experience. Since the business started, he has taken tourists, handicapped children and wedding partners.
Rides go wherever the passengers wish, from the national parks to Katoomba, Jenolan Caves, Wisemans Ferry and the Hunter Valley. The sidecar is equipped with seat restraints, jackets and helmets, and passengers are covered by insurance.
Ms Dentice first met Magri when her sister organised a surprise ride for her birthday in June this year.
Apprehensive on the first occasion, she has since taken three rides on the Harley Davidson and is saving for the next.
Ms Dentice says she loves the feel of the wind in her hair and the unobstructed views from the sidecar.
Because generally her pace is relatively slow, she particularly enjoys the sensation of speed. "It's just escapism. There's nothing you have to do, you just sit back and enjoy it."
Dream Legend Motor Cycle Tours is on 584 2451.
© 1995 Sydney Morning Herald
Share This