𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫’𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐚 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐭.

As we ride TAS2026, we do so knowing that two of our own — Paul and Libby — had planned to be part of the adventure. Their enthusiasm for the ride was genuine, their commitment strong, and their place within our riding community valued.

Tragically, their battles with cancer in 2025 prevented that plan from becoming reality.

In their honour, we will carry two memorial plaques throughout our journey. On our return from Melbourne, we will make a deliberate stop along the Road of 1,000 Bends — the Bonang Highway — between Orbost and Bombala, a stretch of road many riders regard as both challenging and breathtaking.

It is here that we will lay Paul and Libby’s plaques beside that of PX Pete, joining them symbolically on a road they would have loved to ride.

The setting itself feels fitting: tall bushland, winding tarmac, and a gentle flowing stream in the background. Nature provides a quiet reminder of perspective — that while roads twist and bend, they always continue forward.

We will pause there together. Engines off. Helmets removed. Silence shared.

In that moment, we reflect not just on loss, but on the privilege of having ridden alongside them, laughed with them, and planned future adventures together.

Life has its own destiny for each of us. The road teaches us that nothing is guaranteed — except the bonds formed when we ride as one.

Paul and Libby may not be physically riding TAS2026, but they remain part of this journey.

And when we pass that place in years to come, we will remember.

Ride in peace.