Dot

Hi, this is Dot, the moped that’s been tasked with riding from Sydney to London with a bearded man on her back.

He might have told you about me. Said I was slow and smokey and always grumbling about needing new oil and a mechanic for my engine. Well how would you feel having to put up with his temper tantrums and the weight of all his wardrobe from one side of the world to the other? Why can’t he get a job, like his mother tells him. Grow up, settle down, stop dreaming. Then I’d have been left to potter around the neighbourhood in my retirement. The world’s a big place. I’m not sure I want to see it.

In case you were curious I’m a five year old Honda CT110 who used to work for Australian Post. Last year they retired me off, said I was too old. Worn out. Sent me to auction where I was bought by Bill and treated like a lady. Face lift, boob job, tummy tuck. I was looking good. Then falling on hard times Bill had to sell me. Needed the cash. He took me to Joe’s bike shop and said goodbye. Everything changed.

That’s when me and Nathan met. It was a Wednesday, early, I was sat in the shop, minding my own business, shooting the breeze with other postie bikes about our time on the front line delivering mail when this sweating Englishman comes in flapping. He’s in a rush, needs to get to Darwin but the engine in his own bike is shot. Said he couldn’t wait for it to be rebuilt. Immigration are on his tail or something. So he sits on me. Takes me for a spin. Likes me. Loves my panniers and extra tank. Says I‘m perfect. So he buys me. Registers me. Rides me. All the way his says to England. Great.

Full name: Dorothy Perkins (changed from Dorothy Cotton by deadpoll)
Make: Honda CT110
Nationality: Australian
Age: 5 (ten bike years to one human year, means I’m really 50)
Power: 7.5kw (the shower in this hostel has 4)
Top speed: 85km/h (achieved once)
Weight: 95kg (140kg loaded)
Occupation: retired postman’s bike
Favourite oil: Castrol
Favourite owner: Bill
Likes: to potter
Dislikes: Nathan
Value: priceless
Mood: volatile
Modifications: panniers, top box, afro seat, second fuel tank, new hip
Ambition: to go home