The Night Brawler: Episode 2

Sitting at home on a warm summer night, bored, restless.

In the garage, locked away, the 'Night Brawler' seduces. Tick, tock...

I have limited time tonight for a quick session of social disobedience - notwithstanding the silly season and the increased VicPol presence, the draw of the MT-09 is too great.

Lid. Gloves. Keys: Gone.

Light is fading, the last sliver of sunlight has already retreated over the horizon - setting off on the night side of dusk I skip the coastal road and head directly for the docks of Melbourne.

Well, more or less directly. Making way, the MT demands to be toyed with. Braarrp here, wheelie there.

I had put the word out to a few riding buddies before heading out, mischief likes company after all.

 Unfortunately tonight, time is not on my side. Fortunately I had laid eyes on some interesting places and had wet the appetite for the final installment in the 'Night Brawler' series. 

"See 'ya later brother - next time" we peel off and head our separate ways. 

There is an innate camaraderie to motorcycling, it connects people like no other activity or pursuit I have ever been a part of. Perhaps it is due to the commitment it requires? The diligence? The obsession? 

Or, maybe it's just the braaaarping......

\BitSar

Lid. Gloves. Keys: Gone.

The Night Brawler: Episode 1

I needed some release, some catharsis.

SOLUTION:

• Grab keys
• Stuff head into lid
• Throw a leg over

Time to head out for some antics on the 'Night Brawler'

Leaving the 'burbs and pointing the MT09 towards the coast, I make light work of the remaining stragglers on the evening commute. Splitting cagers like a mobile slalom course as they make disappointing progress home. Those poor bastards.


It's the middle of Spring and the evening is glorious.

No wind, high clouds - comfortable air temperature.

I arrive overlooking Port Phillip Bay just before Sunset - a nice display of the final diffused rays of Sun for today.



Across the Bay, the CBD is transitioning into night - bridges and buildings are lighting up, beckoning the MT into the Metropolis.

Following the coast, people and traffic are becoming less frequent, providing an easy excuse to unleash the Akrapovic cannon.

Any tunnel or overpass delivers aural delight.
Braaaaarping ahead into the City.

Entering the bowls of Melbourne CBD, the air changes from cool and refreshing into a muggy malevolence. Heavy.



The 'Night Brawler' gets petulant, making the quietening streets her playground.

I busy myself getting to places you shouldn't get to - taking opportunity without discrimination.





After further reconnaissance for a pending 'Night Brawler: Episode 2' the hum and buzz of the Metro begins to itch - I make my escape.

It's getting late now. Cold and late. I head in the direction of home - back to the suburbs - in a roundabout way. I'm not done yet.

En route, on the outskirts of the city, fortune presents itself.

A blacked-out scene, hard, cold, and industrial. At home aboard the urban assault vehicle of the MT09.





Riding at night is the epitome of motorcycle therapy. Your thoughts are safe in your helmet - like a sanctuary.

\BitSar
..........stay tuned for Episode 2