The First Edition of the 'Johnny Reb Herald' #001

The Johnny Reb Herald is an occasional "online newspaper" that we have created because we've had a gut full of the "real news".

More Time On Our Hands

Suddenly a lot of us, have a lot more time on our hands (including us... obviously). So we thought what better time to create the ‘Johnny Reb Herald’. An occasional “newspaper” (email) sent out to our Johnny Reb VIP’s, highlighting stuff we care about, other than the doom & gloom of the current state of the world. COVID-19 is all we are hearing about right now and frankly, whilst we want everyone to stay safe, we are also sick of reading about it. So why not take a squiz at our brand new “newspaper” below. Let’s be honest, we are not sure how often we’ll be sending these out, but it’s sure to take your mind off things for at least 10 mins. This week we've got a great interview with the owner of 'Last Ride Funerals', a Harley Hearse service AND we have a Johnny Reb Crossword. Because everyone bloody loves a crossword. So buckle up & get reading. 

An interview with Kerry Walton. Owner of 'Last Ride Funerals'.

Tell us a bit about yourself. My name is Kerry Walton. I am a 63 Y/O man. I am also the owner/operator of ‘Last Ride Funerals’, which is a Harley hearse service for all enthusiasts of motorcycles. I also do joy rides on a 3 wheeled Trike and give people the freedom of doing tours. Around Melbourne and into the winery areas if they wish, for a summer adventure. I also do trips for the elderly to Williamstown over the Westgate bridge and return home, for special birthdays etc.

When did you start riding motorcycles and what made you start riding? I started to ride motorcycles when I was about 10-12 because I loved the freedom of being out there in the wind and being in control of my motorcycle by my own power. And exploring the bush area when I was a kid living in Greensborough, Melbourne.

What bike do you ride now? A Harley Davidson Hearse, 2015 low rider 103Ci, also ride a 3 wheeled 1600cc VW trike that can take 2 passengers on the back, along with myself being in the front rider seat.

What was your first bike? An old vespa scooter, converted to be a trail bike. Shortly followed by a Torra motorcycle, which was an early Japanese trail bike.

Where is your favorite place to ride? Around the hills of the Yarra Valley Ranges near Power town/Lilydale and Healesville. Through the Black Spur and into Mansfield/Alexandra, Bonnie Doon area and Lake Eildon.

What are your fondest riding memories? Many trips from Melbourne to Sydney and return, just for a coffee. And enjoying the open road and being free as a bird. Many trips on my trike towing my Camparoo camper trailer, to set up camp anywhere I wanted at my own leisure. Also some great trips around Tasmania along the coastline. Also rode along our Great Ocean Road from Torkey to the SA border and beyond, to Granite Island and the 12 Apostles area.

Who do you enjoy riding with? Friends with the same taste for adventure and time on their hands to take it easy and enjoy the ride at a leisurely pace.

Name one dream place you’d love to ride that you haven’t been? Would love to ride to Broome in WA and back to Melbourne. Also to Sturgis in America (USA) for that bike rally. I’ve done parts of the USA on a 350 Chevy V8 motorcycle trike, but haven’t done Sturgis or Daytona beach rallies yet on a bike, they’re on my bucket list for next year or 2022.

Why do you ride motorcycles? Just love the wind in your hair type of feeling, just like a dog that loves to hang their head out of the back window of a car. Only a feeling that a motorcyclist can explain. Also love that we can park up on our Melbourne city footpath. Fantastic idea that every City should abide by as it is a great way to lighten the carbon footprint In our busy Cities to keep the cars out of the CBD, better for everyone.

When did you first hear of Johnny Reb? What’s your favourite Johnny product? Heard of Johnny Reb motorcycle gear & products about 3-4 years ago. Their Motorcycle boots are the best on the market by far, in my opinion.

What are your fondest riding memories? Many trips from Melbourne to Sydney and return, just for a coffee. And enjoying the open road and being free as a bird. Many trips on my trike towing my Camparoo camper trailer, to set up camp anywhere I wanted at my own leisure. Also some great trips around Tasmania along the coastline. Also rode along our Great Ocean Road from Torkey to the SA border and beyond, to Granite Island and the 12 Apostles area.

Name one dream place you’d love to ride that you haven’t been? Would love to ride to Broome in WA and back to Melbourne. Also to Sturgis in America (USA) for that bike rally. I’ve done parts of the USA on a 350 Chevy V8 motorcycle trike, but haven’t done Sturgis or Daytona beach rallies yet on a bike, they’re on my bucket list for next year or 2022.

If you could go on a road trip with any 3 people in the world, who would they be and why? I have done North Vietnam (Hanoi) and the Ho Chi Ming trail on my own, on a Motorcycle 5-6 years ago which was an awesome solo trip. I would love to take my son who is 27 and my 2 newish son-Inlaws, which all ride bikes now on that same trip. To show them Nth Vietnam and the Ho Chi Ming Trail and along the Vietnam coastline from Nth-to-South. And ride into Ho Chi Ming City (Old Saigon) before I die, would be my dream road trip.

JOHNNY REB CROSSWORD

Cos everyone bloody loves a crossword!
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