The kindness of strangers still exists

I found out we still live in a lucky country this summer.

On 27 December I jumped on my motorcycle at 4am and set off on a road trip from Sydney to Melbourne. A 1,000 km journey to see my parents who both had big health shocks in the days before.

Zooming through the Southern Highlands at roughly 6.00am, when temps were 6 degrees celsius, I did what most riders are good at avoiding...I ran out of fuel.

You see, my bike doesn't have a fuel gauge so it's a bit of a guess and hope strategy. And this time my guesswork and hope failed me.

Luckily I was close to a roadside stop. I drifted in under momentum and stopped beside a large tree, close to a white sedan that was parked underneath.

It was still dark when I arrived. I was in my leather jacket and leather riding pants. I must have looked a sight as I knocked on the window of the white sedan and woke up the young man who was inside taking a well earned nap.

He looked at me through his window, thought for a moment, then wound it down.

In my friendliest and most non-serial killer voice I asked if he would be my saviour and take me to get some fuel. He didn't reply straight away. But a few seconds later, I think after his brain woke up and assessed the situation, he said, "Yeah, sure I can."

Mark was on his way home to Melbourne after visiting family for Xmas. We travelled 10 mins in his car to the nearest fuel station. I filled up a jerry can and he drove me back to fuel up my bike. I asked if he'd like me to get him some breakfast. All he wanted was an iced coffee.

It's been a long time since I've needed the assistance of a complete stranger. And at that moment, I really needed it. And luckily for me, I got it.

Super grateful to live in a country where the kindness of strangers still exists.