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Our People
Age no barrier for a Harley joy ride
Thursday, 02 March 2006
By PJ TAYLOR
Motorcycle great-great-great grandmamma and 101-year-old Geraldine Headland. Times photos Wayne Martin.
NEVER say never especially when it comes to taking a spin on a classic Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Two lively seniors had the ride of a lifetime yesterday when a pair of Harley owner-enthusiasts swung by Howick Baptist Home and Hospital to honour Geraldine Headland’s 101st birthday.
According to rest home staff, Mrs Headland and Ted Clarke, 91, had never been on a motorcycle in their lives.
That’s all changed. Mrs Headland, wearing an appropriate red leather biker jacket with rivets, was first to take her joy ride. She smiled and gave plenty of the old thumbs up as she grabbed hold of driver Ken Day, whose Ultra Classic tourer number plate reads, Chil’n.
It was Mrs Headland’s 101st birthday on February 24 and her daughter Zara Bridgens explains the secret to her mother’s longevity and lasting spring in the step.
“It’s in the genes. Mum has always been very active. She’s strong but she’s never been on a motorcycle before.”
Ted Clarke, 91, had not been on a motorcycle until yesterday.
Mrs Headland is the first of five generations on one side of her family, says Mrs Bridgens, and she still enjoys a wee gin and tonic and glass of wine.
Mr Clarke watched as Mrs Headland took her Harley ride. Soon he was up on the back of Mr Day’s distinctive motorcycle, his bright blue eyes lighting up as the engine roared and rolled off.
In some ways, the look on both Mrs Headland and Mr Clarke’s faces illustrated the joy and meaning of the words in one of his son’s songs: You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are.
Mr Clarke’s lad is John Clarke, New Zealand’s great comedian and creator of Fred Dagg, now based in Australia.