It wasn’t a direct quote from the Red Knights Motorcycle Club or GV Social Riders, and they’re leaving a little later in the day, but the sentiment is the same.
The quote describes taking unified, decisive action to support a cause or face a problem, and most would probably agree that the state of Victoria’s roads is one worth standing up for.
So, the two motorcycling groups — one made up of current and former firefighters and one a bunch of local social riders — have joined forces to do exactly that.
But they have more beef than busted bitumen; they want to see taxes ditched rather than our roads full of them.
“The time for sitting around on our motorbikes and whinging is over — it’s time to stand up and shout from the rooftops, ‘We’ve had enough. Fix our roads and scrap the unfair motorcycle levy’,” Red Knights Australia Chapter 14’s Colin Consiglio said.
An expected 3000 to 5000 motorcyclists will make their way from all over Victoria to Parliament House in Melbourne on November 15, with the local groups joining the convoy at Kialla.
When they arrive, they plan to demand action on both issues.
“Riders across the region are fed up with pothole-riddled roads, dangerous repairs and empty government promises,” Mr Consiglio said.
“Riding and driving in the country is really dangerous.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a motorbike or a car, we don’t want to see more people die on the roads.”
As a firefighter, Mr Consiglio and his colleagues have attended many fatalities, but they’d rather not see any more.
“In the bush we’re never ever going to see the money that’s gone into the tunnels and underground roads or catch a train between Melbourne and its suburbs.
“One of the basic things we need is good, safe roads; something in good condition like they were before all the money was diverted down to the city.”
The clubs are hoping for a peaceful and powerful ride that sends a clear message to decision-makers.
They encourage motorcyclists, supporters and community members to take part, or to show their support along the route or at Parliament House.
The Broken Roads = Broken Promises ride will take place on Saturday, November 15.
Riders are asked to come fully fuelled up and meet at MOVE in Kialla at 7.30am to stand up at 8am.
They expect to arrive at Parliament House by noon.
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