Work to do: Batman’s Batcycle lies in pieces in the garage.
Photo by
Rodney Braithwaite
Underneath his dark and brooding exterior, Batman is a Shepparton local, a youth worker with three decades of experience, a father and a life-long motorcycle enthusiast, known to those acquainted with the man behind the mask as Pete Bonnes.
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Mr Bonnes adopted Bruce Wayne’s superhero alter ego about five years ago, and has developed a devoted following on his mission to see good triumph over evil in the Goulburn Valley.
“I don’t do this because I want money and attention, I do this to put smiles on kids’ faces,” he said.
The first child he inspired was his son.
“I secretly love Superman, but my son, who is autistic, loves Batman ... so effectively I did Batman for him,” Mr Bonnes said.
Initially driven to don the costume by an ambition to raise awareness about the importance of preventing family violence and child sexual abuse, Shepparton’s Batman has since put smiles on faces at all sorts of fundraisers, community events and birthdays.
He can also be relied on to tour the town astride his Batcycle every Halloween.
But after a shock accident on October 31 this year, the mysterious hero found himself pinned underneath his hefty two-wheeler in a ditch.
Mr Bonnes said he was travelling along Archer St in his costume and safety helmet, when he slowed on the side of the road to allow a car to pass.
“I looked back in the mirror to check where the car was and it was swerving towards me,” he said.
“I don’t know if it was accidental or on purpose.”
Batman took evasive action, accelerating off the side of the road to avoid a collision.
Unfortunately, the swerve saw him slip down an embankment.
His bike spun around and landed on top of him, pinning his leg to the ground.
When Mr Bonnes managed to wriggle free, he climbed to the side of the road to wave someone down to help.
“Unfortunately I was dressed as Batman so people just tooted and waved,” he said.
It was only when he partially removed the costume that a passing driver came to his aid, helping him lift his ride up the incline.
“I checked the bike for safety, it started and the lights and brakes were okay, so I suited back up and continued to do the rest of Halloween the best I could,” Mr Bonnes said.
He rode on with bruised ribs and legs, and apologised to expectant children and families for running late.
It wasn’t until the end of the night that the Batcycle seemed a bit wobbly on his ride home.
On a mission: Batman is hunting high and low for second-hand parts, to reduce the cost of repairing his ride.
Photo by
Rodney Braithwaite
In his garage a few days later, Batman pulled apart his specially painted black motorcycle to isolate the problem.
"I discovered key parts were bent and damaged,“ Mr Bonnes said.
Police were unable to help, and Mr Bonnes’ insurance company would not cover repairs due to the nature of the accident.
Shepparton’s Batman rarely charges a fee for his service, although the costs of maintaining his motorbike, quality costume and Working With Children check are not insignificant.
Unfortunately, the financial blow of at least $1000 to repair the engine plus a full respray is out of Mr Bonnes’ reach.
Batman’s friend and fan Angela Barwick said she had met the man himself four times and, like his namesake, he was modest and played his cards close to his chest.
“He’s more of a giver,” she said, having first come across the quiet achiever when he was left with no choice but to ask for help mending his $700 costume a few months ago.
“On Halloween he does it all for free, and I’ve heard along the grapevine, a few people have said when they’ve booked him for parties he’ll undercharge them.”
Motivated to get his show back on the road, Mrs Barwick has started a fundraiser so the community that benefits from his efforts may choose to help.
“He’s a really nice bloke and he’s trying to put a smile on kids’ faces,” she said.
To contribute to the fundraiser, donate viagofund.me/696d4414or contact Angela Barwick on Facebook.
