Melbourne Grand Prix - Harley Taxi anyone?

Harley Davidson taxi rank!  What the....?

Taxis are in short supply in Melbourne and Grand Prix week exacerbates the shortage.   A chance for Harley Davidson commercial vehicles to help out.








Sidecars and trikes are the go with the ability to take two or three passengers at a time.

Solo operators, like myself, are sought after by clients travelling alone.  Much better experience on a two wheeled bike anyway.

Outside Gate One of the Grand Prix venue we wait for our clients.  The taxi rank on the opposite side of the road is bare.  Intrepid people come to us in a steady flow. 

ROGUES GALLERY

Just three of the experienced hands in the business.  They are good, generous and friendly men.  So much for the 'bad boy' image of Harley riders.  



 We were lucky with the weather over the four days of the Grand Prix.  The rain did visit us for a brief time on Thursday about mid-day.

My first passenger arrived just after I took this photo.  A 'suit' (business executive type) who wanted to get to Tullermarine airport ASAP.  No other taxi available and he was in a hurry.  Took the job and $100 went into the pocket.


A happy customer - when we got to the airport he asked for my business card - might be a chance for some business at a corporate function.  This passenger travels internationally for business and he was impressed, "Best taxi trip ever, anywhere and probably the quickest."  No laws broken but bikes have a way of getting through the traffic.

Melbourne could provide full time work for me but who wants to live and work there.  I'll stay out west where life is best.

mc.harleyrides - Warrnambool foreshore temporary booking facility.

Milwaukee Classic Harley Rides set up for the summer of 2011-12.  Warrnambool Council allocated a spot for me to set up a temporary booking facility.  It happens to be located next to the new pavillion and visitor centre overlooking the beach and ocean.

There is a beautiful boardwalk with heavy pedsetrian flow - could not have asked for a better spot.   

Jan is a customer.

We went for an hour long cruise to Port Fairy where we stopped for a coffee.  Returned to Warrnambool via Tower Hill and Koroit. 

A biker who is currently between bikes.  Just had to scratch that itch.  Very happy with the ride and a new bike might not be far away.






There is something distinctly indecent with just how much Rebecca enjoyed the ride.  I suspect she may be a 'petrol head' and 'speed fiend' in the making.

She started off very quiet and tentative but got into the swing of things quickly.

A bit of heavy acceleration and she was hooked.

Gabrielle, my daughter, came down for a ride.  My longish hair and ponytail is cause for a laugh.

Not a bad workplace.  Doubt that there is sufficient income to be full time but certainly a summer job generating a bit of pocket money.  Not why I am doing it anyway - bit of fun, meeting interesting people and being active. 

 

New venture for summer 2011-12. (mc.harleyrides)

mc.harleyrides



Western Victoria is where I live and it has some great motorcycling roads and world class scenery.  Think Great Ocean Road, Grampians, Limestone and Discovery Coast, etc.



Decided to start a new business providing Harley Davidson rides and tours taking advantage of this beautiful area.  Got the bike and the time so may as well use it. 

Setting up the business was simple enough.
Steps taken -
1.  Applied for a Driver Accreditation Certificate through the Taxi Directorate.  Had a Police Name Check and Medical Examination done.  Paid the fee.


2.  Applied for a Commercial Passenger Vehicle (Motorcycle) Licence through the Department of Transport.  Obtained a 'S' registration plate for the bike.  Paid the fee.

#  The driver Accreditation and Commercial Vehicle Licence enabled me to take paying passengers anywhere in Victoria on a pre-booked basis.  Can also take passengers from temporary booking facility anywhere in Victoria (subject to local council approval).

3.  (Optional) Joined the Victorian Motorcycle Tour Operators Association.  Group of like minded Harley Davidson tour operators.

4.  Approached Warrnambool City Council for approval to trade from foreshore in Warrnambool.  They were very receptive and helpful approving my application with just a small fee imposed.  My approach to the Hamilton City Council was a waste of time - they procrastinated, did  not respond to correspondence and eventually they had a meeting with me.  Planning application required everytime I want to operate????


5.  Purchased extra helmets and jackets.  Had some advertising material printed up by my mates Jan and Greg Ivory.  Signage designed and manufactured by my son Adam.

     
6. (Optional) I completed a short certificate IV course in managing a small business.  Got a 'fancy' business plan to show for it.

 
Having set up the business structure next I had to generate some business income - enough to cover costs and enough coin to buy that coffee.


Tough work enviroment looking out over the ocean with a brand new pavilion nearby to source good coffee.  Riding a bike for a living and answerable to no one ( except she who must be obeyed )
 - how do I do it.