I'm so sorry that I missed the unveiling. It's been a bastard of a year for me since my Mansfield roo encounter and my bronchial infection just topped that off at exactly the wrong time. I will get there. I feel that I've missed something really important and have to make amends somehow in the coming months.
I LOVE the wording on the plaque. Very well-chosen and considered. It's a wonderful summary of what the Australian LD community is all about. With apologies to Mike Kneebone, I think it has far more meaning here, given the lack of towns, shitty roads, wildlife, weather extremes and so on.
It doesn't diminish the IBA ride efforts around the world, but seems to have generated a huge respect and friendship amongst a small band of Aussie riders who are still out there doing it. Being in one spot on sacred land makes it all the more meaningful. Well done Bazz and crew.
With regard to other plaques being added, I originally thought they could be added to the main rock. That seemed to be the early thought processes. Having seen the pics and read the earlier posts, I'm now against that too. The rock is perfect in it's own isolation and for me, it reflects the solitude of the longer solo rides I've done. Don't tamper with that.
Perhaps, the option to place other plaques could be in the form of large flat stones, or fence post style stones, or simple concrete ones like the Davo memorial that can be partially buried to prevent theft or vandalism. Up to you guys to determine, but simple 'DAVO' and 'TOURA' (etc) plaques would be great to see radiating out from the centre-piece. Ok, I'm rambling now.
Cheers Team. Well done.
Mick