Andy, Chris, Arthur and Carole enjoy a Harley ride through Yarra Junction.
By Mara Pattison-Sowden
JOHNNO Wright loved the feeling of the wind in his hair, flying along through the Yarra Ranges last week.
He was among a group of Yarra Ranges Health participants enjoying a special treat for Christmas, with Andy’s Harley Rides taking the group for a spin.
Johnno has been a Harley lover his whole life, but after a stroke left him unable to speak and stuck in a wheelchair at the age of 39, he thought he’d never ride again.
“It’s unbelievable because I couldn’t do anything for a while,” he said.
Eight years later and he’s proving doctors wrong, with the help of acupuncture and Chinese medicine his mouth doesn’t stop for much.
“I still can’t work but I’m getting out and trying to do as much as I can for my kids,” he said. Johnno has been taking part in the Out and About program for at least five years now, hanging out with like-minded men doing “blokey” activities.
Support worker Carole Pooley said it was a great program, with men’s and ladies’ groups run from Healesville and Yarra Junction.
“It’s about social connectedness and having lots of fun,” she said.
“They have a few favourite activities and they also try some new things, like a trip to the RAAF base in Point Cook or a day out at the zoo.
“But a few of the men have said this is the best Christmas present ever,” she said of the Harley rides.
Johnno said he was in his element in the sidecar of Andy’s Harley.
“I used to have four bikes, I’m a bit of a Harley fan,” he said.
