Fat Bob and the Blonde is the name of a travel blog and memoir by Miss Heather, who rides an '08 Harley Davidson model named Fat Bob.
In her memoir, Heather describes her experiences riding Fat Bob through Australia's landscapes, sleeping under the stars, and immersing herself in nature. She also discusses the limb-threatening injury she sustained when the headlight on a borrowed motorcycle failed while she was crossing a bridge at night. 
Heather has also said that she wants to encourage more women to take up motorcycling, and that riders should choose a motorcycle that best suits them. 

TRAVELLING ALONE

Heather is often asked “Don’t you get scared riding and camping on your own?”
Not really she says, on a few occasions she has felt uneasy about someone, a situation or a place and so she left.
 Another fact Heather states that more women are killed in their own homes by men they already know.
Forty Seven so far this year!
 
With her motorcycle and trailer branded Fat Bob and the Blonde, she believes people assume she is the  Fat Man named Bob which is somewhat of a good deterrent.
 
On one of her recent trips Heather found an area off the road to set up camp. She had a bit of fun disguising herself as a ‘Fat Bob’ 😉 See the photo above.
 
Heather has put together the following tips for safe travels. While it is written from a woman’s perspective she believes the points are suitable for men also.
 
▪️Never stay in a rest area/ free campsite on your own or you are a sitting duck. If you do get caught out, find a track off the main road behind trees and shrubs which offer coverage. If possible set up camp on the inside of a corner. Headlights of passing vehicles will shine towards the outside of the corner, therefore you avoid detection.
I cover Fat Bob’s chrome handlebars etc. so they don’t reflect off vehicle lights.
 
▪️If you find yourself really stuck, consider knocking on a farmer’s door to ask if you can set up camp in a paddock off the road. I did this on two occasions and both my unexpected farm stays led to amazing experiences.
 
▪️Safety in numbers. Upon pulling into a camp site, take a moment to survey the area and then approach other travellers, introduce yourself and ask if you can set up near them. Be courteous and considerate and obviously don’t crowd their space.
 
▪️Get your sass on. Walk with purpose and confidence. Look people in the eye and develop a firm handshake.
Would-be trouble makers are often opportunists so put yourself in the too-hard basket. Be a strong, confident person with a “you don’t wanna mess with me” attitude!
 
▪️Trust your instinct!  If you get a bad vibe at a place or from an individual then don't hang around.  
Don’t try and tell yourself “you’re just being silly” simply leave. That gut feeling is there for a reason so trust it!
Better to feel silly than end up in danger.
 
▪️Wrong Impression. This one will probably open up a debate however I found myself off Fat Bob and onto a bar stool in the company of a few men, enjoying a cold drink on a stinking hot day.  I was wearing a revealing singlet underneath my jacket which I replaced with a t-shirt in the pub’s toilet. Should I have to do that, no. But I did. Less hassles and no misunderstandings, if you know what I mean!
 
▪️Don’t go into specific details about your trip like destinations, dates, times and campsites etc. Don’t hesitate to make up a travel itinerary or tell people you are meeting friends.
▪️Please don’t post information on social media where you are camped. Save it for following day, after you have left.

Heather's Book can be purchased in our shop or for more information check it online here

It started with childhood chats over meals with my parents on how cool it would be to have a place where we could display my father's restored motorcycles. Add in years and years of procrastination and hindsight, Tanks & Tailpipes was born on October 1, 2022.

A little shop came up for lease on the main street of the beautiful historic country town of Rylstone and we thought, why not?
It was a gamble to do something nobody else is doing, of course, there were and still are the usual critics and nasty naysayers which are truly difficult to tune out however the ones that inspire, encourage and support us, help us to continue and push on through.

The Bianchi was the chosen one to adorn the shop window. The rest of the set up I wanted to organically flow. Every piece that entered the door must have a story or be quality goods, values from my father that have been instilled in me.
A little supporter pre-opening drinks the day before open to personally thank my mother, husband, close friends and the next day it was go time.
The first day of trade was a very memorable one. A small crowd gathered out front. Genuine interest arose. A lot of people came to see what we had created.

Our first customer was local Barry with his classic 1959 FC Holden. Barry welcomed us to town, wished us well and has supported us ever since. Barry donated to us a green cast iron flag base that you'll see out the front of the shop (when open) holding the chequered flag. 

In the two years of trading, we have experienced local flooding which closed the roads to our shop in the first few months. Then came the local fires which sadly are a common part of life in the area. Early 2024 brought us consistent personal & health set backs along with the extreme economic downturn and cost of living pressures that we have all felt in all areas of employment, industry and life.

But we're still here...
Like Elton John sings
"I'm still standing better than I ever did,
Looking like a true survivor,
Feeling like a little kid..."

And for that we are grateful.
Tank you.



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To say we are happy is an understatement. We bring back to Rylstone, the best in show 2023 Trophy and Junior 1st winner with a score of 99/100.
This is the ultimate reward and recognition both for my late father's workmanship and my mother's instrumental background work in sourcing parts for this undeniably incredible machine -
the 1938 Moto Gilera Solo VL 500.

We have uploaded the photos for you to view the magical weekend that was the 2023 AMCA Bulli Vintage Motorcycle Weekend. Enjoy!