MOTORBIKE lover Brian Bayley is revved up about his quest to learn more about a little-known Australian hero and plans to exhaust every possible avenue in his bid to learn more about her.
Winifred Wells, now Winifred Beveridge, aged 90, became the first woman to cross Australia from Perth to Sydney and back on a Royal Enfield motorcycle in the summer of 1950-51.
About three years after first learning of her amazing feat, 60-year-old Kiewa resident Brian replicated the journey.
He set off from Perth on Boxing Day last year and arrived back in late January, raising $40,000 for Guide Dogs Victoria and traversing four states in the process.
Brian first heard of Winifred when he came across a photo of her on the American website Adventure Rider. He was immediately captivated by her story.
Brian said he was in awe of Winifred’s achievement and also sensed a kindred spirit. “I did that myself: took off when I was 16 and rode around Australia,” he said.
“If I was 30 years younger and female, I felt that could have been me.”
Brian has crossed the Nullarbor “more times than you’ve got toes and fingers”.
But this last time, he found himself pondering how much more challenging the vast stretch of road would have been when in Winifred’s day.
“I never stopped thinking about her and wondering who she may have met, or whether she broke down.”
Brian said that in the 1950s the road was largely unpaved and was much more remote. Winifred had to negotiate seven station gates, stopping to open and shut each one in searing heat.
“There were women out there (in the ’50s) doing amazing things,” he said.
Winifred’s story has inspired Brian so much that he has become a keen member of the Royal Enfield Motorcycle Club and has even considered writing a movie script.
He would love to hear from anyone who knew or met Winifred and can share more details of her ride.
- 0458-294-271.
