Iridescent, jewel-like beaches, air that is said to be the cleanest in the world and grippy, untrammeled pavement?that?s what you?ll find in Tasmania, a heart-shaped speck of land to the south of the Australian mainland. The view of the aptly named Wineglass Bay is worth the short hike! Photos by the author and Meredith Drake.
I’m accustomed to giving the classic “V” sign to other motorcyclists on the road, and getting similar props in return. In California, at least, it’s a thing. But as we ride around Tasmania, I’m crushed to discover I’m getting no such love. Initially I attributed this to an innate unfriendliness, but that would be in stark contrast to the affable people we meet in every store and café throughout the country. It just didn’t make sense. Turns out I was using the wrong gesture. Before long I discover the “art of the nod.” To do this right, you subtly dip (not raise) your chin as a rider approaches–not too much, mind you–just enough to be effortlessly cool, like Steve McQueen. In almost every instance, you’ll get a similar salute in return. Even better, unlike in the U.S., “the nod” is agnostic–you’ll get a response no matter the brand of motorbike.
Once I unlocked that particular mystery I went boldly forward, nodding my way across Tassie like a bobblehead. Even my wife Meredith started nodding from the back. Hey mate, how ya goin’"
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