Lionel Van
Praag was a world champion motor cycle dirt track rider. He was
much more well known than say, Wayne Gardner or any other current
motor cycle world champion. The Hudson had a useful carrying capacity
and Lionel would invariably have a motor cycle on board so that
he would have surface transport wherever he landed. During the
1960s, Lionel then being about 65 years of age, was temporarily
based in Sydney and was riding his motor cycle around General
Homes Drive, south of Sydney Airport at about 10 pm. In those
days there was very little traffic in that area at that time of
the evening. Lionel was stopped by a young motor cycle cop. This
surprised Lionel – he had not been exceeding the speed limit,
and he was unaware of any other traffic misdemeanour. On request,
Lionel produced his licence, and the name Lionel Van Praag meant
nothing to this young member of the constabulary. “What’s the
problem officer?” asked Lionel. “Well, sir, back there you changed
lanes without giving a signal. I won’t take any action on this
occasion, but I was following you for quite a distance and, if
you don’t mind me saying so sir, I suggest you take a few more
riding lessons – I think you are positively dangerous!”
It's probably just as well that Lionel's response is not recorded.
Wal
Bowles
September 2006
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