By Patience Boehme

News-Examiner  

    MONTPELIER — The lunch rush was more like a motorcycle traffic jam for the waitresses at the El Jaliciense Mexican restaurant here earlier this month when Australia native Gay Zazryn walked in and announced that she had 50 bikers pulling in to get a bite to eat.

    Every year the Australian motorcycle magazine, Heavy Duty, hosts a tour from Los Angeles to the Sturgis motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota.

    This year they had an astounding number of participants, with a concourse of 50 bikers taking the ride. Zazryn is the group’s tour guide. She follows behind in a white pickup truck, sporting two Australian flags and a trailer full of water, essentials, and the biker’s gear.

    “I love my job,” stated Zazryn as she expounded on the national parks they drive through, and the historic markers she expounds on to her groups.

    Just before stopping at El Jaliciense for lunch, the group stopped at the old Montpelier Bank to learn about Montpelier’s history of the robbery by Butch Cassidy and his gang.

    In order to make sure the bikers are awake, well hydrated, and not getting too stiff, the group stops almost once an hour for things like a historic facts, a gas fill up, or a drink. They have three meals, or as they call them, “tea-times” a day, but spends most of their time enjoying the open road.

    The bikers are from all over Australia. Zazryn is from Melbourne, but there are some from Sydney, Bristol, and other places. They have the option to freight their bikes from Australia or rent bikes once they get to the states.

    It’s not everyday Montpelier has a team of 50 Australians ride through. Their accents and good sense of humor charmed the waitresses and all of the customers at El Jaliciense.

    “Utah is my favorite ride because of all of the national parks, but I have to say that I love to stop in Montpelier because they have great food, and great service. I was amazed at how well they handled our group,” said Zazryn.

    The majority of the group is taking a four- week trip, but about 20 will travel to the Southern states, and will eventually “get their kicks on Route 66” as they engage in a seven week tour.