Characters of Ayrburn – The Easy Rider

Roads are meant for cars. Today, at least. But back in 1915, the accepted wisdom was that roads were meant for more traditional forms of locomotion. Like horses or well-soled feet. This modern contraption called 'the automobile' was seen by many as a dangerous fad or reckless folly.

RM Paterson was not one of those people. Just like the loveable Toad in Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in The Willows (published a few years prior) Robert Paterson was an automotive enthusiast. To say that he enjoyed the practical and recreational rewards that his Buick Tourer afforded him, would be an understatement.

However, RM found it impossible to bring his beloved Buick home because Skippers Canyon Road was officially closed to motor vehicles during daylight hours. What to do? Drive the road at night and risk serious injury to himself or - even worse - his car? Or show the local powers that progress forces us to re-assess everything, including the letter of the law.

No prizes for guessing which of these roads (pun intended) RM went down. He filled his car with gas, supplies and friends, and set off down the canyon road just as the sun reached its zenith. A joyous drive through stunning scenery and a pointed act of defiance. One that would see him convicted and ordered to pay seven pounds, 12 shillings and nine pence in fines and court costs. A price worth paying for the thrill of driving this scenic road and seeding the idea that maybe automobiles do belong there after all.