Leather pants provide a laugh on the Black Dog Ride

Who knew West Australian border control could be so strict? So far on the Black Dog Ride Around Australia we've crossed the NSW-Queensland border and the QLD-Northern Territory border - without a hitch. 

But yesterday we hit the NT-Western Australia border.

Coming in to WA there are quarantine inspections for fruit. 

All fine, I hear you say.

Well it seems certain participants in the BDRAA are also being targeted - namely me! 

You see part of my riding apparel includes my Kevlar-lined leather pants. No, they are NOT chaps! Please see photo.

In fact, they provide tremendous protection against all weather conditions and add a safety factor in the event of a mishap. 

These pants have, at times on this ride, been the subject of much banter amongst my fellow riders - with accusations they are "tailor made" - they're not! 

I digress, Back to the border.

Yesterday I lined up with several other bikes for the crossing. When it came to my turn for inspection I came under particular attention of not one, but two border security officers carrying clipboards. 

They sauntered over to me and my Harley-Davidson surveying it - and me - up and down. 

"We've got a problem," one of them declared. 

"What do you mean?" I replied. 

"Well, it's those," one said looking at me. 

"What?", I persisted, completely perplexed.

"Those leather pants". 

With that both burst into fits of laughter.

I had been royally set up by one of my esteemed Black Dog Ride colleagues. At least I know who my friends are!

For the record the leather pants were permitted entry and I WILL continue wearing them.

Follow Simon Bouda and the Black Dog Ride Around Australia on 9news.com.au/blackdogride

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