In spite of reasonably benign weather conditions there were only 10 starters at Magill Foodland for our Sunday run. Of these only two riders were on historically registered machines…
Ed Lowrey on a 1975 BMW R90S and yours truly, Alan Kernich on my 1976 Triumph Bonneville T140V.
The other classic owners (in no particular order) were Charles Oliver – 2015 Triumph Street Triple 675cc, David Saint 2012 BMW R1200RTP, Colin Buckett 2014 Suzuki S40 Boulevard 650cc, Louis Peilschmidt 2016 Honda Africa Twin 1000cc, Kym Miller 2013 Triumph T100 865cc, Tony Mitchell 2001 Triumph Bonneville 904cc, Wayne Williams 2008 Yamaha XVS 650cc, Graham Riley 2016 Indian Scout 1200cc.
Travelling via Norton Summit, Balhannah, Hahndorf, Echunga, Strathalbyn and Langhorne Creek we arrived at the Wellington Courthouse (now a cafe, not a place of justice) in time for an early but relaxing lunch break. Ed had left us at Langhorne Creek and headed for home and Kym parted with us after lunch, also headed for home.
Following our first ferry trip across the Murray we headed north to Tailem Bend where we eventually found the ferry entrance (not signposted when approaching from this direction!) to cross back to the western side of the river at Jervois. The only sign points to “Rhinoceros” – I’ll have to remember that for next time!
We then headed north once more to Murray Bridge, down the main street and across the river again, by bridge this time. Near the edge of town we noticed a classic looking Norton café racer for sale on the footpath. We stopped and had a brief chat to the elderly guy who told us he had several machines to sell and this one, an early 60’s 350cc single, was priced at (in my opinion) a rather optimistic $18K. There were no buyers in our group!
Then on the way north once more to the next ferry ride back across the river to Mannum and a re-fuelling stop. Most of us were thinking about heading for home at this stage and a group peeled off at Tungkillo to return to central and southern suburbs via Mount Torrens. A few continued on via Gumeracha to the northern end of town.
Once again, thanks to Wayne who performed the tail end Charlie role and thanks to everyone else for your company.
Alan Kernich
Club Captain
If the “elderly guy” you referred to was in an old ex-service station, it was very likely to be Dean Hogarth, of ex Rowley Park Speedway fame, who for many years has dabbled in Norton, and for a while Sunbeam motorcycles.