There were about a dozen or so bikes saddled up and waiting at the Caltex servo, Bolivar Gardens. Harley-Davidson was the most popular marque including a Buell, which is partly H-D anyway, and there were pretty much one of each of the other motorcycle brands. The bikes departed before the bus and we arranged to rendez-vous at Pt Wakefield. Then it was onto Bute and Pt Broughton before the scheduled lunchtime stop at the RSL club in Pt Pirie.
What a great spread the ladies of the RSL provided for our party! Curried egg sandwiches were on the menu, so I returned for seconds and then thirds. After lunch we were shown around the RSL’s Museum of war by the gentlemen members, a Vietnam era helicopter was their major exhibit. We had to skip through the last part of the museum, as we had to continue our journey to Peterborough. The staff of the RSL were fantastic and very hospitable, some day I’d like to return there and have another good look at the museum.
On the way out of Pirie, one of the Harley’s started popping and banging and eventually conked out with an electrical issue. The rest of the ride members had just taken the turn to Gladstone, when Bob Finnie pulled us over and then decided to go back and assist the stricken Harley while the remainder of the ride continued onto Gladstone, Caltowie and then into Peterborough.
We pulled up outside Ian Spooner’s Peterborough Motorcycle Museum where we met up with the bus, a couple of other members who travelled independently, as well as the riders who had assisted with the broken down Harley. All good, the bike had restarted OK. After a good look around the museum, which has changed considerably since I last visited three years ago, we took tea and biscuits in the courtyard.
Most people were booked into the Railway Hotel and others in a motel just up the road. Everyone dined at the Railway that evening from a set menu that the new landlord had provided for us. I had the cooked breakfast next morning and then found myself rushing to get ready while the others were already on the road to Jamestown.
The roads leaving Peterborough that Sunday morning were open and deserted, so after some vigorous and spirited riding, I eventually caught up with the rest of the party just outside Jamestown. We entered the Air Spectacular and parked our bikes in the same spot as last time with the bus parked close by.
There was a Border Force display nearby and a local cadet force tent, as well as a steady parade of small helicopters providing joyrides at $40 a pop. After gazing up at the skies at the aerobatics for some time and inspecting the aircraft, it was time for lunch. The Railway hotel landlord had provided us with our packed lunch which was much appreciated. Shortly after lunch, three of us decided to leave 2 hours before the scheduled departure. Our journey home was without incident and we were back in Adelaide about 4pm.
However, some of the remaining riders had a different story. Richard Olds’ Harley played up again and this time had to be abandoned – I’m not sure where. Bob Finnie had a late night as he was involved in the mission to rescue the broken down bike. Maybe he felt guilty having sold the bike to him some time ago, or maybe he’s just a helpful and friendly kind of bloke – I’m sure it was the latter.
All the meals were provided for us and everything went smoothly, except for the problem with Richard’s bike. I’d like to thank Bob Finnie for all his efforts in arranging this excellent weekend for all 30 of us and Alan Brock for driving the bus and to all who attended the trip.