Author Archives: Charles Oliver

Rather inclement weather was predicted for our ride on the first day of Summer and the last weekend ride of the year. And the forecasters were right. Standing under the big gum tree at Hawthorn Crescent watching the rain come down and the hills enveloped in cloud, it didn’t seem like such a good idea to go riding. Nevertheless, six of our members braved the elements.

• Darryl McWaters, 1972 Kawasaki Z1 900
• David Saint, Yamaha FZ6R
• Wayne Williams, 2016 Kawasaki Versys 650
• Charles Oliver, 2015 Triumph Street Triple 675
• Louis Peilschmidt 2002 Aprillia Pegaso 650
• Alan Kernich 1985 BMW R80

A rather miserable trip up the hill in drizzly rain was soon rewarded by fine although windy conditions for the rest of the day. We made our way to our first stop at Collectable Cars in Strathalbyn via Mt George, Bridgewater, Mylor, Echunga and Macclesfield.

Ben Finnie’s Collectable cars (and bikes) was interesting, but we were a little disappointed that the bike stocks were currently a bit low. Among the items there was a nice Moto Guzzi V7 of early 70’s vintage and a couple of shiny Vespa scooters for those who like those sort of things. A hot cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit were very welcome and then it was off to the Milang Bakery via Finnis for lunch.

A pleasant repast in the al fresco dining area was followed by a tour of the lakefront park which we all agreed would be a pleasant spot for a future lunch break.

Back on the bikes for a brisk run home via Strathalbyn, Callington, Nairne, Woodside and Uraidla. A few spots of rain on the hills but not enough to make the road wet.

All in all a pleasant enough day, in spite of the weather. Thanks to those few who made the effort.

Alan Kernich

Club Captain

Rider list:

Alan  Wallis         1950   Tilbrook                   197cc            M/C

Rob Smyth           1970   Motobecane             50cc            Moped

Peter Arriola         1957    James                     150cc            M/C

Roger O’Loughlin    1988    Suzuki                 650cc            M/C

Don Jennings         1977    BMW                    1000cc           M/C

Lyn Jennings         2005    Yamaha                 250cc            M/C                              

Joe  Betschart        1972   Kriedler                  49cc             M/C

Tony Earnshaw       1972   Honda                   125cc           M/C

Warren Duncan       2002   Honda                  250cc           M/C 

Alan Martin           2008   Honda                     125cc            M/C 

Graham Riley         1956   Vespa                      125cc          Scooter

Victor Poulton        2016   MotoGuzzi            900cc            M/C

David Saint           1966    Puch                        250cc           M/C

Ian Roddie            1951    NSU                       49cc            Moped

Ian Voysey            1948  Malvern Star           98cc           Autobyk

The Mount Barker Burble brings riders to the Adelaide Hills at the best time of the year. The countryside looked magnificent and although rain was forecast for later in the day it did not eventuate during the ride.

Fifteen starters lined up at the start and it was interesting to note a very good representation of small engine capacity machines. For example, smaller bike numbers were:-  3<50cc, plus 1 <100cc, plus 5 <200cc and  3@ 250cc.

Following the same demonstration as in the 2018 Burble, Joe Betschart’s immaculately presented 50cc Kreidler repeated the performance this year, but Rob Smyth’s Motobecane was never far behind. It was good to note also that we have a return to Mopeds plus of a female rider. Lyn Jennings joined the group for the day doing well on her Yamaha 250.

The morning ride to Meadows and back went without any problems and after return to Mount Barker via Macclesfield, a one and a half hour lunch adjournment provided a good opportunity for the exchange of world- wide topics. Three riders retired prior to the start of the second leg of our journey.

The afternoon journey to Woodside started in heavy traffic at Mount Barker but soon settled down to comfortable touring through Littlehampton, Balhannah , and on to Melba’s Chocolate Factory at Woodside.  At Melba’s our leader was in receipt of a DWN (that’s a Domestic Withdrawal Notice)  and left the ride after handing over the leadership to Roger O’Loughlin who very capably guided the remaining bikes back to Mount Barker. Ian Voysey’s Autobyk had a fuel problem very late in the return to Mount Barker and was trailered back to the start. The forecast rain appeared to be closing in at that stage.

Our thanks go to the three marshalls for the day, Messrs. R O’Loughlin, D Jennings, and Tony Earnshaw, and to Tail End Charlie Alan Wallis. Thanks also to Wayne Williams for running the backup trailer, and it was noted that retired rider Pud Freeman joined Wayne, in an advisory capacity.

 NEXT RUN: Adelaide Beach Run – 6th December 2019

MEET:  For a 9.30am Start. Birkenhead Tavern, Pt. Adelaide -Over the Birkenhead Bridge right turn at lights – Tavern on right

 RUN: Port Adelaide/ Outer Harbour/Largs /Semaphore/Grange/ Henley Beach/ Glenelg and return. Riders may elect to lunch together at the tavern after the run. Please let Alan or Warren know beforehand so that numbers can be confirmed. 

REMEMBER:   These runs cater for the slower rider, backup trailer always provided.

Enquiries; Warren 8388 1770    Alan 8295 5097