Category Archives: Event Reports

Once again there was only a fairly modest turnout for our run to Cape Jervis on Sunday 1st March, the first day of Autumn. Due to Murphy’s Law, the early start once again ensured mild and pleasant conditions. Historic machines were relatively very well represented with 6 of the 8 bikes in this category. In ascending order of machine age were:-

• Charles Oliver 1959 BSA A10R 650cc
• Darryl McWaters 1972 Kawasaki Z1 900cc
• Allan Vaisham 1975 Honda CB500T
• Campbell Blaney 1977 Triumph T140V 750cc
• Simon Scutt 1984 Yamaha FJ1100
• Alan Kernich 1985 BMW R80 800cc

Modern bikes were:-

• Wayne Williams 2008 Yamaha XVS 650
• Louis Peilschmidt 2019 Yamaha Tenere XT690

Graham Riley also attended the start at the Caltex servo at South Road, O’Halloran Hill on his 2016 Indian Scout 1200cc but due to other commitments was unable to ride with us.

We got off to a good start and had a very pleasant ride to our coffee stop at McLaren Flat via Clarendon. After a leisurely break we headed west through McLaren Vale and down to the coast at Aldinga. Along the esplanade down to Sellicks Beach and then back to the Main South Road towards Myponga. Across the reservoir wall then up and over the ridge before descending into Carrickalinga. Here we had a regrouping stop but it soon became apparent that the misfire earlier reported by Campbell had worsened to cause a complete breakdown. Louis generously volunteered to back-track and offer support which was later provided by the RAA.

Meanwhile the rest of us pushed on through Normanville and Delamere and on to Cape Jervis. From the lookout we could see quite a large number of vehicles in the ferry car park. The owners were taking advantage of subsidised fares to travel to the Island to support local businesses in the wake of the recent bushfires.

After a short break it was back on the bikes to fortuitously meet up with Louis at Delamere after his ride back from assisting Campbell. Then off via Parawa and Torrens Vale to Yankalilla Bakery for a well earned lunch. Here we noticed another delay in getting the whole group together there. After a bit of a wait we learned that Allan Vaisham had had a low speed fall at one of the T junctions. He was OK but the bike suffered a bit of damage to lights, mirrors and indicators etc.

Report by Alan Kernich, Club Captain

Participants:

• Alan Wallis 1995 Kawasaki 250cc M/C
• Warren Duncan 2002 Honda 250cc M/C
• Ian Voysey 1947 Malvern Star 98cc Autobyk
• Mick Hayes 2005 Suzuki 400cc M/C
• Roger O”Loughlin 1988 Suzuki 650cc M/C
• Paul David 1953 BSA 350cc M/C
• Tony Earnshaw 1972 Yamaha 125cc M/C
• Don Jennings 1977 BMW 1000cc M/C
• Lyn Jennings 2005 Yamaha 250cc M/C

After some confusion about the scheduled start time,9 riders departed the start location under the pine trees at the site of the old Goolwa Camping Park. The journey out across the bridge over the Goolwa channel and via the north coast of  Hindmarsh Island and eventually to the Murray River Mouth went without incident. It was of interest to note the changes in holiday homes on this part of the ride. For many years now we have seen the self- built holiday shacks being gradually replaced with million dollar plus homes.

 The Murray Mouth was also interesting and is attracting a deal of interest with three Dredges working hard to keep the channel clear. In previous years our ride has not experienced any problem in parking at this location. However on this occasion we were just able to fit the bikes in the small space available.

  On the ride back to Goolwa our traditional visit to the Marina area took place before we adjourned for lunch. It was noticed that the housing area for residences in this area has doubled and that there is now two Marina areas. Perhaps we could consider visiting the alternative Marina on a future outing.

The afternoon ride took the group to the North Goolwa area, then North towards Currency Creek and then onto the Middleton Road for our usual visit to Goolwa Airport. By this time the typical Goolwa afternoon weather had set in and a strong south westerly wind prevailed. At the airport we were surprised to see that a sky diving activity was still taking place regardless of the conditions. We watched as a turbine powered Fletcher aircraft departed for a climb to 15000 ft to enable a tandem parachute jump back to a nominated target on the aerodrome. Our departure was delayed to observe the arrival, and we observed a brilliant display of flying techniques to achieve safe touchdown of two people right on the spot, in difficult conditions. Because of this delay, it was necessary to shorten our planned afternoon route and to return to Goolwa via Middleton.

Throughout the day all machines produced reliable performance. There was a few moments of concern when Paul David’s neat B31 BSA shed its footchange lever whilst Paul was making good progress along the main Goolwa to Victor Harbour Rd. Paul exhibited considerable skill by returning to the abandoned lever which remained on the white line in the middle of the road until collected.

 A pleasant surprise for the day was the reliable performance of Ian Voysey’s Malvern Star Autobike which ran well throughout the day.

  Alan Wallis surprised us all by arriving on his 250 Kawasaki which he rode all the way from home. Alan normally brings his much admired Tilbrook by trailer to Moped events to officiate as Tail End Charlie. Many thanks Alan and we are sure you enjoyed the convenience of electric start for the whole day. We are assured that the Tilbrook had only a minor electrical fault just before departure.

Our thanks go also to Roger O’Loughlin, Don Jennings, and others who assisted with marshalling throughout the day and to Wayne Williams for providing his back up service with car and trailer.

We offer a warm welcome to any enthusiastic motorcyclist to share our participation in the 27^th Annual Moped Marathon on Sunday April 5^th in the Barossa Valley. Meet 9:00 for a 9:30 start at the rear car park, Totness Inn, Mt Pleasant.

Report by Warren Duncan, photos by Wayne Williams.

There were 16 bikes at the start, Richard Knott led the way and our first stop was Lovell’s Bakery at Birdwood. From there, the ride was whittled down to 10 as we hit the long straight road to Swan Reach, via Sedan. We crossed the Murray by ferry and followed the river down to Nildottie, where we stopped for lunch.

We continued, following the river south through the scenic settlement of Younghusband and along East Front Rd, which hugs the river bank, and eventually crossed the Murray again at Mannum. Then it was a return trip home along Randell Rd, through Palmer & Tungkillo. Riders peeling off towards their homes at various points. It was quite a long ride – 310 kilometres for me, but the weather and scenery were glorious. Thanks to Richard and all who attended for a great day out.

In spite of my careful planning to start earlier due to the likelihood of hot weather, a couple of spanners were in the works. Firstly it was very mild weather, and we can’t complain about that. Then there was the confusion about the starting time and even the place. Please consult the web calendar either on your PC or phone for the details. Although these details do not usually change from month to month, it is always a possibility. Anyhow enough with the lecturing…

Riders of 6 historic bikes (in ascending age order):-

• Phil Baugman 1980 BMW K75S
• Mark Mussared 1977 Moto Morini 3½ Strada
• Campbell Blaney 1977 Triumph Bonneville T140V
• Alan Kernich 1976 Triumph Bonneville T140V
• Ray Chappel 1976 Kawasaki Z900
• Charles Oliver 1967 Triumph Bonneville T120R

and 4 moderns (in no particular order):-

• Louis Peilschmidt 2000 Moto Guzzi EV 1100
• Wayne Williams 2008 Yamaha XVS 650
• Trevor McDonald 2015 Yamaha MT 09 850
• David Shillingford 2019 Royal Enfield GT Continental 650

met at Hazelwood Park for our run to Hindmarsh Island and the Murray Mouth.

We had a very pleasant run to Strathalbyn via Summertown, Aldgate, Mylor, Echunga and Macclesfield to our refreshment stop at the Strathalbyn Bakery. Here we received a phone call asking us to wait for a couple of stragglers who had missed the start. In a short while we were joined by:-

• David Saint 1976 Suzuki GT750
• Allan Vaisham 1975 Honda 500T

After our break we headed off towards Goolwa and unlike a previous similar run, my Bonnie just kept going this time with an uneventful run down through Currency Creek, Goolwa, across the bridge to Hindmarsh Island and on to the Murray Mouth. The good – very tasty fish and chips at a food van complete with a sheltered gazebo al fresco dining area. Here:-

• Darryl McWaters 1971 Honda 750

caught up with us after missing the start and then diligently searching for us at the Top of Taps and the  McLaren Flat Bakery. Well done Darryl. So we ended up with 9 historic bikes, far outnumbering the moderns!

The bad – just up the road at the lookout, the rather depressing sight of two dredges fighting what looks like a losing battle with the sand to keep the mouth open.

After a relaxing meal and some sightseeing we headed off back to Goolwa with a brief detour along the northern coast of the island. Bull Creek Road (always a favourite) was the route to our last stop at Meadows. As usual, the convoy broke up here with people heading off in different directions depending on the latitude of their suburb.

A bit over 210 kilometres for me and once again a really enjoyable day and thanks to the participants for your company.

Alan Kernich, Club Captain.

Rider list:

• Alan  Wallis 1950 Tilbrook 197cc
• Robb Smyth 1970 Motobecane 50cc moped
• Peter Arriola 1957 James 150cc
• Roger O’Loughlin 1988 Suzuki 650cc
• Don Jennings 1977 BMW 1000cc
• Lyn Jennings 2005 Yamaha 250cc
•  Joe  Betschart 1972 Kriedler 49cc
• Tony Earnshaw 1972 Honda 125cc
• Warren Duncan 2002 Honda 250cc
• Alan Martin 2008 Honda 125cc
• Graham Riley 1956 Vespa 125cc
• Victor Poulton 2016 MotoGuzzi 900cc
• David Saint 1966 Puch 250cc
• 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 at 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