Riders:
- Roger O’Loughlin 1988 Suzuki 650cc
- David Saint 1966 BMW 250cc
- Rob Smyth 1927 AJS 350cc
- Warren Duncan 2002 Honda 250cc
- Graham Riley 1956 Vespa 125cc
- Tony Earnshaw 1974 BMW 600cc
- Trevor MacDonald 2017 Kawasaki 650 cc
- Ian Voysey 1947 Malvern Star 98cc
- Paul David 1950 Ambassador 197cc
- Simon David 1951 Ariel 350cc
- Adrian How 2004 BMW 1100cc
- Mick Hayes 2016 Suzuki 650cc
- Allan Vaisham 1969 Honda 450cc
- Mark Beyer 2010 Honda 105cc
- Mika Beyer 2014 Honda 109cc
Apologies Alan Wallis- usually Tail End Charlie for the day called to say he was unwell and would not be able to be with us for this event.
At the advertised start time, all riders were ready to go. The ride briefing explained the itinerary for the day and suggested that because we were departing Strathalbyn adjacent to the railway station members might like to view the usually spectacular arrival of the Southern Encounter, a vintage steam train which was due in Strathalbyn at 10.50 am and is always on time! Then there was a late explanation that, due to a shortage of coal, the train would be diesel hauled using a 1951 built 1000 hp locomotive. There was no sign of a consensus on this issue, so it was ruled that we would get under way with the day’s proceedings and pause passing the railway station in hope of a glimpse of the train. As we positioned the group adjacent to the tracks, the time was 10.50 am and from the railway platform, riders heard the far off sound of bagpipes, always an indication that the train is nearby.
When 11 O’clock came and no train appeared, as we were there to ride motor cycles, the ride commenced and the group departed for Milang via the Nine Mile Road. There then followed a pleasant morning tea break at the Milang Bakery.
The next leg of our journey was the ride from Milang to Clayton Bay and included a scenic tour past the lookout over the bay and Lake Alexandrina to Goolwa channel. From this point onward to the lunch stop at Finniss the weather stayed fine but typically for this area, the wind picked up and this caused some of the smaller machines to work hard. The first casualty was the Malvern Star Auto Bike which ceased to produce smoke due to unknown problems, and was collected by Wayne to spend the rest of the day on the trailer. Simon David had some intermittent electrical problem with the 350cc Ariel, which was having its first outing for some time.
With help from Paul David, tail end Charlie for the day, they managed to get the noise going again, and got through to Finniss for lunch. Finniss general store provided a good service for lunch with a long table next to a wood stove, prebooked for our visit.
After lunch Paul and Simon left for Strathalbyn direct with the Ariel and Mick Hayes took over Tail End Charlie duties for the main group. The main group travelled practically non- stop from Finniss to Milang via the direct route and then on to Langhorne Creek and Belvidere to Strathalbyn arriving at 3.05 pm.
It was good to see some first timers taking part on this outing and specially those mounted on Hondas. A lonely 250 Honda has led almost every Moped run for 14 years and would be pleased to have some new company. We hope to see them all on future outings.
As usual we must recognise the helpers for the day:
Marshalls – Roger O’Loughlin, Mick Hayes &Tony Earnshaw
Tail end Charlie – Paul David
Rescue Vehicle – Wayne Williams
Many thanks to you all,
NEXT RUN: The Williamstown Wander – Sunday August 1st
MEET: Williamstown Oval (Just outside Oval gates off Springton Rd.)
START: 10.00am for 10.30am dep.
RUN: Williamstown/Springton/Eden Valley/Angaston (lunch)/Nuriootpa/Tanunda/ Lyndoch/Williamstown (80kms)
REMEMBER: These runs cater for the slower rider, backup trailer always provided.
Enquiries – Warren 0417882625 – Alan 8295 5097 or 0417897296
Report by Warren Duncan, Mopeds Plus Coordinator.